ŷ������

Ashley Marie wrote: "Jackie wrote: "The Name of the Rose: I've got this on audio, and it's interesting but it's also way above my head. I feel like I need to go read a couple wikipedia articles about monastic factions ..."

I recommend watching the Sean Connery movie as an aid. It does pick up in action as murders mount and the investigation deepens.

It was only after watching the movie that I was able to read it - and then I was hooked. This was years ago.

Theresa wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Jackie wrote: "The Name of the Rose: I've got this on audio, and it's interesting but it's also way above my head. I feel like I need to go read a couple wikipedia articles abo..."

I'll have to track it down! The audio is helping a bit since the narrator does voices.

Dubhease wrote: "Jai wrote: "Hey everyone, I have a quick question...Is there a way to randomize your TBR list on ŷ������? I really like that idea and want to pick a random book to read but don't want to pick it ..."
Oh my goodness! Thanks so much for that!!

Jackie wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Jackie wrote: "The Name of the Rose: I've got this on audio, and it's interesting but it's also way above my head. I feel like I need to go read a couple wikipe..."

Oh and someone fairly recently adapted it into a series but I never watched it - I mean Sexy Sean Connery demystified it for me - anyone else would pale.

Monk or not - in movie lol. I also think that having the setting visuals from the movie really helped

Jai wrote: "Hey everyone, I have a quick question...Is there a way to randomize your TBR list on ŷ������? I really like that idea and want to pick a random book to read but don't want to pick it myself."

Jai, at the bottom of your My Books page is a sort box. You can choose random sort there.

Oops, Dubhease already shared this.

I had a crazy busy and eventful week (in a good way though), so this is going to be a quick check in for me. I finished two books, one of which worked for an open advanced prompt (finally! some movement with those!). I'm now at 30/40 and 5/10 for this challenge, and 67/75 for my overall ŷ������ Reading Challenge.

Finished:
* Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes, which is likely going to be one of my top reads for 2023; and,
* As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride written by Cary Elwes and Joe Layden and narrated by Cary Elwes, Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn, and Robin Wright. I used this one for the advanced prompt "a book based on a popular movie." Thanks to whoever suggested this title for that prompt (I forgot to check the discussion thread before starting my update)! The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies and I loved the novel it was based on, so this was a perfect pick for me.

Currently Reading:
* The Buenos Aires Quintet by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán - I still have not opened it since some time in May, so I question my characterization of this book's status...but I haven't removed from my "Currently Reading" shelf, so I guess I'll keep it here another week;
* The Case of the Reincarnated Client by Tarquin Hall, which I will finish this weekend...why is it taking me so long to read this fairly short novel?!;
* After the Lights Go Out by John Vercher, which is one of my book clubs' picks for July. I've read a couple of chapters but am not very far into it yet.

QotW:
Does the thought of choosing a book randomly fill you with excitement, or dread? (or something else?)
It always sounds fun to me, but I rarely do it...unless my mood reading whims count as random selections? 🙃 Sometimes I use the "random" sort feature on my TBR shelf to pick my next read...but then usually end up hitting refresh to get a new "random" selection until I get a title I want to read more to appear at the top of the list. So, I like picking books in a random-ish way? 🤪

New book arrival today:


Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood

This one talks about the power and corruption in Hollywood. Among some of the chapter titles include: the myth of a post-racial industry, myths of freedom and nonconformity, toxic myths around creativity.

Theresa wrote: "Oh and someone fairly recently adapted it into a series but I never watched it - I mean Sexy Sean Connery demystified it for me - anyone else would pale."

I did see John Turturro did what looks like a BBC miniseries adaptation, but I can't track it down on streaming or disc anywhere unfortunately.

Nashville for work offsite this week ended on a high and then immediately the head of my department shot off a rude email Friday morning, which completely negated all the work we accomplished Wednesday and Thursday. Some people just don't know how to lead others effectively. Spending some time decompressing this weekend. Have to head to Cincinnati next week for a work roundtable.

43/75 GoodReads Challenge
32/50 PopSugar Challenge

Finished:
Nothing

Currently Reading:
1.) The Count of Monte Cristo
2.) The Paper Palace
3.) Angela's Ashes



QoTW: Does the thought of choosing a book randomly fill you with excitement, or dread? (or something else?)

I love the premise of this, however I try to research enough so that I'm choosing books that I really REALLY want to read (since I already know I won't be able to fit them all in during my lifetime). I like reading for my book clubs on here and of course netgalleys and prompts for PS, so it hardly leaves me actual time to read a book randomly.

Ashley Marie wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Oh and someone fairly recently adapted it into a series but I never watched it - I mean Sexy Sean Connery demystified it for me - anyone else would pale."

I did see John Turturro d..."

The Sean Connery version seems to be 'currently unavailable'on Prime and Netflix which usually means thay are in a resting cycle. They should be cycled back into availability sooner than later. TCM might have it to stream also. Forgot to check.

Now I want to watch it again!

I just got to the library for those of you who know this book, and I'm becoming more convinced that I need to see the Sean Connery adaptation!

K.L. wrote: "Happy Thursday, everyone!

It has been a tough week, health-wise. I’ve been having some stomach issues for the past several weeks, and after spending 10 days on antibiotics and anti-microbials with..."

Sending positive thoughts your way KL. Sounds like a rough bout and I hope it's nothing serious.

Sheri wrote: "My cat had his one month post-radiation check this week, and he's looking really good! Skin is healing nicely, no sign of any new bumps. So at least as of right now we're just going to co..."

Oh Sheri- such great news about your cat! I'm so glad to hear it.

Alex wrote: "Hey, look! I'm actually managing to check-in on time! It's been a crazy month so far with me in the hospital for most of it. Nothing life-threatening, but still intense. Resting at home now. I did ..."

Hope you're ok Alex!

Teri wrote: "I did celebrate a birthday during all this. I hadn’t made plans this year because I haven’t been feeling well, but loved ones made sure I had a good weekend. I have great friends and family."

Happy Birthday Teri!

Jackie wrote: "I just got to the library for those of you who know this book, and I'm becoming more convinced that I need to see the Sean Connery adaptation!"

Exactly!

It's been a while since I last checked in, but I don't feel like looking up just how long, so I'm only going to post about my reading for July 7th - 13th.

Stats:
PS: 33/50
ATY Expanded: 66/100
ŷ������ Choice: 19/30
TBR: 7/10

Books I Finished:

Witch King ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ATY Rejects: Two books with words that are opposites in the titles: Book 2. (King)
This was good, not as good as Murderbot, but good. I just wish it hadn't been a stand alone. The world was interesting and I was just starting to get attached to the characters, but then it ended...

She Memes Well ⭐⭐��
ATY Rejects: A memoir.

Sera and the Royal Stars Vol. 2 ⭐⭐��
No prompt.
This was a disappointment. It had so much setup in volume 1, but then it just wrapped everything up as quick and simply as possible.

Capture the Sun ⭐⭐⭐⭐��
ATY: 3 books set in a different century.

Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ATY: A book about a ghost.

In Progress

Untethered Sky
Love, Theoretically

QotW

It depends on what you mean by random. If you mean a book chosen by random chance, dread. And if it's a book I choose at random (aka I read the synopsis and check my mood), then excitement. I have found some truly wonderful books but just going through the library and picking up random books and then reading the one that looked best. But I need some control in the choosing, so being stuck with a book chosen completely by chance is never going to work.

Okay so I am now currently reading 3 books:

1.) The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet - This book is about the heat and climate change. Perfect timing given the extreme heatwaves we are currently experiencing.

2.) Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood - I don't know why I find books about the corruption and power of Hollywood so fascinating when it's been that way for decades, but anyways here's a new release.

3.) The Choice - Had to add in a Nicholas Sparks book to my list especially given that I recently saw the movie.

Hi everyone. I read a book this week. Yay.

The Witness Trees: Historic Moments and the Trees Who Watched Them Happen

poshpenny wrote: "Hi everyone. I read a book this week. Yay.

The Witness Trees: Historic Moments and the Trees Who Watched Them Happen"



welcome back!!!!! it's been so long!!

Nadine in NY wrote: "welcome back!!!!! it's been so long!!"

Thank you so much. It's been a rough day emotionally, so this really made me cry. I miss it here.

I will need to start small, but I want to read again.

poshpenny wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "welcome back!!!!! it's been so long!!"

Thank you so much. It's been a rough day emotionally, so this really made me cry. I miss it here.

I will need to start small, but I wan..."



starting small is the way. We will be here when you're ready.

poshpenny wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "welcome back!!!!! it's been so long!!"

Thank you so much. It's been a rough day emotionally, so this really made me cry. I miss it here.

I will need to start small, but I want to read again..."

Small is good! The group, and the books, will be around whenever you're ready! Take care!

poshpenny wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "welcome back!!!!! it's been so long!!"

Thank you so much. It's been a rough day emotionally, so this really made me cry. I miss it here.

I will need to start small, but I wan..."

Good to see you again!! <333

😭

My library just announced that there are only 2 weeks left of the summer reading challenge. Jeez-oh-Friday, people! Summer is not over yet. Stop pressuring us!

Doni wrote: "My library just announced that there are only 2 weeks left of the summer reading challenge. Jeez-oh-Friday, people! Summer is not over yet. Stop pressuring us!"

Same with mine. I'll be traveling on August 1st which is when ours ends. I'm like you do know there's another month at least in Summer

That's crazy that your all library summer reading challenge is about to end. Doesn't summer usually end around August?



I so badly want to get new books even though I recently bought 11 (LOL!), but gotta save money for those school books soon.

I'm still on my current reads so that's a good thing at least.

Doni wrote: "My library just announced that there are only 2 weeks left of the summer reading challenge. Jeez-oh-Friday, people! Summer is not over yet. Stop pressuring us!"


My summer vacation doesn't even START until August!!

I mean, how can it even be summer yet when my tomato plant still doesn't have one ripe tomato on it yet???

Doni wrote: "My library just announced that there are only 2 weeks left of the summer reading challenge. Jeez-oh-Friday, people! Summer is not over yet. Stop pressuring us!"

When does school start back up where you are? I feel like my summer reading programs went until midAugust, but I could be making that up.

Nadine, I don't know about you, but I have a ton of green tomatoes!! Good thing we like salsa!! Gonna have a bumper crop by the looks of it!

Doni wrote: "My library just announced that there are only 2 weeks left of the summer reading challenge. Jeez-oh-Friday, people! Summer is not over yet. Stop pressuring us!"

My library hasn't made any announcements about our summer reading program yet, but it ends on July 31st.

My library's summer reading program goes until August 12. So not all the way to end of summer, but at least closer!

for a person who plans Summer Reading Programs, it takes a lot of work. I do it by myself. we are only a three person library.

so as the only children's librarian, i buy books, cover books, process them into the system, weed, plan the 6 weeks of srp starting in january, weekly story hours for 3-5 year olds during the school year, and shelve books. I also mail inter-library loans once a week.

i'm exhausted by august. I plan nothing in that month and take a week's vacation.

Jennifer W wrote: "When does school start back up where you are? I feel like my summer reading programs went until midAugust, but I could be making that up..."

August 21st. So we still have plenty of time for more summer! Right?

POSHPENNYYY HIIIII

This week is the last week of our library's summer reading program (not counting a hot dog feed next week). Crazy how fast summer's gone by...

Doni wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "When does school start back up where you are? I feel like my summer reading programs went until midAugust, but I could be making that up..."

August 21st. So we still have plenty..."

A little bit. :) Kids here go back to school after Labor Day.

Jennifer W wrote: "A little bit. :) Kids here go back to school after Labor Day...."

That makes way more sense than starting and pausing so soon into the school year. We need momentum! I'm just barely getting used to it being summer.

I decided to do a random search on my Want to Read list, and a book called If I Forget, You Remember by Carol Lynch Williams. I don't remember putting this on my list, but it is a middle grade book about a girl whose grandmother has Alzheimer's. As my mother was just diagnosed with dementia, it seemed rather on point. I just ordered a used copy from Amazon as perhaps my 12-year-old niece might like to read it as well.

Curious: has anyone heard of the term 'dyscalculia'?

I heard about it several years ago. After learning about it, it made so much sense to me. I always struggled with numbers no matter how hard I tried, no matter how many tutors I went through, no matter how hard teachers tried to help me (I had several teachers pass me just because I struggled and couldn't get by on my own.)

I sure wish the term 'dyscalculia' had been known when I went to school (early 90s-early 00s). It could've saved me so much grief.



Anyways, yesterday I discovered a Neurodiversity podcast that talked about this very issue. During their talks, they mentioned two books which I ended up getting:

Discovering Dyscalculia: One family’s journey with a math disability

Dyscalculia: from Science to Education

Ashley Marie wrote: ""Book you know nothing about" categories are the WORST, because I'm always reading synopses on GR before I pick up a book! 😂."

Right!?!? Reading the synopses is like muscle memory. And with the check-in threads in this group, it's hard to know nothing about a book!

Mandy wrote: "I know how you feel. Working as a librarian does that to you too. I literally had to ask my colleague for a book because I knew something about the books in the library."

Also a librarian here. Sometimes I'll pick from Hoopla because I've found that I'm less likely to know about titles in that catalog. I'll filter to Audiobook (the only thing I use Hoopla for) and scroll until I see something I don't recognize.

Ron wrote: "Curious: has anyone heard of the term 'dyscalculia'?

I heard about it several years ago. After learning about it, it made so much sense to me. I always struggled with numbers no matter how hard I ..."

I have dyscalculia and they worked with me for it back in the 80s (I had to have a math minor for my chem degree) but it isn't as widely recognized as dyslexia

Cornerofmadness wrote: "Ron wrote: "Curious: has anyone heard of the term 'dyscalculia'?

I heard about it several years ago. After learning about it, it made so much sense to me. I always struggled with numbers no matter..."

Makes sense there would be something similar to dyslexia with numbers. Too bad you didn't know about it sooner, Ron, but hope the books help. And now I've learned something new today.

Ron wrote: "Curious: has anyone heard of the term 'dyscalculia'?

I heard about it several years ago. After learning about it, it made so much sense to me. I always struggled with numbers no matter how hard I ..."

Yepp! Mom and sis have it. Mom was allowed a lower grade math book back in the 70s & 80s.

poshpenny wrote: "Hi everyone. I read a book this week. Yay.

The Witness Trees: Historic Moments and the Trees Who Watched Them Happen"

Welcome back! I thought of you last month when your group had their comeback- that single is super catchy

Teri wrote: "I decided to do a random search on my Want to Read list, and a book called If I Forget, You Remember by Carol Lynch Williams. I don't remember putting this on my list..."

I'm sorry you're having to go through that! I think it's a really good idea to have your niece read that book- it's so easy at that age to feel all alone when you're dealing with something difficult

Ashley Marie wrote: "Oh hooray, someone else who enjoyed You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight! *high fives* and I'm sending good thoughts wrt your health issues, KL <33."

Thanks, Ashley Marie!

I thought You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight was really good. I just couldn't put it down, and ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting.

Mandy wrote: "Oh gosh! I'm definitely sending you good vibes!

I also really liked what I've read of Hanako.."

Thanks so much, Mandy!

I'm looking forward to reading more of Hanako, but I think I'm going to wait until the next couple of volumes are released and see if they put out a second box set.

Jennifer W wrote: "Feel better! (I'm with you on the Barium, too.)"

Thanks, Jennifer! Ugh, that barium was so gross! The nurse who was walking me through the procedure prep was like "It just tastes like a watered down milkshake," but it definitely did not.