January Temple Trips

 As has become our tradition, I am posting about our trips to the temple during the month of January.

January 13th.  I can't believe I posted this picture.  It's horrible.  It was SO windy.

January 26th- Another very windy day.

We enjoy our trips to Cedar City to go to the temple, but it is always cold and very windy up on that hill in the winter.   We usually listen to Follow Him podcasts in the car and go to dinner after.  It makes a lovely date.

The Enchanted April

 

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was surprised. I expected this book to be about travel in Italy. Instead, it was all about human nature, relationships, and the influence for good or bad we can be upon one another. There are captivating descriptions of the landscape and foliage, but the ladies never really leave the castle they have rented for their vacation. All of the “action” takes place right there. Okay, so there is no action. But there is certainly conversation and thought-provoking interchange between the characters. We really can have profound influence on each other is my takeaway.

View all my reviews

We Are So Grateful!

 We are so very grateful for all of the rain we have received lately.  Our mountains are covered in glorious snow.  And it just doesn't quit.  As I sit here, I can hear the rain outside.  

Our Southwest Utah area has 228% of normal precipitation for the year right now.  It is the third highest amount recorded from all of the areas in our state.  The state of Utah as a whole is at 194% of normal. We almost have the amount we usually get in the entire year already.  If the temperatures stay cool, so the snow doesn't melt too fast, we are in great shape for the year.  We are so very grateful for the relief from this drought.

This post doesn't publish for over a week from now.  My guess is that these numbers will have even increased by then.  It just keeps coming!

The Oldest Man in Our Ward Passes Away

 We attended the funeral of a truly great man recently.  He was the oldest person in our ward.

Claude J. Jenkins, age 97, died January 5, 2023, at his home in St. George, UT. He was born September 16, 1925, in Newton, UT to Moroni and Mary Jenkins. Claude was the youngest of four children, with two sisters and one brother. After graduating from North Cache High School, he entered the Air Force in January 1944. He was a member of the 385th Bombardment Group. He was stationed in England and flew 29 bombing attacks over the toughest theater of aerial warfare in Europe to bomb several Nazi targets. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Agronomy from Utah State University in June 1950. Claude married Helen Griffin on June 1, 1950, in the Logan Temple. They were married for 72 years before his passing. They are the parents of six children. He worked for Utah State University and Northern Arizona University as director of purchasing. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many leadership positions including bishop and as a member of the stake presidency. In 1995 Claude and Helen served on a mission to the Los Angeles Temple Visitor Center. They also spent many years serving in the St. George Temple. Every Thursday night Claude could be found at the recommend desk greeting all the temple patrons with a smile. Many of his family vacations were spent at Lake Powell driving his boat and pulling kids around on tubes and water skis. He was also an active water skier and an expert ski instructor, teaching all of his kids and many of their friends to ski. After retiring, Claude and Helen moved from Flagstaff, AZ to St. George, UT. There they had the opportunity to go on several cruises all over the world and many tours throughout the country. Claude is survived by his wife, Helen; his children: Paula (Boyd) Mildenstein, David (Terrie) Jenkins, Denise Wallmann, Robyn (Jose) Cruz, Brad (Kathy) Jenkins, Jill (Steve) Perry; 19 grandkids; and 22 great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Peter Wallman and grandson, Matthew Wallmann. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 10:00 am in the Fort Pierce Chapel, 750 Fort Pierce Drive, St George, UT. A visitation will be held on Saturday, prior to services, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am at the church. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, UT.

As the obituary states, he served in WWII.  He has to be one of the last of The Greatest Generation.  A story was told at his funeral that I would like to share:

Claude was a gunner in a bomber they called Patch because it had so many patched holes from being shot.  He flew many bombing missions to Germany out of England during the war. On one, the enemy shot out one of the engines on Patch and they realized they could not make it back to England.  The plane was too badly damaged.  They had to land in France.  They found an airstrip but didn't know if it was controlled by the US or Germany. But they had no choice.  They had to land.  They landed with planes burning on both sides of the runway.  They all nervously looked for what flag was flying at the airport. That would determine whether they would be POWs or free.  Oh the rejoicing and thrill when they saw the American flag flapping in the breeze!  Just that very morning, the US had captured and taken possession of that airstrip.  Just that very day!

It was inspirational to attend this dear man's funeral.  I left wanting to be a better person.  We are grateful to have known Claude Jenkins.

Hot Chocolate

  This is one of Ken's favorite things.  

Ken loves hot chocolate.

He drinks it most every day in the wintertime.  He goes on an early morning walk, then comes home and makes himself a cup, then takes it into the living room to enjoy it.

He has honed a delicious recipe.  He uses Stephen's brand.  He mixes it with chocolate milk, and adds a meltable piece of chocolate and mini marshmallows.

Hot chocolate is definitely one of Ken's favorite things! 

A Great Year of Reading Ahead!

 I love January when I create my "books to read" list for the next year. I write the list in my planner at the first of the year and add to it throughout the year. I love to clean off my bookshelf, leaving books I haven't read yet, putting away ones that I really don't want to read this year, and adding new ones.  I always get new ones for Christmas.  My favorite way to read is in a real, old-fashioned, hold it in my hands book.  But at least half of the books I read each year are on the reading app "Scribd."  It has audio books as well as ones to read.  

This bookshelf is in my bedroom and I love to just look at it and dream. I will add to it as the year goes on.  My rule is that when it is full, I can't order any more books until I read one and take it off the shelf.  It looks like I have a great year of reading ahead.

My New Haircut

 

I'm adverse to change.  But recently I decided to have Jen, my cute hairdresser, try a new cut on me.  I was tired of bangs. I was tired of trying to get them to lay right and having them in my eyes.

 I think I like the new look.  I know my mom in heaven is rejoicing.  She always said I should not wear bangs, that my forehead was too small for bangs.  Well, anyway, we will give it a try for a while.  Maybe a change will be good?

More Soup

 As stated in this post, we eat soups.  These are the soups we have made recently.

Probably my favorite soup of all that I make is this Ham and Bean Soup with this recipe.  The recipe calls for bacon, but I nearly always make it with ham.  I used leftover Christmas ham to make it.  I love this soup.

Hungry Hintons: Bean with Bacon Soup

This week we made Olive Garden Copycat of Zupa Toscano.  It is one of Ken's two favorite soups.

Hungry Hintons: Zuppa Toscana, (Copycat Olive Garden recipe)

Shonna is Very Ill

 Our sweet Shonna has been very ill.  She and Blake hosted Michelle and Brian's family over New Years and had a great time with them.  She was fine: energetic and healthy.

  A few days later she got very ill.  Her throat and face were so swollen and sore. It was weird.  She went to instacare on Wednesday and was diagnosed with strep and put on antibiotics with instructions to come back on Friday if she wasn't better.  She wasn't better, but worse on Friday.  So they went back.  They ran a lot of blood tests and found she did not have strep, but had mononucleosis and viral hepatitis and hypothyroidism.  By then, her skin was very yellow, she was always nauseous (she was not eating and not drinking enough so she was dehydrated) her belly very distended, her skin very itchy, a very sore throat, and constant brain fog. Her blood levels were all out of whack.  They sent her to the hospital where a Dr. saw her and was baffled by the effects on her liver.  After addressing the other issues, including giving her 2 liters of fluid, she said she wasn't sure what to do about the liver. She said she had a friend in Ogden who is a liver specialist and she would call him.  He said that the involvement of the liver in mononucleosis is an extremely rare symptom but that he had seen it before.  He said it would be okay to send Shonna home where she would not be subjected to the other illnesses and viruses in the hospital.  So since then, Shonna has been trying to heal at home.  She has been so very sick.  She has seen her physician twice since then and done blood tests again and things are slowly improving.  For that we are grateful.  

It has been sweet to hear how her ward and friends have rallied to help.  Hannah has Celiac disease, so Blake has been reluctant to accept the many offers for meals.  But one of Shonna's friends said that her mom has Celiac, and she knows how to cook gluten free.   Blake gratefully agreed to let her bring a meal.  It was delicious and so appreciated.  But otherwise, Blake is doing all of the cooking.  The kids and Blake work together to do the laundry and cleaning.  Shonna arranged with friends who have children going to the same places her kids need to go, to take them. It worked out except no one who lives near them goes to Lily's dance class on Thursday nights.  So, Shonna's next-door neighbor said she wanted to do it.  She said it sounded wonderful to take Lily then get to sit and read a book for an hour while she waited for Lily.  She made it sound like Shonna was doing HER a favor.  That same friend brought over an oatmeal bath additive that has made such a big difference in Shonna being able to sleep.  She soaks in that before going to bed.  She is unable to take any oral or even topical medications because they are processed in the liver.

Anyway, people have been so very kind.  Shonna gets three or four texts a day from people asking how they can help.  A silver lining is that Shonna calls us every day to update us. We can hear the improvement in her voice.  At first, those calls were scary as she sounded so sick and weak.  Blake is a trouper and the kids are being good, so they are making their way through this.  We know the power of prayer is in force.  Your prayers are appreciated.  

Ken's Bird Life List

 

Ken recently (on our trip to Europe last spring) reached 1,000 different species of birds on his life list.  I thought this would be a good time to publish his Life List.  But he has kept it on his computer in an excel file.  He converted it to a pdf for me, but I can't get it to copy and paste.  Long story short, I can't seem to publish the list.  Darn!  But it is pretty impressive to look at. The list includes the name of each species  he has seen, as well as the date and place he first saw that species.  He has been keeping the list for at least 25 years.  His thousandth bird was a Bridled Guillemot.  He saw it on Orkney Island, Scotland on May 16th.

Bridled Guillemot (the white eye stripe is was distinguishes it from a Common Guillemot)

He got two more new birds to add to the list on our New England trip. 

The 1,001th bird was a Great Shearwater.  He saw it and his 1,002nd bird, a Manx Shearwater, on October 15th from our cruise ship balcony in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine.

Great Shearwater

Manx Shearwater

Then, he just got a new bird this week- his third since our Europe trip and his 1,003rd on his life list- a Bohemian Waxwing. 

 He found it near his hometown of Hurricane.  A fellow birder posted an e-bird notice that he had seen it, so Ken set out to find it.  He found it in Toquerville, Utah amidst a flock of Cedar Wax wings.  This species usually is not this far south.  It was such a thrill for him to see it.

Congratulations to Ken on this impressive achievement!

Dixie vs. Utah Tech

 It has been all-out war here in our little town.  Our beloved Dixie College got a new president who felt that the name Dixie was racist and needed to be changed.  He started a campaign, the cost of which was way more than the money he spent.  It divided our town.  The battle went on and on.  Eventually the legislature approved the change and thousands upon thousands of dollars were spent to change signage, letterheads, logos, etc.  But the hearts of many of the people were not changed.  Many vowed to withdraw their support of the college- both monetary and emotional.

Why?  Why are people's feelings so very strong on this issue?  In a recent conversation with my sister, I saw the issue with more clarity.  That outsider college president and many of the students that come from outside our community, the members of the legislature that are not from here, my sister and others who are not from here simply do not get it.  They don't know about and have not experienced the Dixie spirit.  Let me clarify that I am not from here either.  But, after moving here, it didn't take long for me to experience that warm Dixie spirit.  Let me share my memory of the first time I felt that warm spirit:

We attended a banquet for the chamber of commerce years ago.  The Program Bureau from Dixie State was asked to perform for us.  In trapsed many college students- I'd guess maybe 75 of them.  They were not in fancy costumes- just jeans and t-shirts mostly.  There were clean-cut looking kids, and kids with long, straggly hair and earrings in places we don't usually put earrings. There were kids of all races, all colors of skin.  They were kids that wanted to be part of something great.  At Dixie State, everyone was invited and encouraged to be part of program bureau.  There were no try-outs.  All were welcome and the kids loved it. Their leader, Roween DuFure, sat at the piano. They sang a couple of numbers, and then they sang, "Are You From Dixie?"  Okay, just as I typed that name, I literally got chills up my arms just remembering.  Those kids sang with all of their hearts.  They were practically shouting.  Soon, most of the audience joined in.  Then, everyone stood and clapped along.  That, folks, is the Dixie spirit.  Mrs. DuFure had rewritten the words of that old song, and everyone knew it:

Are you from Dixie?
I said from Dixie!
Where the fields of cotton beckon to me.
We're glad to see ya
To say 'How be ya?'
And the friends we're longin' to see.
If you're from Santa Clara, Washington,
Or St. George, fine,
Anywhere below the Iron County line,
Then you're from Dixie,
Hurray for Dixie,

 It is exactly the opposite of Woke or what the name Dixie is accused of meaning.  It was the most all-inclusive, unifying feeling I maybe have ever felt. I was converted.  I had the Dixie spirit!

Cheering at Dixie State ballgames, watching Dixie State students perform on stage or in the band, seeing the giant D painted on the mountain, all give us that wonderful feeling.  

Where did the name come from?  As I understand it, Brigham Young called early pioneers to go to southern Utah to grow cotton.  He called them to Dixie.  There was nothing racist or prejudice at all in that name.  

It is actually abhorrent and shocking to those of us who have felt that spirit to be accused of the name being racist.  It is exactly the opposite to us. 

I wonder if I will ever be able to accept this new name.

I am sad.  We are the victims of this cancel-culture movement that has swept our nation.  I wish all could experience the true Dixie spirit.  

You Can Start Over Each Morning

 A beautiful mantra to consider:

2022 Books

At the end of every year, I have a strong desire to look back at all of the books I read that year, reread my reviews, choose my favorites and least favorites in fiction and non-fiction, and write a post about it.  Here is my 2022 report.

In 2022 I read and reviewed 56 books (down from 68 last year.)  14 were non-fiction and 42 were fiction.

Goodreads sent me a collage of pictures of the books I reviewed on their site.

I think my favorite non-fiction book of the year was The Girl from Yamhill by Beverly Cleary.

I am a Beverly Cleary fan and this autobiography was wonderfully written.

Two honorable mentions in the non-fiction category that I also very much enjoyed were:

The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown

and These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

Probably my favorite fiction book of this year was a re-read for me

I really love this book.  It was made extra special this year as I traveled to Guernsey Island.

Three honorable mentions in the fiction category:

and

and

I loved this sweet book about grief.

Here is a list of all the books I read this year and my reviews:

2022 Book Reviews

NON-FICTION

1.     From the Heart by Laura Bush  4 stars

I really enjoyed this autobiography of Laura Bush.  My politics will be showing here, so turn your head if that offends you.  I have felt that her husband was the president for “such a time as this.”  He was the president this nation needed in the aftermath of 9-11.  He was a man who sought God and who helped the whole nation to do so in our most critical hour.  He led us through those dark days.

I loved reading Laura Bush’s life story.  It is a fairy tale story- a normal, little girl that became the first lady.  There are so many incidents I could tell from her life, I don’t know where to start.  But maybe I will just quote from her book, her own synopsis of her time in the White House.  She is not one who toots her own horn.  In fact, this is the closest she came in the entire book.  She just told what she did and her reactions to what happened.  But in this paragraph she tells about some of what she accomplished as the first lady of our nation:

 “I had worked to support better education and womens’ rights and humans’ rights around the globe, and I had worked to better peoples’ lives here at home.  I had reached out to victims of oppression in Burma and to tattooed American teens struggling to break free from the cycle of gang violence.  I had sat on mud floors in African health clinics and inside Badouin-style tents for breast cancer survivors.  I had visited seventy-five countries, including five trips across Africa and three to Afghanistan.  I had been to many of the countries hardest hit by AIDS and malaria.  I had held the hands of the dying and looked into the eyes of children who had been orphaned in the most hideous ways, as well as children who were raising other children younger than themselves.”

She doesn’t mention here her great support of hurricane Katrina survivors and her dedication to repair their schools and rebuild and restock their libraries.

She did it all with quiet class and sophistication and respect.  In her book, she shows nothing but love and support for her husband and his belief system.  I have long been an admirer of Laura Bush (and her great hair!  I used to tell my hairdresser to make me look like Laura Bush. She never did.)  I am even more so now.  In this book, she truly speaks from her heart.  I am very glad I read it.  I was appalled how the press and media turned on this fine president and wife at the end of their term and since.  I have literally prayed that history will be kind to them and remember them for who and what they were: people dedicated to our country and its people and humanitarians to the world. I appreciate their service.

2.      These Precious Days by Ann Patchett  5 stars

Could I have really read my favorite non-fiction book of the year in the first weeks of January?  Each year, I choose my favorite non-fiction and fiction books of the year and write about it on my blog.  I have a hard time believing I will like one better than this for this year’s pick.  I loved this book!  It is a collection of essays written by the author, Ann Patchett.  Right from the prologue, I was completely immersed and engaged.  There wasn’t a single essay which didn’t resonate with me.  Ann Patchett is a wonderful writer.  Though I don’t agree with everything she said, I love how she said it and that she has the courage and conviction and self-trust to say it.  I listened to the audio version which is read by the author.  I loved that.  But I also would love a copy of this book.  Like right now, I could thumb through and enjoy the essays again and pick out my favorites.  There is so much I would underline and contemplate.  This book touched me deep in my soul.   5 plus stars from me for this stellar book.

3.     Living Out Loud  by Anna Quindlen 3 stars

Before being a novelist, Anna Quindlen wrote a column for the New York Times.  This book is a collection of some of those columns.  Similar to Ann Patchett’s “These Precious Days,” this style of writing really resonates with me.  I think that is because it is the kind of writing I like to do- short essays on a subject.  It’s what I do on my blog.  Though Ms (and she would like this title) Quindlen is far more liberal than I am, I enjoyed reading her views on different subjects.  I mostly appreciated how well written they were.  She wrote the column when she was a young mother in her thirties.  They reflect her views on subjects young mothers in the 1980s were interested in: babies, child-raising, influence of grandparents, working mothers, feminism, birth control, abortion, etc. It was an enjoyable read.

4.     Emma and I by Sheila Hocken 4 stars

Sheila Hocken tells her own story in this touching book.  She was born with poor eyesight, but as a young adult, went completely blind.  She qualified for a guide dog and was matched with Emma.  Emma was remarkably loving and intelligent.  I loved reading about her and her amazing dog.  I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet book.  Why is it that I suddenly really want a dog?

5.     Winterdance by Gary Paulson 4 stars

This is the true story of Gary Paulson’s preparation for and run of the Iditarod in Alaska.  This man could not be more opposite than me.  He chooses to sleep outside with his dogs, he doesn’t shower for weeks on end, he doesn’t eat anything but meat for days, he lives in subzero temperatures, and while in the race, he doesn’t sleep.  But, surprisingly, I really enjoyed this story.  It was very well written and most entertaining. It is the ultimate in an adventure book. Other than the cuss words, I recommend it.  I think you would really enjoy it.

6.     Nanaville:  Adventures in Grandparenting by Anna Quindlen 4 stars

This was a delightful collection of essays on being a grandma. Being a grandma myself, I loved reading this book.  I agreed with most of her grandmotherly philosophies.  I sensed her deep commitment to family and home.  I think if you, too, are a grandma or a nana or whatever you are called, you, too will enjoy this book.

7.     Cosy by Laura Weir 3 stars

I read this book that analyzes what it means to be coxy while in England.  It is about finding the art of “cozy” in our lives:  warm fires and drinks, sweaters, socks, and friendships, et.  The English know how to do cozy and so do I after reading this book.

8.     Faith is Not Blind by Bruce and Marie Hafen 3 stars

A well-written and explained book on faith and the progression of developing our faith from simple to complex and lasting faith.  The real-life stories helped explain and illustrate. This book helps the reader work through the challenges to our faith that we all experience.

9.     Obachan by Tani Hanes 5 stars

A moving story of a young Japanese girl in 1920s Japan, when girls had so few rights.  It is a story of determination, courage, and hard work.  I lived in Japan for 1 ½ years.  Though things are much better for women now, I still see traces of the old ways culture- a male dominated society.  I was moved and inspired by this courageous young woman. 

10.84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff  5 stars

This delightful non-fiction book is a collection of actual letters written in the  1940’sand beyond between Helen Hanff in New York City and a book seller in London.  They are as opposite as two people can be, but they are brought together by a love of books.  Helen is snarky and irreverent, but generous and caring.  Frank is proper and efficient.  He finds books that Helen wants and she sends care packages of food and supplies to her English friend during the rationing of WWII.  The relationship lasts for years.  I loved their interactions and relationship.  It is extremely well-read on the audio version.

11.The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown 5 stars

The Faith of Ronald Reagan was an inspiring biography focusing on his faith and belief and reliance upon God.  Reagan’s allegiance to and seeking of God throughout his life and presidency was so inspiring.  I truly feel that he was born “for such a time of this” to lead our country and bring down the Berlin wall and open the world to freedom of religion.  As Reagan said so many times, “May God bless this country.”

12.A Girl From Yamhill by Beverly Cleary 5 stars

For years, when asked my favorite book, I would say, “Ramona Quimby, Age 8.”  I was kind of kidding and kind of not.  I love Beverly Cleary and how she captures everyday life of a child, of a family. I just love living in her books.

The Girl from Yamhill is Beverly Cleary’s autobiography from birth until the day she goes to college. I loved every word of this book.  Oh, to write an autobiography that is so interesting, so well written.  It reads like a great novel. I was absolutely fascinated with her childhood and her ability to remember details from every year.  I know it sounds cliché’, but I literally didn’t want to read because that would make it end.  I never wanted it to end.  I was so happy and even relieved when I finished this book and then found out that there is a second book that picks up where this left off.  It is called My Own Two Feet.  I can’t wait to read it.   5+ stars from me.

 

13.My Own Two Feet by Beverly Cleary 4 stars

This book is the second half of Beverly Cleary’s autobiography.  It picks up where The Girl From Yamhill leaves off- when she goes to college.  It covers her college years, romance, marriage and concludes with the publication of her first children’s book:  Henry Huggins.

I really enjoyed reading this.  I don’t think I liked it quite as much as the first half, but still really enjoyed it.

14.Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough 3 stars

This was a long, but very interesting book.  I was surprised at how it ended as I didn’t realize it wasn’t going to cover Roosevelt’s presidency.  I was impressed with the closeness of the Roosevelt family.  I loved how they supported one another.  I was impressed with the integrity and service of Teddy’s father, and how each of the children learned those qualities from him.  The audio version was very well done.

 

 

 

Fiction

1.     A Life Without Water by Marci Bolden  2 stars

A very dramatic and soapy book.  It kept me interested, but not deeply engaged . The themes were:

1)     the importance of forgiveness- of one’s self and others.

2)     Death

3)     Grief

It is the first of a series.  I probably won’t read the others.

2.     The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway  5 stars

Whether or not Hemmingway intended symbolism in this classic novel, it was a powerful read.  I cannot stop thinking about it. It presents such quiet, but powerful messages of endurance, courage, respect, strength, and love. The audio version is so well done.

3.     A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata 3 stars

A story set in post- war Viet Nam.  The Viet Kong come to destroy the village of a young boy who loves his elephant.  It is a sad story.  It certainly opened my eyes to a people and culture I knew little about.  I continue to be amazed at the many settings this author can write about. 

4.     The Glass Mountains by Cynthia Kadohata 2 stars

My least favorite book genre is fantasy.  I especially don’t like to read about dystopian societies.  Those novels are unsettling.  This book falls into that category.  It is well written, but was not my cup of tea.  I would rate the first half of the book maybe a 1 ½, but the second half was better- once the romance started.  For fantasy lovers, you may enjoy this.  For me, I give it 2 ½ stars at best.

5.     The Secret Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams 3 stars

This was a fun read/ listen about a group of women who come together to solve a murder and become close friends in the process. Though some of the details were a bit farfetched, I really liked the characters and their support of one another.  This is the first in a series. The ending of the book sets you up for the second book in the series.  It sounds interesting . . .

6.     The Hound of the Baskervilles  by Arthur Conan Doyle 3 stars

I enjoyed reading this old, classic Sherlock Holmes mystery novel.  I listened to the audio version, which was so well done, complete with scary organ music.  I could almost feel the cold and see the spooky fog.  This novel is said to be the best of the Sherlock Holmes series.

7.     Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata  3stars

Do you remember Fred and Doris Ziffel on Green Acres and their pig, Arnold?  Well, not since watching that show have I heard of keeping a pig for a pet- until this book.  It is just plain crazy.  Oh wait!  There is a pig, well, actually a porcine wonder, in the Mercy Watson books.  Like Saucy, Mercy also causes all kinds of trouble.  Bottom line:  pigs do NOT make good pets.  They may be lovable, but they are not pets.  This book is full of adventure, destruction, and love. 

 It is a cute and entertaining book and was well-read on the audio version.

8.     Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan  5+stars

A powerful story of courage and integrity.  I was so moved by it.  I have a new literary hero - Bill Furlong.  I highly recommend this short novella.  It is well-written and will touch your soul and change you.  5+stars from me.

9.     The Girl They Left Behind by Roxanne Veletzos 5 stars

I loved this historical fiction book, based on a true story.  It is a beautiful, emotional story set in WWII Romania.  In order that they all survive, a Jewish couple must leave their little girl in a hotel lobby, hoping someone will find her and care for her.  It is the story of that little girl’s life (the author’s mother) and the kind and good people that adopt her, love her, and care for her. This is a page-turner, presenting the horrors of war, but also the love that overcomes all.

10. The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne 3 stars

I have a very old- ancient really- copy of this book.  It came from my husband’s family and from their local library.  How they obtained it, I don’t know.  If only it could talk!  I’m guessing my mother-in-law picked it up at a library book sale.  The old library card is still in it.  The dates of check outs on that card are between 1939-1941.  I love that little book, but had never actually read it.  I decided it was time to read this old classic.

It started slow and I wasn’t sure I was going to make my way through it.  It took a very long time to set up the setting, characters, and relationships.  But at about 2/3 of the way through, the story picked up, and it was a really good, inventive story to the dramatic conclusion.  I see why it is a classic.  I know I’m supposed to give classics 5 stars, but I can’t.  I just didn’t enjoy it that much.  I’m going with 3 stars, and honestly, I feel like that is generous.

 

11.  So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park 2 stars

A cute, fun, easy to read book.  I liked that it presented struggles with which we can all relate- especially young, single adults. This is an immersion in the Korean American culture in Nashville, Tennessee.  It is a cute blend of new ways crashing with old ways, creating conflict, but also creating a delightful blend.  You are left with a good feel for what it would be like to be a Korean American young woman trying to establish a business in her hometown.    I would rate it 3, but the language brings it down a full star.  Why do otherwise good modern fiction books have to contain such awful language? 

12.Murder and the First Lady by Elliott Roosevelt 3 stars

I loved learning about the times of the Roosevelt administration and particularly about Eleanor Roosevelt.  This is the first in a series of whodunits with the main character being Eleanor Roosevelt.  They are written by the Roosevelt’s son, so we must assume the characterization is accurate.  What a spunky, determined lady!  I really enjoyed this book!

13.The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan 2 stars

Meh.  I never did connect with any of the characters.  I don’t think there was one happy scene until the very end, and it was just medium happy.  This one wasn’t for me.

14.Empire Falls by Richard Russo 4+ stars

Twenty years ago, Richard Russo won the Pulitzer Prize for this novel.  It is complex, character-driven, and very well written.  Set-in small-town Maine, it certainly captures the life of Miles and his associates.  I felt there were a high ratio of negative characters to Miles positive goodness.  I really liked him.  I especially liked his relationship with his teenage daughter and his love for her.  He would do anything in the world for her . . .and did.  I see why it won the prize as it masterfully depicts blue-collar, small town American life.

15.Fault Lines by Emily Itami 3 stars

A young Japanese mother living in Tokyo is neglected and ignored by her once adoring, workaholic husband.  She forms a friendship with another man who listens to her and cares about her.  That relationship eventually turns into more than friendship. She loves her children fiercely and is a very dedicated, good mother.  A powerful earthquake hits Tokyo and it shakes her up in more ways than one.  She realizes she has to choose between her two lives.  This story is a powerful commentary on commitment, marriage, and family.  Having lived for 1 ½ years in Japan, I absolutely loved the immersion in the Japanese culture.  All of the details were right on and really brought back fond memories.

16. Run by Ann Patchett 3 + stars

Another great book by one of my favorite authors. In an interview played after the end of the book on the audio version, the author said that this was a book about politics.  It definitely had politics in it, but to me it was a story about family.  I thought it portrayed a mother’s love so beautifully with all three mothers in the story:  One literally giving her life for her son that she had only been able to love from afar.  It was about sibling love and the love and desires of the father as well. It is a fascinating series of events that brings these people together, creating a family.  I really enjoyed this novel. 3+ stars from me.

17.The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel 5 stars

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel.  It is such a powerful story and so well written.  Set in WWII times in America, it tells, in a very personal way, the trials of American young women who fall for soldiers and Japanese Americans detained in internment camps.  This book gets 5 stars from me because it filled my 5 star requirements:  It was a page-turner and it made me want to be a better person.  Ray is a new literary hero.  You will enjoy it.

18.The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer 5+stars

I love, love, love this book.  Because we are on our way to visit Guernsey Island, I rewatched the movie and reread the book.  I love Juliet and how the entire book is letters written to and from her.  I can’t wait to forget the details so I can read it again.  If I had a top ten list of my all-time favorite books, this one would definitely be on it (Maybe I should try to compile such a list?)  Read it!  You will love it! 5+ stars!

 

19. The Daring Girls of Guernsey by Gayle Callen 4 stars

Because we are headed toward Guernsey on a cruise ship, I read this book.  In my opinion, it is not as good as the more famous Guernsey book, but it is good.  These three women are patriotic and brave and choose to make a difference instead of just surviving the German occupation of their beloved Island.  I appreciate their courage.  I pray I never have to prove my loyalty and courage in a similar way.

20.Geraldine Verne’s Red Suitcase by Jane Riley 5 stars

This is a simple, but powerful, book dealing with grief.  It was sad, funny, and full of loveable, caring characters.  I am missing my daily walk with them.  They taught me how to patiently care for someone going through the grieving process.  I highly recommend this novel. 

21.To the Land of Long Lost Friends by Alexander McCall Smith 3 stars

Another funny, calming book in the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series.  I enjoyed it, but didn’t like this one quite as well as many of the others.  It didn’t seem that the cases had quite the intrigue.  It was exciting that Charlie got engaged, though.  These books are always a good read.

22.  The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey 3 stars

Though this book is an obvious retelling of Jane Eyre, I enjoyed reading it.  I liked it because I read it while traveling in the Orkney Islands, Scotland.  The author describes in perfect detail the things I was seeing and experiencing.  The first of the book was very hard to read as Gemma was so abused by everyone.  But it is a story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles and eventual triumph. It is a book of seeking one’s roots and, of course, romance.  I think it’s worth 3 stars.

23. Swans are Fat Too by Michelle Granas 4 stars

I really enjoyed this contemporary fiction novel set in Poland.  I loved Hania, the protagonist.  She was so real, as were all of the characters.  This author has a gift for characterization. Because Hania’s job is editing a history of Poland, the history of Poland is woven throughout the exciting story.  I really hope there is a happily ever after sequel to this book.  I want to know what happens to the characters and that the horrible parents get theirs! 4 + stars from me.

24.One For the Blackbird, One For the Crow by Olivia Hawker 3+stars

Olivia Hawker’s descriptive words and engaging story, as well as the fabulous narrator on the audio version, made for a wonderful historical fiction experience.  Could I have survived the frontier of Wyoming in the 1800’s.  I’m not so sure.  This is a powerful story of sin, forgiveness, struggle, grief, guilt, sisterhood, nature, coming of age, and blossoming romance.  It is beautifully written.  It is a bit long and drags in places, but worth the read. 3 + stars from me.

25.Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee 4 stars

Well- written and well-read on the audio version, this historical fiction novel illustrates what life would be like for a person of Chinese descent in San Fransisco in the early 1900s.  Mercy is strong and determined and makes a difference.  I love how she overcomes all odds and helps others along the way.  She is a great role model for young women.  I really enjoyed listening to this great book.

26.Ford County by John Grisham 3 stars

There is no question that Grisham is a great writer/ storyteller.  He is so clever in the way each of these short stories unfold.  But remind me to never go to Ford County, Mississippi.  It seems the town of Clanton is full of lowlifes and reprobates. Though each story was different, they all had that in common- Sad people living sad lives.  This short story collection is different than Grisham’s novels and further proves his talent as a writer. 

27. West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge 3 stars

An historical fiction novel set in the Dust Bowl era of America.  A 105- year-old man is madly writing his memories of driving two giraffes across the nation when he was a young man.  It is an exciting and adventurous story, with a sprinkling of a love story on top.  The reader on the audio version was really good.

28.The Devil’s Alternative by Frederick Forsyth 3 stars

Russia, USA, KGB, CIA, Hijacking, espionage, Cold war  . . . this book has it all.  It is a page-turner and keeps you guessing until the last paragraph.  Forsyth is a great writer.

29.Operation Sippacik by Rumer Goddan 3 stars

 A sweet story of a boy and his donkey on the island of Cyprus and how they worked for the United Nations in keeping peace on their island in the 1960s. 

30.  America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Komoie 4 stars

A well- researched and really long historical fiction novel written from the point of view of Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson’s daughter and helpmeet.  Though some of it was disturbing, I am glad I read this book and learned so much about this powerful and spunky woman and her role in the founding of our country.  It is extremely well read on the audio version.

31. One True Thing by Anna Quindlen 4 stars

There is no denying that Anna Quindlen is a fabulous author.  Her ability to turn a phrase just amazes and pleases me.  Her great ability was painful in this book as she has the reader live through the slow and painful process of dying.  If you have ever watched a loved one die of cancer, you will recognize every painful step that the narrator, the patient’s daughter describes.  Why am I going through this? You ask.  But then you get to the end of the book and realize that this is a story of much, much more than dying.  The ending is worth every painful word you endured.  Wow! I don’t want to give it away, in case you want to read it, but it has an, shall we say, unexpected ending.  A very memorable and though-provoking book.

32.The Storied Life of AJ Fikry  by Gabrielle Zevin 4 stars

My husband and I recently listened to the audio version of this book and really enjoyed it.  It is a story of transformation, family, friendship, and love.  I miss my daily walks with the characters.  Five stars from me.

33.Love and Saffron by Kim Fay 4 stars

I loved this sweet book of friendship, acceptance, food, and love.  It is the story of a friendship developed mostly through letters. It touched my heart.  I am anxious to try some of the recipes.

34.The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams 4 stars

“Books have the power to heal .”  Simply stated, that is the theme of the book.  Aleisha finds a reading list tucked into the back of a book:

The Time Traveler’s Wife

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Kite Runner

Life of Pi

Pride and Prejudice

Little Women

Beloved

A Suitable Boy

Working their way through the list and discussing the books helps Mukesh connect with Aleisha and with his granddaughter.  These books help heal him and bring joy back into his life after the death of his wife.

I really enjoyed this sweet novel, the characters, and how it illustrated the power books have to heal and to bring people together.  The audio version is very well done.

35.Out of My Heart by Sharon M Draper 3 stars

This is a sweet young adult fiction that powerfully shares the heart of a young girl who is severely disabled, but who thinks and feels all of the same things as any other pre-teen.  Melody is thrilled to be able to go to camp and learn to swim, ride horses, do art projects, and mostly, make friends.  The book is full of heroes to emulate.  It is a positive, sweet story.  We will be discussing this book at our upcoming online family book club meeting.

 

36.Words on Fire by Jennifer Nielsen 4 stars

Having traveled to Lithuania and seeing the results today of the Russian occupation, I was deeply moved by this historical fiction novel.  We heard stories of the people’s battle to keep their language and culture.  This story illustrates that dangerous battle.  We traveled out to see the Hill of Crosses.  It was one of the most poignant and memorable sights I have ever seen.  How important are books?  How important is freedom?  This beautifully written story answers those questions.

37.The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander  3 stars

I admit I did it again.  I chose a book by its cover.  I saw this cute book at Costco and had to pick it up.  The cover is so appealing and it doesn’t hurt that it has the word library in the title.

It wasn’t false advertising.  This was a sweet, though predictable novel about a young woman who relocates from a big city to a little English village following the death of her beloved grandmother.  She makes friends, contributes to the community, and, of course, falls in love.  The characters, though some are underdeveloped, are charming and the idea of turning an old phone booth into a library, so clever.  I enjoyed this light read.

38.The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris 2 stars

I had a hard time following this story on the audio version.  The story goes back and forth between WWII era and present day, eventually weaving the two stories together.  I am still not sure all of the loose ends were tied up.  I give it 2 ½ stars.

39. Excellent People by Anton Chekhov  2 stars

This very short story is thought-provoking, as are all of Chekhov short stories.  This one, I think, is making a political statement about his country, certainly applicable to today’s Russia.  Or maybe it is just about two siblings that grow apart.  You decide.

40. A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen  5 stars

Recommended to me by my 13-year-old granddaughter, I loved this book.  12-year-old Gerta’s family is divided on the night the Berlin wall is erected.  With unrest brewing in East Berlin, her father and brother went to West Berlin to secure housing for the family.  That very night the wall went up, dividing her family.  The story is edge of your seat drama from the first to the very last.  It is a story of courage, determination, friendship, love, and freedom.  I don’t hesitate to give it five stars.  It is very well read in the audio version.

41.Nobody’s Fool by Richard Russo 3 stars

Richard Russo (winner of the Pulitzer Prize) is a genius at characterization and relationships.  This book is certainly not plot-driven.  There really isn’t a plot.  And the main character, Sully, is not a stellar person- he gambles, spends foolishly, cheats, etc, but he also is generous, caring, and funny.  He is real and somehow still likable, despite his faults.  The story is set in a small New York town and, though it is 549 pages of very small print, it only covers a few days in time.  It is funny, sad, and though you have to look for it, complex.  I think I would give it barely 4 stars, but the language, as is my practice, brings it down to 3 stars.

42.  Home by Penny Parkes  3 ½ star

This is a well-written, poignant story that beautifully and powerfully illustrates the importance of loving, caring parents.  Anna was abandoned by hers in her childhood, leaving her to be raised in the foster care system.  The reader meets Anna as an adult, but with flashbacks, the story of her childhood unfolds.  Heroes in her life love her and nurture her, but it isn’t until the end of the book that she finds closure from her past.  There are so many beautiful lessons and people in this story.  It dragged a bit in the middle, but the ending made it worth powering through.  I give it 3 ½ stars.  Bad language, as always,  brings my rating down.

43.Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John 5 stars

This is one of our family’s favorite Christmas stories.  We are now sharing it with our grandchildren.

What a great year of reading I had!!