Walklover’s 75 Books Challenge for 2018

A belated Happy New Year to all! Looking forward to a new year and more books to read. I’m doing the PopSugar Challenge with Becca this year - giving me a great way to read many of the books I received at ALA.

1. Chaos by Patricia Cornwell - I hadn’t read any Cornwell’s for awhile, but I’m glad I chose this one. It was quite well done and many of my favorite characters were there.

Yay! So good to see you here!!

2. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick - My first Popsugar book - “A book made into a movie you’ve already seen”. Joe and our son, Jesse, are my usual curators for science fiction. They know what I enjoy and what is too technical for me. I chose this one on my own - and I was surprised how different it was from the movie - and pushed to get through the technical stuff in the first few chapters. I’m glad I saw the movie first, because even though there were a lot of differences, it gave me something to work from. I really enjoyed it - and would recommend that anyone who reads it reads “Of Blade Runners, PKD, and Electric Sheep” by Paul M. Salmon which is at the end.

3. A Die Hard Christmas by Doogie Horner - A holiday gift from Joe who knows how much I love the Die Hard movies. It’s a delightful parody of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”.

4. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore - A very difficult read, this is the story of the girls/young women who worked painting luminous dials - and what the practice of “lip, dip, paint” did to their lives. The author doesn’t hold back from literal descriptions of what the exposure to radium does to them, but also lets us follow the legal avenues taken to see that they get justice. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.

5. Saga - Volume 8 by Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan - “The sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds” is a very straightforward way to describe a very crazy graphic novel series. It’s bizarre and complicated and beautiful and ugly - and I love it!

6. Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth by Tamar Myers - This was a cozy mystery - “An Amish Bed and Breakfast Mystery with Recipes”. I will say that the mystery was a pretty good one, but the characters were not well-written. Each character was very one-dimensional - almost a parody. I wouldn’t recommend this book.

Welcome back!

>9 drneutron: - Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be back.

Hi Debbi!

Joe posted the link to your thread, so here I am, first time visitor!

I think we have Orphan Black and Die Hard in common - loving both, that is. I bought my husband Bill the 5-season boxed set of OB after he mentioned that he'd like to watch it all over again some time this year.

edited to correct spelling.

Happy 2018 reading!

>8 walklover: I tend to agree with you on that series; however, my mother absolutely loved it. I ended up purchasing several just for her at the used bookstore. I kind of felt guilty not reading them myself because my mom would have been upset with me if she'd known I purchased them just for her. I just didn't like the characters.

Hi, Hon. Good to see your thread!

I think Lori in >12 thornton37814: means your post in >8 walklover: for your book #6.

>13 jnwelch: Corrected. Thanks!

>3 scaifea: - So good to be here!

>11 karenmarie: - Joe bought me the OB boxed set too - looking forward to viewing each episode again knowing the full story now.

7. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz - I chose this book for many reasons - Joe and Becca loved it, I love Midsomer Murders (many of which were written by Anthony Horowitz) and it is one of my Popsugar challenge books for 2018 (A book with alliteration in the title). It turns out any one of the above reasons would have been enough because I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mystery/mysteries were brilliantly written, the characters well-developed and the environments beautifully described.

Hi Debbi!

>16 walklover: Bill and I will probably watch it later on, perhaps March or so.

>17 walklover: I loved Magpie Murders too. And there is that wonderful Midsomer Murders connection.

8. The Undertaker’s Wife by Dee Oliver - I am a lover of memoir and this tale of the widow of an undertaker looked interesting. Unfortunately, it contained nothing “new” for me and was not that interesting. Also, the author did something which never sits well with me - she waited a bit and then started inserting religion into the mix.

9. Going Into Town - A Love Letter to New York by Roz Chast - Roz Chast is a brilliant graphic artist with a mind like no other. She sees people, places and things in a whole new way - and often opens my eyes to seeing them as well. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves NYC - whether as their hometown or as an occasional visitor.

10. Lady Stuff - Secrets to Being a Woman by Loryn Brantz - This is a collection of comics about “the everyday experiences as a lady’ and “the awkwardness of simply existing”. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to - there was a bit too much repetition and, quite honestly, there were a number of things I didn’t find very funny. But - the ones that hit the mark did so brilliantly.

11. Dirty Laundry edited by Angie Cruz and Adriana E. Ramirez - Disclaimer: Adriana is my wonderful daughter-in-law and the book was published by Blue Sketch Press which is owned by Adriana and my son, Jesse. All that aside, this is an anthology of amazing work by Latino/a writers.

Woo, you go girl! Nice start to the year.

Charlie, Tomm and I read a picture book last night that I think you and Joe would really enjoy: The Storyteller. It seems like it's right up your street, and the illustrations are beautiful, too.

Almost missed you Debbi.

Great reading stats with 11 downed already.

Hi Debbi! I didn't know you were a 75er. : )

Happy New Thread, Debbi. Nice to see a board again. And Happy Birthday too. What day is it?

>21 walklover: well that one sounded promising....shame it didn't fly for you.
I recently finished How to Be a Woman and in places I found it a bit...twee (maybe?) but then when I was most of the way through it I found myself anticipating missing reading the book once I'd done!

I followed the link on Joe's thread over here. Happy Birthday week, Debbi. I agree that all the best people are born in early February!

>17 walklover: I'm glad to see that you enjoyed Magpie Murders. I am looking forward to that one.

Happy birthday week, Debbi!

>17 walklover: I also enjoyed Magpie Murders!

I'll take advantage of the time zones to be first to wish you a Happy Birthday, Debbi. xx

^Have a great day, Debbi!

Happy Birthday, Debbi!

>18 karenmarie: - We love Midsomer Murders. It’s our go-to when we just want to sit back and enjoy - and not have to think too much. :)

>23 jnwelch: - Thanks!

>24 scaifea: - If it’s the one by Evan Turk, it looks really good. I’ll have to check it out.

>25 PaulCranswick: - Thanks, Paul. I’ve really given myself permission this year to just sit and read and not feel guilty that I should be doing some chore. I’m also doing the PopSugar 2018 Challenge with Becca - and it’s fun and helping me get through a bunch of the books I picked up at ALA.

>26 Berly: - I’ve been doing it for at least three years, but I usually only go on to record books I’ve read - and respond to all of the wonderful people who have posted.

>27 msf59: - Thanks, Mark. Birthday Week was great!

>28 LovingLit: - I actually just this morning gave myself permission to put a book down after two chapters. It just wasn’t for me.

>29 Familyhistorian: - Thank you! Birthday Week was wonderful! Have a blast with Magpie Murders!

>30 ChelleBearss: - Thank you! Birthday Week was wonderful!

>31 PaulCranswick: - Thanks so much, Paul! Any chance you guys will be in London in September?

>33 ChelleBearss: - Thanks again, Mark!

>33 ChelleBearss: - Thanks!

12. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly - This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. “Based on actual events and real people”, it tells the stories of three women during World War II and how their lives were woven together. There are some very difficult parts to read - as a Jew, I often found myself walking the path of the concentration camps with the women. It was worth every moment of difficulty to make my way through this amazing book.

13. Literally Murder by Ali Brandon - A cozy mystery - which I definitely needed after Lilac Girls. It wasn’t a bad book, but basically just “meh”.

14. Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower - Needed to try another cozy mystery, and this time I found a good one. A fun tale involving Amish and “English” families - and a decent mystery as well. The first in a series, I will definitely read another.

15. Black Panther - World of Wakanda by Roxeanne Gay - I read this graphic novel this morning before Joe and I went to see the movie, Black Panther (which was amazing). I had tried theother Black Panther graphic novels and found the first one so confusing that I gave up. This one was terrific, well-written and much more straightforward than the others. It really helped prepare me for the story I saw at the theater.

16. Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say - I’m a big fan of Say’s Grandfather’s Journey and wasn’t disappointed by this picture book either. I’ve always been interested in outsider art - this book tells the story of James Castle, a deaf boy living a very hard life, who managed to build himself a community through his art.

>50 walklover: I have this one requested from the library since it won the Schneider Family Book Award, and I love all of Say's stuff. I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

Lots of good reading, young lady! I'm glad the Roxanne Gay Black Panther graphic novel worked for you. As you know, I agree that the Ta-Nehisi Coates Black Panther graphic novels unfortunately are confusing - IMO he tries to do too much.

As you said, I now wish we had a bunch of James Castle's art. Say's book is really well done.

17. The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund - Becca passed this book on to me at the perfect time - my brain was ready for a good, but uncomplicated mystery. This was a perfect choice - an easy read, interesting characters (both good and evil) and an interesting foreign setting.

18. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena - Thanks to Joe for introducing me to this book. A beautiful story of CJ and his grandma and their weekly bus rides after church. He wishes they had a car and can’t understand why Grandma takes him to the poorer parts of town. She gradually helps him see all the beauty surrounding them.

19. The Power by Naomi Alderman - Another excellent recommendation from Joe. A universal power shift from men to women - this time beginning in the physical - makes for a fascinating, well-written novel. I would highly recommend it.

20. Let’s Go For Broke by Mary Lasswell - Another book in the Suds in Your Eye series following the hijinks of three marvelous older women and all the characters they meet. A quick, fun read.

21. The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton - A lovely novel about a building called The Hideaway and the love of those whose lives it has touched.

22. The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck - The story of a wedding dress and the women who wore it - told in alternating chapters. Very well-written, terrific character development and a real feel for the different times in which they all lived.

23. Priceless by Robert K. Wittman - Also titled “How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures”, Wittman’s book is a fascinating account of his 20 years filled with undercover (and often unarmed) work recovering lost art and artifacts. He created the FBI’s Art Crime Team and tells of travel, intrigue, danger and all else involved in his job. I really enjoyed this book.

24. Josephine by Patricia Hruby Powell - Thank you to Joe for the recommendation. I loved this book and learned quite a lot about Josephine Baker. A fascinating woman - well worth the read.

25. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaufman Jaswal - I got this book through the ER program. It involves a young woman from a traditional Indian family who begins what she thinks is a job teaching English to a group of widows. It turns instead into helping these women write and tell erotic stories. The character development is great and I got caught up in the book immediately.

26. Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham - Again, thank you to Joe for the recommendation. A graphic novel about friendship - and how hard it can be finding real and true friends.

27. The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan - A lovely story about leaving home and finding your way back.

28. Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat - Having read Untwine by Danticat, I had high hopes for this book - and they were most definitely met. It’s a beautifully written story about Claire which begins when Claire’s father makes the decision to give her away so that she has a chance for a better life.

Lots of good reading, young lady. I'm glad the recommendations worked well, and I'm happy you enjoyed Claire of the Sea Light. That was my first Danticat, and I liked it a lot. I've got Priceless and Lilac Girls on my to-read shelf thanks to you.

>65 jnwelch: - And thank you for so many good recommendations! Looking forward to many reading days on the porch and deck - and less grumpiness about the bad weather from me).

>66 walklover: Me, too. You've got plenty of company about the bad weather. :-)

>66 walklover: Can't imagine the grumpiness!

I am planning to read Edwidge Danticat myself in the next month or two but it will be Breath, Eyes, Memory that I read.

>68 PaulCranswick: - You’re sweet, but this weather is really wearing me down. In my favorite cafe right now, so that’s helping.

Breath, Eyes, Memory is one I’m not familiar with - will definitely look for it.

Hope all is well with you and yours. Joe and I have our dates for this year’s London visit. We arrive 9/6 and return to Chicago on 9/25 - with four days in Amsterdam somewhere in the middle. Any chance of your visiting London during that time?

Everyone thinks you're so "easygoing", Hon. I know the problem. :-)

I think we have Breath, Eyes, Memory. I really liked it.

29. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - Eleanor may be hard to like initially, but this beautifully written book is a delight. I would recommend it to all.

30. Still Alice by Lisa Genova - A moving and heartrending story of a brilliant Harvard professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. You follow the professor from her diagnosis through the various stages of the disease.

31. The Cracked Spine: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery by Paige Shelton - The first in a new series, this book takes us from America to Scotland where Delaney Nichols has taken a job in a small book shop - only to be met with a murder her first day there. A good mystery, with well-defined characters.

32. Sparrow by Sarah Moon - I received this ARC at ALA. It’s the story of an eight-grade girl which opens with her in a mental hospital. She was placed there because of being found on the ledge of the school roof - and everyone thought she was going to commit suicide. This is not a spoiler to tell you that she was not, she was waiting to join the birds in flight - something she did many times when the world became too much for her to handle. It’s a lovely book about a young girl”s relationship with the world, her mother, other people her own age and her therapist. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

33. Private Vegas by James Patterson - After our trip to NYC for the wedding and then the very quick turnaround to drive to Pittsburgh to meet Rafa, I needed an easy read - and Patterson, with his 3-5 page chapters and fairly simple plot lines was just what the doctor ordered.

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday, dear lady.

>76 PaulCranswick: - Why thank you, kind sir.

Joe hinted you might come on the Portland trip in June...say it's true!!

>78 Berly: - It’s true! I made my airline reservations yesterday. Really looking forward to it.

34. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White - Yes, it’s true - I’ve gotten this far in life and never read this book. What an amazing story - so beautifully written and so touching. I loved it!

35. Anne’s Numbers by Kelly Hill - This is an ER I received - a very simple counting board book with scenes from Anne of Green Gables as inspiration. The illustrations were very interesting, hand-embroidered. Aesthetically, it was terrific - but looking at it from my educator/storyteller side, there were some things I think could have been done a bit better. On a good deal of the pages, the objects were too close together to allow for easy counting - and when a group of children were shown for the #10, the only “diversity” in the group was that one of the characters was wearing glasses (I do understand that based on the time frame it was portraying, this might have been appropriate - but will now need explaining).

36. Designer Knockoff - A Crime of Fashion Mystery by Ellen Byerrum - A pleasant cozy mystery - I enjoyed the characters and felt they were well-developed. Not sure I’ll run right out and read another in the series, but that might be because I have a large pile of cozies waiting here at home.

37. The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths - A giant thank you to Joe for introducing me to the series and to the wonderful character of Ruth Galloway. I’ve been interested in archaeology for as long as I can remember - so, take a female forensic archaeologist, add murder, a handsome and fascinating policeman and sacred ground in Norfolk (UK) - and I’m in.. Have already started the next book in the series.

38. Less by Andrew Sean Greer - In order to avoid attending what would be an awkward wedding, a struggling novelist decides to accept any and all invitations to literary events he has received - and travels the world with many bumps along the way. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book. Thanks, Joe, for your recommendation.

I love those giant thank yous! I thought the Ruth Galloway books would hit the spot for you. Me, too. And I'm glad you enjoyed Less; what a wonderful and surprising choice for a Pulitzer.

39. Step on a Crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge - Becca and I always enjoy reading James Patterson and this book was definitely a good one. An excellent mystery, great character development - I would definitely recommend it.

40. The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths - Totally enjoyed this one as well. I’m hooked on Ruth Galloway, Forensic Archaeologist!

41. The House at Sea’s End by Elly Griffiths - Still hooked - and so happy there are so many more!

42. The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel - An interesting book that could have been shorter and that left me with some unanswered questions.

43. A Widow Redefined by Kim Cano - A lovely piece of fiction about a young widow who discovers of bouquet of fresh flowers on her husbands grave - and how her search for the person who left them changes her life.

44. A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable - Ever since I read a National Geographic article about a home filled with wonders (drawers lines with bug and butterfly collections, trunks filled with memorabilia), I’ve loved reading about similar situations. This piece of fiction is based on the “true story of a treasure-stocked Parisian apartment opened for the first time in seventy years” - and it was great fun.

What a good year for reading you're having! I love seeing the Ruth Galloway books.

Popping in to say Hi! and can't wait to see you tomorrow. We'll be sure to find you some more books to read at Powell's. ; )

>93 Berly: - So sorry I didn’t see this until today. What great fun yesterday!! A pleasure to meet and get time to spend with you.

So nice to meet you yesterday! I had a blast. Hope you enjoy the rest of your Portland exploring.

>95 SuziQoregon: - So great to meet you as well. We’ve had a wonderful time - particularly loved the Japanese Garden - and being with all of you.

45. A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths - Go, Ruth Galloway!!

46. Sunburn by Laura Lippman - A very interesting suspense novel about two people who meet in a small town. This is Lippman’s “take on noir” - and it’s well done.

47. Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson - This is the latest recommendation from my son, Jesse - and I loved it! A “tale of literary enchantment, political change and religious mystery” - set in an unnamed Middle Eastern security state.

>97 walklover: I love Ruth!! Wishing you a great weekend.

48. Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton - A really good cozy mystery which is the first in a series (Knitting Mysteries). I will definitely read the next.

49. Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown - This is a story based on the life of Mary Rowlandson, a woman brought up in a rigid Puritan community who is captured by Indians in 1676. Upon being ransomed and returned to her community, she has trouble fitting back in and finally works out a life for herself that includes her new beliefs as well. I would recommend this book.

50. Killer Jam by Karen MacInerney - This cozy mystery is the first in the Dewberry Farm Mystery series. In a very short period of time, we are involved in murder, homesteading, runaway cows, jam making and romance. A very enjoyable read.

51. Call the Nurse - True Stories of a Country Nurse on a Scottish Isle by Mary J. MacLeod - A very interesting memoir of time spent as the only nurse on a remote Scottish isle.

52. The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin - A light read about bookstores, Paris and romance. As someone who has always wanted to own/run a bookstore - and has lots of experience working in them - I enjoyed it.

Woo-hoo! What a great reading year you're having!

Flight of the Sparrow sounds intriguing.

Aren't the Ruth Galloway's good? I haven't read a so/so one yet.

Hi! Hope you are enjoying summer. We are on the tail end of a 90+ streak. 9 days and counting. The Little Bookshop on the Seine sounds fun. : )

>107 Familyhistorian: - I’m really having fun with the Ruth Galloway series. It’s nice to know right from the start that I will enjoy the book.

>108 Berly: - We finally have been having comfortable temperatures - good for sitting on the porch and reading. Let me know what you think of The Little Bookshop... if you read it. Hope all is well.

53. Educated by Tara Westover - When I put a hold on this book at the library, I was number 297. It was well worth the wait. A fascinating and well-written memoir, it tells the story of a woman raised in the mountains of Idaho by survivalist parents. Although she was seventeen when she first experienced a classroom, she went on to earn Bachelor and Master’s degrees and a PhD. “...Westover has crafted a universal coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one’s life through new eyes, and the will to change it.”

54. All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot - I read the Herriot books as a young girl and had the urge to read them again. This memoir was as wonderful as I remembered. Herriot did a wonderful job in linking his service in the RAF during WWII to his experiences as a veterinarian. Already looking forward to rereading another.

55. the way life should be by Christina Baker Kline - I was very excited to read this book by the author of Orphan Train, which I loved. I found this book to be enjoyable and a pleasant read - but it truly felt like half of a book. All I could think is that the author may be setting it up for a sequel. By no means does it compare to Orphan Train.

Oh, on your suggestion, I loved Orphan Train. I think Educated will be one for me to read some time in the future.

>112 walklover: Oh I've been considering rereading the Herriot books. I loved them when I read them as a kid.

>115 SuziQoregon: - I can tell you, it’s a blast. So glad they’re as good as I remembered them.

56. Changers - Book Four - Forever by T. Cooper and Allison Glock-Cooper - As you know, I started this series after getting the first one at ALA. I’ve been lucky to get the other three as ERs. Book Four takes place during Evan’s last year in high school - where he becomes his fourth Changer - and through his decision of which of these people he will choose to be for the rest of his life. I would recommend these books for YA and Adult readers, but think they would be great reading for those about to enter their four years of high school. Each book’s “Evan” let’s us explore what it’s like to live another’s life.

57. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - Thank you again to Joe for this recommendation. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. Dealing with a young boy’s experience with divorce, bullying and the death of a parent, it is overwhelmingly beautifully written and illustrated. It’s one of those books where I’ve already told Joe that we need to give it to everyone.

>118 walklover: Yay! So good. Agreed; let's give A Monster Calls to everyone.

>117 walklover: These sound intriguing. I may have to give the first one a try.

>57 walklover:. Agreed. A Monster Calls is an awesome read! Hope you had fun with Rafa. Wait. Who am I kidding? I KNOW you had fun with Rafa!!

58. The Chalk Artist by Allegra Goodman - A wonderful combination of art, an imaginary video game, romance and the city of Cambridge. “The Chalk Artist deftly contends with the commodification of art, the transformations being wrought by technology, and the ephemeral nature of human bonds.”

59. The Year of Pleasures: A Novel by Elizabeth Berg - A lovely story about a newly widowed woman and her year of discovery.

60. Astor Place Vintage: A Novel by Stephanie Lehmann - A buyer/seller of vintage clothing finds a journal sewn into a fur muff. She reads the story of Olive Westcott written in 1907 and finds connections to Olive that change her life forever.

61. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn - A wonderfully written historical novel that alternates chapters between 1915 and 1947 - following the life of Eve, who as a young girl became a spy against the Germans and as an older woman searched out and found the man responsible for her sexual abuse and physical disfigurement.

Usually I only lurk here, Debbi, it was good to meet you and Joe irl!

>125 FAMeulstee: - It was a delight to meet you!

62. The Lord God Made Them All by James Herriot - I love this series of books by Herriot. His descriptions of life as a country vet, the people he meets during his days (and nights) and the beautiful country in which he lives delight me as much now as when I read them as a much younger girl.

63. On Turpentine Lane by Eleanor Lipman - This is a lovely, well-written romantic comedy - filled with well-defined characters, including a dilapidated home that has a life and history of its own.

64. The Child Thief by Bella Forrest - This was a book I bought thinking it was another one I had seen recommended. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend it. It was too simplistic, I didn’t develop any “feelings” for any of the characters - and, quite honestly, it felt like half a book with no real ending, as if it was written so that we would be sure to have to buy the next book. I will definitely not be doing that.

65. The Gender Game by Bella Forrest - This was the book I thought I was reading when I read The Child Thief. It is by the same author and had been advertised as “if you liked Hunger Games”. I loved Hunger Games, but unfortunately I could write the same review for this one as I did for the other. I was a bit more invested in some of the characters, but not enough to convince me to read the next in the series. I will not be reading anymore by this author.

>127 walklover: I have fond memories of reading James Herriot (and watching the TV-series!) :-)

Thank you for recommending the Changers books. I enjoyed the first, and the second already is off to a good start.

>132 jnwelch: - So glad you’re enjoying the series!

I've had On Turpentine Lane on my list for a while. Might need to move it up a bit.

66. In the Great Green Room: The Brilliant and Bold Life of Margaret Wise Brown by Amy Gary - A very personal biography of the author of Goodnight Moon, I really enjoyed it. I knew next to nothing about Brown and now feel that I know the intricacies of both her personal and writing life.

67. The Little Perfume Shop Off the Champs-Elysees by Rebecca Raisin - A lovely little story about Del, a woman who leaves her small town in America for a perfume competition in Paris. She finds the answers to many questions she had about herself - and finds love.

68. Crooked House by Agatha Christie - A marvelous mystery, this one involves Sophia, who arrives home after the war only to become wrapped up in the craziness following her grandfather’s murder. Her fiancé, Charles, is luckily the son of the assistant commissioner of Scotland Yard and is able to help along the way. A five-star recommendation.

69. Murder on Millionaires Row: A Mystery by Erin Lindsey - Thank you to Becca for recommending this to me. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a young housemaid from “the wrong side of the tracks” who helps her employer solve the problems that occur when “shades” (dead beings who still roam the earth0 are released from the underground. It’s a great read.

70. Mammoth by Jill Baguchinsky - I received this as an ER from Libraything. Natalie Page is a major paleontology fan and plans to make it her career. She receives an internship at an Ice Age dig site between her sophomore and junior year. She’s very excited, but also very nervous about the summer adventure. Natalie is a plus-size fashion blogger and is worried how she will be accepted at the dig. Many things go wrong - and some of them are most definitely Natalie’s fault (and her inability to follow rules and directions). It was great to see a young woman (actually a number of young women) involved in the sciences - and to see Natalie learn more and more about self-acceptance. This is a young adult novel - and I would say it leans towards the “young” young adult. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

You go, girl! What a good reading year you're having.

I'm glad your ER book, Mammoth, turned out to be one you'd recommend, and that you enjoyed the one Becca gave you, Murder on Millionaires Row. I still remember the life-size recreation of the Great Green Room at Printers Row Book Fair - was it recreated by her son? What a cool experience that was. I'm glad the personal biography of her was a successful read.

You are going to have no problem hitting thematic 75!! I haven't read that particular Agatha Christie...I am sure I will someday. Hugs.

>141 Berly: - Thanks - I’m pretty close! Hugs right back to you!

71. A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths - Another great one in the series!

72. The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths - What can I say? I’m hooked!!

73. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - I put off reading this book for quite awhile because I wasn’t sure I could handle the storyline. It was a wonderful book, beautifully written with well-formed characters. I would recommend it to all.

74. The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths - #7 complete!!

75. The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths - #8 - and - 75 BOOKS CHALLENGE COMPLETED!!!!

Congrats!

Woo-hoo! Way to go! You nailed it, walklover. Maybe we could celebrate with a play tonight and a movie tomorrow?

>148 drneutron: - Thanks - and I still have so many more reading days in 2018!!

>149 jnwelch: - It’s a date - and a date!

>151 walklover: :-)

Congrats!!!

Congratulations on reaching 75, Debbi!

You did it, yay! Congratulations!!!!

>153 SuziQoregon: - Thanks! It’s been quite a year for reading for me!

>154 FAMeulstee: - So many good books are included in that count! Thanks!

>155 seasonsoflove: - Why, thank you, my sweet girl! And thank you for so many good recommendations and loaners.

Congrats on hitting the magic number.

Congrats on reaching the 75 mark :)

>159 thornton37814: - Thanks!

>160 figsfromthistle: - Thanks!

>163 Berly: - Thanks - and Happy Holidays!

76. The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths - Only one more left of those already published. :(

77. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths - Now I have to wait until 2019 for the next one in the series.

You're having such a great reading year! Can you believe those developments in the Ruth Galloway series? We can commiserate about being all caught up and waiting for the new one in '19.

Happy holidays, Debbi. Hani sends her love.

Hope you are all feeling much better.

>168 PaulCranswick: - Thank you, Paul - and the very same to you and yours. I’m feeling much better - still tire quickly, but definitely better.

78. Feed - Newsflesh Book 1 by Mira Grant - I have my son, Jesse, to thank for this recommendation. It’s the first in a trilogy - where the world has been overtaken by a virus which causes those who die to become zombies. It’s been awhile since the epidemic occurred, so many have learned how to live as safely as possible. The news plays a very important role in the story - so “feed” has a double meaning. I’m in Pittsburgh now and have already borrowed the other two in the trilogy to take home.

79. The Overstory by Richard Powers - A wonderful book which tells the interrelated stories of many people and the effect trees have had in their lives. One of my favorite books of 2018.

80. You’re Never Weird on the Internet (almost) by Felicia Day - A recommendation from Joe - and an interesting memoir about embracing your weirdness.

Oh, the Mira Grant books are great! I hope you like the rest of them!

Happy New Year's Eve!!

That’s some reading year, beloved one. Looking forward to taking on our the shelves in ‘19!