Anita's (Figs) Reading in 2021! First thread.

Welcome to my first thread of a brand new year! For those who do not know me, my name is Anita. I live in Canada and am a single 34 year old gal. This will be my 6th year in LibraryThing although I have just been embracing the social aspect of it for three years. Last year, I was able to read 99 books and had four threads and my first ever 1000 posts. I am looking forward to this new year and am glad to say goodbye to 2020. I am also looking forward to tracking my reading and continuing my friendships here with the 75ers!

I chose this ticker image because perhaps by the time I reach my reading goal, the world will be normal again and I will be able to travel. A girl can dream, can't she?

My rating system is as follows:

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written

3= Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed. Slightly better than average.

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The Pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on

5= Absolutely perfect.

Favourite books of the past.

With each new thread, I will post a book title from the past ( at least a year ago) that I enjoyed reading so much that it deserves a mention here.

Books read in January

Books Read In February

Welcome!

Is it safe?

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread, Anita!

>9 EBT1002: It is! Thank you! I am looking forward to being hit with spectacular BB's!

Happy new year and new thread, Anita. I love your topper! Where is that? As of about a couple of hours ago, our snow had all but been washed away with the rain. But I just looked out the window and everything is pretty and dusted with white again. Until the sun comes out tomorrow...

>11 jessibud2: Thanks! I took that picture a few years ago from my front door. Sadly all the Christmas snow has melted as well. We are supposed to get a lot of ice rain and some snow tonight.

Happy New Year, Anita! I like your plan to highlight old favorites with a mention in your new threads.

Happy New Year! What a beautiful opening picture.

I wish you a Happy New Year. May it be better than the old one.

Best wishes for a better 2021!

Happy reading in 2021, Anita!

Happy New Year, Anita! Happy New Thread. Looking forward to a better and healthier 2021.

Welcome back, and happy new year!

Happy New Year, Happy New Thread and a healthy life with a lot of books!

Happy New Year, Anita. I hope you have a great year of reading.

Dropping off my and wishing you the best of new years in 2021!

>1 figsfromthistle: That vista is so so beautiful. Serene and pure-looking...soon to be mud, of course, but that's what the world is...enjoy the moment.

Gorgeous topper! Happy New Year, Anita!

Happy New Year Anita!

>13 harrygbutler: Hi Harry! Glad you like my plan :)

>14 AnneDC: Hello Anne. Happy New Year to you as well.

>15 Ameise1: Hi Barbara. Here, here to that!

>16 DianaNL: Welcome. The same to you :)

>17 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita. I shall try to keep up with you.

>18 msf59: Hi Mark. Nice to see you

>19 drneutron: Thank you, Jim. It's great to participate another year in this wonderful group.

>20 SirThomas: Thanks!

>21 BLBera: I hope it is a great reading year for you as well. Here, we are in lockdown and I hope it does not last long so I can acquire new books.

>22 ronincats: Thanks! Your star reminds me that I need to leave a star as well. Looking forward to the new reads to come.

>23 richardderus: Thanks, Richard. It is interesting that such beauty can disappear in a flash.

>24 Crazymamie: Thanks! You as well!

>25 norabelle414: Welcome. Happy New Year wishes to you as well.

Hi Anita my dear, i have dropped my star off here and will be a regular visitor dear friend.

>29 johnsimpson: Hi John. I look forward to the year ahead and many more visits to your thread :)

Happy New Year Anita!

1. Ellen Marie Wiseman: The Life She Was Given

Two alternating stories. Lilly is a nine year old child when she is sold by her mother to the circus. There she is faced with cruelty, violence and abuse.
Story#2: Julia, is a young adult when she learns that her estranged parents left the entire estate to her. What she discovers is shocking.

Lilly's storyline was well written however, I was not prepared for the graphic nature of the abuse, and also torture of animals. So it was not for me. Well written though as it had me feeling Lilly's pain.

3.5/5

>31 brenzi: Thank you. It's nice to see you.

>32 Berly: Thanks!

Happy new year, Anita! Dropping off a star so I can find my way back :)

Happy new year! lovely topper.

>35 katiekrug: Nice to see you. Happy New Year to you as well

>36 banjo123: Snow covered landscapes are quite photogenic!

>33 figsfromthistle: Cruelty to children AND animals! Oh nay nay nay. Ne'er shall mine eyen cross it.

That kind of imagery stays with me too much.

I could've wished for a cheerier first read for your 2021!

Happy New Year!

Hi Anita, and Happy New Year!

>1 figsfromthistle: Beautiful photo, thanks for sharing.

>33 figsfromthistle: The older the harder it is for me to read about abuse. No BB here!

>38 richardderus: Hi Richard! These types of books always linger with me too long. I shall read something lighter for the next one.

>39 quondame: Welcome! We made it :)

>40 karenmarie: Hey Karen! New Year wishes right back atcha.

Hope 2021 is kind to you!

And keep up with my friends here, Anita. Have a great 2021.

>42 ChelleBearss: Thanks! Have a great reading year.

>43 PaulCranswick: Have a great New Year as well, Paul.

Happy New Year! Love the beautiful snowy scene up top. We haven't had too much snow this year, which means we'll pay for it later with water issues.

Happy reading!

Hi, Anita! - Happy New Year and Thread. :)

Happy New Year Anita. Your opening image is stunning!

Happy New Year, Anita! Love that snowy picture, nice and peaceful looking.

>45 AMQS: Hi Anne! I'll cross my fingers for you that you don't have water issues this year.

>46 lyzard: Thank you! Happy reading to you.

>47 Whisper1: Happy New Year to you as well. Glad you like the topper.

>48 EllaTim: Thanks Ella. All the best for 2021!

>33 figsfromthistle: Thanks for the warning in that one. Abuse of animals is really hard for me to take so ill skip it.

I hope your week is off to a good start.

>50 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. I find it useful when placing these kind of warnings. We all process readings differently. For this novel, I would have preferred a warning as well.

The week is going well. I managed to get 2 days off in a row after working 8 in a row. I am going to sign up for my covid shot tomorrow.

Have a fantastic Tuesday!

Well, Colorado often experiences drought, so water issues are always a thing. We talk about the accumulated snowpack and what it will mean for summer water like we talk about our sports team rosters and what it means for their seasons :)

>52 AMQS: Wow! I had no idea.

2.Amy Meyerson: The Bookshop Of Yesterdays

The idea of the story was great. The fact that the main protagonist inherits a bookstore was exciting for me. However, the series of clues she had to solve just really dragged on. There were editing issues as well. However, it was a happy kinda book

2.5/5 ( sorry )

>54 figsfromthistle: Ha! I love the little apology for your rating! I feel that way every time I think about giving a low rating to a book, even though I know I shouldn't. Anyway, here's hoping your next read turns out to be 5/5!

>54 figsfromthistle: - Oh, dear. I have that one on my Kindle - it sounded so good! Don't think I'll be getting around to it anytime soon...

>54 figsfromthistle: - Hmmm. I also have this one on the shelf...

>55 scaifea: I always feel bad about a sub par read.

>56 katiekrug: It wasn't really bad per se however, it did not meet my expectations. I think it is a love it or hate it kind of read. It also did not help that I really could not connect with the main protagonist. Sometimes I rate something harshly and a month later the novel is still in my head. Then I adjust the rating. I shall keep you posted of how the rating holds up :)

>57 jessibud2: It may be a novel that you will enjoy. If you enjoy a slower narrative pace.

3. Sarah Blake: The Guest Book

1936, Ogden and Kitty buy a house on it's own island during the depression. This home is the centre of a lot of gatherings and is a generational home. However, guests and owners alike have lots of secrets. In the present day, four cousins and Evie inherit the island and thy all can not decide what to do with it. None can afford it. It is here where they discover something important.

The narrative goes through three different timelines. The weaving between them was extremely hard to follow. Similar and same names did not help for clarity. That being said, the novel did a good job in portraying the upper class in a time where privilege, tradition and prejudice dominated. The last 1/3 of the book was quite interesting. Which bumped up the rating from 2.5 to a 3. It may not be for everyone however, there is lots to discuss.

4. Marie Jalowicz Simon: Underground In Berlin

Marie is 19 years old when she makes an important life saving decision to hide from German soldiers. The novel recounts her story, and the people who housed, fed and protected her.

This was written from recorder tapes that her son made. The translation from German to English is good. Every line comes across as a fact. This is especially more prominent in the last 1/4 of the book. Perhaps it is done this way on purpose. The first half was a little more engaging.

3.2/5

This one sounds very impressive, I will look for it.
I have the advantage of being able to read it in the original version.
Best wishes for you, Anita!

Finally making it here to wish you Happy New Year and good luck in 2021!

>61 SirThomas: Well it was not exactly spannend however, it was a nice story al the same. Hope you enjoy it.

>62 mstrust: Welcome! Thank you, the same wishes for you as well.

5. Guy Walters: The Colditz Legacy

WW2, Hugh Hartley is taken as a prisoner and sent after an attempted escape to a high security POW. With him in the camp is another fellow British officer who has slightly "cracked". Moving forward to 1973, Hugh finds out that Royce is alive in a mental institution in East Germany. Certain that it is a trap to lure him there he takes extra precautions to conceal his true intentions. Will it be enough?

Solid pace. Both timelines were interesting.

3.3/5

Hi Anita, hoping for a calm and good-read-ful weekend ahead for you...like some four-plus starrers.

Just keeping current here. Congrats on #5 already!

>54 figsfromthistle: I did laugh at your "sorry" after your rating. I know how you feel doing that, but thanks for saving the rest of us. ; )

>65 richardderus: Hi Richard!

Four star reads are quite rare for me because I am a little harsh with my ratings. In reality a 3.5 star rating for me is like a 4 star rating for someone else. Nonetheless , I hope I read a book that will knock my socks off soon!

>66 Berly: Thank you! I am behind on the reading front compared to the previous year. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Hi Anita.

Congrats on 5 books already.

Happy Thursday, Anita!

>68 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Thanks :)

>69 Crazymamie: Nice to see you! Hope your Thursday has been good so far.

Today I got my Covid-19 vaccine ( the first part). Nothing major, same like the flu shot just my arm hurts a little more. Everything was well organized!

Great! I'm hoping to get mine someday soon...

>71 figsfromthistle: - Yay for your first shot! LTer Darryl (kidzdoc) got his second one yesterday and he says soreness and even a bit of fever or nausea the first 24 hours or so is normal and means the vaccine is doing what it is meant to do

>71 figsfromthistle: Really?? Do you work in health care?
I hope to have mine at some point. I'm not in healthcare so I'm thinking it won't be until fall/winter

>72 drneutron: Yes, unfortunately, many have to wait here until spring and even summer. I am fortunate.

>73 jessibud2: Yes. Quite normal!

>74 ChelleBearss: I do :) I can imagine that being in the demographic you are in it will be at least until summer. However, more vaccines are being released each week and the mass inoculation may come sooner. Fingers crossed.

>71 figsfromthistle: Congratulations! You're at least partially protected now.

>76 EllaTim: Ha! Indeed ;)

>71 figsfromthistle: Congratulations! Such news give hope again.
I wish you a wonderful weekend, Anita!

Very intruiging books you have chosen so far! "Underground in Berlin" sounds tempting in particular.
Happy reading weekend!

Hi, Anita!

Yay for the vaccine shot!!

>78 SirThomas: Thank you. Good weekend wishes returned

>79 PersephonesLibrary: Glad you find my selections interesting :) May you have a great weekend ahead.

>80 scaifea: Yay, indeed!

6. Alan Bradley: Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd

Flavia returns home from Canada to discover that her father is in the hospital. Frustrated that she is unable to see him right away she takes a trip into town. There she comes upon a hanging body.

This is the 8th book in the series. It was not one of the strongest however, a pleasurable read. Coming back to the series is like putting on an old favourite pair of slippers.

3.3/5

I really enjoyed the Flavia series on audio. I'm not sure they would have worked as well for me in print.

Have a great weekend, Anita!

>82 figsfromthistle: It's a comforting thing to come back to old favorites, isn't it? Even the lesser entries in a series release the serotonin.

>83 katiekrug: Hi Katie! Good weekend wishes back atcha :)

>84 richardderus: It is Richard. I have to admit, I don't know what I will do when I have reached the end of the series.

>82 figsfromthistle: I have been sneaking around the Flavia-series for a while now... Hm, I have to check my filofax to make reading time for it, I guess.

>86 PersephonesLibrary: I hope you enjoy the series. It reads like YA. Just important to note, this is a series where you really need to start from the beginning

Happy New Year, Anita.

I enjoyed The Bookshop of Yesterdays, but agree with you about its shortcomings. But it was a kinda happy book, as you say, which was welcome during pandemic time.

>88 jnwelch: Nice to see you. Hope you have a fun filled reading year ahead.

7. Henry Porter: A spy's Life

Robert, a retired intelligence officer finds himself on a plane ride he will never forget. The plane crashes and he is the sole survivor. What he finds out is that the plane crash was not accidental. Things quickly escalate and Robert finds himself in trouble more than once.

First in the series. A novel with a steady buildup.

3/5

General update:

I have decided to learn a new language. I am not sure if I should pick a so called "harder" language that requires more effort or if I should learn a language that requires less effort and will come more naturally. These are the languages that I think I would enjoy learning: Italian, Cantonese, Hungarian or Arabic.

Any thoughts?

>91 figsfromthistle: - I'd go with an easier one. It's a fact that it's more difficult for the adult brain (than the child's brain, for example) to acquire new languages but it certainly can be done. At least, go with one that uses the same alphabet as English. And good luck and have fun!

How are you going to do it? Actual classes or an online course? Do you know any people who speak those languages that you can practice with? That will really help a lot.

>91 figsfromthistle: - I would love to learn Italian, as I think it's lovely. I have a friend learning Arabic and she says that while it's very challenging, it's fascinating. She's really enjoying it.

So I guess I'm no help :)

I'm with Katie - I'd pick Italian, although Arabic would be *so* interesting...

I'm also with Shelley, wanting to know what kind of course you're thinking about taking. Charlie and I used the Mango app last summer for French and I highly recommend it.

Really learning a new language takes time, effort and lasting commitment, so I'd pick a language that has some motivation for you. Like you want to take a vacation? Read books in original language? Also, learning a language that is related to one you already know is easier. Hungarian is difficult, so unless you enjoy the challenge.. I've been to Hungary once, got lost on my first day on our destination but found out that everyone understood the word camping and was willing to help out.
I'd go for Italian because it is easy to listen to, and I already know French. I'm trying to improve my school French at the moment. I find myself tongue tied when on holiday in France. Enjoying ten minutes of duolingo each day.

>92 jessibud2: Hmmm. I know that it will take me longer to learn a language compared to when I learned three at the same time as a child. I was thinking of taking online classes ( self study).

>93 katiekrug: Hi Katie! Italian is quite lovely. This is one of the languages that I think would be natural for me. I find that I can already muddle through a little because of English, French and German. Lot's of similar sounding words. However, Arabic seems to be easy for me as well. A friend of mine gave me a quick lesson and he was impressed. I am not sure if it would be wise to learn two languages at the same time. Probably, at my age it would not work well.

>94 scaifea: I will probably do an online course. I saw a great online course called visual link but it's for Spanish. Hmmmm perhaps it would be best to learn Spanish first, and then Italian ? So many choices!

>95 EllaTim: My desired fluency depends on the language. Hungarian, just at a speaking level as I used to travel to Hungary at least 3 times a year. Italian would be a complete fluency at the college level and Arabic at a High school level.

So far, the language that I would have the most difficulty learning is Cantonese. My friend wanted to teach me a few words and my tone for the first word never came near the tone it was supposed to be at. I shall have to think about it this weekend.

8. Rainbow Rowell: Fangirl

Cath and her twin sister, start their first year of college apart from each other. Cath is a shy, fan fiction writer who is struggling to fit in. On the other hand, her sister is gregarious and having the time of her life. However, Cath's roommate ends up taking her under her wing. Cath is forced to come out her shell and deal with family problems and an ailing father.

This is a great novel for a teenager! I thought that I would not enjoy it however, it was great. All the dialogue and characters came off as real and natural. A nice little surprise for me.

3.5/5

Every year I look forward to the CBC's Canada reads. There are always some interesting and stellar selections. So far, the only one on this list ( 2021) that I have read is Lonely Hearts Hotel. This year the longlist is:

Yiddish for Pirates by Gary Barwin
All Together Now by Alan Doyle
Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi
Autopsy of a Boring Wife by Marie-Renée Lavoie, translated by Arielle Aaronson
Two Trees Make a Forest by Jessica J. Lee
Dirty Birds by Morgan Murray
The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill
The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk
Tatouine by Jean-Christophe Réhel, translated by Katherine Hastings and Peter McCambridge
Thunder Through My Veins by Gregory Scofield
Wendy, Master of Art by Walter Scott
You Are Eating An Orange. You Are Naked. by Sheung-King
Tilly and the Crazy Eights by Monique Gray Smith
Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots
Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead

The Shortlist: The Midnight Bargain, Two Trees Make a Forest, Jonny Appleseed, Hench and Butter Honey Pig Bread.

Can't wait to read and watch the debates.

The author is The Midnight Bargain is going to be interviewed on CBC radio this hour, on Shelagh Rogers show. I also saw a wonderful interview on TVO's The Agenda, recently, with Jessica Lee, author of Two Trees Make a Forest.

>99 jessibud2: Oh thanks for letting me know. I will have to look up the interview on TVO. The Midnight Bargain looks to be an interesting read.

>100 figsfromthistle: - Here you go. I found her very interesting and really do want to read this book:

https://www.tvo.org/video/piecing-together-a-family-history

>101 jessibud2: Thanks! :)

Hi Anita my dear, hope all is well with you and hope that you are having a good Saturday, we are both fine. Sending love and hugs dear friend.

>103 johnsimpson: Hi John! Glad you are both doing well. My weekend has been great so far as I have the weekend off from work. It snowed quite a bit today so I cleared the driveway before heading out for groceries. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Hey Anita and a very late Happy New Year!

That's a lovely opening image. We've had very little snow this year - only currently about an inch on the ground. I'm loving how easy it makes it for me to get around on my still-braced knee - but I'm hoping the mountains are getting enough that we avoid drought in the summer. There is still lots of winter left to go yet (sigh).

Thanks for posting the CBC Canada reads. I'll look forward to your comments!

I want to read three of the shortlisted books: Jonny Appleseed, Hench, and Butter Honey Pig Bread, so I hope one of those wins.

Happy new week ahead!

>105 streamsong: Welcome :)

I hope to acquire some of the books in the next week or so. Shipping seems to take longer these days.

>106 richardderus: I have Jonny Appleseed on the way. It looks to be an excellent read. Happy reading, Richard!

>98 figsfromthistle: So much reading and surely great books that I have never heard of. Another reason for not having the US writers in the Booker prize. Some of these may have got Booker longlisted otherwise.

>108 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! We do have a few Canadian book prizes ( 25 or so) . One of the more known is the Scotiabank Giller prize.

Enjoy the start to your week.

>109 figsfromthistle: Believe it or not, Anita, I do track the Giller and have read a number of them. I have so far read 6 of them but this year's winner is a little obscure and I haven't been able to track it down at all.

>110 PaulCranswick: I always look forward to the Giller prize. I have not bought 2020's winner yet.

9. Margaret Atwood: Oryx and Crake

A wonderful dystopia. A novel about the possible consequences of bioengineering.

Different writing style compared to Atwood's other works that I read. Quite interesting. In a way it reminded me of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

3.8/5

I liked that one, too, Anita.

>112 figsfromthistle:, >113 Crazymamie: - Me three.

>113 Crazymamie: >114 katiekrug: It was a great read. I shall have much to look forward to with the second instalment, The Year Of The Flood

10. Sarah Morgan: One Summer in Paris

It's Grace's 25th wedding anniversary and she is surprising her husband with a month long trip to Paris. However, he has a surprise of his own. His surprise allows Grace to discover her true self and become more balanced.

A light romance/chick lit kinda novel that is easy and breezy. The ending was a little bummer for me as I expected something different from Sara's newfound voice.

3.2/5

>95 EllaTim: I'm learning Russian in duolingo! I took some Russian in college but have forgotten most of it and Duolingo is a low-effort way to get it back.

>97 figsfromthistle: Do you plan to read the book-within-a-book, Carry On? Rowell's writing is very readable. I recommend it.

>118 norabelle414: Welcome,Nora!

I am not sure if I will read Carry On. I don't have that book on my shelf so I suspect it will be a while .

>112 figsfromthistle: I started this one, but put it aside again. From your review I think I will pick it up again.

>118 norabelle414: Kudos to you, Russian doesn't seem easy.

Have a good weekend Anita.

Hi Ella!

In all fairness I had to start that book three times in the past year. It is one of those novels where the timing for you needs to be right. Great weekend wishes right back at you!

Hi Anita! I’m glad to hear that you got your first dose of vaccine – do you already have an appointment for your second dose or will “they” get in touch with you?

>112 figsfromthistle: I loved Oryx & Crake, have the other two on my shelves but haven’t been motivated yet to read them.

>122 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I was given a second appointment day after receiving the first shot. So far no one has called to cancel so we shall see. Realistically, the time between the two doses can be prolonged for up to 42 days for the Pfizer vaccine.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead :)

Hi Anita, just dropping by to acknowledge your "Hurrah", a 4-star read on my thread. It was a lovely story (The Time of Green Magic) and for me, really satisfying to find an author writing for the middle-grade audience in such an engaging way.

Last year was a pretty decent for finding the 4-star books. I think I already have a few BB's from he January threads that will equal that, although maybe not the YA and younger genre. I like YA when it is well-done. I can be very harsh when the plot is poorly written, especially if I feel that the author is disrespecting their target audience.

>124 SandyAMcPherson: Welcome! It's nice to have you visiting here. I quite enjoy YA lit as well and like you am particular about the quality. I mostly read it because I have a lot of nieces and nephews in that age group and so I want to make sure the book is appropriate for their maturity and emotional level. By unpacking my book boxes I came across two of my favourite novels from my childhood. The Velvet Room and Below The Root ( also bonus that they are first editions!) It's been 20 or so years since I have read them however, I still remember picking them at a library sale. Even as a child, I could not resist bringing books home ;)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hi, Anita. I also like children's fantasy of quality. Just requested The Time of Green Magic from the library so glad you and Sandy were discussing it.

>64 figsfromthistle: Anita, my partner Will had two uncles that were in WWII. Uncle Bob helped to liberate Colditz, and had many stories. Uncle Bill was on the Intrepid when it was hit by the Japanese. When he returned home, he drank to dull the memories of watching the people in the mess hall flying through the air as the ship was afire.

Sadly, Uncle Bob is one of the growing list of WWII veterans no longer with us. When he grew older and had dementia, the needle of his mind was stuck in Europe and Germany. How I wish his mind could have remembered happier things.

Uncle Bill, 97 years old as of last July, is witty, loving, kind and has a laugh that makes all who hear it laugh with him. He no longer drinks alcohol, lives in Florida where he loves it!

>60 figsfromthistle: Thanks again for the recommendation, Anita.
It was an impressive read.
Have a wonderful weekend.

>126 ronincats: It looks to be a great read!

>127 Whisper1: Hi Linda! Wow. What a story. I was not aware of Colditz until reading this novel. Unfortunately, many of those who participated in WW2 have long lasting after effects. Back then it was a suck it up kinda attitude and I am sure not one ever knew about PTSD. Now at least, soldiers who come back have more resources at their disposal to cope. My aunt for example was put in a prisoner of war camp and never talked about it. I could see the haunted look in her eyes whenever I would talk about her youth.

Hooray for Uncle Bill for dealing with his pain and finding all the joys living in sunny Florida:)

>128 SirThomas: Glad you liked it :)

Update: I was worried that my second dose was going to be postponed. Unfortunately, I received a phone call in the afternoon with a cancellation until further notice. Hopefully, the delay will not be too long in the future.

On a nice note, today we received 20+ cm of snow. It was not great to get to work today but is sure looked beautiful!

>130 figsfromthistle: Boooo hisshisssss on the cancellation! But happy about the pretty snows. Always cheering to have a lovely landscape to look at.

>131 richardderus: Hey Richard! Hope you have a wonderful, sunny weekend :)

>129 figsfromthistle: What was called shell shock was well known from The Great War, and I know there were some movies with post-WWII traumatized protagonists, but it was true that that wasn't much focused on in comparison to what was coming out in the 70's with veterans of the Vietnam War.

>133 quondame: Hi Susan!

At least the lines of communication and help are open now and those traumatized are coming forward with their struggles. It must be an awful feeling dealing with it alone.

Anyhow, have a wonderful weekend!

>130 figsfromthistle: I am slightly losing hope to get vaccinated at all this year... "until further notice"? I thought there has to be a certain time between the shots? Well, fingers crossed that you get rescheduled soon! Enjoy the snow!

>135 PersephonesLibrary: Happy Monday!

The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine can be up to 42 days after the first one. So somewhere before the 42 day mark, I should be rescheduled. Unfortunately, the ski slopes are closed however, I have been snowshoeing instead.

Stats For January:

Books read: 10

Female authors: 6

Male: 4

Authors from UK: 3, USA: 4, CAN: 2, GER:1.

Pages read: 3616

Shortest read: 304 pages

Longest: Two at 496

Average: 361.6

>112 figsfromthistle: I loved that one too! The whole trilogy was great!

I think you got a lot more snow that we did here! My town managed to avoid it, but 30 mins away they got like a foot!

>138 ChelleBearss: And here in Toronto, we got exactly nothing! Roads and sidewalks still dry and clear, and what remains on the ground is what fell last week, or whenever it was. So weird but Toronto always gets so little when all around us is covered.

>136 figsfromthistle: At least you have a deadline to look forward to! Fingers crossed everything will go as planned! I'd prefer snowshoeing to skiing any day. Okay, I am the only Austrian who doesn't know how to ski... so, there is not much choice. ;-)

>137 figsfromthistle: Nice statistics!

>138 ChelleBearss: It's weird how the weather goes. Depends on where the weather band decides to stay.

>139 jessibud2: It's funny because my parents and I were recently discussing the fact that it's soo unfair that my cousin ( who lives in Toronto) never seems to get a lot of snow while we are knee deep in it :)

>140 PersephonesLibrary: I know what you mean! My uncle was a ski jumper( for Austria) and his son was a judge for ski jumping. Almost all of my family are die hard skiers. Sadly, I am not the greatest skier. I have difficulties with the snowplow so it's best to keep me off the slope :)

11. Jose Saramago: Seeing

This is the sequel to Blindness. I must admit, I put off reading this one because I thought it would have similar imagery and grotesque behaviours as Seeing did. I simply did not want that type of read right now. To my great surprise, the grotesque behaviour was represented through political ideology rather than corporeal/sexual.

3.2/5

>142 figsfromthistle: I keep forgetting that there's a sequel to Blindness. I loved that one, even though, as you say, it's bleak. Thanks for the reminder!

>143 scaifea: Your welcome :) The sequel is bleak in a totally different way so I hope you enjoy it!

12. Arturo Perez-Reverte: The Seville Communion

When a hacker breaks into the popes personal computer, and reveals a secret about a church in Seville, a special team sends an extraordinary priest to investigate.

Great beginning, super slow middle. Not one of his better novels but still ok.

2.8/5

>145 figsfromthistle: - Hmmm, I have this one on my shelf. I've never read anything by him. Is there a better place to start?

>146 katiekrug: I think that a better place to start would be The Flanders Panel I quite enjoyed the read .

>145 figsfromthistle: I sort of lost steam in that one about 40pp in, but that was before my Pearl-Rule point was that low (it's 39pp now!) so I keep it on my mental get-back-to-it shelf.

May be time to give it up for dead.

>148 richardderus: If you gave up on it from the beginning pages then I can surmise that you will really not enjoy it half way in. The beginning was the most interesting part.

And now for a little pick me up Wednesday ( I know it's Thursday). I meant to do this yesterday. With all the snow around I thought that I would take myself out of the cold and dream about the spring. Here is a photo taken of my partial flower garden in spring.

>150 figsfromthistle: Wow, that's beautiful! I love the differently-leveled beds and those evergreens in the background!

>150 figsfromthistle: I love this! What a serene garden to look on. It doesn't look exactly like your topper photo. Is it the same view, but angled over a bit?

>150 figsfromthistle: That is full or gorgeous, Anita! Very relaxing just looking at it, so it must be very happy making.

>151 scaifea: Thanks! Believe it or not there are actually three rows of trees by the fence. Two side by side and one in front. The whole property is surrounded by evergreens. My father planted all the trees eons ago. There were only 2 trees on the whole lot. Now it's up to me to continue planting and maintaining although he still tells me what needs to be done ;)

>152 SandyAMcPherson: It is a different angle! Good eye :) This one is looking to the right. The topper photo looks straight ahead (sorta).

>153 Crazymamie: It is quite nice to look at. The springtime brings a lot of work ( mulch, trimming and weeding). One of the stone walls fell from all the construction last year so dad and I will have to fix it. He is the one that put it there in the first place so I am sure he will know what to do. It is a garden that is totally worth the effort.

>150 figsfromthistle: A very pretty garden! Definitely looks like you are a family of gardeners.

>150 figsfromthistle: Nice Anita! Love the colourful tulips, but those evergreens as well.

I'm glad you enjoyed Fangirl. Me, too. Rainbow Rowell has a nice touch with teenager stories.

>150 figsfromthistle: It's beautiful. What a wonderful space awaits you come spring!

>150 figsfromthistle: What a beautiful garden! The garden in the back yard began with one Bogenvia (Butterfly bush) It spread at an incredible rate, and now there are eight butterfly bushes that have crowded out the beautiful perennials I planted.

>156 mstrust: Thanks! I remember being by my parents side as a child "helping". The very first thing I tried to plant were dandelions. I planted a whole row and watered them faithfully. I couldn't figure out why they died until I realized that picking dandelions with the stems only without roots won't get too far. Well I suppose I can be forgiven as I was only 4 years old :) My parents still talk about it.

>157 EllaTim: Hi Ella! The tulips are my mom's thing. I think she planted 10000 bulbs around the property. The squirrels like them as well ;)

>158 jnwelch: I was quite surprised. I was totally expecting a meh kinda read and it turned out to be excellent- even for an adult :)

>159 quondame: Thank you! Perhaps next time I shall post a picture of the gardens on the side and back of the house.

>160 Whisper1: Oooh I quite love butterfly bushes! What colour are yours?

>161 figsfromthistle: The dandelions, that was an experiment, you learned. I loved them too as a kid, and even now I let them flower in my garden.

Yes, the tulips are kind of edible, I can't have them in my garden, no squirrels but lots of voles, eating them all.

>163 EllaTim: Voles are cute but soo naughty! They like to eat the roots of my vegetable plants as well.

>150 figsfromthistle: Lovely garden, the the oasis- or clearing-like structure makes such a nice and relaxing atmosphere.

>165 PersephonesLibrary: Thank you :) I can't wait till spring.

Hi Anita.

>130 figsfromthistle: Ugh. Sorry your second dose has been postponed. Yay for the snow.

>137 figsfromthistle: Nice stats for January.

>150 figsfromthistle: How lovely! Such a nice pick-me-up. Thanks for sharing.

>167 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far. Here, it's really cold! Minus 17 degrees celsius. Apparently, the cold spell is supposed to last for a couple of weeks. A nice time to stay inside beside the fireplace and read.

13. Brittani Sonnenberg: Home Leave

Chris Kriegstein, upends his family's life when he is transferred, over a period of years, to various continents for work. It leaves the family divided and longing to feel at home somewhere. However, for their children, the sense of home becomes quite complicated. When tragedy strikes, the family, becomes disjointed.

The novel started to become more interesting towards the middle. There are multiple narrators ( some that do not work). The general idea and subject matter was interesting however, I was a little annoyed that the explanations/descriptions relied a lot on cultural and behavioural stereotypes which is the easy and unimaginative way out. I enjoyed how the author started to touch on cultural identity, and grief. It really had a lot of potential. A novel that was meh for me but may have much more potential for someone else.

2.8/5

>166 figsfromthistle: No seasons here but I am looking forward to an English summer!

Have a lovely Sunday.

>170 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Nice to see you. My weekend has been good so far ( although a little cold) Taking advantage of my weekend off and sorting things into boxes for charity.

Hi Anita! I’m finally catching up on a few threads and dropping by.

>169 figsfromthistle: Anita, I usually enjoy books told from different perspectives - but this doesn't sound like I would like it.
Hope your weekend was calm and relaxing!

>172 humouress: Nice to see you! Hope you are having a great Sunday.

>173 PersephonesLibrary: Weekend was good! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead.

14. Clive Cussler: The Gray Ghost

A Rolls -Royce prototype that has a long history of "changing hands" is stolen yet again from Fargo's cousin. The car is priceless however, the interest lies in an extra treasure that is supposed to be hidden in the car. Of course the Bonnie and Clyde team is up for the adventure and do the best to draw out all ghosts.

This is books # 10 in the series however, can be read as a stand alone. Good entry in the series.

3.5/5

Alright so here is this week's pick me up Wednesday photo.


Taken on the main strip in Niagra Falls ( on the Canadian Side)

And another two I took, on a winter trip to the falls.

Great pictures, Anita.
And what a contrast of the seasons.

>176 figsfromthistle: Lovely pictures, Anita.

>176 figsfromthistle: I love the pictures of Niagra Falls. It must be a beautiful view. But very tourist-y I guess?

Hi Anita my dear, i love the photos you have posted and what a contrast of the seasons, one of these days we will get over there and take a look. Love and hugs dear friend.

>177 SirThomas: Thanks! The winter that I took those in was extremely cold and I was able to witness the rare event of the falls being completely frozen.

>178 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! I hope all is well with you.

>179 PersephonesLibrary: There certainly is a lot of touristy things to do. However, I go every year and always discover something new off the main tourist strip.

>180 johnsimpson: Hi John! I think that you will enjoy the falls. Have a wonderful weekend.

General update:

So today I was chopping green onions and my really sharp chefs knife slipped and unfortunately cut into my left index finger. It took off half of my fingernail and a huge chunk of flesh. It really hurts! Bandaged it up correctly but tomorrow's work day will be interesting. I have a feeling that this will be a slow healing/ annoying wound.

Ouch! I hope it heals quickly.

>182 figsfromthistle: Ouch! Good luck with quick healing.

>176 figsfromthistle: Pretty. Do you happen to have a photo of the frozen falls?

>182 figsfromthistle: Ew, not nice for you.

Get well soon.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend despite, Anita.

>182 figsfromthistle: That sounds very painful - and cuts at fingers/hands are very annoying because you always bump them somewhere... Here's to quick healing!

>182 figsfromthistle: That sounds painful. I hope it heals soon!

Have a nice weekend.

>182 figsfromthistle: - Ouch! One word: polysporin. Just slather the stuff on a cleaned cut and bandage. It really does help especially to ward off infection. I speak from experience!

>182 figsfromthistle: - Oh, OUCH! I sliced open the pad of my thumb once while cutting a bagel and had to get stitches. So hard to do things when a finger is wrapped up like a mummy. I hope it heals quickly...

>182 figsfromthistle: Oh no! I hope it heals up quickly for you! Those finger wounds can be awkward.

>182 figsfromthistle:, Oh My Goodness, i agree with you that it will probably take some time to heal. I hope that you are not in too much pain, sending special Yorkshire healing wishes dear friend.

>183 drneutron: Hi Jim! I hope it does as well.

>184 quondame: Thanks :)

>185 humouress: I have a photo of the falls on a SD card somewhere. I shall have to look.

>186 SirThomas: Thank you. Good weekend wishes right back atcha!

>187 PersephonesLibrary: So true. No matter what injury, it is always the sore spot that gets bumped!

>188 EllaTim: Hi Ella. It's going to be a cold weather kinda weekend but at least it's sunny.

>189 beststatusvideo: Um...Ok. Your welcome?

>190 jessibud2: Good to know! So far I have been putting iodine on it.

>191 katiekrug: Ouch! It is an awkward spot.

>192 scaifea: Indeed they are. I also am ambidextrous but I was under the impression that I favour one hand over the other. With my finger wrapped up, I have come to realize just how much I use my left hand.

>193 johnsimpson: Thank you for the special healing wishes :)

Happy reading weekend, Anita!

>197 PersephonesLibrary: What a lovely picture. Hope you have a great weekend as well.

15.Sandra Brown: Envy

When Maris Matherly- Reed discovers a potential best seller manuscript in the slush pile, she immediately sets on a mission to find the author's identity. What she does not know is that he has his own plans and will prove to be hostile and difficult towards her.

I expected this to be a murder/mystery novel. However, it turned out to have a lot of romance in it. Even though I felt that I was a little mislead, it was a good read. If your like romance with mystery, revenge and a little steam, then you may enjoy this one.

3.2/5

Sending you best wishes for your poor finger! That sounds very painful!
I've only spent a single day at Niagra Falls (Canadian side) but I loved it. It's so beautiful that it's easy to see why it would become a honeymoon spot.

>200 mstrust: Hi Jennifer! It seems to be healing well.

There is a lot to discover in the Niagra region. If you go there again, and enjoy wine, then Niagra on the lake is worth a visit as well.

Hope you are having a wonderful Monday.

16. Susan Mallery: A Million Little Things

When Susan Mallery accidentally locks herself in the attic, she suddenly becomes aware of how alone she is. Suddenly, she befriends her best friends mother and is introduced to new people.

Ok so it was not horrible however, I found the read to be quite annoying. At times it was great and don't get me wrong is was an ok light read. However, I did not like that the author chose to put in stereotypes of men and antiquated thinking about family. I suppose that a positive way to see the story it that those protagonists with strong old fashioned opinions are questioned by others and are forced to change or think about their beliefs. It also could be that I am just being a little oversensitive. Anyhow it was a average read.

# 3 in the Mischief bay series

2.8/5

Here is Wednesday's pick me up photo. It was taken once upon a time in Florida. Hope you are all enjoying the Wednesday instalments.

Hi, Anita. I'm sure enjoying the Wednesday installments. Nice rainbow in this one. If I look out my window right now, all I see are big piles of snow, so these are welcome. :-)

>204 jnwelch: Glad you are enjoying the photos! I know what you mean about the snow. We just got a wolloping 35 cm yesterday. Today is calm and quite beautiful. Tomorrow, more snow on the way.

I enjoy the Wednesday installments very much, Anita!
Here the snow has completely thawed again, by Saturday the temperature should rise to 15°C - it is getting spring.

>201 figsfromthistle: I've had wine from this region and I'm really glad they've come up with a way to keep the local economy going since it's no longer the honeymoon capitol is was. And really good wine too!

Well, it's not a finger amputation, but the second COVID vaccine does indeed hurt more than the first one did.

*smooch*

>206 SirThomas: Wow 15 degrees sound nice versus the minus 20 here. If you see signs of spring then it can not be far off for me here either :)

>207 mstrust: They do produce great wine. I enjoyed the wine tour a few years ago where I went on a bike/wine tasting tour. There were a lot of wineries in the biking distance from one another and let me tell you, riding a bike close to the end of the tour ( after ten wineries) was challenging to say the least :)

>208 richardderus: Hey Richard! Good to know about the second dose. I have mine on Monday and work the next day. Did you have any other effects ( fever and such)? Enjoy the rest of the week. Friday is not far away!

17. Karen Robards: The Black Swan Of Paris

Paris, a famous singer is strong armed into helping WW2's French resistance. Little does her cell know, Genevieve has a past that can put them all at risk.

If you enjoy historical romance then you will enjoy this novel.

3.1/5

Chiming in to say that I enjoy your Wednesday photos, too! And I'm adding the Robards to my list...

>211 scaifea: Glad you are enjoying the Wednesday picks! Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!

>160 Whisper1: Hi Anita. I have three various colors, but my favorite color is this one:

Nice eye candy here today. I'm trying to duck the BBs. The Black Swan Of Paris, I'm dodging you, for now. Yes, looks very readable and WL-able...

>213 Whisper1: Ooh quite a lovely colour.

>214 SandyAMcPherson: It is quite readable! Good for you and your quickness in dodging all those bullets ;)

18. Robert Hillman: The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted

Tom Hope is having a string of bad luck. When his wife leaves him with a son that's not biologically his, he gives his all to provide Peter with a loving home. However, his life is turned upside down when a bookstore in town opens up. The owner ( Hannah) is trying to escape the ghosts and memories of her past as a prisoner in Auschwitz.

A story about love, hope and forgiveness.

3.3/5

I just picked this book up from the library today! Will start it tonight.

>217 jessibud2: I hope you enjoy it :)

>203 figsfromthistle: We could all use a few more rainbows in our lives. :) Thank you, Anita!

>208 richardderus: I have heard from many people that the second dose is harsher than the first one. I hope you will tolerate it well!

>216 figsfromthistle: This sounds nice - but does it get "kitchy" or how would you describe its atmosphere?

>216 figsfromthistle: - Someone else just read this recently and recommended it, so I think I'll check the library for it...

Have a great weekend, figs!

>220 katiekrug:, Hi Katie, i read The Bookshop of The Brokenhearted in January my dear.

>219 PersephonesLibrary: I don't think it was kitchy. It was a nice romance novel where both protagonists are forced to overcome various issues.

>220 katiekrug: Have a great weekend, Katie!

>221 johnsimpson: Joe also read it around the time ( a little before) I did.

Have a nice weekend Anita!

The Bookshop of the Brokenhearted is getting a lot of praise around here.

>213 Whisper1: Nice picture! A few more months to go.

>223 EllaTim: Hi Ella. I hope you are having a great weekend so far.

>222 figsfromthistle: In that case I want to read it. Thanks for the clarification!

>225 PersephonesLibrary: No problem :)

Hi Anita!

>176 figsfromthistle: Excellent photos.

>182 figsfromthistle: Sounds nasty and painful. I hope you recover more quickly than you anticipate.

>199 figsfromthistle: I’ve read a few by Brown and had forgotten that I like that ‘genre’ - romance with mystery, revenge and a little steam. I’ll have to keep an eye out for more by her when things get back to normal with thrift shop visits and Friends book sales.

>203 figsfromthistle: It picked me up – I love photos that capture rainbows.

>209 figsfromthistle: Good luck with the second dose!

>215 figsfromthistle: I dodge BBs only to put them on my WL, for better times.
I think 2021 is kind of a more of 2020-same.

>227 karenmarie: Hi Karen

Glad you like the photos. My finger has healed nicely so far and I am now able to play piano again ( with a little padding at the front).

Today I had a little mishap as I was trying to close the gate, I was trying to avoid stepping on my cat and as a result ending up on an icy patch of stair. Of course I fell and hit my head against the brick wall. Hurts a little and there is a nice big bump on the head. This year seems to full of accidents.

>228 SandyAMcPherson: It is sort of the same but seems somehow more optimistic this year.

Yikes! I’m hoping you’re ok.

>230 drneutron: So far so good. Was concerned because my head fell back and bounced forward. I heard a snap in my neck so I was concerned about whiplash. The noggin is ok and so far no issues with concentration and such. Clumsy me!

19. Holly Becker: Decorate

I am not sure if this counts as a book read. Very little reading in this and consists of a lot of pictures but I'll count it anyways as I went through it three times ;)

Nice pictures but that's about all. Design advice is sparse and it would have been nice to be able to know where to find certain items in the book ( or at least something similar).

2.8/5

>231 figsfromthistle: Whiplash can take a day or so to manifest. It helps me to take something that will help with muscle pain before it does.

>233 quondame: Good tip. I did take something to reduce the potential pain on it's way.

>229 figsfromthistle: Oh no! I hope there are no repercussions.

It’s a bit like when my son comes back after football: ‘Did you get hurt?’
Usually the answer is ‘Yes’,
in which case ‘Was it your leg or head?’
and then we get to hear the story of that particular conflict.

>233 quondame: Goodness, Susan, how often do you go through the wars? Sounds like you anticipate whiplash on a regular basis.

ETA: I’m trying to bring some lightness to the proceedings but I don’t mean to make light of your injuries. No offence meant.

>229 figsfromthistle: Oh No!
I hope you are doing well and wish you a speedy recovery, Anita.

>235 humouress: Happy Monday!

So far so good just sore.

>236 SirThomas: Thank you :)

Glad there doesn't seem to be lasting damage, but I'll bet that bouncing your head against a brick wall really hurt! Have a good, pain-free week.

>238 mstrust: Hi Jennifer! Yes it really did hurt. I have never had soo many mishaps in all these years. Ah well. Have a great week.

Update: Had my second covid shot today. So far no symptoms that many have felt after the second shot. We shall see tomorrow.

The pain from slipping on ice is still there. My right side is bruised almost all the way down so that still hurts. Hopefully, tomorrow will feel better.

On a more frustrating note, I checked my pay from last week and it's completely wrong. Wrong wages and somehow different department. So now it's less money and will likely have to wait till next pay day to receive the rest of the money owed to me. That just means that the next pay has more of a lump sum and therefore more tax will be taken off. This is the 3rd time in 2 months that they have messed up. Considering the fact that I have to sign in and out using a handprint verification that is linked to my personal work account they certainly seem to make more mistakes compared to the old fashioned sign in.

Hi Anita. Bruising takes some time to heal, I know. I never remember which is better for what, ice or heat but try something, if it can help. And how aggravating is that, with payroll! Have you asked them why, and also, why you should be penalized with more taxes taken off, if the mistake is theirs? Sheesh. Were they not trained properly o the new system?

>235 humouress: I've had 4 incidents where whiplash factored in. But I apply the same preemptive pain blocking strategy for muscle strain or heavier than normal activity. I am quite whimpy and have no truck with no pain no gain.

>240 figsfromthistle: Here's to hoping you're already experiencing the worst. Of it all.

>240 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on the second shot, Anita.
My mother used to say to me - if it hurts it heals. That comforted me a little as a child - but only a little ;-).
Sometimes I feel there is a connection between more technique and more mistakes. I hope you get your money soon.

Oh gosh, Anita, you're having an eventful time lately! I hope your bruises heal up quickly, but yay for your second shot!

>244 SirThomas: if it hurts it heals Oh, I love that!

Much going on, Anita! Congrats to the shot - fingers crossed it stays that way and you tolerate it well.

Hopefully the bruising will heal quickly.

Gosh, and hopefully they get the payment organized. It seems to me that the "smarter" the system gets the more mistakes happen.

>241 jessibud2: The system is not really new ( five years) but the person now in charge of it is. I think she did not pay full attention to her 2 week training ;)

>242 quondame: Wow! Four incidents with whiplash! Goodness! Heres hoping to no more incidents for you.

>243 richardderus: I hope so too, Richard.

>244 SirThomas: Sounds like your mom's a true gem :)

>245 scaifea: I am glad that I have received my second shot. A lot of people at work are refusing to get it and there are a great deal of people who are misinformed about the vaccine so they are hesitant to get it. Some bring up conspiracies and when they try to spew their crap I walk out of the room ( I mean no offence to conspiracy theorists out there)

>246 PersephonesLibrary: So far no adverse effects from the shot. Buy I did feel like I was running hot/cold all day at work. It's only a matter of time until it will become mandatory to have the vaccine at work or at the very least for travel purposes.

20. Anthony Horowitz: The House Of Silk

Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson have a new client looking for help. This time, from an art dealer that is being followed by a man seeking revenge. However, things are not quite as they seem and this seemingly trivial case leads to something more.

I enjoyed it.

3.5/5

>247 figsfromthistle: Oh, ugh. One of my sisters is refusing to get the vaccine because she thinks it will actually *give* her the virus. There's no reasoning with those types, it seems. Ridiculous.

>249 scaifea: You are absolutely right. Even if you explain it to them they refuse to listen to logic. Ah well.

Here is Wednesday's photo instalment. Taken at the top of the hill in Budapest while the sun goes down.

21. Amor Towles: A Gentleman in Moscow

Russia, 1922,Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol hotel. His old suite is taken away from him however, he finds a way to live comfortably.

This book found it's way on my WL from countless other's threads recommending it. What a fine novel indeed!

4/5

>242 quondame: Ow!

>248 figsfromthistle: How does it compare to the original? Close enough to not be annoying?

>249 scaifea: Well, she's kind of right, but that's how vaccines work (more or less).

>251 figsfromthistle: Nice!

Hope your arm is doing better, both from your fall and your shot!

>251 figsfromthistle: Oh, that's gorgeous!

>252 figsfromthistle: I haven't read one review of this book that isn't glowing - I *need* to get round to reading it!

Hi Anita! Congrats on getting your second dose.

>229 figsfromthistle: Yikes, I’m sorry to hear that you fell and bumped your head. I hope you’re fully recovered.

>240 figsfromthistle: … except for bruising which might take a while.

>247 figsfromthistle: I am still amazed at folks who refuse to get the vaccine. Anti-vaxxers in general, too.

>251 figsfromthistle: Beautiful. The lighting is perfect.

>253 humouress: Well, she's kind of right, but that's how vaccines work (more or less). Not in this case. I don’t know how all the Covid vaccines work, but Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not use bits of virus, living or dead. They both employ m(essenger)RNA to create the coronavirus spike protein. Your body will recognize it as foreign and create antibodies against it. Then, if the real virus is detected, your body already has spike protein antibodies ready to go to fight it.

>253 humouress: >256 karenmarie: Yep, Karen's right: as far as my reading has taught me at least, there's no actual virus in the vaccine so it's impossible to catch it from the shots. Yay, science!

>256 karenmarie: and >257 scaifea: - All the paperwork I was handed when I got my first jab reiterated this a million ways to Sunday. It may be different with other covid vaccines around the world, but the two currently available in the US don't contain the virus.

>253 humouress: I enjoyed the Holmes story and was a good attempt at staying true to the original.
Have a great Thursday!

>254 ChelleBearss: Yes things are better. The pain from the fall in considerably less now.

>255 scaifea: Yes at some point you should. Just make sure not to rush through it and take your time.

>256 karenmarie: >257 scaifea:> For a vaccine such as the flu vaccine she would be right as it contains a recombinant virus ( inactive). No live virus is put into the shot. So in that sense for the flu shot she is right. However, for the covid shot there are no live traces of the virus in it at all. This is delivered in a different way for the first time via mRNA messenger. The key word here is messenger. I'm going to stop now as I can really carry off on a tangent and since I also have a undergrad honours in cell biology and immunology I can get a little too excited :)

>258 katiekrug: Hi Katie! You are quite right. Also to add to that it does not change your DNA. Just putting that there because I know someone will eventually ask. Hope you are having a fabulous Thursday!

The vaccine will, however, implant a chip in your brain that will allow Bill Gates to control your thoughts through 5G technology. So there is that... :-P

>260 katiekrug: * snork*

>260 katiekrug:, >261 figsfromthistle: - and probably access your credit card number, too, while it's at it. And who knows, maybe it will also send you a birthday card! ;-)

>252 figsfromthistle: - A Gentleman in Moscow is one of my favourite books ever. So I just could not resist stopping by to mention that I'm happy that you enjoyed it too.

>216 figsfromthistle: HIT WITH A BOOK BULLET. This book sounds great! Your review prompted me to add it to the tbr pile.

Hi Anita! Sorry to hear about your poor finger and then the knock on the head. But glad you are healing nicely and you've had your second vaccine shot. Hope you get your work pay sorted out. Love the cheer of your Wednesday installments--thank you! Wishing you happy reading. : )

>262 jessibud2: HA!

>263 Trifolia: Nice to see you here. It was a great read!

>264 Whisper1: Gotcha! Hope you enjoy it.

>165 PersephonesLibrary: Glad you are enjoying the Wednesday installments.

>256 karenmarie: >257 scaifea: >258 katiekrug: >259 figsfromthistle: Oops, yes; I've just woken up to that fact. My husband had his first shot on his birthday and asked me how mRNA works. I was vaguely aware that some companies were testing the method for the covid vaccine but I didn't know which methods which vaccines finally used until now.

>260 katiekrug: >262 jessibud2: So 2020 was covid year and 2021 is the year we get birthday cards (which we've paid for). Cool? My kids are too young to get the vaccination but Bill Gates doesn't need to implant any chips; they're already wedded to their screens.