Tess Reads in Time and Space Page 3

Hi, I'm Tess, newly retired in 2020 and enjoying life. I still teach one class online each semester to keep my mind (and my purse) functioning. I am a professor of History, mostly modern (post Renaissance), with a concentration on WWII, specifically the Holocaust.

I live with my husband of 46 years in a very small area of mid-west Ohio. I dabble in gardening both flowers and vegetables. Besides reading I like to travel, play games, and mostly just laze on the deck and in the pool every chance I get. In central Ohio, we feel the full force of all the seasons.

The loves of my life are my 7 grandchildren ranging in ages from 3-20. I never knew you could love anybody as much/more than your children; but 7 times I've been proven wrong!

My goal is to read 100+ books per year, hopefully most of them from my shelves.

Why do I read? To travel to and understand other places and times!

My rating system:
1 star--waste of paper and ink
2 stars-Is this literature? -major flaws or mind numbing boring
2 1/2 stars-not so bad I had to stop reading
3 stars-average, but still quite enjoyable
3 1/2 fun, informative, thought provoking
4 stars-excellent read
4 1/2 exceptionally good, among my favorites
5 stars-in all ways a superior read

Books may count in multiple CATS/KITS if the shoe fits!



My reading year runs from Dec. 25 to Dec. 25 As of Dec 25 there are 498 books on the TBR.

1. The Middle Ages Life in a Medieval Village by Frances Gies READ
2. 1800-Modern Day The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang HOST READ
3. Early Modern 1500-1800 Tulip Fever READ
4. Ancient 8 BC-AD 600 People of Fire READ
5. Dynasties/Civilizations/Empires Restoration (Charles II) READ
6. Military/War/Revolution Lionheart READ
7. Social History The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek READ
8. Your Own Country The Pioneers READ
9. Religion/Philosophy/Politics/Law The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoffer
10. Country/Region of Your Choice
11. Events
12. Exploration and Discovery Camping with the Communists

GEO KIT



North America Dead Red Heart by RP Dahlke READ

South American/Central America/Caribbean The Privateer Clause: Marsha & Danny Jones Thriller by Ken Rossignol READ

Oceania War with the Newts READ

Asia HOST The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang, Mao's Last Dancer

Africa The Covenant by James Michener READ

Europe Life in a Medieval Village by Frances Gies READ

Polar/tundra Shackleton's Journeyby William Grill READ

KITASTROPHES



Jan-March Technology/Industrial/Manmade Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puleo READ

April-June Transportation and Maritime HOST Into the Abyss READ

July-Sept. Weather/Geological/Fire To Sleep With the Angels by David Cowan

Oct-Dec. Riots/uprisings/sieges/invasions THE SARACEN STORM: A Novel of the Moorish Invasion of Spain by J.M. Nunez

All year: Epidemics
1. Wickett's Remedy by Myla Goldberg READ

Books that have no CAT, that I just want to read!

1. 365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental
2. Shackleton's Journey by William Grill
3. Nightwood
4. 1984
5. Patience and Sarah
6. A Gentleman's Murder
7. The Convenient Marriage
8. Sapphire and Shadow (A Woman's Life #1)
9. Master and Man
10. The Personal History of Rachel Dupree
11. The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side: A Miss Marple Mystery (Miss Marple Mysteries)
12. Keep the Aspidistra Flying
13. Midwives
14. The Legend of Mickey Tussler
15. One Grain of Rice
16. The Woods of Red Hill DNF
17. Swallows and Amazons
18 Devil's Brood
19. Anthony Adverse
20. McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm
21. The Miller's Dance
22. The Shape of Mercy
23. How Martha Saved Her Parents From Green Beans
24. Thin Rich Bitches
25. Of Mortal Love
26. Nora and the Great Bear
27. Pig Surprise
28. Imperial Rescript
29. It's Not Over
30. Skeleton Lake
31. Ninety Two in the Shade
32. A Lovely Way to Burn
33. The Six Swans
34. Drowning Ruth
35. The Loving Cup
36. The Palm Wine Drinkard
37. Philoctetes
38. Ordinary People
39. Bella Poldark
40. Thriving in Babylon
41. Orestia
42. The Pilot
43. Peder Victorious
44. Flesh and Blood
45. Yours Sincerely, Giraffe
46. The Last Puritan
47. Her Final Words
48. Miss Julia to the Rescue
49. Sing Down the Moon
50. Far Away Across the Sea
51. Fields of Gold
52. The Theban Plays
53. Harvest Home
54. Tom Cringle's Log
55. When I Was You
56. Guy Mannering
57. Mother Mason
58. The Leopard Rider
59. The Twelve Disciples
60. The Life of Apostle Paul
61. The Picture of Dorian Gray

Reads in Place: Books set in France
1. Restoration READ
2. The Gauguin Connection: A Genevieve Lenard Novel READ
3. The Nun by Denis Diderot READ
4. Mauprat by George Sand READ
5. No Exit by Sartre READ
6. Madame Tussaud READ

Books published in 1936
1. War with the Newts by Karel Capek READ
2. Nightwood by Djuna Barnes READ
3. Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier READ
4. The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie READ
5. Keep the Apidistra Flying by George Orwell READ

Reads in Time: Reads the 5 oldest and newest books on my shelf (as of 1-1-2021)

OLDEST
1. The Courage to Care READ
2. Sapphire and Shadow READ
3. Midwives READ
4. In the Garden of Beasts READ
5. Tulip Fever READ

NEWEST
1. Death by Water READ
2. A Lovely Way to Burn READ
3. Florence Nightingale READ
4. Flesh and Blood READ
5. Curses! READ

Reads in Time: Read 5 books from childhood/teen years
1. Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Caldone
2. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
3. The Bobbsey Twins on an Airplane Ride by Laura Lee Hope
4.
5

Reads 5 non-fiction books/plays.
1. Life in a Medieval Village READ
2. Zoo Nebraska READ
3. Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 READ
4. The Rape of Nanking by Irish Chang READ
5. Rani Laxmibai: Warrior-Queen of Jhansi READ
6. The Diaries of Giacomo Meyerbeer READ
7. The Physical Death and Resurrection: A Surgeon's View READ
8. Living our Best Lives READ
9. Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project READ
10. This is my Lemonade: An Adoption Story READ
11. Aida READ
12. The Diary of Samuel Pepys READ
13. Frost Freezes and Fairs READ
14. The Kingdom of Sicily, 1100-1250: A Literary History READ
15. The History of Rome: The Republic (Volume 1) READ
16. The Federalist Papers READ

Reading Through Time



Quarterly Reads
1. Renaissance Hamnet READ
2. 17th Century Tulip Fever READ
3. 18th Century Memoirs of a Sleepwalker READ
4. Napoleonic

Monthly Reads
1. Shakespeare's Children Hamnet READ
2. Fashion The Case of the Flashing Fashion Queen: A Dix Dodd Mystery (Dix Dodd Mysteries Book 1) by Norah Wilson READ
3. Argh, Matey HOST Jamaica Inn READ
4. The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire Narrow Road to the North Read
5. Meet the Press When Google Met Wiki Leaks READ
6. Rewriting the Past Eli READ
7. Now we are free A King's Ransom READ
8. Food Baking in America: Traditional and Contemporary Favorites from the Past 200 Years
9. Time Travel/Prehistoric
10. Supernatural Blood Coins: The Judas Chronicles--Books One, Two, and Three
11. Reader's Choice
12. TBD

New CAT (as of July 1, 2021)



My rules: I can count any book that I have thus far in 2021.
I can carry this challenge into 2022, if not finished. A book may only count in 1 category.

1. A 19th century classic: any book first published from 1800 to 1899 The Story of an African Farm

2. A 20th century classic: any book first published from 1900 to 1971. All books must have been published at least 50 years ago; the only exceptions are books which were written by 1971 and posthumously published.

3. A classic by a woman author.

4. A classic in translation, meaning any book first published in a language that is not your primary language. You may read it in translation or in its original language, if you prefer.

5. A classic by BIPOC author; that is, a non-white author.

6. A classic by a new-to-you author, i.e., an author whose work you have never read.

7. New-to-you classic by a favorite author -- a new book by an author whose works you have already read.

8. A classic about an animal, or with an animal in the title. The animal can be real or metaphorical. (i.e., To Kill a Mockingbird).

9. A children's classic. THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE READ

10. A humorous or satirical classic.

11. A travel or adventure classic (fiction or non-fiction). It can be a travelogue or a classic in which the main character travels or has an adventure.

12. A classic play. This is a work that was originally written for the stage. Plays will only count in this category. THE THEBAN PLAYS-READ

81. The Diary of Samuel Pepys by Samuel Pepys. What an adventure! Samuel Pepys kept a detailed diary of his life from 1660-1669. It is considered a seminal work of history during this period which encompassed wars with the Dutch, the Restoration of Charles II, the Great Fire, and the Plague. Pepys was a clerk in the Navy office and hence I felt the diary was focused on Naval history, but not overly much. Pepys was a scoundrel who ripped off the Navy for his living and had many mistresses. There are amusing sections, especially the part of burying his Parmesan cheese for preservation during the great fire. I read the abridged version, by Robert Latham, Fellow and Pepys Librarian at Magdalene College, Cambridge, which was still 1,096 pages. 3 1/2 stars CAT: Non-fiction

I look forward to seeing what you post on the new thread. Here's my family blackberry story:

I grew up in Arkansas and although my family lived in town my dad loved, in today's jargon, to forage for food. He had grown up on a big farm and was used to the land providing all the food needed. In addition to his big garden we ate fish from the streams, birds from the sky, deer from the woods and fruit from wild vines, particularly muscadines and blackberries. I remember mother canning but she gave that up when home freezers became the thing. Soon after, Daddy picked an unusually large amount of blackberries. There are two hazards to blackberry picking here, copperhead snakes (poisonous) and chiggers. For those who don't know, chiggers are a tiny mite that have very itchy bites and you can literally get hundreds of them. The old timers, Daddy being one of them, used kerosene as a preventative by rubbing it on his legs and arms. When mother took the first of that year's blackberry crop from the freezer and made a cobbler, we had yummy kerosene flavored dessert! Apparently he had not cleaned his hands after the rub down. Unfortunately the many jars of jelly had that same flavor and the entire lot had to go.

>14 clue: LOL! I know what chiggers are, got bitten by some while wading near a creek bank in my 20's. (Little red mites?) They really hurt and for about 20-30 minutes I went weak and was shivering. Boyfriend was about to take me to the ER, but I finally recovered. I did not know kerosene was a preventative!

>13 Tess_W: That story of burying the cheese makes me feel like Pepys and I would get along. :)

>13 Tess_W: That sounds really interesting, but 1000+ pages is a big commitment.

The blackberry buckle is very tempting. Is it like a crumble?

>17 pamelad: A buckle is the opposite of a cobbler. I'm not sure what Australian/British terms are, but in the US, a cobbler is a fruit dessert with a biscuit or a crumble topping and a buckle is more like cake and fruit--wherein the fruit is so heavy it makes the cake buckle.

Buckle and ice cream sounds like the perfect combination, especially now that summer seems to be here! Happy third thread :)

82. The Rim of the Prairie by Bess Streeter Aldrich A beautiful book set in Nebraska during the 1920's. The author's writing is superb and the characters she creates are real and multi-layered. I appreciated how the characters actually cared about others and acted accordingly. 352 pages 5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

21. Longbourn by Jo Baker was Pride and Prejudice told from the perspective of the servants. There wasn't anything untoward about the writing, it was just a bleak and depressing read; as I guess their lives were. 354 pages
3 1/2 stars CAT: Random: Everything old is new again.

Happy new thread, Tess!

Happy (belated) new thread, Tess.
Blackberry buckle sounds intriguing.
Crumble and cobbler are two different things, I might have to try buckler and see where that fits in the equation.

>22 MissWatson: TY Birgit~
>23 Helenliz: TY Helen. I have included my recipe for buckle. You can use any type of fruit (blueberry, blackberry, raspberry) However, like Goldilocks, I find the blueberries too sweet and the raspberries too tart! My family likes them both, though.

Blackberry Buckle
1 stick butter
1 1/4 cups sugar + 2 TBSP sugar
1 cup flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 cups fresh and washed blackberries

Preheat oven to 350. Melt the butter.
Mix together the 1 1/4 cups sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk in the milk and butter and mix until just incorporated.
Butter a pie plate or similar sized baking dish. (Sometimes I use an 11 x 7)
Pour the batter into the buttered dish. Cover the top with the blackberries. Sprinkle with 1 TBSP sugar and place in oven for 40 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 TBSP sugar and cook an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

84. The Twisted Sword by Winston Graham. This is book 11/12 in the Poldark series. This book was both the best and the least interesting (in parts) of all the books. Two of the main characters lost their lives in this book. The parts about the battle maneuvers at Waterloo were less than interesting and seemed to go on interminably. But all in all, a very excellent read. 663 pages 4 1/2 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

Happy new thread!

>13 Tess_W: I loved The Diary of Samuel Pepys. It may have rated as the longest book I ever read yet not once did it seem long. I read it first when I was young and enjoyed it a lot then too.

May Summary:

Total Books Read: 9

Best:
Restoration by Rose Tremain
The Loving Cup by Winston Graham
The Rim of the Prairie by Bess Streeter Aldrich

Most Disappointing
Covenant by James Michener, while still a 3-star read, Michener's books are usually a 4-5 star for me.

June Plans:
Finish book 12/12 of the Poldark series
Finish 1/2 books in the Sharon Penman series
Read A Bridge to the Sun for June History Cat
Finish Eli for RTT.

85. The Nun by Denis Diderot. Diderot is best known for his Encyclopedie and his philosophical arguments. This book is about a willful young girl who was placed in a nunnery. This story was originally a series of letters written by Diderot to the Marquis de Croismare, trying to get him to return to Paris from Normandy to help said convent escapee. Supposedly the novel was based on a true story. Suzanne, the young nun, is the narrator and quite unreliable. The entire novel is written from her viewpoint. She is represented as naive and innocent; which she is not. Too much time was spent on a Mother Superior/Suzanne lesbian liason, which to me, detracted from what could have been a better than average story. The essay that followed was mega-boring. 233 pages 3 stars CAT: France

86. The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a weird little story set in Nigeria. I'm not sure what genre it would be, but I'm guessing a folktale, with maybe some fantasy elements (?) The never named narrator tells this story first person as the son of a rich man who loses his tapster and hence his friends. He goes in search of the tapster in various parts of the bush that is inhabited by all sorts of inhuman creatures. Not my cup of tea! 125 pages 3 stars CAT: Because I Wanna/Geokit: Africa

87. Philoctetes by Sophocles was one of 4 Greek plays contained within an omnibus that I own. I had already read Electra and Antigone (my very favorite Greek tragedy) and was looking for something short and also trying to chip away at my to read list. This story takes place on the island of Lemnos after Philoctetes is bitten on the foot by a snake while preparing to make a sacrifice at a shrine. The wound never heals and Odysseus makes Philoctetes an outcast because of his groan and the smell emanating from his foot. There is a chorus of sailors who try to convince Philo that he should fight on the side of the Greeks, but he is determined not to fight alongside those who made him an outcast. However, he does return to Greece upon orders of Zeus that should he do so he will be healed and that he will also kill Paris and take Troy. 63 pages 3 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

88. Ordinary People by Judith Guest was a poignant story of Conrad, a teen who was institutionalized after he tried to kill himself following the accidental drowning of his older brother. Upon his release, Conrad was always uneasy with his parents and his friends. Conrad's father also secretly attempted suicide. Conrad goes through several years of counseling, but seems to recover. Family life did not get any better as Conrad's parents finally separate. I think this would be a good book for teens or somebody who lost a sibling or parent as a young person. I found the book a tad juvenile. 263 pages 3 1/2 stars. CAT: Because I wanna

>24 Tess_W:

Your recipe for your Buckle is pretty much identical to one I have that is called speedy fruit pie. I usually make it with peaches. My grandmother made a dish she called cobbler that used home-canned raspberries with a pastry crust on top.

Pepys lived in interesting times and you made the book sound quite intriguing especially with some of the duller details excised.

>31 Tess_W: Oh, that was one of my favourite movies, forty years ago. I always thought the book was written for young people.

89. Bella Poldark by Winston Graham is book 12/12 in the Podark series. This was probably the best of all the books--and they were all good! This book wraps up the stories (for the most part) of Ross and Delmelza's children. I loved this series which took place in Cornwall from 1799-1820. 689 pages 5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

90. Thriving in Babylon: Why Hope, Humility, and Wisdom Matter in a Godless Culture by Larry Osborne was given to me by a friend. This book used the Biblical Daniel during the Babylonian captivity as the epitome of these 3 characteristics. A really great read with Biblical references. 224 pages 5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

>33 MissWatson: Forty years? Aghast!

Some of my garden beauties: (Will take and entire garden pic next month when everything is in bloom!)

These peonies are going inside! That's about it for the peonies this year---their blooms only last about 2 weeks

"Pinks" or dianthus

Some red dianthus. I hate it that these are only May-Juneish bloomers.

asters or the more popular name, "ice plants"

early Phlox

Russian sage, smells so good!

And last but not least, lamb's ears

Not so good kitchen exploits....Now that I'm retired I have more time for non-quick cooking! I decided to try my hand at sourdough bread. That's right, I've been fermenting the starter for about 10 days. It took 3 hours to fold the dough (4 times every 30 minutes), then I rolled the dough and put it in fridge for the night. The next day I had to let it rise for 2 hours, punch it down, let it rise again. And then bake. I got one UGLY sour dough loaf, with the inside mostly hollow and it was a hard as a brick! I need to work on this, but it is so time consuming!

>37 Tess_W: You can't imagine how happy it made me to see you call dianthus "pinks". This was what my grandmother and her sisters called them and so my mother did too. I never hear anyone say that anymore around here. I also learned creeping phlox as sweet william which is what some people call dianthus. I love old plant names...and peonies but I've given up growing them. We have so much rain in the spring I never have a year when the blossoms aren't ruined by it.

You have a lovely garden and I know you get lots of enjoyment from it. Thanks for sharing!

Beautiful flowers, Tess. The bouquet of peonies is stunning. And kudos to you for tacking such a time-consuming recipe - I find as I have gotten older I just don't have the patience for time-consuming.

Lovely flowers you have in your garden.

I've made some time-consuming breads in the past but I draw the line at sourdough!

>39 clue: My grandmother always called them pinks, even if they weren't pink! I've read that dianthus is a class of flowers that include Sweet William and carnations. Some of my pinks, the double-flowered ones, do look like mini carnations. I think I like the red ones best, but I also l ike the blue/green stems of the pink ones. As to the peonies, I never do anything with mine except trim them to the ground after the first frost. They really only do bloom for about 2 weeks and then they are a dark green bush.

>40 DeltaQueen50: I'm going to try at least once more with the sourdough bread as I do have a lot of $ invested as well as time!

>24 Tess_W: Like hailelib, I have this same recipe for peaches! It's quite tasty. Never thought of using berries.

>37 Tess_W: Gorgeous garden! Lovely bouquets available all summer, it seems.

>38 Tess_W: For sourdough, I generally go pretty nontraditional and also use yeast these days. It gets a better flavor from the fermentation, but the rise is guaranteed and it's much less work. I wish I had a recipe to share, but mostly I'm substituting sourdough starter for raw flour & water in other recipes. I have made this one though, and it came out pretty good.

>43 pammab: thanks for the link, Pam. I'm going to try this recipe next in my quest for good sourdough bread!

91, Eli by Bill Myers was an alternative history, if you will. The scenario was that parallel universes exist. In the "regular" universe, Jesus was born, preached/healed, died and rose again on the 3rd day. In the parallel universe, Jesus was not born until 1970, in a seedy motel in L.A., wrapped in dirty bath towels. Joseph and Mary were druggie teens. They named the baby Eli. The main character holding these two parallel universes together was Conrad, a reporter, who existed in both, to some extent. I'm not a sci-fi or parallel universe fan, but somebody gave me this book and I felt that it fit this month's reading through time's category: Rewriting the past, so I read it. It was a dead average read for me. 390 pages 3 stars

Your flowers are gorgeous! Spring is still springing here so not many flowers are in bloom yet. My family always call dianthus Sweet William, a favourite of my mother's because my dad was called William.

I like those old, non-Latin names. George Orwell once commented on the fading use of Snapdragons, that he preferred over antirrhinum. For me anyway, Snapdragon conjures up a picture of the flower.

Too bad about the sour dough experiment - but the loaf looks lovely. My lengthy relationship with sour dough baking ended when I tired of all the work and decided I like bakery bread better.

>46 VivienneR: I call them snapdragons, also! I really haven't seen them in years.

>47 Tess_W: I don't know what happened here but like you I hadn't seen snapdrgons in a long time. This year they are everywhere! Maybe there's a landscaper who got the revival started I don't know but whatever the reason I love seeing them!

I buy some flowers every now & then. This time I had some purple aliums, white chrysanths and white snap dragons. >:-)

92. Orestia by Aeschylus , translated by Ted Hughes. This tragedy takes place after the fall of Troy. The main characters are Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, queen and king of Argos, respectively. Orestes is their son. Agamemnon is killed by Clytemnestra and Clytemnestra by her son, Orestes. This play examines the difference between justice and revenge. Quite frankly, there were just more characters in this play than I wanted to process. Also at 208 pages, it is longer than most of this type of work. The chorus played a very major role in the advancement of this story. 3 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

93. The Pilot: A Tale of the Sea by James Fenimore Cooper takes place during the American Revolutionary War off the coast of England, where a whaleboat is put ashore from the schooner Ariel. The goal of the boat is pick up a pilot known only as Mr. Gray. Mr. Gray is not the real identity of this pilot. There are many plot twists and turns before the pilot is deposited on the shores of Holland. There was a bit too much of naval life and strategies for me and as all of Fenimore's works that I have read, he is even more wordier than Charles Dickens. Reason for reading: to clear my shelf! No idea why I would have purchased this book. Oh yeah, probably because it was 99 cents on Amazon! 281 pages, 3 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

94. Peder Victorious by O.E. Rolvaag is a coming of age immigrant narrative. When I began reading, I had no idea that this is book two of a trilogy. Now that I've read book two, I can just about guess the story in book one and book three, which I'm not going to read--not because this book was bad, but it was also not stellar. This particular book focuses its attention on Peder, the son of a Norwegian immigrant, who is straddling the line (forced by his mother, a first generation immigrant) between retaining the "old ways" and becoming assimilated. There are many conflicts, of which the largest one in this book is that of religion. This story is set in South Dakota, where there was/is a large settlement of Norwegian immigrants. In the end it seems that author has tied up everything with a nice ribbon! 325 pages 3 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

My mother kept a sourdough starter going all the time. She used it mainly for rolls, but she made them for church pot luck dinners and funerals, as well as for home. Although I love it, as a single person, I just can't justify keeping one.

>53 thornton37814: You are correct, it is a lot of work for two people, also. I don't think I will keep mine going. If you aren't going to use it weekly, really can't justify the cup of flour per week.

95. Mao's Last Dancer by Cunxin Li is the memoir of Li's early life from his small village in China to his defection to the west to become a permanent member of the Houston ballet. The prose is not great, but the story is stellar. I can't find a coauthor or a translator! 480 pages 5 stars CAT: Geocat Asia

>55 Tess_W: I've added this to the wish list. Does it mention his life in Australia?

>56 pamelad: Not in my copy, Pam, which is a 2010 copy.

96. Curses! by Aaron Elkins is a cozy mystery with a solid anthropological bent set in a Mayan ruins on the Yucatan peninsula. It's a good book, just maybe the wrong time for me to read it, but I did persevere and finish. This is book 5/8 of the Gideon Oliver series, but can be read as a stand alone. 317 pages 3 1/2 stars--bumped it up 1/2 star because I had a bad attitude and just had a tooth pulled and an implant placed in my jawbone! CAT: GEO Kit: North America

97. Flesh and Blood by Thomas Cook. I originally bought this book for my brother-in-law, also named Thomas Cook. However, I found out isn't a reader..... Murder and mayhem in New York City. The murder of a fashion designer has its roots in the 1930's. A Frank Clemons mystery, book 2/3, but can be read as a stand alone. 288 pages 3 stars. CAT: 5 Oldest/Newest books on shelf as of 1-1-21



This read completes my category: 5 Oldest/Newest on Shelf as of 1-1-21.

98. Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa was a very cute and humorous book about a lonely giraffe and penguin who become pen pals. I would guess that a child of 5 could understand it and that maybe a good reader of age 7-8 could read it. 102 pages 5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

99. Mauprat by George Sand. The setting for this mid/late 18th century novel was France. Bernard Maupat was raised by his unscrupulous grandfather and his seven sons. They were thieves, blackmailers, assassins, etc. One night a beautiful woman was found and captured in the woods. Bernard staked a claim on her They fell in love instantly and her and Bernard escaped via an underground tunnel. Come to find out, she was his 2nd cousin. They were in love, but both felt that Bernard would not be happy in her world because of his lack of education, manners, etc. I will not give more of the plot so not to give it away. This story reminded me a lot of Dickens' Oliver Twist. I think this book would be classified as a romance. 4 stars 304 pages CAT: FRANCE This book is free on Kindle.



This read completes my personal CAT for France of 5 reads this year. I still hope to read more before the end of the year.

>61 Tess_W: I have never read anything by George Sand and this looks interesting, so I have downloaded the ebook.

>62 pamelad: Hope you enjoy! I'm known to like things that are not popular on LT and also dislike ones that are wildly popular and hyped!

100. Lionheart by Sharon Kay Peniman was book 4/5 in the Angevin/Plantagenet series. This covers Richard from his marriage to his leaving Jaffa very ill from the Third Crusade. This was the least enjoyable of all the books thus far as most of the story dealt with the Crusade and the maneuvers, cities, defections, etc. A good (but short) storyline about Richard's wife and his sister, Joanna. Also, as Richard commanded armies of French, Cypriots, Sicilians, English, Welsh, etc., it was difficult for me to keep everybody straight. Also, the major battle in the book was for Jaffa, but it's location was not really explained in the book. I had to do some research. There is the Jaffa Gate to the Old City, but Jaffa is also the previous name of Tel Aviv. I'm going out on a limb here and guess the Jaffa in the book is Tel Aviv, as I don't think the crusaders got that close to Jerusalem. 609 pages 3.5* CAT: Because I Wanna

I'm going to read book 5 before the end of this year.

>64 Tess_W: I haven't read that one yet -- borrowed it but was intimidated by the size! Someday I'll get to it.

101. The Last Puritan by George Santayana. It has been said this was the author's only novel. It may have been a novel, but read more like a book on philosophy and morality. I started this book in 2019 and just finished the last third. I believe that this work by Santayana went way over my head. On the surface, it is the story of Oliver, a very confused young lad and young man as well. Every area of his life is filled with doubts. He wants to escape these doubts and be free, but I don't think he ever will. What the higher meaning is, I have no idea. From the title, I originally thought this would be a Puritan life in New England; I was wrong! (There is a book by the same name by Increase Mather) 2.5* 794 pages CAT: Because I Wanna

This will be the end for the time being of me reading a book over 350 pages! I've read 12 so far this year and I'm becoming bored by the overlong stories. The 2 exceptions: Book 5/5 by Sharon Penman and Gabaldon's last book due out in Oct/Nov.

>66 Tess_W: Congratulations on your sticktoativeness.

>61 Tess_W: Oh, now this looks interesting...

102. Her Final Words by Brianna Labuskes was touted as a psychological thriller--it was not. It began when an FBI agent arrived in a small town in Idaho investigating a church "cult" and a recent murder. While there a young lady admits to the murder, and then never speaks again. A good premise--but the execution was very poor. There were too many characters to keep track of which did not advance what little plot there was. Also, each chapter was labeled with a person's name and the date, such as: Lucy, 3 weeks ago, Liza, yesterday. It was very difficult to follow the story--by about 2/3 of the way in, I could have cared less. Not recommended. 347 pages 2 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

>55 Tess_W: Li Cunxin wrote the book himself and it was written in English as by that time he had lived in America and Australia for longer than he had lived in China.

>70 JayneCM: Good to know!

Sounds like it's time for a few short books.

I'm going to start reading The Federalist Papers (85 essays) this week. I will only read one per week-no pressure and finish sometime in 2022! Although I don't teach this time period at the uni, I do think it will make me more well-rounded. I am looking forward to learning more about early American history than I now know. I'm actually excited to begin this, only have read 2 of the essays. These essays (so I'm told) tell of freedoms and liberties secured by the Greeks and the English and how they should be applicable to the new America.

I will be posting the summaries of each essay here, for my own purposes. However, I will not count it in my reading total until I finish all the papers.

Federalist Paper #1
Written by: Alexander Hamilton
Topic: The need for a new constitution

About the debate: " A torrent of angry and malicious passions will be let loose that will reign down from the two opposing sides who hope to win converts by their loudness....and their bitterness."
Hmmm, sounds familiar!

Hamilton goes on to describe the two sides:
1. "An enlightened zeal for the energy and efficiency of the government will be stigmatized by the opposition as a grab for despotic power."
2. "An over scrupulous jealousy of danger to the rights of the people."

Hmmm, again the two sides sound familiar

What is Hamilton's take on this:
"A dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the mask of zeal for the rights of the people. History will teach us that danger lies in the latter (#2) than in the former (#1) in the matter of the introduction of despotism. .....those men who have overturned republics , the greatest number have begun their career by paying court to the people ...and ending as tyrants." (Off the top of my head: Caesar, Napoleon, Lenin)

King Solomon: Ecc 1:9: "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."

103. Miss Julia to the Rescue by Ann Ross was just a delightful book about an older woman (50-60?) who is friendly to all and looks out fiercely for those for whom she cares. The setting of this novel was North Carolina in a small town. Some would call Miss Julia nosey, some would call her a knight in shining armor. I just loved the humor in this book. There are many more books in the Miss Julia series, all of which can be read as a stand alone or in no particular order. I will most certainly read another. 304 pages 4.5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

104. Far Away Across the Sea by Toon Tellegen is billed as a Dutch storybook for children. This is a book of short stories, no more than 1-3 pages each. I read the first 5-6 and thought how odd! There didn't seem to be a storyline. All of the stories have to do with animals, but seemingly there is no plot. For example, one story has squirrel and elephant sitting talking and squirrel is trying to get a secret from elephant--maybe he did and maybe he didn't!? The last line of the story: and then there was a big splash!???? Most of the endings of the story appeared as if they just stopped the story midstream or did not produce a resolution. I know that my grandchildren would not like these stories--they would have a million questions. It's perhaps that I, myself, do not like open-ended books? I'm sure I'm probably overthinking this book! 153 pages 2 1/2 stars (1/2 star for the light, cute illustrations) CAT: Because I Wanna

105. Sing Down the Moon by Scott Odell This was the telling of the forced immigration of the Navajos from their homes in Arizona to Ft. Sumner, from the Navajo point of view. This was novelized, but events contained within the novel were actual events. As always, this author did a superb job of writing during this time period. This is a great read, for any age. 124 pages 4.5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

106. Fields of Gold by Andy Stanley. Mr. Stanley is a pastor of a rather large evangelical church in California. One might assume, from the title of this book that he is begging for money, but this is not the case! This book begins and ends with the story of Jeremiah Clary, a dust-bowl affected farmer from Oklahoma during the Great Depression. Mr. Clary has had 3 plantings blown away by the wind and he has just enough seeds to remaining to plant once more. Should he take the chance? Taking the chance is the premise of this book. I found it an honest and compelling book on the nature of generosity. 134 pages 4 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

The Federalist Papers--Essay #2
Written by John Jay (who will go on to become the first Supreme Court Justice
Subject: The need for a new US Constitution

This is a very short essay that Jay promises will be continued. He just reminded the American people that those who spent many long, cold months away from their family to draw up this new constitution were their elected officials---they voted for them and they ought to trust them.
Jay says the preservation of the union is the most important thing if America is to remain great. He quotes Shakespeare at the end with a quote from Henry the VIII, "Farewell, farewell to all my greatness" (if the new constitution should not be ratified)

Sing Down the Moon is actually on my shelves, bought for my son years ago but I never actually looked at it. Maybe I should read it …

>80 hailelib: It is quite good and only takes a couple of hours to read.

107. The Theban Plays by Sophocles. This book contains the trilogies: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone. I use Antigone when I teach Western Civ I; have not taught it since 2016. (Students aren't taking ancient history courses anymore! ) I knew the premises of both the Oedipus plays, but had not read them, that I can remember; although they were very familiar as I was reading. IMHO they are the best of the ancient plays; with Antigone being my all time favorite. It doesn't get any better than sons sleeping with their mothers, gouging eyes out with pins, and being walled up in a cave to starve and suffocate!;) 162 pages 5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

108. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson was a superb work of fiction based on 3 real events: 1) "Blue" people in Kentucky 2) pack mule traveling libraries 3) the Great Depression/WPA of FDR. This book told the trials and tribulations faced by Cussy Mary as she just tries to survive being a "Blue." I can not recommend this book enough! 320 pages 5 stars CAT: July Social History

109. Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer was a paperback I picked up in 2015 when the school I taught at was going to throw it away. Although published in 1969, this book felt much older in writing style. This book told the story of Charlotte, who for some reason switched places every other day and became Clare, 40 years in the past. It was convenient that both Charlotte and Clare were at the same boarding school in England. I can see why this book would not have been a popular check out, as least in the 2000's. However, I found the read to be mildly entertaining as it did portray life in England during WWI. Supposed to be written for children ages 10-12, but I think if one doesn't have some knowledge of WWI, it might be difficult to understand. I think the reading age would be more YA. 186 pages 3 stars CAT: Because I Wanna This book, all yellowed and starting to fall apart, will need to go to the trash.

Federalist Papers Essay #3
Author: John Jay
Subject (Continued) The need for a new constitution-national safety

Jay posits here that once a national government is established, the brightest and best men will be appointed to serve and manage and that they will accept to do so. He compares this to the problem that some states have of not having such capable leaders.

Jay also says that consistency is another reason that a new constitution is needed--so that laws and treaties will be executed consistently.

Something I found interesting is this statement: The Federal Government has not produced by aggression any Indian Wars. That was true, the wars were provoked by the individual states. I find this ironic because after the constitution is ratified, the US Federal government will not keep even one of the treaties ever made with the American Indian. (now known as Native Americans)

Jay gives an example about why we need a strong national government: Genoa, a city in Italy, offended King Louis XIV of France. King Louis demanded that the Genoan doge (next in line for the throne), and 4 other officials come to Paris and apologize in person and make obeisance. Jay says Louis would never have demanded that of Spain or Britain--a country that is unified.

Jay says this discussion will be continued.

>82 Tess_W: My MIL gave me a copy. Clearly I need to read it soon!

>108 Tess_W: I have this on the TBR and your review reminds me that I had it on my list to read this year. Will do that soon!

>85 NinieB:
>86 clue:

I hope you both enjoy it as much as I did.

Federalist Papers Essay #4
Author John Jay
Purpose To further expound on the necessity for a federal government for the safety of the nation

The US are rivals with Britain and Spain for navigation and trade. They are not rejoicing that we have such. In fact, Spain has chosen to close part of the Mississippi to us.

The safety of the whole is the interest of the whole and can not be provided without a government.

One government can "collect and avail" itself of the most capable and able men in any part of the union; and is not limited to one state and/or confederacy.

Jay goes on to give concrete examples: Great Britain is composed of England, Scotland, Wales. However, they are united with one throne--one central government.

Jay asks the reader that if America was 3-4 confederacies or 13 lone states, what kind of an army could each raise? Those states with few people would be left out to dry.

If America was united, other countries would not be so quick to provoke us.
*****When a people or a family are divided, it is always against themselves.

Federalist Papers Essay #5
Author: John Jay
Purpose: To convince Americans that a new constitution is needed for the safety of the country.

This time Jay uses a concrete example to make his argument; that of Queen Anne. He quotes part of her letter, dated 1706, "an entire and perfect union will be the solid foundation of lasting peace. It will secure religion, liberty, and property, remove animosities betwixt our two kingdoms. (England and Scotland) It will increase trade and allow us to resist all of our enemies."

He goes on to argue that if America becomes two or more (confederacies), will not the same thing happen to us that happened to Great Britain? (war between themselves) We (America) ought to learn from their experiences.

The proposed confederacies will be distinct nations. Each of them would have its own commerce and treaties with foreign nations. They might even turn on each other for the best treaty or commerce. It would most likely that war would become the confederacies because of their proximity than from foreign powers.

Just noticed you mention getting a dental implant! I got one too. It was more work that I thought it would be. I had a cap and when it fell off it was discovered that the root was cracked. Getting that out was a big deal, as well as the recovery period before the implant could be done. Feels great now though. I hope you're as happy with yours.

>64 Tess_W: I love that time in history and have taken a BB for Penman's book. At that size it will have to be an ebook.

>90 VivienneR: Yes, the dental implant was much more work that I had thought. It was also very expensive. I only had it done because it was a tooth near the front that showed when I smiled/talked. I had the tooth pulled and the implant set at the same time. My jaw and face was bruised for a week. I'm now 2 weeks post implant and about the only time it hurts is when I brush, which I do very gingerly.

June Recap:
Books Read 22 (I read purposefully a lot of shorter works to clear shelves--both real and virtual)

Best Reads:
Bella Poldark
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
Sincerely, Giraffe
Sing Down the Moon
The Theban Plays
Miss Julia to the Rescue

Stinkers:
The Last Puritan
Her Final Words

6 month review-CATS
History CAT 7/7
Geo Kit 7/7
Kitastrophe 2/4
Because I Wanna 52
France 5/5
1936 5/5
5 oldest 5 newest as of Jan 1 10/10
Childhood Classics 3/5
Non-fiction 12/5
Reading Through Time--current
Classics 3/12

Goals for July:
To Sleep with the Angels for Kitastrophe
Memoirs of a Sleepwalker for RTT Quarterly
Freedom from the Tyranny of the Urgent for RTT monthly
Read at least 5 Federalist Papers essays (#6-10)
Read a book where the setting is Albania (European Challenge)
Read a 19th century classic

Federalist Papers Essay #6
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To give examples of republics and former republics which were not united with their fellow countrymen and to describe their demise because of internal dissension.

This essay was much more difficult to read than the previous ones.

Hamilton is again writing in favor of the new constitution. This time he does not talk about danger from foreign powers, but from danger within. He gives many examples:

Pericles: He had a son with a prostitute who was written ill of and because of this he used the "blood and treasure" of his countrymen and attacked and destroyed the city of Samians.

Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Carthage were all republics at one time, but fell from dissension from within. (However, today, Athens is not considered a republic, but a democracy)

Hamilton also discusses the previous state of Holland and Britain, before they were united; the wars they fought amongst themselves for "commercial aggrandizement."

Hamilton sums it up by saying that the evil is apparent as is the remedy. (a constitution the levels the playing field and makes all the states subject to the same set of laws) He states this discussion will be continued.

110. Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon. Tyron has been likened to Stephen King. I'm not sure I would concur with that comparison. This book of 400 pages has absolutely no action or plot movement until page 300. I was just about to give it a DNF and then something happened! The author did a good job of describing the life and inhabitants of sleepy Cornwall Coombe. All of this town's energy is given over to farming and the 5 day celebration in the fall known as Harvest Home, which is celebrated every seven years. The ritual is bazaar, as one would expect from this horror "classic." I'm glad I read it, but it was too much of a slow burn for me. 400 pages 3 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

Federalist Papers Essay #7
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: Continued--to describe the dangers of an America not united--the need for a constitution

Hamilton begins this essay by asking a question: "What inducements could the States have, if disunited, to make war on each other?" The balance of this essay attempts to answer that question.

Territorial disputes have been found to be the cause of most major wars throughout history. Very possible is America as she has vast tracts of territories out west up for grabs and without any umpire or neutral judge, to impose between the two hostile parties.

Hamilton backs the previous up with 2 current examples: Connecticut vs Pennsylvania and Massachusetts vs. Vermont--although settled peacefully before things came to blows--war was only averted between them because their men were out fighting the revolution.

Hamilton also says competition of commerce could be another cause of wars between the States.

The public debt of the union and the apportionment could be another cause for conflict. What if some State should say they are not going to pay anything?

Hamilton sums up this essay with a Latin phrase, "Divide et impera." He thinks this should be the motto of every nations that either fears or hates us. (Divide and command).

Federalist Papers Essay #8
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To warn Americans that war would be probable unless they are united.

If accepted as an "established truth" that war between separate parts was probable if the Union were dismembered, such wars between the states would bring much greater distress than in countries that maintained regular standing armies. Hamilton argues that standing armies are NOT good for countries; either for their liberty or their economy.

IMHO a very astute observation: "It is the nature of war in which people would give up their liberties for safety." In countries requiring standing armies, the continual need for military services "enhances the importance of the soldier, and proportionably degrades the condition of the citizen. "

If America was united, there would not be a need for a standing army, as in Great Britain. He believed that Great Britain was "insular" on its peninsula and protected by its Navy and had no need of a large standing army. He believed America, if united, could be in the same situation. If the union were preserved and had a strong volunteer militia under a national commander-in-chief, the country would have no need of a standing army. This money better spent on more productive things.

>75 Tess_W: A few years ago, I went on a Miss Julia binge and read all the books back to back. I just love her!

The local library has Miss Julia Takes the Wheel, so I've reserved it. It's a large print edition, which is, in confidence, a good thing. I'll smuggle it out in a bag so no one thinks I'm old.

>99 pamelad: LOL, your secret is safe posted here in LT!;)
>98 JayneCM: I will definitely read more of Miss Julia--however, some books are out of print and the others are quite expensive, so there are a couple I can get from my library. I will start in on more of Miss Julia as soon as I finish the last Penman book in the Plantagenet (Henry II) series.

Federalist Papers Essay #9
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To discuss the advantages of a Federal union

This paper discusses the advantages of a union in general, and not specifically a republic, as called for in the new constitution.

Hamilton believes a firm union will protect America from domestic factions and the resultant insurrection. He gives Italy and Greece as examples. (Which were really small, in the scope of their civilizations)

Hamilton goes on to quote Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws) "Confederate Republic, . . . a kind of assemblage of societies, that constitute a new one, capable of increasing by means of new associations, till they arrive to such a degree of power as to be able to provide for the security of the united body. A republic of this kind, able to withstand an external force, may support itself without any internal corruption." Actually Hamilton only quotes Montesquieu when he agrees with points Montesquieu makes and does not discuss the more equally balanced Montesquieu.

I thought I would only be reading one essay per week, but I find that I am able to read 1-2 per day without falling asleep! I will finish must sooner than expected.

Federalist Essay Paper #10
Author: James Madison
Purpose: To Explain the Advantages of the Union

This is the first of Madison's writings and I am able to discern that his writing is much more complicated than either Jay's or Hamilton's. Madison was basically the writer of the Constitution, earning him the title "Father of the Constitution".

As defined by Madison, a faction was a number of citizens, whether a majority or minority, who were united and activated "by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." Today, we would call factions, political parties.

There were two ways of removing the causes of factions, or political parties. "The first was to destroy the liberty essential to their existence. This remedy would be worse than the disease. The second was to give everyone the same opinions, passions, and interests. This was impossible. Woven into the fabric of all societies, deeply planted in the very nature of man, were conflicting ideas, interests, and passions."

Next, Madison goes into an "education" or discourse on Marxian socialism. "The greatest source of factions always has been the unequal distribution of properties." Madison argues that there is nothing that can be done about this and therefore is is the effects of this situation that must be controlled.

Such effects could be better controlled in a large society under a representative form of government than in a small society under a popular form of government (democracy).

It is interesting to note that when written, Madison was a "Federalist", which amongst other things, supported a one party system. However, after the constitution was ratified, he became a supporter of Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, the new break away party.

111. Edgar Huntley or, Memoirs of a Sleepwalker by Charles Brockden Brown. This was billed as America's first gothic novel. It did have all things requisite for being a gothic novel--that is the most positive thing I can say about this book. The story was sufficient, but the prose is over done and over dramatic. The plot is rambling. The author writes in first person throughout the book, but fails to introduce the characters sufficiently. Basic story: A man is trying to search for the killer of his fiance's brother. Can not recommend this one! Published in 1799. 285 pages 2.75 stars CAT: RTT 18th Century Free on Kindle

112. Washington Irving His Life by Catherine O. Peare was a great biography of the famous author and his travels, even though written for younger audiences, maybe ages 12-16 (?) If one didn't know who ambassadors and ministers were, some of the book would not make sense. I've loved Irving's Rip Van Winkle and to a lesser degree The Headless Horseman, but now I'm inspired to read some his sketchbooks about his various travels. 123 pages 5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna (Can't get correct touchstone to work!)

Federalist Papers Essay # 11
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: to further explain the advantages of a union

As far as I can tell, this is very much repetitive as Hamilton argues that a union would benefit commerce. He warns that there are those who would like to "clip" our wings so as to have less competition. He argues that we must have a federal navy to protect our commercial interests.

Hamilton states that as a union states could wheel and deal with each other for things not made in their respective states and then the surplus would be put on ships for export.

America should "aim at the ascendant." For too long Europe had lorded it over the world, as if the "rest of mankind was created for her benefit." Europeans, including some so-called "profound philosophers," had gone to the length of asserting that all animals, including the human species were so "degenerate in America — that even dogs cease to bark after having breathed a while in our atmosphere." It was time that such "arrogant pretensions" be disproved. "It belongs to us to vindicate the honor of the human race. . . . Let Americans disdain to be the instruments of European greatness!"

Federalist Papers Essay #12
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To convince Americans that a union is needed

A new union would foster and develop commerce. A new union would increase government revenues and the collection of same. He allays American's fears that they would be unnecessarily taxed by stating that the majority of taxes would come from import (customs) taxes. He cites France as collecting 15% of their revenue from import taxes and Great Britain even more.

It is noteworthy that Hamilton said the collection of taxes from property and income has proven to be impractical! Hamilton advocates taxes such as import taxes and taxes on consumption--what we now know as sales tax.

>106 Tess_W: I enjoyed his Tales of the Alhambra a lot. He got to see it before it was rediscovered for tourism.

>109 MissWatson: I will put this on my shopping list!

ETA is was only $.99 on Kindle, and I had a $.99 credit, so it has been added to my very long list of ebooks to read! It's also free on Project Gutenberg

113. Shipwrecks by Akira Yoshimura was a superb read about a small Japanese village probably medieval--as the plague figured (in small part) into the story. It's one of those books where the last sentence can be interpreted in two ways! Recommended 5 stars 180 pages KIT: Asia

114, Frosts, Freezes and Fairs by Ian Curry. What a great book of information, told in a very readable style about the frosts and resultant fairs on the Thames River since 1634. The first 48 pages was nothing more than a chronological listing of great freezes. However, the remainder of the book detailed major frosts and resultant fairs in 1683, 1739, and 1814. Very interesting with info about food booths, "rides", and entertainment right upon the Thames river. Sketches were included as well as little ditties and poems that were sung by old and young alike. The last few pages explained why there haven't been any in modern times. One odd thing: The publisher is British, the author is British, but all the temps are given in Fahrenheit (which was ok for me), but just odd! My only guess is that they used the Imperial temperature scale because at the time of the frosts and fairs, the metric system has not yet been adopted/invented! I think someone from London would really enjoy this as they would be more familiar with the locations than I. Recommended 85 pages 4.5 stars CAT: Non-fiction.

115. The Kingdom of Sicily, 1100-1250 A Literary History by Karla Mallette was a collection of poems and documents translated from Arabic, Latin, Italian and French. I enjoyed the translations (for literature really is history!), especially the Arabic work originally written by Ibn Jubayr about his travels. Jubayr describes William I and his court in detail. It was nice to finally read this as I've had it my shelf since 2005! 224 pages 4 stars CAT: Non-fiction

The Federalist Papers Essay # 13
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To get Americans to support a national government.

These last 3-4 essays all seem to run together. At the time of their writing, they were serialized in the newspapers. Therefore, I think they are so much alike because just one printing on a topic would not assure that everyone had read it.

In this essay Hamilton states that the monetary support of a national government would cost less than supporting 3-4 confederacies and all their apparatuses.

The Federalist Papers Essay #14
Author: James Madison
Purpose: Summary

This essay was a summary of everything printed to date--most of it extoling the virtues of a national government for:
1. trade
2. protection
3. efficiency
4. most cost efficient

The Federalist Papers Essay #15
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To discuss disadvantages of the current existing government

Under the Articles of Confederation the government did not have the power to make laws or to impose penalties for breaking "suggested conduct." Under the articles, there was only a "suggestion" put forth by the Confederation and states were free to disregard these suggestions. Hamilton thinks this is a house of cards in which "the edifice will come crashing down on everybody's head."

The Federalist Papers Essay #16
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To warn Americans that family feuds could spread throughout America and destroy it

Hamilton argues, just in different words this time, that 3-4 different "governments" (confederacies) would have the same effect as olden days leagues, and they had always failed; even the old Lycian League, where the formula for the proposed House representation originated.

Hamilton writes that states must submit to the authority of the Federal government and if they do not do so voluntarily, the result would be a civil war and the dissolution of the union. "The protection against a Federal usurpation of authority in this case would be in the courts ability to render a verdict of being unconstitutional and in the body of the people as the natural guardians of the constitution would throw their weight into the national scale and decide the issue."

Hamilton states, states “no form of government can always either avoid of control them. It is in vain to hope to guard against events too mighty for human foresight or precaution and it would be idle to object to a government because it could not perform impossibilities” (blood feuds)

The Federalist Papers----Okay, I'm getting bored real quick with this--thus far, it is almost impossible to distinguish between the papers--they are all the same--at least the topic is--the need for a new constitution. Until the topic changes, I'm going to only summarize each article in 2-3 sentences. (Although still reading each one and preforming the requisite highlighting!) I am determined to read all of these!

Essay #17
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To try to assure Americans that the states will not lose their rights.

Hamilton argues that states will not lose their rights as people will be more interested in local politics than federal. He rationalizes this by citing examples of barons, nobles, clans, etc. He promised that this topic will be continued (sigh!)

Essay #18
Author: James Madison (assisted by Alexander Hamilton)
Purpose: To again, assure people that ceding power to a federal government will not diminish states' rights.

Whew! This one is long and involved!

Even Madison begins by saying this paper is not short. In summary: He describes two confederacies of antiquity that were similar to the Articles and how each failed. The first was the Greek Amphyctionic Council. This worked until several city-states became too powerful and forced their will upon other states.

The second example was also a Grecian confederacy, the Archaean League. This league was eventually defeated by the Roman empire, which made treaties with several city-states to overthrow the others.

Madison summarizes by stating, ".... these examples emphatically illustrate the tendency of federal bodies, rather to anarchy among the members, than to tyranny in the head”.

Essay # 19
Author: James Madison (with assistance by Alexander Hamilton)
Purpose: Continues discussion against confederacies

Madison again warns against confederacies, and provides historical examples: The Germanic League(s), The Polish Government, and the Swiss Cantons.

“So far as the peculiarity of their case will admit of comparison with that of the United States, it serves to confirm the principle intended to be established. Whatever efficacy the Union may have had in ordinary cases, it appears that the moment a cause of difference sprang up, capable of trying its strength, it failed.”

Essay # 20
Author: James Madison (with assistance from Alexander Hamilton)
Purpose: Continues warnings against a confederacy

Madison continues with historical examples of failed confederacies. This time he used the Netherlands as an example.

He concludes with “I make no apology for having dwelt so long on the contemplation of these federal precedents. Experience is the oracle of truth; and where its responses are unequivocal they ought to be conclusive and sacred. The important truth, which it unequivocally pronounces in the present case, is that a sovereignty over sovereigns, a government over governments, a legislature for communities as contradistinguished from individuals; as it is a solecism in theory; so in practice, it is subversive of the order and ends of civil polity, by substituting violence in place of law, or the destructive coertion of the sword in place of the mind and salutary coertion of the magistracy.”

116. The Story of an African Farm by Olive Shreiner. This really wasn't the story of a farm, but of 3 orphaned children (who live in the South African countryside) coming of age and having a difficult time of it. Too much time was spent on atheism and feminism, for my taste. Can't really recommend, although I was looking for something different from the book. 336 pages 2.5 stars CAT: A 19th century classic: any book first published from 1800 to 1899 (1883)

The Federalist Papers Essay #21
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To explain specific problems of the current confederacy

Problem one: no sanction for breaking laws. Hamilton is not talking about individuals, but states. He claims there is now no protection protecting one state against the "ambitions" of another state.

Problem two: American has no way to raise revenue. It owes other country's for accumulated war debts. Under the current confederacy, each state was supposed to valuate its own land, tax its own citizens and collect such taxes. Each state does this differently, with some states not doing so at all. Hamilton says the proposed solution "The proposed solution is to allow the national government to raise taxes in its own way and that way should be on consumption in the form of duties, excises and imposts. Consumption taxes “-prescribe their own limit; which cannot be exceeded without defeating the end proposed-that is an extension of the revenue”.

Essay #22
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To describe the defects of the current confederacy

This was a VERY long (and tedious) paper. To summarize the defects:
1. lack of control of commerce between the states
2. the inability to raise and army
3. the problems with equality concerning voting between big and smaller states.
4. the ability of a minority to prevent government action
5. lack of a supreme court
6. the need for a single government body

Hamilton states that the new constitution would address the problem(s).

Essay 23
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: to describe the defects of the current confederacy and the proposed solutions

This paper lists, under the proposed new constitution, what the responsibilities of the federal government would be and what persons would hold such powers.

Hamilton writes that “the means aught to be proportioned to the end” so that if it is agreed that the Federal Government is responsible for the safety of the people for example, then it must have the unrestricted power “to raise armies, to build and equip fleets, to prescribe rules for government of both, to direct their operations and to provide for their support”. He reminds the reader that under the Articles, it states that the government is responsible for the "common defence and general welfare of the people", but that there is no means provided for it (the government) to do so.

He further states that if the people find a government unfit for the delegation of these powers, then such a government would not be in the national interest. “For the absurdity must continually stare us in the face of confiding to a government the direction of the most essential nation interests, without daring to trust it with the authorities which are indispensable to their proper and efficient management”.

Federalist Essay Paper #24
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: Answering objection(s) to standing armies

Hamilton wants to assure the voting public that in the new proposed constitution, the executive would not have the power to raise an army, but only the legislature--which was elected popularly by the people. He addresses those opposed to an army with “could now no longer refrain from regarding these clamours as the dishonest artifices of a sinister and unprincipled opposition to a plan which ought at least to receive a fair and candid examination from all sincere lovers of their country!”.

He gives two good reasons, albeit at the time, for a standing army during peacetimes: 1)Great Britain 2) Spain, as well as that America is/will be a maritime state with a navy and an army would support that endeavor by protecting the dock-yards.

Federalist Essay Paper # 25
Author:Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: An extended essay on the need for a standing army in peacetimes.

Hamilton offers concrete examples with the states of MA and
PA, where they had no standing army. But when attacked, they raised one, in direct defiance of its State Constitution. He says that armies will be raised when people are threatened, so America should do it in an orderly fashion. Paraphrased, "don't legislate against reality."

Federalist Essay Paper # 26
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: Addresses the political view of some that the proposed constitution can not operate without a standing army.

To make a rather long story short: give as much power to the people as to the magistrates and then the people will be active in the government and will accept the decision of the magistrates without the force of an army to back them up.

Federalist Essay Paper # 27
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: A continuation of the argument in paper # 26, that the proposed constitution can not operate without a standing army.

This is just really a restatement of everything contained in paper # 26. Nothing new to add.

Federalist Essay Paper # 28
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: Again, continues the argument began in paper # 26 and reiterated in paper 27--concerning standing armies in peacetimes.

Here, Hamilton admits that there may be times when a standing army is required to act in times of resurrections and seditions. Again, he used MA and PA as examples.

Hamilton ends this paper with a rhetorical question: “When will the time arrive that the federal Government can raise and maintain an army capable of erecting a despotism over the great body of the people of an immense empire who are in a situation through the medium of their State Governments to take measure for their own defense?”. Hamilton assumes never---I don't think he could foresee modern America, who could?

Federalist Papers Essay #29
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To further argue the case for a standing army

Hamilton did not change his mind, I think it is his wording---back in essay 7 he argues against a standing army. In this paper he argues for an "armed militia by each State, controlled at the Federal Level; well disciplined." Sounds like an army to me!

His argument is that the laws need to be enforced, somehow, and what better way than by a militia. The plan calls for a select corps of moderate size of “well trained militia ready to take the field whenever the defense of the State shall require it”. This group under the control of officers chosen by the States would substitute for a standing army and if for some reason a national army was to threaten the liberty of the people, they would have the means to protect themselves.

Hamilton makes it clear in this paper that these militia units are to be armed, at all times, even when not on duty--ready to go at a moments notice. ” Little more can reasonably be aimed at with respect to the people at large than to have them properly armed and equipped; and in order to see that this be not neglected, it will be necessary to assemble them once or twice in the course of a year”.

So what I take away from this essay is that a militia by the citizens, would protect the citizens from a standing army, if need be.

Federalist Essay Paper #30
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To support the idea that revenue is needed for the efficient operation of a country

This is one of the shorter papers. I think that is probably due to the fact that it is in support of a national tax, which was not popular amongst the colonists.

Hamilton argues that “The power of creating new funds upon new objects of taxation by its own authority would enable the national government to borrow as far as its necessities might require.” He promises this issue will be continued in further papers.

Federalist Essay Paper #31
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To further explain the need for a national tax structure

Since one of the powers is defense of the nation, that power should have no bounds.

Revenue is the source of the power.

Federalist Essay Paper #32
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To delineate federal jurisdiction under the new proposed constitution

Hamilton outlines 3 areas of jurisdiction that would be exclusive to the federal government: 1) Washington DC area 2) allows Congress to lay and collect import taxes 3) Congress has the ability to establish a uniform naturalization policy through the United States

117. Tom Cringle's Log by Michael Scott. This was a "novel" originally serialized for newspapers and then reconstructed chronologically for the book. Perhaps this is why this book felt disjointed to me. Besides being disjointed, it was tedious in many places, especially the conversations with the "natives" in Jamaica. These are the "logs" of Midshipman Tom Cringle from about 1811-1834. This midshipman spent a lot of time on land! The section on yellow fever and the incident where Tom is imprisoned in Germany were the best part(s) of this book. This ebook has languished on my tablet for about 10 years and after 2-3 starts I finally finished. If I had it to do over again, I would not have read it! As far as detail goes, think Dickens on steroids! 576 pages 2.75 stars (it gives a "fair" picture of Jamaica/Caribbean during the early 19th century). CAT: Because I Wanna This book is free on Kindle. I've not read the Bernard Cornwell series, but the husband of my friend said it "sounded" just like a Cornwell!

Federalist Paper Essay # 33
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To address citizens' concerns about 2 specific clauses

“to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers by that constitution vested in the government of the United States or in any department or officer thereof” and “the constitution and the laws of the United States made in pursuance thereof and the treaties made by their authority shall be the supreme law of the land; any thing in the constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding”

Hamilton replies: “What is a power but the ability of doing a thing? What is the ability to do a thing but the power of employing the means necessary to its execution? What is a LEGISLATIVE power but a power of making LAWS? What are the means to execute a LEGISLATIVE power but laws? What is the power of laying and collecting taxes but a legislative power, or a power of making laws, to lay and collect taxes? What are the proper means of executing such a power by necessary and proper laws?” “A power to lay and collect taxes must be a power to pass all laws necessary and proper for the execution of that power.”

The final paragraph restates the issue that States and Federal Government have concurrent jurisdiction to lay taxes of any kind (unless upon exports and imports) and neither may pass laws opposing or controlling the others ability to do so.

Hamilton says this issue will be further continued.

Essay #34
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To again discuss the idea that the Federal Govt. and the States' Govt's will have equal taxing power, except in the case of imports.

There is no separation of taxation between the States and the Union except as to duties and imports.

Essay#35
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To discuss 1) concurrent taxing powers 2) whether the House of Representatives will represent all classes of people?

Hamilton addresses the manufacturing states vs the importing states in regards to import taxes.

Hamilton brings up a new objection he has heard about the proposed constitution: '“the House of Representatives is not sufficiently numerous for the reception of all the different classes of citizens; in order to combine the interest and feelings of every part of the community, and to produce a due sympathy between the representative body and its constituents”. He states that the House will be composed of 3 types of people: merchants, professionals, and landowners. He says the choice is up to the people; they will know who will best represent them.

Essay #36
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Purpose: To further discuss representation in the House of Representatives and to address poll taxes

Almost a repeat of the issue as listed in Essay # 35. Although on occasion some class of person from a different profession may rise to become a representative, most will be merchants, professionals and land owners.

Hamilton says that poll taxes will be legal for the States, but they should be abhorred. He says the constitution leaves it open, because the writers were not sure how desperate some States might be for revenue. (After looking up the 1779 definition of a poll tax, it was a capitation tax---a per person uniform tax).

Plugging away on the Federalist Papers--new goal--to finish by the end of this month. I think I'm going in a different direction though, I'm going to take notes on a Word document, then I don't have to bore you all with this--duh!

I am actually enjoying your recaps of the Federalist Papers! I had to read them in law school, so it is nice to have the refresher. :)

>126 christina_reads: TY!

118. A King's Ransom by Sharon K Penman was book 5/5 in the Angevin (Plantagenet) series by Penman. All the books were extremely good, but this one was my favorite. This tells the story of the time Richard spent in prison in Germany, his release, his own death and the subsequent death of his vivacious sister, Joanna. The last 100 pages were a real tear-jerker. 720 pages 5 stars CAT: RTT Freedom

>118 Tess_W: I've never read a book of Sharon Kay Penman's so have put the first in the series, When Christ and His Saints Slept on my wish list. Her books get high ratings on LT.

>128 pamelad: I hope you like it as much as I did. I'm getting ready to begin Penman's Welsh trilogy, which picks up with King John where A King's Ransom leaves off.

My grandmother moved about 20 years ago (and passed about 10 years ago). She moved from a rather large Tudor house with an attic to a 2 bedroom condo. She told my sister and I that we could go through her attic and take anything we wanted. I took the books and my sister took dishes and some phonograph records. I mean books...hundreds of them. They were old! Evidently she belonged to the book of the month club for 50-60 years. Many of the books were still in an intact cellophane wrapper. These weren't cheap books, and many were classics. Sadly, for me, the font is so small that it is sometimes difficult to read, especially if the pages have yellowed.

I say all this to say that I have a 4 volume set of Sir Walter Scott's works. I'm going to try to read 3-4 of Scott's works each year. I've started on my first one, Waverly. I'm glad to read in the headnote that I know some historical background about this in the person of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Battle of Culloden, which I researched when I started reading Gabaldon's series.

Reading reviews, I see that people really like him or they don't! What are your thoughts on Scott? Favorites? Ones to avoid?

Actually, I’ve found your summaries of the Federalist Papers interesting.

I read several of Scott’s novels when in high school and liked them but don’t know what I would think of them now.

>130 Tess_W: I finished Quentin Durward a long time ago. I didn't really get on with it. I've enjoyed the two Druon books (also about French monarchy) much more. I tried reading The Bride of Lammermoor but didn't finish because of extreme verbosity (and I usually like wordy Victorian novels).

>130 Tess_W: My sister gave me a box of very old hardcovers some years ago (a gift to her library which she had no use for), they are quite beautiful, edited by Andrew Lang. I have read Waverley and found it interesting enough, but some of his other books are turgid. The pirate, for instance. I longed to box Wilfred's ears in Ivanhoe a lot.

Thanks for the responses. I'm a little leary about Scott, but I have started Waverley and will see how it goes from there.

119. Waverley by Sir Walter Scott. This is my first Scott, and while I did not particularly care for the book/writing, I did like the story. I think my reading was somewhat enhanced by knowing the history of the Jacobite Rebellion and the Battle of Culloden. Had I not known something about the Highlanders and their rebellion(s), I would have been lost. I was not a fan of the romance part of the novel, it seemed obligatory or contrived. I started to read the introduction, but after 9 pages of self-absorbed drivel, I skipped it. 484 pages, just barely 3 stars. 3 stars for me is your average read--can be mediocre or enjoyable, this was not necessarily enjoyable and yet not mediocre. Cat: Because I Wanna I will give Scott another "chance," reading another of his works. While I do have a hard copy of this book, I read it on Kindle, because it was free and I could adjust the font.

I like Scott's works but really have to be in the right mood for them, I find. I need a lot more energy to concentrate than I do for some other authors.

>137 rabbitprincess: I found that also, RP.

Yeah, my local ballet is back! The 2021 season is comprised of: Giselle, Cinderella, and Director's Choice (not yet announced, but something "modern." My BFF and I attend and then go out to dinner--it's one of the highlights of my year! Here's hoping that it can stay open...that Delta variant is rearing its ugly head and some schools have already announced that masks will be necessary in the fall.

>136 Tess_W: He's been on my "should read" list for ever, so I've downloaded Ivanhoe. Will try to exercise restraint with >133 MissWatson: Wilfred.

And enjoy the ballet! Fingers crossed.

Chugging right along reading the Federalist Papers. Read 37-42.

#37 written by James Madison discusses some of the problems encountered by the writers of the proposed constitution.

#38 A rather lengthy and involved essay by Madison discussing that the proposed constitution has less problems than any other form of government contemplated.

#39 James Madison define a "republican" form of government.

#40 James Madison addresses the issue that the Convention only had the authority to amend the Articles and not draw up a new constitution.

#41 James Madison (who was the primary author of the Constitution) seems to have taken over the reigns from Hamilton explaining in detail the constitution. In this paper he discusses both the powers and restraints the government under the new proposed constitution.

#42 Madison again discusses what was in essay #41, but does address slavery, which per the new constitution can continue for 20 years (1808) and then be ceased.

Going to a family reunion today, 90 minute drive there, 90 minute drive back, so I hope to read quite a few more during this time! I'm half way through!

>141 Tess_W: Enjoy seeing your family!

>142 rabbitprincess: I will! Except for my children, sister, and mom, I only see cousins, uncles, aunts, 2nd cousins, ect, once per year. This is the 65th reunion, with only one being canceled, last year due to Covid and the large number of elderly people. This year they are "breaking" my great aunt out from the nursing home and she will be attending. She is 106 years old and her mind is still fabulous!

120. Toward the Midnight Sun by Eoin Dempsey. This was a less than stellar story about a young woman's journey to the Klondike during the gold rush of 1896-1899. It was very formulaic: girl goes to wed rich husband, rich husband to be is abusive, she meets local miner, falls in love, trouble, etc. I listened to this on audio, and the narration was breathy and it seemed as if every sentence was dramatic. This would be one to skip! 7 hours 12 minutes 2.5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

Federalist Papers Essays 43-48

#43 Madison lists and expounds on 9 of what he calls the "forth" level of powers granted to the government (copyrights, pass sentences for treason, how to admit new states to the union)

#44 Madison tried to justify the following “Of these the first is the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States.”

#45 Madison tries to explain how the entire constitution is meant to preserve States' Rights.

#46 A continuation of #45

#47 Madison rejects the idea that there must be TOTAL separation of powers between the 3 branches of power, and idea the framers took from the French Baron von Montesquieu. He says it is the persons who must be separate--a judge can not be a senator, etc.

#48 A continuation of #47. The branches of the government should be "available" to each other. (Madison)

>143 Tess_W: 106? That is amazing!

>146 MissWatson: Yes, 106! But, sad to say, this year her mind wasn't all there! What a difference two years makes; at least in this case. However, she did lead in a group song, "Pony Boy", which I guess was a child's popular song from the 1920's-1930's.

>143 Tess_W: >146 MissWatson: I had a great-aunt like that. She didn't make it quite as far as Tess's aunt, but at 101 she was still getting manicures and having her hair colored.

The Federalist Papers
#49 Madison argues that when the issue is people vs. the constitution, that the people must be involved in any changes made.

He argues that if the issue is branch of govt vs branch of govt, that the people should not be involved for various reasons which he discusses

# 50 This is a continuation of #49. Madison again explains how the constitution should keep all branches of government within their boundaries.

# 51 Madison again argues that each branch of government, under the proposed constitution will have its "limits," as well as a "will of its own," and " elected by the people," except the judiciary. The judiciary must be the exception because its members must be specifically trained for such a position.

Just 24 to go! Going to try to finish this week. This was a daunting task when I started. It really hasn't been that bad. I had envisioned a time of research needed to be able to understand each of them and that has not been necessary--but then hindsight is 20/20!

121. The Peppermint Pig by Nina Bawden a coming of age story about 4 children who stay with relatives in Norfolk while their father goes to America to start a new life for them. The protagonist gets a pig because she is lonely. The name is a take-off of the Peppermint pigs were candies made at Christmas to bring prosperity and wealth. This was a YA book. 189 pages 3 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

I'm impressed by your Federalist Papers read.

>150 Tess_W: I hope the family got to reunite!

>151 thornton37814: We did! There were 56 present. We meet in the church annex where my great grandmother (now passed) used to attend. The Great Depression did not stop the reunion, WWII did not stop the reunion, Covid stopped the reunion in 2020!

>152 Tess_W: OOPS - I meant the book where the dad went to America and the others were left in England with a new pig.

>143 Tess_W: That's a wonderful tradition.

>153 thornton37814: LOL, yes, that family did, also!

Federalist Papers

Essay #52 This essay outlines the duties of the Representative of the House, qualifications, and length of term of office. Madison argues that this is the most important government position as it is regarded as "the fundamental article of republican government." (25 yrs or age, 7 years a citizen) The rest of this essay debates biennial elections and are they safe? Madison concludes that they are safe and "the liberties of the people are in no danger."

Essay #53 This is a continuation of the question asked in #52, are biennial elections safe? Madison again makes the argument that they are indeed safe.

The Federalist Papers

Essay #54 Madison provides a rationale for how the seats for the House is proportioned and also for counting slaves as 3/5 of a person. It is interesting to note that Madison thought slavery an "abomination", but clearly defended the 3/5 counting rule, he says, to make the tax load equitable. This was quite a lengthy article.

Essay # 55 Madison continues his argument about the formula(s) for apportioning House seats. He addresses treachery and bribes of gold, but says that elections biannually would remove those dishonest people from government.

The Federalist Papers
#56 Madison addresses another concern of those who speak against the new constitution--that representation in the House is too sparse to adequately represent all Americans. He back up the formula of 1/30,000 with stats from England and Scotland, citing it works well. Even Madison would be shocked today with the ratio 1/747,000!

#57 Again Madison addresses charge leveled against the proposed new constitution that the representatives elected will be of a class that doesn't really represent the majority of their constituents. He argues that it is up to the people to elect those who truly represent them. He again brings in the argument that with biennial elections, anyone the people find abhorrent will be voted out of office. He says the electors will be beholding to their constituents. I found it iron that Madison says any laws they pass they will also have to abide by---not today! This was a lengthy essay.

#58 Madison addresses another argument against the proposed new constitution--that the number of representatives elected will not increase with the population.
The argument is that the smaller states, with the help of the Senate, will try to block the increase in the number of House members. Madison said this won't happen, because the larger states will win out--hmmmm!

Madison then takes on an odd argument against a large number of representatives, '“the greater will be the proportion of members of limited information and of weak capacities. Now it is precisely on characters of this description that the eloquence and address of the few are known to act with all their force.” In other words, the more people elected, the more will be stupid-- (limited information and weak capacities). Hmmmmmm!

122. When I Was You by Minka Kent was billed as a psychological thriller. It was told from two different perspectives. The first 50% of the book was slow and labored; I almost quit. I had the plot figured out in the first chapter. However, at about the 50% mark the story started to pick up. The denouement was what I expected, but still somewhat satisfying. I wouldn't really call this a psychological thriller because of its transparency. This is the story of a stolen identity. This was a free Kindle of the month read. 2.5 stars 272 pages CAT: Because I Wanna

123. Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott was my second Scott read and unlike my first read, Waverly. This novel had two subtitles, The Astrologer and Private Lives. This was a difficult book to read because of its extensive use of a heavy Scottish brogue that made me stop and re-read passages several times and still not really understand what was said. By the 10th stop, I was no longer interested. This was the story of a slimy lawyer who "stole" property and the hero, Guy Mannering, setting things to right. 298 pages 2.5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

The Federalist Papers #59
Hamilton reappears beginning with this essay. He addresses Article I, Sec. 4 of the proposed constitution: “the Constitution which authorizes the national legislature to regulate in the last resort the election of its own members”. The authorization is in these words “The times and places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations except as to places of choosing Senators”. He said this law was necessary because if a few of the larger states with larger delegations were to boycott or not send representatives, then there might not be a quorum for voting. This was a lengthy essay.

Essay #60 This is somewhat a continuation of the argument in #59, but from another perspective. Hamilton states that by having the clause in Article I, Sec. 4, that compels states to hold elections that “some favorite class of men in exclusion of others by confining the places of election to particular districts and rendering it impracticable to the citizens at large to partake in the choice," would not be probably.

Essay #61 Hamilton responds to the argument by critics that all elections should be held in the state capital. He explains the issue from the State of New York, his home state. He argues that if elections were held only the state capitals: 1) vast amounts of citizens would not be able to vote 2) only people from Albany would be elected

Back after my holidays, and nearly 50 posts to catch up on in your thread, so forgive me I have skimmed it somewhat! I'm very impressed with your Federalist Papers project though, although I don't think I could stick with it myself :D

>162 Jackie_K: Hope you had a great time! As to the Federalist Papers, being a history prof, I should have read them before--but in my defense, I don't teach that era of history.

The Federalist Papers

Essay #62 Madison returns and briefly discusses the qualifications for being appointed a senator and a general job description. This is a lengthy paper

Essay # 63 Madison tries to calm the fears that some have about a body of appointed me who might look after their own best interests. He comments that " The cool deliberate body will save them from themselves, from the tyranny of their own passions”, if this should happen." Again, another lengthy paper.

Essay # 64 John Jay returns to discuss the powers of the president as to his power to declare war or make treaties.

The Federalist Papers

Essay # 65 Hamilton writes about the powers of the proposed senate, chiefly its role to act as the court in impeachment trials. Much of the article is written in rhetorical questions: "What, it may be asked, is the true spirit of the institution itself? Is it not designed as a method of NATIONAL INQUEST into the conduct of public men? If this be the design of it, who can so properly be the inquisitors for the nation as the representatives of the nation themselves??

Essay #66 Alexander Hamilton replies to the criticism of those who oppose the senate as a body in the impeachment process. He is specifically writing to those in New York (his home state). The major object to which Hamilton addresses is that there is supposed to be a separation of powers and if the senate acts as part of the judiciary process, then that boundary has been crossed. Hamilton says that the pride and virtue of the Senate would not be likely to influenced by the executives being tried. He says this process is already at work in the state (constitutions) of South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. This is a lengthy article.

Essay # 67 Another lengthy explanation/defense of the power of the president by Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton is railing in this essay specifically against those who would equate the power of the presidency to those held by the King of England. He is writing specifically to the people in New York. “He has been decorated with attributes superior in dignity and splendor to those of a King of Great Britain. He has been shown to us with the diadem sparkling on his brow, and the imperial purple flowing in his train. He has been seated on a throne surrounded with minions and mistresses; giving audience to the envoys of foreign potentates, in all the supercilious pomp of majesty. The images of Asiatic despotism and voluptuousness have scarcely been wanting to crown the exaggerated scene. We have been almost taught to tremble at the terrific visages of murdering janizaries (supporters); and to blush at the unveiled mysteries of a future seraglio (harem).”

Hamilton refutes all of these arguments, but specifically, again, picks up the argument made in essay #66 about the power of the president to make senatorial appointment; which the president can only do if someone is removed from office by impeachment or death, AND the state does not have a system in place for replacement.

Again, another lengthy paper.

Still plugging away at those Federalist Papers. It's been a long road, mostly interesting as it is part of US history, but after 2-3 weeks it's starting to wear me down! Some of those essays are so long winded! But then, I have to remember that many people could not read so things had to be explained in detail for the ones who could read and read/tell others. Hamilton and Madison have such great minds and vocabularies. It is also evident they certainly know their world history.

Essay # 68
Hamilton explains how the first president will be chosen, by electors. I'm surprised this was not one of the most hotly debated arguments, but from my research it was not. People thought the electors would know more people qualified to be president.

Essay # 69
Hamilton writes another lengthy essay downplaying the presidential powers in the new constitution. In many examples he compares it to European kings. For example, a president is elected every four years, the position is not hereditary, as in England. Presidents can be impeached, royalty is "sacred and inviolable." One has no "particle of spiritual jurisdiction" while the other is the head of the church and requires its citizens to pay tithes. The list goes on and on. Hamilton ends the paper with a question, “What answer shall we give to those who would persuade us that things so unlike resemble each other?”

Essay # 70
Hamilton argues the need for a single chief executive officer, that being the president. Decision, activity, secrecy, and dispatch, are what he considers the characteristics of an effective executive, and these are more likely from a single individual “than the proceedings of a greater number, and in proportions the number is increased these qualities will be diminished”.

Just 15 to go!

The Federalist Papers

Essay #71
This is one of Hamilton's shortest papers to date. It discusses the 2nd characteristic of a chief executive should have, namely, duration. Hamilton insists that he must have duration (being cool and level-headed, and having stick-to-itness) over the sentiments of the public (which can speak through its representatives, and which may be fickle) and over the machinations of the House--which may not be looking after their constituents long-term.

Essay #72
In this essay Hamilton discusses 5 reasons why there are no term limits for the president in the constitution (this was changed by Amendment 22 in 1951): 1) lessening of inducements of good behavior 2) “temptations to sordid (avaricious) views, to peculations (embezzlement), and in some instances to usurpation” 3) “depriving the community of the advantage of the experience gained by the chief magistrate in the exercise of his office”. 4) banishing men in times of emergency “their presence might be of the greatest moment to the public interest or safety”. 5) would operate as a constitutional interdiction of stability in the administration”. I really didn't understand this one--but I think he means that stability and duration are important and if the people think the presidents needs to return or needs to be gone, they alone have that power. This is one of the most enjoyable essays that I have read. Hamilton (as the other founding fathers) certainly would be turning in their graves if they evaluated the office of the presidency today.

Essay #73
This essay by Hamilton discusses what he considers to be two important issues of the presidency: veto power and salary. He states that the president's salary should not be controlled by the legislature so that said body will neither bribe him and hence enslave the president to their wishes, not could they reduce him to famine. Therefore, the legislature should not have a say in the salary of any president CURRENTLY in office.

As to veto power, Hamilton believes it is absolutely necessary to restrain the power of the legislature.

T-12 (12 to go!)

124. The History of Rome: The Republic (Volume 1) by Mike Duncan. This covers the rise of Rome from its founding through the crumbling of the republic. Duncan actually had lecture podcasts on this subject, which I tried, but couldn't follow along--my mind wandered during the audio! However, I did like this brief history. Duncan spiced this up with some juicy tales that you would not find in regular history textbooks, although this is not a textbook. The only "flaw" I found was that I did not think enough time was spent on the reasons for the crumbling of the republic. I did take some notes on the earlier history of Rome. 371 pages 4.5 stars CAT: Non-fiction

The Federalist Papers

Essay #74
This was a short paper by Hamilton detailing more powers of the chief executive, namely as commander and chief of the armed forces and also his privilege as to pardons.

Essay #75
Hamilton addresses the the power of the president to make treaties. The President is to have power “by and with the advice and consent of the senate to make treaties provided two-thirds of the senators present concur”. He answers the questions such as why not just the president and why the House is not involved. It is interesting to note the 2/3 requirement from the Senate for treaty ratification. This was an attempt to quash absenteeism, which was a problem during the Articles.

Essay #76
Hamilton discusses the power of the presidency to appoint ambassadors and supreme court justices. He said it is necessary to have a 2 step process, nomination by the president and confirmation by the senate to keep out "those with bad character." Sure wish it had worked!

125. Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran was the novelized story of the great French wax artist. The book was very good and only one complaint: too many characters! I loved that real-life people had major parts, Jacques Louis-David, Marat, Robespierre, the king and queen, the jailor at the Bastille, etc. However, there were cousins and relatives with minor parts--too many to keep track of. I researched Tussaud after reading the book and learned that her "place" within the palace with the Queen's sister is only speculative--this played a big part in the book. All in all, a super read! 465 pages 4.5 stars CAT: France



With this book I have finished my general reading goal of 2021, 125 books. In the past, I've always set my goal at 100. I upped it this year because I had retired. I wasn't sure how many I would/could read. Next year I will increase that number. I still have challenges/CATS/KITS to read, though!

>125 Tess_W: Congratulations on reaching your general reading goal, and so early in the year.

>70 JayneCM: Congratulations!
I have Tussaud by Belinda Lyons-Lee here to read soon - I'll have to read this one as well.

>171 pamelad: TY
>172 JayneCM: TY

Federalist Papers
Essay #77
Hamilton again addresses the power of the president to make appointments. He again reiterates that Senate approval is needed, so that each branch of the government checks the other. He touches upon a few other powers that I've not seen discussed before, such as making the State of the Union address and making recommendations on issues which he thinks is expedient. Hamilton emphasizes that Senatorial cooperation is of the utmost necessity.

Essay #78
Hamilton begins to address the judiciary (Supreme Court) he argues in favor of lifetime appointments. He begins by comparing the power of the judiciary to the other branches of government and claims the judiciary is the least dangerous to the political rights of the constitution for it controls neither the sword of the executive nor the purse controlled by the legislative. It has “neither Force nor Will but merely judgment”. Boy, he was really wrong there! The SCOTUS is the most powerful branch of the government, making laws defacto.

Essay #79
Hamilton addresses how SCOTUS judges will be compensated and how they can be removed from office--impeachment.

T-6

Been up since 5AM this morning to finish off The Federalist Papers!

Essay # 80
This is a VERY long essay by Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton describes in detail six classes of authority given to SCOTUS and why that authority is important to the union. The 6 classes: 1) to cases between a state or the citizens, and foreign states, citizens, or subjects. 2) treaties (preserving the national peace) 3) admiralty and maritime jurisdiction 4) to controversies in which the US government will be a party 5) controversies between 2 or more states or between citizens of 2 or more states 6) to citizens within the same state claiming lands or grants in other states

Essay # 81
Another essay by Hamilton responding to the criticism that the judicial branch might become too activist--boy were the critics right! He defends the set up of the judiciary saying that this is the set up in 9/13 colonies and has always worked well. In this essay, I do not believe Hamilton addressed the real issue and as such, it is a major political issue today: "the errors and usurpations of the SCOTUS will be uncontrollable and without remedy." There is nothing to check the power of the Supreme Court--it is a run away institution, IMHO.

Essay # 82
Again, by Hamilton, explaining the relationship between the state courts and the federal courts and the powers of each.

Essay # 83
Hamilton explains that the lack of guidelines for trial by jury in CIVIL cases in the constitution is not a problem. This is a very long explanation. In a nutshell Hamilton argues that "the expression of one thing trial by jury in criminal cases is not the exclusion of the other." “It certainly sounds not a little harsh and extraordinary to affirm that there is no security for liberty in a constitution which expressly established the trial by jury in criminal cases, because it does not do it in civil also; while it is a notorious fact that Connecticut, which has been always regarded as the most popular state in the union, can boast of no constitutional provision for either”.

Essay # 84 This is an odds and ends of topics/subjects that weren't really touched on in other essays. The primary focus is on the fact that there is no bill of rights contained within the constitution. The constitution gives rights to the government, but lacks any specific rights for the individual citizen. He says there are men writing the bill of rights currently in New York. He claims that many of the rights contained in a Bill of Rights are already in the plan of the convention. He sites the article and section number for many provisions and repeats the words of the plan and compares this to the New York Constitution which also does not have a Bill of Rights. Hamilton says it would be impossible to list all the rights of the citizens in a republic.

Essay # 85
The last essay! Hamilton argues that the constitution needs to be ratified NOW! He again compares the proposed constitution to the one in his own state, New York, and finds it very similar. At the end of this essay, Hamilton apologies for his short temper in trying to explain to the critics the intricacies of the proposed new constitution. " I have betrayed myself “into intemperances of expression” but the charges of conspiracy against the liberties of the people and other charges against the wealthy and well-borne “have been of a nature to demand the reprobation of all honest men”.

Whewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! This was a monumental task which took away my reading time. However, as an American and a history professor (although not of early American history), I felt compelled to read through all these essays. I have read 3-4 of them previously, but not studied them in depth. I took notes on all 85 and that notebook is now filed on my shelf--for what purpose, I have no idea! I hand wrote the notes because I remember better than when I computer generate them.

126. The Federalist Papers by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison These men were just brill & eloquent! 379 pages 5 stars

Congratulations for getting all of the Federalist Papers!

>175 DeltaQueen50: TY!

>174 Tess_W: well done. And I like that you've made notes.

>174 Tess_W: That's an amazing feat of perseverance. Congrats!

>177 Helenliz:
>178 MissWatson:

TY TY! I do feel a sense of accomplishment, much like finishing War and Peace!

>179 Tess_W: Yes, you have certainly accomplished something. I've read here and there through them but never all of them and don't see myself doing that. I appreciate your notes.

>180 clue: TY!

127. Mother Mason by Bess Streeter Aldrich This is the 3rd book I've read by Aldrich and I just love this author. She writes about either pioneer life (1870-1900) or small town life (1900-1920). This particular book was about Mrs. Mason, a woman with 5 children and a banker husband. It told of the trials and the happy times of the family. Mrs. Mason is witty as well as wise. Just a delight! 269 pages 5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

I also like the book cover, it's "The Lilac Komono" which is in the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian. The painter is Robert Reid.

>118 Tess_W: I've been skimming your synopsis and you are correct the authors get repetitive, wordy and boring. America was a fragile mess-owed a ton of war debt and no states were willing to chip in, the British and French were still holding the West hostage, States were bickering, etc. etc. They are unabashedly writing one sided, full bore, no holds barred propaganda to build support for the forthcoming vote on the Constitution.
Heavy duty reading.
Let me suggest: first "Decision in Philadelphia by Collier & Collier. A balanced discussion of both sides to all the issues they were trying to resolve. this is a good concise view of the writing of the Constitution.
And if you want the there are two good books about the Anti-Federalist: What the Anti-Federalist were for by Herbert J. Storing. and another but heavy weight reading is : The Anti-Federalist by Edward Countryman.
This should keep you busy for a while-(I was looking at this thread for some lighter summer reading.)
I applaud your efforts.
PS-have you ever been to Independence Hall in Philadelphia? If not go and take the tour by the Park Service.

>183 PeterK712: Thank you for the recommendations for the Anti-Federalist position(s). I will definitely look up the Storing read as I am interested because I read a blurb about Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams being anti-federalists--some really heavy hitters during the War for Independence.

I have not been to Philadelphia yet, but it's about 3-4th on my "list." Thanks for the note about the Park Service--I usually go with them for I find them to be really knowledgeable--unless you get a "newbie"! The last time I was "east" (about 6-8 hours from where I live), I went to Harper's Ferry instead of Philly.

128. The Pioneers by David McCullough was a super book on the history of the settlement of the Northwest Territory; specifically, the Ohio River Valley. This work of non-fiction told of specific groups of settlers though the lives of 5 important historical individuals. The only thing, IMHO,was that the conflicts with the Native Americans was only skimmed. I haven't read a better history of this area. 379 pages 4.5 stars CAT: August History CAT: Read something from your own country

>185 Tess_W: You are whizzing through so fast that you are already reading August CATS! I'm still catching up from previous months! :)

>186 JayneCM: Don't forget, I'm retired and I have no children at home! And I'm also only participating in a couple of CATS!

>187 Tess_W: True! I cannot imagine having no children at home - still a way to go for me!

>188 JayneCM: Don't imagine, it's not all that great! I had my children in my early 20's, and by my early 40's, the house was empty. I do see them and the grands at least once a week, but it's not the same! I much preferred being a mother over anything else!

>189 Tess_W: My kids are spaced out a lot so I have had kids home for 25 years and have another 8 years at least to go! My youngest just turned 10 and my oldest granddaughter is 5 - they are great friends which is sweet. So it is pretty hectic at my house!
It does mean I get to read aloud lots of my favourite kids' books over and over. I think I have read the Harry Potter series about seven or eight times (due to encore requests) and I am about to start Charlotte's Web again for the youngest as he requested it again. And I still cry reading Charlotte's death, after so many repetitions!

>190 JayneCM: That's the way to go--spread them out! Both of my boys were only 18 months apart. Now, my grandchildren are spread apart from ages 3-21, so I have got a lot of use of recycling books and toys! None of my brood was really interested in Harry Potter--thankfully. I read the first one and just yuck! However, I've read and re-read Rick Riordan, Lemony Snicket, Charlotte's Web, and Runaway Ralph.

> That's a big spread for the grandchildren then! We also love Rick Riordan. I have all the Lemony Snicket books but they haven't got to them yet.

Today will be a day of audio book "reading." I've got 60 pounds of peaches to process: peach butter, baked peaches/peach sauce, peach bread or muffins (to be frozen) and for this week: peach cobbler.

>193 Tess_W: Wow that is a LOT of peaches! Have fun :)

Just trying to catch up a little. I've put The Pioneers on my wishlist but it will probably be a long time before I get to it.

Processed today: 10 pints of peach butter, 8 quarts of spiced peaches, 2 quarts of sliced peaches-frozen, 1 peach cobbler and saved 6 peaches for us to just eat this week! I'm peached out!

129. Mark of the Loon by Molly Greene was a free mystery from Kindle in 2015. It follows the namesake as she finds her dream home, but of course it comes with problems, including one-time Nazi spies, counterfeiters, etc. I was just amazed at what a great read this was! 244 pages 5 stars. There is an entire series by this author. I would probably read another one, if it were free! I'm not really a mystery reader.....

>196 Tess_W: Wow, that's impressive! I hope you managed to get some audio-reading done too. I'll be processing some blueberries tomorrow (much less than 60 pounds, though).

>198 mathgirl40: Actually, I listened to none. Unfortunately, my husband plopped himself into the family room (next to the kitchen) and turned on the TV for the entire 4 hours! I need to get wireless earbuds!

>196 Tess_W: that's amazing!
I need to top and tail a small punnet of blackcurrants today, that I picked yesterday, but that's the extent of my fruit processing!

>200 Helenliz: Currants=--- I have never tasted. They have been illegal in the US until the 21st century and then there are still many states in which they are banned. Can you describe their taste for me?

>201 Tess_W: Really? How odd. In taste they're like a very tart blackberry - there's very little sweetness to them. That's why they're usually served mixed with other berries. They make very good jam. Red currants are also served as a sauce with lamb (think cranberry sauce style, but a different starter fruit and nothing like as sweet). But I only have 1 black currant bush in the garden, so there's enough for pudding, but not a lot over.

Spiced peaches sound like Christmas to me as we always had them then.

>201 Tess_W: >202 Helenliz: Echoing Helenliz, I'd eat blackcurrants with other berries, not on their own. We have a blackcurrant bush, but I don't think it's very happy in its current (pun unintended!) position, it didn't produce a single one this year, and last year's crop had plenty of space in the palm of my hand.

It is the time of the year to be dealing with fruit. It's the tail end of strawberry and cherry season here and we are right in the middle of blueberry season. The strawberries were particularly good this year as we had such a sunny June. Even though peaches grow in the interior of our province, it's hard to get good ones here and I do love peaches and nectarines. Your peach butter sounds delicious! I am spoiled with a husband that likes to bake - he's in the kitchen right now making a blueberry cobbler.

>205 DeltaQueen50: He's a keeper, Judy!

>201 Tess_W: Well I have seen or heard of currant jelly....maybe in a store in another state I visited. It seems that the ban is because the currant bush produces a fungus which kills white pine trees. My state has permitted currants since 2015, but I've never seen any. The caveat is that they can not be from Argentina.

>204 Jackie_K: Sounds like my blackberry bush. I did not cover it this year and I think the birds got all but a handful of fruit. My husband weed whacked my blueberry bush, so no blueberries till at least next year.

130. The Leopard Rider by James Duprie was a short adventure story loosely based on the life of Marco Polo and his father, Niccolo. You will need to suspend belief if you read this book. The sentence structure was also troubling. 139 pages 2.5 stars This was a free Kindle book in 2014. CAT: Because I Wanna

131. The Twelve Disciples by Rose Publishers. This book contained 3 page sketches of each of the original 12 disciples. All information was in bullet point form. Scripture citations were added, where applicable. "Stories" (not verified) where also included, where applicable. A good reference source. 39 pages 4 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

132. The Life of Apostle Paul by Rose Publishing. This was a very informative pamphlet--short book, just 9 pages about the three missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. I loved how it listed each place where he stopped and what major event occurred in that place; along with the Scripture reference. It may seem like a real "shortie", but by the time I looked up and read all the Scripture and took notes, it was about a 3-4 hour project. Will keep this as a reference. 5 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

133. Freedom's Landing is the story of Kristin, who was snatched from her Denver neighborhood and taken to a distant planet as a slave by the Catteni's. This is a survivalist story, and not a very good one. I'm not a sci-fi or space fan so perhaps this book is better than I think. I listened to this on audio and the characterizations were not good. Mitford's southern is very much put upon and the Australian accent is abysmal. Also too much focus on a man's "member" and no need for so much taking the Lord's name in vain--it added nothing to the story. Sigh. 331 pages 2.5 stars CAT: August Scaredy Kit (Water or Space)

I rather like McCaffrey's Freedom series but I can see that they wouldn't be to everyone's taste.

134. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is often referred to as the unofficial autobiography of the author. It is the story of selfishness and greed viz a vis the fountain of youth. I have detested the other Wilde works I have attempted, but I did like this one, even though rambling in some places. 186 pages 4 stars CAT: Because I Wanna

135. The Progressive Farmer's Southern Cookbook, by Sally Hill. I did not read the entire cookbook, but spent several hours with it. This was published in 1961 before the advent of the internet. The first part of the book dealt with "how to's." How to substitute for missing ingredients, how to can, how to make gravy, etc. I found the how to make white gravy interesting. This book advises to remove the hot oil/grease from the burner, add the flour and the liquid and then return the pan to the burner and bring to a boil. I prefer to cook my flour in the oil, to get rid of the floury taste..... I did try two recipes, the one for peach butter with no sugar, which is delightful, I made 8 pints. And I tried the cooked tuna patty recipe with some left over tuna salad and it was just yuck! Also not going to try anything with squirrel or hogsheads as an ingredient. There is a recipe for caramel popcorn balls, which my grandchildren have never had, which I think I will make with them the next time they come over. I will enjoy dipping in and out of this book for years to come. 429 pages CAT: Reading Through Time August: Cooking

>213 Tess_W: interesting! I have not had much success making white gravy or “milk gravy” as we called it. I wish I had paid more attention when my Daddy made it.
The caramel popcorn sounds delightful!

>213 Tess_W: I love looking though old cookbooks. A friend and I were talking a few days ago about the fact that there isn't as much pleasure browsing online. Carmel corn is one of my Christmas specialties, my nephews, in their 40s, ask for a tub of it every year. There are microwave recipes available that I haven't tried, I just stick with my old oven recipe. As for gravy, loved my mom's with her great biscuits, but I haven't made it in years.