Barb Gets Moving in 2024 -Room by Room

Hello and welcome to my 2024 Category thread. Since I will be preparing to move during this year, my chosen theme is Room by Room. As I declutter and think ahead to the sale and move to my new living space, I will be doing a lot of room by room assessments. Come along as I read my way through The Great Purge!

The Parlor
Curling up on the sofa with my Kits and Cats for 2024
Random KIT
January: Effin Birds

Calendar CAT

Mystery KIT

Alpha KIT
January
A Light from Uncommon Stars Ryka Aoki
Y I Have Some Questions for You Rebecca Makkai

The Kitchen

My comfort zone-Historical fiction, Lit Fic, mystery, and contemporary novels

I Have Some Questions for You

The Study

Gathering with friends as we talk books in my two book clubs and in my online readalongs.

January:
Light From Uncommon Stars
Joan is Okay

Dining Room

A veritable feast for my reading heart...My Kindle TBR

The Masterpiece

The Office

Let's get serious. Here you'll find my non-fiction reads

Vanderbilt
Madame Restell

The Bedroom

I keep coming back for rest..find my series reads here

January: The Bullet That Missed
February: Truth Be Told and What You See
March:

Attic

Out of my comfort zone but I may rummage around for just the right one: Sci Fi, Fantasy, Horror

I knew I'd want another category. This is the dreamland where I pick up a book just because I want to at that moment. No book club, no "shoulds", no challenges, no promises to a friend...just reading what I feel like reading. Of course this will overlap with my Kindle TBR feast but I wanted a cozy place to put some of my mood reads.

Excellent thread set up. Good luck with your move. Thinking about it ahead of time has to be a winning strategy. We last moved house 12 years ago, I think we're just about over the trauma by now. Not planning on doing it again any time soon, of course >;-)

That is a great set up, I've dropped my star and am looking forward to following along!

>10 Helenliz: We moved just over 12 years ago too, and I feel much the same. We're not moving just yet, but unfortunately as we've got to get all our ceilings replaced, we're currently trying to declutter and pack stuff up so it's not too chaotic for when that work is done, so it feels much the same as moving anyway. Le sigh.

>10 Helenliz:, >11 Jackie_K: Yes the decluttering is extreme. We lived here 34 years and raised our family mostly in this house. My husband knew that once he passed I would sell the house to move closer to two of my three kids. I'll be moving about an hour away, but to a much smaller place (thankfully). I have supposedly been working on the decluttering for years, but honestly there's nothing like a deadline to push you forward, right? I am aiming to put the house on the market in the spring, hopefully April. It is good for me to have the demands of The Purge on me each day. It keeps me going.
Wow, replacing ceilings, yikes! Everytime you declutter thoug it is so much easier the next time.

Thanks for following along. I'll post some of my first 2024 reads later today.

Good luck with the purging. I try to purge one room per year! Then I start over again! Good luck with the move. Happy reading in 2024!

Love the theme and the idea of purging. Good luck with your reading in 2024.

Love your theme! Hope you have a great year of reading amidst all the downsizing and moving!

Love the setup, and good luck with your move!

Sounds like you have a busy year ahead of you. Hope you are able to relax occasionally and enjoy your reading.

I like this theme! Dropping off my star! We moved two and a half years ago to a much smaller home. I had been purging stuff for a couple of years since we knew we would downsize eventually, but then when it got right down to moving, I really had to boogie! I did end up getting rid of some things I wish I kept, and there are still some things in a storage unit that I need to go through again. Having an impartial/objective person to participate also helped me a lot.

>13 Tess_W: That's a great method...too late for me, but a good idea!

>14 lowelibrary:, >15 thornton37814:, >16 christina_reads:,>17 DeltaQueen50: Thanks so much for joining me here.

>18 LadyoftheLodge: Yes, I expect I'll rent a storage unit for a year or so. I have family history from previous generations that needs another sort before I pass it along and then our own generations photos which need to be done. That was to be my winter project this year, but life changed and now I will put that off in favor of clearing the house completely. Once I settle into my new life, I'll have plenty of time for sorting projects.

The Parlor-Alpha KIT, The Study-Book Club



Light From Uncommon Stars

This was not for me. It seemed that the author was trying to do way too much in one story. There were several interesting storylines and they clashed and crashed together to make a very confusing journey. I did find some of the characters well formed, especially Katrina and Edwin. The more I think about this book, I realize that I found most of the characters very likeable, I just didn't enjoy the chaos of the storytelling.

The Bedroom-Series



The Bullet That Missed

The quirky characters in this series make me laugh which is very welcome. The mystery component is not the high point of each book, but it keeps the reader interested enough to follow the characters down some very strange pathways. I'm sure you could go deep into a discussion of ethics, but really I just like the surface friendships that are deepening as the series continues.

I like the way you've setup your challenge. We moved 8 years ago and even though I did a decent purge then, I'm going to work on doing some more.

Good luck with your reading and purging.

Planning ahead with the decluttering for a move is very wise. I'm trying to do that, too, this year. Wishing you good luck with it an hopefully you'll also find time for reading!

>22 dudes22:, >23 lsh63:, >24 MissWatson: Thank you and welcome. I appreciate your good wishes for my reading life. I am rather manic about the purging (which is likely a reaction to being alone) I am determined to slow down a bit and make specific times to read throughout the day. I haven't had that opportunity for many years so I am not used ot taking chunks of time out to read. This will be a goal for me this year.

Welcome back, Barb! Good luck with the decluttering and setting aside time to read.

Excellent theme! Wishing you the best of luck in your purge and the move!

I love your theme! It's inspiring me to do some decluttering of my own. Good luck with your purge and your reading this year!

>26 rabbitprincess:, >27 VivienneR:,>28 mathgirl40: Thank you all for following along!

The Kitchen-My Comfort Zone



I Have Some Questions for You

This book didn’t land for everyone. At first, I thought it was not for me either. The title was a bit off-putting, being too wordy and awkward. However, when it showed up in the text near the end, I felt like it pretty much summarized the whole plot. Since -Questions- had a lot of buzzy marketing, most are familiar with the dark academia setting and the podcast trope, but the book exceeded those descriptions because the writing was so literary. I didn’t feel this fully measured up to The Great Believers, but it was a solid 4-star experience. If you like boarding school settings with a mysterious murder thrown in by way of a look back, this is one to pick up.

Study-MMD Book Club



Joan is Okay

I couldn't make this one work for me. I tried...but it just didn't capture me at all. I tend towards plot driven novels and this is definitely all character driven. I couldn't warm up to any of the characters. To me the message is let me be me and you be you. That's not a new message. However, if the reader is unaware of the racist history and present day harassment of the Chinese American population, it serves as a reminder and/or a revelation. References throughout refresh our memory that life can seem very different to those who experience microaggressions on a daily basis. A lot of people rave about this book so my advice is try it...it might work well for you.

So glad you sent me the link to your thread! I love your categories and how they are relating to your life now. I think you are very wise to work on de-cluttering before your move. And yes, maybe all the busy-ness is your way of coping with your sudden solitude. Be well, and remember that grief is a process *hugs*

>33 threadnsong: Thank you so much for understanding a little of my journey. In an odd way emptying the house is comforting. It helps me remember the good times we had here for so many years. I'm fortunate to be able to do it at my own pace.

The Parlor-Random Kit



Effin Birds

I picked up Effin Birds at the library (although the Literate Plover said I wouldn't find it there) to add some humor into my life. I'm not usually one for this much vulgarity, but if you don't take it too seriously, the notes underneath the headlines are very funny. I love the artwork and found it delightful that some of it quite unexpectedly was beautifully rendered in color. I do think this probably plays better on social media rather than reading from front to back. Maybe leave it on the table to pick up for a chuckle now and then.

>35 beebeereads: I'd agree with this verdict too! It's fun if I'm scrolling and suddenly see the one sweary bird. Although I read the book in one go, I wouldn't do that again! It's more for dipping in and out of.

>35 beebeereads: Have this on my TBR to read. I'm sort of waiting till it fits in with a challenge!

The Bedroom-Series



Truth Be Told

I continue to enjoy this series and will follow it to its conclusion. The attempts at romance between the two main characters, thwarted at every juncture, is getting tiresome. I do hope this subplot moves ahead in the next two installments. I still strongly recommend this for readers who enjoy a good whodunnit with some characters worth following.

Porch-Just Because



The Connellys of County Down

This family story is full of heart. After one member returns from prison to rejoin her siblings, the back story gradually unfolds as we get to know Tara, Geraldine and Eddie. The supporting characters are just as appealing, although each was flawed in the most human of ways. I cared about every one and their connection to one another was inspiring. The plot has a few weak points but not enough to spoil this endearing story. In the end for me it's always about story and this one delivers!

>39 beebeereads: What a beautiful cover!

>40 Jackie_K: I know!! As someone who reads more than half of my books on Kindle, I totally enjoyed having this library book sitting on my table!

>39 beebeereads: Glad you enjoyed that. I'm not adding it at the moment, but I might read the blurb if I run across it at the library and check it out if the mood strikes me.

>39 beebeereads: This one is on my radar because of The 52 Book Club group read. But my library hasn't got it yet :(

Well, its been a minute since I've posted. With the help of my kids and my drive to get the house on the market in April, we have nearly accomplished all the decluttering and other arrangements. We are on target to list the first week in April---whew! But that left little time for reading and none for posting. So I'll catch up here. Not a lot to see, but I like to keep a record of what I have read and share tidbits about my opinion.

The Bedroom-Series


What You See

In this installment of the Jane Ryland series, the reader follows Jane outside of her work role as she gets personally involved with a missing persons case. Jake continues his top notch intuitive detecting to the advantage of everyone. I've been enjoying this series, but this one may have dropped a quarter point. The almost, but not really relationship of the two main characters is getting a bit tiresome. I will finish the series and hope for a resolution one way or another.

The Study-Book Club, The Office-Non-fiction gems



Madame Restell

Did you know about this early feminist and astute businesswoman? I did not. I learned a great deal in this comprehensive historical biography.

Ann Trow Summers, an early 19th c. British immigrant to the US, became an abortionist to support herself and her daughter. She saw a need and she filled it. Her skills were keen and her confidence unshakable. She serviced the women from high society who could afford to pay or servants from wealthy homes, often impregnated by their employers. It is a heartbreaking tale of life before contraception, the low status of women within their families and their community regardless of their wealth, and the horrific risks pregnancy posed for many very young women. Jennifer Wright offers a well-researched biography of Madame Restell as she tells the story of that era, occasionally inserting commentary about women’s reproductive status today. I was not aware of this historic figure and am glad I was introduced. At the core, Madame Restell was an astute business woman who found a way to serve a social justice issue as well.

The Office-Non-fiction gems



Carnegie Libraries Across America

I am grateful for a BB from LT for this book but I can't remember who was talking about it.
Although I knew about the Carnegie Foundation grants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, I was excited to discover that my childhood library was among the recipients. Sadly, it has since been razed. Some of the original libraries did not age well, were damaged by natural disasters or were too small for the growing communities. Many, however, still exist. There is a full listing of all the grants and recipients at the end of the book. Many photographs enhanced the experience as well. Learning about the architecture and the framework of the grants was worth the read.

The Dining Room-Kindle TBR, The Kitchen-Comfort Zone: Historical Fiction



The Masterpiece

Grand Central Station--a history. Continuing her exploration of New York's well known buildings, Davis creates a story around known historical facts. As always, her research is the most fascinating part of her novel. In the late 1920s when an art school existed in the structure, well known artists began their careers. Decades later a challenge to the value of the edifice, nearly brought it down. The two storyliens merge to a satisfying ending. Although I enjoyed the stories told in both timelines, I did find some of the aspects a bit cheesy. So not my favorite, but still a solid 3 star read for me.

>46 beebeereads: - It was Kathy (kac522). I took the same BB and took it out from the library. But the print was so small and since my state doesn't have any, I didn't have time to read it before we left on vacation in Feb. I'll try again when I have more time to spend on it.

>48 dudes22: Thanks for identifying the recommendation! I thought it was worth it, but I've also heard of another book that might be interesting as well.
American Libraries 1730-1950 That would certainly cover the Carnegie libaries along with a much broader look at libraries in America.

>46 beebeereads: So glad you enjoyed it! I agree that the photos helped quite a bit to visualize the libraries. And your floor plan in >1 beebeereads: reminds me of how I spent a long time looking at the library floor plans in the book, which now seem so inadequate for today's needs.

I need to make a list of the surviving structures in my area and do some Carnegie "mini road trips" this year.

>47 beebeereads: The print was a bit small for me, too, so I read it in little chunks--4 or 5 pages at a time. It's a book that's easy to put down and come back to later.

>50 kac522: Another book about the Carnegie libraries is Temples of Knowledge which I like because it is about my state!

>51 LadyoftheLodge: I have a good friend who grew up in Indiana. I told her that her state had the most Carnegie grants and was able to send her a copy of the 156 libraries built there. She was thrilled with this home state history. I'll tell her about your recommendation as well.

The Study-Book Club, The Office-Non-fiction



Vanderbilt

A tale of the mostly told in the gilded age, but brought forward from the 17th century through the late 19th and ending in the 21st century. Anderson Cooper and his co-author are both personally tied to the history of this legendary family. Choosing several characters and one branch of the tree to follow made an otherwise overwhelming dynasty navigable. The anecdotes were well told with delightful descriptions of the extravagant homes and wardrobes. If you enjoy gilded age drama, there is plenty of that to satisfy your curiosity. Overall, it is a story of avarice, corruption, and great emotional trauma for some of the descendants born into this self-made aristocracy.

The Study:MMD Book Club, The Kitchen-Comfort Reads



We Are The Brennans

Loved this story---messy family drama at its finest. There is just enough mess to make it fascinating and plenty of family love to round the edges. The novel begins with Sunday Brennan returning home after a five-year absence. As the book progresses, we learn what caused her to leave and whether she can really come back. Along the way Lange introduces us to all the family members in a deep exploration of their decisions, motivations and the consequential impact on others. Some readers had a problem with the ending, but I thought it left enough room for reader interpretation which I always appreciate. I loved Lange’s sophomore novel, The Connellys of County Down, so much and now this one even more. She has definitely become an auto-read author for me.

>54 beebeereads: I'll try to keep Lange in mind when I'm in the mood for that sort of read!

>47 beebeereads: I've read Davis' The Address and I really liked it. Will search for this one.

>56 Tess_W: I've also read The Dollhouse about the Barbizon Hotel for Women and The Lions of Fifth Avenue about the NY public library. If you love NYC as a setting her novels are a lot of fun.

So, it's been a minute. How has your house selling going? or are you in the midst of your move now that it's May??

Yes I hope the moving is going well! May the boxes be sturdy and the skies be sunny.