Deborah (vancouverdeb) reads in 2024 Thread 3

I'm Deborah, 40 years happily married to Dave, who is retired March 21 2024. . We have two adult sons, Daniel, 39, and William, aged 33. William is married to Serenade, and they have blessed us with two grandchildren, Melissa, 6, and Miles, 3. Besides reading, I do love to do jigsaw puzzles, walk -with or without our dog, Poppy, likely a Poodle- Maltese mix . I've been here on LT for nearly 15 years, and I enjoy historical fiction and mysteries , as well as many other genres. I'm keen to read book prize contenders, lately mainly the Women's Prize for Fiction and the Booker Lists. Last year I read 41 books and I expect to read about the same number this year. In previous years I have managed to read 75 books, but my love of jigsaw puzzles has changed that.

January

1) Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Relationships by Nedra Glover Tawwab American, F, 4 stars library
2) The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, American, M, 3.5 stars off the shelf
3) Absolution by Alice McDermott , American, F, 3 stars library
4)The Little Book Of Icelanders by Alda Sigmundsdottir Icelandic, F, 3 stars New
5)Reykjavik by Ragnar Jonasson , Icelandic, M, 4 stars Library

February

6) Silas Marner by George Eliot , British, F, 3.5 stars , library book / audiobook
7) The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson , British, F, 4 stars my book.
8) The Road from Belhaven by Margot Livesey, British, F, 4 stars, library.
9) The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo American, F, library, 4 stars
10) The Book of Days by Francesca Kay, British, F, ebook, 4 stars

March
11) Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie , F , New, 4 stars
12) Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville,Australian F, library, 4 stars
13) The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright ,Irish, F, library, 2.5 stars
14) The Prey by Yrsa Sigurdardottir , Icelandic, F , New, 4.5 stars

April
15) Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, British/ Palestinian, F , library, 3 stars
16) Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan, Irish, F, New, 4.5 stars
17)The Maiden by Kate Foster , Scotland, , F, New 4.5 stars
18)The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher, F, Library,

Prize winners and nominees

Silas Marner by George Eliot 1001 books to read before you die
Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie Womens Prize for Fiction Longlist 2024
Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville Women's Prize for Fiction Short List 2024
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright Women's Prize for Fiction Short List 2024
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, Women's Prize for Fiction Shortlist 2024
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 2024
The Maiden by Kate Foster Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 2024

Currently reading

Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshanathan

Women's Prize for Fiction Long List 2024

The Blue Beautiful World by Karen Lord
And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliot
8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster by Mirinae Lee
Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville
Western Lane by Chetna Maroo
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright
A Trace of Sun by Pam Williams
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan
Hangman by Maya Binyam
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
The Maiden by Kate Foster
In Defense of the Act by Effie Black
River East, River West by Aube Ray Lescure
Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshanathan
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie

Women's Longlist for Fiction as rated by my reading so far
1 Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan 4.5 stars
2 Western Lane 4 stars
3 Nightbloom 4 stars
4 Restless Dolly Maunder 4 stars
5Enter Ghost 3 stars
6 The Wren, The Wren 2.5 stars

Welcome to my new thread! Please stop by and drop a star or lurk, just whatever! Every one is welcome!

Happy new thread Deborah!

Happy new thread Deborah!

>1 vancouverdeb: That's such a cheerful spring image!

Happy new thread, Deb. Love that topper!! When I was in Mtl a couple of weeks ago, I was at my cousin's house for a few hours and nearly borrowed a puzzle from her. It was a great one, of books! She has an entire bookshelf devoted just to her puzzles. She likes complicated ones. But I didn't have room in my suitcase so I left it for next time.

>11 Owltherian: Hi Lily! Welcome to my thread! Thanks for stopping by.

>12 quondame: Thanks , Susan. I wanted something cheerful, and I did like this and thought it springlike.

>13 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. Yes, I thought that would make a good spring topper!Ohh, you should have borrowed that puzzle- and yes, one of books sounds great. I need a book shelf to store my puzzles. Instead they are stacked up on the floor in what was formerly a bedroom, but now is mainly storage. One day I will talk Dave into a shelf , I think. I hope you get it next time!

I'm just going to go and have a bite to eat , and then I'll try to catch up on people's threads. I've gotten quite behind in the past few days.

>14 vancouverdeb: You're so welcome!

Happy new one, Deborah!

Happy new thread :)

Happy new thread, Deborah!

Did you see that The 2024 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction shortlist was announced today?

The full list in alphabetical order by author surname is:

Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death by Laura Cumming, published by Chatto & Windus
Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein, published by Allen Lane
A Flat Place by Noreen Masud, published by Hamish Hamilton
All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles, published by Profile
Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI by Madhumita Murgia, published by Picador
How to Say Babylon: A Jamaican Memoir by Safiya Sinclair, published by 4th Estate

Hello Deborah and wishing you a wonderful new thread with lots of fabulous reading!

>16 Owltherian: Thanks , Lily.

>17 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

>18 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita!

Happy new one, Deb.

>9 vancouverdeb: I don't think you meant to upgrade the rating of Enright's new book?

> 19 Thanks Stasia! I did see that the 2024 Women's Prize for Non- Fiction was announced today, but I'm not familiar with any of the books. I did get Dictionary People , which was on the long list out from the library, but since I am trying to read from the Women's Prize for Fiction, I fear I will not get it read. I'll be interested in your thoughts on the Non Fiction Short List. Thanks for posting it on my thread

>20 mdoris: Thanks Mary! The Prey, my current read is grea.! Quite scary and gripping in a good way!

>22 PaulCranswick: Indeed not, Paul! Thanks for noticing that error on my part! I shall correct that immediately.

>24 vancouverdeb: It did burn my eyes a little, Deb, seeing as we both rated it so highly lowly.

Sweet Thursday, Deborah. Happy New Thread. I love the Spring topper. Congrats on all the eagle sightings.

Happy new thread Deborah!

Happy new thread, Deborah. I love your topper. You are doing well with your Women's Prize reading as well.

Happy new thread, Deb!

Hi Deb my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.

Happy new thread, Deborah! Your topper is perfect for spring!

>25 PaulCranswick: It shocked my eyes, Paul, to see I had accidentally rated it as 4 instead of 2.5.

>26 msf59: Thanks Mark. We do see bald eagles all year round here, but they are much more noticeable on sunny days as opposed to rainy overcast days, or maybe I don't look around as much on those rainy day walks.

>27 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel!

>28 BLBera: Thanks Beth, I thought it was a nice spring image. I picked up Enter Ghost today at the library, so I hope I will enjoy it when I get to it.

>29 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel! I hope things are going well for you.

>30 johnsimpson: Thanks John, for the Happy New Thread wishes! Wishing you many cups of tea and relief from your pain, dear friend.

>31 atozgrl: Thanks Irene! I did like that spring image.

I'm still reading The Prey which is excellent and perfectly scary. I picked up Enter Ghost from the library today and I hope I will enjoy. I watched a book tuber and she DNF'd , so I hope I will be someone who enjoys the book. I'm waiting on Ordinary Human Failings at the library, and it is overdue, so I hope it's just overdue and not gone missing for someone. I have a hold on it.

I had a good day, visited my sister who just lost her elderly cat Harriet, who was suffering with end stage kidney disease. My niece is in town for several months , working from remotely for a computer company in California. I had not seen in her in quite a while, especially not to visit with one on one. What lovely young lady she is. Chatty , huggy, not at all superficial like some young people , and I thought, how lucky the company is to have her. She has another job possibility with the Federal Government, and if she wants that, they will be fortunate to have her. She's also been accepted at the U of T here in Canada to do her Master's in the fall, so I guess she decide her way forward eventually.

Dave and I seem to adapting well to his new retirement status. I think he loves it, and I am happy too, so it's great. I wasn't so certain how it would be when he retired.

I'm so glad to see the retirement adjustment is going so well, Deborah.

It's good that the retirement is going well, Deborah. I love it! I will watch for your comments on Enter Ghost. I am reading and liking And Then She Fell.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

>34 vancouverdeb: My condolences to your sister on the loss of her cat. My own sister has lost three elderly cats over the past year, so she's feeling down. I'm very glad to hear that you and Dave are adapting so well to his retirement. May that continue!

                       

Happy new thread, Deborah. Congratulations to Dave on his retirement. I can't imagine working for one industry for all my working life and in one city too!

Love the topper!

WOW, What an amazing topper!

>35 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura, it is going surprisingly well, Dave's retirement.

>36 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I'm still reading The Prey and I hope to get to Enter Ghost soon. I'm glad you are enjoying And Then She Fell . I'll have to check your thread soon to see your comments on the books.

>37 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. You sure do a lot of work around here. Thanks!

>39 weird_O: I love it, oh Weird one!

>40 Familyhistorian: I'm the opposite, Meg. I would have really disliked having to move around a lot and for Dave to have changed jobs a lot. For a while he did work as an aircraft mechanic for PWA in Calgary, shortly after we were married. Our son Daniel was just a few months old and so he either drove or flew back and forth from Calgary to Richmond. I really missed him. And in those old days one only had 16 weeks off for mat leave , and though I only went back to work part time, it was a hassle. We did think we might have to move to Calgary, and I recall trekking there with 6 month Daniel in tow , while Dave worked in Calgary and the sinking feeling I had looking around at places to live in a very unknown city to me. I am very glad to have lived here the vast majority of my life. I suppose most folks in my family have stayed in one job for life - policing, airlines pilots etc. I like the stability of living in one place that I am familiar with. My brother moved around a lot at during there work as pilot for a variety of airlines and even Air Canada, but both of my brother's now work out of YVR. Why live anywhere else if you live in the Vancouver area is my thought! :-)

>41 Whisper1: Thanks Linda! I thought it was great for spring!

>38 atozgrl: I almost missed you, Irene. Thanks for the condolences to my sister regarding the passing of her cat. She recounted it all to me yesterday, the illness and the tough decision to put Harriet to sleep. I was happy that she mentioned that she was considering getting another cat perhaps this fall. She has another cat pass away following a stroke when my sister was 30, so she waited a long time to get another cat that time. I was a little touched that she has purchased a stuffed animal cat to sit on the chair with her while she watches TV. My condolences to your sister who has lost 3 elderly cats this year. No wonder she is feeling down. Yes, I think we are doing well adapting to retirement. I think it is easier than I anticipated.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

>45 bell7: Thanks , Mary!

Hi Deb. Lovely new thread you have here.

Congratulations on Dave's retirement. What are your plans?
Have a great Easter Sunday.

Have a blessed Easter Sunday, Deborah. It must be an exciting new period for you, as Dave is retiring.

Wishing you a very Happy Easter Deborah!

Hi Deborah! I am glad that Dave's retirement is going well.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

Love the topper. I had some hollyhocks in my garden, sadly they are gone now. Maybe time to get some seeds, and try again.
Glad to read Dave's retirement turns out well for both of you.

Hi Deb. Swinging by quick before your new thread gets out of control. ;-)

I love the image in >1 vancouverdeb: --- that would make a great jigsaw puzzle!

I have Enter Ghost on hold at the library since Beth told me about it. It sounds really interesting.

>47 dianeham: Thanks Diane. I hope things are going okay for you and Michael.

>48 Ameise1: We don't have any particular plans for Dave's retirement, Barbara, at the moment. He is just enjoying taking it easy , and stays busy with our dog, our grand kids, reading, stunt kite flying and the like. We did have a lovely Easter Dinner getting together with family , thanks

>49 ctpress: Thanks Carsten. I hope you had a lovely Easter too. Yes, the retirement thing is going well.

>50 mdoris: Happy Easter to you too, Mary, though it is Easter Monday now. We got a bit busy with a family Easter dinner yesterday.

>51 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda. It's an easier adaption than I expected, at least so far.

>52 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita! I am sure you and Frank are enjoying your retirement too! I had to look up what holly hocks looked like, and they are lovely. Yes, you may want to get some seeds to grow more.

>53 EBT1002: Well, I'm not sure if my thread ever get out of control, but thanks for stopping by Ellen. You mind works like mine, I see images too and think " that would make a great jigsaw puzzle" - and yes, that topper would. I have Enter Ghost out from the library and am just about to start reading it. It sounds interesting , yes and let's hope it is.

>23 vancouverdeb: Thus far, I have only read How to Say Babylon and it was very good. My local library has a couple of them but then I am on my own, lol.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Happy newish thread! Love the image up top! That’s how I wish my yard looked.

Happy Wednesday, Deborah. Lots of rain here. It is keeping me off the trails. It is supposed to be drier, warmer next week. With Sue not working, she has really stepped up with watching Jackson. It keeps her hopping. I am really getting into pickleball and trying to play 2 or 3 times a week. It keeps me busy.

Happy newish thread, Deborah.

>57 alcottacre: With Dave now retired I know what you mean about needing the library. I am trying to keep to my purchasing just one book per month, but it's not easy. I ordered a new book by Stacey Halls, The Household: PRE-ORDER the highly anticipated, captivating new novel from the author of MRS ENGLAND and THE FAMILIARS ( I hope we don't actually have to type out that entire title) from Blackwell's in the UK , and it should arrive in early May , so I guess that is my April book. I really loved her other books, and I don't see it anywhere in Canada.

>58 Storeetllr: Thanks Janet. I wish my yard looked like that too!

>59 msf59: Thanks Mark. We had a nice sunny day today, after a rainy day yesterday. I of course headed out with Poppy for a long walk and Dave headed out to fly his stunt kites with his buddies. Sorry to read that the rain is keeping you off the trails , but glad that you are getting out for pickleball and Sue is doing so much with Jackson. No, I didn't not see Melissa and Miles on the weekend. I did stop by with some Easter goodies , but they were out for dinner. I talked to Melissa briefly on the phone this evening and we ( William and his family) are planning to get together on April 19 th. Maybe I will be able to sneak a visit in before then.

>60 EllaTim: Thanks Ella! I hope you have been able to move to your new , quieter apartment.

I need to write a review of The Prey by Yrsa Sigurdadottir , which I hope to do tonight.It was an excellent read. Meanwhile I am about half way through Enter Ghost with my Women's Long List reading. I am not loving it , but it's better than The Wren, The Wren. I picked up 8 Lives of a Century Trickster , from the library today, so I think that will be my next read from the Women's Prize Longlist. .

I have read so far , in order of preference
Western Lane
Nightbloom
Restless Dolly Maunder
The Wren, The Wren

I think Enter Ghost will probably end up as in between Restless Dolly Maunder and The Wren, The Wren in my rankings.

I have a hold on Ordinary Human Failings , but it has been overdue at the library for about 10 days, so I hope it has not gone missing.

I own Brotherless Night, River East, River West and The Maiden, so I hope to get to those fairly soon.

Hoping you are doing well, I somehow lost track of your thread.

>64 richardderus: Thanks , yes, Richard, I am doing well. Busy trying to read some of the Women's Prize Longlist. I trust you are well too . *smooch*

>65 vancouverdeb: Nope. Nasty gout crystal issues. My latest Burgoine read was pretty ghastly, but tomorrow's review makes up for it.

The Prey by Yrsa Sigurdadottir 4.5 stars

This was an excellent piece of Scandicrime. Once I got reading the book, I could hardly put it down.

In Hofn, a small village on the south coast of Iceland, the new owners of a house find find some boxes left behind by the man who sold them the house. They return them, and the former owner notices an old muddied child's shoe among the items, with the name " Salvor" written on the sole. He is puzzled by this , not knowing anyone by the name Salvor. Shortly after the return of these items, the nursing home where his mother , an Alzheimer's patient, lives, calls to say his mother has had a heart attack, and asks him to tell his sister Salvor as well. His mother has been after asking her. But who is Salvor?

Meanwhile, a group of inexperienced hikers have gone missing in the midst of a harsh winter near the Hofn area. Johanna, a part of the search and rescue team, is out trying to locate the the hikers, who are feared dead.

In a remote, deserted radar station in Hofn, Hjorvar works mainly by himself, with one other worker taking the alternate shifts. One night, the phone that is connected to the entry/exit gate of the station rings. Horvar answers and a child's voice asks for her mother. Chillingly, it turns out that this phone has been disconnected for years.

Are these events connected? This novel had my blood running cold at times, and glad that I don't live alone.

Highly recommended.

>66 richardderus: Drat, Richard. A lousy read and gout crystals. That sucks. Sorry to hear that.

>67 vancouverdeb: Deborah, that sounds like a good one. Today I picked up 16 holds from the library. Yikes! I should get better at putting the books on pause. Overwhelmed!

>69 mdoris: I really loved it, Mary. I hope you enjoy it too. I will loan my copy to my sister, who is a big fan of Yrsa Sigurðardóttir.Yikes is right- 16 holds that you picked up! I'm pretty sure my library system only allows 10 holds at at time, but yes, those holds tend to come in all at once.

I must have looked every bit of my senior years today Deborah as the young man on the desk offered to carry them all out to the car. I agreed but only because I have a broken/healing collar bone not because I am......(OLD!) Ha Ha.

>61 vancouverdeb: My local library is now offering Hoopla, and that has extended the number of books to which I have access, but still not a lot of love for the Women's Prize Fiction and Nonfiction lists.

>67 vancouverdeb: Into the BlackHole it goes. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Deborah!

>71 mdoris: Ouch, Mary! I hope the collarbone heals quickly.

Have a fantastic Friday, Deborah!

>67 vancouverdeb: Ok, now this one looks really good! Happy Friday, Deb!

>43 vancouverdeb: I lived in Calgary for a while in the '70s, Deborah. I don't think you would have liked it especially after being used to Vancouver. We moved there from Vancouver and as soon as I saw the place, I wanted to move back. It took me almost a year to do so and the group of friends I was with had started out together in Halifax, so we were used to snow and cold. Not that cold though!

>71 mdoris: I can't imagine you looking like a senior, Mary! I'm sure it was just your broken collar bone and 16 books! Once when I was only about 58 0r 59 , I was at Shopper Drugmart and a clerk asked I wanted the senior discount! I said, I'm not 60 yet. :-)

>72 alcottacre: I'm glad to have sent you a BB, Stasia, and I think you will like The Prey. I sure did. I don't know if my library offers Hoopla or not.

>73 Storeetllr: Thanks, I did have a good day, Mary. Nice and sunny and a great walk outside. Enjoy The Prey.

>74 Familyhistorian: I don't think I would have liked it either , Meg. One thing I noticed is that you have to get on a virtually a highway to from one neighbourhood to another, and as I was there in the summer, there was not much to the Bow River compared to the Fraser River. My brother and his family lived in Calgary for 5 or so years, due to his job. I think my sister in law was quite lonely there. They then moved on to Barrie On, and I think they much preferred that. They are happily now back in the Lower Mainland, in Ladner. I think my " Edmonton brother" and his family will end up back on the Coast when he and his wife retire. They have a daughter at UBC, and a son that plans to go to UBC as well.

Well, I caved today and purchased a book. I listened to a youtube video by Simon Savidge , and he read just three books from the Women's Prize Longlist so far. He wasn't that keen on Restless Dolly Maunder, but liked River East , River West better. But Ordinary Human Failings he declared to be short list material in his opinion. So I headed out to Ladner to Blackbond books and purchased it . Poppy and I also had a very nice walk there. Lovely sunny day. +

My library is supposed to have Ordinary Human Failings but it appears to have gone missing.

Here is our just turned 6 year old granddaughter very focused on her figure skating.

>78 vancouverdeb: Your grand daughter is adorable.

>78 vancouverdeb: She’s lovely 🥰

>78 vancouverdeb: Oh wow! She has grown so quickly. She looks fully concentrated on her task. She must quite enjoy skating and putting all the time into practicing!

>78 vancouverdeb: That's a sweet photo, Deborah.

>75 vancouverdeb: - Deb, you made me laugh. Our Shoppers Drug Mart's *senior discount* age is 55 so I've been getting my Thursday discounts for awhile!

>78 vancouverdeb: - Great pic! Such concentration!

>78 vancouverdeb: Such a punkin pweshus!

Happy weekend-ahead's reads, me deario.

>78 vancouverdeb: Love it! Go Melissa! Looks like a champ!

Happy Saturday, Deborah.

>78 vancouverdeb: What a Great photograph - Thank You!

>78 vancouverdeb: Grandkids grow up too fast. What a cutie.

>78 vancouverdeb: What a star!

>78 vancouverdeb: Wow! Wonderful shot! Looks like she’s got great form!

Wow! Melissa is so cute, and how is she 6 already?

>78 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah, What a wonderful photo of Melissa and she shows such good form. I did figure skating as a kid in Toronto and still have dreams of spins and jumps. It is such a great sport. Well done Melissa!

>79 Whisper1: Thanks Linda! We think so, but she is our grand daugther :-)

>80 dianeham: Thanks Diane, so kind.

>81 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita. She belongs to a figure skating club and goes twice a week to practice. I think that yes, she really enjoys it.

>82 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. So kind of you to say.

>83 jessibud2: I'm glad I made you laugh, Shelley. In BC, you have to be 65 to get the seniors discount at Shoppers, or as Dave says, just have grey hair and they assume you are a senior. Yes, Melissa is very focused in that picture.

>84 richardderus: Thanks Richard. She is a cutie.

>85 msf59: Thanks Mark. I think it is competitive , the figure skating but how much so at just turned 6 , I don't know. We are a lucky bunch here on LT, with our cute grandchildren.

>86 m.belljackson: You are welcome , Marianne. Thanks for the kind comment.

>87 BLBera: You are correct, Beth, it seems like grandchildren do grow up quickly. I was looking her picture from the day she was born and it's hard to imagine she is already 6 years old.

>88 quondame: I'll tell her, Susan! Thanks.

>89 Storeetllr: I've never figured skated, but I think that looks like good form , thanks, Mary!

>90 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda. I feel the same way. How is she 6 already and starting Grade 1 in September?

>91 mdoris: Cool,Mary , that you too have done figure skating. You'll be a good judge of her form then. I only ever went to the local skating arena and learned how to skate on my own, and quite poorly at that. Or maybe I was okay at ice skating, but I certainly never learned figure skating. It will be interesting to see how long she stays in figure skating and how much she progresses.

>78 vancouverdeb: What a wonderful photo. She looks so poised!

Well, I finished Enter Ghost a little earlier today, and I am sorry to say that I felt it was a dud. Better than The Wren, The Wren , though, so that is a plus. I have yet to create a review or any comments, but I think it will be a 3 star read, which is kind of a like extremely average for me. I was glad to close the final pages. It made me wonder how to authors create such engaging characters that I or we care so much about, whereas in Enter Ghost, I felt quite indifferent to the characters.

I'm quite sure my next read is going to be another from the Women's Prize Longlist Ordinary Human Failings, and I heard good things about it on Simon Savidge's book tube Vlog, so I am hopeful.

>96 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul! We need a new picture of your little Pip, or Nami. She does look poised, yes, thanks.

>98 vancouverdeb: I will have a look for some updated pics (Hani has hundreds of course).

Sorry to see Hammad's book fell flat and I must admit that I haven't gotten into it very well either.

>99 PaulCranswick: This one is just for you Deb. I have put a couple more on my thread.

>78 vancouverdeb: Nice picture! I'm a big fan of figure skating, maybe I'll see your granddaughter competing some day.

> 99 Unfortunately, yes, Enter Ghost did fall flat for me. I'll try to get some comments or a review on my thread later this evening, Paul.

>100 PaulCranswick: Drat, Paul, I can only see an empty box instead of the promised photo of Pip. But I did see the wonderful pictures of her one your thread. Such a cutie, Paul .

>101 atozgrl: Thanks Irene! Well, I'm not sure she'll be competing in way that you will be able to view, but such a lovely compliment to little Melissa.

Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad 3 stars

Enter Ghost, unfortunately, did not work for me. I never felt engaged with the characters nor the plot.

I felt indifferent towards Sonia, our protagonist. She is an actress, divorced and has returned to Palestine to visit her sister, Haneen. Haneen has lived in Palestine all of her life, and teaches at a university in Tel Aviv. Once back in Palestine, Sonia finds herself roped into a production of Hamlet, on the West Bank. The story is about the the relationships Sonia and others have with Palestine and Israel , as well as their personal relationships.

It was a slow read, and I did not feel I learned anything new about Palestine or Israel, nor the conflict there. I understand the play, Hamlet, is banned in Israeli prisons, as it thought that it would incite violence, once again, the play never interested me. In the soliloquy "To be or not to be" , the Prince of Denmark weighs whether to take up arms or suffer in silence. So acting the play was in itself an act of rebellion and resistance. I felt the story was lacking both character development and plot. However, many have loved this novel, so perhaps it will click for you.

>103 vancouverdeb: Well, that's one off my radar. Thanks for the careful reader-response review. Those are the ones I value in making my decisions about what comes onto my Kindle.

>103 vancouverdeb: Thanks for the review and better luck on your next read!!

>104 richardderus: Flattery will get you no where, Richard. Actually , thanks for the kind words. I am glad to have read it , since it is one the Women's Prize Longlist. It helps me to compare the books, as I see them.

>105 Berly: You might love it, Kim. Thanks - I am enjoying Ordinary Human Failings much more but I am only at about page 50 or 60 right now.

Hi Deb my dear, what a gorgeous photo of your granddaughter ice skating, are we looking at a future Olympian.

>107 johnsimpson: You are too kind, John. I'm not sure we looking at future Olympian as yet, but very she is very keen on her figure skating, thanks.

I finished Ordinary Human Failings last night , and I think I like it best of the 6 Women's Prize Long Listed books I have read so far. I'll get a review posted this evening, I hope. Meantime I am just beginning The Maiden, also from the Women Prize Long-list.

>109 vancouverdeb: That one sounds good Deborah!

>110 mdoris: Indeed, Mary, it was very good read, and I am quite sure that you will like it.

Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan 4.5 stars

p. 103 " Theirs were ordinary human failings, tragedies too routine to be of note."

Growing up in the 1970's Waterford , Ireland, teen - aged Carmel unexpectedly finds herself unwed and pregnant. The family flees to a council estate in London to escape judgement. There, Lucy, the now 10 year old daughter of Carmel, is suspected of murdering a a toddler on this estate. We begin to learn the details of the family, the absent and withdrawn father of Carmel, John, her elder brother Richie, who has struggled with alcoholism for many years. Carmel's mother , Rose, has served as a mother to Lucy, but died a few years prior. This is not really a story about Lucy's possible crime, but rather an enthralling look into this family.

After a brief time away from her family, young Lucy is returned to them, with no definite findings as to who is responsible for the toddler's death. John, Carmel and Lucy return to Waterford, in search of healing the family. As Carmel thinks to herself with regards to Lucy p .214" She knew now that it did not work that way,that the things that you did or failed to do could not be erased by anything, not even love. But still they tried. The trying would be the life's work , they both understood this."

A deeply immersive and touching study of a family, that ends on a note of hope.

>112 vancouverdeb: Very nice review, Deborah.

I am not doing very well at keeping up with your threads Deborah, apologies. I've just requested Ordinary Human Failings though, so thanks for the nudge there!

Hi Deb - catching up.

I'm now on the hold list for Ordinary Human Failings, thank you!

>113 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel. I enjoy your reviews too. We often have the same takes on books that we both read.

>114 charl08: It is hard to keep up with the threads, Charlotte, I know. My son that lives at home kids me " oh, I have to catch up on my thread" and he means me of course. He hears me say that often enough. I did really appreciate Ordinary Human Failings , so I hope you will too. One nice thing about the Women's Long List, and short list is that I pick up books that would never have appealed to me or caught my attention. Ordinary Human Failings is certainly of them. I try not to judge a book by it's cover, just as my mom told me about people when I was a kid, but I must admit the cover on Ordinary Human Failings would have never appealed to me. That is the great things about book prizes .

>115 dianeham: Hi Diane. I was just on your thread and I see Micheal will remain in hospital for another week. I'm sorry about that, and I hope the time passes quickly and he soon home. Many hugs, Diane.

>116 mdoris: I am glad to hear that, Mary. I am quite certain you will enjoy the book.

I'm really enjoying The Maiden by Kate Foster. It's a ripping yarn, but as much as I love it, I am not sure if it is "literary " enough to get to the shortlist - not that is a requirement of the Women's Fiction Prize.

>103 vancouverdeb: I liked Enter Ghost even less than you did, Deb. Bottom of the pile for me, even Enright's writing had some measure of occasional engagement.

>112 vancouverdeb: That one isn't in the shops here yet. I am waiting impatiently!

>100 PaulCranswick: I will go and see if I can reload it.

>119 vancouverdeb: It is a really good read isn't it?

>120 PaulCranswick: I liked your review of Enter Ghost, Paul . Well Enright is bottom of the pile for me on the Women's Prize Longlist . I hope you can find Ordinary Human Failings soon, Paul. The copy at my library seems to lost, or at least overdue for nearly 3 weeks now, so I ended up buying it, and it wasn't that easy to find here either.

Yes, I'd love it you could reload the picture of Pip.

>121 PaulCranswick: Yes, The Maiden is a good read indeed, Paul . But do you think it will be shortlist material ? I'm not sure. Kate Foster has another book coming out in June or July of this year , and I'm going to look into reading that. It's called The King's Witches. I haven't look at what it about much yet, but I think it will be another good read.

>122 vancouverdeb: Deb I will post it again here. It could be that Pip will be a Nosy Parker!



I think Foster's book is really enjoyable but I am not sure it should win a literature prize if that is what the Women's Prize is. I don't think it will be shortlisted but I will be happy if it does make it.

>123 PaulCranswick: Very cute, Paul! Yes, perhaps Pip will be a nosy parker, or maybe a crafty sort of spy? I agree, The Maiden is very enjoyable, but perhaps not some thing that will be short listed. The Women's Prize for fiction lists accessibility, originality, and excellence in writing as their criteria. So it need not be literary fiction. I'm keen to see what makes the short list, as I am sure you are too.

Hi Deborah! Thanks for reading and reviewing all those books for us!

Accessibility? What does that mean? Not too literary?
The Maiden sounds like fun, a ripping yarn, not bad. I liked your review of Ordinary Human Failings as well.

Melissa is looking great in that picture, Deborah! I am a lousy skater, but she looks poised, and at just six years old!

>123 PaulCranswick: Wonderful picture Paul, that look she has.

>78 vancouverdeb: Oh, she’s adorable! And looks so mature as she concentrates. But that can’t be your granddaughter - she’s just a baby! :) Where does the time go!

The Prey sounds very good. I have an unread copy of Ashes to Dust but haven’t tried the author yet. I haven’t read any Scandi crime in ages. I need to get back to Ragnar Jonasson. I’ve liked everything I’ve read by him.

I am a little biased, Deb, but I am finding my Alternative Women's Prize List more enjoyable than the real thing. My fifth selection is Loot by Tania James and I am so far really enjoying it. Great storytelling.

I look forward to Ordinary Human Failings, Deborah.

Me too Deborah. (Ordinary Human Failings). Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

>112 vancouverdeb: The trying would be the life's work , they both understood this.

Sold! That's a great insight, and a great distillation of it. Thank you most kindly, fiendish book-pusher. *smooch*

>125 EllaTim: I think that yes, accessibility in this case means not too literary , Ella. I think it means that the average reader, who ever that is, would just pick up the book and find it very readable. Not a book you'd struggle through because the prose is so dense, or difficult to follow. The Maiden is in indeed a good ripping yarn. I finished it earlier today. I do recommend it very much. I am also a lousy skater and it has been many years since I have been on the ice.

>126 Copperskye: Yes, it's hard to believe that Melissa is already 6 years old, Joanne. I did really enjoy The Prey. A gripping read and an unexpected ending for me. I think you will enjoy it too. Yrsa Sigudardottir is a good author and this was an especially good book of hers.

>127 PaulCranswick: I am glad you are enjoying your Alternative Women's Prize list, Paul . I'm finding it plenty to try to read as much as I can from the Women's Prize Longlist, but Loot does sound good.

>128 BLBera:
>129 mdoris: Thanks Beth and Mary. I think you will both enjoy Ordinary Human Failings. I am having a lovely weekend so far. I had a great walk yesterday, just on my own, walking on the dyke trails here in Richmond, enjoying watching planes take off at Vancouver International Airport , across the river and listening to Cold Play with my earbuds. Poppy and I got out for a walk together today. It's great weather, sunny and not too warm. Perfect!

>130 richardderus: You are too kind, good sir! I like the sounds of a fiendish book - pusher. That's my aim. I struggle with my book reviews a bit, so thanks for the kind feedback. *smooch*

Deborah, I can't catch up, but I can at least say that I miss visiting here and appreciate that you still pay me some calls and attention.
I'm happy for you and Dave that his retirement is going happily. Do men have a harder time settling in? Anyway, you and I are two lucky women who have husbands who were ready for the next step.
I sort of envy your reading of the Women's Prize books. I loved them until the mid-teens. Since then I haven't been so enamored although I've read some great ones like Pat Barker, for instance. I'll be interested to see what you really love when you've done all your reading.

A Puzzle I did a while ago, Eeboo Puzzles, Parisian book seller

>135 vancouverdeb: - Oh, I love that puzzle, Deborah! I'm going to have to look for it online.

Have a good Sunday!

Wow, that looks complex. Well done!

>135 vancouverdeb: Oh myyyyy, as Takei would say. I've never seen a pink Citroën DS21. Splendid Sunday events, dear lady.

>135 vancouverdeb: Beautiful puzzle! My current Great Course takes place mostly in Paris, so I felt a jolt of recognition!

Karen o

>135 vancouverdeb: As colorful as I could imagine the Left Bank! More than I suspect it has displayed.

>134 LizzieD: Thanks for your good wishes regarding Dave's retirement. He's seems to be adapting very well to it. I think we both wonder how he used to have time to work . I suppose male or female, some do have trouble adapting to retirement. I've known men and women who retired, only to feel they wanted to go back to work as they needed a reason to get up in the morning, or missed the social aspect of work. But it does not seem to be problem for Dave and it's going easier than I expected. Peggy, I don't think I will read all of the Longlist, but I will read as much as I can and that that appeals to me. But it is fun to be able to compare one book to the other on prize lists, both my take on them and other people's take on them.

Happy Sunday, Deborah! Melissa looks great, and I'm super impressed that she's a figure skater. Just looking at the photo, I can tell she'd skate circles around me.

>136 katiekrug: I hope you can find it , Katie.

>137 mdoris: Thanks, Mary. It was a triumph in that I was able to figure out how to resize it!

>138 richardderus: Ignorant me, it was a just pink car as far as I knew , Richard. I bow to your superior knowledge of cars and many other things.

>139 klobrien2: Thanks , Karen. I have never been to Paris, and with my fear of flying, I doubt I will ever get there. So , no recognition for me. I'd need an Eiffel Tower in the background :-)

>140 quondame: The colour is certainly a big part of what drew me to this puzzle, Susan.

>142 bell7: Happy Sunday, Mary! Melissa would skate circles around me too. I'm shortly off to church at 6 pm.

Some people have so much difficulty retiring. I feel Aaron will be that way. He just won't get out of bed unless I give him something to do (he's already like this on the weekends, that's why I see his retirement meaning more work for me - thinking of stuff for him to do.) I'm glad Dave is adjusting.

>143 vancouverdeb: I was car-crazy as a kid, and those Citroëns are among my very favorites...long as they aren't pink *shudder*.

Great photo of Melissa skating, Deborah. I like the puzzle too. Very colourful!

Hi, Deborah! Just checking in. Ordinary Human Failings sounds like a winner. I am also reading and enjoying an Irish family drama Instructions for a Heat Wave.

Glad to hear Dave's retirement transition is going smoothly.

>145 The_Hibernator: My brother in law retired in March of 2023, and he was back to work as of January 2024, Rachel . He had no problem getting out of bed, but his retirement was not his choice, his contract was not renewed and he was just 58. He found he did not like being at home cleaning and cooking and looking after his grandchildren - my sister works full time. He loves his grandchildren of course, but he just wanted to go back to work. Anyway, the RCMP hired him and he is back to work full time again and may work until he 65 . He was formerly a cop, so not a big change of work. So yes, people are different about they feel about retiring. I hope Aaron gradually finds he can get out bed whether he has work or not. Dave certainly is adjusting well, I hardly notice the change. He keeps busy and I suppose I do too.

>146 richardderus: I must confess I have never been car crazy and thus my ignorance of cars, Richard. Sorry for that hideous pink colour! *smooch*

>147 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg! She is cute little thing, I think and thanks re the puzzle. Have done any more puzzles?

>148 msf59: Thanks for checking in, Mark. Glad you are enjoying Instruction for a Heatwave. I read it several years ago and enjoyed it too. Do look for Ordinary Human Failings , it is short and I did love a lot.

I finished The Maiden from the Women's Prize Longlist several days ago, and loved it , but have yet to get a review cooked up for it. It may not progress to the short list because it is perhaps not " literary" enough, but it was a great , engaging read that I read over a couple of days. I've been busy catching up with some friends I have to not talked too in quite long while and enjoying that very much, but not getting much reading in. I'm about 110 pages into The Night In Question, not from any prize list, but from the library and it sounded good . It's a story about some elderly people in retirement home , and a bit of a mystery. It's fairly slow but I am enjoying. I also finished off another puzzle.

Women's Longlist for Fiction as rated by my reading so far
1 Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan 4.5 stars
2The Maiden by Kate Foster 4.5 stars.
2 Western Lane 4 stars
3 Nightbloom 4 stars
4 Restless Dolly Maunder 4 stars
5Enter Ghost 3 stars
6 The Wren, The Wren 2.5 stars

As much as I enjoyed The Maiden by Kate Foster, I don't see it progressing to the short list, as it perhaps not " literary enough" but definitely a great read.

My hope for the ShortList so far -

Ordinary Human Failings
Nightbloom
Western Lane

I'm hoping to get to Brotherless Night before the Short List is announced.

Wow, Deborah you are reading up a wonderful storm!

>146 richardderus: Dear Richard, as an other car-crazy person (but then in my twenties) and Citroën lover, I did find a picture of a pink colored Citroën DS... Not sure it was an original color.


Sorry for hijacking your thread, Deborah!

>154 FAMeulstee: YIKES!

What an awful affront to the DS21!

Happy weekend-ahead's reads, dear lady.

>153 mdoris: I'm reading rather slowly at the moment, Mary, but I am trying to make my way through as many of the Women's Fiction Longlist, though I am currently reading a non Womens Fiction Prize book . But thank for the encouragement !

>154 FAMeulstee: It's gorgeous, in my opinion, Anita! Thanks for putting that beautiful Citroen on my thread.

>155 richardderus: I think it a beautiful pink Citroen, Richard. Thanks for the good wishes for my week end reads.

Hi Deborah!

Hi Lily. I hope you are doing well.

Im not really, i was told to hang myself again, but my days getting betterish...finished a book

>159 Owltherian: Sorry to read that , Lily. I'm glad you read a book.

>160 vancouverdeb: I have some art in a show this Sunday at my school and i cant wait for my parents to see it and my day today is a LOT better!

The Maiden by Kate Foster 4.5

This was an unputdownable read for me. I loved it.

The story opens in the late 1600's, Edinburgh. Lady Christian Nimmo is under arrest for the murder of her lover, Lord James Forrester, who is her uncle by marriage. Married to a wealthy merchant, Andrew Nimmo, what drove Lady Christian to do this, and did she kill her lover ? After Christian's father's death, she , her sister Johanna and their mother are left with a mountain of debt. Their mother encourages her daughters to marry quickly, to someone wealthy. The story is told in two voices, that of Christian, and that of another young woman, Violet, whose family's poverty has forced her into a cruel life as a prostitute. Christian was seduced by her much older uncle James, who is married to a woman in poor health. Meanwhile, Violet lives in a house of ill repute, and was also pursued by Lord James.

All of the characters were well drawn, detailed, and the story held me rapt. Inspired by the real life murder of Lord James Forrester, this gives a voice to women who otherwise would not have had one at that time.

I'll just add that I loved this debut novel so much, from the Women's prize for Fiction Longlist , that I have pre- ordered her next book, The King's Witches from Blackwell's in the UK. It is due out in June, and I was not able to find a copy of The Maiden in Canada , though perhaps it is available now.

>161 Owltherian: Great news, Lily!

>164 vancouverdeb: My little brothers art is also in that show, but its in the middle school not the high school like mine

>162 vancouverdeb: that sounds really good, Deborah. My library doesn't have it, but if it is shortlisted I might just send in a suggestion.

>162 vancouverdeb: Completely agree with you, Deb. A great read but I don't think it will win.

Hi Deborah! Way behind as usual, and congratulations on Dave’s retirement.

>61 vancouverdeb: One book a month is tough. I hope the Library gives you most of the 41 or so books in your 2024 reading year.

>77 vancouverdeb: Caving already, eh? *smile*

>78 vancouverdeb: Oh my, what a cutie.

>154 FAMeulstee: Well, that color pink is just a tad short of Pepto Bismol pink, IMO.

The Maiden sounds good. It's not widely available here - no Kindle edition, but Amazon has print copies. I think they are the UK editions, though. My library doesn't have it...

>162 vancouverdeb: The Maiden sounds great, Deborah, and I love the cover!

After reading your review, I checked two libraries for The Maiden, Deborah and neither had it nor was it on order. They were VPL and the Fraser Valley Library.

Hi Deborah, great and very tempting review of The Maiden!

>162 vancouverdeb: That one sounds very good, Deborah! Looks like you struck quite a few of us with the BB. I’ll be looking out for it, thanks (I think)! :)

>135 vancouverdeb: That looks like a fun bookish puzzle. I’m currently working on an eeBoo puzzle, “Mother Earth”. I wasn’t sure that I liked the picture, but then it was on sale, so... It’s a fun one.

>165 Owltherian: Good to know, Lily.

>166 lauralkeet: I really loved The Maiden, Laura. Even though I own the book, I should put a purchase suggestion into my library so that others can read.

>167 PaulCranswick: I agree, Paul. A great read, put perhaps not literary enough for the Women's Short List . But maybe ? I'd be fine with that.

>168 karenmarie: One book purchase a month is tough for us biblioholics, yes, Karen. I'm trying. Yes, I caved earlier this month, but fingers crossed, I am doing quite well with not purchasing books. I did pre - order a book that interested me , Josef's Beautiful Little Beauty, which is out April 30th, so that will be my May purchase . We'll see how I do. I suspect the Booker Prize List in the fall will prove a challenge for me, because I like to read from that list too. I do think Melissa is very cute, but of course, she is my granddaughter :-)

>169 katiekrug: The Maiden was excellent I thought. I had the same problem here, it was not available at the library nor anywhere in North America, so I ordered it from Blackwell's in the UK, which has free shipping. I see that now it is available on amazon in print copy, as you say, Katie.

>170 BLBera: I do love the cover too, Beth. I hope you enjoy if you get a chance to read it.

>171 Familyhistorian: I think you would really enjoy The Maiden , Meg. I looked in several libraries too, and no dice. Maybe a purchase request ?

>172 mdoris: Thanks, Mary! I hope you can find a copy. I know you love the library.

>173 Copperskye: Best of luck finding The Maiden, Joanne. I'm quite sure amazon has it, but only in hard cover as far as I know.
I love eeboo puzzles . It was my sister that first did one and encouraged me to give them a try. They have some great images. I know some people don't like the glossy finish , but it does not bother me and I love the colour saturation. I'll have to check out the puzzle you are doing.

>162 vancouverdeb: I was very lucky as, after being tempted by your review, The Maiden came up on Amazon (UK) for 99p for kindle! I'm sorry to hear that it's hard to obtain in US.

Happy Sunday, Deborah. I hope you are enjoying the weekend. It has been chilly here. I still got out and did a solo bird walk yesterday. Always on the hunt for more FOY birds. I plan on playing pickleball this afternoon with a friend.

I'm enjoying your discussion of the Women's Prize books. It will be interesting to see the short list this week.

One book a month - it sounds so do-able, but then I go by the rack of free books at the library and several always seem to follow me home.

Happy reading!

>149 vancouverdeb: Aaron isn't a big fan of work, though he doesn't mind his job. He's just an eternally bored person. I'll probably watch him read my own wishlist from the library. Lol

>178 CDVicarage: Oh I wish! From Amazon US it's HB/PB only. None of my library systems carry it, but the books of the same name look interesting.

Happy week-ahead's reads! May the next purchase not need to be made until May. *smooch*

>178 CDVicarage: Good new for you, Kerry! A great price for the Kindle version of The Maiden. Yes, it has been hard to obtain in North America. You can now purchase the hard copy on Amazon. I hope you enjoy it.

>179 msf59: Good for you and pickleball, Mark! Sounds like fun! I had a great solo walk myself yesterday . We did have bit of wind and I encountered a bit of drizzle but nothing big. The weekend has been great so far, we had a dinner for Dave for his retirement.

We had a strong wind blow through here yesterday evening. Luckily we'd done our ascent of the Coquitlam Crunch when the weather was still nice. There's still some debris on the roads from the wind but we are in an area with lots of trees. Today was much better which was good because it was Sun Run day. I only realized that when I saw people wearing run t-shirts in downtown Vancouver. Hope you got a chance to enjoy the weather today, Deborah.

>180 streamsong: I am looking forward to the announcement of the Women's Prize for Fiction short list too, Janet. Feel free to add to the discussion. As far as book purchase go, paying full price is all I am counting. A free book from the library or even one that costs a dollar is no problem, I think.

>181 The_Hibernator: I can't imagine being an eternally bored person, Rachel, and your life is so busy. I think that Aaron must be quite busy too. I'm glad he doesn't mind his job. Apparently it took two people to take over from Dave at work.

>182 quondame: It is hard book to find, I agree, Susan. I'm glad it is finally out in paperback in the US on Amazon com. I'm not sure if it is in paperback on Amazon ca.

>183 richardderus: Thanks Richard. I hope to finish my current read this evening. It's a been a good read, but a slow, easy going sort of a read. Fingers crossed for not purchasing a book until May for me.

>185 Familyhistorian: I didn't get a chance to get out for my walk today Meg, but I was out yesterday and will be out again tomorrow with Poppy, so that's okay. We likewise had a strong wind yesterday, but no damage that I am aware of in my area.

My latest puzzle. Eeboo Pink Kitchen, 1000 pieces.

>188 vancouverdeb: - Fun puzzle, Deborah! I do love eeBoos. I'm working on a Ravensburger now and don't love it.

I saw some eeBoo puzzles at Barnes and Nobles and I was wondering how they were. In puzzle manufactures, how do you rate them? Like who are the best and who do you avoid?

Well, I am only 100+ posts behind, Deborah, and not even trying to catch up. I love the puzzle up in >188 vancouverdeb:.

Have a marvelous Monday!

>186 vancouverdeb: I actually haven't read any of the Women's Prize long list, although I do have a couple of them home from the library. Several lists came out at once and so I working on three lists at once - having also chosen a few off the Women's Nonfiction Prize list as well as the International Booker list.

ETA: For me, it's not the money for buying books, since I often buy used copies, it's the shear amount of space they take and thinking about how my kids will deal with them. So the ones from the library 'free shelf' are as problematic as the more expensive ones. And I have enough unread books to last me through this lifetime and a bit more.

>188 vancouverdeb: Very nice! I’ve been eyeing eeBoo’s Blue Kitchen and the Pink one looks good too.

>189 katiekrug: Too bad about the Ravensburger puzzle that you are not keen about, Katie. Is the image on the puzzle, or the puzzle pieces that you don't like? I like Ravensburger Puzzles, but of course, have to like the image.

>190 Kristelh: I really like eeboo Puzzles, Kristel. They have a variety of puzzle shapes, great images ( there are some I don't like ) , and the occasional false fit - which most puzzle brands have. I like ebboo, Ravensburger, Jumbo, New York Puzzle Company, Heye, best I think. New York Puzzle Company puzzles can be challenging at times because they are random cut. I will do Galison puzzles, but I have to really like the image. They have very similar puzzle pieces, two ins, two outs, so if you need to sort by shape, you can't.. There are other good brands I am sure, one is Enjoy Puzzles, but I have not tried the one I own yet. I guess my favourites are Heye, Ravensburger, Eeboo and Jumbo brand puzzles of what I have tried so far.

>191 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia. I did have good day - headed out for my walk with Poppy, our dog , and then stopped by my mom and sister's place, and my sister has adopted a new cat, a calico cat named Corrine. My sister plans to change her name once she gets to know the cat better . She seems really cute, I think. Then I picked up a hold from the library.

>192 streamsong: Working from three book prize lists is plenty, Janet. Books do take up a fair bit of space, I know my husband complains sometimes. I'll have to see what you are reading.

>193 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne. I confess I have Blue Kitchen and Yellow Kitchen by eeboo, as well as the Pink Kitchen I just finished. They have a Purple Kitchen, but it does not appeal to me so much.

>194 vancouverdeb:, thank you Deborah. I will keep those favorites in mind. I have liked White Mountain in the past.

>194 vancouverdeb: - The image is okay, though a little dark. I just don't like the "feel" of Ravensburgers all that much. It's hard to explain :) But I got this one through my local puzzle swap, so at least I didn't spend money on it.

>196 Kristelh: You are welcome, Kristel. I think I may have done a White Mountain puzzle in the past and I liked it, but it's been a while and I'd have to go dig through my puzzles to check- -which I will perhaps do later today.

>197 katiekrug: Interesting, Katie. No problem. I have a sister who is bothered by puzzle dust , which not a problem for me. If worst comes to worst, with puzzled dust, you can always use a colander to strain your puzzle and get rid of the dust prior to puzzling.

I'm impatiently waiting for my husband to get ready to go somewhere for the day. I had a several ideas, like taking the ferry over to Gibsons and Sechelt, but he seems to be a slow, stick in the mud today! Argh!

The Women's Prize Shortlist is announced .

The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright
Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshanathan
Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure

And I am surprised by the inclusion of Restless Dolly Maunder, though I enjoyed it.

I did not care for The Wren , The Wren, nor Enter Ghost.

Currently reading Brotherless Night

Own River East, River West , to be read
Own Soldier Sailor to be read.

So a few surprises there Deborah?

>188 vancouverdeb: I love the puzzle, Deborah.

>201 vancouverdeb: I've only read two, the two you didn't care for, Deborah! We'll have to agree to disagree on those, I guess. I do have River East, River West from the library and am waiting for the others, so I hope to get the shortlist read before the winner is announced. I've been happy with all the ones I've read so far.

>203 mdoris: I was really hoping that Western Lane and Ordinary Human Failings would have been on the list, Mary. But oh well. At least I have read 3 of the 6 chosen. I just barely started Brotherless Night and it seems quite promising so far.

>204 BLBera: Thanks Beth! I do enjoy my puzzles! Yes, the two I wasn't keen on did make it! But that's okay. At least I have already read them :-) , so they are behind me! I'm not entirely surprised by their inclusion on the list, because I watched a couple of youtube shortlist predictions, Simon Savidge and Eric Karl Anderson , and I think they both predicted Enter Ghost and The Wren, The Wren would be on the shortlist.

I think both Simon and Erik of youtube fame were surprised that Restless Dolly Maunder made it, and that Ordinary Human Failings did not make it on to the shortlist.

Dave and I had an enjoyable day yesterday and we were tourists in our own town . We headed to Granville Island, took the Aqua Bus to Kitsilano , and then to Yale Town, walked for quite a bit, then headed back to the car and drove around Stanley Park. The pictures are from Prospect Point at Stanley Park. It was a nice day out for us.

>200 vancouverdeb: As you know, Deb, I am an advocate for Brotherless Night which I thought was an excellent novel. Like you I didn't like the Enright or Hammad books at all but I was also pretty sure that they would shortlist.
I liked Soldier Sailor and believe it could win.
From the various blurbs, I am surprised too that Grenville made it and I have just that and Lescure's book to read before seeing which I think should win it from the shortlist.

>206 vancouverdeb: Beautiful views, Deborah! Thanks for sharing. It sounds like you had a really nice day trip.

>162 vancouverdeb: Definite BB for me!

>199 vancouverdeb: Ha! Well I suppose he really does not have to think about time...being retired and all ;)

>206 vancouverdeb: Looks like you had a wonderful day out.

>207 PaulCranswick: We are like minded as far the Womens Prize for Fiction Short List goes, Paul . I still have not gotten far into Brotherless Night, but I am enjoying it so far. I still have to get to Soldier, Sailor and River East, River West.

>208 atozgrl: We did have a lovely day, thanks , Irene. I hope that maybe once a week the two of us can try a day trip out, as least during the nicer weather months. I don't think my iphone does the views justice, but it is beautiful around here, I think .

>209 figsfromthistle: I am pleased to send you a BB in the form of The Maiden, Anita. It was an excellent read. I hope you can find it. Well, I am trying to get Dave to think about the time , at least part of the time. Thanks yes, a lovely day out together.

The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher 4 stars

The Publisher Says
Florrie Butterfield has lived a life full of unexpected travel and adventure. But at eighty-seven, she isn't expecting many more surprises to come her way.

Then, one midsummer's night, something terrible occurs—so shocking and strange that Florrie grows wary. Is it really an accident, or is she being lied to? Is she living alongside a would-be murderer?

The only clue is a magenta envelope, discarded earlier that day.

With her suspicions overlooked and her abilities underestimated, Florrie is determined to uncover the truth. But as she turns detective, she finds herself looking back on her own life . . . and a long-buried secret, traced in faded scars over her knuckles, becomes ever harder to ignore.

Will she discover what really happened that night? Or will much more come to light than even she had imagined?

Prize-winning author Susan Fletcher's new novel is an absorbing whodunnit that also looks at—and celebrates—the passions, regrets, secrets and adventures of one woman's extraordinary and inspiring life.

My review:

This is a lovely, tender and touching read. Florrie Butterfield is 87 years old, and living in an assisted living facility in the UK, Babbington Hall. She is friends with several people there. One night, an accident happens. Or was it an accident ? Is there a murderer in their midst ? Although this is mystery, it is much more the life story of an elderly woman, Florrie, as she looks back on her own life, and difficult experiences.

As Florries look back on her life , p.349 -350 " But it can be so hard, so terribly, desperately hard - that we arm ourselves with whatever we have to help us. Dum spriro spereo or daydreams of Paris, pentagram earrings, or a prayer request book . Or we marry someone who can't hurt us and we travel from country to country, filling our losses with small, bright adventures, with the people that make us smile, with their own way of surviving- and like this , we do carry on."

I think this will appeal more to readers of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, rather than The Thursday Murder Club , though I have read and enjoyed both this year.

>206 vancouverdeb: Beautiful photos, Deborah!

>212 Copperskye: Thanks , Joanne. We were lucky to have a nice sunny day! We've had rain since Tuesday.

Hi Deborah, gorgeous photos of my old stomping ground! It looks like the perfect day for an adventure.

>211 vancouverdeb: Sounds like a good read, Deborah. I'll see if the library has a copy.

>211 vancouverdeb: Your comments about and quote from The Night in Question make it very appealing.

>211 vancouverdeb: It sounds like one you enjoyed for good reason!

Happy weekend-ahead's reads! *smooch*

>214 mdoris: I thought of you, Mary, as I looked across to North and West Vancouver, and also later as we drove by the Aquatic Centre in Vancouver. I think you used to swim there ? It is beautiful here.

>215 charl08: I did enjoy The Night in Question, Charlotte, very much. My library has about 10 or more copies, so I think perhaps the book will be used for book clubs held at the library, or perhaps for people who borrow the books for book clubs.

>216 quondame: If you can find it , Susan, I think you would enjoy The Night in Question.

>>217 richardderus: I like my stories about older people, since I am getting there myself, Richard. Happy Weekend to you too! *smooch*

I finally made some better progress with Brotherless Nights today , and it's proving to be a gripping read.

>219 vancouverdeb: My mail main library has The Night in Question, so it's now a matter of waiting.

>221 quondame: I do hope you enjoy it, and as I mentioned on your thread, what is a mail library ? Just like is sounds?

>218 vancouverdeb: Deborah, you have an amazing memory! You are right, i used to swim at the Aquatic centre, which is a 50 m. tank so a great place to swim and so fun to wander around afterwards with my swim pals. It is beautifully situated!

Hi Deborah, you hit me with a book bullet and I am adding The Night in Question to my list. I am going to be reading The Last List of Mabel Beaumont in May and I am looking forward to it. I don't know if this happening all over the lower mainland, but I am staying inside today as they are ariel spraying for Spongy Moths here in Delta.

>223 mdoris: Well, I'm not sure if my memory is amazing, but yes I did think of you, Mary. It is beautifully situated indeed. I hope where you swim is at least somewhat comparable. And I hope your swimming is going well since your fractured collarbone has healed.

>224 DeltaQueen50: Always pleased to send a BB along, Judy. I think you will enjoy The Last List of Mabel Beaumont and The Night in Question . As far as I know , they are not spraying for Spongy Moths here today. In fact I am just going to head for my walk in the rain. I'll have to and look up Spongy Moths because I have not heard of them.

>224 DeltaQueen50: I just googled Spongy Moth and I guess I would better know it by it's old name, gypsy moth, Judy. Looks like today they have postponed the spraying due to wind and rain. Richmond is not on the spray list. I think perhaps only your area of the lower mainland is getting sprayed, from what I saw online. Quite a few other places have been sprayed or will be sprayed, but most are on Vancouver Island .

>226 vancouverdeb: I didn't realize that these moths are the same as the Gypsy Moths - I wonder why the name has been changed. So I stayed inside for no reason since they didn't spray - oh well, it was such a rainy day that I probably wouldn't have gone very far if I had gone outside!