Sunday, January 1, 2017

Happy New Year and First Book of the New Year



It's been 8 and a half years since I began blogging and since that time a lot has happened. I've lost another brother (2006 and 2009), moved, changed jobs, retired, saw my son and daughter marry and welcomed the birth of (3) adorable granddaughters.  I often find myself busier in retirement than I was when I worked full-time, so in 2017 you may see fewer posts from me, but I'll still be reading!


Sheila @ Book Journey is once again is encouraging bloggers to post their First Book of the New Year.  Pop over and check out all those who are participating. My first book of 2017 choice is a book that I purchased a few years ago and finally decided to try:


My choice is a New York Review Book Classic called Chocky by John Wyndham.

(Description)

It’s not terribly unusual for a boy to have an imaginary friend, but Matthew’s parents have to agree that his—nicknamed Chocky—is anything but ordinary. Why, Chocky demands to know, are there twenty-four hours in a day? Why are there two sexes? Why can’t Matthew solve his math homework using a logical system like binary code? When the questions Chocky asks become too advanced and, frankly, too odd for teachers to answer, Matthew’s  parents start to wonder if Chocky might be something far stranger than a figment of their son’s imagination. 

Chocky, the last novel Wyndham published during his life, is a playful investigation of what being human is all about, delving into such matters as child-rearing, marriage, learning, artistic inspiration—and ending with a surprising and impassioned plea for better human stewardship of the earth.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading Friends!

60 comments:

  1. Happy New Year, Diane! I hope you enjoy Chocky!

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  2. I haven't heard of this one before, but it sounds interesting. My daughter has an imaginary brother. :-) I hope you have a wonderful New Year, Diane!

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    1. Wendy, my niece was an only child and had two imaginary friends. It's a sign of intelligence and creativity IMO. Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  3. This sounds like a fun, but potentially thought provoking, read - I hope you enjoy! Although we may be seeing less of you here on the blog this year, I hope you have a wonderful 2017!

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  4. Not a book I've read but always thought I would one day. Enjoy and here's to a busy and productive 2017 x

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    1. Thanks Emma, and I hope your New Year brings you much happiness.

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  5. Happy New Year Diane! I clicked the link to the book and it sounds good. I'm adding it to my list!

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    1. Thanks Vivki and I'd like to wish you and yours a wonder New Year as well.

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  6. Happy New Year !

    I love John Wyndham - the master of genteel end of the world stories!

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    1. Thank you Brona, I haven't read anything by Wyndham so I am looking forward to this one.

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  7. This book sounds wonderful, Diane. I'm not familiar with it or with the author. Happy New Year!

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  8. My first-born had an imaginary friend but he was nothing like what Chocky sounds like, ha. Hope you enjoy it, Diane and Happy New Year!

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    1. That's so cute Mary - My niece, an only child, had 2 imaginary friends for quite a while. LOL

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  9. I haven't heard of this one, but hope you enjoy it! Happy New Year!

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  10. Happy reading and Happy New Year from all of us at Brian's Home!

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  11. Happy New Year Diane! Enjoy your first book!

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  12. You and I have been blogging for the same amount of time. It's great that you are keeping busy in your retirement. That's the way it should be! Hope you love your first book and that you have a wonderful reading year in 2017!

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  13. I know what you mean about being busier! I don't know how people have time to be bored. Happy New Year!

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  14. Wishing you nothing but the best in 2017! May it be extra kind! Happy New Year! catchatwithcarenandcody

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    1. Aww thanks Caren. I hope you have the best year ever as well.

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  15. Excellent way to begin! I love Wyndham! My first book of the year will be A Gentleman in Moscow.

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  16. What a meaningful book you chose to start the new year with! By the way, your photo is lovely :) Have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the coming year.

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    1. Oh, thank you Rita - I hope your New Year is special as well.

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  17. What a full 8 years it's been! I hope you enjoy your first read of the new year.

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  18. Happy New Year, Diane! Here's wishing you a wonderful 2017! I hope you'll find a lot of great reads.

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  19. Diane, Your life has changed so much since you started blogging! Hope 2017 brings even more adventures. This book sounds quite interesting.

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  20. Happy New Year, Diane! Your choice is new to me, so I'll be interested in knowing how it turns out for you.

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  21. Happy New Year. Enjoy your first book of the year.

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    1. Hope your 2017 is happy and healthy -- filled with many good books too.

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  22. This one sounds intriguing, I can't wait to see what you think of it. Happy New Year!

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  23. Happy New Year. I hope the book is a winner and 2017 is a great year for you.

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    1. Leslie, the book was good. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2017.

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  24. Happy New Year to you as well! I also find that I'm often busier in retirement than I was when I worked full time. I'm enjoying it -- and it sounds like you are too!

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    1. Being it busier in retirement is a great thing IMO. Happy new Year.

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  25. Sounds like a fascinating read and I'd certainly want to know more about the Chocky part. Hope you are enjoying it. Happy New Year and may your reading be all that you'd like it to be.

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  26. I've chosen a book that has been languishing in my stacks for quite some time, too. I hope we have a great year of reading and look forward to reading your posts when you get time to share your thoughts with us. Retirement is on our horizon, as well and I hope I find more time for my books & blogging! Happy New Year, Diane!

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    1. It's funny Les, I have less time for blogging since I've retired -- but then that is a good thing!

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  27. What a lovely choice! Thanks for sharing, and enjoy! I hope your year is a happy one, and that all of your books are engaging.

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    1. Thanks Laurel and I hope that you have a terrific reading year and healthy 2017

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  28. Happy New Year, Diane! You certainly have had a lot happen in the years since you've begun blogging, but then again, eight years is a lot! I know that in that time my own son has graduated from high school, Marine boot camp, and now is a manager at McDonald's. Amazing! Anyway, a very Happy New Year to you, and thanks to all you've contributed to my life as a blogger. xo

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    1. Aww, thanks and, as always I enjoy you thought provoking reviews and posts about life.

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  29. It's lovely to see a summary of what's happened to you in those 8 years - life is full of ups and downs :-) I hope that you have a fantastic 2017 and manage to squeeze lots of reading into your busy life. I'm really struggling to keep up with the blogging (hence why it's taken a month to get around to reading your blog!) but I hope to check in on you periodically. Happy New Year!

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    1. LOL -- life and family does take priority. I do enjoy seeing your book reviews and I like your taste in creepy reads. Hope you have a great year.

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