Saturday, February 11, 2017

Books Read - Week in Review - W/E - 2/11/2017

This past week was one for birthday celebrations for the hub and our first major snowstorm of the winter (it was reported that we got 13") but, fortunately, just about everything was canceled the night before and we could just stay in and enjoy the view. More snow scheduled for this weekend and another day next week -- Welcome to New England.

As some of you know we have (3) cats  (all adopted as kittens and - all senior snow. (2) are 14 years old  and (1) is 15.  We noticed that our sweet, petite Lily seemed thinner than she was at her December checkup. She was also constantly at the water fountain and turned her nose up to various food offerings (including tuna) for a few days. Off to the Vet we went yesterday where we learned she had lost 2 lbs since her December visit (she's only 5lbs now).  Not sure what is wrong with our Lily but awaiting lab reports -- please send positive vibes -- she's my lap cat by day and leg warmer by night.

UPDATE -- I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her labwork was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.  Thanks so much for all of your concern.


(pic taken 2/10/2017)

I finished (2) books this week: Excellent Women; Barbara Pym and The Impossible Fortress; Jason Rekulak (both different but liked each one).














 Excellent Women; Barbara Pym
(1952 - Penguin and Blackstone Audio) 

(My Thoughts) Excellent Women is one of those books that has been on my shelf for a while. I heard the audio, read by Jayne Entwistle, was fantastic so I borrowed the Playaway from the library -- what a terrific narration.  Excellent Woman was a wonderful comedy of manners set in 1950s England. Thirty-one year old Mildred Lathery is a sweet, likable and self described spinster.  She's a clergyman's daughter, her parents are deceased, she is smart but, one of those women "an excellent woman" that is respected but often passed over when it comes to romance. When a new couple moves into her building, she gets wrapped up in their lives and begins to realize there may be something more to life than church raffles and charity work.  


This novel is not action packed and doesn't require deep thought but, I loved the keen observations a wry humor. I highly recommend this one, a real treat. (4.5/5 stars)















The Impossible Fortress; Jason Rekulak
Simon & Schuster - 2017

(My Thoughts) - The Impossible Fortress was a fun coming of age story set in 1987. Billy Marvin and friends Alf and Clark are (3) typical 14 year-old boys who have just learned that Vanna White's nude photos are the highlight of the current issue of Playboy. The boys are determined to do whatever it takes to get copies of this magazine even though they are  too young to purchase it on their own. Sal Zelinsky owns the corner store that stocks this magazine. Sal's daughter Mary is a bright, young, overweight girl who loves computers and designing video games. Billy Marvin loves computers as well and thinks that if he begins to hang out with Mary he might somehow get closer to the coveted Vanna issue of Playboy as well. Unfortunately, Billy never anticipates what happens next. 

This is a well-written coming of age story. I enjoyed all the references to the 1980's - songs, the early Commodore 64 computer and all the crazy antics, boys being boys will do.  A story about moms, sons, teen friendship and raging hormones,  made for a fun read. (4/5 stars)

Next Up













Have a Great Weekend All

36 comments:

  1. Interesting books! I'll keep Lily in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Vicki, I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  2. Enjoy your snowy weekend! Best wishes for Lily's health. Hope you guys can find some answers for her. I've heard good things about THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTRESS. May have to see if my library has it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Impossible Fortress was fun Kay!

      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  3. So sorry to hear about Lily. I hope they figure things out.

    Your books, especially The Impossible Fortress, sound good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy, I think you would like The Impossible Fortress.

      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  4. I'm sorry to hear that sweet Lily isn't well. I promise to say a prayer for her

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth, thank you so much and I think your prayer helped! I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  5. Both of your reads this week sound fun! '80s references always work for me since that's my growing up time (well, that and the '70s). Good wishes for your kitty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The 80's references were fun, my kids were born in the 70s LOL
      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  6. Sending good thoughts for Lily. This has been a strange winter. I live in Wisconsin - we have no snow on the ground and it's not in the forecast. It's cold and damp but that's it. Bring on Spring!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary Thank you, I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      We are in the midst of another snowstorm - expecting another foot!

      Delete
  7. I don't think I could survive real snow. Living in Texas, we get snow rarely and even then it is an inch on the ground and is a nasty slushy mess by 10 and gone before noon. I hope the vet comes back with a solution for Lily. I would be a constant bundle of nerves if it were Baby.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are getting another storm today and one foot is expected!
      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  8. Oh, all my thoughts are on your sweet Lily. Having an ailing pet is so worrisome. It's hard to direct one's thoughts elsewhere. My very best healing wishes to Lily! I hope the tests show something that will be mended easily.
    I'm very interested in the Barbara Pym novel. I have so been intending to read her--very soon. I have several of hers on my list and will add this one.
    We, too, are supposed to get this storm. About 14" supposedly coming for us, but we want it, because it would be perfect for our region to have lots of snow before the President's Day Holiday and holiday week. For Gore Mountain, a huge ski resort, and the cross-country skiing lodges, etc. And for all the restaurants and other stores and lodgings in the area. Keeping our fingers crossed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judith, Barbara Pym was such a fun read/listen. Can you believe it is snowing again right now, and, another foot is predicted!
      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
    2. Well, I'm happy she's eating again! That is a good sign, and I'm glad her lab work is good.

      Delete
  9. I'm glad to see you liked Impossible Fortress. It's up next in my stack.

    Good thoughts for Lily and hope you find out why she isn't feeling well. I wish our pets could talk and let us know what's wrong.

    Chicago has been spared snowstorms this season, and I don't miss it at all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't believe you haven't had snow??? We are in the midst of another storm right now. Another foot is expected! Thank goodness for condo living and no shoveling.

      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  10. Sorry your kitty isn't feeling well. Hoping for good lab results!

    I'm also sorry you're getting a lot of snow (unless you enjoy that sort of thing!). We were at 70 yesterday and 60 today. Almost nice enough to sit out on the porch with margaritas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 60 degrees?? what - not fair:)


      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  11. Purrs and prayers to dear Lily from all of us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Brian -- I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  12. Good thoughts for Lily. The storm went north and south of us. The Impossible Fortress is on my TBR list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Impossible Fortress was very fun. Lucky you missing the storm.

      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  13. Hope your Lily recovers. I've read some by Barbara Pym and enjoyed it. I'm intrigued by the coming of age story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I plan to read more Pym, I really enjoyed that one.

      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  14. I think I'm the only reader I know who is thoroughly bored by Barbara Pym. Excellent Women is the only one I've read of her books, and I wasn't enticed to pick up any others, although England and the 50's (or any decade for that matter) is a fondness of mine. I do enjoy the kitty pictures in this post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The audio version was so well done, I looked forward to hearing Jayne Entwistle tell the story.

      I'm happy to report that Lily started eating again yesterday (a lot too) The Vet called to say that her lab work was all normal (no thyroid or diabetes issues), so while this is all good news we all remain puzzled. Next step would be an ultrasound to see what might be going on, but, since she has been eating for a full 24 hours now, we decided to just watch her and hope it wasn't anything serious.

      Delete
  15. So glad to hear your kitty is doing better! Still sending some good health vibes her way. I think with all that snow the only thing to do is stay in and read! Looking forward to your reviews.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Iliana, but now her kneecap has popped. This poor little peanut can't catch a break. She sleeping on a heated blanket right now.

      Delete
  16. I am glad that Lily is doing better!

    ReplyDelete
  17. So glad Lily is eating again...sending positive thoughts.

    I'm curious about Setting Free the Kites. Enjoy your week!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have a copy of Excellent Woman, but I haven't listened to it yet. Now I'm anxious to download it. I'm glad you shared that.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love Barbara Pym! I should finish up Setting Free the Kites tonight. Oh my it's wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  20. So glad to hear that you got good news about Lily! It's so hard that our furry family members can't just tell us what's wrong!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to visit and double thanks for any comments. If you ask a question in your comments, I will try to reply to it here, or by email if your settings allow me to do so. Thanks again for visiting.