2019 New Years Wishes and My Favorite Books of 2018

Wishing All My Readers a Wonderful 2019

I read this quote somewhere recently and wanted to share it as some of us think of making our New Year's Resolutions -- (I gave resolutions up years ago)  -- 

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” 

― Epicurus

It was a very good 2018 and a very nice Christmas for us and our family. The older we get we are even more thankful for the time we get to spend with loved ones.  The adult children are doing well, granddaughters are growing, and we continue to enjoy retirement. We lost our last senior citizen cat on November 6, 2018 and although we miss him, we are so happy we adopted (2) 7 month old litter mates a few weeks ago. Our home seemed just too quiet without cats.  Ricky and Lucy adjusted immediately and are perfect playmates for each other and lap cats for the (2) of us.  When we are home they follow us from room to room and always choose to be in the room we are in. If we are in separate rooms they split up so that each can warm one of our laps -- too funny.

BOOKS READ  in 2018 - 122

AUDIOS - 28 (Fic and NF)

eBOOKS - 30 (Fic & NF)

NF - 22 (audio and/or print/eBook)

FIC - 100 (audio/print or eBook)

KIDS - 15 (print)

LIBRARY COPIES - 49 (print & audio)

MY SHELVES - 29 (includes ARCs or books sent by publishers)

 TOP 10 Favorites (no particular order)

Sunburn; Laura Lippman - eGalley 5/5 - (April)
A Noise Downstairs; Linwood Barclay (eGalley) - 5/5 - (April)
A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership; James Comey (audio) - 5/5 - (July)
84, Charing Cross Road; Helene Hanff (library) - 5/5 - (July)
Calypso; David Seders (audio) - 5/5 - (August)
Where the Crawdads Sing; Delia Owens (eGalley) - 5/5 - (October)
Strike Your Heart; Amelie Nothomb  (library) - 5/5 (November)
Red & Lulu; Matt Taveres - personal copy 5/5 (November)
Becoming; Michelle Obama - audio - 5/5 (December)

Happy New Year and Happy Reading in 2019

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!

Happy New Year 2016

As we prepare to begin a new year I wanted to say thanks to my loyal readers over the last 7+ years.   In 2016, I'll still be doing lots of reading, but you may notice fewer posts.  Since retiring (6) months ago,  I seem to have less time for blogging.  Life is busy, its all good.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year

Happy New Year - Things to Remember

If this post looks somewhat familiar, it's because I posted it in 2010. Since it conveys the way I feel, I wanted to use it once again (and of course most of you know that I adore cats).
 

 As we say goodbye to 2014 and welcome in the New Year, I wanted you to know that I am wishing you a year filled with peace, love, happiness and the best of health.

May you never lose you ability to think outside of the box and to see life's bigger plan for you.

May you always have the perfect friends to see you through the rough times in life.

May you never forget to show your appreciation to those who mean the most to you.

May you be happy with yourself just the way you are.

 

 Tell others they look beautiful, even when they might look ridiculous.

May you always remember those less fortunate, and give a little something to those in need.

Happy New Year to My Friends!