An August Update

Jenn and Anthony on their way home

Wow! Has the month gone by quickly. Our daughter Jenn left Wednesday last week and she should be driving into her place in Ottawa sometime today. It was nice having her and Anthony here. We weren't used to having company. I think they had a good time and I'm sure they are happy to be back home and not living out of suit cases.

We were a bit busy after she left, what with Jo's chemo and such at the end of the week and we basically just vegged over the weekend. Jo is taking to a friend from England at the moment so I believe I'll take this opportunity to do a bit of a catch up.

Books Completed

(Six books completed since my last reading update)

1. A Cat Story: A Graphic Novel by Ursula Murray Husted (YA / Graphic / 2020) Don't worry, Anthony, I also read books about dogs.

"Ursula Murray Husted, as far as I can tell, has written two graphic novels / stories for Young Adults (also most enjoyable to adults). A Cat Story: A Graphic Novel is the 2nd that I've enjoyed; Botticelli's Apprentice was my 1st exposure. 

Cat Story is set on the island of Malta and follows two street cats, Cilla and Betto. (When Husted spent time in Malta, she noticed the large amount of street cats who just seemed to co-exist with the human population). Cillo spends her time trying to find a family to take her in, while Betto is happy living on the wharfs and feeding off discarded fish. Another cat tells Cillo about the garden behind the old door and this story sets the two cats off on a journey to another island to find it. The garden behind the door is supposed to be peaceful and with loving humans and lots of food. (Cillo is tired of having to spend her nights under an abandoned boat that leaks on them when it rains, while Betto enjoys living the life of a wandering cat.)

This journey will result in meeting other cats, a friendly, wise dog and ultimately bring them to a realization about their lives. Of course, I don't want to ruin the ending, do I?

It's beautifully drawn and colored and also incorporates great classic works of art into the story telling. The story contains many stories within the overall story and they add to the overall quality of the story, itself. Husted is a real talent and I look forward to exploring more of her work. (3.0 stars)"

2. Traitor's Doom by John Creasey (Dr. Palfrey #1 / 1942). My continued exploration of the works of John Creasey.

"I've been exploring the works / series of English writer John Creasey who was prolific and wrote under a variety of pseudonyms. He's famous for his Commander Gideon, Inspector West, The Baron, The Toff and Department S. Traitor's Doom was the first book in his Doctor Palfrey series, written in 1942. 

This book is set during the build up to WWII and Doctor Palfrey and a few others; some fellow Brits, a Russian, a Frenchman and a Russian are asked to work for the mysterious Marquis, who works for the British Secret Service. They are asked to form a team to rescue important people from German concentration camps as they are to help form a new Europe when and if the war is over. However, this might not actually be the plan and they might just be marks to hide the true purpose. As well, the Marquis warns Byron that he suspects one of the group is a spy.

The story takes place in the fictitious county of Catania, on the border of Spain, and it's a neutral country suffering under blockades. The government is under siege by a Nazi supported group who are also trying to destroy the Socialists. It's a busy story of cross and double cross and filled with action. Not my favorite story and I never really warmed to anybody but still a good story filled with action. (2.0 stars)"

3. Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes (YA / Sci Fi / 1991). My first exposure to Monica Hughes and it was a pleasant surprise.

"Invitation to the Game was my first exposure to the YA / Sci Fi / Fantasy worlds of English / Canadian author Monica Hughes and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the story.

Invitation is set in a dystopian future where a group of teenagers have just graduated from the Government School. The story is told by one of these teens, Lisse. Now that they are finished school, they are sent off on their own. Some, like Benta and Richard, are returned to their parents, Benta to work on their farm and Richard to become a psychologist at his father's business. The others, a group of eight are sent to the city, to their Designated Area (DA).

This group is the focus of the story, although Benta and Richard will eventually be reunited with them. Scylla is sort of their mother figure. She gets them organized in the dark, damaged, gloomy city, finding a building they can make their own, using their talents to scrounge furniture and everything they need to make it a secure, safe place for them to live. They all have their own particular talents.

Gradually, the group begins to explore their new DA, going out at night, being threatened, finding out about the city. They begin to hear about The Game, something that only a few are invited to participate in. 

Eventually a letter is dropped through their door slot and it contains an invitation, plus tokens for each member so they can travel to the location at the edge of the city where they can 'play' the game. They meet another group but they are either unable or unwilling to explain the game to Lisse's group. It seems to be some sort of computer simulation where they are dropped into some location where they have to find clues to the Prize. 

But it's all very vague and there are long gaps between sessions. They being to research how to survive in distant locations, begin exercising to get in shape as there is a great deal of walking in their 'simulated world'. The group dynamic will change and the eventually the setting of this 'world' will change as well as what they are expected to do. I don't want to ruin the story as the build up and eventual resolution are such an important part of the resolution.

Hughes creates a fascinating world and wonderful characters. Each are individuals with their own personalities, weaknesses and strengths. The premise made me think of other stories, Ready Player One was my first thought, but as this story progresses, it's actually quite different. It flows nicely, has a few very nice little twists and turns and ultimately ends quite satisfactorily. I enjoyed very much. It's enjoyable for adults, I think, and for teens who want to explore Sci Fi. It was written in 1990 but still holds up 30+ years later. I will continue to explore Hughes' work. (4.5 stars)"

4. Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood (Bio / 2025). I loved this book but it made me more aware of mortality.

"Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood may be my favorite book by one of our iconic Canadian authors but as I neared the end, I felt kind of bereft. Yes, there were even tears as I realized that another literary stalwart is now 86. Even just writing that made me feel sad. Can't they live forever! I'm sure Margaret has a few more books in her.

I was introduced to her work during an Introduction to Canadian Literature (I may have the title wrong) while I was switching to English from Political Science during my years at University of Toronto in the mid -7o's. Obviously it's been a few years but I think the book we took was Surfacing. I was taking 3 or 4 Lit courses then so I don't remember finishing it. During that time I also read The Edible Woman, her first book and one of her poetry collections, either The Circle Game or The Animals in that Country. Over the years since then I've read another 10+ of her works, Dystopia, Poetry, non-Fiction, fiction. Such a fantastic author and one, like Ursula K. Le Guin, that I hope to read everything or as much as I can of the rest of her work.

So onto to Book of Lives. It's exactly as it says, it's the book of Margaret Atwood's life and of those nearest and dearest to her. It follows her from childhood, following her mother and father around as her father worked as an entomologist for the Canadian government, living in log cabins in various parts of Ontario and Quebec and then returning to the big city for winter; either Ottawa or Toronto, where Atwood got her education. Her childhood is so fascinating, made even more so because I know the areas, my father having been stationed in North Bay Ontario at various times and having relatives in northern Ontario.

Her story moves around the world as the she began her university, then got jobs teaching at various universities, all the time beginning a career as a poet and ultimately as a fiction writer and later, as an author of dystopian novels. 

Each chapter, as you get to her writing career, does deal with her various novels and books of poetry, where she wrote them, some of the reasoning behind her books. Although she doesn't delve too deeply into that aspect, I thought. The book is more about life, family, travel, living, relationships. I find it amazing how much of her life was spent in the woods, how much she and her family and her partner of later life, Graeme Gibson spent farming, birding, exploring, all the while, both of them also writing. 

There are sub-chapters dealing with the life of Graeme, until he and Atwood get together. There are excerpts from her poetry, a neat excerpt written by her father about how he became an entomologist. All in all, it's a wonderful memoir, funny, sad, touching and it moves along so nicely. I could put it down for a few days, pick it up and get right back into the flow. It was neat meeting other authors I'd read and enjoyed. Such a life, such a wonderful person. I still have 4 others of her books on my shelf and look forward to continuing to explore her work. (4.5 stars)"

5. Killadelphia: Volume One, Sins of the Father by Rodney Barnes (Graphic Novel / Horror / 2020). A new series to check out.

"Killadelphia, Vol. 1: Sins of the Father by Rodney  Barnes is my first exposure to his work and after reading this, I will continue my exploration. Killadelphia, Vol 1 follows Baltimore detective Jim Sangster heads to Philadelphia to bury his father, a detective on the Philadelphia police force. He discovers more than he expected when he and the pathologist Jose Padilla, realize that there are vampires, lots of vampires, trying to destroy the city. And, oh yeah, they're led by former President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, also vampires.

The volume, which includes Chapters 1 - 6, of the series follows Jim Sangster, John Adams and others as the story progresses. Jim and Jose work closely together and develop a relationship over the course of the story. We explore Jim and his father's fractious relationship. I don't know how much detail to go into as I don't want to ruin the story, but the two do have one surprise helper. There is also trouble within John Adam's group. He wants total control but his wife has other ideas and other... well, sexier methods. And others within the vampire army begin to feel that Adams is replacing one form of slavery with another.

It's a fascinating story with lots of interesting side stories. The characters are well developed and draw you in. Lots of action, stark drawing and coloring. All in all, an interesting story that I will continue. What's next! (3.5 stars)"

6. Cobra Trap by Peter O'Donnell (Short Stories / Modesty Blaise #13 / 1996). What did I say earlier? Ah yes, mortality.

"Cobra Trap is a collection of 5 short stories by Peter O'Donnell, the last of 13 books featuring his heroine, Modesty Blaise and her partner / best friend, Willie Garvin. It follows them through various stages of Modesty's life, when she ruled the Network, a crime syndicate (with standards) and when she helped Sir Gerald Tarrant, head of a British spy agency, and just when they were on their own. 

In the first story, the two go after Bellman, a criminal who exploits young girls. Getting him arrested in Peru, they go back to their lives. When he gets out, he goes for revenge, with appropriate results. In The Dark Angels, a trio of gymnastic type assassins are hired to kill an American businessman. Sir Tarrant kind of tricks the two into protecting the businessman (there are other twists in this story) and regrets that he almost had them killed by the assassins.

Old Alex was an interesting story. Modesty wakes up, barricaded in a cave and finally manages to attract attention of 'Old Alex', a farmer in the Basques countryside. Alex saves her and over time, we find out more about Alex, his past as a British bomber pilot during the war, his crash, loss of memory and there are even a few more twists. A surprisingly poignant story with suitable action as well.

The Girl with the Black Balloon features a kidnapping by a group that has been doing it for awhile. Tarrant's right hand man askes Modesty and Willie to help, even though they're sort of retired. But the murder of an agent familiar to both of them, makes them want to avenge their friend. With the help of a girl in a black balloon, they breach the hideout. A fun... ish story with appropriate action taken. As always, a neat kind of twist, as the man they are trying to save, doesn't believe in violence... 

The final story hit me, I'm afraid. Both Willie and Modesty are retired by their friends are stuck in a Central American country that's about have a revolution. Modesty has a secret.... anyway, it left me oddly tearful, not what I would expect from a Modesty Blaise story. I still have a few other books to read but this will make them a bit more touching. (4.0 stars)"

Currently Reading (Started since last reading update)

1. The Strange Adventures of  Mr. Andrew Hawthorn by John Buchan (Short Stories / 1932). Another of those authors whose books are on my bucket list.

"A new selection of short stories by "the prince of thriller writers" ( The Times , London)

The short stories of John Buchan are known for their authentically rendered backgrounds, taut pacing, and atmosphere of expectancy and international intrigue. These diverse tales combine Buchan's remarkable experiences and interests as a traveler, war correspondent, politician, and classical scholar. Edited by acclaimed author Giles Foden, this selection features the World War I thriller "The Loathly Opposite," the frequently anthologized "Sing a Song of Sixpence," and "Streams of Water in the South," one of Buchan's personal favorites. Addressing such themes as human frailty, strength, and redemption, the stories testify to Buchan's worldview that mastery of oneself leads to the fulfillment of one's destiny.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators."

2. The Furies by Keith Roberts (Hor / 1966). I've enjoyed one other book by Roberts so far.

"The rule of the wasps. It all started with a nuclear test that went wrong. The test cracked the bed of the sea, raised a volcano the height of Vesuvius where before there had been a five-mile Deep...

Then the Furies struck - monstrous and deadly wasps nearly the size of man.

Their nests sprang up all over the world. They descended and slaughtered humanity at will. Breeding in their nests by the billions, they began enslaving the earth..."

3. The Dream Master by Roger Zelazny (Sci Fi / 1966).

"The last really unexplored frontier of knowledge may well prove to be the human mind. The Dream Master is the novel of that farther frontier, of a Twenty-first Century invention which enabled a psychology engineer to actually enter a man's mind, to experience his thoughts, to live with him his dreams—and to redirect and control those soaring universe-creating visions which are the essence of all thinking.

This novel of Render the Shaper, in its magazine serial version—originally published in 1965 as the Nebula winning novella 'He Who Shapes'—has already won Roger Zelazny the Nebula Award of the Science Fiction Writers of America for the finest short novel of the year. Ace Books now proudly presents its final and complete full-length version."

4. Them Bones by Howard Waldrop (Alternate History / 1984).

"Madison Yazoo Leake, of the bombed-out, radiation-ridden 21st century, wanted to go back in time to stop World War III before it began. When he stepped through the time portal, he thought he was entering 1930s-era Louisiana. Instead, he found himself in a world where Arabs had explored America, Christianity and the Roman Empire had never existed, and Aztecs performed human sacrifices near the Mississippi as wooly mammoths roamed nearby..."

Newest Books

(4 books since my last update)

1. Wildwood (The Wildwood Chronicles #1) by Colin Meloy (Fan / 2011).

"Prue McKeel's life is ordinary. At least until her brother is abducted by a murder of crows and taken to the Impassable Wilderness, a dense, tangled forest on the edge of Portland. No one's ever gone in, or at least returned to tell of it. So begins an adventure that will take Prue and her friend, Curtis, deep into the Impassable Wilderness. There they uncover a secret world in the midst of violent upheaval, a world full of warring creatures, peaceable mystics, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions. And what begins as a rescue mission becomes something much greater, as the two friends find themselves entwined in a struggle for the very freedom of this wilderness. A wilderness the locals call Wildwood."

2. A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao (Akai Singh #1 / 2023) I've ordered the 2nd book without having even read the first... How daring, eh?

"A charming and atmospheric debut mystery featuring a 25-year-old Indian police sergeant investigating a missing persons case in colonial Fiji

1914, Akal Singh, 25, would rather be anywhere but this tropical paradise—or, as he calls it, “this godforsaken island.” After a promising start to his police career in Hong Kong, Akal has been sent to Fiji as punishment for a humiliating professional mistake. Lonely and grumpy, Akal plods through his work and dreams of getting back to Hong Kong or his native India.

When an indentured Indian woman goes missing from a sugarcane plantation and Fiji’s newspapers scream “kidnapping,” the inspector-general reluctantly assigns Akal the case. Akal, eager to achieve redemption, agrees—but soon finds himself far more invested than he could have expected.

Now not only is he investigating a disappearance, but also confronting the brutal realities of the indentured workers’ existence and the racism of the British colonizers in Fiji—along with his own thorny notions of personhood and caste. Early interrogations of the white plantation owners, Indian indentured laborers, and native Fijians yield only one there is far more to this case than meets the eye."

3. The Strangers by Katherena Vermette (Indigenous / CanLit / 2021). I found this at the local Thrift. I've enjoyed other work by Vermette.

"Cedar has nearly forgotten what her family looks like. Phoenix has nearly forgotten what freedom feels like. And Elsie has nearly given up hope. Nearly.

After time spent in foster homes, Cedar goes to live with her estranged father. Although she grapples with the pain of being separated from her mother, Elsie, and sister, Phoenix, she's hoping for a new chapter in her life, only to find herself once again in a strange house surrounded by strangers. From a youth detention centre, Phoenix gives birth to a baby she'll never get to raise and tries to forgive herself for all the harm she's caused (while wondering if she even should). Elsie, struggling with addiction and determined to turn her life around, is buoyed by the idea of being reunited with her daughters and strives to be someone they can depend on, unlike her own distant mother. These are the Strangers, each haunted in her own way. Between flickering moments of warmth and support, the women diverge and reconnect, fighting to survive in a fractured system that pretends to offer success but expects them to fail. Facing the distinct blade of racism from those they trusted most, they urge one another to move through the darkness, all the while wondering if they'll ever emerge safely on the other side."

4. Secret Sky by J.P. MCLean (The Gift Legacy #1 / Fan / 2012). I met this author at Comox Nautical Days.

"Everybody wishes they could fly—until it happens. When Emelynn Taylor wakes up in the emergency room, her injuries present Dr. Avery Coulter with more questions than answers. Who is this guarded young woman? Why was she found in the middle of Sunset Park? How can she have injuries consistent with falling from above the tree line? Seemingly from nowhere? And, more Why is she lying about it?

The truth is stranger than anyone could have imagined - least of all Emelynn herself.

Nine years earlier, during the same summer she'd lost her father, 12-year-old Emelynn accepted a 'gift' from a mysterious woman called Jolene. Now, as she recovers in Dr. Coulter's emergency room, she's left wondering if that blessing was really more of a curse. Jolene's gift planted the seeds of incredible power within Emelynn - but what's the point of such abilities if you can't control them? Her emerging gift of flight, for example, nearly killed Emelynn when it sent her plummeting to the sidewalk in Sunset Park. Next time, she might not be so lucky.

But Emelynn is determined to master her abilities, and returns to the seaside cottage where Jolene had once granted her this 'gift.' There, Dr. Coulter guides Emelynn in uncovering a secret society of others just like her, who inhabit a mysterious world-within-a-world that challenges everything Emelynn thought she'd known. But the more she uncovers, the murkier the truth becomes. Soon, Emelynn is left questioning the motives of those she'd trusted the most - and is forced to rely on her barely mastered powers in a desperate fight for survival."

There you go. I hope you see some books you might like to try. Now to get Jo off her phone call so we can go to her doctor's appointment.

What's next on the Challenge List, You Ask? Well....

Our daughter's visit is winding down. Jenn is planning to take Anthony back to Kye Bay for a final walk along the seaside one more time. Yesterday she volunteered to work at the annual Florence Filberg festival and enjoyed herself. Anthony stayed with us. He seems to be getting used to it. We're all enjoying watching the Commonwealth Games and have hooked Jenn on 25 Words or Less. 😎 It's been a nice visit.

Today I thought I'd provide a list of the next books I plan to read as I work on my various challenges. I don't necessarily follow it religiously but it helps set a target.

1. 12 + 4 Challenge - Short Stories. So far, I've completed 9 books in this challenge. I'm currently reading Cobra Trap by Peter O'Donnell, a collection of Modesty Blaise adventures. Enjoying so far. Next in line is a collection by an author I've been exploring quite a bit, John Buchan. He wrote the John Hannay series, starting with The 39 Steps. The Strange Adventures of Mr. Andrew Hawthorn & Other Stories was initially published in 1932. It contains 18 stories by Buchan

2. 12 + 4 Challenge - Graphic Novels. I completed this challenge in April, graphic novels being usually nice quick reads. My favorite was Botticelli's Apprentice by Ursula Murray Husted, beautifully drawn and an excellent YA / Historical Fiction story.

3. 12 + 4 Challenge - Shiniest and Newest Books. These were the last 16 books that I added to my bookshelves before 31 Dec 2025. I've completed 8 books so far and am working on Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood. I'm enjoying so very much. My next book in this challenge, oddly enough is a graphic novel, a new series for me; Killadelphia, Volume 1 by Rodney Barnes, a horror series.

4. 12 + 4 Challenge - Dustiest Books. The 16 books that were the earliest I added to my Goodreads TBR list. One of my slower challenges. I've completed 6 so far and am currently enjoying Tess of the d'Urbervilles by William Thackeray. My next book will be a murder mystery, Wycliffe and the Tangled Web by W.J. Burley (Wycliffe #15). It's one of my comfort mystery series... one of many.

5. 12 + 4 Challenge - Shorter Books. This was the challenge I added after completing my Graphic novels challenge. They are, for the most part, books of less then 200 pages, with just a couple of exceptions. I've completed 9 so far and am reading The Dream Master by Roger Zelazny (Sci Fi / 1966) It's different so far. Next book is one of a trilogy by one of the early Sci Fi authors, The Humanoid Touch by Jack Williamson (Humanoids #2 / 1980.)

The next three challenges are part of my individual reading challenge group and there is some overlap with the above ones. I generally choose the books via random number challenge. I basically divided my TBR by 3 and broke it down to 3 challenges.

6. Individual Reading Challenge - Dustiest Books (#17 - 416). I've read 8 books in this challenge although 2 were DNFs. I'm not reading anything yet as I'm reading more than one if another challenge. But my next book will be a George Eliot classic. I've read 3 or 4 of her books and she was such a great author. My next book will by Romola (1863). I think I've avoided it so far because I'm already reading a Classic and thought it might be hard to keep track of each story. 

7. Slightly Dusty Books (#417 - 832). I've read 5 so far with one being a DNF. I'm currently reading Sepulchre by James Herbert, one of my favorite horror authors. My next book will be American War by Omar el Akkad, a dystopian future, published in 2017.

8. Newest, Shiniest Books (#833 - Present). I find myself easily distracted by the newest books and this has been my most successful challenge. I have read 27 thus far and have 3 on the go; Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Fan), Inspector West Alone by John Creasey (Mys / Inspector West #9) & Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes (Sci Fi / YA). My next book in this challenge will be The Furies by Keith Roberts (Hor / 1966). I've read one other of Roberts' books and enjoyed very much.

So there you go. Back to normal programming in the coming days. Looking forward to my August reading. Enjoy your month.

It's Father's Day so Time for a Reading Update

Dad had the best lap to lie on, right Jenn?

Firstly, I want to wish my Dad a Happy Father's Day! Love you, Dad!

Jo is having her afternoon nap so I thought I'd take this opportunity to do a quick book update. Alright!

Completed Books

1.  Shotgun by Ed McBain (87th Precinct #23 / 1963). A favorite police procedural series.

"If you like a good police procedural type mystery, the 87th Precinct series is one for you. Shotgun is the 23rd book in this entertaining series by Ed McBain and no, I haven't read the 23 books. I've read out of order somewhat with this one as it fit into one of my reading challenges. While there are personal features in the lives of the featured cops that might be missed, their back stories are told enough in the particular book that you aren't missing anything.

The 87th Precinct is a police precinct in an unnamed US city. It follows the cops that work there. As far as I can tell, it's not always the same cops in a particular story, there do seem to be some main ones. In this case, you've got Detectives Kling and Carella handling the main case and the night shift, Meyers and Hawes handling the other case.

Kling arrives on the scene of a nasty double murder, a man and a woman murdered by shotgun blast, two each to the head. (Note. The crimes can be violent but they aren't sensationalized. Everything is quite matter of fact). The main story follows this investigation as well as the lives of the two cops. (Oh, it's close to Hallowe'en) The other crime is the murder of a woman in her apartment. She has been stabbed and murdered with a knife in her home.

So that's the main premise and we basically follow the cops as the move around the city, living their lives, sorting out clues to the crimes, interrogating people, gathering facts, etc. It all sounds mundane and maybe it is. But McBain turns it into a fascinating story. His description never wastes a word. You can picture the city, the people, their lives. He is a great story teller.

I kind of had the main mystery figured out but that really didn't matter. I still wanted to see if I was correct and how the cops got there. The 2nd murder resolution was kind of neat. It's just a nice page turner, a well written, well crafted story. I've read 3 or 4 now and enjoyed them all very much. (4.0 stars)"

2. The Blotting Book by E.F. Benson (Mys / 1908). A new author for me.

"The Blotting Book, originally published in 1908, was my first exposure to English writer, E.F.  Benson, who lived from 1867 - 1940. It was one of the early mystery novels. It appears that Benson only wrote a couple in this genre amongst his other works. 

It's a pretty simple story, actually, no fuss, no bother, just an entertaining, descriptive, quick little story. A young man, Morris Asheton is about to inherit his estate, having attained 25 years of age, or soon anyway. He is very excited as he is about to propose to a lovely young lady. However, his solicitors, Mr. Taynton and Mr. Mills, have been mucking about a bit with his money and he doesn't actually have as much as he thinks.

Between the two, they have a bit of a plot to fix things. Mills has put about some scandalous words about Morris to his fiancé's father that has put a damper on the whole wedding idea. And Mills also is black mailing Taynton about his fiddling with Morris's future money.

Lots of anguish, especially from Morris, who wants to deal harshly with Mills and also by Taynton, who needs to recoup his financial losses and also somehow deal with Mills' threats. In the midst of all this, a horrendous storm hits the Brighton / Falmer area. Mills, who is supposed to return from his London office on that night, doesn't make it home.

Eventually, his body is discovered and in the investigation Morris is charged with the murder and a trial is held. I'll leave it there. This isn't really spoilers as it's pretty well all mentioned in the brief synopsis. 

Benson is a bit of a flowery writer but still entertaining. He's an excellent observer of settings and characters and presents an interesting story. At times it seemed a bit overblown but I still enjoyed the set-up, the mystery and the ultimate solution. He doesn't develop the characters over much, just enough to give you a flavor of them, enough to help you ascertain their reasoning and motives. All in all, a nice short, satisfying mystery. (I've ordered another, The Luck of the Vails. (3.5 stars)"

3. Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker (Hor / 2026). Another new author for me and this was her latest.

"I heard of Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker from various book podcasters that I follow and they seemed quite excited about trying it. So needless to say, being an easily influenced person when it comes to books 😉, I figured I should check it out as well. It was an interesting read.

Japanese Gothic is a sort of fantasy / fairy tale / time travel / interdimensional type story, I think. It follows two main characters, Lee, a young man who lost his mother when he was 12 and is still dealing with it, taking lots of Ativan and not dealing with people very well, especially his father. Then you have Sen, from the 1800s, daughter of one of the last Samurais who lives with her family in a house in Japan, where her father is hiding from the Emperor's army. Oddly enough, Lee is now staying with his father, James and Dad's girlfriend, Hina in the same house that Sen lives (d) in.

So,  there are some SOME!!! complications as well. Lee was attending college in the States and believes he murdered his roommate and that is the reason he dashed off to Japan. Sen, as a young girl, was sacrificed to the ocean by her mother, because she thought by doing so, her son would be saved from... maybe typhoid?? Sen was returned to the house by some woman who lives under the ocean, the sacrifice receiver...

Oh yes, the main 'complication'. There seems to be an opening in the space / time continuum (borrowed by myself from Star Trek.. Thanks!) that allows Lee and Sen to interact by a doorway in their room. Lee hopes to get Sen to help him find his mother's spirit. (There is a back story there, about whether his mother died (in some way?), was kidnapped, or something... which his father won't discuss. Let's see.. Sen's father was part of a revolution of Samurai's against the Emperor which was defeated. Instead of dying on the battle field with his comrades, Sen's father returned home and hid his family away and now spends his time training Sen to be a Samurai (he's very abusive)...

Got the story now? Did I mention the sort of fairy tale about the man who saved a tortoise and lived 300 years under he ocean with a princess? Ah, well, they do play a part.

So it's a complex fascinating story that I'm not sure I totally understood, especially when it came to the resolution. Did I like the characters? Lee and Sen are both very damaged, especially Lee, and it's hard to really like them. Lee's and Sen's dads aren't very likable either, Lee's because he can't deal with the disappearance of his wife or with Lee's issues and Sen's because he's not a very nice guy to his family (putting it mildly). I did like minor characters, especially Hina and wish she were in it more and there is a servant who works for Sen who is loyal and caring... 

But you don't have to like everybody. The journey that Lee and Sen are on is quite interesting. The various stories are interesting, even if there is a fair bit of violence.. at times. The twists and turns are all fascinating and the ending, while I think, to me anyway, still left questions was also interesting. I enjoyed exploring the book. It wasn't perfect but it was well-written, beautifully described and held my interest throughout. (4.0 stars)"

4. Bad Indian's Book Club by Patty Krawek (Non Fic / 2025). 

"Bad Indians Book Club: Reading at the Edge of a Thousand Worlds by Patty Krawec is a book about books, by genre, focused on books about and by indigenous / marginalized peoples. I seem to be reading a few of these books focused on books of late. Unfortunately (really, it's fortunately... 😉) they all give me ideas for more books to purchase to read. Patty Krawec is an Anishinaabe / Ukrainian writer and she presents this book in a fascinating, unique way.

It was started when Patty was asked by friend to recommend a book or two to help him better understand indigenous experience and thought. As Patty says, she is incapable of doing anything in the simplest way. His request became a twitter feed, a book club and a series of panel discussions over the course of a year, which she called 'Ambe A Year of Indigenous Reading'. Each month they talked about a handful of selected books and were invited to talk about other books.

They covered all genres; Why Indigenous writing matters, Science and Nature, History, Refusing Patriarchy, Memoir, Fiction, Horror and Speculative Fiction and Graphic Novels. Before each section, Patty provides snippets of her own short story, created for this novel, the story of Kwe, Ojibwe for Woman, more specifically Life Giver, Life Carrier. It, on its own is a fascinating story.

I just found it a beautifully written, thoughtful book with its analysis of the indigenous world and their ideas and thoughts. 

Oh, Bad Indians are "those who challenge the stories we tell about the society in which we live, because the things we believe have consequences that are often borne by others, consequences we may not see." 

You should read it to get the full experience because anything I say probably can't do it justice. 

Chi-miigwech, Patty for sharing this. (Hoping I used the term correctly) (4.0 stars)"

5. The Will of the Tribe by Arthur W. Upfield (Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte #27 / 1962). My second book in this series.

"The Will of the Tribe is the 3rd Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte mystery I've read and the 27th in the series by Australian writer Arthur W. Upfield, so yes, you could say I've been reading out of order. 😎

Inspector Bonaparte is a half caste member of the Australian police forces and he has been sent solve the murder of a man who's body was discovered in an old crater. There is a lot of discussion of aboriginal mythology in this story. one thing the crops up is that even though there seem to be disputed time frames for when the crater might have been created, there are no aboriginal myths about it. (It's figured that the crater happened early 1900s then. This isn't critical to the story, I just wanted to belabor the point).

The body is seen from the air. The local police officer Howard and his trackers head out to the location (oh, it's on the Northwest coast in the desert, I believe), assisted by the local ranch owner, Brentner and his ranch hands. Bonaparte's instructions, from his unnamed superior are to find out how the body got there, let the local police sort out the murder itself. It's all very mysterious. He's not told who the body is, just to investigate.

It's a fascinating, complex story. Bony, as he likes to be called, is a man with footholds in two worlds, the white and the aboriginal and he treads carefully in both. It's a culture I don't totally understand (oh, I think the story is set in the late 40's.), but you've got various groups. The white ranch owners, there two young girls, and some white ranch hands and the cook. There is the Captain, an aboriginal from the local tribe, who's been educated in white schools and is the ranch foreman. There is Tessa, a young aboriginal girl, about 18, who was adopted by Mrs. Brentner, and who wants to send Tessa off to school to become a teacher. The local 'tame' aboriginal tribe is run by Gup-Gup and his medicine man, Poppa. They provide ranch hands from their tribe in exchange for food and cigarettes. Then there is the 'wild' aboriginals who live on the fringes. It's an arrangement that seems to work, even if their are tensions.

So Bony finds himself in the midst of this group of people and works to get to know them, to understand their relationships and to solve the murder. Oh yes, and trying to avoid the attacks of Mr. Lamb... what a neat animal, very funny. Consider Mr. Lamb as a pool cue and the people on the ranch as his balls and you'll get the idea.

Bony is a wonderful detective, a great character who is smart, deductive and who everyone seems to like (even if they might be suspects) and respect, especially the Brentner's young girls. It's a fascinating story and case and resolved very nicely ultimately. Upfield's writing, his description are beautiful, and he presents a great picture of life in that time and in that region of Australia's wilderness. I have a few more Bony books on my shelves and look forward to continue to explore Bony's past, his life and his cases. (3.5 stars)"

Currently Reading (as per normal, these are books commenced since my last update)

1. A Fragment of Fear by John Bingham (Mys / 1965) I've enjoyed every mystery that I've read by Bingham so far.

"James Compton, a young journalist and crime writer, becomes intrigued by and then involved in the mysterious death of an older woman British tourist apparently on holiday near the ruins of Pompeii. On his return to England he becomes further implicated in what he now knows was a murder but his efforts to help the police are sabotaged by unknown forces who discredit him to such an extent that his evidence and his theories are devalued. However, so determined is he to bring the criminals to justice that he endangers not only his own life but that of his fiancée Juliet on the very day of their long awaited wedding."

2. Sepulchre by James Herbert (Hor / 1987). I'm really enjoying exploring Herbert's work.

"There is a house called Neath that holds a dark and terrible secret.

In that house, there is a psychic called Kline who is part of its secret.

The Keeper is guardian of the house, of the psychic, and of the secret.

But now an outsider must protect them from a terrible danger. Halloran will combat men who thrive on physical corruptions; he will find love of a perverse nature; he will confront his soul's own darkness. And, eventually, he will discover the horrific and awesome secret of the Sepulchre."

3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean #1 / 2023).

"Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans; they incinerate them. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant. She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet with every day that passes, the war outside grows deadlier; the kingdom's protective wards are failing; and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret."

4. Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood (Bio / 2025) Atwood is on my bucket list of authors to try and read all of her work.

"How does one of the greatest storytellers of our time write her own life? The long-awaited memoir from the author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments, one of our most lauded and influential cultural figures.

‘Every writer is at least two the one who lives, and the one who writes. Though everything written must have passed through their minds, or mind, they are not the same.’

Raised by ruggedly independent, scientifically minded parents – entomologist father, dietician mother – Atwood spent most of each year in the wild forest of northern Quebec. This childhood was unfettered and nomadic, sometimes isolated (on her eighth 'It sounds forlorn. It was forlorn. It gets more forlorn.’), but also thrilling and beautiful.

From this unconventional start, Atwood unfolds the story of her life, linking seminal moments to the books that have shaped our literary landscape, from the cruel year that spawned Cat’s Eye to the Orwellian 1980s Berlin where she wrote The Handmaid’s Tale. In pages bursting with bohemian gatherings, her magical life with the wildly charismatic writer Graeme Gibson and major political turning points, we meet poets, bears, Hollywood actors and larger-than-life characters straight from the pages of an Atwood novel.

As we travel with her along the course of her life, more and more is revealed about her writing, the connections between real life and art – and the workings of one of our greatest imaginations."

5. Talk Treaty to Me: Understanding the Basics of Treaties and Land in Canada by Crystal Gail Fraser & Sara Komarnisky (Non Fic / Canada / 2026). I read an article about a treaty about to be ratified in the Comox Valley and some of the difficulties being experienced and when I saw this book, it seemed appropriate that I should learn more about this subject. Seemed like fate to me.

"Treaties cover much of Canada. Some were established thousands of years ago, with Land and animals, and others date back to the time when Europeans first arrived in North America. These agreements make it possible for all of us to live, work, play, and profit on these Lands. Additionally, treaties have profoundly shaped the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. In Talk Treaty to Me, Crystal Gail Fraser and Sara Komarnisky untangle the complexities of treaties and set forth a path to a greater understanding of all our roles, rights, and responsibilities. In this accessible, clear, and concise book, they discuss:

- Treaties among and between Indigenous Peoples

- The history of treaty-making between Indigenous Peoples and Britain, then Canada, from the very beginning to the present day

- Concepts like Métis scrip, modern Land claims and self-government agreements, Indigenous sovereignty, and unceded territory

- The (dis)honouring of treaties and the role of Canadian settler colonialism

- How the creation of Canadian borders interrupts Indigenous sovereignty and nationhood

- Important insights from gendered and queer perspectives on treaty and Land

- The politics of land acknowledgements

- Reconciliation and Land Back movements

With a quick-reference timeline, maps, and black-and-white photographs throughout, Talk Treaty to Me concludes with a call to action and specific, tangible steps that all of us can take every day to support truth and reconciliation."

New Arrivals (only one book since my last update, not including Talking About Treaties).

1. The Xanadu Manuscript by John Rowe Townsend (Sci Fi / 1977).

"Visitors from the future complicate the lives of several inhabitants of Cambridge, England."

I think I might go have a snooze as well.. Happy Father's Day!

Stay safe and warm Canada

I've been watching the weather forecasts popping up across Canada. We are so far pretty warm respectively on our portion of Canada's West Coast so hoping it stays that way for the foreseeable future. But for those of you experiencing freezing rains, extreme cold, etc. stay safe and stay indoors if you can. Best wishes.

Me being calm and controlled

It's been a busy few days since Xmas Eve. Jo had her first surgery Xmas Eve and then I was able to take her home around 2 p.m. Xmas Day. The poor woman has two sets of tubes to help get rid of any fluid build up caused by the surgery. So we've (mostly Jo) have had to drain the rubberized bubbles twice a day since. Unfortunately on the 27th, one of the tubes got clogged and Jo noticed it around 4 in the morning. She told me and being the calm, rational person that I am, I got up too fast, then basically fainted; kept trying to get up, fainted twice more. So poor Jo who is the one whose had the surgery is now trying to help me, phone for an ambulance... They arrived very quickly, hooked me up to various machinery. I tried to faint one more time. Both Jo and I taken to the hospital ER and we had a nice 10 hour stay there. But they got me sorted (some sort of panic attack that caused my heart to slow down and not send enough blood to my stupid brain) and the rebandaged Jo, cleaned out the tubes.. We've been home since and all is calmer. In fact I made a nice curry with Jo's assistance (directions) last night with cauliflower rice. It was lovely. At the moment, she's relaxing and I'm going to do a post about December book reads and my first January selections.

Since my update at the beginning of December, I've read 9 books. I'm currently trying to complete my last book of 2025. So I'll update 3 or 4 of my favorite reads and add any new books I might have purchased since that last update... Hey ho! Let's go!

Completed

1. Love and Rockets, The Death of Speedy by Jaime Hernandez (Vol. 7 / 1989).

"On another site, I've been doing a series of posts about graphic novels, both series and standalones, that I've been exploring and enjoying. One of the responses was a recommendation to try Love and Rockets, Vol. 7: The Death of Speedy by Jaime Hernández. So I thought... what the hey, why not. I have to say that it was quite a pleasant surprise. 

How to describe?? Well, let's start by saying it was an engrossing, beautifully drawn graphic novel. It contains a 9 separate chapters, from The Return of Ray D., the Death of Speedy, Jerusalem Crickets, The Letter, etc. 

Well, let's consider. It's about relationships, friendships, battles, kind of a modern, updated version of Archie, more like the Riverdale TV series, than the comic books. You've got relationship entanglements, like both Betty and Veronica after Archie... Instead here you've got Maggie, trying to decide between Hopey and Ray D. and instead of a setting in Riverdale, it's in a Hispanic community in LA. 

You've got a series of stories following Hopey and her band that reminded me of Henry Rollins book about touring with his band, Black Flag... the living out of your van, trying to scrape up enough money for meals between gigs.

You've got Maggie's Tia (aunt) and her touring WWW wrestling shows. You've got the irreverent feel of the Tank Girl books, without the fantasy, because Love and Rockets feels so real. Oh you've also got a sort of gang friction that ends up being important in the The Death of Speedy.

It's just a breath of fresh air. I loved the artwork, the people varied but beautiful. The stories wander from the present to the past to give us perspective on the events and people. The focus is generally Maggie, but also her friends and acquaintances. I don't know how to describe it, except to say that it was so very, very good. I've ordered another volume in the series just to see more of their lives. So excellent. (4.5 stars)"

2. The Other Sea by Ursula K. Le Guin (Earthsea #6 / 2001). This is the final book in the Earthsea Cycle.

"The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin is the 6th and final book in Le Guin's Earthsea cycle. Such an exceptional fantasy collection. The hero of the first book, A Wizard of Earthsea, Ged (aka Sparrowhawk, the Arch Mage of Earthsea) plays a minor role. In this book, his wife Tenar (heroine of Tombs of Atuan) and adopted daughter, Tehanu (from, of course, Tehanu) play much more prominent roles. As well, King Lebannen, the King of Earthsea and hero along with Ged of The Farthest Shore also plays an important role.

We meet new characters; the dragon, Orm Irian, who changes shape into a lady, the mysterious princess from Karg, the wizard Alder, who starts everything going. And, of course, a few others.

Alder, a minor wizard, is a widower and has begun dreaming has begun having disturbing dreams of his dead wife, calling to him from beyond a wall. Many dead take her place and clamor for release. Alder goes to Hoke, the home of the Wizard council and school for wizards for help and is sent along to Gont to seek advice from the old Archmage himself. But Ged has no more wizard powers and Ged sends Alder to Havnor to seek council from the King. It turns out that Tenar and Tehanu are already there, at the request of the King.

When Alder arrives, finally, he finds many turmoils. The world is at an imbalance. Dragons are returning from the West and destroying lands and crops and taking over. Everyone is starting to have dreams. After a council, the King determines that another voyage is required, this time back to Hoke which appears to be the focus of the problem and maybe the solution. So you've got the King, Tenar, Tehanu, the dragon lady Irian, the princess, Alder and two other wizards heading off to the Immanent Grove to seek the aid of the Wizard Council.

Like pretty well anything that Le Guin produces, it's a thoughtful, well-crafted story, peopled with such excellent characters. All are so well - developed and 3-dimensional. The story gets into your own feelings and emotions, feelings of loss, love, friendship. It took me awhile to first start the series because I thought that A Wizard of Earthsea was probably too young for me. I instead looked into Le Guin's Sci Fi (Hainish) stories. But since I've been exploring her works, it matters not which stories I've tried. They are just great stories. The Earthsea world should be explored. Great fantasy, great stories. (4.0 stars)"

3. Bedelia by Vera Caspary (1945). I'd previously read Laura by Caspary and have enjoyed the movie many times.

"I've previously only read one book by American crime writer and screenwriter, Vera Caspary, who lived from 1899 - 1987. That was maybe her best known book, Laura, which was also turned into a great movie which I've watched a few times. After my wife and I watched Laura one of our most recent times, I decided to see what else she'd written as I wanted to explore her work more. And here we are at Bedelia, the novel she wrote immediately after Laura. It was originally published in 1945.

Bedelia is the new wife of Connecticut businessman Charles Horst. Charles met her while he was recuperating in Colorado from his mother's death. Enamored with Bedelia, he proposed, got married and they returned to the family home in Conn. His neighbours, even though his home was quite isolated, also liked Bedelia (fondly called Biddy by Charles), even Mary, who had hoped someday that it would be her who became Charles' wife. New to the scene is artist Ben Chaney, who is renting the cottage next door and seems to have a way with women.

As happy as Charles is, things seem a bit off. Bedelia, for her lovely personality, controls Charles very much. At the Xmas dinner, she fusses over what he eats, due to his upset digestive system. At the New Year's party at Ben's place, Charles suffers a collapse, faints and appears close to death. The doctor is very concerned and orders in a personal nurse to monitor Charles very closely and he insists that all of Charles' meals will be prepared by her. She will be with him at all times.

Now, I'll stop there with the story. Suffice it to say,  that it is filled with suspicion, a few neat surprises, both in story and about characters and it moves along quite briskly and ends with a neat surprise. I found it a bit overwrought at times but it did help add to the tension. Bedelia is a fascinating character, with many levels to her. Charles is a bit more straight forward. All in all it was an excellent mystery and I will continue to explore Caspary's work. (4.0 stars)"

4. A Truce That is Not Peace by Miriam Toews (2025).

"My previous exposure to Canadian writer Miriam Toews was her Women Talking. I have Fight Club on my book shelf but thought I might like to try her most recent book A Truce That Is Not Peace first. 

Basically, the premise for the story is Miriam's exploration on why she writes. She has received an invitation to a literary event in Mexico City and all invitees are asked to submit a response to the question, 'Why do you write?" before they are accepted. Following this request is an exploration on Miriam's life, the deaths of both her father and sister by suicide, her extended family and her desire to create a 'wind' museum. The book in the form of anecdotes of a trip across Europe with her 'boyfriend' Wolfie, her life with her mother, trying to help her cope with health issues, and other random events. 

At the commencement of many chapters we get the response from the Literary committee telling her that her response to their question is unsatisfactory. The book is in the from of letters to her sister from Europe, anecdotes, excerpts from various authors (Christian Wiman, Tom Whalen, etc.) and so much more. How to deal with grief, how to deal with life, why write?

It's a fascinating, touching, troubling, wandering story. Does it answer the question, why write? I honestly don't know but it's worth checking out to see what you think. And I can't wait for the wind museum to open its doors. (4.0 stars)

5. Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2021).

"Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky is my first exposure to Tchaikovsky's story - telling and after enjoying this I will be exploring his work more. He wrote a Children of Time series and there is supposed to be a 2nd book in the Elder Race 'series' coming out in September 2026 (I've pre-ordered)

The story is set on a distant planet that was originally populated by Earth people hundreds of years ago. Earth at some point decided to check on the various planets that they populated and a team was sent to this planet (presumably the others as well) to monitor how successful the Earth people had been in settling the planet. At some point all of the team left to return to Earth but one stayed behind, 2nd Anthropologist Nyr.

For 200+ years, Nyr has been living alone in the Tower. At one time he descended broke the rules of contact and helped destroy the demon Ulmoth. He fell in love with the Queen of the time, Astresse, but when the battle was done, he returned to his tower. A great grand daughter of Astresse, Fourth daughter Lynesse has come to the Tower asking once again for his assistance. Something weird is happening to the Forest peoples (and when you get into the story.. it's weird)

Nyr reluctantly agrees to follow Nyr and her companion, Eshe to see what's what and that is the gist of this story. Lynesse believes Nyr is a wizard and Nyr has difficulty explaining what he is and why he can't help. The story is told from both perspectives, each chapter alternating between Nyr and Lynesse.

It's a fascinating tale, relatively short but packed with great detail, emotion, and interesting action... and disturbing creatures / beings/ so hard to describe. I liked every character and I found the story interesting and was glad that it left a door open for more tales of Nyr and Lynesse. (4.5 stars)"

The remaining completed books were -

1. It Lasts Forever and Then It's Over by Anne de Marcken (2024) (3.0 stars)

2. The Tindalos Asset by Caitlin R. Kiernan (Tinfoil Dossier #3 / 2020). This completes the trilogy (3.5 stars)

3. Dante's Inferno, a Graphic Novel Adaptation by Paul Brizzi (2023) Probably the only way I'll ever read Dante. (4.0 stars)

4. Paper Girls, Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan (2017) (4.0 stars)

Currently Reading

(one last book for 2025 and I'm half way through it. Having said that, there are lots of notes that I might just skim)

1. Greek Myths, A New Retelling by Charlotte Higgins (2021). I've always enjoyed Greek myths and this is interesting.

"Charlotte Higgins reinterprets some of the most enduring stories of all time in this beautifully produced, spellbinding new collection, featuring original artworks by Chris Ofili.

Here are myths of the creation, of Heracles and Theseus and Perseus, the Trojan war and its origins and aftermaths, tales of Thebes and Argos and Athens. There are stories of love and desire, adventure and magic, destructive gods, helpless humans, fantastical creatures, resourceful witches and the origins of birds and animals. This is a world of extremes, and one that resonates deeply with our own: mysterious diseases devastate cities; environmental disasters tear lives apart; women habitually suffer violence at the hands of men.

Unlike in many previous collected myths, female characters take centre stage - Athena, Helen, Circe, Penelope and others weave these stories into elaborate imagined tapestries. In Charlotte Higgins's thrilling new interpretation, their tales combine to form a dazzling, sweeping epic of storytelling, and a magnificent work of scholarship and imagination."

Newest Purchases

(5 new books to add to the list)

1. Gideon's Ride by J.J. Marric (Commander Gideon #9 / 1962) One of my favorite crime series.

"London's transportation system is experiencing a crime wave, with a ruthless gang victimizing unsuspecting commuters. There are also all of the usual thefts and 'ordinary' crimes to deal with. With murders occurring on buses, any passenger unfortunate enough to be heading home after dark may be a target. Panic ensues and only one man, George Gideon, can remove the fear . . ."

2. Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood (2025). I always enjoy Atwood's writing and am glad she's still pumping out books of any kind; poetry, Sci Fi, fiction, non-fiction. She is one of those authors on my bucket list to try and read as much as possible during my remaining years.

"How does one of the greatest storytellers of our time write her own life? The long-awaited memoir from one of our most lauded and influential cultural figures.

‘Every writer is at least two beings: the one who lives, and the one who writes. Though everything written must have passed through their minds, or mind, they are not the same.’

Raised by ruggedly independent, scientifically minded parents – entomologist father, dietician mother – Atwood spent most of each year in the wild forest of northern Quebec. This childhood was unfettered and nomadic, sometimes isolated (on her eighth birthday: 'It sounds forlorn. It was forlorn. It gets more forlorn.’), but also thrilling and beautiful.

From this unconventional start, Atwood unfolds the story of her life, linking seminal moments to the books that have shaped our literary landscape, from the cruel year that spawned Cat’s Eye to the Orwellian 1980s Berlin where she wrote The Handmaid’s Tale. In pages bursting with bohemian gatherings, her magical life with the wildly charismatic writer Graeme Gibson and major political turning points, we meet poets, bears, Hollywood actors and larger-than-life characters straight from the pages of an Atwood novel.

As we travel with her along the course of her life, more and more is revealed about her writing, the connections between real life and art – and the workings of one of our greatest imaginations."

3. Ursula K. Le Guin; Conversations on Writing by Ursula K. Le Guin (2018). Another author whose work is on my bucket list.

"When the New York Times referred to Ursula K. Le Guin as America’s greatest writer of science fiction, they just might have undersold her legacy. It’s hard to look at her vast body of work novels and stories across multiple genres, poems, translations, essays, speeches, and criticism and see anything but one of our greatest writers, period.

In a series of interviews with David Naimon (Between the Covers), Le Guin discusses craft, aesthetics, and philosophy in her fiction, poetry, and nonfiction respectively. The discussions provide ample advice and guidance for writers of every level, but also give Le Guin a chance to to sound off on some of her favorite subjects: the genre wars, the patriarchy, the natural world, and what, in her opinion, makes for great writing. With excerpts from her own books and those that she looked to for inspiration, this volume is a treat for Le Guin’s longtime readers, a perfect introduction for those first approaching her writing, and a tribute to her incredible life and work."

4. Heart on my Sleeve; Stories on a Life Well-Worn by Jeanne Beker (2024). I have a feeling that I will be reading a fair bit of non-fiction in 2026).

"Fashion and style icon Jeanne Beker delivers an uplifting and inspiring memoir that walks us through a wardrobe of memory, one article of clothing at a time. Jeanne Beker’s name is synonymous with style and grace in fashion. Recognized by many as the beloved host of Fashion Television and The New Music, Jeanne has spent an entire career interviewing celebrities and uncovering their most private selves. Now, in Heart on My Sleeve, Jeanne reveals who she is in an all-new way. This is not just a memoir but a wardrobe of memory. Jeanne walks us through her recollections of specific pieces of clothing and jewelry, precious items that have made an indelible impact on her. She invites readers to think more deeply about how what we wear—whether it’s a thrift-store find or high-end couture—acts as a touchstone to our most treasured recollections, reminding us of who we once were or of loved ones we hold dear. With Jeanne as our style guide, we get up-close and personal with a star-studded cast, including Paul McCartney, Madonna, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Moss, Oscar de la Renta, Beyoncé, and Keith Richards. But equally important, Jeanne introduces us to the family members and loved ones who form her closest entourage—including her wise Yiddish mother and her industrious father, both Holocaust survivors; her childhood neighbor Mrs. Jaskolka, a style maven ahead of her time; her two trailblazing daughters; and her many warm and exuberant friends who have seen her through the best and worst of times. Jeanne proves that a life lived with style and substance is always in fashion. Bold, colorful, and authentic, this is Jeanne Beker at her very best and brightest."

5. Killadelphia, Volume 1; Sins of the Father by Rodney Barnes (2020). One of my friends in Goodreads recommended this series.

"Featuring the show-stopping talents of Spawn series artist JASON SHAWN ALEXANDER, and the writer behind such hit shows as Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Marvel's Runaways, and Starz's American Gods--RODNEY BARNES.

When a small town beat cop comes home to bury his murdered father-the revered Philadelphia detective James Sangster Sr.-he begins to unravel a mystery that leads him down a path of horrors and shakes his beliefs to their core.

The city that was once the symbol of liberty and freedom has fallen prey to corruption, poverty, unemployment, brutality...
...and vampires.

But the mystery goes even further when Jimmy's investigation leads him to uncover the source of the outbreak is long-thought dead President of the United States John Adams--a man secretly biding his time as he builds an undead army to start a new and bloodier American revolution.

There's a reason they coin a phrase, "you can't go home." Welcome to Killadelphia."

And, finally..

2026 Reading Challenges

I've planned 7 Reading Challenges, 4 -  12 + 4 Challenges and 3 - Individual Challenges

1. 12 + 4 - Dustiest Books (the 16 books that have been the longest on my bookshelf

2. 12 + 4 - Short Stories (self - explanatory)

3. 12 + 4 - Graphic Novels

4. 12 + 4 - Shiniest Newest Purchases (I may edit this slightly but basically this will be the books I received most recently up to 31 Dec

For my Individual Challenges, I've broken it down into 3 groups; my oldest purchases (disregarding those in my Dustiest Book Challenge), the middle group of books and the newest purchases. I'll pick each one either by random number generator or just randomly by what I feel like reading.

4. Individual Challenge - Dusty Books 17 - 416

5. Individual Challenge - Middle Group 417 - 832

6. Individual Challenge - Newest Books 833 - Present

These are the first 7 books I've chosen to start off the challenge.

So there you go. Time to get Jo and me some brekkie. Take care and enjoy the rest of 2025.