January 2025 Reads

TL, DR above

My links are all going to The StoryGraph now, since that's what I'm using instead of GoodReads for tracking (I still have some updates on GoodReads for Netgalley purposes). 

StoryGraph is Black-woman owned. GoodReads is Amazon owned. 

Please for the millionth time I beg of you, do not buy physical books on Amazon unless they are available literally nowhere else.  

You can find me on StoryGraph here: 

Engrossing Reads

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson - I got approved for this title quite a while ago but saved it to read in January to kick the year off right. I believe I did the same with Wilkerson's first novel, Black Cake, which I also loved. This story and this family will stick with me. The kind of book where the story is so vast and good you don’t want to finish it, and the writing is so good you want to write something yourself. I loved this, which seems inadequate in summation. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, and to Barnes & Noble Philly for bringing Charmaine Wilkerson in for a book talk at the end of January - thrilled to be there for that and to own a signed copy of this one

The Note by Alafair Burke - I typically tear through Alafair Burke books, and this one was no exception. They're not deep and they're not perfect, but books don't need to be for entertainment. OCNJ library hardcover

Homeseeking by Karissa Chen - I always think of myself as a reader not that interested in historical fiction until I read books that remind me that I *do* like historical fiction. Partially set in a time in history I haven't read many perspectives of is always a bonus, and that was the case here - the impact of country, politics, and position on the lives of these people through many decades and changes, from Shanghai to Hong Kong, Taiwan, New York, California. This was engaging, heartbreaking, hopeful. OCNJ library hardcover

The Fourth Monkey (4MK Thriller #1) by J.D. Barker - I'm late to this series. I believe we arrive at books when we are supposed to, most of the time, and my only regret about being late to this is that I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading the rest. OCNJ library paperback

The Cove (Detective Erica Sands 1) and The Trap (2) by Gregg Dunnett - Read in preparation for an advanced copy of the third in the series because I'm not starting a series on the third book. I enjoyed these two, the first more than the second - at first I was confused as to what was happening with the shifts and absence of the main character which are not my favorite parts or arcs of these books - but I did eventually get into the story within the story and see how it pieced things together. Digital copies, own

Passed the Time Just Fine

Saltwater by Katy Hays - Entirely unbelievable but that was part of what spurred the story forward. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 25

The Hunt (Detective Erica Sands #3) by Gregg Dunnett - This book passed the time just fine, but was my least favorite of the three so far. Still invested and looking forward to the next one! Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes February 21.

Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff - Reads like Fitzgerald fan fiction, which I didn’t mind. Feels a little overwritten in spots but passed the time just fine. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 

Brothers by Alex Van Halen - Did I immediately both a) listen to Van Halen the rest of the day and b) spend time googling various things mentioned in the book as well as things studiously avoided (Sammy) after finishing this? Yes. This was not a tell all in any sense, more of Alex claiming his role in the thing which is Van Halen and telling a lot about his family and how they grew up with music and nothing, where that music took them, and as is typical in these books - how the record industry wants to suck the blood of artists and pay them in sand. OCNJ library hardcover

Not For Me

A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler - I loved that the main characters were older in age and youthful in  heart, and I do love a second chance redemption arc and gentle storytelling. I think if I didn't compare all of his novels to Shotgun Lovesongs, one of my favorite books of all time, that I would have liked this one more, and the fault in that is mine. I know better than to think the feeling evoked by one reading experience can translate to every other one by that author.  It's earnest, but not in a way that felt authentic to me. It also contains everything plus the kitchen sink, which is I think one of the ways it went off the rails. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

The Bookseller by Valerie Keough - Love a story set in a bookstore, love a main character who loves books as much as I do. That's about the end of my love for this one - I think I'm an outlier but this was not for me. I could not deal with Helen. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 3

Nowhere by Allison Gunn - This was a little out of my preferred zone - I thought it was more mystery/thriller but maybe a little more horrorish than I bargained for. Likely a good for you, not for me read. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes March 25

The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz - I don't think this is a thriller, or anything remotely related to Gone Girl so if that is an expectation, you should adjust. I was not thrilled with the consistent "her looks are just okay what is he doing with her" themes. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

Did Not Finish

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia - Advanced copy from Netgalley

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What have you been reading?

Friday files 1.27.2023

Sometimes I arrive at Friday and have no idea what happened throughout the week overall. Like today.

Monday was National Handwriting Day. I burned through all of my shore candles. Lots of beach trash pickup. Wind and rain made for a miserable Wednesday. I had a persistent sore throat out of nowhere. I read a lot of books. I've been existing on the turkey veggie rice soup I made Sunday, buffeted with a pork roll egg and cheese a la MFD. I've read a lot. I don't think I've left the house since Monday aside from going for walks and that's evident when I look at photos from the week.

Have you tried Tabitha Brown's popcorn from Target? I like the sweet and salty. I cannot locate the garlic parmesan anywhere and I desperately want to. It doesn't ship. The dill pickle doesn't have enough flavor for me. The vegan jalapeno hummus is excellent!

I'm poised for February but surprised at how full my calendar is when that is usually not the case in the history of Februarys. 

Another week passes without the bathroom posts I've been meaning to do for months.

This week the Union League of Philadelphia hosted Ron DeSantis who has supports the state banning AP African American studies curriculum. Local Philly folks, please call on all of your elected representatives to decline to attend events hosted at the Union League and any organizations you are a part of to find another location for events. If you need help on what to say or who to contact, let me know!

Speaking of DeSantis and his fans...you shouldn't be proud of being "anti-woke" without knowing where the term came from. Of course, many people do know where the term came from and are proudly anti-woke. If you don't know, in an unsurprising turn of events, what anti-woke means is anti-Black. Check out how woke went from black to bad. 

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day, which coincides with the date the Nazi death camp  Auschwitz was liberated. Just 78 years ago today, which is not that long in the grand scheme of things. Certainly not long enough for anti-Semitism to be on the rise globally in the way that it is. Fascism rising the world over and it is fucking infuriating and discouraging. When people are trying to stop children from learning history and what discrimination is, that is all a part of the rise of fascism. 

I more than earned my pay this week, putting in some hours at night due to a deadline, and I am really ready to get my plan-less weekend started. I hope yours is super!

Friday Files 1.6.2023

Ring ring.

We can consider Thursday Thoughts dead or at the least dormant at this time - Thursday has turned into my busiest/fastest time slipping away work day so I'm pivoting to Friday here. I'm giving myself a break on clever titles too. I have very few left after blogging since 2011 and I need to come up with one for a work newsletter weekly. 

I've entered the Reading Glasses portion of life, so if I don't have them on and you get texts or see Instagram stories with typos, look away

I went through a bunch of my scattered notes, fleshed out my to read list, and put holds on a bunch of books coming out over the next few months if my library already had them on order. This is a much anticipated book for the year that I finished last night and I loved it. I left it with warm fuzzies. It publishes January 31, so pre-order or get on that library holds list!

Cloudy skies are interesting AF when it's not a wall of gray. Wednesday & Thursday walks

Couch cadre - we are winter recharge folks. MFD re-hung some stuff I pulled down in December to paint and I am considering painting a little wall this weekend and maybe some trim. But mostly we are working and resting outside of work, and spending some time outside every day. 

Billy Hicks would like to remind everyone that although he sometimes sits with the commoners on the couch, you should never forget he is the Condo King

I often tell people to die mad about things and this is actually one of the things I will personally die mad about. People who participated in and encouraged the January 6 Insurrection should not be serving in government or reporting on public affairs on a propaganda TV station. But people ARE still seated in government and are causing it to not function at the moment in the House of Representatives. These people continue to destabilize the country and are a threat to national security.  Strangling the country by minority rule is the path of tyrants. Why is anyone supporting this? Tracking to authoritarianism, nationalism (have you met the Christian Nationalists? hooo, there is nothing Jesus like about those people), hierarchy and elitism, and militarism are the main ideas of fascism. You might be a fascist if you uphold any of those or vote for those who do. Have a good day!

Last Friday in January: things I want to remember about this week

Looks like we made it, people. Happy last Friday in January. A long, cold month for many of us. Things I want to remember about this week:

New couches that were sitting in the upright position since 7:15 am on January 2 are out and they are comfortable and amazing. If you are in the market and want some for consideration, these were ordered in late October I think and due to arrive March 18 and came January 2 so yay but with virtually no notice so you need to be able to pivot. Close up so you can see they are a light green (what they call bayou spray). Not too expensive as far as couches go, same basic style as the couches I had that lasted 10 years. I didn't clean up for the photo, I'm not that kind of person. You can find that elsewhere on the internet. The chair in the corner is being replaced, and I might paint or replace the 10 year old half moon table against the wall, otherwise this room is done for now.

Thanks to MFD and Marcus Aurelius for moving the beloved old couches down to the basement, where they live in a flop house/frat house formation for now. The blue green one will be moved to the basement office eventually as will the shelves. This is basically a holding room for furniture right now.

Since Mark was over he brought us our Christmas lasagna and Jesus it was good. I was extremely pleased to have that and also stopped at Brother's after my hair appointment at Salon Harmony Wednesday. I am firm in my unpopular Neshaminy School District stance that Penndel Pizza is the best pizza, then Trevose Pizza, then Brother's. This is Brother's thicker crust which I love.

Thanks for the streak and your good, kind energy, Jeopardy Amy. We'll miss you on Jeopardy but we'll see you on the gram.

I started using prescription Retin-A and the zits during the first week. The zits. The nearly 45 year old woman zits. My face purges when I try new products. It's lovely. LOVELY.

Stunner winter beach scenes from Monday & Tuesday of this week

This month started with 13 inches of snow followed by 4 more at the shore in the first week and we'll get dumped on again tonight into tomorrow to close out January. Possible 18 inches? I dealt with the first storm on January 3 by myself shoveling for 20482304 hours in the wind with the damn snow drifts. At least MFD is here this time. I'm making a bastardized version of Damn Delicious's cauliflower chowder for sure but will probably mostly eat brownies and dump cake. Why do snowstorms make me feel like I should ride the Sugar Dragon into the depths of hell?

Coffee and wordle to start the day and tea and a book to end it is how I've been rolling this week. I like to wordle when my brain is fresh. 

What do you want to remember from this week?

Sliding into the weekend easily. I hope. Stay safe and warm out there everyone.

TWTW - the one with the wedding

Friday It was just me and Mae at the shore, and good thing as she is an in and out bathroom dog and it was frigid Friday. I returned books to the library and hit the beach during lunch to find a sea of dead horseshoe crabs up at the tideline. Insides frozen as you can see. I painted my nails all one color for once - OPI Turn Bright After Sunset - made dinner (salmon, baby potatoes, and brussels), purged and organized my bathroom lotions and potions, and finished a book.

Saturday Up, showered, and masking face and eyes by 9. I was back in Philly by 1 and putting makeup on by 3...I actually had to buy a palette to use since the only thing I have left is mascara and lipstick. I threw everything else out throughout the pandemic. I don't even have an eyeshadow brush left I had to wing it LOL

We picked up Stephen & Aubrey then headed to the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve to celebrate Dana and Alex's wedding. What a lovely place, I had no idea it was even there. There was a gorgeous sunset as we were walking in, and it's always nice to have a banger sunset on your wedding day, right? A good omen for sure. The food was delicious and on the dessert side, lord the funnel cake fries...and I am not even a funnel cake person. Everything was beautiful, especially the bride, and we had a lot of fun with the fam. We got facetime with some people in the fall at the shower, but it was especially nice to see Carol's parents and those we didn't see at the shower because we haven't seen them in a pandemic while. MFD was burning up his dancing shoes at the after party. We got home around 12. 

Sunday I hit Aldi around noon and we had pizza and salad for lunch. After doing some laundry I was back to the shore and arrived in time to meet up with a handyman to get a quote on some  nuisance items I want done hopefully before June. I took all the dogs to the beach after, had Wawa for dinner, and watched The Great British Baking Show at night. I also finished the day reading a different book than the one I started with, which was a do not finish for me. 

Out two weekends in a row in January feels like flying close to the sun.

Have a good week!

TWTW - the mid January celebration one

Friday I made a big ass pot of chili in the afternoon and knocked off work around 4 to drive to the south end of the island and walk down to the point. Wind was whipping but by the time I got down there I walked off the week and my mind was blank aside from what was before me. The moonrise was exceptional and I was just like how is this my life. A weird combination of things happened in this world for me to be at the shore on a Friday in January and while most of them sucked, I cannot hate this outcome. MFD arrived and we ate chili and cornbread piled with butter and relaxed. I painted my nails and read until about midnight.

Saturday I was on the road back to Philly by 8:15 and got two loads of laundry done before my brother picked me up. We headed to the city to celebrate Aubrey's birthday with her crew. I miss bumming around the city and seeing my favorites - art, murals, floors of Philly, City Hall at night. It was a bitterly cold, city wind tunnel in full effect fun day and I'm happy Philly restaurants & bars are requiring vaccine cards so I was more comfortable going. I had fun and drinks but not too many, and my Dad picked me up and drove me home because safety first. I ordered pizza and hit the hay early.

Sunday I was up, showered, and back to the shore by 10:30. MFD picked up lunch from Hooked on Breakfast, I started a new book, and we watched the entire first season and the two episodes of the second of The Righteous Gemstones. Talk about a dark riot this show is amazing. Leftovers for dinner, and I read until about 11 then lights out. It was a gray and wet day so a good day for a new show and a new book and new Barkbox toys. 

And again, I need more than two weekend days. No MLK day off (IG caption with thoughts here) and never have in my professional career. 

It looks like a gray-ish week ahead. Not into it. Since I was out this weekend I am staying home for five days just in case especially since I have something next weekend as well. That's what feels right to me right now, and it's doable with my schedule and ability to work from home. 

Getting hygge with it

About 87% certain I have used this blog post title at some point in recent Januarys. I know a lot of people consider this a dark and aimless month, but I quite enjoy it. We will not discuss February at this time, during which I usually feel knocking down the walls and busting at the seams. I have a plan for that this year, so fingers crossed. 

Back to January. I talked earlier this week about tracking habits, and I feel like I have ample time in this long month to get my habits in line with my intentions. I also have ample time to stuff myself with books and TV. For me wellness is about feeling good mentally and physically, but it's also about reading and watching and feeling comfortable and relaxed in my skin and in my home. Some points of home comfort and wellness for me: 

Pantry 

I cook a lot in January, which requires a well stocked pantry and no expired shit. Carol helped me purge in Philly and I did the same at the shore, now I'm cooking through what's left. I hate wasted food

Take care of business

Reducing discomfort and annoyance is top in all living scenarios. Earlier this week I was taping up windows in this 122 year old four story house. I also paid my main peeps, my exterminators, I do service every quarter with them which is an absolute must in a rental. A pest control service provider will ensure your home is nuisance-free, and the right one is a godsend. My favorite tech Walter and I cried through 2020 in masks together. No lie. LOL. 

Soft furnishings

Soft furnishings are king. Rugs, blankets, and pillows are all easy ways to add warmth to your home while enhancing your comfort. I always take stock of mine in January and replace what needs it. Clean blankets are always welcome at most animal shelters, and you can also hand them out to any houseless people in the area who might be in need. My personal favorite sheets are the 400 thread count printed performance sheet set from Threshold at Target. Printed only, I hate the feel of the solid. You all can keep your 800,1000 thread count crap. I hate microfiber (used to use) and cannot with anything that is not 100% cotton. I have clear lines drawn around sheets.

Address clutter spots

I like to mow through spaces as I come upon them, and I am always lurking around my own house in January plus I'm integrating holiday stuff so it's a good time to address clutter as you come upon it.

Add things that make you happy

Another great way of making your home more comfortable is by adding things that make you happy. I like to update my decor a lot, and I end up moving things around to make it seem new. I do add new pieces from time to time. The past six months, that has been taper candleholders which are absolutely perfect to have out and around in January since it's dark for a long period at night and also has its fair share of gray days. 

If you have ever seen photos of my living areas, you know color, fresh flowers, art, books, and shiny things make me happy too. If we don't feel happy in our homes, where the hell will we feel happy? 

What about you? What are you doing this month to be happier within your four walls?

January 2020 Recommendations

Rest when you need to. This has been a hard lesson for me to learn as an adult. I am a do everything that needs to be done before relaxing person and always have been but as I get older I need to rest more and I have to get myself okay with that. I need this reminder. 

Aldi's salmon. It is fresh as hell, priced really well, and totally delicious. 

Getting your nightly face routine out of the way as soon as you get home. That way you're not stomping your feet like a tired toddler when it's time to do it later and you're exhausted. Just me? I feel like a dirt bag when I don't wash my face but when I'm tired I literally don't care about anything.

Leslie Sansone in home walking for those of you like me who hate exercise and just want to get something done. There are DVDs of course, and some are available via prime, but I just have it on my TV through YouTube. I save what I like to my library and follow her channel also. 

Get outside. I stick to my lunch walk every non precipitating day even when it's cold because I still need fresh air, some outdoor movement, and a different perspective from my desk. 

Get something to look forward to on your calendar. February can suck the life right out of me and make me wish away my days instead of enjoying them. To combat that I try to get some things I want to do happening. If you're the same, try it!

What are you recommending this month?

January Agenda

Friday Friday!

I used to do monthly goals, then I went to quarterly goals, then back to loose monthly goals, then no goals except a few big mamas. I need a visible monthly to do list, so here it is for January:

1. No spend outside of necessities except for a new book coming out by a friend. Bought that book, also failed by buying a dish at Marshalls (5.99)
2. Find and purchase bathroom vanity and faucet for shore (work is getting done there, necessity). Done and done
3. Cook through pantry and freezer. Working on it still, have not gone nuts on food shopping outside of this
4. Make sure basement room is primed and painted. Done
5. Purge photo albums and organize photos. This is actually my plan for 1/31. I know, wild Friday night to close out the month
6. Walk youngest dogs on days without precipitation Only successful the last two weeks of the month
7. Change photos on blog header and blog facebook page (I actually did this yesterday, it had been over two freaking years) Done
8. Show Us Your Books readathon the weekend of January 18 Done
9. Work on shore house website Not done
10. Watch The Ranch Finished first season, not sure if I will continue
11. Chiropractor & acupuncturist & heinous but necessary dentist Done, done, done
12. Rest, relax, recoup I've had a great relaxing month with enough sleep and hibernating to feel good

And finally wish my BFF Laura a very happy birthday today. Love you Laur!

What's on your agenda for the month?