Connie ROOTS again in 2021 part 3

Welcome to my Third Thread

I'm known to most of you, but here is a small introduction.
I'm Connie (68) and I live in the Netherlands (which might explain my English being a bit off sometimes). I am retired and have worked in a school for kids from age 12 to19 for 15 years.
Not as a teacher but as a kind of assistant to the deans. So lots of lists and administrational things. And organizing parent evenings.

I've been reading ROOTs when they were called BOMBs in 2012 so this is my tenth year. And I'm loving to be among all the people I got to know here.

Since I can't rehome books (I just can't part with them) they just move to another room in the house. My favorite genres are Fantasy and Thrillers, but I like novels too. Especially in summer when it's warm and sultry.

I'm married to Peet (71) and we have one son Jeroen (38) and one daughter Eveline (35)
Jeroen lives with his girlfriend Rianne (34) near by and they have a daughter Lonne (3 years old)
Eveline lives with her boyfriend Cyrille (38) in another town, Maastricht, half an hour from us by car.
They have two girls, Fiene (5 years old) and Marie (2 year old).

For my RL Book-club I will read books for the challenge we set for 2021
We have 21 categories and per category we have to read 21 books between the members, max. 4 books per person per category.

The categories are

Big fat books
** Een mooie dag om te sterven by R.J.Ellory
** De eed van de zwaardvechter by Juliet E. McKenna
** Niemand zeggen by M.J. Arlidge
** De schemering en de dageraad by Ken Follett
New to you authors
** Het boek van vergeten woorden by Pip Williams
** Klifi by Adriaan van Dis
Beautiful covers
** Here is the Beehive by Sarah Crossan
** The Crow Folk by Mark Stay
** Een hart zo vurig by Brigid Kemmerer
Recommendations
** De vrouw en de weduwe by Christian White
** Het bloemenmeisje by Anya Niewierra
** De brief voor de koning by Tonke Dragt
** De jongen, de mol, de vos en het paard by Charlie Mackesy
Fairytales
** Mirakelse Maurits en zijn gestudeerde knaagdieren by Terry Pratchett
Alphabet
** Bloedrode maan by Geoffrey Huntington
** De vliegeraar by Khaled Hosseini
** De weg naar Callisto by Torsten Krol
Numbers
** 1953 by Rik Launspach
** Het negende huis by Leigh Bardugo
** De tiende vrouw by Roel Janssen
Not occidental
** Duizend schitterende zonnen by Khaled Hosseini
** Snowflower en de geheime waaier by Lisa See
Snake
** Roverandom by J. R. R. Tolkien
** Erken mij by Esther Verhoef
Object with Awareness
** Het oneindige verhaal by Michael Ende
** Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Festive days
** Sweep with Me by Ilona Andrews
** Winter in de kleine bakkerij by Jenny Colgan
** Winterzon by John Grisham
** Nachtreizigers by David Baldacci
Name of a City
** Graaf in Moskou by Amor Towles
** De helden van New York by R.J. Ellory
Non-hetero love
** Een duister vermoeden by Elizabeth George
** Laten wij aanbidden by Ann-Marie MacDonald
** In het niets by Christian White
Holiday
** Een verre horizon by Santa Montefiore
** Vrij uitzicht by Anya Niewierra
Allitiration
FF on the cover
** Het laatste offer by Petra Hammesfahr
** Dorsvloer vol confetti by Franca Treur
** De offers by Jeroen Windmeijer
Highest rating on LT or GR
** Een inktzwart hart by R.J. Ellory
** Win by Harlan Coben
** Gegijzeld by Clare Mackintosh
LOT (=ROOT)
** Draken van een verdwenen maan by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
** Het Paradijs by Toni Morrison
** De wakers van Shannara by Terry Brooks
** Het boek der poorten by James Clemens
First name
** Livaks waagstuk by Juliet E. McKenna
** Ronja de roversdochter by Astrid Lindgren
Weather
** Het boek der stormen by James Clemens
** Wie wind zaait by Nele Neuhaus
Relay
** Verloren onschuld by Elizabeth George
** Olympos by Dan Simmons

My Family in 2012



Cyrille, Jeroen, Peter

Rianne, Eveline, Ik

The kids and grandkids



Eveline and Cyrille



Fiene



Marie



Jeroen and Rianne



Lonne

This is where I will keep a list of the ROOTs I read in 2021.
My rules are simple: A book counts as a ROOT when it has been on my shelves for more than 6 months. And I will raise my goal from 42 to 50



01. Draken van een verdwenen maan - Margaret Weis & Tracey Hickman -
02. Het boek der stormen - James Clemens -
03. Livaks waagstuk - Juliet E. McKenna -
04. Een duister vermoeden - Elizabeth George -
05. Verloren onschuld - Elizabeth George -
06. Het Paradijs - Toni Morrison -
07. Een inktzwart hart - R.J. Ellory -
08. Een mooie dag om te sterven - R.J. Ellory -
09. Duizend schitterende zonnen - Khaled Hosseini -
10. De vliegeraar - Khaled Hosseini -
11. Het stille huis - Ruth Rendell -
12. 1953 - Rik Launspach -
13. Laten wij aanbidden - Ann-Marie MacDonald -
14. De eed van de zwaardvechter - Juliet E. McKenna -
15. Livaks fortuin - Juliet E. McKenna -
16. Verdwenen - Val McDermid -
17. Roverandom - J.R.R. Tolkien -
18. Alias Grace - Margaret Atwood -
19. De nazaten van Shannara - Terry Brooks -
20. De druïde van Shannara - Terry Brooks -
21. De elfenkoningin van Shannara - Terry Brooks -
22. De wakers van Shannara - Terry Brooks -
23. De helden van New York - R.J. Ellory -
24. Het laatste offer - Petra Hammesfahr -
25. Dorsvloer vol confetti - Franca Treur -
26. Ronja de roversdochter - Astrid Lindgren -
27. De weg naar Callisto - Torsten Krol -
28. De offers - Jeroen Windmeijer -
29. Leon & Juliette - Annejet van der Zijl -
30. De tiende vrouw - Roel Janssen -
31. Een weg door de bergen - Elizabeth McGregor -
32. Kerewin - Keri Hulme -
33. Olympos - Dan Simmons -
34. Wie wind zaait - Nele Neuhaus -
35. Het boek van wraak - James Clemens -
36. Het boek der poorten - James Clemens -
37. Mirakelse Maurits en zijn gestudeerde knaagdieren - Terry Pratchett -
38. Duistere Maan - Meredith Ann Pierce -
39. Het pakket - Sebastian Fitzek -
40. Een dodelijke opleiding - Naomi Novik -
41. Diepe toverij - Diane Duane -
42. Lichtval - Nicolet Steemers -
43. De kleur van de zee - Anita Shreve -
44. Erken mij - Esther Verhoef -
45. De laatste ontmoeting - Anita Shreve -

This is where I will keep track of all books read in 2021: ROOTs, new and shiny tree-books, e-books.

This first post is for January, February and March.



001. Draken van een verdwenen maan - Margaret Weis & Tracey Hickman - book - BFB # 1 - ROOT # 1 -
002. Bloedrode maan - Geoffrey Huntington - ebook -
003. Het boek der stormen - James Clemens - book - BFB # 2 - ROOT # 2 -
004. Graaf in Moskou - Amor Towles - ebook -
005. Livaks waagstuk - Juliet E. McKenna - book - ROOT # 3 -
006. Het boek van vergeten woorden - Pip Williams - ebook -
007. Een duister vermoeden - Elizabeth George - book - BFB # 3 - ROOT # 4 -
008. Verloren onschuld - Elizabeth George - book - BFB # 4 - ROOT # 5 -
009. Het Paradijs - Toni Morrison - book - ROOT # 6 -
010. Een inktzwart hart - R.J. Ellory - book - ROOT # 7 -
011. Een mooie dag om te sterven - R.J. Elloty - book - ROOT # 8 -
012. Duizend schitterende zonnen - Khaled Hosseini - book - ROOT # 9 -
013. De vliegeraar - Khaled Hosseini - book - ROOT # 10 -
014. Het stille huis - Ruth Rendell - book - ROOT # 11 -
015. Het onzichtbare leven van Addie LaRue - V.E. Schwab - book - BFB # 5 -
016. De vrouw en de weduwe - Christian White - ebook -
017. 1953 - Rik Launspach - book - ROOT # 12 -
018. Laten wij aanbidden - Ann-Marie MacDonald - book - ROOT # 13 - BFB # 6 -
019. De eed van de zwaardvechter - Juliet E. McKenna - book - ROOT # 14 - BFB # 7 -
020. Het oneindige verhaal - Michael Ende - book -

This is where I will keep track of all books read in 2021: ROOTs, new and shiny tree-books, e-books.

This post is for April, May and June.



021. Livaks Fortuin - Juliet E. McKenna - book - ROOT # 15 -
022. Here is the Beehive - Sarah Crossan - ebook -
023. Verdwenen - Val McDermid - book - ROOT # 16 -
024. Win - Harlan Coben - book -
025. A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking - T. Kingfisher - ebook -
026. Clean Sweep - Ilona Andrews - ebook -
027. Sweep in Peace - Ilona Andrews - ebook -
028. One Fell Sweep - Ilona Andrews - ebook -
029. Sweep of the Blade - Ilona Andrews - ebook -
030. Sweep with Me - Ilona Andrews - ebook -
031. The Once and Future Witches - Alix E. Harrow - ebook -
032. Roverandom - J. R. R. Tolkien - book - ROOT # 17 -
033. Alias Grace - Margaret Atwood - book - ROOT # 18 -
034. Wie niet horen wil - Nicci French - book -
035. Een verre horizon - Santa Montefiore - book -
036. De Nazaten van Shannara - Terry Brooks - book - ROOT # 19 -
037. Winter in de kleine bakkerij - Jenny Colgan - ebook -
038. De druïde van Shannara - Terry Brooks - book - ROOT # 20 -
039. Heks van vuur en oorlog - S. Christina - book -
040. De zevende zus - Lucinda Riley - book -
041. Wen er maar aan - Maike Meijer - book - BFB # 8 -
042. Schaduwland - Robert Bryndza - book -
043. Het geheime kistje van Elle - Aline van Wijnen - book -
044. De elfenkoningin van Shannara - Terry Brooks - book - ROOT # 21 -
045. De wakers van Shannara - Terry Brooks - book - ROOT # 22 -
046. Het bloemenmeisje - Anya Niewierra - ebook -
047. De helden van New York - R.J. Ellory - book - ROOT # 23 -
048. Klifi - Adriaan van Dis - book -
049. Vrij uitzicht - Anya Niewierra - ebook -
050. Niemand zeggen - M.J. Arlidge -
051. Het laatste offer - Petra Hammesfahr - book - ROOT # 24 -
052. Dorsvloer vol confetti - Franca Treur - book - ROOT # 25 -
053. Ronja de roversdochter - Astrid Lindgren - book - ROOT # 26 -
054. De overlevenden - Jane Harper - book -
055. De schemering en de dageraad - Ken Follett - book - BFB # 9 -
056. De weg naar Callisto - Torsten Krol - book - ROOT # 27 -
057. Doods geheim - Robert Bryndza - book -
058. Een voor een - Ruth Ware - book -
059. De brief voor de koning - Tonke Dragt - book -
060. Geheimen van het Wilde Woud - Tonke Dragt - book -
061. Valse getuige - Karin Slaughter - book -
062. Gegijzeld - Clare Mackintosh - book -

This is where I will keep track of all books read in 2021: ROOTs, new and shiny tree-books, e-books.

This post is for July, August and September.



063. Ons huis - Louise Candlish - book -
064. Middernachtbibliotheek - Matt Haig - book -
065. In het niets - Christian White - ebook -
066. De offers - Jeroen Windmeijer - book - ROOT # 28 -
067. Leon & Juliette - Annejet van der Zijl - book - ROOT # 29 -
068. Het negende huis - Leigh Bardugo - ebook -
069. De tiende vrouw - Roel Janssen - book - ROOT # 30 -
070. Een weg door de bergen - Elizabeth McGregor - book - ROOT # 31 -
071. Kerewin - Keri Hulme - book - ROOT # 32 - BFB # 10 -
072. Wreed spel - Angela Marsons - book -
073. Over the Woodward Wall - A. Deborah Baker - ebook -
074. Olympos - Dan Simmons - book - ROOT # 33 - BFB # 11 -
075. Wie wind zaait - Nele Neuhaus - book - ROOT # 34 -
076. Artemis - Andy Weir - book -
077. Door het sleutelgat - Ruth Ware - book -
078. The Crow Folk - Mark Stay - book -
079. De duivel en de duistere diepte - Stuart Turton - book - BFB # 12 -
080. Laat me nooit alleen - Kazuo Ishiguro - ebook -
081. Het boek van wraak - James Clemens - book - ROOT # 35 - BFB # 13 -
082. Een vloek zo eenzaam - Brigid Kemmerer - book -
083. Een hart zo vurig - Brigid Kemmerer - book -

This is where I will keep track of all books read in 2021: ROOTs, new and shiny tree-books, e-books.

This post is for October, November and December.



084. Het boek der poorten - James Clemens - book - ROOT # 36 - BFB # 14 -
085. Mirakelse Maurits en zijn gestudeerde knaagdieren - Terry Pratchett - book - ROOT # 37 -
086. Duistere Maan - Meredith Ann Pierce - book - ROOT # 38 -
087. De meisjes - Annet Schaap - book -
088. Winterzon - John Grisham - ebook -
089. Nachtreizigers - David Baldacci - ebook -
090. Het pakket - Sebastian Fitzek - book - ROOT # 39 -
091. De jongen, de mol, de vos en het paard - book - Charlie Mackesy -
092. Snowflower en de geheime waaier - Lisa See ebook -
093. Een dodelijke opleiding - Naomi Novik - book - ROOT # 40 -
094. Diepe toverij - Diane Duane - book - ROOT # 41 -
095. Lichtval - Nicolet Steemers - book - ROOT # 42 -
096. De kleur van de zee - Anita Shreve - book - ROOT # 43 -
097. Erken mij - Esther Verhoef - book - ROOT # 44 -
098. De laatste ontmoeting - Anita Shreve - book - ROOT # 45 -
099. De horlogemaker van Londen - Natasha Pulley - book -
100. Remote Control - Nnedi Okorafor - ebook -

This is where I will keep track of Chunksters, books with more than 500 pages



01. Draken van een verdwenen maan - Margaret Weis & Tracey Hickman - 573 pages -
02. Het boek der stormen - James Clemens - 505 pages -
03. Een duister vermoeden - Elizabeth George - 587 pages -
04. Verloren onschuld - Elizabeth George - 724 pages -
05. Het onzichtbare leven van Addie LaRue - V.E. Schwab - 574 pages -
06. Laten wij aanbidden - Ann-Marie MacDonald - 600 pages -
07. De eed van de zwaardvechter - Juliet E. McKenna - 512 pages -
08. De zevende zus - Lucinda Riley - 688 pages -
09. De schemering en de dageraad - Ken Follett - 734 pages -
10. Kerewin - Keri Hulme - 783 pages -
11. Olympos - Dan Simmons - 777 pages -
12. De duivel en de duistere diepte - Stuart Turton - 538 pages -
13. Het boek van wraak - James Clemens - 590 pages -
14. Het boek der poorten - James Clemens - 554 pages -

This is where I will keep track of all my bought books in 2021 (excluding e-books)



01. Een dodelijke opleiding - Naomi Novik
02. De verloren legioenen - David Hair
03. Het keren van het tij - David Hair
04. Het onzichtbare leven van Addie LaRue - V.E. Schwab
05. Een voor een - Ruth Ware (gift from Peet)
06. De schemering en de dageraad - Ken Follett (gift from Peet)
07. Het oneindige verhaal - Michael Ende
08. Klifi - Adriaan van Dis
09. Het geheime kistje van Elle - Aline van Wijnen
10. Win - Harlan Coben
11. Een verre horizon - Santa Montefiore
12. Wie niet horen wil - Nicci French
13. De brief voor de koning - Tonke Dragt
14. Heks van vuur en oorlog - S. Christina
15. Schaduwland - Robert Bryndza (gift from Peet)
16. De zevende zus - Lucinda Riley
17. Doods geheim - Robert Bryndza
18. Niemand zeggen - M.J. Arlidge
19. De overlevenden - Jane Harper
20. Geheimen van het Wilde Woud - Tonke Dragt
21. Rosa en het vriendschapsengeltje - Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker
22. Wat wij zagen - Hanna Bervoets
23. Valse getuige - Karin Slaughter
24. Gegijzeld - Clare Mackintosh
25. Ons huis - Louise Candlish
26. Middernachtbibliotheek - Matt Haig
27. Wreed spel - Angela Marsons
28. Stad der nevelen - Carlos Ruiz Zafón (gift from Peet)
29. De duivel en de duistere diepte- Stuart Turton
30. Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir
31. Artemis - Andy Weir
32. Door het sleutelgat - Ruth Ware
33. The Crow Folk - Mark Stay
34. Bij het licht van de maan - Santa Montefiore
35. De liefdesbrief - Lucinda Riley
36. Een vloek zo eenzaam - Brigid Kemmerer
37. Een hart zo vurig - Brigid Kemmerer
38. De puzzelvrouwen van Berlijn - Anna Ellory
39. De puzzelman - Nadine Matheson
40. Een langzaam smeulend vuur - Paula Hawkins
41. Ik volg jou - Peter James
42. Doodsangst - Peter James
43. De verdwijning van de horlogemaker - Natasha Pulley
44. De horlogemaker van Londen - Natasha Pulley
45. De meisjes - Annet Schaap
46. Floddertje - Annie M.G. Schmidt
47. Ik zal je vinden - Linwood Barclay
48. Wolkenstad - Anthony Doerr
49. Sneeuwwit - Samuel Bjørk
50. Vallend duister - Robert Bryndza
51. Verloren meisjes - Angela Marsons
52. De laatste leerling - Naomi Novik
53. Het familiegeheim van Florence Grace - Tracy Rees
54. Het geheim van Silvermoor - Tracy Rees

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And for Book Bullets that hit me here.



01. Graaf in Moskou by Amor Towles BB by Jackie_K that followed me from 2020
02. The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue BB by Susanj67
03. De boekwinkel voor gebroken harten by Robert Hillman BB by John Simpson
04. A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow BB by curioussquared
05. De jachtpartij by Lucy Foley BB by Nickelini
06. Moon of the crusted snow by Waubgeshig Rice BB by Nickelini
07. The other passenger by Louise Candlish BB by Susanj67
08. Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia BB by curioussquared
09. De gastenlijst by Lucy Foley BB by QuestingA
10. The Crow Folk by Mark Stay BB by Jackie_K
11. The midnight library by Matt Haig BB by Persephoneslibrary
12. Schuldig in eigen ogen by Agatha Christie BB by Robertgreaves
13. Here is the Beehive by Sarah Crossan BB by Nickelini
14. Bermtoeristen by Arkady Strugatsky and Boris strugatsky BB by Sibylline

Cursief is read

Stats for 2021: January to June

TBR on July 1 2021: 414 including 53 e-books = 361 tree-books
Total books/e-books read in 2021 so far: 62
Tree-books read in 2021: 47 including 27 ROOTs
e-books read in 2021: 15

Total tree-books into the house: 25 (21 read)
22 books bought,
3 books as presents

Welcome dear friends!

Open for business, Connie? Happy new thread. I love the photos of your family.

From your previous thread,

>295 MissWatson: Wow. 5 stars. I’m so impressed that I just ordered The Midnight Library. Amazingly, our Library has 4 copies of it. I wanted to reserve it since they're all out, but there are 9 others ahead of me and I was too impatient to wait.

>298 Henrik_Madsen: I’m glad she’s doing better after such an awful scare. I particularly like her crossed feet – so sweet.

>Hi Karen

Those crossed feet belong to her mother ;-) Marie is sitting on her lap.

Yikes. Well. Nailed that one, didn't I?

I forgot to write about Peet not being a reader and your wishing he was so he could read The Midnight Library. Could you consider reading it to him, especially as he will be needing diversion after the surgery? Just a thought...

I had the same thought, but I bet he will fall asleep from boredom. I could try though.

Happy new thread, and I'm glad Marie seems better after her scare. What a thoughtful thing for the hospital worker to do, to bring her something to occupy her. I hope she's back home very soon.

>18 Jackie_K: I think that's what they do for every kid. She got a stuffed toy to play with too.



This is the parent and child room, they have two of them and Eveline slept on the blue chair

Adding my good wishes on your new thread, Connie, and for Marie's recovery. Thank goodness for books to take us out of the real world for a while!

>20 rosalita: That's so true, Julia. I can really move into another world for a while.

I'm so glad Marie is doing well, and that her mother gets to stay with her.
And happy new thread to you!

I just heard they have to stay for at least another night.

Oh, no! I'll bet all of you are exhausted, but hopefully it's just for observation before sending her home.

Happy new thread, Connie

>24 mstrust: She gets treated with antibiotics and with a nebulizer (is that what you call it?) and that is better done in hospital. And they want to keep an eye on her because, although she is doing better, she still not stable enough to go home. I just talked to Eveline and she says she feels better staying in the hospital than another troublesome night at home.

Happy new thread, Connie!

Thanks Nina.

I just talked to Cyrille, who saw the pediatrician while Eveline was getting a breath of fresh air, and Marie will have to stay another night at least. Her oxygen levels are still too low and they want to try a smaller nebulizer for home, like the one you can use for asthma (a puffer?). If that works and Eveline and Marie know how to use it and the levels have gone up, she can go home at the end of the afternoon tomorrow.

Goodness Connie, you're getting more than your share of health challenges to deal with! Like everyone else I hope Peet and Mairie both improve soon and you get rest and relief from worry.

I'm another one that has the Midnight Library on my to read list. Now that I've read your comments I've put it on the reserve list at the libary. I had a little laugh about your giving it a 5. I always hesitate to give a book a 5 too but if we like them that much we really should.

>29 connie53: When my boys were younger and they were given puffers/ inhalers, we also had a small gadget (not much more than a tube that could fit the inhaler at one end and with a mouthpiece at the other) so that the medicine wasn’t lost because they didn’t breathe it in or, if they did, just blow it straight back out. You might want to ask about that for Marie, if she’s getting an inhaler, especially since she’s quite young.

I just googled it and it seems to be called a spacer (at least in English).

Hoping Marie feels better soon!

>31 humouress: thanks Nina, I will tell my daughter about it.

Happy new thread, Connie. That's quite a lot to keep you worried right now, and I hope Marie will soon be safe and back home.

Marie is doing much better this morning, so Eveline hopes they can go home this afternoon. Eveline told me Marie was doing all kind stunts in her crib. So she is on the mend.

>35 connie53: That's good news. Hope the improvement continues

Marie is home again. They were cheering in that picture (or something that has to look like cheering)

Hi Connie - I'm sorry to hear about Marie but I'm glad she's doing better and is home again!

>37 connie53: So good to see smiles!

>37 connie53: That's great news and a lovely picture.

Hi Connie.

>37 connie53: I'm so glad that Marie is back home again. They look radiant.

Thanks, ladies!

Finished In het niets by Christian White and the book gets

My review

Sammy Went, age 2, disappears from her house and no one knows where she has gone. Searches turn up nothing and the family of Sammy, her mother Molly, her father Jack, her sister Emma and her brother Stuart have to live with her disappearance. But that's not easy. In the village of Manson (USA), where they live, a large part of the people are members of a sect called The Light Within, which mainly works with snakes. If a snake bites you, God will save you, or you will die and go to Him in heaven, it is something like that, but it is not completely clear to me. Molly is an ardent follower of this faith, Jack who was born into that faith community has broken away from it.

28 years later, Kim Leamy, who lives in Melbourne, get a visit from a man. He tells her that he thinks she is Sammy Went and would like to find out if that is correct. When Kim is confronted with a DNA result, she cannot ignore it and decides to go to America to learn more about her 'family'.

The story alternates between 'Then' and 'Now'.
In 'Then' we also meet Travis Eckels and his brother Patrick.
All kinds of secrets are revealed. If something happens in one period, it also has consequences for the other period. There is a homosexual relationship, a strange family in the street, a pastor with a double agenda, a missing young woman. I didn't see the ending coming at all which was a nice surprise

Now reading De offers by Jeroen Windmeijer ROOT # 28
Original Dutch, translates into The sacrifices



The blurb from the back cover

Three children are murdered in a short time in a closed community near Lake Titicaca. Everything indicates that they were ritually killed. Dutch research student Luc and his Bolivian colleague Nayra become involved in the case. Has the long-dead tradition of child sacrifice been revived? What haunts the misty peaks of the Andes?
In Latin America, Christianity, which the Roman Catholic conquistadors brought with them, is deeply intertwined with the original nature religion. The Indians see Mother Earth as a caring mother, who gives people abundance. Sacrifices are necessary to maintain the balance. But sometimes a very big sacrifice is needed…

Finished De offers by Jeroen Windmeijer ROOT # 28, Book for 2021 # 66

This book gets

My review

This is clearly a book written by an anthropologist because the facts in the story are well thought out and well, but extensively, discussed. That bothered me a bit, because I like a bit of speed in my books. Somewhere after a third of the book, that momentum starts to pick up. But it still keeps falling back into anthropological explanations at times and that is at the expense of the story.
This is told by Lucas, a young forestry student from Wageningen University who spent 6 months working in Bolivia on a project for re plantation of forests. A few days before he will return to the Netherlands, he is confronted with the murder of a boy. Then it turns out that this is already the third boy who has been murdered, always with an interval of 6 months and always around the solstice.
The story is mainly about the inhabitants of the villages who, in addition to the western religion to which they have converted, also hold on to the old religion of the nature gods. This often clashes with the priests who have come from Europe to effect the conversions.

Finished Leon & Juliette by Annejet van der Zijl ROOT # 29, Book for 2021 # 67 and it gets

My review

A very interesting story that really happened. The author has done a lot of research and written a very believable short book.
Leon Herckenrath left Rotterdam in October 1818 for Charleston in South Carolina in the USA. He is the youngest son of the mayor of Monsterambacht and ideally suited to seek his fortune in faraway America. Slavery is still practiced in South Carolina. And that is also the case in James Magnan's household where Leon goes to work as a secretary. When he becomes seriously ill, he is nursed by nine-year-old Juliette, daughter of one of the slaves. She takes such good care of him that he eventually gets better. And he buys Juliette from James and immediately has it recorded that he sets her free as well as all her future descendants who will no longer be slaves.
In 1823 Leon and Juliette married in secret. Such a marriage is not tolerated. To the outside world, Juliette is a freed slave.
When children are born, Leon decides to have all those children brought to his mother in Monster one by one. Finally, Juliette goes with the newest baby. Leon travels back and forth between his family in the Netherlands and his business, which is going very well, in Charleston. But the situation becomes dangerous and skirmishes erupt between the North of America and the Southern Federation.
The book describes very well what life was like in America at that time and how it is slowly changing, but the underlying story is about Leon and Juliette and their love that has conquered almost everything.

Finished Het negende huis by Leigh Bardugo and give it

My review

I really liked this book, but I read it in chunks, with longer intervals, which forced me to get back into it when I resumed, mainly because it's an unknown form of magic Alex Stern has. She can see dead people and she can call and absorb them to send them to do things for her. She has been asked by the ninth house, the house of Lethe, because of this talent. Her tutor Daniel Arlington (called Darlington) will show her what to do there. The house of Lethe oversees the other eight houses, each possessing and practicing a different branch of magic. But then Darlington disappears and Alex has to make it on her own and nothing turns out to be what it seemed to be. Complicated magic, but entertainingly written. I probably would have appreciated it more if I had read it in a day or two

Such lively reading energy here, Connie! So glad Marie is home and feeling her own energy again :)

>47 connie53:
I have Ninth House on my shelves. One of these days I will get to it. I just finished reading the Grishaverse books, so I think I am done with Bardugo - at least until she write another book.

>49 benitastrnad: I did not read any other books by Bardugo yet. But I will do so in the future I hope.

Yesterday Peet and I went to the hospital where Peet will have his surgery coming Monday. We went for an ECG and to do some blood tests and had a talk with the ward doctor about things like allergies and medication. And to ask questions about the surgery and what happens after that. They perform this surgery to make sure Peet won't get worse and to stabilize the current situation. Any improvement will be a welcome thing, but they can't give us any hope for that.
Peet will probably spend some time in a rehabilitation center and it's not certain what will happen after that period. The doctor was kind of shocked that I took care of Peet for such a long time without any practical help. He certainly wanted to give me some time without that burden. And I'm kind of glad that I will have that now. But it's a rather double feeling.
Friday we will go to the hospital again and have a talk with the anesthetist.

>50 connie53: Best wishes to Peet for the surgery and convalescence and I hope you get a good rest, Connie, with plenty of self-care

>51 Robertgreaves: Thanks Robert. I really need some of that time.

>50 connie53: All my best wishes for a safe outcome of the surgery. And I hope you really can get some rest, without worrying thoughts.

I hope so too, Birgit. I'm really hoping for that.

>50 connie53: That’s good news Connie. And you need to take care of yourself for yourself as well as for Peet so don’t feel guilty.

In the meantime there is some reading done too.

Finished De tiende vrouw by Roel Janssen ROOT # 30
Original Dutch



The blurb from the back cover

When the beautiful journalist Tessa Insinger steps aboard the sailing yacht Joyeuse in the middle of the night, she has only one goal: revenge. The ship is owned by Eric Pincoff, a megalomaniac property developer working on a modern version of Charlemagne's European empire. Also on board are Pincoff's Chilean bodyguard and his attractive British banker.

Once at sea, Tessa discovers that the key to the businessman's empire is hidden in the names of Charlemagne's ten wives. Hot on the heels of Pincoff's numerous assailants, a battle for the code ensues on the Joyeuse. Everyone thinks they are outsmarting each other, but Tessa knows that only one person on board can use the code.

My review

I hadn't heard great things about this book, but I actually liked it.
Tessa has a secret, but actually everyone in this book has a secret. Tessa is out for revenge, so she makes sure she gets in touch with Eric. She poses as a freelance journalist who is fascinated by Eric's reputation as a wealthy project developer and not those small projects but things like an airport at sea.
Eric is interested and invites her for a sailing trip on his luxury yacht so that she can conduct her interview in peace and in the meantime enjoy a quiet trip to Guernsey. Also on board is his handyman and bodyguard Bobby. The journey starts anything but quiet but with a shelling by a number of men in a speedboat. Arriving on Guernsey, she also meets Orville, Eric's banker there. He also joins the yacht when Eric decides to sail on to other tax havens. Soon Tessa begins to carry out her plan and sows mistrust among the 3 men.

Hi Connie I have just caught up on your new thread. I am so glad to hear Marie is on the mend. Such worrying times for you. I sincerely hope Peet's surgery has a positive outcome and you have a chance to recuperate before he comes home. Escape into those books and soak up some sunshine.

>57 HelenBaker:. Sunshine will be a problem. We have lots of rain and south of where we live (near our daughter) there are a lot of problems with flooded houses and basements. (not my daughter's place as far as I know)

Books have to do the trick. That and a visit to the hairdressers and pedicure.

Starting ROOT # 31



Een weg door de bergen by Elizabeth McGregor

The blurb from de back cover

Ten years have passed since David Mortimer last saw Anna Russell. Their love affair ended when she disappeared. Drifting through life ever since, David has never married and is devoted to scientific work - thinking about the book he's always meant to write about the botanist, Ernest Wilson, and his extraordinary exploits in China. But David's isolation is about to change. He receives news that Anna has been seriously injured in an accident. More devastating still is the revelation that he has a daughter, Rachel, whom he has never seen. Both now urgently need his help - and more than one danger is threatening them.

Hi Connie!

>50 connie53: You and Peet are doing all the right things. I hope the meeting with the anesthetist goes well on Friday.

Thanks Karen.

Adding my good wishes to all the others here, I hope that the surgery goes well, and you are able to recuperate and recharge while Peet is in the rehab place. I'm also so happy to hear that Marie is now home. These viruses can be very frightening for little ones.

Hi all, You may have heard about the really heavy rains that hit parts of Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands causing serious flooding and 42 people have lost their lives in Germany and Belgium. I think I'm in a rather safe spot in town. Roermond is the town where the river Meuse/Maas and the Roer come together. But we are not anywhere near those rivers. And we have had a previous floods in 1993 and in 2008. That almost reached my sisters house but we are far away from that spot, so no worries.

I am glad to hear you're safe, Connie. I really hope it stays that way!
I've seen awful pictures on the news. We didn't get anything like that here in Schleswig-Holstein, and I'm happy to know that my sisters aren't close to the affected areas.

We are glad too, Birgit. Germany was hit pretty hard. So many people still missing.

Yes, it's heartbreaking.

>63 connie53:, >64 MissWatson: It sounds devastating, very glad to hear you and your families are okay.

I'm glad you're safe and sound, Connie. The flooding and loss of life are terrible.

It's heartbreaking seeing the images and footage of the flooding. It will take years to recover from that sort of devastation. I'm so glad you and yours are safe, Connie.

I'm glad to hear that you and your family are safe, Connie. The news of the flooding has been devastating. I hope all other LTers are safe and sound.

Thanks everybody. We are glad too. And I hope everybody will stay safe because the highest point is not yet reached here. I hope my sister's house will escape the flood too. Last time it stopped at the downhill side of her street.

We were supposed to visit the hospital today to talk to the anesthetist about Peets surgery. Eveline would drive us there. From Maastricht to Roermond then half way back to Sittard, back to Roermond and then back to Maastricht. She loved to do that for us. But the highway takes her past all the little villages that were flooded between Maastricht and Sittard. That meant heavy traffic from military and other transports for the aid to the area and closed sections off the highway. So we called the hospital and asked if the appointment could be by telephone and that was possible. So we exchanged some information about medication, previous narcosis and other medical history. Really nothing that had to talked about in person.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I finished Een weg door de bergen by Elizabeth McGregor and this book gets

My review

Despite the abundance of information about all kinds of exotic trees, I did enjoy this story. David and Anna have a special relationship as they both study at Oxford. But then Anna suddenly leaves and David is left stunned. Anna has returned to Boston to live with her mother again. David writes letter after letter but never gets an answer. Ten years later, he receives a call from Grace, Anna's mother. She asks him to come to Boston because Anna has had a serious accident and is in a coma in the hospital and because she needs him to take care of his daughter Rachel. Completely confused, David travels to America. He never knew he had a daughter. Rachel turns out to be a girl who suffers from autism (Asperger's) and has a passion for maps and bridges. By retelling the travelogue of the botanist Ernest Wilson, which he had previously told Anna just before she left, he tries to get through to her and get her out of her coma, aided by Rachel's drawings. I thought it was a nice story.

Now started in Dodelijke opleiding by Naomi Novik



The blurb from the backcover

From the New York Times bestselling author of Uprooted and Spinning Silver comes the story of an unwilling dark sorceress who is destined to rewrite the rules of magic.

I decided that Orion Lake needed to die after the second time he saved my life. Everyone loves Orion Lake.

Enter a school of magic unlike any you have ever encountered. There are no teachers, no holidays, friendships are purely strategic, and the odds of survival are never equal. Once you're inside, there are only two ways out: you graduate or you die. El Higgins is uniquely prepared for the school's many dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out untold millions - never mind easily destroy the countless monsters that prowl the school. Except, she might accidentally kill all the other students, too. So El is trying her hardest not to use it . . . that is, unless she has no other choice. With flawless mastery, Naomi Novik creates a heroine for the ages - a character so sharply realized and so richly nuanced that she will live on in hearts and minds for generations to come.

>71 connie53: I hope the situation doesn't come to a point where they have to close hospitals because of flood damage. Crossing my fingers for you and your family.

I'm glad that you were able to have the phone consultation and not delay the surgery because of a delayed consultation with the anesthetist.

{{hugs}}

>72 MissWatson: They have only closed one hospital, the one in Venlo, Birgit. But that was right next to the Maas. The Hospital in Heerlen is not near any river at all as far as I know and Heerlen is in the South and the water is sinking there now.

>73 karenmarie:. Thanks Karen. We were glad too.

Now reading a very old ROOT.



Kerewin by Keri Hulme bought in 2011, ROOT # 33, BFB # 10

The blurb from the back cover

This unusual novel, set in New Zealand, concentrates on three people: Kerewin Holmes, a part-Maori painter who has chosen to isolate herself in a tower she built from lottery winnings; Simon, a troubled and mysterious little boy; and Joe Gillayley, the Maori factory worker who is Simon's foster father. Elements of Maori myth and culture are woven into the novel's exploration of the passions and needs that bind these three people together, for good or ill. It's not easy reading, but the story is compelling despite its stylistic eccentricities and great length. The novel is the winner of the Pegasus Prize.

>74 connie53: That's good to know, Connie!

Here I am again. It was a bit hectic the last few days. The surgery went well and according to plan. Peet was supposed to spend the night after surgery in the ICU. But that was not possible since there was no bed available. So he went back to his old room. We went to visit Monday afternoon. He was doing fine, but a bit confused by the anesthesia. Tuesday evening around midnight I got a call that he was taken to the ICU because there was a decrease in strength in his right leg and they wanted to monitor him more closely which is easier there because they have more nurses during the night than on a ordinary ward. But I panicked and tried to reach Jeroen and Eveline. There I-phones shut off for the night (that's standard procedure for any I-phone. You have to make a list with people that can reach you at all times). So I had a very short and restless night, not really knowing what happened and how serious it was. The hospital is almost an hour away from where I live, so not a thing you do on your bike. Wednesday morning I talked to Eveline and she would pick me up at the train station so I took the train to Heerlen and we went to the hospital together. Peet was doing fine but still confused and not willing to do what he was told. He wanted to get out of bed all the time so they had to restrain him and tied him to the bed. That made him more mad. At this moment he is back on his old room and doing all right. But I don't expect him to come home soon. He probably will have to stay in some kind of medical revalidation place.

To be continued!

>76 connie53: I'm sorry to hear that Connie. I hope things get back to normal for you soon.

>76 connie53: My best wishes that things will improve quickly.

I hope Peet understands better what is happening and makes a good recovery

>76 connie53: Connie, I'm sorry to hear about the post-operation difficulties. I hope Peet is soon feeling more like himself and able to continue with his recovery. It's great that everything went to plan with the surgery.

>76 connie53: First of all, I'm happy to hear that Peet came through the surgery well. That anesthesia confusion is rough, but hopefully it will clear up soon. When he goes to a rehabilitation facility, will it be a bit closer to where you live? I can only imagine the anxiety you felt hearing that he had been moved to ICU but not being able to get there until the next day.

>80 susanj67: thanks, Susan

>81 rosalita: Yes, Julia it was very worrying. I did not sleep real well and only 4 hours or so.

I hope it will be closer, there is a facility linked to the hospital in our town and that would be very helpful, only 10 minutes by bike. Another possibility if even farther away. So I hope they don't choose that one.

Hi Connie!

>76 connie53: Glad the surgery went well, but oh my, his bad reaction to the anesthesia sounds awful. What a stressful night for you, too. I hope the residual effects of the anesthesia wear off soon.

It reminds me of my dad’s after surgery for an aortic anaeurism – confusion, anger, lashing out. My dad had to be restrained to, and there was a big sign above his head that said “Biter”. He also cursed at the nurses, absolutely not normal behavior for him.

Can you get Jeroen and Eveline to put you on the list?

Hello, Connie. I’m new here and I’ve been trying to catch up on people’s threads. I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about your family’s health challenges and that I hope Peet has a speedy recovery.

I also really enjoyed your review of Midnight Library, and as a result, even though it’s not a ROOT of mine, I’ll probably be bumping it up on my to-read list. It sounds like the sort of book I could use right now.

>83 karenmarie: Hi Karen. Yes it was an awful night and I am on their list now. I did not know I-phones could do that. But I recently heard about that possibility. So they each made a list with all moms and dads and siblings on it. To hear your dad labeled a 'Biter' sounds real awful.
And this is not Peet at all. He is a bit impatient but usually very polite certainly to strangers.

>84 Charon07: Please do so, Charon, It really is a lovely book and hopeful too. Good to see you on my thread.

Connie, just a note to relate that hospitals (and especially ICUs) can be very disorienting for patients, on top of anesthesia effects. I hope Peet begins to improve very soon.

>86 detailmuse: Hi MJ, We hope so too. Eveline and Peet's friend Jos went to visit today. Peet was very sleepy and had a good nights sleep too. So rest will be a help too. He will stay in hospital at least until Monday. His wound is really getting better, but his body is another matter. He is rather confused and falls asleep sitting straight up and having trouble swallowing because of mucus in his throat and is getting logopedic help for that. An X-ray was made to exclude pneumonia.
We take it day by day and have made a kind of schedule whom visits when. Most of the time I go with Jeroen when he goes there or I go by bike, train and bus.

I had call from Peet this afternoon and we talked a few minutes. He sounded all right although a bit hoarse. Tomorrow morning I will go there again.

I'm glad surgery went well, and you were able to speak with him this afternoon. Hopefully the confusion caused by the anaesthetic is wearing off now. What a stressful time for all of you!

Sending best wishes to all of you and hoping Peet feels better and is home or at the closer rehab facility soon!

Hi Connie!

>85 connie53: So glad the iPhones have moms, dads, and siblings on them now. Dad apparently bit a nurse. And the anesthesia is absolutely to blame, both for Dad and obviously for Peet, too.

What >89 rabbitprincess: RP said!

Hi all. Peet is doing better. The strength in his right leg is variable. When he was sitting in a chair next to his bed he couldn't lift it or move it at all. But later when he was in bed again he could which was quit surprising to the visiting doctor. He asked for new X-rays to be made later today from Peet's neck to see if everything is still in place, like the little plate they put there to keep the vertebrae in place. We will hear the results from those x-rays later today or tomorrow.
Now he has developed a pneumonia and he gets antibiotics and some long specific physiotherapy. He gets physiotherapy for his legs and arms too.
But, on the good side, he is make little jokes and he can laugh a little. He could talk to me in a coherent way and remember things from last week and from much earlier. He is not that confused anymore. So now we have to get the pneumonia away as soon as possible.

>91 connie53: It’s good to hear that Peet is doing better! Pneumonia is unfortunate, but if he’s feeling more himself now, that will help speed along his recovery.

I have to recap what I'm reading not only for you all, but for me too

Here we go:

Reading in English



A song below water by Bethany C. Morrow

The blurb from the back cover

In a society determined to keep her under lock and key, Tavia must hide her siren powers.

Meanwhile, Effie is fighting her own family struggles, pitted against literal demons from her past. Together, these best friends must navigate through the perils of high school's junior year.
But everything changes in the aftermath of a siren murder trial that rocks the nation, and Tavia accidentally lets out her magical voice at the worst possible moment.
Soon, nothing in Portland, Oregon, seems safe. To save themselves from drowning, it's only Tavia and Effie's unbreakable sisterhood that proves to be the strongest magic of all.



Middlegame by Seanan McGuire

The blurb from the back cover

Master fantasist Seanan McGuire introduces readers to an America run in the shadows by the Alchemical Congress, a powerful society focused on transmuting reality itself. Meet Roger. Skilled with words, languages come easily to him. He instinctively understands how the world works through the power of story. Meet Dodger, his twin. Numbers are her world, her obsession, her everything. All she understands, she does so through the power of math. Roger and Dodger aren't exactly human, though they don't realize it. They aren't exactly gods, either. Not entirely. Not yet. Meet Reed, skilled in the alchemical arts like his progenitor before him. Reed created Dodger and her brother. He's not their father. Not quite. But he has a plan: to raise the twins to the highest power, to ascend with them and claim their authority as his own. Godhood is attainable. Pray it isn't attained.

In Dutch



Een dodelijke opleiding by Naomi Novik ROOT

The blurb from the back cover of the English version

Enter a school of magic unlike any you have ever encountered. There are no teachers, no holidays, friendships are purely strategic, and the odds of survival are never equal. Once you're inside, there are only two ways out: you graduate or you die. El Higgins is uniquely prepared for the school's many dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out untold millions - never mind easily destroy the countless monsters that prowl the school. Except, she might accidentally kill all the other students, too. So El is trying her hardest not to use it . . . that is, unless she has no other choice.



Wie wind zaait by Nele Neuhaus ROOT
Original German.

There is saying in Dutch that says 'Wie wind zaait zal storm oogsten'. translated: 'He who sows the wind will reap the storm'

The blurb from the back cover

In the office of WindPro, a company that operates windmills, a night watchman is found dead. Shortly afterwards, when a farmer who chairs a citizens' initiative against wind farms is murdered, Detective Pia Kirchhoff investigates. The farmer turns out to have so many enemies that almost everyone around him is suspicious. Every suspect has his own motive and nothing is as it seems. Until someone has to pay.
Who Sows the Wind is an intelligent thriller on a current theme, in which Nele Neuhaus shows once again that ordinary people not only easily become victims of a serious crime, but that they are also capable of committing a bloody murder.



Olympos by Dan Simmons ROOT

The blurb from the back cover

Helen of Troy is in mourning for her dead husband, Paris. Killed in single combat with the merciless Apollo, his body is nothing but a scorched and blasted thing. Hockenberry, her lover, still sneaks from her bed after their nights of lovemaking. And the gods still strike out from the besieged Olympos, their single-molecule bomb casings quantum phase-shifting through the moravecs¿ force shield and laying waste to Ilium. Or so Hockenberry and the amusing little metal creature, Mahnmut, have tried to explain to her. Helen of Troy does not give a fig about machines. She must dress for the funeral. And man and the gods and the unknown players in this tragedy must prepare for the final act. And a battle that will decide the future of the universe itself.

Finished in the last few days

Kerewin by Keri Hulme ROOT # 31, BFB # 10

My review

I really thought this was a wonderful story. Kerewin is a young woman who has rather idiosyncratic ideas. She's an artist, but she's lost her talent a bit and has withdrawn from city life and built a tower on the very tip of an island that belongs to New Zealand. She has not had contact with her family for a long time and is actually fine with that. She has created her own little paradise and lives of what the land and nature can give her. She hunts and she fishes.
One day she sees a boy standing on the windowsill on the outside of her tower. He climbed halfway up the tower somehow. When she lets him in she notices that he can't talk but that doesn't stop her from developing some kind of friendship with him. Soon she also meets Joe, the adoptive father of the boy (called Simon). The three of them form a odd trio. The story ripples on, with beautiful language that feels magical at times. Of course there are some upsetting events. Simon wants to stay with his father at all costs and Joe, who has lost his own wife and child and promised his wife he will always take care of Simon, occasionally becomes violent towards Simon. It also turns out that Simon carries a secret from his past with him.
It could have been shorter, but I did enjoy it.



Finished Wreed spel by Angela Marsons

The blurb from the back cover

The greater the Evil, the more deadly the game... When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal stabbing, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But as further disturbing events come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone even more sinister at work. With the investigation gathering momentum, whilst also trying to expose the secrets of a sick paedophile ring, Kim finds herself in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment. Pitted against a dangerous sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it's personal

My review

Very special to read a thriller where you know from the beginning who the perpetrator is and that the tension still remains in the remainder of the book. You really want to know how the perpetrator is found by the police.
Alexandra Thorne, psychiatrist, sets up her patients to kill the ones who harmed them. She lets her patients imagine taking revenge on the perpetrator by talking them through a visualization story
Slowly her patients get the idea it would be a good way to get rid of the shame and depression from which they suffer.
Kim Stone has her own demons from the past to battle when she has to deal with the first murder. A rapist is murdered and all traces lead to his victim. Kim has to stay ahead of Alex, but Alex is also very interested in Kim and her history.



Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker

The blurb from the back cover



Avery is an exceptional child. Everything he does is precise, from the way he washes his face in the morning, to the way he completes his homework without complaint, without fuss, without prompt.
Zib is also an exceptional child, because all children are, in their own way. But where everything Avery does and is can be measured, nothing Zib does can possibly be predicted, except for the fact that she can always be relied upon to be unpredictable.

They live on the same street.
They live in different worlds.

On an unplanned detour from home to school one morning, Avery and Zib find themselves climbing over a stone wall into the Up and Under, an impossible land filled with mystery, adventure and the strangest creatures.
And they must find themselves and each other if they are to also find their way out and back to their own lives.

My review

I thought this was a very sweet story. Two children, from the same street, leave for school. Zib is a girl from a family that is not so structured. She is free to do what she likes to do. And that is going on an adventure in the woods and discovering things. Avery is a boy from a very structured family and he does not like unexpected things. Yet they meet at a wall that blocks their way to school. They climb over it and end up in a completely different world. Together they make their way home through forests and fields, past rocks and rivers. Because they depend on each other and they both have a different way of solving problems, they complement each other well. They get help from the Crow girl, a girl made up of a flock of crows, and from Niamh, a girl made up of ice and water, and by some impressive owls. But there are also enemies and nothing is as it seems. Very nice to read.

>92 Charon07: Thanks Charon! I was glad he was getting his old self again. If he is not so confused he is also better at following instructions. So it's hopeful to see him like this.

>93 connie53: There is saying in Dutch that says 'Wie wind zaait zal storm oogsten'. translated: 'He who sows the wind will reap the storm'

The English equivalent is "They have sown the wind and will reap the whirlwind". It's originally from the Bible, which is probably why it exists in so many languages.

Hi Roberts, I think a lot of those sayings are from the bible.

I did visit Peet again yesterday. 4,5 hours from home and only 1,5 hour of those spend with Peet. the remaining hours I spend on public transportation. There were a few things wrong there. Something happened in a train that needed attention from ambulance or police. So my train was suspended and I had to wait for the next one. Buses were slow too. I was very, very tired when I came home.

Peet was the same as the day before. The situation is a bit weird. Peet can move his leg sometimes, but not all the time. That's going to be investigated today I hope. Communication with the doctor is a bit difficult. I hope Eveline can get some answers today. She is great doing that kind of things.

>98 connie53: That sounds like a grueling journey, Connie, but I'm glad you were able to visit with Peet at least. It's difficult to get information from doctors when you are so far away, I know.

>99 rosalita: Thanks, Julia. Today my daughter went to visit but she did not hear anything new, so I get to find out tomorrow and maybe get to see a doctor.

Hi Connie! I'm sorry Peet has been struggling in the hospital but I'm glad he's doing a bit better and I hope things continue to improve.

Hi Connie, just catching up after my long weekend. I'm glad to hear that Peet is lucid again. My dad was very confused after an operation because of the anesthesia and it worried my mother very much. Thankfully it passed. I hope the physical symptoms can be explained and cleared up, too.
Having to spend so much time on public transportation is another worry. Can you read on the train or is it too distracting?

Hi Connie, I'm so sad to hear about Peet's medical troubles. I hope everything will take a turn for the better shortly. Best wishes to you and your family.

Gosh what a difficult time you are having supporting Peet and the flooding experienced in Europe was just awful to witness. I hope sunnier times are ahead for you both. Take care of yourself.

I'm sorry you, Peet and your family are having a difficult time. Best wishes to you all.

Update on the books bought and read.

Bought a few



De duivel en de duistere diepte by Stuart Turton

The blurb from the back cover

It's 1634 and Samuel Pipps, the world's greatest detective, is being transported from the Dutch East Indies to Amsterdam, where he is set to face trial for a crime that no one dares speak of.

But no sooner is the ship out to sea than devilry begins to blight the voyage. Strange symbols appear on the sails. A figure stalks the decks. Livestock are slaughtered. Passengers are plagued with ominous threats, promising them three unholy miracles. First: an impossible pursuit. Second: an impossible theft.

Then: an impossible murder.

With Pipps imprisoned in the depths of the ship, can his loyal bodyguard, Arent Hayes solve the mystery before the ship descends into anarchy?



Stad der nevelen by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

This is a book with short stories belonging to the series The Cemetery of Forgotten Books

The blurb from the back cover

Presents a complete collection of the author's short stories, some of which were not previously published, featuring such characters as a boy who decides to become a writer to impress the rich girl he has fallen in love with and an architect with plans for an impregnable library.

Reading the same book as in >93 connie53:.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Today a decision is made about Peet. He may move to a physiotherapy center here in town. That will make visiting him less complicated. It all depends on the fact what kind of care they can give him there. He is not making much progress due to his lack of will to go for it. He has to do exercises with his legs and arms. But he doesn't do them as much as he should. We are wondering if something else is going on. Some kind of dementia maybe.

Stats for 2021: January to July

TBR on August 1 2021: 406 including 52 e-books = 354 tree-books
Total books/e-books read in 2021 so far: 73
Tree-books read in 2021: 55 including 32 ROOTs
e-books read in 2021: 18

Total tree-books into the house: 29 (23 read)
25 books bought,
4 books as presents

>106 connie53: I hope for your sake that Peet is able to move to the local physio center, Connie. You may be able to provide more encouragement for doing the needed exercises if you're able to visit with him more as well. Perhaps he's just feeling a bit disconnected from everything being so far away.

Wishing all the best for Peet.

Echoing >108 rosalita: I hope that if he is able to make the move that that will provide an impetus for him to get going more. Plus of course being better for you.

Thank you, ladies!

Well, there is some good news. Peet will be moved to the local facility tomorrow. It's on the premises of the hospital and is officially called 'Zorghotel' (Carehotel). Yesterday Jeroen and I did visit him for the last time in the hospital in Heerlen. We are all very happy because I can visit there by bike and he is also making some progress with moving his legs and arms.

>111 connie53: It's good to know you will be closer to Peet. All my best wishes!

>112 MissWatson:, Thanks Birgit. It will certainly make a big difference in time, money and, very important, energy. After traveling to and from Heerlen I had no energy left to do anything else but read. Not bad of course, but I have a house and a garden to tend to.

So this makes so much it more relaxed.

>111 connie53: That's good news Connie. Hopefully it will be easier for you and benefit Peet as well.

Yes it will be. It's 10 minutes by bike! So I'm not complaining at all. And it gets a high rating for it's care giving. So I think it's the right place for Peet right now.

Another book into the house



Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

The blurb from the back cover

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone. Or does he?

>116 connie53: I haven't read this one, but I enjoyed the author's The Martian and Artemis a great deal - I will have to check the local library!

>117 Caramellunacy: So you thought Artemis was a great book too? I've ordered it and it will arrive this week. But I heard it was a bit disappointing for some.

Love hearing the good news about Peet, Connie. You will all feel better having him close by. So much energy gets expended just to commute back and forth, as you say.

I really enjoyed The Martian but didn't pick up Artemis because it did seem so many people were disappointed in it. But I'll wait for your comments before writing it off completely.

I will let you know, Julia.

>118 connie53: I didn't like Artemis as much as I liked The Martian - I can see how some would find it disappointing, especially if they were expecting something more like The Martian. Artemis is more of a moon caper / heist movie on paper.
Heist capers happen to be very much my thing, so I had a good time with it, but it wasn't great literature or particularly deep or character driven.

Hi Connie!

>111 connie53: Good news, Connie. I’m glad that there is progress on moving his legs and arms AND that you’ll be able to visit easily via bike since he’ll be so close to home, only 10 minutes away.

>111 connie53: That's excellent news! I'm so pleased.

Hi Connie! Glad to read the update that Peet will move to the facility in town - that will make things so much easier for you! I was tired just reading about your journey to the other care center. Best wishes for continued recovery!

>111 connie53: Glad to hear that Peet’s making some progress and also that you’ll be able to visit him more easily.

Thanks ladies.

Peet is now settled in a nice room, very hotellike but with a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a geriatrician. There are physio facilities, a restaurant, a lounge and an outdoor terrace. I even can hire a room if I want to stay over. Not really my plan, but it could be practical for some other couples. You can also make an appointment with hairdresser, a pedicure or manicure.
Peets costs will be payed by our insurance, but those extra's are not included of course.
And the food is better too!

I received my ordered copy of Artemis by Andy Weir



The blurb form the back cover, NOT my review

WELCOME TO ARTEMIS. The first city on the moon. Population 2,000. Mostly tourists. Some criminals. Jazz Bashara is one of the criminals. She lives in a poor area of Artemis and subsidises her work as a porter with smuggling contraband onto the moon. But it's not enough. So when she's offered the chance to make a lot of money she jumps at it. But though planning a crime in 1/6th gravity may be more fun, it's also a lot more dangerous. When you live on the moon, of course you have a dark side...

>126 connie53: The facility sounds so nice. Geriatricians are in short supply in the U.S. Our city hasn't had one in over 5 years. I've heard recently one of our hospitals has extended an offer (I'm sure this isn't the only time) and I hope it's accepted. I'm glad to hear things are coming together for you and Peet!

>111 connie53: >126 connie53: That's excellent news about Pete. The Zorghotel sounds a lot more comfortable and with it being more accessible for you, hopefully the move will spark something in Pete. A nice pampering pedicure would make me feel good, I know, but some guys can be too macho to enjoy it (my husband, for one; but I took him once and he did enjoy it).

Artemis and Project Hail Mary sound intriguing but I've not seen or read The Martian.

>126 connie53: That sounds like a nice place!

>126 connie53: Good news! Sometimes just getting out of hospital to a more accomodating environment can help.

I am still in Kansas dealing with my mother and her Long Haul COVID. Ii am happy to report that she is doing so much better. She is getting physical therapy at the local hospital twice a week and it is doing really good things for her. I hope that she will keep it up now that both my sister and I have to be back to our jobs since the new school year is about to start. Both of us have spent the majority of our summer time with her and hope that she will keep doing the regimen on her own. The doctor did warn us that it is unknown how long she will have the Long Haul COVID symptoms. Now the new variant has us worried again.

>131 benitastrnad: So sorry to hear about your mother.

Hi Benita, so sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she wil feel better soon.

Finished Olympos by Dan Simmons yesterday and this book gets

It's hard to write a review, but here it is

My review

It's been a while since I've read the first part iIlium/i of this epic series and it was hard to follow everything at once, but I finally managed. An abundance of gods and goddesses are engaged in a struggle for supremacy. Some on the side of the Greeks and some on the side of the Trojans. There is also an SF side to the story. A union between Mars and Earth allows the gods to move in an instant. I was especially happy with the super intelligent robot Mahnmut and the human Thomas Hockenberry.
The small enclave of Ada, Ardis Hall, also plays a fine role.
I can't say too much about it, reading the book is an experience in itself.

I finished book # 75 of this year! Yeah

But it was not a great book.

Wie wind zaait by Nele Neuhaus - >93 connie53: for more info

My Review

I don't really know what to think of this book. It was not easy tp get into the story. Too many characters and I often got them mixed up. In the end I did finish it because it is a book for the challenge at my RL book-club.
The characters are all eligible to have committed the murders and they all have something to hide. They are constantly spinning around each other and really nothing much happens. I don't think I'll be reading anything from this author again.

I have started a brand new book (to me that is) that arrived last week




The blurb from the back cover, not my review

Jazz Bashara is a criminal. Well, sort of. Life on Artemis, the first and only city on the moon, is tough if you're not a rich tourist or an eccentric billionaire. So smuggling in the occasional harmless bit of contraband barely counts, right? Not when you've got debts to pay and your job as a porter barely covers the rent. Everything changes when Jazz sees the chance to commit the perfect crime, with a reward too lucrative to turn down. But pulling off the impossible is just the start of her problems, as she learns that she's stepped square into a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself—and that now, her only chance at survival lies in a gambit even riskier than the first.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Peet is finally doing a bit better. He walked about 40 meters with help from a rollator when he had his physiotherapy session today. And that's a real big thing, because last week he could just move about 5 meters with support from 2 persons.
The problems he had with swallowing are slowly improving too but he has to eat in a slow pace and not combine drinking and eating. They place one of the caregivers next to him at the table and he/she observes him during meals. But he has to eat more than he does now. Only one slice of bread is not enough for a big man like he is (1,96 meters) and he lost lots of weight in the last few months due to not enough movement. So his muscles have to gain power again.
I'm very happy with the place he is in now. It's really a beautiful and looks like a proper hotel. The caregivers are very nice and helpful. I got a mail with a code with which I can log in to Peet's personal files and see his progress. They keep a kind of logbook and I can see what they think and what Peet did and what they did.

For those who are interested to take a look. I hope the link works

https://www.zorghotelroermond.nl/

>135 connie53: Wow, that place looks lovely, Connie! And wonderful to hear that Peet is continuing to improve.

>136 rosalita: It is, isn't it, Julia.

Congrats on #75, Connie!

>135 connie53: Wow, that really does look like a hotel! I'm glad to hear that Peet is mobilising more. Hopefully the eating will be the next thing to slip into place for him.

It looks wonderful, Connie, and even better if Peet is making progress there.

>135 connie53: That looks like real progress, Connie, I hope it continues.

That is a beautiful place! The rehabs I've been are all like hospitals.

Thanks all. It really is a beautiful place and Peet is making progress in walking and using his arms.

I bought another book today

Door het sleutelgat by Ruth Ware



The blurb from the back cover, not my review

When Rowan comes across the advert, it seems too good to be true: a live-in nanny position, with an extremely generous salary.

What she doesn't know is that she's stepping into a nightmare – one that will end with her in a cell awaiting trial for murder.

She knows she's made mistakes.
But she's not guilty – at least not of murder.
Which means someone else is...

So good to hear that Peet's moving about a bit more and making progress! And the facility looks lovely. I note too that it has a library :)

I have to go and search for that library! Not that Peet ever reads a book, but just to see what books they have.

Finished Artemis by Andy Weir and this book gets

My Review

I'm hesitating between 7,5 and an 8. A 7 is not enough for a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was just the book I needed right now. So it will be an 8. The style and the story is nothing like the story of the Martian (Mars as book title). This story takes place on the moon that is inhabited by a group of people. Jazz Bashara is a young woman who earns her money by smuggling things to the moon that are not available on there. On Earth she has Kelvin, a boy she met through a pen-plan program at school when they were 9. Over the years they have set up a smuggling line together. Although it is successful, life on the moon is expensive and Jazz can only just afford a mini-flat. And she wants to change that. So when she receives a proposal from the multimillionaire Trond Landvik, she thinks she has found a way. But nothing is less true. She must think up a complicated plan to satisfy Trond's terms and collect her million. And that is only possible if nothing goes wrong and that is just not the case...
The story is peppered with terms about gravity, oxygen and much more technical scientific explanation, but that doesn't really bother me and I just took it for granted. Great book, but don't expect a story like "Mars".

Now reading

>143 connie53:

Just catching up. Oh my, what a summer you’ve had! Good to hear Peet is doing better. Are you still having un-summery weather? My daughter in Switzerland says it’s been week after week of rain, while here in Vancouver we desperately need rain

Today was a nice day. I've been reading in the garden most of the afternoon. Tomorrow will be good too but then rain and storm are predicted.

Finished Door het sleutelgat by Ruth Ware and the book gets

My review

There's something about Ruth Ware's writing style that always annoys me a bit and I'm not quite sure what it is. Maybe the many hints to what's to come or the invisible secrets you feel but can't quite put your finger on.
When I'm finally into the story, it's very exciting and one after the other revelation follows, which then takes you on a completely different track.
The story begins with some attempts by Rowan to write a letter to a highly regarded lawyer. Rowan tries several times and the letters get longer and longer until the final story is the last letter.
Rowan has responded to an unlikely online advertisement seeking a nanny for a family that has settled in a remote part of Scotland. They offer a ridiculously high salary with all kinds of extras and room and board. Rowan sees it as an opportunity to escape the nasty job she now has and gets the job to her utter amazement. She moves to the estate and the day after her arrival, the parents, Sandra and Bill, have to leave on business and she is left alone with the youngest three of the four daughters. Rowan has to win the trust of the girls, but when she is in bed at night she hears all kinds of noises in the attic above her, it sounds like someone is walking there, the next days and nights more and more inexplicable things happen and Rowan is exhausted by the sleepless nights and the worries about the girls.
Very exciting at the end and an incredibly unexpected last page.

And started in another new book, one that was recommended by Jackie_K

The Crow Folk by Mark Stay



The blurb from the back cover, not my review

Faye Bright always felt a little bit different. And today she's found out why. She's just stumbled across her late mother's diary which includes not only a spiffing recipe for jam roly-poly, but spells, incantations, runes and recitations . . . a witch's notebook. And Faye has inherited her mother's abilities. Just in time, too. The Crow Folk are coming. Led by the charismatic Pumpkinhead, their strange magic threatens Faye and the villagers. Armed with little more than her mum's words, her trusty bicycle, the grudging help of two bickering old ladies, and some aggressive church bellringing, Faye will find herself on the front lines of a war nobody expected.

>149 connie53: Ooh, I hope you like it!

>149 connie53:
I enjoyed that Ruth Ward book. I think it's the second by her that I've read. In English the title is The Turn of the Key, which is a play on Henry James's The Turn of the Screw. There are similarities between the two books.

>135 connie53: I’m glad to hear Peet is making progress. The “care hotel” looks beautiful!

>149 connie53: >143 connie53: I’ve read one Ruth Ware, In a Dark, Dark Wood, and I don’t remember much about it other than that I wasn’t very impressed. Maybe I started with a poor example.

>150 Jackie_K: So far so good, Jackie! I like the style it is written in.

>146 connie53: Oh, I am glad you enjoyed Artemis! I agree that it isn't anything like The Martian, really, and I suspect that is why people were disappointed with it. I found it quite amusing and I'm glad it was the right book for you right now!

>146 connie53: I'm glad to hear you liked it, Connie, since I have it waiting on my bookshelf. :-)

>155 Caramellunacy: That's good advice! I'll temper my expectations for a repeat of The Martian reading experience.

>156 rosalita: It's so different. The only thing they have in common is that it's somewhere in space and not on earth. I have Project Hail Mary on the soon to read stack.

Tomorrow I finally leave for a long weekend with my friend Vera. I have not seen her in a year and I'm really, really looking forward to that. Peet is still making some progress and he is taken care of so I don't have to worry about him. I will visit him on my way to the train station and then I'm off.

I'm glad you can see your friend again after such a long time. You will have so much to talk about!

>157 connie53: Enjoy your weekend with your friend, Connie!

Thanks, Ladies!

Oh that sounds like it will be a wonderful break for you - I hope you and Vera have the best time!

>157 connie53: Have a great time with Vera!

Thanks, I'm off in just an hour time.

Bag is packed but I keep thinking I'm forgetting things.

I hope you have a wonderful visit. Is Vera a reader too?

I am glad that Peet is well taken care of - and that you are getting a chance to visit with friends and have a bit of a break yourself. Hope you have a wonderful time!

Hi Connie!

It's lovely to hear that you'll get to visit with your friend Vera, knowing that Peet's being well taken care of. Have a wonderful visit.

Congratulations on your 75 Connie!

It's nice to hear Peet is in a nice place and his health is improving.

>163 connie53: I always feel like I've forgotten something. I've learned to make lists and so on ... because, unfortunately, it often turns out that I have. :0)

>163 connie53: Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! As for forgetting things, as my husband often reminds me (since we’re rarely traveling to the wilderness!), “There are stores where we’re going, you know.”

Hi, I'm back again from a wonderful weekend. We really had a good time. Forgot one little thing but that could be solved easily. We had a great Italian diner in a restaurant but the most important thing is we talked a lot. Vera has some problems too and we talked about all things until 04,00 in the night. We spend lots of time in the garden too (with sweaters and umbrellas against the drizzle) even had breakfast outside once.
It was so nice to be able to spend time without worries.

On the reading

I finished The Crow Folk by Mark Stay, BB by Jackie_K

My Review

Light and airy witch story. Exactly what I like to read. Faye is a witch, only she doesn't know it herself until she finds a book her mother left her with spells and recipes and a whole new pattern for ringing the church bells. Her mother calls it the Kefapepo method. When Faye accidentally tries out some little things, the other two witches in the village, who have been living in secret, discover that there must be another witch. They soon discover that it is Faye.
The arrival of a group of scarecrows led by Pumpkinhead, who have come from their crosses on the fields, stirs up a lot of consternation in the quiet Kentish village of Woodville. The people are still impressed by the start of WWII and now the remaining inhabitants have to deal with a whole new invasion.
Faye thinks she knows what to do, but is stopped by the other 2 witches. Fortunately, she stands her ground and everything ends well. Although at the end of the book the dark clouds are already gathering on the horizon. Fortunately, part 2 is coming soon.

Welcome back, Connie! It sounds like the long weekend was just what the doctor ordered for both you and your friend. I'm so glad!

Yes it was very nice to be with my friend again, Julia. It was exhausting because we tend to talk deep into the night. I spend two night there, the first night we went to bed at 04.00 a.m. and the second one we intended to go to bed earlier so it was 03.30 a.m. ;-))

I'm now reading De duivel en de duistere diepte by Stuart Turton



The blurb from the back cover

It is 1634 and the governor general of Batavia in the Dutch East Indies is sailing back to Amsterdam to take up a position among the Gentlemen 17, the group controlling the powerful Dutch East India Company. Among the passengers are his wife and daughter, and his mistress and her two sons, as well as Samuel Pipps, the world's greatest problematary, in chains as his prisoner, and Arent, the problematary's assistant and bodyguard. But the voyage is cursed, and mysterious and inexplicable events revolving around the demon Old Tom terrorise the passengers and crew. With Pipps incarcerated, will Arent be able to solve the mystery before they all become the demon's victims?

I'm so pleased you had a lovely weekend, and that you enjoyed The Crow Folk!

>171 connie53: The blurb sounds very interesting, Connie, but having read The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle doesn't tempt me to read others of the author's works.

>172 Jackie_K: Thanks Jackie. It was very delightful book to read and I need some light reading.

>173 Robertgreaves: Hi Roberts. I heard it is very different from Evelyn Hardcastle. I like it so far.

Bought another book. I can't seem to stop myself doing that

Bij het licht van de maan by Santa Montefiore



The blurb from the back cover

Flappy Scott-Booth is the self-appointed queen bee of Badley Compton, a picturesque Devon village. While her husband Kenneth spends his days on the golf course, she is busy overseeing her beautiful house and gardens, and organising unforgettable events, surrounded by friends who hang on to her every word.
Her life is a reflection of herself – impossibly perfect.

Until the day that Hedda Harvey-Smith and her husband Charles move into the village. Into an even grander home than hers. Taking the front seat on the social scene, quite literally.
That simply will not do.
Flappy is determined to show Hedda how things are done here in Badley Compton. But then she looks into Charles’s beautiful green eyes. And suddenly, her focus is elsewhere. She is only human, after all…

Hi Connie, just catching up on your month of August. So glad that Peet is making progress. I hope it continues. What a wonderful facility. We have private hospitals here in New Zealand but usually for surgery and only short stays. how wonderful to have one focused on rehabilitation.
I was thinking of you in my reading this month as I readThe secret Diary of Hendrik Groen 83 1/4 year old. It was a wonderful book with so many laugh out loud moments. Have you read it?

>175 HelenBaker: Hi Helen. Thanks for your kind words. It is a great facility. I don't know if there are many facilities like in The Netherlands but it's perfect for Peet right now.

About that book. No I didn't read it but there is a tv series made from the book which was very nice to see even hilarious sometimes. Did you know there are 5 books in this series?

Hi Connie!

>169 connie53: I’m glad you had such a wonderful time with your friend Vera. It sounds like just thing you needed.

>171 connie53: I hadn’t heard of this book and have added it to my wish list. I really liked his first book and this one sounds intriguing.

>176 connie53: Hi Connie, no I didn't realise. My library has the 2nd and I think the 3rd has just been released here. I wonder if he can manage to keep it fresh and funny. I will definitely try the 2nd one though.

>177 karenmarie: Hi Karen. Just be prepared to read something completely different. Very entertaining but totally different. Everybody on board of the ship has some secret to hide. Arent is a very lovable giant. And Sara and Lia (the wife and daughter of the governor general) are also strong characters.

>178 HelenBaker: Good idea, Helen. Just try the second one.

I just want to say that I'm sorry for not being around LT enough to read all the threads. You might all know about Peet's situation and that is making me feel rather down and weary sometimes. Even up to not been able to read as much as I'm used to. My mind wanders away and I can't keep concentrated on things.

>180 connie53: Oh Connie, that is perfectly understandable! You and Peet are living in a very stressful situation and the important thing is that you look after yourself and do whatever is best to keep you going. Our threads will be here when you're ready, but please don't feel any pressure to visit. We all understand, and know that you would too, if we were in your situation.

>181 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie. I know I would be understood by everybody but it felt right somehow to write it down.

Last week my brother came on Tuesday and Thursday to help me with the garden. Thursday his partner Karin came too

This is what we pruned



The front yard looks like this now







The back yard on one side of the house behind the garage with my brother in it when he started



And how it looks now





I have some weeding to do but it keeps raining. We have about 10 minutes of sunshine and then it pours down for another ten minutes. So I finally gave up.

>180 connie53: I echo what Jackie said. You don't owe us any apologies for not being able to visit threads. I know we all appreciate your updates on how you and Peet are doing, and for now that's enough. You'll know when you're able to do more, and we'll all still be here. :-)

Thanks, Julia.

I have this strange problem that occurs every now and again, when my balance is off and I feel I'm tilting to the left. And that is the case today. It doesn't happen when I'm sitting down, only when I'm walking. And today is such a day, so Peet will have to do without my visit today. I think I better not get on my bike.

Due to all the rain today I'm still catching up on threads and really enjoying that.
Almost done, only 15 or so to go.

>183 connie53: That must have been really satisfying to get the garden all tidied up!

>185 connie53: Yikes, I hope you're feeling better soon! Staying indoors with LT and books sounds like a good plan.

>180 connie53: Hah! Well I have that issue but I don’t have an excuse for it. Look after yourself as well as Peet.

It looks like your brother earned his keep today!

That looks very satisfying pruning. I love the slim tree trunks, a bit of a tree hugger here.
Thank you for taking the time to always stop by my thread, i know how time consuming that must be. I hope a day or twos rest sees you feeling better.

I always enjoy your moments-in-a-life photos

Hi Joyce and Helen.

>189 HelenBaker: I'm doing better now. The balance is back and things are back to normal

>190 Nickelini: I love showing them to you.

Now that's a good brother! It looks so nice.

Finished De duivel en de duistere diepte by Stuart Turton and this book gets

My Review

This is a very different book than De zevenvoudige dood van Evelyn Hardcastle and I had to get used to that fact in the beginning/
It takes place entirely on a VOC ship that is on its way from Batavia to Amsterdam. There are many different characters, but the main one is Arent Hayes, he is a kind of bodyguard of Samuel (Sammy) Pipps, who is taken as a prisoner to Amsterdam to be tried there. Jan Haan, the governor-general of Batavia and his wife Sara and daughter Lia also play an important role. All sorts of mysterious things are happening around a ghostly apparition called the leper and it's believed to have something to do with Old Tom, another rumor that is circulating.
Everyone on board has secrets, no one is honest and Arent has to act as a detective to Sammy. It's an exciting story, but you have to know beforehand that you can expect something quit different from Mr. Turton's first book

Now reading

Laat me nooit alleen by Kazuo Ishiguro



The blurb from the back cover

Hailsham seems like a pleasant English boarding school, far from the influences of the city. Its students are well tended and supported, trained in art and literature, and become just the sort of people the world wants them to be. But, curiously, they are taught nothing of the outside world and are allowed little contact with it. Within the grounds of Hailsham, Kathy grows from schoolgirl to young woman, but it's only when she and her friends Ruth and Tommy leave the safe grounds of the school (as they always knew they would) that they realize the full truth of what Hailsham is.

So.... next chapter. Peet took another fall last Thursday because he stubbornly decided to walk with his rollator to the bathroom on his own. And he was not supposed to do that. So he fell against the toilet and hit his head hard. Not wearing (stubborn again) his device for calling a nurse or his mobile phone he had to scream for help. He has two wounds on his forehead which were glued together and scrape wounds to his arms and hands!

>194 connie53: How awful, and how exasperating this must be for you. Hopefully, he’ll reconsider not complying with safety instructions in the future!

>194 connie53:
Oh, Connie, I'm sorry about this set back. Hope things turn around for you and Peet this weekend

Oh no! I hope he heals up quickly and wears his pager or phone in future!

Hi Connie!

>180 connie53: I’m sorry that you’re down and weary and not able to concentrate, but it’s completely understandable. Take care of your physical health and do things that are satisfying.

>183 connie53: I’m glad your brother and his partner were able to help with the garden. Thanks for the pics. I bet it was bothering you.

>185 connie53: That's worrisome. Have you ever mentioned it to your doctor?

>194 connie53: Ah, Peet. Stubborn man. I’m sorry that he fell, hope that he becomes less stubborn about things.

Echoing all the others here, Connie - I hope Peet recognises where he needs to ask for help in future (the same thing happened with my father-in-law when he was in hospital recently - he's a terrible patient, hates being in any way dependent on others, so tried to do things by himself and ended up falling). I hope you feel better soon too.

Connie I'm so happy to read about your visit with Vera, your yard being tidied, and some progress for Peet. Thinking of you so often, and hoping the setbacks can be fuel for more progress.

I'm sorry to hear of Peet's fall. My dad did the same thing, but then, everyone wants to go to the bathroom on their own. I hope he heals quickly. Best wishes to you both!

Hi everyone, thank you all for your kind words.

>198 karenmarie: No, I never mentioned it to my GP because it happens not that often and when I'm there I simply do not think of it. But I have had these spells since my youth, so I don't think it's anything nasty. (I think my last visit was 4 years ago)

I'm "back" from a nice weekend with some minor hick-ups. Fiene came to stay from Friday to Sunday. Her mum and dad had booked a long weekend in Zandvoort where the GP formula I was. So Fiene was dropped of on Friday. We had a great, but for my exhausting time, Fiene suffered from a case of homesickness on Friday, crying when she saw a photo of here parent somewhere in the room, needing hugs and not wanting to sleep in her 'Grote meiden-bed" (Big girl-bed) so she slept in my bed on Peets side but very close to so we could hold hands and have whispered conversations about what we were going to do on Saturday.
Marie spend those days with Cyrille's parents and that was even worse since Marie is too little to understand when mum and dad where coming back ( 2 nights is not something she understands yet) She did not want to eat, sleep, bath and play and just kept asking for mama and papa.

Saturday was great for Fiene and I. We went to visit grandpa by bus and had a drink with him in the restaurant. Went back home and visited a toyshop on the way. Played with the old Barbie's from Eveline, ate French fries and frikkadels and ice-cream. And she had a good night in the big girl-bed.
Yesterday she was picked up by grandpa Lou, because school started today for the first time since the summer holidays. Marie was happy to see at least her big sister again.

>202 connie53: That sounds like a great weekend for the two of you. I'm glad Fiene was able to sleep in the big girl bed on her second night. I hope Marie was able to get a good sleep too, eventually.

My other half watches Formula 1 so he was watching that race! :)

>202 connie53: I'll bet seeing Fiene was good for both you and Peet! They sure can lift the spirit.

Hi Connie. I’m so sorry to hear that Peet fell again.

>204 clue: Being with Fiene was a delight. She is such a lovely girl.

Finished Laat me nooit alleen by Kazuo Ishiguro and this book gets

My review

This is a strange book and I don't really get the hype about it. Kathy, Ruth and Tommy are students at a secluded school. Throughout the story you discover that they are clones of 'normal people' in the outside world. In school they learn mainly about creative subjects. We follow them at different stages of their training and in different institutions. And we find out why they were created. And above all we follow the development of their friendship with all the ups and downs.

Now reading

Het boek van wraak by James Clemens ROOT # 35, BFB # 13

The blurb from the back cover NOT my review

In her hands, the young wit'ch Elena holds the awesome energies of blood magick - and more. For the fate of all Alasea hinges on her recovery of the Blood Diary, a potent talisman forged five hundred years ago, then locked away behind wards too strong for any mage to break. Only with the secrets recorded in its pages can Elena defeat the Dark Lord, but the diary lies hidden in A'loa Glen and from that terrible land no traveler returns ...

>194 connie53: Oh Peet...but it is very hard to accept help and lose ones independence. Glad his injuries weren't serious and he was able to enjoy a visit with his Fiene.

>202 connie53: I have several grandchildren who have shared my bed when they sleep over, since they were little. I dare say there will come a day when they will choose not to. Good for parents to have a break too.

>207 connie53: with regard to Never Let Me Go, I felt the same. I loved some of Ishiguro's other books but this failed to engage or move me. Too much teenage angst for this reader.

>208 HelenBaker: I guess that just what I thought about that Ishiguro book. I was constantly waiting for a twist in the story but it never came. I might try another of his books, but now I will concentrate on ROOTs.

>209 connie53:
Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day is wonderful.

And my brother just found that one for me!

I bought some new books



De liefdesbrief by Lucinda Riley

The blurb from the back cover NOT my review

When Sir James Harrison, one the greatest actors of his generation, passes away at the age of ninety-five he leaves behind not just a heartbroken family but also a secret so shocking, so devastating that it could rock the English establishment to its core. Joanna Haslam is an ambitious young journalist, assigned to cover the legendary actor's funeral. The great and the good of the celebrity world are there. But Joanna stumbles on something dark beneath the glamour: the mention of a letter James Harrison has left behind, the contents of which others have been desperate to conceal for over seventy years. As she peels back the veil of lies that has shrouded the secret, she realizes that there are other forces attempting to prevent her from discovering the truth. And they'll stop at nothing to reach the letter before she does.



Een vloek zo eenzaam by Brigid Kemmerer

The blurb from the back cover NOT my review

Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall, was cursed to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year; he could only be saved if a girl fell for him. But at the end of each autumn he turned into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction... and destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope. Washington, D.C. native Harper Lacy's father is long gone, her mother is dying, and her brother constantly underestimates her because of her cerebral palsy. When she is sucked into Rhen's cursed world, Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. As Rhen regains hope, they learn it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.



Een hart zo vurig by Brigid Kemmerer

The blurb from the back cover NOT my review

The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces rumors that he is not the true heir-- and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Grey knows the heir's true identity, but has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen, until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother's violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?

>212 connie53: They look like interesting books. I can't wait to hear what you thought of them.

Hi Connie - hope you're doing OK!

Hi all. Things are happening fast here. We had a official talk with the doctor and she told us very carefully that she believes that Peet will not good enough to come home anymore. He is not making progress with walking at all and has also problems with bathroom activities of all sorts. He needs someone to keep an eye on him 24/7. And that is something I can't give him. She thought it would be impossible and to much to ask from me. I was so relieved that she could see that. We both would have liked Peet to get better and be able to function alone in the house. But he can't walk alone with his rollator because the danger of falling is so big. He could break a hip or something else and his mental state makes it very dangerous to have a new surgery. Peet was very sad and angry. That's very understandable and he has to proces the whole idea of not living at home anymore. But he can come for visits and birthdays and Christmas. Just for a couple of hours with some people around to walk with him and his rollator. His mental health is also deteriorating. His memory of recent events is really bad and that makes him do odd things that are really not for him at all.
The CareHotel will make the necessary steps to get a permanent place for him in a good facility elsewhere.

To be continued!

>215 connie53: I'm sorry to hear that, Connie, but I'm glad it sounds like you have the support and help you need to make sure Peet is taken care of and has what he needs.

>215 connie53: I'm so sorry for you that the news isn't better, but I'm very glad you have a doctor who recognizes that it would be impossible for you to care for Peet at home. As difficult as it is for Peet to cope with, I know it must also be very difficult for you to face as well. I'm thinking of you both and sending lots of good thoughts your way.

>215 connie53: Oh Connie, what a difficult thing to have to process, for both of you. I'm glad though that the doctor was looking at your wellbeing as well as Peet's, and that they are prioritising his safety. I hope they are able to find a facility which is nearby so that you can see each other frequently and you can know that he is being well cared for and is safe.

Connie, I'm so sorry to hear about Peet's physical and mental condition. He definitely needs to be somewhere he can be taken care of 24/7 although it's a very sad thing for him and you to have to cope with.

I hope he can be nearby.

Take care of yourself, my dear.

>215 connie53: Sorry to hear your sad news, Connie. Best wishes going forward . . .

>215 connie53: best wishes to you both as you adapt to this new reality.

>215 connie53: Oh Connie, I'm so sorry. That's a hard situation for everyone. Thinking of you and your family.

Best wishes for a smooth transition Connie.

I'm sorry for you and Pete. I can understand him being upset but the proposals do seem to have the best outcome for him and for you as well. Best wishes going forwards.

That is very sad news, Connie, it is such a hard moment when you have to admit that a loved one needs more help than you can give. Best wishes for the future.

Thanks, friends! It's really sad for us, but I could see it coming since a few months so it was not really new to me.

I'm so sorry, Connie. You've been deep into caregiving; I hope this new situation eases that so you can emerge as yourself/Peet’s wife again.

>215 connie53: You and Peet will be in my thoughts. I wish you the best of luck in finding a good place for him to live.

I'm adding my best wishes for you, Peet and your family. This is a really difficult thing for a family to hear, and especially for Peet. I'm glad that he has such a nice place to live though.

Connie I am relieved for you that Peet's on going care has been removed from your responsibility. I hope that you will both find a new way forward on the next stage of your journey together. Thinking of you both.

Yesterday I got a mail from the Care Hotel that Covid was found by 6 patients, Peet is not one of them and the 6 patients are not on his floor, but all patients have to stay in their own rooms and visitors are not allowed for some time. They are very careful because most patients are elderly and some have other physical problems as well. We now get daily mails with updates and all patients will be tested regularly.
Peet is very calm about it. 'It is what it is', he said when I phoned him this morning. We will keep in contact by phone.

Good to hear Peet is taking it calmly. I hope you are too, Connie.

I am, Robert. I just hope it won't take too long. But there is really nothing we can do about it.

>215 connie53: I’m sorry to hear this, but I’m glad Peet is somewhere where he can receive the care he needs. I hope you’re looking after yourself - you’ve had a lot to deal with.
I also hope the Covid cases clear up quickly so that you are able to visit again soon.

I'm glad to hear that Peet is unaffected, and taking the news philosophically. Even in such a nice place it must be very boring if you're always confined to your room, so I hope that the covid outbreak is contained, you can visit, and he can get out and about a bit more.

All my best wishes that the Covid cases will clear up soon so you can visit again.

Yesterday all clients were tested again and Peet was clear again. He has to stay in his room for now. No idea when we can visit again.

And I do look after myself and doing nice things. Tomorrow we will have our first meet-up with my RL book-club since Covid started. So that is a very very nice thing to look forward too.

>237 connie53: That's good news, Connie.

Thanks, Nina. It will be nice to see my friends again.

I decided to bring my goal down to 45 ROOTs for 2021.
My reading has been a bit off and I fear I will not reach 50 before the end of the year. This has never happened before, but things are all strange and busy this year.

>240 connie53: Things have definitely been strange and busy this year and if you think you would stress about your goal, I think it makes sense to revise it. The last thing you need is to be worrying about that!

I hope things settle down for you and that you enjoy your reading!

>237 connie53: Good news about Peet. Hopefully it won't be too long before you can see him again.

>237 connie53: Connie, I had my first RL book club meeting yesterday and I can't tell you how much it lifted my spirits. I'm sure you will get a much needed boost out of your too!

I think reducing your goal is a good idea - there's no point adding reading stress to everything else going on. I'm glad to hear Peet is still covid -ve, and also that you have the chance to get out and about and see your book club friends. Have a lovely time!

It was so nice to get out and meet my friends from the book-club. We had a real good time and the weather was nice too, a bit of sun and not to cold to sit outside. Of course we visited bookstores and some of us did actually buy books (Me being one of them). We had lunch and diner together, both very enjoyable.

My books



Een langzaam smeulend vuur by Paula Hawkins

The Blurb, NOT my review

Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She's seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner. Some even call her dangerous.
Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn't mean she's a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people are capable of terrible deeds. But how far will she go to find peace?

Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Some are damaged enough to kill.



Ik volg jou by Peter James

The blurb NOT my review

To the outside world, suave, charming and confident doctor Marcus Valentine has it all. A loving wife, three kids, a great job. But there's something missing, there always has been. . . . or rather, someone . . . Driving to work one morning, his mind elsewhere and not on the road, he almost mows down a female jogger on a crossing. As she runs on, Marcus is transfixed. Infatuated. She is the spitting image of a girl he was crazy about in his teens. A girl he has never been able to get out of his mind. Lynette had dumped him harshly. For years he has fantasized about seeing her again and rekindling their flame. Might that jogger possibly be her all these years later? Could this be the most incredible coincidence? Despite all his attempts to resist, he is consumed by cravings for this woman. And when events take a tragically unexpected turn, his obsession threatens to destroy both their worlds. But still he won't stop. Can't stop.

I’m happy you had a good time with your book club! I’ll be interested to hear what you think about the Paula Hawkins. I’ve been on the fence about adding The Girl on the Train to my TBR, so I might start with one of her less-hyped novels.

I will let you know in time, Charon. Right now I'm concentrating on my ROOTs because I have to read 9 more of them before the end of the year. I loved both of her books, the one you mentioned and In het water 4 stars for those books.

Finished ROOT # 36, BFB # 14



Het boek der poorten by James Clemens

My Review

Strong and exciting adventure with different storylines. Elena and her travel companions are scattered all over their world. Each group has gone to one of the wind-directions to destroy the gates to the 'Defence'. And of course this is not without a struggle. There are deaths and injuries. Love is found and there is a lot of magic. A wonderful book to dive into. I will definitely be reading part 5 soon, but that will have to wait a while.

I don't really know if 'Defence' is the right word for 'Weer' that is used in the Dutch translation. That's a kind of negative against the positive, black against white, good against bad.

Bought three more books in the last few days. Books I spotted while a the bookstore in Den Bosch. I did buy two books there. But 5 would be to much to carry around the whole day.



Doodsangst by Peter James Series: Roy Grace 13

The blurb from the backcover, NOT my review

What does it take for a decent man to turn into a killer? Greg, a married man, has been having an affair for three years with another man's wife. One evening, after a fight with her at their rented love nest, he storms out. When he returns an hour later she is dead. Did he kill her in a fit of rage and blank it out, or did someone else do it while he was out of the building? Detective Superintendent Roy Grace of the Sussex Police, assigned to the case, soon discovers that there is more than one person who had a reason to kill her. But only one man has the most to lose - and when his marriage and career are at stake, what lengths will he go to protect all that he holds dear? And what will he do next?



De horlogemaker van Londen by Natasha Pulley

The blurb from the backcover, NOT my review

In 1883, Thaniel Steepleton returns to his tiny flat to find a gold pocketwatch on his pillow. But he has worse fears than generous burglars; he is a telegraphist at the Home Office, which has just received a threat for what could be the largest-scale Fenian bombing in history. When the watch saves Thaniel's life in a blast that destroys Scotland Yard, he goes in search of its maker, Keita Mori--a kind, lonely immigrant who sweeps him into a new world of clockwork and music. Although Mori seems harmless at first, a chain of unexpected events soon proves that he must be hiding something. Meanwhile, Grace Carrow is sneaking into an Oxford library dressed as a man. A theoretical physicist, she is desperate to prove the existence of the luminiferous ether before her mother can force her to marry. As the lives of these three characters become entwined, events spiral out of control until Thaniel is torn between loyalties, futures and opposing geniuses.



De verdwijning van de horlogemaker by Natasha Pulley

The blurb from the backcover, NOT my review

1888. Five years after they met in The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, Thaniel Steepleton, an unassuming translator, and Keita Mori, the watchmaker who remembers the future, are traveling to Japan. Thaniel has received an unexpected posting to the British legation in Tokyo, and Mori has business that is taking him to Yokohama. Thaniel's brief is odd: the legation staff have been seeing ghosts, and Thaniel's first task is to find out what's really going on. But while staying with Mori, he starts to experience ghostly happenings himself. For reasons Mori won't--or can't--share, he is frightened. Then he vanishes. Meanwhile, something strange is happening in a frozen labor camp in Northern Japan. Takiko Pepperharrow, an old friend of Mori's, must investigate. As the weather turns bizarrely electrical and ghosts haunt the country from Tokyo to Aokigahara forest, Thaniel grows convinced that it all has something to do with Mori's disappearance--and that Mori may be in serious danger.

Finished another one ROOT # 37

Mirakelse Maurits en zijn gestudeerde knaagdieren by Terry Pratchett

My review

It was an okay book, but it made me a little nervous, especially in the beginning. Then I really thought: 'Do I want to read this?'. But it's for a challenge so I've read it like I should. The rhythm bothered me too much. There are some nice characters among the rats, including Peach, Nutritious and Unsafe Beans.

I decided to donate all my Pratchett books to the second hand store. Not my kind of books.

>250 connie53: Hi Connie.
I don't particularly like Pratchett either! Good Omens is the only one I may read at some point. As its co-written by Neil Gaiman.

Trying to match up the characters names you mention with their orginial English counterparts; just for fun. There is a Peaches & I think Onveilige Bonen is Dangerous Beans. Can't get Voedzaam/Nutritious!

I wouldn't know, Simon. It's one of the younger female rats. She saved Zonnebruin (Suntan?) when he was trapped in a (duh) trap.

>251 si: >252 connie53: Nourishing and Darktan

https://wiki.lspace.org/Book:The_Amazing_Maurice_and_his_Educated_Rodents#Charac...

>253 Robertgreaves: Thanks Robert.

>253 Robertgreaves: Hi Robert, thanks for helping.

Now reading another ROOT and hope to finish that one today



Duistere maan by Meredith Ann Pierce

The blurb NOT my review

He was the youngest prince the unicorns had ever known: Aljan son-of-Korr, Dark Moon. A silver crescent on his brow and a white star on his heel were tokens that one day he was destined to become the legendary Firebringer--but Jan had no knowledge of fire, nor of where to find it. Swept out to sea while defending the unicorns, Jan is washed up on a distant shore, only to find himself the revered captive of a strange race of two-foots who treat him with awe, even as they hold him against his will. It is here that he witnesses the magic of fire for the first time and, even more importantly, discovers how he himself can create it. But can he escape and bring the knowledge back to the unicorns in time to save them?

Connie I am so sorry to hear of the Covid cases in Peet's care home. The worries continue for you. I hope Peet stays Covid free and that you will be able to visit him again soon. Take care of yourself.

I will Helen. We can visit again. It's just limited to two persons per day.

>258 connie53: Oh, that's good to hear.

And Peet was tested negative again.

Finished ROOT # 38 Duistere Maan by Meredith Ann Pierce -

My Review

You don't often read a book in which an unicorn has the leading role. So I thought this was a very nice book. Yan is the prince of the unicorns but falls from a cliff into the sea during an attack of griffins. He is rescued by two-legs and held captive by them in the king's palace. He manages to escape and then follows a journey back to his own people / herd. In the meantime, he also manages to make a peace treaty with the griffins and with other beings, such as herons and forest people. Now I have to look for part 3.

I bought two books because it's Children's book-week in the Netherlands

I bought and finished De meisjes by Annet Schaap



The blurb not my review

A sleeping beauty who never wakes up, a frog that never becomes a prince, a girl who is a monster: Annet Schaap adapted seven well-known fairy tales, five by the Brothers Grimm and two by Charles Perrault, into surprising stories about seven girls, all with their own dreams and desires, girls who are no longer fairytale characters but people of flesh and blood.

My review

I only have one word for this: Adorable. The fairy tales are recognizable but always have a different twist so that they have a different ending than you expect. Reads very easily and is suitable for older children, between 8 and 12 years.

The other book is Floddertje by Annie M.G. Schmidt



The blurb NOT my review

Floddertje in the bath, Floddertje at the hairdresser, Floddertje in the kitchen, Floddertje cleaning, Floddertje visiting... Whatever Floddertje and her dog Smeerkees do, it becomes a delicious mess. Yet Floddertje is rewarded with an honorary ribbon from the mayor at the end of her adventures.

I read some stories in that book to Lonne and she loved it.

Finished a small ebook to fit one of the Forumchallenge categories. We needed some books about festive days and this was one I found on my digital shelves

Winterzon by John Grisham



The Blurb NOT my review

Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded malls, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That’s just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they’ll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on Hemlock Street without a rooftop Frosty; they won’t be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren’t even going to have a tree. They won’t need one, because come December 25 they’re setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences–and isn’t half as easy as they’d imagined. A classic tale for modern times. Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that have become part of our holiday tradition.

My review

Blair, Luther and Nora's daughter, leaves for Peru a few weeks before Christmas to do volunteer-work. Luther and Nora decide to not celebrate Christmas that year. No cards, no party, no tree, no Frosty the snowman on the roof. Luther has calculated that the prior year cost him well over $6,000. instead they book a cruise to the Caribbean. When their neighbours hear of their plan, they are very displeased, because with one house not decorated the street can't win the first place of 'Best decorated street'. Nora and Luther have to constantly defend their decision. But then Blair announces that she's coming home as a surprise after all, arriving at the airport that afternoon, and she brings home her new Peruvian fiancé to show him how they celebrate Christmas in America. Amusing story.

Finished yesterday Nachtreizigers by David Baldacci this book gets



The Blurb NOT my review

Tom Langdon, a weary and cash-strapped journalist, is banned from flying when a particularly thorough airport security search causes him to lose his cool. Now, he must take the train if he has any chance of arriving in Los Angeles in time for Christmas with his girlfriend. To finance the trip, he sells a story about a train ride taken during the Christmas season.

My Review

Never knew David Baldacci could write quite funny. This story is set during a train journey. The journey begins in Washington and ends in Los Angeles. All passengers are on their way to family to celebrate Christmas. So is Tom Langdon. He has chosen the train because he has more or less misbehaved when checking in for a plane and he is actually no longer welcome there. A famous director/producer has also chosen the train because he wants to make a film about a train journey. He has a scriptwriter with him and that is exactly the woman Tom had a passionate relationship with years ago. When the train also carries several other notable characters, including Agnes Joe, Regina and Father Kelly, there's plenty of material for a heartwarming Christmas story that ends when the train gets hit by a massive avalanche and they have to celebrate Christmas Eve in a snowed-in train with little food left but lots of love.

Started last Saturday and finished today Het pakket by Sebastian Fitzek. This book gets



The Blurb NOT my review

Emma's the one that got away. The only survivor of a killer known in the tabloids as 'the hairdresser' - because of the trophies he takes from his victims. Or she thinks she was. The police aren't convinced. Nor is her husband. She never even saw her tormentor properly, but now she recognises him in every man. Questioning her sanity, she gives up her job as a doctor in the local hospital and retreats from the world. It is better to stay at home. Quiet. Anonymous. Safe. No one can hurt her here. And all she did was take a parcel for a neighbour. She has no idea what she's let into her home.

My review

What a strange book is this. The first part was very confusing, the second part more exciting and the third part absolutely over the top absurd. It is about Emma who no longer dares to leave the house after a rape because she is so paranoid and suffers from anxiety that she sees her violator everywhere. If the postman gives her a package for a neighbor, who does not come to get the package, she has to bring it herself. She then suddenly cán leave the house because when the postman gave her dog accidentally some chocolate instead of a dog biscuit and the dog gets terrible sick. She forces herself to walk to the vet. When she passes the man's house and she decides to go inside. The story starts to get some pace but then in the third part all of a sudden numerous suspects appear. That makes it all too unbelievable for me.

Hi Connie can't help but notice you haven't posted for a week. I hope that you are just busy and that you and Peet are safe and well.

I had a long weekend taking care of Marie and Fiene. So I stayed over for a few nights. Peet and I are both safe and well. Thanks Helen, very kind of you to ask and notice!

>266 connie53: I am sure they kept you very busy!

>267 MissWatson: they certainly did, Birgit.

Read De jongen, de mol, de vos en het paard by Charlie Mackesy and gave it



My review

I just finished reading this book in one sitting. That is not so difficult because it takes less than half an hour. But it's definitely a book I'll be flipping through more often while it's here. And what beautiful simple illustrations! What Charlie can do with a simple curve is touching.

Now reading and almost finished Snowflower en de geheime waaier by Lisa See



The blurb NOT my review

Humble farmer's daughter Lily is no ordinary girl. If properly bound, her feet will be flawless and in 19th century China, where a woman's eligibility is judged by the shape and size of her feet, this is extraordinary good luck. Lily now has the power to make a good marriage and change the fortunes of her family.But first she must undergo the agonies of footbinding, learn nu shu, the secret women's writing, and a girl will be chosen as her "old-same", a relationship almost akin to marriage. Lily's "old-same", Snow Flower, comes from a refined family and is elegant and educated. Even though their worlds are far apart they develop a deep bond through their letters written in nu shu, which they paint on fans and embroider on handkerchiefs. Lily and Snow Flower find comfort in their friendship. But when they come of the age to be married, a misunderstanding threatens to change everything.

And I finished the book above and give it

My review

An intriguing story set in 19th century China, in a remote province. It is the story of Lily who, as a little girl, has no value at all to her family. Sons, those are the children parents want. Girls have to be married off and in many cases disappear from the parental home for good. However, Lily has something that makes her a little more valuable. She has just the right feet that, when properly bound, will be the perfect lily feet. That increases her chances of marrying into a more important family. She also becomes the laotong (best friend) of Snow Flower. As usual, the two girls write a real contract. Thus they are connected for life. We follow the girls throughout their lives, which are often cruel, laborious and sad. Lily tells the story when she is 80 years old and has survived everyone. With this book you gain some insight into the life of a woman, with all its drawbacks and fixed rules. With men who aren't always good and trying to get pregnant forever to produce sons.

>269 connie53: I got a lovely hardback copy of the Charlie Mackesey book for Christmas - I'm saving it for an end of the month where I feel like I need a short book to bump up my numbers!

>266 connie53:. Well that was a nice positive response. Glad all is well and you have enjoyed a weekend with your grandchildren.
>270 connie53:. I always enjoy Lisa See novels. Informative and compassionate.

Finished another ROOT # 40 and give this book

Een dodelijke opleiding by Naomi Novik

My Review

First I had to get used to the writing style and the tone of the story. Because it's completely different from what I'm used to from Naomi Novik. I even put the book aside for a while because I found the story so strange. However, several members of my Real-Live book club loved it, so I gave it another chance and started over. When I read the beginning with more attention, I still found it strange, but much easier to follow and in the end I even really liked it and now I can't wait for the sequel. El (Galadriel) is the daughter of a sorceress and is admitted to the school for sorcerers' children. It is a strange school that hangs somewhere in the void and consists of different layers for each school-year and with each new year the floor turns down towards the gate thats opens at the end of the exam-year. Than you will have to fight to get out alive. Something that about half of the pupils do, but the chance of survival is always greater in the school than in the outside world.
The school is infested by 'Mals', weird creatures made up of the magic that the students possess and who are very eager to kill the children in order to eat their magic.
El is an outcast and has no friends at the school. However, when the 'Mals' attack her, she is always rescued by Orion who has a talent for destroying the 'Mals'. El finds this particularly irritating, because that way she builds up a debt with Orion. Orion is just as much of an outcast as she is and they get used to each other. Tensions also increase as the transition to the final year approaches. Highly recommended, but a little perseverance at the beginning.

Some more news about Peet

Peet will be moving his new place coming Tuesday. We just heard about it last Thursday so we are very busy to find furniture and such for his room. It's a one room appartement with a tiny kitchenette and a bathroom with the necessary adjustments.
Jeroen is now moving some stuff from Rianne's uncle. Like a table, a stand-up chair (is that the right word?), a low closet for his clothes.
A lot of people are helping to collect things for us. A nephew has some dining-chairs, my brother has a tv set. Rianne's mother gives some table lamps. And we will have to visit the second hand store for a bedside table.

>274 connie53: That sounds very positive, Connie - is the new place near to you and family? I hope Peet settles in soon. It will be an adjustment for him and you all, of course, but I hope it is a really positive move for him.

>274 connie53: It's good to know that you have lots of help with the move and that Peet settles in soon.

Sounds like you're very busy, Connie! Good luck finding all you need to furnish Peet's new place, and hope you find some time for a book or two in between.

>274 connie53: I love how everyone is contributing to Peet's comfort. however I am surprised at the need to furnish. Our rest homes come furnished but perhaps your way is nicer and reflects individual personalities and taste. hope Peet is happy in his new home.

There's a lot going on for you, Connie. Wishing you and your family the best for an easy move and settling in for Peet.

>273 connie53: I was in the bookshop and caught sight of The Last Graduate, the second book in the Scholomance series, but they didn't have A Deadly Education which I haven't read yet but I've seen lots of good things on LT about. So no book purchases for me, as they didn't have the books that I was looking for.

Hi everyone. A quick update on Peet. The move went smoothly. Not to much to bring over but his personal things and clothes. Jos, Peets friend, moved Peet and the bags and I walked with the empty wheelchair to the facility. Peet has some trouble adjusting now and he can't watch TV because the media-box is still not working. I spend almost one hour today with a man from client-support and when we almost got it the phone call went dead on me, tomorrow I will try again.

Finished ROOT # 41

Diepe toverij by Diane Duane the book gets

My review

Quite a violent book for a Young Adult oe. Nita and Kit go underwater in this part of the series. They get a request from some whales and humpback whales to destroy a power that lies very deep at the bottom of the ocean. Bit far-fetched.

>280 connie53: I'm glad the move went well.

I liked this series (as far as I read it). I read the first two or three books when they first came out and were contemporary (the Met Life building above Grand Central station was then the Pan Am building and I had been to New York, so I knew what the station was like) and I liked the concern with the environment. I downloaded the 'boxed' series when they upgraded it and had an offer on the e-books though I haven't read them yet except for the first book.

Hi Connie!

I'm glad to hear you got to babysit the girls and that Peet's settled in his new place.

>280 connie53: I’m glad to hear that the move went well, and I hope things settle down soon and Peet has a chance to settle in. Adapting to change is difficult for all of us, and you and Peet have had a lot of change in such a short time. Here’s hoping for some peaceful times ahead!

>280 connie53: Hi Connie, I'm glad to hear the move went well, and that you can have some time to yourself this weekend!

Thanks all!

I had a rather strange week. 2 men are painting the outside woodwork and it's very nice to have them around and talk with them a bit at lunchtime and on coffee-breaks. We had one of the men before to do the same thing and we were quit happy with the work he did. Now he had a nice young guy with him. Although it was nice it was also not the same as being alone. I decided I would only do the necessary household stuff, like groceries and cooking and cleaning upstairs. Down stairs was no option. They had to walk in the house sometimes and mopping and vacuuming was completely useless. So I read a lot.

I finished Lichtval by Nicolet Steemers and the book gets

My review

Nice story about a family that always spends their holiday on Ameland in their second home. For the past two years, only the parents have been there because the situation has changed with the fateful death of the eldest daughter Ellis. Her sisters and brother were also there and each has their own version of the story. This time, the main character from the book, Aline, is persuaded to come because brother Jules is turning 18. Aline has never been able to talk about the accident (a fall from the lighthouse) and has more or less repressed her memories. Returning to the island brings new facts to light and reveals the truth.

Connie so much happening for you this week. It can be difficult to concentrate on reading . I hope Peet readjusts to his new home soon and you resolve the problems with the television, so important when ones world becomes smaller. I heard on the news that the Nederlands is going back into lockdown. i hope this doesn't impact on you and Peet too much.

>286 HelenBaker: The television problem is solved, Helen. My brother had a briljant idea. You can get a kind of card to insert into the television. called a Ci-module. That way you can use the TV with just one remote control. And Peet can do that now.

The lockdown impact on Peet's situation is not that big. We just have to restrict visits to two people per day. And that's reasonably easy to do. It just needs some coordination.

Hi Connie, just wanted to drop by to say hello and hope you're doing well. I've heard that the covid situation in the Netherlands isn't brilliant at the moment, so I hope you're all staying safe.

We try, Jackie. It's not easy but I limit myself too groceries and visiting Peet.

Hi Connie, I hope you're okay and curling up with a nice book. Are you having snow yet? It's been snowing here all morning, but it's not cold enough for it to stay.

>290 MissWatson:. Hi Birgit, no, no snow here yet. They predicted some for this evening and tonight. I like snow only when I don't have to go out and since I have to visit Peet snow is not a thing I'm waiting for.
I have been busy with jigsaw puzzels and not much with reading but I finally finished my last ROOT and reached my goal.

De laatste ontmoeting by Anita Shreve ROOT # 45 and I give it

My review

What a beautiful book this is. The story is intriguing enough but the author has a very nice use of language, which I really enjoyed. Actually all her books are very good. Linda and Thomas have a passionate love affair that lasts 35 years but they have only seen each other in 3 periods. Once a few months when they were in class together, once a few days when they were twenty-seven, and now they bump into each other by accident at a writer's festival. That's what the first part of the book is about and the story then goes back in time in the next two parts so that you slowly get to know what happened in those years.
Really very beautiful

>291 connie53:. Congratulations, Connie, on reaching your goal. I read this Anita Shreve twenty years ago, before i started rating books. You have made me want to go back and reread it. I do have another of hers to read on my shelf but will see if I can find a copy of this one too.
Glad you and Peet are safe. I, too, think of you as we watch the evening news. We are experiencing warm humid weather here as we go into our summer months. I really prefer the autumn winter months but then we don't have snow to contend with. The positives of summer, though, are the flowers. Lovely to see my roses and hydrangeas blooming again and yay my eldest daughter and grandchildren will be able to come and see us next week after 4 months in lockdown.

Congrats on finishing your goal, Connie!

With all you've had going on this year reading 45 books is a special accomplishment!

Congratulations on reaching your goal, and with such a great book, too!

Congratulations on reaching your goal, Connie. A real achievement with everything else you've got going on.

Thanks! I've read 98 books in total this year. Reading is my go to place for comfort and relaxing. I'cant complain about that. And December has just started.

Congratulations on reaching your goal! I hope things change for the better regarding covid soon, but it's not looking great right now.

Congratulations on meeting your ROOTs goal Connie!

Thanks, all!

Congrats on reaching your goal, Connie!!

You did it! Congrats!!

Adding my congrats!

Well done on hitting your goal, especially after the year you've had!

Thanks! I'm surprised I did it too.

Finished my probably last book for 2021 De horlogemaker van Londen by Natasha Pulley and I give it

My review

And again I don't know what to say about this book. It's a bit of a confusing story. Some reactions from other people are very enthusiastic, but I don't see it that way. I have a feeling that parts are being skipped, but that could also be just me. I'll read the sequel, but not right now.

To Connie:

Hi Connie!

>307 connie53: I read this book in 2018 and had pretty much the same reaction to it, but I won't bother with the sequel.



See you in the ROOTs group next year!

Hi Jennifer, Thanks for the Christmas wishes.

Hi Karen, Thanks and see you there for sure!

Thank for the holiday greetings- I hope that you and your family will have good holiday season!

Thanks, Torontoc!

Finished book # 100 for the year

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor and this small book gets

My review

What a beautiful but strange story. Read in English but easy to follow.
Fatima spends a large part of her early years in a Shea tree where she can quietly watch the world. This tree has coconut-like fruits and the pulp is used to make Shea Butter, which is the source of livelihood for her family.
One day the ground at the base of her tree opens up and a box with a pod in it comes up. From that day on, everything goes wrong. She can suddenly summon a light from within herself that can kill everything around her. Her father sells the pod and box to a politician who wants to resell it to a medical research company. But Fatima still has her light and one day she lets it go and accidentally kills her whole family and the whole village.
Confused, she flees and lives for a while in a forest with only the company of Movenpick, a fox that follows her everywhere. Everyone in the country knows who she is and she uses her 'gift' to help people who are seriously ill to a quiet end of life and if she is threatened by bad things. After many wanderings, she returns to her village.
The story is full of beautiful sentences and a bit dreamy.

Thank you, Connie, for your faithful visits to all our threads! I wish you and Peet a happy Christmas (what's left of the day) and hope that you have been able to spend some time with your lovely family.

We did, Jackie. Here's some proof



And some foolishness too



Cyrille with the girls

>315 connie53: Great photos! My goodness, the girls are all so BIG now!! And adorable, of course :)

>315 connie53: oh what lovely photos! You are all so beautiful!

Beautiful photos, Connie. So glad you were able to be together after a very difficult year.

Lovely family. Thanks for sharing your photos.

BTW my daughter is looking at doing her semester abroad at Utrecht University in autumn 2022. She wants us to come meet up with her at the end of her semester in December 2022. So who knows, I may have a visit to your lovely country to look forward to (although with COVID, I just don't make plans). I can't believe I've never revisited.

Thanks for sharing the pictures Connie! It's so nice to see families together again.

Merry Christmas, Connie! Lovely photos.

Thanks all. We all had a home test done before this meeting.

>319 Nickelini: That would be lovely, Joyce. Perhaps we could meet somewhere when you visit your daughter. Utrecht is not that far away by train and a very nice city. I prefer Utrecht to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is to busy for my taste.

Thanks for posting the pictures of your family. They were lovely. I really like seeing the family pictures on here. Somehow it makes people more real.

Today I am taking my sister to the airport so that she can go home. She has been here in Kansas a week and we have had a great time. Last night I had some cousins come over and we were up talking until 2 A.M. it was great fun. I am sorry to see her leave and I know that my mother is going to be very sad. She has to say goodbye in a few minutes but I will get another 4 hours with my sister since it is 100 miles to the airport.

What lovely photos, Connie. I would like to wish you and your family the very best of the season and good health and happiness for 2022.

Thanks Nina and Benita.

I'm joining in saying how great to see you and your family together! Glad you had a good holiday!

Sweet pics and congrats on book #100 for the year! See you on the other side of 2021...

Congrats on reaching your ROOTs goal. Those are great family Christmas pictures, Connie. I just caught up with your thread and all the news. I hope that 2022 goes much more smoothly now that all the changes are in place.

Follow me to my 2022 thread

https://www.librarything.nl/topic/337944#n7700925