The Week in Review: 11.16.2018
Between the Covers
Finished last week:
I’m a sucker for memoirs so was excited to pick up DRYLAND: ONE WOMAN’S SWIM TO SOBRIETY by Nancy Stearns Bercaw. Bercaw had been a collegiate swimmer who qualified for the Olympic trials. Swimming was very much a part of her identity so when she married actor/director Allan Nichols and traveled the world with him and their son she didn’t really know how to cope and turned to the bottle. While they were living in Abu Dhabi, she realized she was imbibing too much and vowed to quit.
I think Bercaw has an important story to tell but didn’t deliver like she could have. She focused on her swimming (back in her glory days) and her drinking rather than on her recovery, which is what I was hoping to read about. I listened to the audio version and thought Donna Postel did a fine job – she was great with voices and accents but, in the end, I thought the book was good, but not great. (My friend Stacy sent me this book.)
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It’s not too early to think about holiday gifts and if you have a curious youngster or a budding scientist on your list, I have the perfect book for you. TRY THIS EXTREME: 50 FUN & SAFE EXPERIEMENTS FOR THE MAD SCIENTIST IN YOU by Karen Romano Young is perfect for inquisitive minds. The book opens up with safety guidelines and tips for working with chemicals, heat sources, and electricity. Each experiment is rated on a difficulty scale and lets readers know if an adult is needed. It also lists concepts investigated and the time and tools required. Next it lists directions in a clear and concise manner and includes color photos (by Matthew Rakola) of young people conducting the experiment and lets you know if they were successful or not. I tried a few of the experiments and thought they were fun and age appropriate and the directions were easy to follow. The back of the book has a few suggestions for science fair projects and lists science standards for each experiment. I wish I’d had this book when Vance was young because I know he would have loved it. This book is great for kids 10 and up. (Review copy provided by Media Masters Publicity.)
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I listened to BOLD & BRAVE: TEN HEROES WHO WON WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE by Kirsten Gillibrand but would like to see a print copy since it’s illustrated by Maira Kalman. Senator Gillibrand shares information about ten women who were brave enough to fight the accepted standards of their day. Some of these heroes are well known, like Susan B. Anthony, and others, like Jovita Idár, are not. I enjoyed the information shared but do wish there had been more. Still, it’s a great introduction for early readers that will hopefully make them want to know more. (Review copy provided by Penguin Random House.)
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Currently reading:
- TONY’S WIFE by Adriana Trigiani
- BECOMING by Michelle Obama
On the Screen
I enjoyed Monday’s episode of Dancing with the Stars for the most part but thought Joe and Jenna and Bobby and Sharna were the weakest dancers. I was shocked when Juan Pablo and Cheryl were voted off and think Bobby was too. Next week’s final should be interesting.
Off the blog
- I went to see Sarah McCoy when she was at a Fiction Addiction. The event was a lot of fun because Sarah is passionate about her latest book, MARILLA OF GREEN GABLES, and the series that inspired it. She also gives great hugs so you need to go see her if she comes near you. I got her to autograph a copy of MARILLA OF GREEN GABLES for one lucky reader. If you’re interested in reading it, fill out the form below and I’ll draw the winner next week. (Open internationally.)
- I finished my 3,000 piece puzzle and there’s a piece missing. I’ve hunted all over for it and keep hoping it will show up somewhere.
- After several days of fall, winter decided to come back. It’s been cold (high in the 40s) and wet all week. We’re ready for more seasonal temperatures and sunshine.
- I managed to walk at least three miles every morning, even with all the rain, and averaged just over 16,100 Fitbit steps a day.
What’s going on in your corner of the world?
A great week for you.
Fun on meeting Sarah McCoy.
How great that you got to go to Sarah’s event! Bummer that Dryland wasn’t better. The experiment book looks good, though. I’d walk, but the *foot of snow* and they haven’t plowed yet is zapping my motivation.
Memoirs are tricky, aren’t they? Thanks for sharing about Dryland. Well done on the puzzle but how frustrating to be short a piece. Hope it turns up soon, along with warmer temps. I think winter has arrived and is staying in my neck of the woods.
I wonder if the piece never came with the puzzle. And you don’t even have a kitty to carry it away! Very interesting books this week, too! We had snow! Lots of it, too!
I’m reading Becoming too. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it!
The viewing public gets it right most of the time. But they really messed up with Juan Pablo. And, you’re right. Bobby was shaking his head.
How fun that you got to meet Sarah McCoy. I sure am hearing good things about that book. Cold – bah! We had a very early freeze this week – like 2-3 weeks early. And wind. My word, it was cold. We’re moderating now, but I am so not ready for cold wind to sweep down the plain. Stirs up all the winter pollen, which is my worst allergy time.
I also got Becoming this week, and can’t wait to dive in. I would love to read the Kirsten Gillibrand book. Thanks for sharing, and enjoy.
I’m so glad you finished your puzzle. Too bad about your finished piece. It could have been left out at the factory. I like the picture of you and Sarah McCoy. You both look happy to be where you are. Have a great weekend Kathy.
Today is my last day of work before my week off. I am so excited!! I got hit with a weird cold thing yesterday. Fever, sore throat but I fought it off with apple cider vinegar, cayenne and honey shots. I feel pretty good today but I am keeping up with the precautionary measures just to be sure.
Awww Marilla of GG!
SO lucky you got to meet Sarah
I don’t like it when you put so much time into a puzzle, especially one with that many pieces, and then there’s a piece missing. Grrrr!
Awesome that you got to meet the author of Marilla Of Green Gables! Thanks for the giveaway!
Bold and Brave does sound good. I am hesitant to read Dryland. That is so neat that you got to meet Sarah McCoy! I love her books. I can’t wait to read her latest one. I hope you find that missing puzzle piece. I was able to get this coming week off and am looking forward to giving my daughter’s room a thorough cleaning out. Hopefully I can convince her that parting with some of her old toys is a good idea. Haha. Have a wonderful weekend, Kathy.
Wow great puzzle. Love the dolphins in it. Glad to hear you are enjoying the Michelle Obama book and can’t wait to see what you think. I’m on the wait list for it. Enjoy your week.
I look forward to seeing what you think of Michelle Obama’s book; she’s so smart and thoughtful.
No snow or ice here. Just a little fog, but we’ve had some lovely days. I’m sure our long, rainy season is just around the corner, though. Had a great book club discussion (Before We Were Yours) yesterday and now I’m learning all about Bullet Journaling. Oh, and gearing up for Thanksgiving. Our daughter and significant other are driving up from San Diego, so we’re beyond thrilled! Can’t wait to hear how you like Michelle Obama’s book. Have a great weekend!
I’m always worried when I leave a puzzle out that a piece will fall on the floor and never to be found. Likely carried off by our cat! We woke up to a couple inches of snow this morning. Not too thrilled with that!
Please let us know your thoughts on the Michelle Obama book.
I listened to Dryland a while ago. I hope that puzzle piece turns up somewhere. Thank you for the giveaway, Kathy!
A new book that was illustrated by Maira Kalman? How did I miss this? I must see if I can find a copy.
You felt the same way I did about Dryland 🙂
I just love Sarah McCoy and her books! Try This sounds like an excellent book for my daughter.
Great picture of you and Sarah!!!