“The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old” is a wonderful Dutch novel with an anonymous author. Although some have speculated that it is really the diary of an octogenarian, Peter de Smet revealed that he was the author in 2016, two years after the book became a bestseller. The author, however, is …
From Off the Shelf
Goodreads Goal Met and a New One Set
I haven’t written a book review for a while because we have been traveling so much, but I will make up for it when I catch up to myself. I did, however, at the start of this new year, want to mention the Goodreads app and webpage. My friends Beth Ann and Sarah turned me …
Prayerwalk by Janet Holm McHenry
As part of my morning devotions, I recently read two books on prayer. One was an old book that I have read and used to lead prayer groups many times. “What Happens When Women Pray” by Evelyn Christenson. The other was a new to me book, “Prayerwalk” by Janet Holm McHenry. Both are valuable resources …
“Road to Little Dribbling” by Bill Bryson
In 1995, Bill Bryson wrote “Notes from a Small Island“. This first book was based on an extended tour of Great Britain taken before he moved his family to the United States. Bryson is from the United States – Iowa – but stayed in England after marrying an English woman. Two of his three children …
“Knitting Yarns” Compiled by Ann Hood
“Knitting Yarns” is a collection of essays about knitting. The book is compiled by author and knitter Ann Hood and first published in 2013. Each chapter is written by a different author, some of them knitters, some of them knitting “fans” and some of them failed knitters. You might think this book appeals only to …
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Tom and I got a San Juan Island Library Card! This may not seem like a big deal to those of you who live in one place all the time but it is pretty exciting to us. After we started going to the Columbus Metropolitan Library last fall, I realized how much I missed going …
Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon by Donna Andrews
I recently discovered a new mystery writer and I have been enjoying her books immensely. Donna Andrews has written a series of books with bird-themed titles. There are 20 books in the series so far and I hope there are many more to come. “Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon” is #4 in her Meg Langslow series. Meg …
“The Zookeeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman
I recently saw a preview for the movie “The Zookeeper’s Wife” and decided to read the book before watching the movie. I read lots of history and am especially interested in Holocaust survivor stories. After being on the hold list for a long time from the library, I finally got the book and read it …
Dear Bob and Sue by Matt and Karen Smith
I recently read a book titled “Dear Bob and Sue” by Matt and Karen Smith. This book is in keeping with my theme of books about the National Parks. Matt and Karen quit their jobs and took a year off to visit all 58 (now 59) National Parks. First of all, a disclaimer. I get …
Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America’s National Parks
Several books have come out in the last few years about the National Park Service celebrating their centennial. I reviewed one about a year ago that I thought was an excellent history of the National Parks. I have one on my reading list about a couple who visit all 59 of the National Parks (“Dear …