This week has been terrible between world/country news and personal news; hooray for joys:

1. My boys, pictured together in a much needed family cuddle
2. Betty Crocker‘s Reese‘s Peanut Butter Coffee Cake mix—so good in cupcake form!
3. IRL book club. Most of us didn‘t like the book and talked about cats instead
4. I made it to the next round for a potential WFH library-related full time job. 🤞
5. Rainbow outside my front door

#5JoysFriday

We just received word that Zeke does have small cell lymphoma. It‘s not a surprise, but sad all the same. Thankfully, it is treatable, with the possibility of remission with chemo and a good 2-3 years, as long as we can keep him in a good place.

You can tell he‘s in a happy place from the photo, and that‘s all I can ask for. It‘s hard to see him go through this, but now we have a diagnosis and can properly treat it. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

I wasn‘t sure what to think at first about this one—it started off a little uneven, but as I progressed with this, I realized that maybe that was the intention. We hear the story from the perspective of Phoenix, who is the landscaper for Rosecliff. Something terrible happens to Marguerite, Rosecliff‘s owner, and Phoenix describes the events that transpire. I cannot say more without really spoiling it, but by the end, I just sat and ⬇️⬇️⬇️

This light memoir captures Hart‘s experience in NYC and at Tiffany during the summer of 1945. Filled with humor and sentiment, Hart shares hilarious (and potentially embarrassing) episodes as well as her hopes and dreams and college worries. Just the right book to read, with its fluffiness and nostalgic tone. #SundayBuddyRead

We‘re up to number 20, #LittenDetectives ! Our next #NancyDrewBR features jewels and a lost prince. Will Nancy be able to decipher the clue in the jewel box? And, more importantly, will Nancy suffer more head knocks? Let‘s just hope there are no exploding oranges! 😂

Discussion on June 15th! All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list.

#5JoysFriday

1. My boys…always. Recent pictures, and yes that‘s Sebastian sitting and washing in the water fountain bowl! 🙄
2. Xander‘s cardiology visit went well. His new meds are working! Progress has been made on additional issues found during his prior visit.
3. Organizing my thoughts for #14Books14Weeks
4. The latest Anthony Horowitz arrived!
5. Baking cranberry white chocolate chip muffins for my mom for Mother‘s Day

It‘s not a book stack picture, but it‘s my list for #14Books14Weeks ! Maybe this is the year I finally continue with both of these series…they‘ve been listed so many times for so many challenges, one of these days I‘ll get to them! 😂

My reading has been so spotty lately, and my attention span is rather limited, I‘m hoping Gamache and Brunetti are just what I need.

It‘s time for our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives ! I have 5 questions posted. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Our next caper is The Clue in the Jewel Box. More details tomorrow!

So much better than the last one! Thank goodness for no exploding oranges or exotic animals! Nancy and the gang are embroiled in a treasure hunt of sorts, with adventures that feature spooky houses, shifty people, and kidnapping galore. Fun, breezy read. #NancyDrewBR

So sorry for the late reminder, but discussion is Thursday in the AM US East Coast time!

Angie really annoyed me in this one! But, I don‘t think I‘d get along with Angie in real life, so props to Mel! 😂

Mel owes a former college friend a favor, and she is on the hunt for the real murderer. Lots of cupcakes, some shady business, and a real humdinger of a cliffhanger. Glad to see this series has picked up again! #LitsyAToZ #LetterC

“‘Why not take Nancy? She‘s had a lot of experience meeting strange people.‘”

That‘s such an understatement! 😂

#NancyDrewBR

This book…what an impact, and I‘ve barely reached the 25% mark of it. Here, Pember discusses the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and the graveyard of children who lost their lives there.

I was raised not far from the Army War College and drove by that cemetery thousands of times, before it became the “main gate” to the college after 9/11. Prior to 9/11, civilians could easily go onto the campus & drive around. A branch of my bank was there! ⬇️

This one was so much better than the last couple I read in the series! The mystery and the solution seemed a little flimsy to me, but Mel and Angie in Vegas was a fun location for them. And, I‘m now craving cupcakes! 😂

I‘ve missed sharing a #5JoysFriday the last few weeks because…well…life has been chaotic and not the greatest. But, I want to take a moment this morning to reflect on the good this past week:

1. My boys…always. They‘re my kids. I‘d do anything for them.
2. Fabulous mystery book event this past Saturday. So much fun to be around books!
3. Receiving my #SundayBuddyRead supplemental book from @TheBookHippie …yay book mail!
4. Aardvark Book Club ⬇️

I was about to post this before I got the phone call about Zeke‘s biopsy results. I‘m so excited to read this, @TheBookHippie ! Thank you!! #SundayBuddyRead

We received not so good news today—Zeke‘s recent medical procedure showed signs of small cell lymphoma. However, the report was inconclusive, as others cells may indicate that he has a severe case of IBD. I had to order yet another test that will definitely prove what he has. But, the cells do show signs of lymphoma. More meds, shots, vet visits, etc in our future.

I‘m devastated. Cherish every moment you have with your fur babies! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

#RantTime

With the proposed elimination of library, museum, humanities programs, and PBS funding, among other entities, it is imperative that voices are raised against these measures. My lifeblood is all about humanities—I‘m a librarian, after all—and it is terrifying that my skills are considered to be unimportant to the government. I‘d rant more, but I‘ll save that for another day.

Please contact your representatives. See link below. ⬇️

I liked The Therapist more!

12 years ago Layla disappeared. Finn is haunted by this, as he was also accused of murdering. Now, he‘s set to marry her sister. But, what one could say is an odd event occurs which has Finn wondering if Layla has come back. The premise is good, but the characters are very unlikeable. They really deserve each other. 😂 I was also a bit annoyed by the past chapters in part 1, as Finn used “you,” addressing Layla. So-so.

Posting my May #BookSpinBingo list now before viewing the reveal post!

I am beyond touched by the many well wishes, good thoughts, and check ins regarding Zeke. And, the patience and understanding from my various #BuddyRead groups means so much to me.

Zeke spent a second day at the specialist today, going through a medical procedure to retrieve cells for further testing. The procedure showed evidence of issues. We‘ll find out in a couple of weeks an official diagnosis.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

It‘s time for the #LiteraryCrew monthly book discussion! I have 7 questions posted. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag. Stop by and answer whenever!

May‘s book is Morgan Is My Name by Sophie Keetch!

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is discussion day for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! Zeke had his visit with the specialist today with a medical procedure to determine things tomorrow, so I will post at some point during the day—the specialist is over an hour away from me, and he has to be there early morning with a pickup time in the evening.

I will tag everyone to let you know the questions have been posted!

We‘re staying in 1924 with May‘s #ChristiesCapers . This first short story collection by Christie of course features Poirot. Discussion on May 25th!

All are welcome. Please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from the tag list.

I will post the story titles in the comments. This one should be the same in all countries, but just in case, our discussion will focus on the listed short stories. #AgathaChristieClubR3

I realized I never posted the #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead title for May! This is the first in a trilogy that features Morgan Le Fay from the Arthurian legend.

Read at your own pace throughout May. I‘ll post periodic check ins during the month, and discussion will take place on May 31st.

Please let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list.

I started this book not knowing anything about Millay, with a very fleeting knowledge of her work. Her diary entries are filled with joys and criticisms, some very mean spirited and cruel, as well as a vulnerable soul who fought demons and ill health. A great look at her life. A good choice for #SundayBuddyRead .

Time for our #ChristiesCapers discussion! I have 5 questions posted as spoilers; you can find them by searching my feed, the book‘s feed, or by the group‘s hashtags. Jump in whenever into the discussion!

Our next Christie is the short story collection Poirot Investigates featuring, you guessed it, more Poirot! I‘ll post the official notice tomorrow!

So sorry for the late reminder, but tomorrow (Sunday) is our next #ChristiesCapers discussion! I will post questions mid- to late morning. I‘ve seen some great reviews, so I am looking forward to the discussion. #AgathaChristieClubR3

Overall, a good collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. Some are better than others, but they each lend for great discussion between the #NoPlaceLikeHolmes group!

Murder at a thriller writer conference? Told from four perspectives, the narrative looks at a 24-hour period after a murder occurs. Twists throughout keep the narrative moving, and the multiple voice actors and actresses for the audio help lend to the individuality of the characters. The ending was just wow! #LitsyAToZ #LetterI

I finally took the time to finish this for #InDeathLongReadalong …I‘m a bit behind! But, I think this was another great addition to the series. We see a more vulnerable Eve in some ways as she navigates grief and love. We also see a very strong Eve who speaks of walking with the dead. A bit of a sentimental end. #LitsyAToZ #LetterJ

I love the Golden Girls (I‘m a Dorothy, by the way). Of course I had to try this. While this does not quite capture the magic of the television show, it‘s close. And really, can anything capture it (I have the same feelings for the Murder, She Wrote book series)???

Dorothy is accused of murder, and Rose has to put the St Olaf spin on her niece‘s wedding. There‘s humor with that heartwarming touch of friendship and family. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Life continues to be an up and down rollercoaster!

#5JoysFriday

1. My boys…always!
2. Purina Pro Plan Lamb and Rice for sensitive stomachs— not what the vet wants Zeke to eat, but after literally starving himself to near death last week, I bought a couple non-chicken primary ingredient foods, and Zeke is loving this.
3. PetSmart for curbside pickup
4. IRL book club for non-vet human interaction
5. Spring, listening to the birds chirp

This novel has one of the most psychologically evil fictional characters I have ever met. Be forewarned—parts of this are very difficult to read due to the actions taking place and the pure sinister behavior of one of the characters. We hear the story through Gillian, who as a woman in her 70s is reminded of a troubling episode in her teenage life, prior to WWII, when she visits the home of her friend Violet Claybourne over winter break. ⬇️⬇️⬇️