Friday, 1 March 2024

February Reading


I reread One Hundred Days for book club.I enjoyed it the second time, probably focusing a little more as I wasn't waiting possible terrible outcomes...same thoughts as before, reviewed here.









The M Word I read this because of something I wanted to write about that a friend told me about (and I didn't want to intrude on her). The book didn't really cover what I wanted and as I'm not too troubled by symptoms (except weight gain), then it wasn't really that interesting for me. I have a friend that refers to this book as the Bible so if you are struggling with symptoms, this might be a great book as she goes through remedies in detail. What works, what doesn't, what has worse side effects than benefits. If you are contemplating HRT she covers that in great detail so it will put your mind at rest (or give you questions to ask your doctor). For me, however, I much preferred this book, The Menopause Manifesto with it's history and feminist views for a better mental adjustment and of course the brilliant advice (click to read review and find out!) As you may have worked out, I struggle a bit with how old I've become! My brain is not keeping up with my body! 



The Scarlet Pimpernel - I was recommended this on Twitter, when someone had said it still held up. It's a very enjoyable book, written just after the turn of last century by Baroness Orczy. It has indeed stood the test of time, and while a little obvious at times, is a fun lark with a central female character. Set in the French Revolution, it's a period piece but also looking at marriage and family relationships. An easy read, would make a good beach/holiday book.






Loose End - I really love Ivan Coyote's work. There's always a story that makes me cry. This is a very early book and not my favourite (Tom Boy Survival Guide is the best, I think - I read this after seeing the brilliant show at the Festival of Sydney, and have been working my way through the books ever since) but always interesting and enjoyable. If you haven't read any Coyote, this is not the one to start with.

What have you been reading this month?


And I've been listening to some radio plays. Reviews are here.

Linking with 

#WWWhimsy  #SeniorSalonPitstop #WeekendCoffeeShare #TrafficJamReboot #WowonWednesday #Bookdate #MonthlyBookworms  #FriendshipFriday








18 comments:

  1. I am curious about The Scarlet Pimpernel. Here are my WEEKLY UPDATES

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  2. That is an interesting selection of reads. I've been reading non-stop police procedural/ detective type novels so far this year. I can't get enough of them!
    Popping over from Book Worms Monthly.

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  3. HI Lydia as always an interesting selection of books that I've not heard of apart from The Scarlet Pimpernel. Thanks for sharing and don't forget our What's On Your Bookshelf? link up third Friday of each month, I'd love you to join us. x #WOW

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  4. I have been meaning to read some Ivan Coyote, but never manage to find time. I am determined to get to some of her work. I just downloaded Tomboy Survival Guide and might even squeeze a few hours to read it. Thanks for the reminder.

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    1. The one Middle Seat is really powerful and the one where the mother asks how to raise a good man. You can feel the pain in it. I have to say in Loose Ends none of them have been impactful. Entertaining but not that emotional connection (when it stirs up ean emotional reaction)

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  5. I am curious about The Scarlet Pimpernel. I been reading some classic fantasy and sci-fic lately. Will soon switch to literary classics.
    Have a great March reading month.

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  6. I'm going to have to check out your radio plays that you've been listening too. I feel quite un-emotional about the M word. I had mine when I was at my sickest and don't remember any of the symptoms...a blessing maybe. I think of mine as the end of my periods...full stop (see what I did there? ok bad joke!)

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    1. Nah, good joke. At least it made me chuckle....

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  7. I just finished Exiles by Jane Harper and I'm currently reading The Kamogawa Food Detectives. Thank you for allowing Name/ URL to leave comments on your blog and for your #weekendcoffeeshare.

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    1. I got a copy of the Food detectives after another blogger recommended it. Haven't read it yet...

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  8. Hi Lydia I was so interested to see that you read the Scarlett Pimpernell. I have it on my reading list for the 52 book challenge this year. My book club have just finished reading How To Stop Time by Matt Haig. It had mixed reaction from members but for me it was a 5 star read

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    1. I like books on time. I didn't love the Midnight Library but might check out the new one....

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  9. I'm listening to fiction in the car right now, and am making excuses to go out as the book, Homecoming by Kate Morton is sooooo complicated but also very interesting. I had not heard of your books but remember seeing Dr Ginny's book somewhere. I went through a kind of menopause but it barely changed me as I had a hysterectomy with ovaries left until now...,my old age at 74 I am helped by hormones. Grateful for that! Denyse

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  10. Thanks for sharing your recent reads, Lydia. I recently finished Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves, which I loved. I am currently reading When Never Comes by Barbara Day, which I am enjoying though not quite as much. The protagonist's name is Christy Lynn. My name is Christie Lynne, so that's kind of fun.

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  11. I just finished Anne of Green Gables for our Classic Book Club and now reading Howards Way. You always have interesting selections, Lydia. Thanks for the reviews. x

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  12. Hi Lydia, that's a great collection of books! During my little getaway to Stradbroke Island I managed to read an entire book - The Work Wives by Rachael Rachael Johns and I started “This One Wild and Precious Life – A hopeful path forward in a fractured world” by Sarah Wilson. I also bought and started reading “A Nature Guide to North Stradbroke Island – Minjerrabah“. Of course, since I got home I've read nothing! I never get time! Thanks again very much for your guest post this week! Have a wonderful Easter and thanks for linking up again with #WWWhimsy xo

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  13. Enjoyed your coffee share! I’m writing on aging, BTW, for the A to Z Challenge,.

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    1. will try to check out....as I seem to write about that a LOT atm...

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