More traveling this past weekend, but this was to see family (i.e. our granddaughter, now almost six months old) so no dancing, except for around the house with the baby. She and our daughter-in-law both had slight colds, so we almost didn’t go, but our DIL was already feeling better by Friday, so we took a chance and went to Maryland as planned (arriving late with flight delays, of course!) and stayed at a motel the first night instead of visiting right away.
So glad we went! Even though the travel is exhausting, it’s well worth it to get our cuddles in. She’s growing so fast, but still seems more interested in chewing on her books than reading them!
Of course, our flight back was delayed as well – completely unacknowledged by the airline in any announcements – so we got in later than the late we had planned for, but at least didn’t miss the final airport shuttle bus (1:15 am), which is what happened to us last time!
Another travel trend? The last two motels we’ve stayed at didn’t provide hand towels – just bath towels and washcloths. The first time, we thought it was an oversight and asked at the desk, but, no, they didn’t have any. Housekeeping service has changed drastically since the pandemic shut-down, of course, but if you’re going to drop one of the three, wouldn’t it be the washcloth?
Now, it’s on to the books!
Almost finished with another Big Book Summer book!
Currently Reading
Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay by Elena Ferrante
Final Lullaby by Sasha Lauren
“Many of us are one bad death away from becoming a right-to-die activist.” – from the Publisher
Final Lullaby by Sasha Lauren is a LibraryThing Early Reviewer win from August. It has a bookstore-owner main character and a New England setting, but I think it’s going to be sad!
Just started it in the airport yesterday, when I was saving the ending of Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay till today.
Currently Not Listening To
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
I didn’t like this one, and gave it back to the library unfinished. Am I wrong? (I didn’t really like The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, either, and I felt this was along the same lines.)
Recently Listened To
Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman
Piper Goodeve gives an appealing narration of this whimsical audiobook…Goodeve skillfully inhabits each character as she paces the story beautifully. This is a big-hearted tale of finding one’s way after an unexpected derailment. — M.J. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Although not my favorite Lipman novel, Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman was clever and fun. I needed something lighter to enjoy after listening to the amazing Demon Copperhead!
Currently Listening To
Network Effect by Martha Wells
We didn’t get as much time to listen in the car this weekend as we thought, so my husband and I are still only halfway through Network Effect (Murderbot Diaries #5).
This post is linked to “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Check out the link-up party there for more book lists!
I’m not much of a traveler. I don’t think I’ve been more then 10 miles from home since I retired. I agree that it is odd to eliminate hand towels in motels though. Your books sound interesting. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Travel has changed. The pandemic has affected so much. I need to get back to Murderbot. I think I left off after 3 or 4? I was curious about Italian Summer too- sorry that one didn’t work out.
Definitely understand needing something light after Demon Copperhead! I generally enjoy Elinor Lipman and tried Ms. Demeanor shortly after it was released, but it wasn’t a good fit at the time… seemed a little sillier than her previous novels, so I set it aside. I picked up a copy of The Cherry Orchard after you mentioned it in a comment on my blog. Almost done now, so I’m really ready for Tom Lake! Hope you have a good week.
I read In Five Years by Rebecca Serle earlier this year and it was fine, but nothing special. I had been eyeing One Italian Summer, but maybe I’ll give it a miss based on your meh reaction and my own lack of intense enthusiasm for her last book! I’m glad to hear your brief rave of Demon Copperhead as I’ll be reading that soon and am looking forward to it! I hope you enjoy your reading this week!
Always great to see a young grandchild, bummer about he airlines. Always believe if we don’t enjoy a book – stop. So many good books we don’t need to miss because of one that doesn’t suit us.
I would also drop the washcloth. Funny that they chose to get rid of hand towels. Your travels sound frustrating, I am so glad there’s a wonderful grandchild at the other end to make it all worth while.
I’m glad you got to get your cuddles in!
And I do like the Elinor Lipman books I’ve read in the past. It sounds fun.
How nice that you were able to visit with your family! But flight delays… *sigh* I haven’t noticed a lack of hand towels. If anything, we always seem to have two or three when I think only one would do. If they’re trying to cut back, why not just cut back on numbers instead of eliminating them altogether?
My husband and I listened to Network Effect late this spring. We just love Murderbot!
Enjoy your week!