Week Thirty-Four

The Fremonts set the political stage for celebrities.

Week Thirty-Three

Cannibal, indeed.

Week Thirty-Two

Looking for a summer read? You found it. This book is for music lovers. Virginia Hanlon Grohl meets with a slew of mothers, who share their point of view.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2020

What's not to love about a challenge? Here is one, 2020 52 Books in 52 Weeks, that runs from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The rules are simple.

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Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
Week Five
Week Six
Week Seven
Week Eight
Week Nine
Week Ten
Week Eleven
Week Twelve
Week Thirteen
Week Fourteen
Week Fifteen
Week Sixteen
Week Seventeen
Week Eighteen
Week Nineteen
Week Twenty
Week Twenty-One
Week Twenty-Two
Week Twenty-Three
Week Twenty-Four
Week Twenty-Five
Week Twenty-Six
Week Twenty-Seven
Week Twenty-Eight
Week Twenty-Nine
Week Thirty
Week Thirty-One
Week Thirty-Two
Week Thirty-Three

 
Previous successful challenges:

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2020

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2019

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2018

Read 52 Book in 52 Weeks in 2017

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2016

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2015
Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2014

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2013
Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2012

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2011
Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2010

Week Thirty-One

John Lithgow takes readers verse by verse through the history of Donald Trump's presidency. He knows that he is preaching to the choir.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Thirty

Heard the authors' presentation at Auburn Community College. Could have included an index.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-Nine

Three exciting thrillers from the pen of James Patterson and James O. Born. The stories, don’t match title. Previously book shots.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-Eight

Revolving around an upscale chef and restaurant owner, the storyline is bit convoluted and ridiculous plus way too many characters. Also, lacked a plot. Al Roker did a pretty good job with what he had to work with here.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-Seven

A wonderful excursion into the life and land of Alaska. Romeo and Juliet with an Alaskan twist. Cliffhanger conclusion.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-Six

Having Scottish roots, read this story will enthusiasm. Enjoyed the stories of Sir Sean Connery’s childhood. All is all a good read.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-Five

If you ever owned an automobile and had desired to travel, and you admired Mark Twain’s quote regarding travel, this book should be read by you. Plus keep an eye out for the film.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-Four

Using Alaska as a main character, Dana Stabenow does a good job of giving you a sense of the conflicted lives the modern Aleut Indians face as they attempt to maintain their heritage, including their native lands, and face the reality of the modern world. Mutt is the best.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-Three

This cozy mystery is a fast, enjoyable read for those who enjoy the cozy genre. Also if you like cats.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-Two

If you are a Russian literature buff, this collection might be for you. It presents a broad appreciation of that particular time.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty-One

The authors have provided an interesting and timely read of the 25th Amendment. Perhaps this book should be read by all Americans regardless of political party.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twenty

A common sight in rural Texas is old trucks set out to pasture. This is an ode to both hard work and perseverance.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Nineteen

The Russian gulags revisited. Prepare for an emoltional and unforgettable journey.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Eighteen

If you think that you might enjoy the history of the gardens of the White House. This book is for you. Plus many recipes.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Seventeen

"Nor hell a fury, like a woman scorned." 

World War I may have ended but murder did not. Inspector Ian Rutledge is excellent at his job, treats people fairly and respectfully. Plus don’t forget Hamish.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Sixteen

This is a mixed bag of entertaining short Sherlock stories. But might be avoided by Sherlock purists.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Fifteen

Perhaps classics should not be tampered with. That being said, it is impossible not to admire and root for this woman who year after year, century after century, faced her fears, honed her powers, and learned to stand up for herself. Told from the point of view of Circe, daughter of the sun Titan Helios. Her mother was Perse, a sea nymph, who was the granddaughter of the Titan Oceanos.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Cindy's Valentine Tea

Invitation

 

Booklet

Gluten-free Cookies

Top of Stove

More Gluten-free cookies

Guest & Hostess

Week Fourteen

Shane Bauer, posing as an undercover reporter, takes a job as a corrections officer. Bauer makes a strong case for why prisons should not be privatized. Plus good historical information.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Thirteen

Full disclosure, this is book I normally wouldn’t read. Due to the fact that the rhythm of Mailhot's prose might not be for everyone.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Twelve

Once again Colin Cotterill takes the reader on a fantastic journey to post revolution Laos. While the quirky characters abound, a weak scaterred plot may put some readers off.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Eleven

Tom Ang once again provides the reader with a terrific reference volume. This is a must have for those looking for a beautiful coffee table volume. Great photographs stunningly reproduced.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Ten

Colin Cotterill uses an unusual location, Laos, with solely Asian characters. Definitely not a "page turner”. While the characters are believable; the plot seemed overly complex.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Nine

Looking for a volume that treats Rod Serling's remarkable 25-year career. Your search is over.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Eight

Susan Rice has written an honest memoir. Very well-written and interesting. Extremely relevant for today’s news.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Seven

Ben Crump takes advantage of a hot-button topic. Some readers may see this volume as useless propaganda but If you have an interest in minority rights or social justice this book is a good read.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Six

In this long running series, Precious Ramotswe comes through again. This cosy read, leaves the reader with a good feeling.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Five

The setting is New Bremen, Minnesota in the year 1961. The narrator is 13-year-old Frank Drum. This is a classic coming-of-age novel.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Four

Once again, Jack Reacher is trying to help the little guy in this case older people. The over-the-top violence and high body count may put some readers off. The typical story line but the setting is a different town.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Week Three

In the pages of Working, Robert Caro, a great researcher,  explores the mind of the writer. Thus making this work essential reading for any wannabe author.

Read 52 in 52 Weeks 2020

Happy New Year 2020

If you want good luck in the New Year, Southerners will tell you that you have to have a bowl of Hoppin' John on the first day of the year.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 celery stalks

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chopped cooked ham (about 1/2 pound)

1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed, undrained

3 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (might use less - if too spicy for taste)

6 cups hot cooked white rice

Preparation

1. In a soup pot over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot; cook onion, celery, and garlic 5 minutes or until tender. Add ham, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve mixture over rice.