Hi Jane, yes we might be getting donkeys down the road so just learning what I can about them now. Sweet animals.
And thanks, yes I was a reviewer for PW from 2020 thru end of 2025. But now I’ve taken on one book for them in 2026. So I’m reading that now. It’s been a good gig for the brain, lol. Really need to be concise but detailed.
And I was impressed by Cape Fear … it’s one I’d recommend.
Luckily A Bad Bad Place wasn’t as gritty as Ian Rankin … it has quite a bit of a coming of age tale to it of a young girl. Good for a debut.
Glad to hear you’re a fan of Man on the Inside … it is a nice show at the end of the day to watch. We are starting Season 2 … it’s fun. Ted Danson shines too.
Thx for your thoughts. Have a great week.

I didn’t know you did review for PW–that’s pretty impressive. Have you been doing that for a while?

Cape Fear is definitely intriguing. Psychological thrillers are always appealing. It may go on the list.

Despite my Reading Scotland project, A Bad, Bad Place just isn’t what I want to read about Scotland. Just like I’m avoiding Ian Rankin. I don’t need that much grit right now.

Loved, loved, loved Man on the Inside. Watched both seasons, and season 1 twice. Interesting that it is based on a real story.

Thanks Rachel. Yes Man on the Inside is a bit of a cute show and we’ve started Season 2. I think you might like it — see what you think. Also I’m getting into Yesteryear and I’m not sure where it’s headed but it’s different. The narrator Natalie is not very likable (so far) but it’s a bit mysterious … I think you should try the audio. I am liking it in some weird way. Enjoy your weekend.

Carmen, you always pick high quality books. … so you have a good system of choosing what you pick up. I weigh some of my picks on PW and Kirkus starred reviews. I like when we get to the same reads. You vet many for me. For this summer I know of the upcoming Ann Pachett and Maggie O’Farrell novels … so I’ll likely put those on my summer list … and some others from the past six months that I haven’t gotten to. I need to finish this fall book for PW as soon as I can. Keep reading … 🙂

I don’t make summer lists but I have like 10-14 books that are supposed to be released between June 2-October that I am interested in reading. My reads typically include books that are vetted by the Amazon Book Review, the NYT Book section, and Barnes & Noble Reads teams. What’s usually on their list of the best books of the month, I choose from, emphasizing the ones that show up repeated on two or all lists. Plus anything else that strikes my fancy. Anyway, I do have a list but not in so constrained a term. 🙂 Ann Patchett, Maggie O’Farrell, Hernan Diaz, Chris Bohjalian and Daniel Silva are definitely there.

Hi Helen, I think you will like the movie version of RBC … it’s sort of uplifting. And I’m glad to hear you’ve watched both seasons of Man on the Inside … it is endearing and we can’t turn away from it, lol. Season 3 is being filmed apparently, yay.
Glad you are playing golf too. I’ve played three times now …. and I think I’ll be addicted soon. I like how it’s both social and a sport … I need to stay away from the sand traps! Ugh. Wishing you a great week.

Hi Jeanie, thanks, the mini donkeys are pretty adorable and are sweetness magnified. I will try to keep visiting them.
We ended up getting Netflix for a couple months but will likely give it after a while. It’s got a few good shows after all. Enjoy your week!

Hi Tina, unfortunately it seems Remarkably Bright Creatures is only on Netflix at the moment — so we finally broke down and are subscribing to that for a month or two before likely giving it up again.
I think your book idea for Gabriel Tallent is a good one! I’d be interested in reading more about those two main characters. I hope you get a letter back.
And I agree with you about Yesteryear …. I have no idea at the moment where it’s going … but I’m still in the early stages.
The donkeys are a nice antidote for the world in a tailspin. I will try to keep visiting them for positive cuteness. talk later.

Hi Tracy, thanks, the donkeys are uplifting to be around. I’m considering getting a couple for here … once I get all the right equipment.
And I’m glad your Mother’s Day weekend went well …. so sweet of your son to cook for you, nice!
The Ted Danson show is enjoyable and is shot around San Fran but I know we used not to get Netflix either. We finally broke down & have it for a month or two.
And I’m in the early stages of the book Yesteryear …. it’s a bit different and I’m not sure where it is going but I’ll keep with it and let you know.
Hope you have a great week.