Oh my, he’s skiing to the South Pole with his kid? Are they in the news? That sounds a bit crazy. Still I think you would like reading The White Darkness — that puts it in perspective.

Yeah I passed on Sacred Deer and I think I will wait for The Favourite till it’s on TV rental. I guess I still hope to see Green Book and maybe Bohemian Rhapsody and Beale Street. We’ll see if I get to the theater or wait.

I know what you mean about the Oscars race. If it’s of any consolation, other reviewers have raved about The Favorite. It wasn’t my cup of tea but it has its moments. It’s good, though not great, in my opinion. I left the theater hall feeling meh towards it. Another Yargos Lanthimos production from last year or the one prior was The Killing of the Sacred Deer, starring Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman. There was no ambivalence about it: I felt repulsed, but it was a movie meant to stir a stronger response.

Hi Ti: what is it about dogs stealing seats? Mine does it all the time to get to the heater. So I guess I can’t blame her. You have a cute pup too. I have not read The Terror but if you think it’s chilling than it really must be scary! It’s a big book I think I’ve seen, but I’m sure it reads quickly. It sounds cold too. I will put it on my long TBR list. I recall you liking it a lot.

Hi JoAnn: Yes, you will like the David Grann book! It’s excellent. If you didn’t like Birdsong, then I would likely forgo Faulks’s latest book. The storytelling is a bit similar. But I’m glad you like Umrigar. She can really weave a tale of dissimilar characters! I must read more of her backlist as well.

Hi Carmen: astute observations. Stella is indeed quieter or more calm than Sadie, her younger half sister. She’s also one year older. And yes the explorer who just crossed Antartica solo in December was Colin O’Brady. I must read more about him and his trek. He was the first to successfully do it solo and unsupported. Can’t imagine. I will be curious about his tale. As for the Oscars, they appear to be all over the place. From your reviews: I’m not sure I can get too excited about either Roma or The Favourite. Hmm. Where does that leave me?

Hi Brian: you have a dog as well? You’ll have to put a picture on your blog. They seem to love to steal sits. I think you would like The White Darkness book. There’s something alluring about hearing about Antarctica!

Your pup is so cute. My pup steals my seat every time I get up but as soon as I come back she gives it back to me.

We were just talking about watching Roma on Netflix this morning. Hopefully within the next few days…