That’s a good story of your honeymoon. I’ve had good times in Montreal — you’ll probably like it. I’d like to visit Quebec City next !

I don’t remember why we did that on our honeymoon, it was 39 years ago! We were living in Ann Arbor, we drove there, and we ate at a different nationality of restaurant for every meal! It was unforgettable that’s for sure. I still want to visit Montreal someday. So many authors I love from there.

Thanks Laurel. You have a Happy Thanksgiving too! Enjoy.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Thanks JoAnn: I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving too! We agree on The Nickel Boys for sure. You might get to The Yellow House before me … but I’d love to hear the audio version of her reading it. I’ll look for it. As for A Separate Peace, not many readers really like the book these days. I struggled with liking it as well … b/c of the narrator is sort of a selfish boy who learns a lesson or two by the end. Enjoy your holiday!

Hi Dorothy: the Ocean Vuong book you mention is one I hope to get to in 2020; it sounds unique and powerful. I know the Susan Choi novel was a bit of a tough read for me and I felt it also rather grim. It might not make for Christmas time reading? But I hope you enjoy your December books … a busy few weeks indeed.

Hi Kathy: I agree that awards don’t always mean I’ll like the book either. The Susan Choi novel is not one I really liked … though I’m still impressed with her as a writer. But I do like looking at various picks as well as bloggers’ picks for “best of 2019” books. And that’s a good question about Peter Mayle’s last book. I tried to find out … and apparently: this was a collection of his unpublished essays … which he planned to release before his death. But perhaps he would’ve edited them more?

Hi Brian: Have a great Thanksgiving on Long Island. Will you see snow? Secret Societies do interest me … so that’s why I had to pick up Ninth House. It’s a good idea for a novel. I’m glad I finally got to A Separate Peace … it was a grim time in 1942 … and that’s what lurks in this novel.

Thanks Judy: Happy Turkey Day to you too! and for the tip on the Motherless Brooklyn movie. I read the book long ago pre-blog days … and would like to see it. I probably should read it again. I’m curious how you came to have your honeymoon in Toronto, ha, welcome to Canada. I was there for a week in August and had a good time. I want it noted I read a Fantasy book! Double credit I think.

I haven’t read A Separate Peace since 9th grade and remember very little about it. A few years ago I started a “rereading high school” project (mostly neglected this year) with this book is on the list.

Beautiful California photos. Happy Thanksgiving!