Nostr notes by Lynn I 🗽 🤎

My reply to you sounds like I dislike people and humanity. I ...

2025-07-22T18:48:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…m8q3
_________________________

My reply to you sounds like I dislike people and humanity. I don't dislike either. I like the peace and quiet of nature, and I've always been someone who enjoys books, reading, and a lot of time for reflection. As I've gotten older, I've also adopted a more minimalist lifestyle, especially in terms of technology and lifestyle choices, though I'm very much still in touch with and living in the real world, and on the grid. I just try to live more mindfully and intentionally.

Mostly, I don't live that way because, from a practical ...

2025-07-22T18:15:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…m8q3
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Mostly, I don't live that way because, from a practical standpoint, I really can't. I don't have the requisite skills, and deafness and blindness would be a difficulty in that environment. But I would definitely like more solitude and to live away from people, if I could do so securely.

"One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey" by Sam ...

2025-07-22T18:09:12Z

"One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey" by Sam Kieth. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/21/2025 - 07/22/2025. Kindle Edition, 271 pages.

Book description: "One Man’s Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey" by Sam Kieth is a nonfiction book based on the journals and photographs of Richard Proenneke, who, at age 51, left his career and modern comforts to live alone in the remote wilderness of Twin Lakes, Alaska starting in 1968. The book details Proenneke’s construction of a log cabin using only hand tools, his daily survival activities, encounters with wildlife, and his reflections on solitude and self-sufficiency. Through vivid descriptions and photos, it offers insight into the challenges and rewards of a simple, deliberate life in nature, capturing both the harsh realities and deep satisfactions of wilderness living.

I enjoyed every word of this book, and I'm certain to reread it. Just a lovely book. Wilderness living and solitude have great personal appeal, though i don't live that way. However, in many respects, I would love to do so.

#nonfiction #biography #wilderness #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"King of Ashes" by S.A. Cosby. My rating:4 out of 5 ...

2025-07-21T18:05:05Z

"King of Ashes" by S.A. Cosby. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/20/2025 - 07/21/2025. ebook, 352 pages.

Book description: "King of Ashes" by S.A. Cosby is a gritty Southern noir thriller centered on Roman Carruthers, a successful investment manager who returns to his crumbling hometown of Jefferson Run, Virginia, after his father’s suspicious car accident. He finds his family in chaos: his brother Dante is ensnared by a dangerous gang due to crushing debts, and his sister Neveah is overwhelmed by managing the family’s crematorium and unraveling the mystery of their mother’s long-ago disappearance. As he tries to save his family, he’s drawn deep into a world of escalating violence, betrayal, and moral compromise, forced to negotiate with ruthless criminals and confront secrets that threaten to destroy them all. The story weaves family loyalty, generational trauma, and crime with a pressure-cooker intensity, asking what someone is willing to sacrifice to protect those they love.

This is a great thriller read, but if violence bothers you, it may not be a book for you. it is also extremely intense.

#fiction #thriller #CrimeFiction #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea" ...

2025-07-20T06:09:03Z

"The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea" by Helen Lewis. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/18/2025 - 07/20/2025. Kindle Edition, 316 pages.

Book description: "The Genius Myth" by Helen Lewis is a sharp examination of how Western society has historically labeled and revered the figure of the “genius.” Lewis unpacks the cultural construction of genius, highlighting how it has often celebrated the myth of the lone, preternaturally gifted (usually white, male) individual who is not just admired, but frequently excused from normal social and moral expectations.

Lewis argues the modern concept of genius—as an isolated prodigy—has run its course and often serves to excuse problematic behavior and consolidate power. The book challenges the notion of solitary brilliance, spotlighting overlooked collaborators and communities who play critical roles in genuine innovation.

By dissecting who gets labeled a genius and who is left out, Lewis reveals deeper societal biases around race, gender, and power.

This turned out to be an interesting read, from both historical and current perspectives.

#nonfiction #history #psychology #science #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I just want to thank everyone who posts here for the often ...

2025-07-19T02:05:15Z

I just want to thank everyone who posts here for the often wonderful book ideas you provide. I enjoy them so much. 📚

#books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Unthinkable: What the World's Most Extraordinary Brains ...

2025-07-18T03:43:06Z

"Unthinkable: What the World's Most Extraordinary Brains Can Teach Us About Our Own" by Helen Thomson. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/16/2025 - 07/17/2025. ebook, 256 pages.

Book description: Helen Thomson’s "Unthinkable" is a compelling exploration of the human brain through the stories of nine remarkable individuals living with rare neurological conditions. Our brains are far stranger than we think. We take for granted that we can remember, feel emotion, navigate, empathize, and understand the world around us, but how would our lives change if these abilities were dramatically enhanced--or disappeared overnight? Helen Thomson has spent years traveling the world, tracking down incredibly rare brain disorders. In Unthinkable she tells the stories of nine extraordinary people she encountered along the way. From the man who thinks he's a tiger to the doctor who feels the pain of others just by looking at them to a woman who hears music that’s not there, their experiences illustrate how the brain can shape our lives in unexpected and, in some cases, brilliant and alarming ways.

This book is not just about the science concerning the brain, but it's about people and their uniqueness.

#nonfiction #science #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Rogue Justice (Avery Keene, #2)" by Stacey Abrams. My ...

2025-07-17T07:18:07Z

"Rogue Justice (Avery Keene, #2)" by Stacey Abrams. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/15/2025 - 07/17/2025. Hardcover, 353 pages.

Book description: "Rogue Justice (Avery Keene, #2)" by Stacey Abrams is a high-stakes legal and political thriller featuring Supreme Court law clerk Avery Keene. In the aftermath of exposing a massive conspiracy that unseated the President, Avery tries to regain normalcy. At a legal conference, she is approached by Preston Davies, a fellow law clerk, who believes his late boss was blackmailed. After a shocking murder, Avery uncovers a list of federal judges belonging to the secretive FISA Court—responsible for granting surveillance permissions in national security cases.

As Avery investigates, she unravels a dangerous pattern suggesting a deeper, more sinister plot within the judiciary. Facing mounting threats and attempts on her life, she races against time with the help of allies, delving into the murky corridors of governmental power where corruption abounds and justice is at risk.

#fiction #PoliticalThriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Threat of the Spider (The Web of the Spider #2)" by ...

2025-07-16T02:56:35Z

"Threat of the Spider (The Web of the Spider #2)" by Michael P. Spradlin. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/13/2025 - 07/15/2025. Paperback, 176 pages.

Book description: "Threat of the Spider (The Web of the Spider #2)" by Michael P. Spradlin is a middle grade historical novel set in Germany during the early rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party. The story follows Ansel, a twelve-year-old boy whose outspoken nature often lands him in trouble with the growing Hitler Youth movement, led locally by his rival Hans. Ansel’s father, a newspaper journalist known for challenging Nazi propaganda, suddenly goes missing as a high-ranking Nazi official prepares to visit their town. With the local police aligning with the Nazis, Ansel and his friends must rely on their detective skills to search for his father and fight against efforts to suppress the truth and free press in their community. The book combines themes of courage, resistance, and the importance of standing up for justice and free speech during a perilous time in history.

The second book in this series was equal to the first in description and character development. I'm looking forward to reading the third installment when it comes out.

#fiction #HistoricalFiction #Nazis #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

Is this the one you're talking about? "Legends & ...

2025-07-16T02:13:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…n62l
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Is this the one you're talking about? "Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes, #1)" by Travis Baldree.

"Red Knife (Cork O'Connor, #8)" by William Kent ...

2025-07-14T12:07:12Z

"Red Knife (Cork O'Connor, #8)" by William Kent Krueger. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/13/2025 - 07/14/2025. Hardcover, 320 pages.

Book description: "Red Knife (Cork O’Connor #8)" by William Kent Krueger is a suspenseful mystery set in rural Minnesota, where private investigator Cork O’Connor is drawn into a violent conflict between the Ojibwe community and local townspeople. The story begins when the daughter of a powerful businessman, Buck Reinhardt, dies from a meth overdose. Reinhardt blames the Red Boyz, a gang of Ojibwe youths, for supplying the drugs and vows revenge. Tensions escalate after the gang’s leader and his wife are murdered, threatening to ignite a full-scale racial war in Tamarack County. Both sides turn to Cork, who is of mixed Irish and Ojibwe heritage, to uncover the truth behind the killings and prevent further bloodshed. As Cork investigates, he is forced to confront deep-seated prejudices, personal loyalties, and the destructive cycle of violence that threatens to consume the community.

I so enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the entire series.

#fiction #CrimeFiction #mystery #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Thunder Bay (Cork O'Connor, #7)" by William Kent ...

2025-07-13T06:50:12Z

"Thunder Bay (Cork O'Connor, #7)" by William Kent Krueger. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/11/2025 - 07/13/2025 Kindle Edition, 305 pages.

Book description: "Thunder Bay" is the seventh novel in William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor mystery series. In this installment, former sheriff turned private investigator Cork O’Connor is asked by his longtime friend and spiritual advisor, the Ojibwe medicine man Henry Meloux, to help find the son Henry fathered decades ago but has never met. Their search leads them to the rugged shores of Thunder Bay, Ontario, where past secrets and old resentments resurface. As Cork unravels the mystery of Henry’s 1920s romance and the resulting family rift, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of jealousy, revenge, and attempts on their lives. The novel explores themes of parent-child relationships, cultural identity, and the enduring bonds of friendship, set against a backdrop where the past and present collide.

As usual, this installment in the series did not disappoint, and also, as usual, the subplots were interesting as well. I think the writing in this series is captivating, and actually gets better with each book.

#fiction #mystery #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Searcher (Cal Hooper #1)" by Tana French. My ...

2025-07-11T15:40:44Z

"The Searcher (Cal Hooper #1)" by Tana French. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/09/2025 - 07/11/2025. Hardcover, 451 pages.

Book description: "The Searcher" by Tana French follows Cal Hooper, a retired Chicago police officer who moves to a remote village in western Ireland seeking peace after a difficult career and divorce. Cal hopes to enjoy a quiet life fixing up his new home, but his solitude is disrupted when a local teenager, Trey, asks for help finding a missing older brother. As Cal investigates, he uncovers the village’s hidden tensions and dangerous secrets, realizing that even in a seemingly idyllic community, darkness and moral ambiguity persist. The novel is praised for its atmospheric setting, slow-burning suspense, and nuanced exploration of community, justice, and belonging.

I nearly placed this book among the unfinished because it was a very slow starter. I'm so glad I kept on reading, however. If I hadn't, I would have missed out on a treasure.

#fiction #suspense #CrimeFiction #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi" ...

2025-07-09T19:18:15Z

"Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi" by Richard Rohr. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/07/2025 - 07/09/2025. Hardcover, 320 pages.

Book description: "Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi" by Richard Rohr explores the radical, inclusive spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, focusing on his alternative path to following Jesus—one that rejects power, privilege, and rigid dogma in favor of humility, solidarity with the marginalized, and the transformative power of love. Rohr presents Franciscan spirituality as universally accessible, emphasizing direct experience of God, care for nature, and a deep commitment to compassion and social justice. The book critiques institutional religion’s focus on rules, advocating instead for authentic connection, inner freedom, and living the Gospel through joyful, loving action. Drawing on Scripture, psychology, and art, Rohr invites readers to embrace imperfection, see holiness in everyday life, and participate in a “democracy of love” that is open to all.

I highly recommend this book and its approach to God. Brilliant.

#nonfiction #spirituality #God #religion #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

2/2 Prophets specifically discussed include: • Amos: Known for ...

2025-07-07T21:34:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…jwvk
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2/2 Prophets specifically discussed include:

• Amos: Known for condemning social inequality and oppression, emphasizing justice and integrity over ritual observance.

• Elijah: Opposed idolatry in Israel, confronted false prophets, and called for a return to genuine worship.

• Jonah: The reluctant prophet whose mission to Nineveh reveals God’s mercy even to outsiders.

• Isaiah: Proclaimed both judgment and hope, foretelling restoration and a messianic age.

• Jeremiah: The “weeping prophet” who warned of Jerusalem’s destruction but also envisioned a new covenant rooted in compassion.

• Ezekiel: Prophesied during the Babylonian exile, using symbolic acts and visions to call for spiritual renewal and restoration.

This book is truly life changing for me. I highly recommend it, and I plan to read the author's other books as well.

#nonfiction #God #Jesus #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

1/2 "The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of ...

2025-07-07T21:33:40Z

1/2 "The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage" by Richard Rohr. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/07/2025 - 07/07/2025. Hardcover, 173 pages.

Book description: "The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage" explores how the ancient wisdom of the Hebrew prophets offers guidance for living compassionately amid modern turmoil and injustice. Rohr draws on the prophets’ journeys from anger to lamentation and ultimately to hope, showing that their path—what he calls “holy disorder” or “sacred criticism”—challenges us to confront evil honestly, move through grief, and embrace a deeper, more inclusive love. The book encourages readers to transform outrage and sadness into compassion and wholeness. TBC
#books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Cost of Being Undocumented: One Woman's Reckoning ...

2025-07-07T08:59:27Z

"The Cost of Being Undocumented: One Woman's Reckoning with America's Inhumane Math" by Alíx Dick. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 07/06/2025 - 07/07/2025. Hardcover, 232 pages.

Book description: "The Cost of Being Undocumented: One Woman’s Reckoning with America’s Inhumane Math" by Alíx Dick (with Antero Garcia) is a memoir and social critique that exposes the hidden economic, mental, and physical tolls of living as an undocumented person in the United States. Drawing from Dick’s own journey—fleeing cartel violence in Mexico, surviving abusive relationships, and navigating underground healthcare—the book blends personal narrative with research to illustrate how undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the U.S. economy while being systematically excluded from its social safety net. Through vivid storytelling and analysis, Dick and Garcia challenge prevailing narratives about immigration, highlighting the structural injustices and “inhumane math” that define undocumented life in America.

#nonfiction #memoir #immigration #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Rise of the Spider (The Web of the Spider #1) by Michael P. ...

2025-07-05T19:47:54Z

"Rise of the Spider (The Web of the Spider #1) by Michael P. Spradlin. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/05/2025 - 07/05/2025. Paperback, 160 pages.

Book description: “Rise of the Spider” (The Web of the Spider #1) by Michael P. Spradlin is a middle grade historical fiction novel set in 1929 in the small Bavarian town of Heroldsberg, Germany. The story follows Rolf von Heusen, a young boy whose world is upended as the Nazi Party begins to gain influence in his community and across Germany. As the Hitler Youth’s influence spreads, Rolf witnesses the rise of anti-Semitic violence and the chilling transformation of friends and neighbors. The family is pushed to the brink. The novel explores themes of family loyalty, moral courage, and the dangers of extremist ideology. It provides historical context for Hitler’s rise to power, the economic and social unrest of the era, and the seductive nature of fascist movements, all through the eyes of a young protagonist forced to confront the darkness growing within his own community and family.

I invite readers to pay particular attention to the author's notes at the end of the book, and his reflections concerning totalitarianism and fascism, and how quickly it can take hold anywhere.

#fiction #HistoricalFiction #NaziIdeology #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation" by Zaakir ...

2025-07-05T11:45:16Z

"Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation" by Zaakir Tameez. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/01/2025 - 07/05/2025. Kindle Edition, 624 pages.

Book description: "Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation" by Zaakir Tameez is a landmark biography that reexamines the life and legacy of Charles Sumner, a pivotal but often overlooked figure in American history. Known primarily for being brutally caned on the Senate floor in 1856, Sumner was actually one of the most passionate champions of equal rights and multiracial democracy during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Tameez presents Sumner as a constitutional visionary who helped shape modern civil rights law, working closely with Black lawyers and civil rights leaders, and playing a key role in the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment, and the Civil Rights Act of 1875.

This biography was totally absorbing and filled with insight, not only about the personal and political life of Charles Sumner, but also concerning the society of the times, and also how people of money and social position lived.

#nonfiction #biography #history #slavery #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

2/2 "Taking Midway: Naval Warfare, Secret Codes, and the ...

2025-07-02T02:39:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…v3f6
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2/2 "Taking Midway: Naval Warfare, Secret Codes, and the Battle that Turned the Tide of World War II," Martin Dugard;

"Assembling Religion: The Ford Motor Company and the Transformation of Religion in America," Kati Curts;

"American Woman," Susan Choi;

"In the Woods," Carrie Jones;

"The Burning Season," Caroline Starr Rose;

"Mornings in Jenin," Susan Abulhawa;

"Towards an Ethical Approach to Animals: A Life Learning about Animal Welfare (Animal Welfare, 26)," Clive Phillips; and

"Food, Environmental Degradation and Injustices (Palgrave Studies in Green Criminology)," Simon Sneddon.

#books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

1/2 Books I read in June, 2025: "One Day, Everyone Will Have ...

2025-07-02T02:39:10Z

1/2 Books I read in June, 2025:

"One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This," Omar El Akkad;

"Mustard Seed (Freedman/Johnson, #2)," Laila Ibrahim;

"Yellow Crocus (Freedman/Johnson, #1)," Laila Ibrahim;

"The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women's Rights," Dorothy Wickenden;

"The Girls in the Snow (Nikki Hunt, #1)," Stacy Green;

"Does Israel Have the Right to Exist? (Israel Palestine Conflict Book 1)," David Lockwood;

"The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World of Joiners," Rami Kaminski;

"Eruption," Michael Crichton;

"Ralph Waldo Emerson, Philosopher and Seer; An Estimate of His Character and Genius in Prose and Verse," Amos Bronson Alcott;

"Give Her Credit: The Untold Account of a Women's Bank That Empowered a Generation," Grace L. Williams;

"The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America," Greg Grandin;

"Polar Wives: The Remarkable Women behind the World's Most Daring Explorers," Kari Herbert;

"A Brief History of the End of the F*cking World," Tom Phillips;

"The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now (The Deadliest #1, Scholastic Focus) (1)," Deborah Hopkinson;

"The Autobiography of Malcolm X," Malcolm X;

"The Tell: Oprah's Book Club: A Memoir," Amy Griffin;

"Abundance," Ezra Klein;

#books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I refuse to put political posts behind a content warning. ...

2025-07-02T01:37:46Z

I refuse to put political posts behind a content warning. Political posts, in my opinion, do not deserve a CW. My instance doesn't require that, anymore than it requires posts about books to be behind a CW. Even for book posts, i try to remember to flag them with a hashtag. This idea that certain types of content, though there's nothing lewd or sexual about it, must be behind CW's, is ridiculous, in my opinion. I'm sorry people are upset by certain normal posts about today's world. I think, however, what they're really upset about is being exposed to something they disagree with. It is absolutely impossible for any of us to know another's triggers. That said, if something is lewd or sexual, by all means, a CW is helpful. I have few complaints about Mastodon or the Fediverse, but the over use of content warnings is one of them. https://dragonscave.space/@Kaliah/114780837739954271

"One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This" by ...

2025-06-30T03:58:45Z

"One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This" by Omar El Akkad. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/29/2025 - 06/29/2025. Kindle Edition, 188 pages.

Book description: “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad is a nonfiction work that serves as a deeply personal and scathing critique of the Western world’s moral failures, especially regarding its treatment of marginalized groups and its response to global crises like the war in Gaza. Drawing from his experiences as an immigrant, journalist, and father, El Akkad explores the disillusionment with Western ideals, exposing the hypocrisy, double standards, and systemic injustices that persist in societies claiming to champion freedom and justice. The book is both a “heartsick breakup letter with the West” and a call for accountability, urging readers to confront the gap between professed values and lived realities, and to seek something better than what the West has offered.

This is an extremely revealing read, one which I find myself totally in agreement with. I am also going to read "American War," another book by this author.

#nonfiction #memoir #MiddleEast #politics #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Mustard Seed (Freedman/Johnson, #2)" by Laila Ibrahim. ...

2025-06-29T11:59:47Z

"Mustard Seed (Freedman/Johnson, #2)" by Laila Ibrahim. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/28/2025 - 06/29/2025. Kindle Edition, 282 pages.

Book description: "Mustard Seed" by Laila Ibrahim is the second book in the Freedman/Johnson (Yellow Crocus) series. Set in 1868, three years after the Civil War, it follows Lisbeth Johnson, born into Southern privilege, and Mattie Freedman, formerly enslaved and Lisbeth’s beloved nurse, as they return to the Virginia plantation where their lives were intertwined. Lisbeth seeks reconciliation with her estranged family, while Mattie and her daughter Jordan, now a teacher and aspiring suffragette, return to rescue family members still facing oppression. The novel explores themes of faith, love, and the ongoing struggle for true freedom and justice in the postwar South, as the characters confront the lingering effects of slavery and the courage needed to break free from the past.

Great book and great series. I highly recommend it.

#fiction #HistoricalFiction #slavery #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Yellow Crocus (Freedman/Johnson, #1)" by Laila Ibrahim. ...

2025-06-28T14:16:15Z

"Yellow Crocus (Freedman/Johnson, #1)" by Laila Ibrahim. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Reading completed on 06/28/2025. Kindle Edition, 253 pages.

Book description: “Yellow Crocus” by Laila Ibrahim is a historical novel set in mid-1800s Virginia that tells the story of Mattie, an enslaved wet nurse, and Lisbeth, the white baby she is forced to care for after being separated from her own infant son. As Lisbeth grows up in privilege but loneliness, she forms a deep, loving bond with Mattie, who becomes more like family than her own kin. The novel explores their intense relationship, the harsh realities of slavery, and the search for freedom and dignity, asking whether such a bond can exist without consequence in a divided society.

I enjoyed this book so much. In some ways, it was rather a slow starter, but it made up for that slow start, several times over, in the end.

#fiction #HistoricalFiction #slavery #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and ...

2025-06-27T15:30:29Z

"The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women's Rights" by Dorothy Wickenden. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/17/2025 - 06/27/2025. Kindle Edition, 392 pages.

Book description: Dorothy Wickenden’s "The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women’s Rights" tells the intertwined true stories of Harriet Tubman, Martha Coffin Wright, and Frances Seward—three women in mid-19th-century Auburn, New York, who became close friends and allies in the fights for abolition and women’s rights. Tubman, famed conductor on the Underground Railroad, found support and shelter with Wright, a Quaker mother and women’s rights organizer, and Seward, the politically savvy wife of Lincoln’s Secretary of State. Through detailed letters and research, Wickenden reveals how these women’s private and public actions helped reshape the nation, offering a fresh, intimate perspective on pivotal events like the Underground Railroad, the early women’s movement, and the Civil War.

This was a great read. I highly recommend it.

#nonfiction #biography #history #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Girls in the Snow (Nikki Hunt, #1)" by Stacy Green. ...

2025-06-26T15:50:30Z

"The Girls in the Snow (Nikki Hunt, #1)" by Stacy Green. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/25/2025 - 06/26/2025. Kindle edition.

Book description:In “The Girls in the Snow” by Stacy Green, FBI Special Agent Nikki Hunt returns to her hometown of Stillwater, Minnesota, to investigate the murder of two fifteen-year-old girls found frozen in the snow. As Nikki digs into the case, she must confront her own traumatic past—the unsolved murder of her parents twenty years earlier—and questions whether the two crimes might be connected. Facing resistance from locals and new evidence that could clear her parents’ supposed killer, Nikki is forced to re-examine everything she thought she knew to catch a murderer before another life is lost.

I read this book on a whim, and it turned out to be crime fiction I really enjoyed. I will be continuing on with the series to see what happens next.

#CrimeFiction #thriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

It must be.

2025-06-25T20:01:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…dlyh
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It must be.

"Does Israel Have the Right to Exist? (Israel Palestine ...

2025-06-24T16:26:58Z

"Does Israel Have the Right to Exist? (Israel Palestine Conflict Book 1)" by David Lockwood. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/24/2025 - 06/24/2025. Kindle edition.

Book description: “Does Israel Have the Right to Exist? (Israel Palestine Conflict Book 1)” by David Lockwood examines the historical and political arguments surrounding Israel’s legitimacy as a state, focusing on the origins and ongoing debates of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The book is intended as an introduction to the complex issues at the heart of the conflict, presenting various perspectives on Israel’s right to exist and the broader implications for peace in the region.

#nonfiction #Israel #Palestine #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

Thanks! I think it might be on some ebook platforms, but not ...

2025-06-24T16:04:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…w2wh
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Thanks! I think it might be on some ebook platforms, but not Kindle. I'll have to do more investigation into that. Bookshare has it in human narrated audio, but not in other formats. Perhaps, it'll show up there too, if I wait a bit.

I really want to read this book, but in digital format, not ...

2025-06-24T14:00:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…890q
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I really want to read this book, but in digital format, not audio. Doesn't seem to be available in other than audio that I can find though.

"The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World ...

2025-06-23T11:01:38Z

"The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World of Joiners" by Rami Kaminski MD. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/22/2025 - 06/23/2025. Kindle Edition, 219 pages.

Book description: "The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World of Joiners" by psychiatrist Rami Kaminski, MD, is the first book to explore the concept of the “otrovert”—a personality type defined by feeling like an outsider in any group, regardless of social success or popularity. Otroverts are not shy or quiet like introverts, nor are they energized by crowds like extroverts. Instead, they thrive in close, one-on-one relationships but feel uncomfortable, alienated, or alone in larger group settings.

The above description does not do this book justice. I count it as the best book I have read, this year, and one of the best books I've been privileged to read, ever.

This book has explained who I am, and why I am the way I am. I am an otrovert. Not that this explanation changes my life. But it is nice to have a name, if you will, for my personality type. This book celebrates me and others like me, and it celebrates nonconformity and independent thought and choice. It celebrates aloneness and solitude not as something to be changed, but as something to be embraced.

#nonfiction #psychology #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Eruption" by Michael Crichton. My rating:5 out of 5 ...

2025-06-21T18:06:32Z

"Eruption" by Michael Crichton. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/19/2025 - 06/21/2025. Kindle Edition, 423 pages.

Book description: “Eruption” by Michael Crichton and James Patterson is a fast-paced thriller set on Hawaii’s Big Island, where Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, is about to erupt. As scientists scramble to manage the disaster, they uncover a decades-old military secret: a hidden vault filled with unstable radioactive waste mixed with herbicide, which, if released by the lava, could cause global extinction within months. The story follows volcanologist John “Mac” MacGregor and his team as they race against time and mounting chaos to prevent a catastrophe that threatens not just Hawaii, but the entire planet.

What a superb read. It's one I shall have to revisit.

#fiction #thriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I think this could be a very insightful read. "Canaries in ...

2025-06-21T08:03:43Z

I think this could be a very insightful read. "Canaries in the Code Mine: Precarity and the Future of Tech Work" by Max Papadantonakis explores the hidden vulnerabilities of software developers, revealing that even highly skilled tech workers face job insecurity, burnout, and systemic inequalities despite the industry’s reputation for privilege and opportunity. Through interviews with 120 professionals from leading tech firms, the book exposes how temporary contracts, project cancellations, and company downsizing undermine stability, while also highlighting how age, race, and gender shape career prospects. Papadantonakis argues that the tech industry’s rapid innovation often comes at the cost of worker well-being and security, making its labor force the “canaries in the coal mine” for broader trends in the future of work.

#nonfiction #technology #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Ralph Waldo Emerson, Philosopher and Seer; An Estimate of ...

2025-06-19T12:51:21Z

"Ralph Waldo Emerson, Philosopher and Seer; An Estimate of His Character and Genius in Prose and Verse" by Amos Bronson Alcott. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/19/2025 - 06/19/2025

eBook, Gutenberg.org.

Book description: “Ralph Waldo Emerson, Philosopher and Seer; An Estimate of His Character and Genius in Prose and Verse” by Amos Bronson Alcott is a tribute and critical study of Emerson’s life, philosophy, and literary works. Alcott, a fellow transcendentalist and close friend, explores Emerson’s character, beliefs, and influence on American literature and thought. The book combines prose analysis and poetic reflection, offering insight into Emerson’s ideas and their impact on culture and philosophy. Published in 1889, it serves as both a personal homage and a thoughtful examination of Emerson’s genius.

#nonfiction #literature #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Give Her Credit: The Untold Account of a Women's Bank ...

2025-06-19T03:56:42Z

"Give Her Credit: The Untold Account of a Women's Bank That Empowered a Generation" by Grace L. Williams. My rating:3 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/17/2025 - 06/18/2025. Kindle Edition, 209 pages.

Book description: Give Her Credit: The Untold Account of a Women’s Bank That Empowered a Generation by Grace L. Williams tells the true story of a group of pioneering women in 1970s Denver who, frustrated by discriminatory banking practices that denied women credit without a male cosigner, founded the Women’s Bank in 1978. Led by B. LaRae Orullian and entrepreneur Carol Green, alongside other notable women, they overcame significant obstacles to create the most successful female-run bank in the nation. The book chronicles their challenges, achievements, and the broader impact they had on financial equality and opportunities for women and marginalized communities in America.

#nonfiction #history #feminism #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in ...

2025-06-18T02:24:04Z

"The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America" by Greg Grandin. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/16/2025 - 06/17/2025. Kindle Edition, 375 pages.

Book description: Greg Grandin’s The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America is a Pulitzer Prize–winning history that examines how the idea of the frontier shaped American identity, politics, and expansion—from early colonization through westward movement, wars, and into the present. Grandin argues that for centuries, the frontier served as a “gate of escape,” allowing the U.S. to deflect internal conflicts outward. With the rise of the border wall as a new national symbol, Grandin contends that America has turned inward, marking the end of the myth of limitless expansion and the beginning of a new era defined by boundaries, exclusion, and reactionary politics.

I found this book totally absorbing and educational.

#nonfiction #history #UnitedStates #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Polar Wives: The Remarkable Women behind the World's ...

2025-06-16T19:22:58Z

"Polar Wives: The Remarkable Women behind the World's Most Daring Explorers" by Kari Herbert. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/15/2025 - 06/16/2025. Kindle Edition, 362 pages.

Book description: Polar Wives: The Remarkable Women behind the World’s Most Daring Explorers by Kari Herbert tells the stories of seven extraordinary women—Kathleen Scott, Jane Franklin, Eleanor Anne Franklin, Jo Peary, Emily Shackleton, Eva Nansen, and Marie Herbert—who stood behind famous polar explorers during the “heroic age” of exploration. Drawing on unpublished journals and letters, Herbert reveals how these women were not just supporters, but also publicists, defenders, and sometimes financiers of their husbands’ expeditions. Their lives were filled with longing, betrayal, hope, and adventure, taking them from the polar regions to war-torn Macedonia, the Australian outback, and ancient cities plagued by disease. The book offers a deeply personal and vivid look at the resilience and influence of these often-overlooked figures in exploration history.

#nonfiction #exploration #history #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"A Brief History of the End of the F*cking World" by Tom ...

2025-06-15T13:29:15Z

"A Brief History of the End of the F*cking World" by Tom Phillips. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/13/2025 - 06/15/2025. Kindle Edition, 377 pages.

Book description: A Brief History of the End of the F*cking World by Tom Phillips is a witty and insightful exploration of humanity’s long-standing obsession with the apocalypse. The book traces how people across history have repeatedly believed the end was imminent, from doomsday cults and failed prophets to mass panics and holy wars. Phillips examines the psychology behind apocalyptic thinking, why it recurs, and how it adapts to modern fears like nuclear war and climate change. Despite its dark subject, the book ultimately finds hope in humanity’s resilience and our ability to find meaning even when catastrophe seems close.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am so glad I read it. Not only did it accomplish what the above description stated, but it demonstrated something good and resilient about the ability of humanity to cope, and where necessary, invent. I highly recommend this book. Mr. Phillips also did a masterful job of writing.

#nonfiction #history #humanity bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now (The Deadliest #1, ...

2025-06-14T14:37:42Z

"The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now (The Deadliest #1, Scholastic Focus)" by Deborah Hopkinson. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/14/2025 - 06/14/2025. Paperback, 224 pages.

Book description: The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now by Deborah Hopkinson is a nonfiction book for young readers that explores the history of deadly pandemics, from the Black Death in medieval Europe to the Spanish Flu of 1918 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The book uses engaging narratives, primary sources, photos, diagrams, and facts to bring to life how these diseases changed societies and how people responded to them. It covers major outbreaks like plague, smallpox, polio, and flu, making complex history accessible and relevant for today’s readers.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55977817

This was a great read, even for adults. A fraction of the information is a bit out of date, but that is no reason not to read and learn from this book.

#nonfiction #history #disease #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X. My ...

2025-06-13T23:58:26Z

"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/11/2025 - 06/13/2025. Kindle Edition, 527 pages.

Book description: The Autobiography of Malcolm X is the life story of Malcolm X, told through a series of interviews with journalist Alex Haley. The book traces Malcolm’s journey from a troubled youth marked by racism and crime, through his conversion to Islam and rise as a powerful voice for Black pride, nationalism, and pan-Africanism. It details his evolving beliefs, including his break from the Nation of Islam, pilgrimage to Mecca, and embrace of Sunni Islam, culminating in his assassination in 1965. The autobiography is celebrated for its candid exploration of race, identity, and transformation in America.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26137012

This autobiography has been on my reading radar for years, and I wasn't disappointed.

#nonfiction #autobiography #history #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

About to begin reading "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" ...

2025-06-12T00:58:18Z

About to begin reading "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcom X. It has been on my mind to read for years, so I think now is a good time to do so.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26137012

#books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Tell: Oprah's Book Club: A Memoir" by Amy ...

2025-06-12T00:23:49Z

"The Tell: Oprah's Book Club: A Memoir" by Amy Griffin. My rating:4 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/11/2025 - 06/11/2025. Kindle Edition, 275 pages.

Book description: Amy Griffin’s memoir, The Tell: Oprah’s Book Club: A Memoir, chronicles her journey of self-discovery and healing as she confronts repressed childhood trauma. Outwardly, Griffin’s life appeared perfect—successful career, marriage, and motherhood—but she was unknowingly running from painful memories buried deep within herself. Prompted by her daughter’s question, “Where are you, Mom?”, Amy embarks on a quest that leads her through psychedelic-assisted therapy, where she uncovers the truth of her abuse by a trusted teacher during her youth in Texas. The memoir explores themes of perfectionism, societal expectations of women, and the transformative power of radical honesty, ultimately offering hope and connection to others facing similar struggles.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214539239

#nonfiction #memoir #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Abundance" by Ezra Klein. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. ...

2025-06-11T08:59:50Z

"Abundance" by Ezra Klein. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/10/2025 - 06/11/2025. Kindle Edition, 297 pages.

Book description: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson is a nonfiction book that argues American progressivism has lost its ability to build the things society needs, such as affordable housing, modern infrastructure, and clean energy. The authors contend that well-intentioned regulations and a focus on preventing harm have led to artificial scarcity and stifled innovation, especially in liberal cities. They propose an “Abundance Agenda,” urging a shift from merely distributing resources to actively creating more of what people need, advocating for policies that balance necessary regulation with ambitious development. The book envisions a future where government and markets work together to deliver widespread prosperity and addresses how systemic barriers must be reformed to achieve genuine abundance.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176530394

This is easily one of the best, amazing and most thought provoking books I have read in 2025. I highly recommend it.

#nonfiction #innovation #progressivism #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

Hello, Dr. May! I am from the United States, and have been ...

2025-06-11T07:46:02Z

In reply to nevent1q…ttqu
_________________________

Hello, Dr. May! I am from the United States, and have been following your posts for a few weeks now. I just wanted to thank you for them, let you know how insightful and informative I think they are, not only about the US, but also the UK and Europe. Like many in the US, I am brought to tears, daily, over the state of things here, and yet you, in the UK, are also experiencing some of the same trials. I just wanted you to know I appreciate what you have to say, and hope you keep on saying it. It is a public service to the world.

"Taking Midway: Naval Warfare, Secret Codes, and the Battle ...

2025-06-10T10:26:09Z

"Taking Midway: Naval Warfare, Secret Codes, and the Battle that Turned the Tide of World War II" by Martin Dugard. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/09/2025 - 06/10/2025. Hardcover, 368 pages.

Book description: Martin Dugard’s “Taking Midway: Naval Warfare, Secret Codes, and the Battle that Turned the Tide of World War II” is a fast-paced historical account of the pivotal Battle of Midway in 1942, when the Allies were suffering defeat after defeat in the Pacific. The book centers on the efforts of Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort, whose cryptological work in Honolulu was crucial in uncovering Japan’s plans for a massive assault, and Admiral Chester Nimitz, who had to make high-stakes decisions with limited resources. Dugard weaves together the drama of codebreaking, internal Navy skepticism, and the intense naval clash between American and Japanese forces, showing how strategy, luck, and intelligence combined to shift the momentum of World War II in the Pacific.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217927450

I have read a few books about this battle, some nonfiction, and some historical fiction. This one was informative, well written and interesting. I highly recommend it.

#nonfiction #WWII #history #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I marked this to read. Should be interesting.

2025-06-10T07:19:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…sxq5
_________________________

I marked this to read. Should be interesting.

A collage of fifteen historical fiction book covers, each ...

2025-06-09T22:14:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…umh7
_________________________

A collage of fifteen historical fiction book covers, each featuring butch/femme themes. The background is a sunset sky with clouds, and large white text at the top reads "BUTCH/FEMME FICTION HISTORICAL FICTION." In the upper left corner, a small pink and purple box says "IHS Reading Challenge" and "Week of 06/09/25." The book covers are arranged in three rows of five.

Top row, left to right:
Dr. Dodson’s Home for Incorrigible Women by Riley LaShea – ornate teal and red cover with a heart-shaped lock.
An Island Between Us by K. Anne Meinel – a misty island scene with two women’s faces above.
Awake Untome by Kathleen Knowles – a silhouette of a woman standing in front of a golden sunrise.
Hearts of Valor and Elegance by Lucinda Wicked – a woman with long hair and a mask, with an ornate background.
Coronet by F.K. Sewell – a woman in historical attire with a tricorn hat.

Middle row, left to right:
Encrypted Hearts by E.V. Bancroft – a woman in a red coat holding a letter.
Ms. Bianco’s Bliss by Therin Salem – a reclining woman in a corset, looking over her shoulder.
The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan – a woman in a red dress with a somber expression.
Sweet Creek by Lee Lynch – a pastoral scene with a woman lying in the grass. (1/2)

#OTD: Best-selling crime novelist Patricia Cornwell was born on ...

2025-06-09T12:30:11Z

#OTD: Best-selling crime novelist Patricia Cornwell was born on June 9, 1956, in Miami, Florida. She is renowned for her series featuring medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta, which began with the novel Postmortem in 1990 and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Cornwell’s work is noted for its emphasis on forensic science and has significantly influenced the crime fiction genre and related television shows. bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Assembling Religion: The Ford Motor Company and the ...

2025-06-09T09:00:44Z

"Assembling Religion: The Ford Motor Company and the Transformation of Religion in America" by Kati Curts. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/08/2025 - 06/09/2025. Kindle Edition, 287 pages.

Book description: Assembling Religion: The Ford Motor Company and the Transformation of Religion in America by Kati Curts explores how Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company fundamentally reshaped American religious life in the twentieth century. The book reveals that Ford’s approach to business, mass production, and social engineering was deeply influenced by his religious beliefs and practices—including his ties to the Episcopal Church, New Thought, and even the “gospel of reincarnation.” Curts argues that what is often seen as secular industrial innovation was, for Ford, a prophetic mission to remake society, blending religious myth-making with corporate culture. Drawing on Ford’s archives, the book examines how his business methods paralleled prosperity gospel traditions and shows how technology, labor, and religion became intertwined in modern America.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219488739

This was an interesting read--one on which I will have to think more about over time. Mr. Ford's view of his fellow human beings has its flaws, as he certainly does.

#nonfiction #ReligionInAmerica #history #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"American Woman" by Susan Choi. My rating:4 out of 5 ...

2025-06-08T16:17:48Z

"American Woman" by Susan Choi. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/07/2025 - 06/08/2025. Paperback, 369 pages.

Susan Choi’s American Woman is a novel inspired by the 1974 Patty Hearst kidnapping, following Japanese-American radical Jenny Shimada as she hides out in upstate New York after bombing draft offices during the Vietnam War. Jenny is recruited to shelter three younger fugitives—Pauline (modeled after Hearst), Juan, and Yvonne—who are on the run after a failed revolutionary action. The story delves into the tense, isolated existence of these fugitives, exploring their shifting loyalties, identities, and the psychological toll of life underground, while reflecting on themes of radicalism, race, and the contradictions of idealism in 1970s America.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/285086

I would describe this book as a somewhat complicated, yet insightful read. It does incapsulate much of the culture and attitudes of the early 1970s.

#fiction #HistoricalFiction #culture #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I have had this title on my TBR list, and I'm going to move ...

2025-06-08T07:41:54Z

In reply to nevent1q…rgpe
_________________________

I have had this title on my TBR list, and I'm going to move it up.

"In the Woods" by Carrie Jones. My rating:3 out of 5 ...

2025-06-07T04:02:04Z

"In the Woods" by Carrie Jones. My rating:3 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/05/2025 - 06/06/2025. Kindle Edition, 343 pages.

Book description: It should have been just another quiet night on the farm when Logan witnessed the attack, but it wasn’t. Something is in the woods. Something unexplainable. Something deadly. Hundreds of miles away, Chrystal’s plans for summer in Manhattan are abruptly upended when her dad reads tabloid coverage of some kind of grisly incident in Oklahoma. When they arrive to investigate, they find a witness: a surprisingly good-looking farm boy. As townsfolk start disappearing and the attacks get ever closer, Logan and Chrystal will have to find out the truth about whatever’s hiding in the woods…before they become targets themselves.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42085155

The writing is brilliant, but without creating a spoiler, i cannot explain more about the rating, except to say this is not my usual read. If you read this book, you will understand more.

#fiction #paranormal #horror #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Burning Season" by Caroline Starr Rose. My rating:5 ...

2025-06-06T03:52:08Z

"The Burning Season" by Caroline Starr Rose. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/05/2025 - 06/05/2025. Kindle Edition, 249 pages.

Book description: The Burning Season is a middle-grade novel in verse about twelve-year-old Opal Gloria Halloway, who lives with her mother and grandmother in a fire lookout tower deep in the New Mexico wilderness. Opal is training to become a fourth-generation fire lookout, but she secretly fears fire—a fear rooted in the loss of her father to a wildfire. While she wishes for a more typical seventh-grade experience with friends in town, Opal is drawn into a real-life survival challenge when her mother is stranded in town, her grandmother goes missing, and a wildfire breaks out on her watch. Alone, Opal must confront her deepest fears and find the courage to protect her family and their mountain home.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217453283

This was a lovely read, I thought. I don't read many books in verse, but the beauty of it surprised me.

#fiction #MiddleGrade #poetry #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I did not realize, until I read this book that Goodreads has a ...

2025-06-05T18:01:48Z

In reply to nevent1q…wkxc
_________________________

I did not realize, until I read this book that Goodreads has a list called Books on the Israel Palestine Conflict (fiction and nonfiction), 413 books. There are also other lists, including books on the Middle East.

#books

"Mornings in Jenin" by Susan Abulhawa. My rating:5 out of ...

2025-06-05T17:51:33Z

"Mornings in Jenin" by Susan Abulhawa. My rating:5 out of 5 stars, Read from: 06/04/2025 - 06/05/2025. Paperback, 331 pages.

Book description: Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa is a sweeping, multi-generational novel that tells the story of a Palestinian family, the Abulhejas, who are forcibly removed from their ancestral village of Ein Hod during the creation of Israel in 1948. The narrative centers on Amal, born in the Jenin refugee camp, and follows her family’s journey through decades of displacement, loss, and survival amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The novel explores themes of identity, trauma, love, and resilience as Amal grows up in the camp, experiences tragedy, and eventually builds a life in America before returning to her roots. Through Amal’s eyes and those of her family, the book humanizes the Palestinian experience, depicting both the pain of exile and the enduring hope for peace and justice. The story is noted for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, offering a personal perspective on historical events and the impact of conflict across generations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6692041

I highly recommend this book.

#HistoricalFiction #Palestine #MiddleEast #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Towards an Ethical Approach to Animals: A Life Learning ...

2025-06-04T20:51:27Z

"Towards an Ethical Approach to Animals: A Life Learning about Animal Welfare (Animal Welfare, 26)" by Clive Phillips. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/03/2025 - 06/04/2025. Hardcover, 273 pages.

Book description: Clive Phillips’ book “Towards an Ethical Approach to Animals: A Life Learning about Animal Welfare” presents a historical and forward-looking examination of animal ethics, blending the author’s personal journey with a critical analysis of humanity’s relationship with animals. The book argues for a fundamental shift in how we treat animals, highlighting the urgent need to move away from exploitation and toward respect for all animal life, given the rapid decline in wildlife and the dominance of intensive animal farming. Phillips draws on his extensive career to advocate for valuing animal uniqueness, preserving natural ecosystems, and adopting an ethical responsibility toward animals, rather than focusing solely on their rights or utility. The book is intended for readers in veterinary science, animal industries, ethics, and anyone concerned about the future of animal life on Earth.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223709644

This book is part memoir, and part an advocacy effort.

#nonfiction #animals #environment #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I haven't read this book, but I've read some of his other ...

2025-06-04T09:17:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…p5v7
_________________________

I haven't read this book, but I've read some of his other books.

I was able to find the book in digital format, so I will ...

2025-06-03T12:56:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…ey47
_________________________

I was able to find the book in digital format, so I will definitely be reading it. I don't want to pester you, but since you post about the Middle East, I was wondering if you could recommend some titles for me in reference to what is happening in Gaza? This situation, and the world's lack of a humanitarian response, is very upsetting, and I would like to read more on the subject, if possible.

Thanks for the recommendation. Sounds interesting. I will look ...

2025-06-03T12:40:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…ey47
_________________________

Thanks for the recommendation. Sounds interesting. I will look for it.

Yes, I found that most insightful, and I believe he is correct. ...

2025-06-03T12:27:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…8vgl
_________________________

Yes, I found that most insightful, and I believe he is correct. The book definitely caused me to think about what we, as human beings, are doing to those we share this planet with, human and animal, alike.

"Food, Environmental Degradation and Injustices: How the Way ...

2025-06-03T12:09:28Z

"Food, Environmental Degradation and Injustices: How the Way We Eat Will Destroy Us (Palgrave Studies in Green Criminology)" by Simon Sneddon. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 06/02/2025 - 06/03/2025. Kindle Edition, 255 pages.

Book description: “Food, Environmental Degradation and Injustices” by Simon Sneddon examines how industrial agriculture and aquaculture—covering products like meat, seafood, tomatoes, potatoes, palm oil, and soya—contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss, labor exploitation, and species injustice. The book explores the links between our food systems, environmental harm, and social injustices, highlighting the destructive impact of current eating practices and weak regulations driven by corporate interests.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232410189

#nonfiction #FoodInequity #environment #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I'm not a huge fantasy genre reader, but I'm wondering ...

2025-06-03T09:05:56Z

I'm not a huge fantasy genre reader, but I'm wondering about The Powerless Trilogy books by Lauren Roberts. The description of this series sounds intriguing. Many young adult reads are great reads also! Anyone care to share your thoughts?

#books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

Of course there have always been older women detectives on the ...

2025-06-02T23:27:02Z

Of course there have always been older women detectives on the page and screen — or one, at least, a certain Miss Marple. But according to author Alison Goodman, these days they're everywhere. She traces the influence of Helen Mirren's Jane Tennison in "Prime Suspect," through D.I. Vera Stanhope to Elizabeth and Joyce from the Thursday Murder Club series. "Now, I am revelling in the chance to write older women as protagonists," she writes. "They are not the murder victim, the wife, the back-story mothers or nosy neighbours. They may be dismissed by the patriarchal world around them, but they are driving the story and using their wits and life knowledge to help other women in trouble. And that is what I want to read and watch: clever older women solving crimes by using skills and knowledge they have developed through their lives."

https://flip.it/Nh9EE7

#Books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57) #Literature #AgathaChristie #MissMarple #CrimeFiction #Culture

I love to read, and I can do that now, since I'm retired. ...

2025-06-02T02:52:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…762r
_________________________

I love to read, and I can do that now, since I'm retired. 📚

@npub1ny7…uv57 Books I read in May, 2025. One of Our Own, by ...

2025-06-01T21:04:12Z

bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57) Books I read in May, 2025.

One of Our Own, by Lucinda Berry.
Hidden Nature, by Nora Roberts.
Conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, by Moosa Elayah (editor).
Wild at Heart: America's Turbulent Relationship with Nature, from Exploitation to Redemption, by Alice Outwater.
Eruption: The Untold Story of Mount St. Helens, by Steve Olson.
The Outsiders: A Thriller, by Gerald Seymour.
Man in the Woods: A Novel, by Scott Spencer.
Fire and Flood: Extreme Events and Social Change Past, Present, Future, by Thomas Princen.
The Caves of Steel (Robot, #1), by Isaac Asimov.
Mark Twain, by Ron Chernow.
The Thing in the Woods, by Harper Williams.
American Poison: A Deadly Invention and the Woman Who Battled for Environmental Justice, by Daniel Stone.
Antisemitism in America: A Warning, by Chuck Schumer.
Domestic life in New England in the seventeenth century : a discourse, by George Francis Dow.
The Destruction of Palestine Is the Destruction of the Earth, by Andreas Malm.

About to look at "The First Law Trilogy Boxed Set" by Joe ...

2025-05-30T08:30:58Z

About to look at "The First Law Trilogy Boxed Set" by Joe Abercrombie. Not sure if it'll be a good fit for me, but some things I just don't discover until I begin reading.

#books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"One of Our Own" by Lucinda Berry. My rating:4 out of 5 ...

2025-05-30T06:09:19Z

"One of Our Own" by Lucinda Berry. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 05/29/2025 - 05/30/2025. Kindle Edition.

Book description: “One of Our Own” by Lucinda Berry is a psychological thriller about Felicia, a single mother and lawyer in a small Wisconsin town who volunteers at a crisis center. One night, she receives a desperate call from a teenage girl claiming she was sexually assaulted at a local party. Breaking protocol, Felicia continues to communicate with the girl, determined to protect her and seek justice. As she uncovers more details, Felicia fears the crime may involve someone close to her, forcing her into a tense struggle between her instincts as a mother and her moral duty.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228166155

This book is rich with atmosphere about sexual assault and the vulnerability of young women, and also their courage.

#fiction #CrimeFiction #PsychologicalThriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Hidden Nature" by Nora Roberts. My rating:4 out of 5 ...

2025-05-29T19:53:08Z

"Hidden Nature" by Nora Roberts. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 05/27/2025 - 05/29/2025. Kindle Edition, 507 pages.

Book description: “Hidden Nature” by Nora Roberts is a suspenseful blend of mystery, thriller, and romance centered on Sloan Cooper, a Natural Resources police officer. After surviving a near-fatal shooting during a convenience store robbery, Sloan returns to her hometown in Western Maryland to recover. While healing, she becomes intrigued by a series of mysterious disappearances across three states, noticing a chilling pattern that points to a serial abductor. As she investigates, with the help of a new love interest, Sloan must rely on her determination, resilience, and the support of her family to uncover the truth and stop the perpetrators—risking her life once again to bring justice and closure to the victims.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222160545

Another great read from Nora Roberts that didn't disappoint.

#fiction #thriller #suspense #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Conflicts in the Middle East and Africa" by Moosa Elayah ...

2025-05-29T02:40:13Z

"Conflicts in the Middle East and Africa" by Moosa Elayah (editor). My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 05/28/2025 - 05/28/2025. Hardcover, 190 pages.

Book description: This book explores the multifaceted dynamics between state and non-state actors in public policy during and after conflict in the Middle East and Africa. It offers case studies and policy-relevant ideas for conflict-affected areas to move forward in a more sustainable manner. Following the Arab Spring revolutions, civil wars have plagued the Middle East and North Africa region, along with other countries in Africa. The task of rebuilding peace and institutionalizing stability in conflict-affected countries or fragile states emerging from conflict is a daunting, uncertain, and context-specific task. Yet focusing on understanding conflicts in the Middle East and Africa offers an important view of the role of non-state actors during conflicts.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198784470

#nonfiction #history #MiddleEast #Africa #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Wild at Heart: America's Turbulent Relationship with ...

2025-05-27T20:35:43Z

"Wild at Heart: America's Turbulent Relationship with Nature, from Exploitation to Redemption" by Alice Outwater. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 05/25/2025 - 05/27/2025. Kindle Edition, 347 pages.

Book description: Wild at Heart: America’s Turbulent Relationship with Nature, from Exploitation to Redemption by Alice Outwater is a sweeping history of how Americans have interacted with the natural world over the past five centuries. The book traces shifts in attitudes from Native American practices of reverence and balance, through periods of exploitation and environmental destruction during colonization and industrialization, to recent efforts at restoration and sustainability. Outwater highlights both the damage done—such as the extinction of species and pollution of rivers—and the progress made, showing how Americans are increasingly embracing a sense of ecological interdependence and working toward regeneration and protection of nature.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45163973

I enjoyedreading this book, and learned much from doing so.

#nonfiction #history #environment #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

Thanks for understanding my point.

2025-05-08T04:40:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…gcxk
_________________________

Thanks for understanding my point.

I know some get upset when I post about #Gaza and its people, so ...

2025-05-07T18:20:57Z

I know some get upset when I post about #Gaza and its people, so I try to keep it in check, but this ... Israel is starving Gaza. It’s a cheap, silent and brutal way to kill

Starvation is a slow, painful way to die. And unlike bombs and tanks, it’s easy for western leaders to ignore

Ahmed Moor

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/07/israel-starving-gaza

palestine group (npub1zxn…0kqm)
#Gaza
#starvation
#famine

Which countries recognise Palestine as a sovereign nation? ...

2025-04-10T08:39:59Z

Which countries recognise Palestine as a sovereign nation?

Currently, 147 of the 193 UN member states recognise the State of Palestine as a sovereign nation, representing 75 percent of the international community. The Holy See, which holds UN observer status, also recognises it.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/10/mapping-which-countries-recognise-palestine-in-2025

palestine group (npub1zxn…0kqm)
#Palestine

I don't know all of your requirements, but this instance has ...

2025-02-14T18:33:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…ke6u
_________________________

I don't know all of your requirements, but this instance has been a good fit for me. Character limit is 1,337. Server located outside of the US. Rules not overly intrusive, etc. I also like it because of the Vivaldi browser and their attitude concerning big tech.

Yes, I'm in agreement. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said ...

2025-02-06T06:20:13Z

Yes, I'm in agreement. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said the US is about to “ignite the worst war” yet based on the mistaken “belief that they are God’s chosen people”.

“God’s people are not white Americans or Israelis. God’s people are all of humanity,” said Petro, who has also clashed with Trump recently over the US deporting migrants to Colombia.

palestine group (npub1zxn…0kqm)
#Gaza
#Colombia
#America #USPol

I see your point. I follow two types of people--people I know or ...

2025-02-03T03:58:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…jnms
_________________________

I see your point. I follow two types of people--people I know or want to interact with, and sources of information about news, politics, tech or books.

Why would anyone here even want all those followers? I have fewer ...

2025-02-03T03:50:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…9jvt
_________________________

Why would anyone here even want all those followers? I have fewer than 200 followers, and that's fine. I have plenty of people to talk with here.

I won't follow anyone there either, unless their posts are ...

2025-01-27T01:25:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…jg9m
_________________________

I won't follow anyone there either, unless their posts are available to me here. Same goes for X and Facebook.

I agree with you. I only hope this platform doesn't become ...

2025-01-24T02:24:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…luj9
_________________________

I agree with you. I only hope this platform doesn't become corrupted.

📢 I apologize to everyone who I told that another's ...

2025-01-21T04:00:23Z

📢 I apologize to everyone who I told that another's favorites are visible to their followers. They are not. I definitely misunderstood somehow. The person who knows you favorited a post as the owner of the account the post came from. Still, I'm glad favoriting let's the poster know I like their post.