Friday, December 29, 2017

December 2017 In Review

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, if you celebrate. My house was full of family with Mouse being the only one under 40. She loved all the attention she received--and, of course, she was spoiled rotten. I did receive one book under the tree thanks to my husband, along with a few gift cards to bookstores. I will be sharing my spoils with you next weekend along with my Stacking the Shelves post.

December was an extremely busy month. Dress rehearsals and then the two holiday showcase performances kept us running around the first half of the month. There was the Girl Scout Christmas party, a house to clean from top to bottom in anticipation of guests, dozens of cookies to bake, all the while still working and hoping my cold wouldn't get worse. It did. I ended up with strep throat and extremely swollen tonsils the week before Christmas. You would think that meant more reading and blogging time, but with my mom in town, that wasn't how things played out. I have barely had a chance to get on the computer and am typing this wrap up Friday night, hoping to get it published by midnight. I have given up on getting the last of my reviews for the year polished and published. They will come out next month if I can get my act together.

Baking Cookies

My mother is doing very well. You would never know she had surgery earlier in the month. My daughter has loved having her grandmother around the past couple weeks. I am sure she runs my mother ragged, although my mom does not complain.

I was heartbroken to hear about author Sue Grafton's death this week. She is one of my favorite mystery writers, and I have long looked up to her. She is a real trailblazer for women in the genre, and an inspiration to many. I was glad to hear her family plans to respect her wishes and not continue with the next book in the series. She had finished up to "Y".  As much as I love the series, I cannot imagine anyone else writing Kinsey Milhone.

We saw the new Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi, this month and my husband and I will be enjoying a rare date night this weekend, hoping to see Pitch Perfect 3. Fingers crossed it is good! Mouse, my brother, his wife, my mom and I all went to see Ferninand the day after Christmas since I had the day off from work. It was cute. 

I will be participating in Jamie's (The Perpetual Page Turner) End of the Year Survey again, wrapping up the year. I at least have that post ready to go the first of the year. I am excited to share my favorite books of 2017 with you along with some of my goals for the upcoming year.

I currently am reading Wicked City by Beatriz Williams for an upcoming book tour. I am really excited about this one. I am listening to the Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. I do not expect to finish either before the New Year, and so feel fairly safe posting my wrap up post early.

Here is what I read in December:

Solely For Me:
  • Shadowed by Karen E. Olson
  • The Christmas Room by Catherine Anderson
  • The Rancher's Christmas Song by RaeAnne Thayne
  • Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne
  • These Violent Delights by Victoria Namkung
  • Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say edited by Rhonda Parrish
  • Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley
Some of the Books I Read With My Daughter: 
  • The Littlest Elf by by Brandi Dougherty, illustrated by Kirsten Richards
  • Care Bears: Share Bear's Christmas Wish/i> by Scholastic Inc.
  • Christmas Mice! by Bethany Roberts, illustrated by Doug Cushman
  • Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You're Never Too Little for His Love by Max Lucado, illustrated by Bruno Merz
  • Amelia Bedelia Joins the Club (Young Amelia Bedelia - I Can Read!) by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril
  • The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna
  • Biscuit's Big Friend by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Pat Schories
  • Christmas Eve Good Night by Doug Cushman
  • Jingle Bells by Iza Trapani
  • Christmas Tree! by Florence Minor, Wendell Minor
  • Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz
  • The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Corduroy's Christmas Surprise by Don Freeman, illustrated by Lisa McCue
  • The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet Ahlberg, Allan Ahlberg
  • A Loud Winter's Nap by Katy Hudson
  • Hansel and Gretal by Vera Southgate
  • Elf on the Shelf (The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, Volume 1) by Carol V. Aebersold
  • Elf Pets A Reindeer Tradition by Chanda A. Bell
  • The Shy Little Kitten (Step into Reading) by Kristen L. Depken, illustrated by Sue DiCicco
My favorite December read is a tie between Karen E. Olson's Shadowed, which I couldn't put down once I started, and Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley in which I fell in love with Kat Holloway and Daniel McAdam.

Non-Book Review Posts in December:

How did your December shape up reading wise? What was your favorite book you read in December?


Waving Goodbye to 2017

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by the wonderful Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about.

© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

42 comments:

  1. Happy to hear that you had a great Christmas and that you spend it with your love ones. Also glad to hear that your mom is doing well.

    You had a great reading month! Looking forward to all of your posts in 2018! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nina - It was a good Christmas overall. I am so glad my mom is doing better. Thank you! I hope you have a Happy New Year!

      Delete
  2. Sorry to hear you had strep throat - that's the worst.

    Grandmothers are so special - I'm glad Mouse gets to enjoy hers.

    I was shocked and saddened to hear about Grafton's death and I, too, am glad her family will respect her wishes. I'll miss Kinsey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - It wasn't the best timing, although I suppose it could have been worse and reared it's ugly head on Christmas.

      I'm glad Mouse and my mom are able to have this time together too.

      Yes, Sue Grafton's death is truly sad. I really feel for her family and husband. I know her fans will miss her as well.

      Have a Happy New Year, Kathy.

      Delete
  3. Sounds like you had a very fun Christmas. I'm glad. (And I was heartbroken to hear about Sue Grafton's death, too.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lark - It was nice. :-) Sue Grafton's death came as quite a sad surprise. She will be missed.

      I hope you have a Happy New Year!

      Delete
  4. Last year, my husband had strep throat--definitely not fun! Happy to hear that your mother is doing so well, Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenclair - Ugh. Strep is awful. This is my second time with it. It didn't seem quite as bad as last time, but it was still awful. The doctor didn't think I had it at first since I'd had a cold too, so the results of the swab test surprised her. I'm glad I went in when I did.

      I hope you have a Happy New Year, Jenclair!

      Delete
  5. Glad you had a nice Christmas and your mom is doing well. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2018!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellen - Thank you! I am glad too. :-) I hope you have a wonderful New Year as well!

      Delete
  6. Good to hear your mother is doing well after her surgery. And such a cute photo! Have a Happy New Year!

    My Sunday Post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laura - Thank you! She's a real trooper, my mom. :-) I hope you have a Happy New Year as well!

      Delete
  7. I'm delighted that your mother is recovering so well after her surgery and that you had a lovely family Christmas - it's always fun when there are children about:)). In the meantime, like you, I'm sad to hear of Sue Grafton - 2017 has been brutal for losing a number of people and let's hope that 2018 is a better one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah - I am too. It was quite a scare for all of us. Mouse certainly was the center of attention Christmas Day. :-) Yes, it did seem like we lost a lot of great people in 2017. I hope the new year is better for all of us. Have a Happy New Year, Sarah!

      Delete
  8. Glad you had a nice Christmas (except for the sick part). And glad to hear your mother is doing well, that's great news.

    Happy New Year!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greg - Thank you! There is some good news mixed in with the bad. :-) I hope you are feeling well after your health problems. I haven't been commenting on your posts, but I have followed your blog. I'm thinking of you.

      Have a Happy New Year!

      Delete
  9. It sounds like you had a very eventful December. I hope you and your mom have completely recovered by now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eustacia - It was definitely a busy one. I am glad it is coming to an end, if I'm honest. I don't like that much excitement. LOL

      Have a Happy New Year!

      Delete
  10. I'm sorry you've been ill during the holidays - and with a house full of guests! I hope you are on the road to recovery and getting some rest. So good to hear your mom is doing so well after her surgery. I don't think I will get my last few reviews written until later this week either. I'm slow on the blogging train this week. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Charlie - Thank you! It did make it challenging. I am feeling much better now, fortunately. Yes, we are all so glad my mom is doing so well! Hopefully this second surgery will go just as well for her. I am glad to know i am not the only one behind on the blogging front when it comes to those reviews. I hope you have a Happy New Year as well, Charlie!

      Delete
  11. That's too bad about your cold, I hope you will feel better soon :) wishing you a wonderful 2018!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Evelina - Thank you. I am feeling much better. The doctor put me on steroids and antibiotics for the strep and my swollen tonsils and they started working almost immediately. I still have a little cough, but I think it's more due to allergies at this point. I hope you have a wonderful New Year as well!

      Delete
  12. Happy, Healthy New Year Wendy. Those pictures of the little one are so cute!

    You sound so busy, I hope you get some down time now that the holidays are over.
    Awww. I hadn't heard Sue Grafton passed. I haven't read her, but I've seen her books often.
    I enjoyed The Last Jedi with my daughter. The first 6 films are our favorites though, we re-watch from time to time. Have fun watching Pitch Perfect 3, it looks so funny.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Naida - Thank you and same to you!

      It has been a busy time. I miss the not so busy times. LOL I am sure I will miss the busy times once they are gone though. Hopefully I can slow down a bit this next month.

      It's just so sad about Sue Grafton. She was such an amazing woman and author.

      I am glad you enjoyed The Last Jedi. I did as well. I really like the original three movies and have enjoyed the newer ones quite a bit. I'm afraid I didn't like the three they made after the original.

      Pitch Perfect 3 was very silly, but funny. Just what we expected. We enjoyed it. :-)

      I hope you have a Happy New Year!

      Delete
  13. Wow! You sure had a busy month! Glad you had a lovely Christmas though!

    Here’s my Sunday Post!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ronyell - It felt like it was never going to calm down there for awhile. It was nice though. :-)

      I hope you have a Happy New Year!

      Delete
  14. It's wonderful your Mother is recovering well. Your holiday sounds busy but really nice too. Happy New Year! 🎉

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenea - It's the best news, for sure. I hope you have a Happy New Year as well!

      Delete
  15. Oh I hope Pitch Perfect is good!!! I loved the first 2 so much! Have a wonderful New Year!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Samantha - We enjoyed Pitch Perfect 3. It was silly and fun. I hope you get a chance to see it! I hope you have a Happy New Year too!

      Delete
  16. I feel your pain about Strep Throat, although I haven't had it in years...knock wood.

    Sounds like you were doing a lot...guests, etc. I feel like such a slacker. I haven't done any deep cleaning (no guests) since before I put up the Christmas decorations...and I guess that will be a task for next week.

    I am sad about Sue Grafton, too. I loved her books...and was wondering what she would do after writing the Z book. So sad we won't ever get to read that one. She will be so missed.

    I'll be posting about my Favorite Books later...and also my First Book of the Year.

    Happy New Year, and thanks for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain - I hope you never get strep again. I hate it. I don't tolerate sore throats well as it is. :-(

      You've earned your slacker status in spades, Laurel-Rain. :-) It sounds nice not to have to worry about all of it--or put if off until you are ready. :-) I envy you that!

      I look forward to hearing about your first book of the year and your favorites of 2017. I plan to post mine later today.

      Have a great New Year, Laurel-Rain!

      Delete
  17. So sorry you've had strep, Wendy. Hope you are better now and, as always, love the pics and info about Miss Mouse. Wishing all of you at your house a very Happy New Year!! I am back to blogging tomorrow - yes, again. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kay - Thank you! I'm feeling much better now. I hope you have a Happy New Year as well! I am glad you are back to blogging again. :-)

      Delete
  18. I haven't had strep throat in almost 10 years and I'm hoping to keep it that way. That's a miserable bug and I hope you're feeling lots better. Glad your mother is doing well and that you (and Mouse) are enjoying the extra quality time. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine - It's miserable. I hope we both never catch it again. I hope you have a Happy New Year as well!

      Delete
  19. Wow! You had so much going on in December! I am so happy to hear that your mom is doing well. Cancer sucks. It looks like your daughter had all the baking under control. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole - It was a busy month, and I am so glad it is behind me now. My daughter is a great little baker. :-) Thanks for visiting, Carole!

      Delete
  20. I'm sorry you got sick but despite all the busy-ness in your household it sounds like it was a wonderful Christmas. So happy that your mom is doing well and I'm sure Mouse had a wonderful time with her. That's great that they were able to create so many good memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iliana - Thank you. It wasn't the best timing, but I suppose it made me slow down a bit. I am glad my mom is doing well too. Hopefully her upcoming surgery will go well.

      Delete
  21. I loved The Last Jedi!
    I've never read anything by Sue Grafton but she's a fav of my mums who ranted for a solid 10 minutes about never getting to read 'Z', lol.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to visit Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Don't be shy! I would love to hear from you. Due to a recent increase in spam, I will be moderating all comments for the foreseeable future. Please be patient with me as it may take a few hours before I am able to approve your comment.