Friday, July 03, 2020

Weekly Mews: June Highlights and My July TBR List Poll (Please Vote!)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by 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. I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where participants discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics. I am linking up to Nicole of Feed Your Addiction's Monthly Wrap-Up Post, where any book bloggers who write monthly wrap-up posts can link up and visit other bloggers to see what they have been reading.   I am linking to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently. 



New to the Shelves:

E-Books: 


White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Silver Blade (Kinsmen, #1) by Ilona Andrews
Silver Shark (Kinsmen, #2) by Ilona Andrews

Print Books:


Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
The Library of Legends by Janie Chang
A Good Cry by Nikki Giovanni
(also featured: Mouse's and my face coverings)


Have you read any of these books? What did you think? If not, which ones are on your TBR pile? What new books did you add to your shelf in June?


What I Am Reading: Funny story. My husband and daughter were recently playing a baseball dice game, and my husband mentioned to me he had commented on a Kickstarter page about my daughter winning with her team of unicorns, and the creator commented back. His name, W.M. Akers, sounded familiar and, sure enough, he is the author on a couple of books I have on my TBR shelf. Which is why I am now in the middle of W.M. Akers Westside, the first in his historical mystery fantasy series featuring detective Gilda Carr. 

I am in between nonfiction books right now, trying to decide if I want to start How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi or The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander. I have heard good things about both. Have you read either one? Which would you recommend?

What I Am Watching: I have been wanting to see Hamilton for what seems like forever, but ticket prices have always been so high. I finally got my chance yesterday and was not disappointed. It was as amazing as I hoped. And now I want to see it performed live on stage even more! Have you seen it? 

I recently watched Athlete A, the documentary about the Larry Nasser sexual abuse scandal in U.S. Gymnastics. I grew up following the sport, and always look forward to the gymnastic event in the Olympics, wishing I had half of their talent and skill as the gymnasts. The documentary was eye-opening, but not all that surprising. Just look at the Catholic Church and Boy Scout sexual abuse scandals. The way those girls were treated, not just the sexual abuse, but everything. And then the cover up . . .  I really feel for those girls and women, and all they've had to endure. No one should have to go through that. They are so brave to come forward, and I hope this will lead to reform of the entire program. 

My family and I are about to start the final season of Elementary. I read an (old) article about how the show makers didn't expect to get another season and so wrapped up the show with the sixth season finale. I am curious to see how this seventh season goes. 


Off the Blog: We eased into June and have been sticking close to home as we watch the rest of the country open up. My county was so cautious at first, mandating masks early on in March and taking the shelter in place order seriously. The curve was beginning to flatten. And then the protests demanding to return to normal lives began, the politicians caved to the pressure (or maybe they agreed with those who felt their civil liberties were being violated), the county sheriff refuses to enforce any safety requirements, and now the Coronavirus numbers continue to rise. Many in the public do not seem to care, with some loudly continuing to argue this is all a liberal hoax. Meanwhile, the virus is getting closer to home. Coworkers and friend's family members. It's touched some of you as well. The Governor recently ordered restaurants, bars and some other high traffic businesses to cease indoor services in several counties throughout the state, including mine. He's also mandated facial coverings for the entire state. 

We ventured out to the park last weekend for a picnic. There were a handful of people out and about while we were there. We found a quiet spot under a shady tree and enjoyed being outdoors and away from the house. The weather was perfect. It was really nice to get out, and we hope to do it again before it gets too hot. Not this weekend though. I imagine there will be many people out and about for the 4th of July holiday weekend. 

Mouse had her annual physical early in the week, which went well. The hospital is taking extra precautions, of course. They parking lot was as full as usual, but we did not see many people about. We stopped by the Starbucks drive thru on the way home as a treat. The next day I read online that the Starbucks had to close for quarantine because someone who works there tested positive. 

Work is going well. I had to drive to one of the downtown offices to pick up a replacement laptop. I was one of a handful of staff who were still working on an ancient computer evidently. The new computer is smaller, but it's faster. 

I  used more gas in the last week than I have in the past three months with all these outings! 

We still have not made it back to the dance studio, but they are having classes in the studio. Mouse is still taking her classes via Zoom. The studio finally announced they were postponing the summer shows. It was inevitable, of course, but I am surprised they took so long to make that decision. Mouse took the news hard, even though her dad and I had tried to prepare her. She wants so much to be able to be with her friends again. I cannot blame her. 



Here is what I finished reading in June:
  • Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard & Jennifer Zivoin
  • Don't Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller
  • Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
  • Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad
  • Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis
  • The Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
  • White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
I am happy with how June turned out reading wise. I read some great books, each very different from one another. On the downside, Mouse has not been too interested in reading with me as of late, preferring to read on her own. At least she's reading. My blogging has suffered this month. I spent less time on my computer than usual. I work from home most days and find that by the end of the work day, I haven't much interest in jumping back on the computer in the evenings for my personal stuff. I did not seem to mind it when I was in the office full-time. I am planning to take a blogging break this month for a week or two, try to catch up on my backlog of review writing perhaps.

Tell me what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your June? Do you have anything planned for this month?


Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:

My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise). 




I considered doing a Christmas in July theme, but when looking over my TBR shelves, I came across these three gems and decided the theme was too good to pass up. The theme? See for yourself. Then help me decide what to read next! 


The Travelling Cat Chronicles
by Hiro Arikawa, translated by Philip Gabriel 
Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to find the place you truly belong...

Nana the cat is on a road trip. He is not sure where he's going or why, but it means that he gets to sit in the front seat of a silver van with his beloved owner, Satoru. Side by side, they cruise around Japan through the changing seasons, visiting Satoru's old friends. He meets Yoshimine, the brusque and unsentimental farmer for whom cats are just ratters; Sugi and Chikako, the warm-hearted couple who run a pet-friendly B&B; and Kosuke, the mournful husband whose cat-loving wife has just left him. There's even a very special dog who forces Nana to reassess his disdain for the canine species.

But what is the purpose of this road trip? And why is everyone so interested in Nana? Nana does not know and Satoru won't say. But when Nana finally works it out, his small heart will break...


All Cats Are Introverts
by Francesco Marciuliano

Have you ever been labeled as "antisocial," "shy," or "lost in your own thoughts" because you don't realize someone's been calling your name 148 times? The cats understand. All Cats Are Introverts is a collection of self-reflective poetry from cats that clearly shows them to be the insightful, often alert, crowd-averse, personally engaging, probably napping-as-we-speak introverts of the animal kingdom. Enjoy this completely relatable and hilarious book, and perhaps you will soon see the cat—and even yourself—in a whole new light.







They Call Me the Cat Lady by Amy Miller 
You’ve seen me on the street. You’ve walked past my house, and pointed, and wondered. The cat lady. All on my own, with only my five cats to keep me company. Did no-one ever tell you that you can’t judge a book by its cover?

Everyone in town knows Nancy Jones. She loves her cats. She loves her tumbledown house by the sea. She loves her job in the local school where she tries to help the children who need help the most. Nancy tries hard not to think about her past loves and where those led her…

Nancy never shares her secrets – because some doors are better kept locked. But one day she accepts a cat-sitting request from a local woman, and at the woman’s house, Nancy sees a photograph, in a bright-red frame. A photograph that opens the door to her painful past…

Soon Nancy doesn’t know what frightens her the most: letting her story out, or letting the rest of the world in. It’s impossible to find companionship without the risk of losing it. But can Nancy take that risk again?

A heart-wrenching and heart-warming story of love lost and found, and of second chances, They Call Me The Cat Lady is perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine


Thank you for voting! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading and stay safe and well.


© 2020, 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.

86 comments:

  1. I find it hard following the news in the United States. Of course news around the world is not encouraging but it is particularly disappointing because I think the world has been hyped to think of America as one of the best. It has sunk so far in my esteem - the racism is so bad, the violence and gun violence astounding, the absolute disdain for law and order and simple commonsense like the masks, the distancing, the just sensible precautions to take. It all seems so hard.
    Over here, the curfew is lifted, but there is very little going around. Offices are still working at one in four only on a daily basis, masks are compulsory (fine and jail time), and restaurants are just beginning to open. Church a maximum of one hundred only, temples too. I am not too sure about Friday prayers in mosques. Generally a system of being careful.
    I hope and pray that your family is safe.

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    1. Mystica - Slowly opening up again like your country is doing is probably wise. I think our lives for a long while now will be all about caution.

      I think so much of what is coming out about the U.S. today has just beeen boiling under the surface for a long time. I can only hope that the good overcomes the bad in the long run. And commonsense actually becomes more common. Fear and panic can bring out the worst in people, especially when the leadership isn't up to bringing people together and actually leading the country.

      My family and I are sticking close to home and being as cautious and safe as we can. Thank you for your prayers.

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  2. How to Be An Anti-Racist is a good one to read next since you've just read White Fragility. I also have The New Jim Crow on my shelf, but haven't read it yet. Hamilton in person is really good, but I think it's great that they made it available to people on TV. I keep seeing Athlete A and wasn't sure if I wanted to watch it, but you've made it sound interesting. I am avoiding all interactions with the public this holiday weekend and am so glad they closed the Santa Barbara beaches. Maybe our numbers won't become catastrophic.

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    1. Helen - I was so happy when I heard Hamilton would be available on streaming. We really enjoyed it. Athlete A was really well done. It was hard to watch, but I am glad I did. I was glad to hear many beaches were closed for the Holiday weekend too. We stayed in as well. Had a quiet weekend at home. That about sums up all our weekends these days. LOL
      Thank you for visiting.

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  3. We are now seeing a hundred new cases a day in my small county south of Houston. Our governor finally issued required mask orders this week. Whew. I am grateful. He had to do something.

    I feel the most sad for your daughter. How frustrating for her to only have Zoom for her friendships.

    I am very interested in reading White Fragility and How to Be an Antiracist. The waiting list is long at the library, and that, to me, is good. I also love all your cat books. I think you should read all of them, but I did choose the one that sounds best to me for you to read first.

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    1. Deb - I am glad your governor ordered a mask requirement. Hopefully people will follow it. I am hoping the heavy push in advertising and social media will get through to those who are reluctant or refusing to wear them eventually.

      It's been rough on my daughter. She's such a social person and being so isolated with only her parents for company hasn't been ideal. She's a trooper though. She's still young and doesn't completely understand it all.

      I am glad to see so many people interested in reading books like White Fragility and How to Be an Antiracist as well. It gives me hope that we are moving in the right direction. :-)

      I am looking forward to reading all the cat books. :-) Thank you for stopping by.

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  4. I am not going anywhere today. Were going to barbeque later and then I might watch Hamilton tonight! Stay safe, it's harder these days with all the crazy, non mask wearing people around🤪

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    1. Tammy - I hope you had a nice barbecue! We didn't go anywhere this past weekend either. Hamilton was so good. I hope you got a chance to watch it and enjoyed it. Thank you for visiting.

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  5. I'm trying to stay as close to home as possible also. It's crazy what's happening! California was doing really good there initially, and my state Michigan was coming along thanks to our governor who acted aggressively, but now, like you said, things are falling apart as so many people apparently have Covid fatigue. It is sad. And my personal opinion is sheriffs who refuse to enforce orders like that should be fired. Politics is everything now unfortunately.


    I'm sorry to hear about the Starbucks! Isn't it maddening how you just want to stop for a treat after something like a dr. visit and then that happens?

    I voted The Traveling Cat Chronicles because it just sounds so fun, although all three sound awesome so you probably can't go wrong whichever one wins. :)

    Be well this week!!!

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    1. Greg - I think we would all be better off if more people would take this seriously and take the necessarily precautions. It really shouldn't be about politics and yet somehow it's become so.

      Thank you for voting and visiting! :-)

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  6. Me and my family are sticking close to home this 4th of July weekend, too. We even cancelled our annual 4th of July breakfast because there's no way we could have everyone over and safely stay socially distanced. But the way cases keep rising where I live I think it's best to skip it this year. Hope you have a good weekend! :D

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    1. Lark - I'm sorry you had to cancel your annual 4th of July breakfast. I hope we see a downward trend come soon for all of us. Thank you for stopping by!

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  7. My state opened up way too early here and the infected numbers are rising. People don't want to wear face masks even though it's now mandatory here.

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    1. Mary - I don't understand why so many are opposed to wearing facing coverings. It's a simple thing that could do so much good for many. Thank you for visiting!

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  8. Yeah, staying home as much as possible, wearing a mask when we go out, and generally washing our hands so often our skin is pink is what we're doing as well. We didn't stay home for months just to get sick now... At the same time, it's harder to stay inside when everything is actually open, so I guess I can understand younger people who just can't do it anymore.

    I have How to be an Anti-Racist, too, and I'm also reading other books about racism, how to be a true ally, and how to stand up if I see something that shouldn't happen.

    Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.

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    1. Linda - We've been taking the same precautions. It's the best we can do right now. I have a stack of books about history and racism I am hoping to work my way through. Better armed with knowledge to help even if only in small ways. Maybe this will motivate me to get to my other nonfiction books too.

      I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  9. We watched Hamilton this weekend too, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I cant wait to be able to see it in the theatre. It was supposed to be coming to Sydney next year so we already knew that we were going to do a weekend in Sydney to see it. Who knows if that will happen or not.

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    1. Marg - I hope we will be able to see Hamilton in the theater some day as well. We'll probably re-watch it on television a few times until then. I hope you will be able to see it on stage next year as planned. Thank you for visiting!

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  10. Loving the cat theme in your TBR!

    It's a pity that your state opened up too early - we're just opening up and going very slow (phase 2 is supposed to last for a few months before we head to phase 3, which is almost normal life).

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    1. Eustacia - It's a little overdue probably. Haha

      Slow and steady is probably the safest route. I hope things continue to go well in your country.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  11. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert has been everywhere and I am hoping to grab one for myself soon. I am glad that your county is shutting down again. I hope everyone took their safety seriously.

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    1. Gayathri - I hope you get a chance to read Hibbert's book. I am looking forward to reading it too. Hopefully we can find a way to get the curve flattened again. And hopefully those who are fighting so hard against wearing masks and taking precautions will come to realize the importance of doing so. Thank you for visiting!

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  12. Your cat is so cute! I always look forward to the gymnastics part in the Olympics as well. I'm adding the documentary to my list on Netflix, I bet it's shocking...

    Glad you were able to go outside had have a nice picnic! Let's hope things will stay this way and a 2nd wave will not hit us all. Have a great week!

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    1. Esther - Thank you! She's a fiesty cat--loves to play and isn't much for cuddling. We love her. :-)

      It would be nice if we could get this first wave under control, but so far there is no sign of that, at least not where I live. Hopefully we will be more prepared when the second wave comes.

      Thank you for stopping by.

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  13. I feel so sorry for Mouse - it's hard for children to understand that they cannot be with their friends. I understand why you don't feel like sitting at your computer in the evening - it's surprising what a difference it makes just changing your physical environment. Have a good week, Wendy:)

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    1. Sarah - It's been interesting, the little subtle effects of working from home than being in the office all the time. And then the bigger ones. It certainly has its advantages and disadvantages.

      Yes, it's hard for children to understand. On some level I think my daughter does, but it's still somewhat abstract to her. And then to have it go on so long. I really feel for her too.

      Thank you for visiting!

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  14. Hi there! The covid 19 numbers are increasing at an alarming rate in South Africa and we won't be able to go back into full lockdown at all.... Nobody can afford it. Terrible times.

    I've voted for you to read The traveling cat chronicles. I actually have it on my shelf, but still haven't read it. How about a buddy read? If you are interested, let me know!

    Hope you will have a good week, here's my latest post The Sunday Post 3

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    1. Elza - I am sorry to hear your virus numbers are on the rise too. I don't see us going back into lockdown despite the rise in our numbers either. I just hope people will start being smart about taking precautions.

      Thank you for voting! I can't wait to see which book wins.

      I hope you have a good week too. Thank you for stopping by.

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  15. Things are so scary out there! I'm in Florida and our governor is basically just ignoring our rising numbers. We are just staying at home and playing it safe. Your book selections look fantastic. I need to turn off the news and get back to reading myself. Have a great Sunday!

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    1. Martha - I have heard some of the news coming out of Florida. I am so sorry for your state. So many have turned this into a political issue, and it's far from it. Since our numbers are rising too, we are doing much the same. Staying home as much as possible. Thank you for visiting!

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  16. I haven't read any of the books you've added. I've gotten a couple of books recently - Little Women, The House on Mango Street, and Lovely War.
    I live in Florida and we've always had to have masks in my county. Meanwhile, I learned further up that they look at you strangely when you bring a mask into a shop. Terrifying. My job has been open up for a long time. We are one of the library system's that opened up its doors very soon while others are starting up walk up services.
    I love the cat themed poll! I had to pick The Travelling Cat Chronicles for purely selfish reasons - Nana the cat has my nickname! All Cats Are Introverts also sounds good.

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    1. Adriana - I have read and loved The House on Mango Street. I hope you will too. The city libraries are still closed, but the county ones recently opened up to curbside service. I miss having the library as a resource, especially for my daughter's sake. She doesn't read e-books. :-( Luckily we have a decent sized personal library, but it'd be nice to have more variety for her. Everyone where I work is required to wear masks when in the office or dealing with the public. We do what we have to do to try to keep everyone safe.It'd be nice if everyone felt that way, wouldn't it?

      Thank you for voting and stopping by!

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  17. My daughter just finished How to Be an Antiracist and recommends it. I hope to read it soon, but The New Jim Crow looks good, too. Laughing about your gas situation... we were just trying to remember the last time we filled the car!

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    1. JoAnn - I am glad to hear your daughter enjoyed How to Be an Antiracist. I may read that one first and then The New Jim Crow.

      We certainly have been saving money on gas. :-)

      Thank you for visiting!

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  18. We continue to be happy to stay home. We cancelled our dental appts and are glad for telemedicine for a few other things. I have Take a Hint Dani Brown from the library - just got it - as I really enjoyed the first book. Enjoy your week!

    Anne - Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post   

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    1. Anne (Books of My Heart) - I hope you enjoy Take a Hint Dani Brown! It sounds like it will be good. I haven't read the first book. Thank you for stoppping by!

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  19. Adding all the cat books to my TBR pile. I want to read the Traveling Cat Chronicles first! Thanks for bringing them to my attention. My Sunday Salon post

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    1. Anne - I hope you enjoy them if you do read them! Thank you for visiting!

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  20. I’m hoping to watch Hamilton this week, I’m glad to hear it’s as good as I’ve heard!

    Scotland has had a lot of restrictions lifted in the last couple of weeks, I worry that we’ll get a second wave especially as they opening up the pubs this week.

    Have a good week!

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    1. Heather - I hope you enjoy Hamilton as much as I did. I hope that Scotland does not see a resurgence too. It sounds like the virus is more under control in Scotland, so that is a good sign!

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  21. I haven’t read the Antiracist book or the Jim Crow book, but they’re both on my must-read list. I hope they’re as good as everyone says. Have a great week!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. AJ - I hope they will be too. I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for stopping by.

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  22. I completely understand how Mouse must be feeling. She may have been okay with a bulk of changes brought about by the pandemic but then not being able to be a part of the summer shows was probably one too many. Once in a while, I hit the doldrums when I find I'm missing that one little thing. It may not be a big deal but it's one more thing we've lost this year. And to see cases increasing and people not caring, makes it harder. I guess that some of those people probably do care, but they've lost so much that the virus is the lesser of two evils for them.

    You HAVE had a wonderful reading month in June! Love the list you've read last month. Hope July is just as amazing!

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    1. Athira - I think you are right. She's lost out on so much already with all the changes, and then to have the shows taken from her too. Here's to a great July! Thank you for visiting.

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  23. The restrictions are so tough on children who really don’t fully understand it all, but better safe than sorry.
    I haven’t read any of your books, though a few are on my wishlist.

    Have a great reading week

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    1. Shelleyrae - Yes, I agree. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially where our children are concerned. Thank you for stopping by!

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  24. Living in Canada our cases are going down everyday, but our borders are closed to the US. I have read both The Lady in the Lake and The Library of Legends and liked them both. They are both so different. i also loved the Travelling Cat Chronicles. It looks like you had a great month reading. I was supposed to finally see Hamilton this summer, but we all know how that worked out. I watched it yesterday on Disney and loved it. Like you, I want to see it live even more now. Have a great week.

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    1. Carla - I think many of us here in the U.S. wish we could be adopted by Canada right now for many reasons. I am glad your numbers are down and the borders are close. It really is for the best right now.

      I am glad you enjoyed both The Lady in the Lake and The Library of Legends. I am eager to read both of them. And a Traveling Cat Chronicles recommendation! I am glad to hear you liked that one as well. Thank you for visiting!

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  25. I took a blog break in June to catch up but it didn't work out really... I'm still behind on everything! That said, I DID enjoy the break so it was worth it.

    I'm glad Hamilton is now on Disney+, I haven't watched it yet but am looking forward to doing so an seeing what the fuss is about! :)

    The UK is starting to properly open up now and I think everyone is braced for a surge in cases... I'm keeping everything crossed that people are sensible but so far it seems that more than a small majority are being idiotic. *Sigh* The scenes and numbers coming from the US are scary so I hope you and yours manage to keep safe.

    Have a good week and enjoy your break!

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    1. Nicci - I have a feeling any break I take will not catch me up either. We have the best intentions though, don't we?

      I hope you enjoy Hamilton when you see it.

      I hope the UK doesn't see a surge in cases. We need all the good news we can get, and it's not going to come from the U.S. any time soon.

      I hope you have a good week too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  26. I'm listening to White Fragility now and am finding it an eye-opening read. And I'm glad you've been able to make some cautious steps out into the world, but I agree that there are still too many people not taking COVID seriously.

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. Nicole - I am glad you are enjoying White Fragility. I am glad I read it. Thank you for visiting!

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  27. i live in florida and....well, i'm not going on a rant, so we'll just that's all i'm saying. stay safe and have a good week
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. Sherry - I understand. I have seen Florida's numbers. You stay safe too. Hopefully we will see the numbers start to go down soon.

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  28. thanks for sharing some new to me books
    sherry @ fundinmental

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  29. I've been staying close to home as much as possible too. I was feeling okay with the direction my city was headed in until a week or so ago when I saw tons of photos in the paper from a Back the Blue rally. Hundreds of people and hardly a face mask among them. Between that and the 4th of July, I fully expect a surge here anytime now.

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    1. Suzanne - I have a feeling it will be like this for a long while yet. Thank you for visiting!

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  30. I've only read How To Be An Antiracist... it's a good memoir, but I think some people expect it to be a handbook, so maybe knowing that it isn't really (it's certainly got lots of worthwhile information, but it's not "do this, do that, think this through"; it follows the author's own journey) will help pick?

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    1. Nicky - I am glad you liked How To Be An Antiracist. I had read up on it a bit before deciding to buy it. I heard about his other book Stumped after, which also interests me. Have you read that one? I have heard it is even better. Thank you for stopping by!

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  31. I watched Athelete A recently too and it blew my mind how far they went to cover it all up -- but you're right, it shouldn't have given how common that is these days. Those women were amazing and strong.

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    1. Verushka - It's sad that it isn't surprising, really. It doesn't take away the horror of it though. Yes, those women are amazing and strong. Thank you for visiting!

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  32. I haven't read "The New Jim Crow" but my sister has and she loved it. I know she would highly recommend it. Also, glad you loved Hamilton! I watched it too and I was so happy with it. It's one thing to just listen to the soundtrack, but once you can actually properly visualize it, it makes it even more amazing.

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    1. Emily - I am glad to hear your sister enjoyed The New Jim Crow. I am looking forward to reading it. Yes, seeing Hamilton was such a great experience. I love the soundtrack, but seeing it all come together on stage was wonderful. Thank you for stopping by!

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  33. What a nice newsy post, Wendy! Glad to hear all about what's going on in your life and your family's life and your reading. We loved Elementary and were sad that it ended. Now I wonder whether TV as we know it will be back any time soon and what will it look like. I voted by the way - a cat book seems good for you. LOL

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    1. Kay - I think we have three more episodes of Elementary left. I'll be sad when it's over too. I imagine we'll have a dry spell from new shows and movies for a bit, but for how long I don't know. I thought a cat book would be fun. :-) Thank you for visiting and voting!

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  34. Wow. You've really been keeping busy. I'm running behind in a lot of blog related stuff and can understand you taking time off. Of course it hasn't helped that my computer has caught a virus. I've got Mexican Gothic in my tbr. We haven't watched Hamilton yet.I wanted to thank you for coming by my WoW post. Take care!

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    1. Laura - I am sorry your computer caught a virus. I hope you are able to save as much as possible and get rid of it. Thank you for stopping by!

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  35. Yay! I've already watched Hamilton four times since it hit Disney+. :)

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    1. Jennifer - It's definitely worth re-watching multiple times! Thank you for visiting!

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  36. I loooooooved Elementary. Such a good show! I wish I could rewatch it. But it isn't on Netflix here anymore. Sigh..
    I'm glad to read you guys are doing well!

    Stay safe and happy reading.

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    1. Maureen - Maybe Netflix will get the rights back. I know those companies tend to trade around a bit to mix things up now and then. We're watching it on Hulu right now. Thank you for stopping by!

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  37. My daughter and I had tickets to Hamilton and, of course, it got cancelled this spring. So glad to be able to watch it, and look forward to seeing it live. You had a great reading month.

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    1. Nise' - I think seeing it live will be wonderful. I hope we get a chance to as well. Thank you for visiting!

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  38. Scary times indeed. Things are slowly beginning to re-open here in the UK as well - too soon in my opinion but hey-ho - with many people saying a second wave is inevitable (I'm hoping they are wrong whilst thinking they are probably right).

    What a difficult choice your What To Read survey was. I'm really happy for you to read any of these three but eventually settled on They Call Me the Cat Lady. Happy reading and stay safe.

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    1. Felicity - I hope they are wrong too and things go well for you in the U.K with the re-opening.

      Thank you for voting and stopping by! I do want to read all three. It's just a matter of when. Haha.

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  39. My daughter's dance, acting, voice lessons have all been via Skype or Zoom. I am okay with this. The college audition process is going to be a real nightmare this time around though.

    We have been hitting Starbucks a lot more since COVID. I have been taking my daughter driving again because her driving school finally opened up again and now she has to finish by September. They kindly extended her but I fear the DMV will close again. Anyway, to motivate her to drive I make her drive to Starbucks. LOL.

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    1. Ti - It is what it is right now. I know Zoom classes aren't ideal, but I would rather be safe than not.

      I know you've been braver than I have about getting out and about--but then, I haven't really felt the need to. It was a nice treat though stopping by Starbucks. My husband makes a decent substitute of the drink I like, and so I haven't missed it too much. Plus, we've saved so much money. Haha

      I really wanted to get a Real ID when I renewed this time around, but I wasn't sure that would be possible before my license expires in September. So, I went ahead and just renewed it online. I'll worry about the Real ID another time. I don't think they're allowing appointments around here for that anyway and who knows how long the wait time will be once they are allowing it. I hope your daughter is able to get her license sooner than later.

      Thank you for visiting!

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  40. Despite we are on Phase 2 now, I still feel sceptical about dining out and the reopening of cinemas and a few other attractions. We still see a rise of community cases everyday so I'm still being cautious and only go out for essential shopping.

    Take care and be safe, Wendy!

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    1. Melody - We are being very cautious still. I believe my county rushed into Phase 2 before we were ready and now we are suffering for it. Thank you for stopping by!

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  41. I'm sorry I missed voting in your poll but no doubt a good book was selected. Yes, it is scary how so many people seem so cavalier and/or outraged about wearing masks and this thing is not going away. I'm still on the same tank of gas I had back in March. Thankfully still working from home but I miss seeing friends and family and of course my usual outings. I feel for Mouse as I'm sure it's so hard for her not to be able to be dancing and seeing her friends. Stay safe and take care!

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    1. Iliana - I enjoyed this month's winner. :-) I miss seeing some of my friends and coworkers too. It's easier for me being so isolated as I'm not very social anyway, but it's hard for Mouse. Thank you for visiting!

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  42. I may be in the same state as you.. Not sure. From what I read about the Mask wearing. Our governor has enforced the it in March and then as we slowing started reopened it was now show up hard here or at least near me in Southwestern area and in Pittsburgh. I know the feeling been home mostly and just watching tv or youtube and reading since March mostly. I have family in two of the hotspots right now.

    I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy. Come check out my blog post https://nrcbooks.blogspot.com/2020/07/monthly-wrap-up-june-2020.html

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    1. Lindsay - I live in a hotspot and am hoping we see a slow down soon. I'm in California. I am sorry to hear your numbers went up too after the slow re-opening. I hope you stay safe and healthy too! Thank you for stopping by.

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  43. The Library of Legends and Take a Hint Dani Brown are both on my TBR. I'm happy to read you had a great book month. Yes, I finally saw Hamilton and loved it. I plan on watching it again soon. I am hoping that people start wearing masks more and that the protests stay peaceful and finally make a real difference in this country. I've just recently started going out--I gave blood in June and had a dentist appointment. I haven't gone into a grocery store since March.

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    1. Danielle - They both sound good, don't they? I hope we both enjoy them. I am glad to hear you enjoyed Hamilton. We ended up watching it again too, and the songs run through my head constantly now. LOL Thank you for visiting.

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