About 12,000 strong at the No Kings march in San Jose, CA.

Texas Trip read #5: because she writes, I read! Fan-girling over Louise Penny’s dive into the art world after a woman is murdered during a party celebrating Three Pines’ artist, Clara Morrow. Plot twists have you convicting several possible killers before the novel ends. #books, #booksky

Texas trip read #4: I simply cannot get enough of Louise Penny and her character, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. We’re going to Montreal this summer, ostensibly for jazz, but also so I can pay homage to this spectacular writer!! #books, #booksky

Texas trip, book 3: One Jewish woman’s journey through 20th Century Boston…as told to her granddaughter. Diamant writes strong, intelligent women well—in a variety of circumstances. #books, #booksky

Texas book #2: my book list these days consists of random finds from the library and local thrift stores. This writer, though new to me, is an accomplished novelist in the suspense/thriller genre. This book has unique plot twists, some history, and powerful heroes and villains. #books, #booksky

Thanks!! I will.

Traveled to Texas today to see my family. Should have slept on the plane, but this one kept me reading instead. Prior to this week, I hadn’t read Connelly; this week, I’ve read 2. Clear why he’s a best-selling author!! #books, #booksky

The last two books: a quick, plot-centric law procedural from Michael Connelly and then a wonderful offering from Julia Alvarez. Saving the World features two strong women, 2 centuries apart, two pandemics, and the questionable use of the poor as tools rather than human beings. #books, #booksky

Classic Kristin Hannah for the win. As is her strength, Hannah has created a female character whose feelings and decisions are very relatable. Because the narrative core is a marriage, we also get inside the head of her husband. How do we find ourselves while taking care of others? #books, #booksky

Y’all, I was tired. Headed to bed at a reasonable hour. Grabbed this book for a quick couple chapters. Nope. Read it straight through!! Did she murder her best friend? She doesn’t remember. But a true crime podcast is about to force the conversation. Set in Central TX :-). #books, #booksky

Turned to a favorite mystery writer today for a quick read, twists and turns, as well as an uplifting end. #books, #booksky

I enjoyed this story of a young woman in WW1 England who works as a bookbinder but dreams of being a scholar. Class and gender roles stand in her way. Her determination and the support of other women open opportunities. A little too speedy at the end, but worth the read! #books, #booksky

Y’all, I stayed up WAY past my bedtime to finish this book!! Bohjalian’s ability to capture and sustain the narrator’s voice is stunning. Orphaned teen, doing what it takes to survive, including reciting Emily Dickinson to herself, will break your heart and inspire your humanity. #books, #booksky

After visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, we flew home to SJ. My inflight read: Manhattan Beach. I loved reading about this fearless woman who became a diver during WW2, repairing ships at the Brooklyn Naval Yard. Mix in gangsters and a few colorful characters!! Great stuff! #books, #booksky

I started this one on the flight to Chicago yesterday and just finished between a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo and tonight’s baseball game at Wrigley Fiekd. I love this writer! Crime fiction diva. #books, #booksky

I picked up this fast-paced thriller after the basketball game last night. Set in South Boston in 1974, the novel unflinchingly explores the smallness, the anger, the fear in these characters’ lives and the violence they create and suffer. Mary Pat will crush you and stay with you. #books, #booksky

In the making of the OED, women contributed, though they were not among those celebrated for the accomplishment. Also, words used by poor, uneducated women were largely rejected in favor of the words published by men. What stories are then untold? Great book!! #booksky, #books

Neighborhood walk included coffee shop, library, Rose Garden and farmers’ market. The gardens were stunning this morning!

As a retired English teacher, I’ve read much of John Green’s fiction. Since 2019, Green has been obsessed with TB. Read this book and learn about the history of TB, the injustices that allow it to continue killing millions, and the virtuous circles that foster hope. 5⭐️’s!! #booksky, #books, #fighttb

MayDay protest and rally in San Jose!! We were greeted by Trump supporters…but the gathered crowd responded with chants of Si Se Puede and the people United shall never be divided. #immigrantrights, #workersrights

It’s taken me a minute to finish this one. The author clearly did a ton of research on Panama and the building of the Canal. She created a host of characters who are involved in the project or impacted by it. An impressive achievement. You feel knee deep in the mud with them. #books, #booksky

This past Thursday, 4/24, was Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. One of my favorite authors, Chris Bohjalian, speaks often about the genocides of his people. This prolific writer hits it out of the park time and again, including with this freak out worthy mystery. #books, #booksky

After the baseball game yesterday, Go Giants, I enjoyed this quick read mystery. The setting is the real star in this book, a grand house in South Florida in the first half of the 20th Century where two generations of women find trouble. Surprise plot twists. #books, #booksky

Y’all, this book is absolute perfection. Patchett is a goddess among women, a writer to admire and devour. Love her books and this one has been my favorite. #books, #booksky.

For my ladies of a certain age, Grace will grab you hard. We immediately relate to her rage and overheating, then root for her as she battles herself, her partner, and her teen daughter. Tender. #books, #booksky

The Resistance rises in San Jose, CA! On Holy Saturday, and 250 years after the Lexington and Concord, we gather in the park to fight racism, support the Constitution, and demand due process.

Classic Dan Brown mystery coupled with art and culture of Spain. As has been the case with other Robert Langdon books he’s written, I could not put it down—and I was challenged to think about big ideas. #books, #booksky

Today, spring yard chores resulted in the last stage: setting out the cushions, umbrella, and rug to prepare for warm afternoons on the patio. I rewarded myself with a Louise Penny mystery set in Three Pines, Quebec ❤️. Love her, Armand, and the darling inhabitants of this world. #books, #booksky