July 2020 Reading Rabbits πŸ‡πŸ“– - Positive Wellbein...

Positive Wellbeing During Self-Isolation

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July 2020 Reading Rabbits πŸ‡πŸ“–

Activity2004 profile image
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Calling All Readers!

This is our July 2020 Reading Rabbits Book Posting. You can post your comments and suggestions about any book/magazine/newspaper that does/doesn't have to do with any medical issues on this posting. You can mention about your favorite authors, as well. This posting will be pinned to the Pinned Posts for easier access.

Recently, I had finished β€œThe Outsider”, by Stephen King. It was really good and the ending was a surprise to me. There were a few lines in the story that made me laugh really hard. You wouldn’t find a few lines in a book that’s supposedly a horror book funny, but that’s what makes Stephen King and this book really great to read.

I started reading β€œCold Comfort Farm”, by Stella Gibbons. So far, I’m starting the third chapter: β€œFlora Starts Tidying Up”. So far, Flora went to the farm and met some of the other members of her family that she never had met before who owns/works on the Cold Comfort Farm. Flora hates messes and wants to keep everything neat and tidy wherever she is living. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

Okay, now to you. What has everyone been reading recently? Can’t wait to hear about it. 

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Activity2004
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97 Replies
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Yuval Noah Harari is my favorite author now!

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

What does Yuval Noah Harari write?

in reply to Activity2004

Homo Deus and Sapiens β™‘β™‘

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

This sounds very interesting! Thank you for letting us know. :-)

I just grabbed a copy of Guy Winch's self coaching book Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts after listening to his Ted Talk today. Good stuff, just what I've been looking for.

I also have some lightweight mysteries and such on order.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

Which mysteries are you going to be getting soon? :-)

in reply to Activity2004

Timothy Hallinan Junior Bender ones were recommended to me!

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

Let us know how you like them when you get the chance. :-)

I wouldn't read Stephen King for years because I don't like horror. I have trouble sleeping if I watch the news after about 1800 because I'm such a delicate flower, LOL! But when I saw a TV series he wrote, I think with Rob Lowe in it, it was so wonderful, and not what I had expected from a writer who I thought wrote only horror. But all the best writers will use comedy from time to time to break the tension - even Shakespeare does it in his tragedies. So I shouldn't be surprised and delighted to hear you mention how you laughed in places! Maybe I should give his writing a go...

I'm about 1/3 of the way through "Circe" by Madeline Miller. She's an American classics professor but she tells a great tale. I knew the name of Circe, but nothing about her. She's a minor disgraced goddess and a witch, and I don't want to say more because I don't know how much people will know already about her and the myths that she's mentioned in.

I've read one book (well, it's an audiobook) by Madeline Miller already. That was "The Song of Achilles". It was beautifully read by the narrator, and I loved learning more about Achilles and Patroclus, his partner. That's why I bought the paper book of "Circe", and I've now added the audiobook because I like the woman who reads that - but I will revisit the story in audiobook form after I've read the paper copy first. I'll buy the paper copy of "The Song of Achilles" too.

These days I am making a deliberate effort to read less but to read it more thoroughly, which is why I am enjoying audiobook versions as well.

The non-fiction I am reading at the moment is all over the place. For work I am currently on the audiobook and text of Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm's "Age of Capital 1848-1875". It's fascinating to read the text, but it's been written by an academic and he's used to writing textbooks, rather than something for consumption by the general public, which would tend to be more relaxed. So it's very formal.

For my own pleasure, non-fiction at the moment includes "Personality isn't Permanent" by Benjamin Hardy, a psychologist and author I've followed for a while online. Its basic argument is summed up in the title, and he spends some of the book explaining why this is true in his view, and the rest of the book telling you how you can change aspects of yourself that you don't like and learn new positive habits. There are exercises to do and I'm just starting on them. (Not that I dislike myself, I'm actually quite happy with who I am, but there are things I'd like to understand better, strengths I'd like to develop further, that kind of thing).

And the other non-fiction book I've just finished in audiobook form is "Make Time: how to focus on what's important every day" by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. The reason I read this kind of thing is that I am conscious now (at 59) that I am not immortal. I want to make sure that however long I have left (and I don't dwell on death), I am making every day count for something. I want to make sure I am doing as much of what I like as possible, in the time I have spare for work and all those mundane things we have to do like keeping ourselves safe, warm, fed and watered. So I enjoy reading through the systems other people have found to help them get more of what they want in life, in case there are tweaks I can apply to mine.

I hope that doesn't make me sound desperately earnest. I can be quite silly at times! ;-)

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

This sounds really good and that I know you have been enjoying Circe. I read some stories in school years ago for English classes related to Mythology.

Angelagone profile image
Angelagone in reply to Activity2004

I have been reading Stephen Fry's Mythos. For anyone interested in Greek myths, it's a must. Bit gory in places but very informative and being Stephen Fry quite funny too.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Angelagone

This sounds really interesting. I never had heard of Stephen Fry. How far did you get with the book so far?

Angelagone profile image
Angelagone in reply to Activity2004

Nearly finished. He is well known in UK. Comedian, actor, presenter, writer.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Angelagone

I will have to do some googling and see what I can find ( if it is out here).πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

in reply to Activity2004

I worked on an audiobook written and read by Stephen Fry on America. He did a bit of a tour and wrote down his impressions of the people and places he met in every state (even though some visits were terribly short). It makes for a wonderful listen, I would recommend. Audible has it, I think, and it might be called "Stephen Fry's America". It was originally written pre-Trump, which makes what he has to say about Mr Trump quite interesting!

in reply to Angelagone

It's on my wish list! (Along with sooooo many other books!) Thank you for the comment. It bumps the book up on my radar a bit!

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

Awe! You're very welcome! :-) It's great that you and the rest of us can talk about different books/authors we all enjoy.:-)

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to

You should give Stephen king a go this is going to sound weird but his horrors aren't horrific, there's some bits that are but you get so engrossed in story it's not that bad just the odd shock. He's a very atmospheric writer and a lot of it left to your imagination. Don't start with it though it's hard going. Christine a good one

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Craftyperson

So is his story, "Carrie". :-) That was my first book I read when I was 13 years old written by him.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

Yes it is

moaez profile image
moaez

I read The colour purple written by Alice Walker

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to moaez

That's fantastic. Did you enjoy it?

in reply to moaez

That was a great book (and the film was pretty good, too)!

bobbybobb profile image
bobbybobbAmbassador in reply to moaez

I read that book quite a few years back now, but what a great book. 😊

ThyroidThora profile image
ThyroidThora

Hi,

I'm reading the Woman's Weekly Healthy Living magazine because I need something that's quick to pick up and put down when I'm busy looking after my 7 year old grandson.

TT x.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to ThyroidThora

This is a great idea for on the go, too. How many magazines do you have for the next week?

ThyroidThora profile image
ThyroidThora in reply to Activity2004

Quite a few because I've been swapping magazines with my neighbour, Ruth. When I've read my Woman's Weekly mags I give them to her and she gives me her People's Friend magazines. The short stories within them are very good and so easy to read without getting bogged down.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to ThyroidThora

That's a great idea. :-)

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to ThyroidThora

My mother loved people's friend

in reply to Craftyperson

So did my ex-mother-in-law. It was a nice uncomplicated read. Actually, she got me into Mills & Boone, would you believe?! I must have read 3 of those a week. I started to think maybe I should write one. I could borrow so many from her collection, it was undemanding and escapist fun. Sometimes that's just right.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to

I've never read a mills and boon

in reply to Craftyperson

They're great if you want something light to read

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits

Well ive not got anything to report I still haven't read anything since I finished Paul O'Grady i keep meaning to. I've got last 2 weeks sat paper and magazines unopened and normally I've done all puzzles within 2 hours. I've not picked my stitching up either but I have made several cards unfortunately one of which was a condolences card for friends son, he should have got it today. That's 3 friends lost now and it's obviously effected me more than realised.

Sorry to bring mood down

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Craftyperson

It's okay to talk about what's going on-- good, bad or ugly. We're hear to listen. :-)

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

Cheers

in reply to Craftyperson

Oh, I am sorry to read this. Are you talking about losing people to the virus, or to other things? That's a lot of people to lose in a short space of time, either way. I hope you're taking care of yourself.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to

2 to virus and 1 indirectly as operation cancelled and died of heart failure which had she had op probably wouldn't have

in reply to Craftyperson

How heartbreaking. Such a waste!

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to

It was, she was a lovely lady. We used to go to pictures every Thursday then have a meal and do some shopping so will be weird when out of lockdown and Thursday comes around. I don't think I'll be going to cinema for a while. Last year she came with me to see take that so I went with her to see westlife. It was her hubbies birthday today which wasn't easy.

in reply to Craftyperson

That sounds like a lovely way to spend a Thursday with a friend. If it's any comfort at all, I'm not sure how many of us will be rushing back to cinemas when they reopen here. You won't be alone in feeling that it's not the same, even if the reason isn't the same for us. I'm so sorry. It's a big loss, and must have been a very difficult day for her husband today.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to

It was but his sister came up which helped and son and daughter rang him. Those firsts are awful I know

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Craftyperson

Sorry to hear that. I don't like when hospitals/doctors cancel operations/appointments that they know is very important to do and then they don't take responsibility for what happens afterwards. Very sad.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

It is covid wasn't on her death certificate but it should have been, she had 2 blocked veins needed clearing but as she had mild COPD didn't want to put her at risk, but she wasn't told to shield.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Craftyperson

That’s not good. Why didn’t she get told to shield?

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

Because she only had mild COPD that had only just been diagnosed in Jan

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Craftyperson

COPD is in the same β€˜family’ with asthmaβ€” pre-existing condition/self isolating list.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

Yes I said she should but never got letter and couldn't get through to go, receptionist said we can't tell everyone!!!!!!

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Craftyperson

That’s not good. I can’t believe a doctor/hospital would be able to say anything like that to the patient. I personally go to new doctors when they are acting that way.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

I know I couldn't believe it but she was determined not to shield as hadn't heard from hospital though she.did isolate but went to shops with hubby and wore gloves and mask

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Craftyperson

It’s good she had a mask, but I personally would have stayed home and asked someone else to get me what I want to buy/pick up.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

Yes hubby would have gone on his own but she wanted to go out once a week

marigold54 profile image
marigold54 in reply to Craftyperson

I've lost 2 people recently too, so know how it's easy to feel low. sending you condolences and positive thoughts.

Craftyperson profile image
CraftypersonReading Rabbits in reply to marigold54

Thank you and sorry to here about your losses. Condolences to you too

Sheepish profile image
SheepishReading Rabbits

I am quite a quick reader and have read quite a few cozy mysteries this month my favourite was Sniffing out sweet secrets by Cate Lawley, it's a Fairmont finds mystery . Fairmont is a GSP like my own dog. Fairmont has his own voice in the books.

On a different note I just received a signed hardback copy of The Cleaner by Mark Dawson featuring John Milton an ex government hit man.

On audible I'm listening to DCI Banks.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Sheepish

This all sounds great! I have a few signed/autographed books by different authors. One was done when I was still in school (Middle School).

I hope you enjoy the DCI Banks audible book. How long is it? :-)

Sheepish profile image
SheepishReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

16 hours listening time.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Sheepish

That's good to know. Are they on CD?

Sheepish profile image
SheepishReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

I would imagine so but I listen via the app on my ipad or Alexa

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Sheepish

That's good to know!:-)

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

This sounds like a great book! Does it have any recipe ideas? Can't wait to hear more about it. Enjoy! :-)

I did get more reading done before heading to bed last night and I'm on page 40 (for right now). :-)

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

Welcome to our very friendly and helpful group, Hidden .:-) We have our monthly book posting (Reading Rabbits (we have a badge with the same name)) done by the first of each month and you can click on the Save Post button so you know when a new reply is posted on the comments section. We also have some poetry, artwork, trivia, word game puzzles, music, etc. postings you cam join in on for positive stimulation and to keep your mind active. If you have any questions, please feel free to let us know anytime and we will be happy to try and get you the answers to the best of our abilities.

The Chariot of the Gods sounds interesting. How far have you gotten so far?

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

You take your time.

Do you want a Reading Rabbits badge? It will be next to your username for the group.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

You’re welcome! I will assign you the badge right now.πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

Congratulations!πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆπŸ‘ŒπŸ“–πŸ‡

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

Anytime! Who are your favorite authors?

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

Sounds good!πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

Do some of the books go to a series, or are they on their own?

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

No worries about it. There are some books that I have that go with a series. A lot of them are done by Stephen King and James Patterson.πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

Kainan profile image
Kainan

Bill Bryson. Finished Lost Continent, and now I’m reading his A Short History of Nearly Everything. So far so good

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Kainan

Sounds good! Do you like A Short History of Nearly Everything?

Kainan profile image
Kainan in reply to Activity2004

Yeah it’s very interesting 🧐

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Kainan

That’s good! Enjoy!πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

Kainan profile image
Kainan in reply to Activity2004

Thanks 😊

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Kainan

You’re welcome!πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

happytulip profile image
happytulip

Just finished "The life and rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah." A very interesting auto-biography that tells the story of his journey to becoming a poet. He is brutally honest about his life that led him down various paths.

I've also just finished "When Breath Becomes Air." Written by Paul Kalanithi. It's a true story about a doctor preparing for his own death after a terminal diagnosis. It's compelling and it's refreshing in that it openly discusses the inevitable. Something very common in Europe and other countries, but perhaps less so in the UK in my opinion.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to happytulip

Both books sound like they are very interesting. Thank you for bringing them up. How long are both books?

happytulip profile image
happytulip in reply to Activity2004

I'll have to check it out.

Because I can't read anymore I listen to then on audiobooks.

They are quite lengthy, but not to much.

The good thing is that the voices are very soothing and relaxing.

I am in the middle of remote control by Andy mc nab which I am enjoying so far

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

How long Is It? Is It part of a series?

in reply to Activity2004

Its 504 pages long

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

Sounds good! Can’t wait to hear more about it.πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆπŸ‡πŸ“–

thara9643 profile image
thara9643

I recently finished reading a book about the Whitechapel murders. Great if you love to read about real life unsolved historical crime in Britain.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to thara9643

What’s the title and author for that book?πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆπŸ‡πŸ“–

thara9643 profile image
thara9643 in reply to Activity2004

Patricia Cornwell. Title is a portrait of a killer, Jack the Ripper case closed.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to thara9643

I have a few of her books. Will have to look and see if I have that one already. :-)

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

Finished "Cold Comfort Farm" before going to bed last night. I strongly recommend this book for those who are romance and animal/farm type of people. The story is very sweet and everyone ends up being happy with how their lives turned out.

Aunt Ada even is in a better mood.

Next book I will start today is: "The Sea Is My Brother: The Lost Novel", by Jack Kerouac.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

I'll let you and everyone know soon. I will start reading it this afternoon before dinner. :-)

I finished a really good book by Ruth Hogan called the keeper of lost things which I really enjoyed!

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to

That’s fantastic! I will have to look it up soon later today.πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

Ghounds profile image
GhoundsReading Rabbits

Hello all,

I recently discovered a new author I hadn't tried before. Just finished the first novel in a series and it was so good I ordered the rest. It is called The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths and is a mystery. Well written with believable characters and not too scary for those of us of a nervous disposition whilst still having moments of suspense and danger. I now have another ten to work through with another being released in paperback later in the year. Happy reading everyone! πŸ˜ŠπŸ°πŸ“–

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Ghounds

Wow! This sounds really great and I know you will be happy when the books get to you. Can’t wait to hear more about the series very soon.πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆπŸ“–πŸ‡

Ghounds profile image
GhoundsReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

Thank you! Can you believe they arrived today and I ordered Saturday? I have some study to do first so might be a while before I get round to them but they will be a treat! πŸ“šπŸ˜

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Ghounds

Wow! That’s fast delivery!πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ I’m impressed! When we do the August book posting, you can let us know more about the series.πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆπŸ‘ŒπŸ“–πŸ‡

Ghounds profile image
GhoundsReading Rabbits in reply to Activity2004

I was too, great service. Free delivery too! I'm sure I will have managed the next by August πŸ™‚

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Ghounds

Fantastic! I will have the posting out by August 1st (Saturday).πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

Ghounds profile image
GhoundsReading Rabbits

I have one of those recipe books Jerry. Very helpful for food allergy recipes as they leave out eggs and dairy ingredients can be substituted, likewise flour for gluten free. They also tend to be low sugar.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004

I’m going to be starting chapter 4 today.πŸ˜€πŸ‘πŸŒˆ

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