17 Comments

I have two books on hold at the library, one is for our chat and the other is The Thursday Murder Club (book 1). Meantime I just started Ann Patchett's 'This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.'

I love reading all your recommendations.

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Thanks Sally! I haven’t gotten around to reading The Thursday Murder Club books yet, so please let me know what you think. Richard Osman is in Australia promoting his latest book and they sound perfect for a lighter read.

The Patchett book also sounds like a good read.

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Another great update on reading and eating. Great description of Demon Copperhead.

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Thanks Sally! What are you reading at the moment?

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I just finished up the last of my 2 ingredient flatbread. It freezes well and perks up in the microwave or on a hot frying pan. Re ebooks and inter library loans - I belong to 3 libraries with Libby and Borrow Box. I often find they have different titles available so check both when I’m looking for something. ILL have been severely cut here too - I think you can only make 2 requests per year now.

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I wondered if they had different collections. I switch back and forth between my two libraries but they seem remarkably similar. I would love to join the New York Library or somewhere like that but sadly don’t have the right credentials.

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I could read a whole non fiction spinoff about the addicts Kingsolver interviewed. Such a tragedy for this country. Great review!

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Thanks so much! We had a good chat at book club about the research she did. It must have been heartbreaking. Have you heard any of her recent interviews about the book? There’s a good one with Ezra Klein.

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No I haven't but will definitely check it out!

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Even though I read Demon Copperfield and participated in the last book group, I enjoyed the background info you shared, Marg. I thought it was an original and well-realized idea to set the book in Appalachia and make opioid addiction a central theme. I also enjoyed the article you wrote about how you pick books to read and also decide to put them aside when they don’t interest you. I feel like I should read more books, but I am always being sidetracked by news, blogs, and life in general. However, your newsletter is inspiring me to read more!

That simple flatbread with only two ingredient sounds, and looks really delicious! After making a bunch of fruitcakes with huge ingredient lists, I am definitely ready for something a bit easier!

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You are amazing with your cooking. So much time and effort. I am saving your post about fruitcakes to read when I'm eating as I know it will make me hungry.

Thanks for reading my newsletter (and commenting). It's very much appreciated.

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Awww, thanks, Marg. I really do appreciate the research and reading you do. 🥰

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Marg, does your library have Libby? If so you can download the app, attach your card number and you’ll get access to even more books. I find that local libraries don’t always have physical copies of certain books but they do have audio and e-book versions. Unless those are not your thing. Also, I just discovered that Spotify has an excellent database of audiobooks and many of them are brand new books and popular ones you won’t find right away at a library (or have to wait a long time for) so you can listen to them AND all the podcasts AND music for only $10.99 USD per month. Not sure if that’s available in Australia but if it is, then it’s worth considering. I personally think it’s a much better deal than paying $15-20 per audiobook on Amazon.

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Yes I have Libby and love it. I’m currently listening to Wrong Place Wrong Time and enjoying it so far. Our library doesn’t have a very big digital collection and mainly focuses on genres I don’t usually read, eg fantasy and romance (of the bodice ripping kind). I joined a second library thinking they would have more choices but that hasn’t eventuated so far. I think it’s a funding issue.

I didn’t know Spotify had audio books so thanks for letting me know. My husband currently has a free trial and is loving it. I never buy books of any kind from Amazon as I try not support them. I’m sure they don’t miss me 😀

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Oh gosh I love Spotify. I’ve been paying for the premium version for over a year now and I think it’s money well spent. The audiobooks thing they just rolled out is an added bonus 😀 this means I’ll probably never cancel haha. The great thing about it is that you can download content for offline listening so if you’re traveling or if you’re out somewhere with terrible Wi-Fi or no internet you can still listen to books, podcasts, and music.

As fork libraries—I don’t know if this is available in your area but in my city library they have something called ‘inter library loan’ which means if they don’t have what you want they can request the item at another city’s library and deliver it to you. It’s a nice service! Perhaps you can ask your library if they have that next time you’re in.

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Good idea Hoang, I'd forgotten about inter-library loans. Our library used to have a purchase request form on their website, but they disabled it when they had their funding cut. Our local council went broke a couple of years ago but they seem to be getting back on track because they're building a lovely new library. Can't wait.

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November 15, 2023
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Wonderful. Will send an invite!

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