Catherine, Author at Your Book Group

The Library of Lost and Found

CatherineNovember 13, 2020November 2, 2021

Read this when it’s difficult to concentrate. You won’t have to work hard. … Read More >The Library of Lost and Found

Philosophy and Mission of Your Book Group

CatherineNovember 12, 2020September 5, 20211 Comment

Our mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive virtual space for readers to explore and discuss the world(s) of Story. I love books so much that for ten years I made bookselling my career. Reading books, discussing them, and connecting them with people who love them in turn – … Continue ReadingPhilosophy and Mission of Your Book Group

Uncategorized

Wish You Were Here – and Other Firsts

CatherineNovember 9, 2020November 1, 2021

My ongoing plan over the next few months is to review titles that I’ve listed as the first in their series. This morning I added a review of Wish You Were Here, by Rita Mae Brown’s cat Sneaky Pie. (I feel ridiculous typing this.) Stay tuned for my next First review, which … Continue ReadingWish You Were Here – and Other Firsts

Mystery

Wish You Were Here

CatherineNovember 9, 2020October 28, 2021Leave a comment

Read this book when you need to kill some time. … Read More >Wish You Were Here

Classic Event

Join me to discuss To Kill a Mockingbird

CatherineNovember 8, 2020November 15, 20202 Comments

Let’s talk about Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird on Sunday December 6. This event is virtual. The book is very accessible at libraries and bookstores. One option to get either the print or the ebook version is to visit my affiliate link on Bookshop.org (more about … Continue ReadingJoin me to discuss To Kill a Mockingbird

Romance

The Mysteries of Udolpho

CatherineNovember 7, 2020August 18, 2022Leave a comment

Read in the dark of winter. … Read More >The Mysteries of Udolpho

Audiobooks

Listen to This.

CatherineNovember 6, 2020January 24, 2021Leave a comment

In many of my book reviews and recommendations I suggest that you try the audio version of the book in question, and that’s usually because the narration is exceptional and adds dimension to the story. Many audiobook are read by screen actors: The Member of the Wedding is narrated by Susan Sarandon, … Continue ReadingListen to This.

Poetry

Poetry – Take 2

CatherineNovember 5, 2020September 5, 2021Leave a comment

I mentioned yesterday that I would return to the idea of poetry as offering one form of bibliotherapy (which, you will recall, is the use of literature to support mental health and well-being). Note: there was a viewing error on the original post, so I deleted it and am re-adding. … Continue ReadingPoetry – Take 2

Recommendation

Bibliotherapy

CatherineNovember 4, 2020November 4, 20201 Comment

Perhaps you’ve heard the term before. Bibliotherapy is, according to this article and this article in Psychology Today, the use of books and other forms of literature to support one’s mental health. The good news is that we can practice this on our own as well as in conjunction with … Continue ReadingBibliotherapy

Birthday

Happy Birthday Martin Cruz Smith – and an answer to yesterday’s trivia question.

CatherineNovember 3, 2020November 3, 20202 Comments

Martin Cruz Smith, born on this day in 1942, is an American mystery author. He wrote Gorky Park, the first of the Arkady Renko books; I haven’t read any of the books but will definitely add them to my list. I’ve been looking for something comparable to Olin Steinhauer’s Ruthenia … Continue ReadingHappy Birthday Martin Cruz Smith – and an answer to yesterday’s trivia question.

Calendar

National Novel Writing Month

CatherineNovember 2, 2020July 23, 20212 Comments

Good Morning! Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month, (NaNoWriMo)? Do you have a novel inside you waiting to be born? Are you a novel doula? A story midwife? You could start now; visit the site; participation is free. Bring your kids along too; if you scroll … Continue ReadingNational Novel Writing Month

Fiction

Jude the Obscure

CatherineNovember 1, 2020October 26, 2021

If you would like to experience this (the Kindle version is 99 cents), then read the book by all means – but make plans to anchor yourself in the present afterwards. Hug your spouse, your child – or your pig. Play happy music. Take a walk. Count your blessings. … Read More >Jude the Obscure

Fiction

Heft

CatherineNovember 1, 2020October 26, 2021Leave a comment

Listen to this book to restore your faith in humankind. … Read More >Heft

Fantasy

The Memoir of the Minotaur

CatherineNovember 1, 2020November 2, 2021

Maybe don’t read this well-crafted and sometimes funny mythological memoir just before dinner. … Read More >The Memoir of the Minotaur

Horror

The Institute

CatherineOctober 23, 2020October 25, 2021

A grim tale. … Read More >The Institute

Fiction

The Distant Hours

CatherineOctober 11, 2020November 2, 2021

Take your time with this skillfully crafted novel. When you see what the end has in store, you’ll be glad you did. … Read More >The Distant Hours

Mystery

The Innocence of Father Brown

CatherineOctober 4, 2020November 19, 2021Leave a comment

Read on Sunday. … Read More >The Innocence of Father Brown

Mystery

All the Devils are Here

CatherineOctober 2, 2020November 19, 2021

You’ll want to allow sufficient time to read or listen to large chunks of this book at a time – you won’t want to put it down. … Read More >All the Devils are Here

Mystery

The Murder at the Vicarage

CatherineOctober 2, 2020October 30, 2021Leave a comment

Read this book wherever and however you want. … Read More >The Murder at the Vicarage

Mystery

Hamish Macbeth Mysteries

CatherineSeptember 18, 2020November 19, 2021

When you’re done reading, maybe take nap – much as Hamish would do … Read More >Hamish Macbeth Mysteries