This month really has seemed like a long one, hasn’t it? I hope you are all doing well and staying warm and safe. It’s been difficult to stay up to date on news because honestly the political climate here is just disheartening to say the least. I struggle with being angry and yes, even at times fearful. So let’s doing what we can so that things turn around. They have to.
Now on to the books. I set my Goodreads goal as 50 books and can tell you I’m already behind. Ha. That’s just for fun anyway but I had some good reads this month so I think that’s already a win. Here is what I read: Among the Wicked by Linda Castillo, A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao and Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle. All were enjoyable and I’ll definitely continue to follow the Castillo and Rao series.
As I started strong with mysteries this year, I’ve been thinking a bit about my reading goals. Not necessarily goals, but areas of focus. I try to incorporate fiction in translation, poetry and graphic novels into my reading every year and that still stands. Even if it’s just a title or two. But, one area I’ve fallen behind on is keeping up with some mystery series.
I was doing a bit of searching online and realize I’m way behind on some favorites. What can I say, new books keep coming out! So anyway, I think I’ll add this to one of my reading goals and that is to visit with a favorite series or two.
Anyway, thank you again for visiting my blog and I’m glad I was able to be a bit more present in this space. My mom is doing a bit better after her fall in December so I’m happy she’s gaining a bit more independence which of course also helps me a bit. Wishing you all a wonderful February and hope you’re reading some great books!

I’m glad your mom is doing a bit better, Iliana! But I’m sorry you are feeling fearful (as well as angry) with the political climate right now. I have to admit that even as a white woman, I’m afraid because I’m a naturalized citizen. I’m afraid to travel out of the U.S. in case they look at my passport (which is a U.S. passport) showing I was born in Canada. There simply are no guarantees that I won’t be detained. But I worry about any naturalized citizen being deported. Ugh.
But about books, right? I haven’t been reading a lot of mysteries, but finally decided to read Louise Penny’s last two books. I may spend March focusing on nothing but mysteries. We’ll see. Lots of choices in my stacks.
Take care of yourself. xoxo
Iliana, so happy your Mom is doing better after her fall late last year. It does just take some time, doesn’t it? Also, hope you guys did OK during our last weather event. I just keep thinking it could have been worse with more freezing rain and less sleet. It did take quite a while for all the ice to melt. Our driveway is steep and half of it is shaded by a tree in the neighbor’s yard. Don’t think I had noticed that quite as much as when part was melting and part wasn’t – ha! As to books, I have really enjoyed Linda Castillo’s mystery series. Hope she continues it for a long time. Are you still attending your mystery book group? Hope so. Ours is still going strong and we’ve been getting new members and some are even younger – imagine! Ha! Take care, friend.
I am glad your mom is doing better, Iliana, and is regaining some of her independence. I bet she is glad for that. It sounds like you had a good reading month, even if you are behind with your goal. The good thing is that it is still early so there may be a month you end up doing a lot of reading. It all balances out. And, as you said, our reading goals are all in fun. If I may brag, I already surpassed my goal. I only had to read two books this year. LOL So you’ve already met my goal too! That’s a win! I hope you have a good week. Take care.
Lesley – I hear you on the fear of traveling outside of the U.S. I mean if citizens can get thrown in detention centers for days/weeks without medical care, then what can happen to others. It’s really just disheartening to see how things are going right now. I have to keep telling myself it will change but the damage done…. Anyway, on to more lighter stuff, murder mysteries! 🙂 A month of mysteries sounds like fun! I’m on board with that!
Kay – We did well during the recent weather event, thank goodness. I must say always a bit fearful though about the grid holding up! Yes, I am still going to my regular mystery book group and so happy that we’ve even added a few new members. We’ve got a great line up of books this year now if I can just finish the Elizabeth George book. That is such a chunkster!
Literary Feline – Thank you so much! Yes, my mom is definitely happier she can move about a bit more. Love your reading goals and thank you for letting me tag along and we are on track! haha…