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Here is the Folder to tell us what your monthly reads for November 2022 were.

Please provide:
~ A GoodReads link
~ A few sentences telling us how you felt about the book.
~ How would you rate the book

Here are my November reads:📚

Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by Z.Z. Packer
Fiction- Short Stories
Rate: 4/5 better than expected. Recommend
This collection has eight short stories. It's very well written and each story immediately drew me in. The stories are sort of brief poignant snapshots into the lives of disadvantaged individuals. Each story in the collection is unique and stands alone.

The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That's Smarter, Faster, Shorter by Martin Gibala
Non Fiction- Exercise
Rate: 4/5- Recommend
The book explains the benefits of Tabata style workouts. That is quick short bursts of exercise, followed by a short recovery. Typically it's 30 seconds or a minute all out high intensity exercise. This is followed by 30 seconds slow or a minute recovery . Repeat 8 times. You can vary the interval time to suit your particular fitness level and needs. You don't need equipment to do this. Any cardio will do. You could run between 2 telephone polls for example. If you are in a city like NY, you could run the block and walk the avenues. You could also do things like: jumping jacks, jump rope, basically anything that gets your heart rate up there in zone 3 or 4 of 5 if you are using a heart rate monitor. I found using a HRM and doing it on a stationary bike in the gym easiest as I can quickly adjust the difficulty level. If you don't have a HRM, high intensity would be when you are a bit out of breath and can only say a few words. The book is a quick read. Recommend.

When We Fell Apart by Soon Wiley
Fiction
Rate: 4/5 Recommend
This is a thoughtful poignant character study. It's not the faced paced mystery story that I though it would be. The story is set in Seoul, South Korea and is told in alternating chapters. One side is told by Min, who is half American and Half Korean. Not quite feeling like it fits in the U.S, he goes to South Korea to work and to find that feeling of belonging that has always eluded him

While in Korea he meets and dates Yu-Jin. She is the daughter of a high government official. She has done everything academically that her parents expect of her. They strictly control her life's path. Her story is told in the alternating chapters.

Very early in the novel, Min, learns of Yu-Jin's suicide or murder. The rest of the novel explores what led up to this point. The novel asks, How well do you really know anyone?

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Non Fiction - Memoir
Rate; 2/5 - below my expectations

The book is a sort of melancholy rambling memoir. The author lives with her husband and son by the sea in Whitstable, England. Each chapter seems to jump to random thoughts or events. The author was a professor and decided to leave her job. The book mentions the various stresses that seem to overwhelm her and how she "wintered" through it by taking vacations, reading children's books, cooking, taking nature walks and going to the sauna and then taking cold dips in the ocean with a friend. Privilege much ? I just didn't connect with the author. I have a friend that read it for a library discussion and liked it quite a bit.

Tobacco Road by Erskine Caldwell
Fiction
Rate 2/5 Do not recommend
This book was published in 1932. It's the story of sharecroppers in the south during the Great Depression. They are living in abject poverty. Given the situation, I didn't find the attempted humor funny at all. All of the characters are very unlikeable. They are violent, slothful, stupid and cruel. They are starving and poor but have absolutely no redeeming qualities that would have you root for them. I say, give this one a pass and read the wonderful classic, The Grapes of Wrath

Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver
Audio Book read by Jason Culp
Rate 2/5
The narrator was good. I enjoyed the author's humor. However, I had to downgrade this one because I found the courtroom scenes so ridiculous. No lawyers would be allowed to conduct themselves this way in court. The book sort of read like an old timey black and white film. The book was made into a film with Jimmy Stewart. I guess if you aren't looking for realism, you would enjoy this one.

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
Non Fiction - Essays
Rate: 5/5 Highly recommend
The book has around 40 short essays. I found the writing to be very witty. The title of the book refers to our current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly impacted the planet. The essays are full of interesting tidbit and alternates between the humorous and the poignantly personal. Five stars.

Eat for Life: The Breakthrough Nutrient-Rich Program for Longevity, Disease Reversal, and Sustained Weight Loss by Joel Fuhrman
Rate: 3/5 Good
This was a re-read for me. I like to re-read Fuhrman's books, watch him on YouTube and watch his PBS TV infomercials for motivation. It's similar to Dean Ornish and Michael Greger recommendations. The diet is basically vegetarian/vegan and no oil. But he does allow for a tiny amount of meat/fish if you wish. The book includes recipes. Though there also is a companion recipe book. This book is his updated follow-up to the very popular Eat to Live: The Revolutionary Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss The Nutritarian Diet is basically a vegetarian/vegan, low fat, low, sodium diet. In this more current book he also recommends Time Restricted Eating. He is know for his daily recommendation of G-BOMBS. Greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries and seeds. The diet limits processed foods, instead promoting nutrient-dense plant based foods. The diet is a strict one, however, over time it gets easier as you develop new healthy eating habits. I think if you follow his plan, you will see your health improve.

Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux by Thérèse de Lisieux
Rate 2/5. Not what I was expecting.
Autobiography- memoir
Therese came from a very religious home. All four of her sisters became Carmelite nuns. So from a very young age that was what she also wanted. At age 15, Therese entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux. "Carmelite Nuns are a cloistered, contemplative community serving the Church and the world through prayer." Saint Therese wrote a personal memoir that was never aimed at publication. I think that is part of the problem with this book. She is often addressing the mother superior and not a general audience. That said, the book is very popular. This was not an easy read. I found the first half difficult to follow. However, I did like reading about her "little ways" and how she overcame difficulties. Perhaps this might be better read as a devotional and not not straight through.

Great reading month for you, Alias! I’ve added a couple to my TBR—packer & Wiley. Oh! And the Green essays—his topics call to me.

Sorry you didn’t like the lawyer book. My only quibble was whether or not lawyers were, in fact, allowed to walk around the courtroom while his opponent is questioning the witness. I can understand wanting to see the face of the speaker but to get up & walk around seems distracting to everyone.

November was full of personal issues, including COVID-19, so i read only four books, two in just the last 2 days. Well, completed then. None were outstanding.

Chemistry for Breakfast: The Amazing Science of Everyday Life��Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim. Her approach is to take readers with her through one day and explain how chemistry played its part. Beginning with awakening, breakfast, on to academia for herself and other scientists, ending with making a meal for friends. Interesting and somewhat informative, i felt much was over explained. She communicates well.

Anatomy of a Murder��Robert Traver. I enjoyed this much more than Alias. The main character, a lawyer, had a great sense of humor, cared for his few friends and accepted a murder case while running for Congress against the DA for the position as well. I appreciated that the characters savored where they lived in Upper Michigan and took the time to do so.

A Philosophy of Walking��Frédéric Gros. I am no fan of philosophy but needed a book about it for my 100 Challenge. This had just enough education about some philosophers and their pleasure in walking that i learned much. I still didn’t like the book but astute points were made about the activity.

The Colony: Faith and Blood in a Promised Land��Sally Denton. A look at the 2019 massacre of several Mormon women and children in Mexico, where they lived. These Mormons were part of the breakaway faith after polygamy was banned by the church. It’s a good history with compelling writing. It had cartels, water thievery, many wives and man more children.

madrano wrote: "Great reading month for you, Alias! I’ve added a couple to my TBR—packer & Wiley. Oh! And the Green essays—his topics call to me.

Sorry you didn’t like the lawyer book. My only quibble was whether..."

I worked in a courtroom for several years. The answer is no; the judges I worked with would've had conniptions over that. Excellent write-ups from Alias!

madrano wrote: "November was full of personal issues, including COVID-19, so i read only four books, two in just the last 2 days. Well, completed then. None were outstanding.

[book:Chemistry for Breakfast: The Am..."

Philosophy was one of the categories I knew right away I wasn't going to manage. Congratulations for making it through several books that would've been incredibly challenging for me.

Alias, you've finished a lot of books this month! Too bad some of them were disappointments. Glad that a few of them were really good.

Deb, that's good reading for a busy month that included Covid.

I'm not a fan of philosophy either, although the walking book sounds like it might be interesting.

Re: Anatomy of a Murder

madrano wrote: Sorry you didn’t like the lawyer book. My only quibble was whether or not lawyers were, in fact, allowed to walk around the courtroom while his opponent is questioning the witness. I can understand wanting to see the face of the speaker but to get up & walk around seems distracting to everyone.


The talking objections was over the top. You can never argue like that in front of a jury. You object and if you need to explain your objection you go up to the judge. You don't argue in front of a jury ! Also a real lawyer would not have been allowed many of those questions.

It wasn't a bad book. I enjoyed the humor. I think perhaps if I read it and didn't listen to it I would have given it a higher rating. I did like the narrator. I just find reading text easier.

John wrote: I worked in a courtroom for several years. The answer is no; the judges I worked with would've had conniptions over that. Excellent write-ups from Alias!.."

Thank you for confirming my thoughts, John. All that Court TV I've watched and jury duty I've been on has paid off. :)

LOL, Alias. TV viewing is the limit of my criminal court experience. (Civil court is my sole experience.) I just assumed the laws/practice had changed regarding movements during witness interviews. John has set me straight on that.

As for objecting in front of the jurors, i’ve seen it portrayed both ways, probably depending on the specific instance. TV dramas allow much more than real life Court TV would!

I am relieved to learn that others here have issues with philosophy. My book was a stretch, in retrospect, but i learned some neat facts about the old religious pilgrimages, as well as many different lives.

As for the challenge, i’ll be surprised if i find a business/economic book i’m willing to read. And reading a book by someone whose opinions i disagree with, seems unlikely. I become quite stressed out when i become angry with a writer & her opinions. We’ll see.

Petra wrote: "Deb, that's good reading for a busy month that included Covid.

I'm not a fan of philosophy either, although the walking book sounds like it might be interesting."

Learning about the walking habits of the philosophers mentioned was fascinating. Gandhi was also included, btw.

madrano wrote: "LOL, Alias. TV viewing is the limit of my criminal court experience. (Civil court is my sole experience.) I just assumed the laws/practice had changed regarding movements during witness interviews...."

Objections do work both ways, sometimes the jury is sent out to argue the point, often the judge has a definite opinion where that's not necessary.

Throughout the book’s trial i felt the judge already knew his decision. I cannot imagine every objection going into another room or dismissing the jury. Logistics alone!

madrano wrote: "As for objecting in front of the jurors, i’ve seen it portrayed both ways, probably depending on the specific instance."

You can object. For example, the lawyer can say something like:
I object, asked and answered.
I object, what is the relevance, your honor?
I object, leading the witness.
I object, compound question.
I object, argumentative.
I object, lack of foundation.
I object, hearsay.

You object then state the legal reason. You don't start giving a closing argument and pontificating. If you do the judge may admonish you or ask the lawyers to approach the bench. Of course this would not be exciting reading. At least that is my understanding, as a person who learned the law from watching trials on Court TV. LOL

Well, Court TV is real court, as opposed to what i’ve seen on dramas. Most objections from what i’ve seen is along those lines, too.

Not a bad month, here are mine ...


The Late George Apley by John P. Marquand ⭐⭐⭐⭐


/review/show...


The President and the Assassin: McKinley, Terror, and Empire at the Dawn of the American Century by Scott Miller ⭐⭐⭐⭐

/review/show...


Inspector Imanishi Investigates by Seichō Matsumoto ⭐⭐⭐⭐

/review/show...


Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave by Jules Brown ⭐⭐⭐⭐

/review/show...


Think Fast, Mr. Moto by John P. Marquand ⭐⭐��

/review/show...


36 Views of Mount Fuji: On Finding Myself in Japan by Cathy N. Davidson ⭐⭐��

/review/show...

Yours is an interesting collection of stories, John. I’ve added Apley to my TBR list, as it sounds like a good way to visit those years.

Your comments on the Inspector were perfect, i couldn’t agree more with your “plodding police procedural��. It was slow and yet i realized i didn’t mind because i was learning about other aspects of living in Japan.

Thanks for sharing with us.

madrano wrote: "Yours is an interesting collection of stories, John. I’ve added Apley to my TBR list, as it sounds like a good way to visit those years.

Your comments on the Inspector were perfect, i couldn’t agr..."

Thanks for the kind words My mom is reading Apley now, going through it faster than usual having trouble putting it down. Epistolary format works very well, and I had to remind myself it was fiction at times being that realistic.

Looking forward to reading other titles by Seichō Matsumoto.

Just after posting my last comment, i realized I followed up Inspector with A Quiet Place. It was full of customs i knew nothing about at the time. Different from the first but still a strong book.

My November was about some rereads and two books I hadn't read before so going to separate them out in those two sections just for something different on here. :)

The two books never read were:

From Below by Darcy Coates - 5 stars.
My review: /review/show...

Usher's Passing by Robert McCammon - 5 stars.
My review:
/review/show...

Now the rereads:

Undertaker's Moon by Ronald Kelly - 5 stars.
My review:/review/show...

Purgatory by Lee Mountford - 5 stars.
My review: /review/show...

and

Possession by Lee Mountford - 5 stars.
My review: /review/show...

The main reason for two of the rereads of the Mountford books are because I am rereading the series as buddy reads in one of my groups. The Kelly book was a reread as I had the author over in one of my groups for a read and discussion. :)

I like to reread books sometimes as there will be times that I might have missed on the first time around to read. I have even changed a book rating with rereads too.

So that is my wrap for this month. I didn't really read a lot of books in November as I was in the process of moving so I wasn't in the reading mood. Now that I am settled in my new place I can go back to concentrating on reading more books. Hopefully. :)

I had a slow month in November.


4 Stars
I thought this one was good. I was a bit shocked by some of the events in the book, especially since it was based on true events.


5 Stars
Love me some Stephanie Plum. She's always good for a laugh.


4 Stars
I was expecting more of a shocker at the end, but this was still a good read.

Marie wrote: "My November was about some rereads and two books I hadn't read before so going to separate them out in those two sections just for something different on here. :)

The two books never read were:..."

Marie, you accomplished plenty of reading while also changing homes! Your description of the new books were exciting. We can tell you were into them.

It’s neat that you are rereading some oldies. For one thing, you can see whether they still scare. Lucky for you, they did!

Thanks for sharing your reading month with us.

John wrote: "Not a bad month, here are mine ...


The Late George Apley by John P. Marquand ⭐⭐⭐⭐


/review/show...


[book:The President and the As..."

I'd say all in all you had quite a successful November, John. As always, I enjoyed your reviews. I've put the McKinley book on my TBR. Thanks !

Marie wrote: "My November was about some rereads and two books I hadn't read before so going to separate them out in those two sections just for something different on here. :).."

That you were able to read anything and move at the same time is amazing. I know how difficult and involved that can get. Best wishes to you in you new home.

Congrats on the 5 star month !

Kim, your November May have been slow but they were strong. The first, by Dolen Perkins-Valdez sounds sad yet interesting. I wasn’t aware of the story. Thanks for drawing my attention to it.

The Megan Goldin sounds good! Thanks for sharing about these.

~*Kim*~ wrote: "I had a slow month in November.


4 Stars
I thought this one was good. I was a bit shocked by some of the events in the book, especially since it was based on true..."

4 and 5 stars is a very good month ! Stephanie Plum is always a nice fun change of pace.

madrano wrote: "Marie, you accomplished plenty of reading while also changing homes! Your description of the new books were exciting. We can tell you were into them.

It’s neat that you are rereading some oldies. For one thing, you can see whether they still scare. Lucky for you, they did!

Thanks for sharing your reading month with us...."

I am sort of amazed at myself for even being able to read while moving - lol. I was really reading slowly. :)

Always a pleasure to share with you all over here. :) One of my group stops for posting my reads. :)

Alias Reader wrote: "That you were able to read anything and move at the same time is amazing. I know how difficult and involved that can get. Best wishes to you in you new home.

Congrats on the 5 star month !..."

Thank you so much, Alias! :)

Marie wrote: �� Always a pleasure to share with you all over here. :) One of my group stops for posting my reads. :)..."

These monthly updates are one of my favorite features of this group. Of course, the consequence is the my “Books To Be Read�� list gets longer, but it’s fun to catch up. I’m grateful so many join in!

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my November reads:📚

Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by Z.Z. Packer
Fiction- Short Stories
Rate: 4/5 better than expect..."

I've been contemplating picking up Wintering again (I DNFd it earlier this year) but I think your review has convinced me to just let it go!

Lindsey wrote: I've been contemplating picking up Wintering again (I DNFd it earlier this year) but I think your review has convinced me to just let it go!"

My friend has her library book discussion on the book at the end of this week. If I can remember, I'll ask her how the group responded.

My friend enjoyed it so much, she purchased a copy !

File it under, if we all agreed, what a boring group this would be. :)

madrano wrote: "November was full of personal issues, including COVID-19, so i read only four books, two in just the last 2 days. Well, completed then. None were outstanding.

[book:Chemistry for Breakfast: The Am..."

Sorry to hear you were ill. I hope you're feeling better!
Michele

Alias Reader wrote: "Re: Anatomy of a Murder

madrano wrote: Sorry you didn’t like the lawyer book. My only quibble was whether or not lawyers were, in fact, allowed to walk around the courtroom while his..."

I think we're a lot smarter about the law than we used to be. Due to media and cameras, etc. It's harder to wander wildly through a trial in fiction any more.

madrano wrote: "Yours is an interesting collection of stories, John. I’ve added Apley to my TBR list, as it sounds like a good way to visit those years.

Your comments on the Inspector were perfect, i couldn’t agr..."

Yes, thanks. I love plodding police procedurals!! Have you read any Maigret by Georges Simenon? Plodding in Paris! I will check out both these authors, and suggest you might like The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. I loved it.

My November books were half audio, half Kindle. Is it important to anybody that I say which is which? If so, I'll do it next time.

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida|57224204] I try to read a prize winning book of literary fiction a few times a year. This is the Booker Prize winner for fiction in 2022. It is a chaotic, overstuffed mystery set in Sri Lanka --in the real world, in the bardo (the space where souls reconcile themselves to death), and ending in happy place where one forgets what came before. It's stuffed with obscure (to me) references to Sri Lankan history, with unpronounceable names, with symbolism, fantasy, cleverness. I never really felt at home in it, but I appreciated the talent of the author. My review is here.

They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent. Too melodramatic for me. Sarah Kendzior has been a prophet during the Trump years, but she is angry and doesn't care who knows it. Too unrelenting for me.

The Luckiest Man: Life with John McCain Looking for a balanced portrait, and I think Mark Salter presents one. He is obviously in love with McCain, but also not in love with him in a cult like way I think he presents a fairly complete record of his public behavior and a pretty good assessment of where he was right and where he was wrong. I like a bit more on the personality than he was willing to give, (for example the Keating Savings & Loan thing), but OTOH, his description of his feelings for grandfather and father were pretty fascinating. See my review.

American Midnight: Democracy's Forgotten Crisis, 1917-1921. Fascinating history of the post WWI years and the way Woodrow Wilson and his fascistic "helpers" enforced the laws against unions, suffragettes, immigrants, the press, blacks and Jews. As a history/poli sci buff I had been familiar with almost all the players and many of the incidents, but having them put all together like this was eye-opening. Woodrow Wilson was working to make a liberal peace in Paris while at home, his delegated cabinet members and government appointees were working to suppress Americans using the Espionage and Sedition Acts. Frightful story and familiar in its outlines.

The Maid My latest foray into popular fiction. I'm sure many of you have read it or become familiar with the idea. A hotel maid with social handicaps is taken advantage of by people who are more sophisticated. It is a murder mystery, but more, and I like it, though I see a hole or two in the logic of the maid's behavior.

Please everyone enjoy your holiday season, whatever your holiday may be.
Michele

Michele wrote: "I think we're a lot smarter about the law than we used to be. Due to media and cameras, etc. It's harder to wander wildly through a trial in fiction any more.."

Good point, Michele.

Michele wrote: "
American Midnight: Democracy's Forgotten Crisis, 1917-1921. Fascinating history of the post WWI years and the way Woodrow Wilson and his fascistic "helpers" enforced the laws against unions, suffragettes, immigrants, the press, blacks and Jews. As a history/poli sci buff I had been familiar with almost all the players and many of the incidents, but having them put all together like this was eye-opening. Woodrow Wilson was working to make a liberal peace in Paris while at home, his delegated cabinet members and government appointees were working to suppress Americans using the Espionage and Sedition Acts. Frightful story and familiar in its outlines...."

I'm going to add this to my TBR notebook. Thanks for this new to me title, Michele !

Michele wrote: "Sorry to hear you were ill. I hope you're feeling better!
Michele"

Thank you, Michele. We are better and are proud that we didn’t pass the illness on to anyone we know.

Michele, thanks for the Georges Simenon tip. I’ve heard of the series and believe I even saw a filmed version but haven’t read any.

I read that Keigo Higashino mystery & followed it up by reading Salvation of a Saint which was not as captivating to me, was still quite good. I see there are two others in the Detective Galileo series. Gotta get going!

Michele, thanks for reading these and sharing your thoughts on them. The Adam Hochschild book sounds very informative—i’ve added it to my TBR. And i appreciate the warning on Kendzior‘s book. Should have anticipated what it was like.

I read Nita Prose novel early this year. There was a problem (or two) with it but overall i enjoyed reading about the enthusiastic maid.

Michele wrote: "madrano wrote: "Yours is an interesting collection of stories, John. I’ve added Apley to my TBR list, as it sounds like a good way to visit those years.

Your comments on the Inspector were perfect..."

A while ago, I splurged (due in part to a credit card promotion) and bought almost the entire Maigret canon at Audible. I still have several to go as I don't want to finish.

I know that feeling, John. Now you know to savor the remaining novels. Enjoy…slowly!

madrano wrote: "November was full of personal issues, including COVID-19, so i read only four books, two in just the last 2 days. Well, completed then. None were outstanding.

[book:Chemistry for Breakfast: The Am..."

I tested positive with Covid myself. I read only one book in November. I'm hoping to do better this month.

Sorry to hear that, Shomeret. I hope you are fully recovered.

Shomeret, i hope your Covid case was as mild as mine. We are back to being quite cautious now that the weather is cold and the flu is rearing its head, as well.

When i was younger, i thought being ill was a great time to read. In the last 5 or so years, it's less likely to be the case. Maybe in my old age i give in easier to not trying while ill.

madrano wrote: "Shomeret, i hope your Covid case was as mild as mine. We are back to being quite cautious now that the weather is cold and the flu is rearing its head, as well.

When i was younger, i thought bein..."

A mild illness does make it possible to read. That's why I was able to read with Covid, but it was one historical fiction that went on and on.

It's certainly "idle" time, making me want to read more. It's great to see you up & about. I hope the rest of the year is symptom free. As i mentioned elsewhere, our daughter had it two weeks after we did & she still isn't up to her previous exercise routine, although she does work out some.