TGIF! And Happy Almost Weekend!
Speaking of “weekend,” are you short on time but long on wanting a worthwhile read? Like, something you can start tomorrow and finish by Sunday? Not to fret. Mom and I gotcha covered.
Readers have some tough decisions. Like when your TBR rivals the Empire State Building. Your library check-outs are in triple digits. The local bookstore ropes off an entire section with your name on it. Or your favorite canine has to choose between New York Steak and Rib Eye.
Wait. Where was I?
Oh yeah. Reading decisions.
Does this sound familiar, hoomans?
– You grabbed a book off Amazon because it snagged a glittering galaxy of 5 star reviews. That were probably posted by the author’s mom. Under numerous pseudonyms.
– Your reading club is gushing over its latest selection. You can’t get past page 3 without reaching for No Doze.
– The latest “bestseller” has a plot that’s as dense as a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich. Without the jelly. Or the bread.
What’s a reader to do?
First of all, relax. Deep breaths, okay? Mom and I are here to help.
Second, realize that reading isn’t a competition. Or s chore. Reading is supposed to be fun. Enjoyable. (Kimber: Well, maybe not as enjoyable as a Porterhouse Steak. What?)
Anyway, here’s the latest brilliant advice from Her Royal Momness and me. On All of the Above. At no extra charge:
Stop.
That’s right.
Just. Stop. Close the book. Put it back. And move on to something else.
It doesn’t matter how far you’ve read. The number of pages left. Or how many hours you’ve spent slogging through a book. Through gritted teeth. When you reach The Point of No Return on a book, don’t return.
That’s right. Put that book down. Send it back. Find something else.
And lose the guilt. Give yourself permission to say No.
True, not all books are easy. Some require more effort than others. That’s okay.
That snoozer that had you yawning? The stinker that made your hair ache? Just stop. Put it away. You can always pick it up again later.
But if you’re hating every minute of a book, counting the remaining pages, or forcing yourself to keep going and dreading every minute, then you’re missing the point. Of letting books into your head. And your heart. Soak into your soul. And maybe even change your life.
Speaking of “life,” Mom and I decided a long time ago that life’s too short to spend it on lousy books. That we don’t enjoy. Put us to sleep better than Sominex. Look like the neighborhood fluff ball.
Besides. With zillions of titles to choose from, you’ll always be able to find something that’s a better fit.
So to reiterate, relax. And lose the book DNF guilt. It’s so not you.
Meanwhile, Mom and I will be back shortly. Soon as one of us re-shelves a few books.
What’s the last book you read that soaked into your soul?
We hear that much of the U.S. is jacketed in snow. And wearing icy pajamas. But Mom and I? One of us is breaking out the iced tea and A/C. Here’s why:
J.A. Jance’s Exit Wounds is that rare kind of “immersion” where you forget your own address but can recite the protagonist’s entire personal history without even trying.
The 4-1-1
Is the sudden death of a jail inmate linked to the murder of a reclusive woman who lived in a dilapidated mobile home with 17 dogs? What about two other dead women in New Mexico? Are the women’s murders linked by an 85 year-old bullet? How? And the vehicular homicide in Silver Creek, AZ? Is a serial killer loose in Sheriff Joanna Brady’s county? Is a “surprise” family announcement coming from the Bradys? Will Joanna’s stay-at-home hubby’s first novel ever sell? And what about the dirty tricks her opponent is cooking up as the sheriff’s re-election campaign heats up?
A powerful tale about the darkest corners of human nature and unseen wounds that never heal… Much more.
Skillful writing. Pitch-perfect pacing. Sturdy, three-dimensional characters that almost stand up and walk. The scent of summer rain. A plot with more twists than Lombard Street. And dogs! All make Exit Wounds unputdownable so far.
So, hey! It may be winter. Much of the country may be in a deep freeze. But reading this fast-paced mystery/suspense/thriller, one of us is sweating with this edge-of-your-seat Whodunit set in Cochise County, Arizona. In July.
So if anyone needs Mom or me, we’ll be in our blanket fort. Living inside these pages until further notice. While sipping iced tea (Hi, Mom.)
What’s the last book that made you a ‘functional’ ghost in your own life?
A one-two punch of frigid weather combined with Super Dad’s convalescence has kept us stuck inside way too long this month. So we read alot. Saw a lot of Formula 1 racing. And wound up watching way too many Matt Damon Movies.
Kimber: Remind me to re-up Mom’s private chocolate stash, okay?
Anywho, one of us realized that some of Matt’s ‘funnest’ movies are based on books. So. Just for kicks and grins, here is our Totally Unscientific, 100% Subjective list of Top 5 Matt Damon Movies based on books.
“My name’s Carroll Shelby. I build race cars.”
Teamed with Christian Bale as race car driver Ken Miles, Damon turns in a tour de force playing race car driver/designer Carroll Shelby. Shelby is recruited by Ford to build a car capable of defeating Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Based on the non-fiction book Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans by A.J. Baime.
Following his wife’s untimely death, Los Angeles journalist Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) quits his job, buys Rosemoor Wildlife Park, and moves with his two kids onto the property. Though closed for years, Rosemoor is still home to many animals. Mee opens his heart and his checkbook and works with the small staff to renovate and reopen the zoo.
Based on the book of the same title by Benjamin Mee.
3. The Martian
Damon plays astronaut Mark Watney, who’s presumed dead after a fierce storm on Mars. He’s left behind when the rest of the crew departs the red planet for Earth. With limited supplies, Watney must figure out how to survive on the hostile planet while NASA and his crew mates try to bring him home.
Based on the book by Andy Weir.
Damon plays struggling young lawyer Rudy Baylor in this David vs. Goliath legal thriller. When an insurance company refuses coverage for a mom’s dying son, Baylor fights the corrupt corporation in court.
Based on the book by John Grisham.
The Nazis steal countless pieces of art during WWII and hide them. Some over-the-hill art scholars, historians, architects and other experts form a unit to retrieve as many of the stolen masterpieces as possible. The mission becomes more urgent when the team learns about Hitler ordering the destruction of the artworks if the Third Reich falls. Damon plays Lieutenant James Granger, museum curator.
Based on the book The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Bret Witter and Robert M. Edsel
What are some of your favorite movies based on books?
Someone you know has a loved one in ICU/CCU. You care. Want to help. But you’re not sure how. Here are 15+ ways you can help a patient in ICU/CCU. Based on recent experience a la Her Royal Momness and Super Dad:
ALSO:
Remember to thank the NURSING STAFF. These highly skilled professionals are amazing‼️💯 Yea, nurses! 👏👏👏
WHEN SOMEONE says, “Let me know if you need anything,” ask, “What can you do?”
FINALLY, one of the best “gifts” you can give an ICU patient is time. Don’t be in a hurry. Don’t expect them to “bounce back” or return to “normal” schedules or activities any time soon. They’ve just been thru the wringer. ICU is a traumatic experience. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Getting back to “normal” can take weeks or months. Or more. So don’t rush them. Give them the time and space they need to recover. Heal. Decompress. In every respect. On their timetable. Not yours.
Capiche?
For companion commentary, see prior post: 12+ ICU Dos and Dont’s.
Nothing in this post should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
***
When will we get back to book blogging? Good question! No idea. But we’ve got some ideas in the pipeline. In case you’re wondering, Buttercup. So thanks for your patience. We appreciate every kind word and note of encouragement. You’re PAWsome!
Kimber here. Letting you know that Super Dad is out of ICU. And that nasty hospital place. Ninety miles from home. And ME! The nerve! (For background, see January 1 post.)
So we’re taking a U-turn on the blog today. Hope you don’t mind, Sweet Cakes. And if you do? Tough bouncies, Toots. Cuz Super Dad and Her Royal Momness have been away for four weeks. Four. Weeks. Eleven days in that nasty hospital place for Dad: Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure and Aspiration Pneumonia. And a bunch of other yucky stuff. It meant eight days in ICU. Three days on life support. Two+ weeks of initial convalescence at my brother’s house. Nearer the hospital. Not that I was counting or anything.
They’ve been away since December 22! Missed Christmas completely. They say coming home to a houseful of Christmas decorations and unopened gifts on January 17 was “very weird.” But Dorothy Gale got it right: “There’s no place like home!” (I don’t know what the big deal is about Dorothy. We all know Toto was the brains of that outfit.)
Anyway, we’re gonna do Part I of what the hoo-mans learned from that hospital experience thingy. Throwin’ this is in for free. Stay tuned for Part 2 later. Here goes:
12+ ICU DOS and DONT’S. Based on recent experience. Consider it a Public Service Announcement:
***
“He’s in ICU.” Three words no one wants to hear. But when you know someone who has, what can you do? How can you help a close friend or loved one who’s just heard those words?
Here are some tips, suggestions and 12+ Dos and Don’ts on how you can help someone with a family member in or recently discharged from ICU/CCU:
FIRST, the patient’s family is probably in shock. No one plans to wind up in ICU.
So DON’T PRESS FOR DETAILS OR UPDATES. They’ve just walked into a war zone. They may not know which end is up, let alone how to communicate same. They may not have all the details on their loved one’s condition, diagnosis, or prognosis. Or be in a place where they can process that info. Be patient. Get updates from others or a family spox if you can.
Additionally, admission to ICU/CCU can be SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED. Family members may arrive at the hospital with nothing but the clothes on their back. Can you grab or get some personal belongings to them? A change of clothes? Reading glasses? Soap? Shampoo? Lotion? Toothpaste and toothbrush, etc.
Offer to MANAGE LOGISTICS if you can. Be the point person to update other friends/family. With their approval, set up a Private Facebook group as a central repository of information to avoid duplicating effort (exhausting and time-consuming). Help arrange visitor rotations so family members can rest.
⭐️Here are some additional Dos and Don’ts for family members with a loved one in ICU/CCU: ⭐️
DO:
DON’T
1. DO NOT CALL. Those with a loved one in ICU are running on fumes and adrenaline. A phone call can be intrusive and disorienting, esp. if it comes when they’re in conference with a provider or other medical professional. They’ll call when they’re able. Message, email or text instead. End your texts/messsges with “no need to respond” to give them space and room to decompress.
FINALLY:
➡️ The REAL WORK of recovery begins AFTER hospital discharge. It can be draining + exhausting for both patient and caregiver (family).
You can help by offering to “spell” the home caregiver so they can grab a shower, some fresh air, or a nap. Give them a break so they can recharge their batteries.
BTW. Chocolate can work wonders. Just sayin’. 😎 – Mom
For companion commentary, keep an eye out for 15+ Ways You Can Help an ICU Patient. Coming soon.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this post should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
I don’t know about your neck of the dog run, but here in the Northwest it’s been pouring rain for so long, I may be sprouting gills.
Not that I mind, mind you. Mom says this is great reading weather. Something about curling up by the fire with a good book. I don’t really get it. I just like sitting in her lap while she turns pages. And tells me what a “good dog” I am.
As if I didn’t know that already.
Anyway, here are 10+ top picks fur wet weather. (That’s not a typo.) These books are brisk and engaging. With good solid story lines. Lots of adventure. As much “flavor” and “texture” as those beef broth and steak treat thingies Mom makes. And of course sparkling canine personalities. Like mine. You’ll enjoy these even if you’re a feline fan. (Yech! Can’t believe I just said that.):
2. Dog On It: A Chet and Bernie Mystery– Spencer Quinn. (Told from the dog’s point of view) A good ‘ole fashioned “whodunit” mystery with a dog who’s way smarter than Bernie, his crime-solving human. Laugh out loud funny in places.
3. Where the Red Fern Grows – Wilson Rawls. Old Dan. Li’l Ann. A young boy growing up in the Ozarks and sacrificial love. Bring tissue.
4. Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod – Gary Paulsen. Told in the first person. You can almost smell the cold and feel the snow crunch!
5. The Empty City (Survivors #1) – Erin Hunter. Lucky is a golden-haired mutt with a nose for survival. He’s always been a loner, relying on his instincts to get by. Then the Big Growl strikes. Suddenly the ground is split wide open. The Trap House is destroyed. And all the longpaws have disappeared. Is it time to find a Pack?
6. The Journey Back – Priscilla Cummings. #2 in the Red Kayak series. Not strictly a dog book. But Digger’s daring escape from a juvenile detention facility includes hijacking a tractor trailer, “borrowing” a bicycle, stealing a canoe, and befriending a stray mutt who becomes Digger’s best friend.
7. Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers – Gary Paulsen. Minnesota author and dog musher Gary Paulsen reflects on the growth of his sled dogs as he and his animals discover the world around them.
8. Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, An Unexpected Journey, and Me (Jon Katz)
A story of faithful love, unswerving devotion, and understanding without words, Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, An Unexpected Journey, and Me effervesces like a bottle of Cristal Brut Methusalah.
An abandoned, half-feral border collie reluctantly taken in by author Jon Katz, Izzy becomes a hospice dog. Somehow Izzy learns what can’t be taught: how to help the dying leave this world with dignity – “Oh! A dog! Where on earth did you come from, you handsome thing?” – and how to best comfort those left behind.
Lenore – from the Edgar Allen Poe poem – is a “portable happiness generator.” “The UPS driver threatened to steal her,” says Katz. Big hearted and good natured, Lenore can pierce the armor of the hardest heart. As Katz battles a deep depression and phantoms from his past, the rambunctious Lab pup gently reminds him why he wanted to work with animals in the first place.
9. The Dog Who Was There (Ron Morasco).
Set in first century Jerusalem, The Dog Who Was There is a heart-warming, surprising story about a little dog, Barley (that’s not a typo), and a Teacher from Galilee. This wonderful story is soaked in loss, loyalty, sadness, promise, and Great Joy. I’ve never read anything quite like it. You won’t want to miss this one.
And of course:
10. Forever, Eve: The True Story of a “Cast-Off” Dog Who Never Stopped Loving
Wait. Is that a patch of blue overhead?
“Kimber, what do you think is better? Book or movie?”
Depends, says I, Kimber the Magnificent. Usually on whether we’re reading or watching before or after dinner. Lemme backtrack for a min and explain-ish.
Her Momness has been skipping down Memory Lane via books for much of the summer. She’s re-visited a ton and a half of old favorites. See: The Dog Days and Children’s Classics.
The other day Mom re-read Mary Poppins, by P.L. Travers. Just a few days after watching the Disney movie with Julie Andres and Dick Van Dyke. Having read and watched both versions within a few days of each other, Her Momness was somewhat astonished. At how far apart they are.
Granted, there are things you can and can’t do on the silver screen that you can do in a book. Some book scenes just don’t translate well onto film. But in the case of Mary Poppins The Book vs. Mary Poppins the Movie, the two are almost oceans apart. (We loved Saving Mr. Banks, thank you very much.)
Kimber here. With a question: Where do your best friends live?
Some of our BFFs live at The Book Place. Where they have row after row of books! All lined up on shelves, just waiting to be checked out and read Also…. Oh. Wait. Mom is butting in again. So I’ll let her tell you more and give you some additional background:
Mom: There’s something inspirational about a library. Being in the massed presence of so many authors is like snuggling under a cozy quilt on a snowy day. It’s like Christmas, Independence Day and the First Day of Summer all rolled into one.
Okay. We admit it. One of us is totally blown away by the blog meisters who crank out four or five posts a week (Hi, Mom). Even worse: those who post on a daily basis.
We’ll admit it again: One of us is a teensy-weensy bit envious. (Hi again Mom.)
How do these folks manage it? And manage to churn out interesting, informative, engaging and otherwise superlative posts day after day, week after week?
Where do they find the time? Where do they get ideas? When do they sleep? Do they own a cat? (We also admit to some serious canine bias here, but that’s another story.)
We admire these folks. Their dedication. Their discipline. Their lack of a life outside the blogosphere?
It’s amazing.
A decision
We made a decision awhile back. In case you haven’t already noticed, we decided not to be one of them. Unless it comes naturally. Flows like clear water over a precipice. Warm honey out of a jar. Common sense out of political candidates. Well, you know what we mean.
And something amazing happened. The less we stressed about blogging, the easier it became. (Okay, so one of us is easily amazed :)
Not that we don’t plow into writer’s block now and then. That little curmudgeon seems to be the bane of all writers at least now and then. But we don’t stress about it.
When the words don’t come – and sometimes they don’t – we bail. Go for a walk. Eat pizza. Pick daisies. Watch Lucy and Ethel. Count stars. Call Mom’s sister 14 states away. Listen to Puccini arias. (Yes, really.)
Instead of forcing it, we disconnect. Switch gears. Do something different. If Mom’s really desperate, she bakes.
Give yourself a breather
Know what? The muse returns. She may be “MIA” for a day, for weeks or for longer, but given time, the creative little sprite comes back. (When she does, we usually can’t get her to shut up.)
Taking a breather from writing can be like swapping out a dead battery for a fresh one. There’s no sense trying to work off a battery with no juice. Call that horse dead and find a new one. Give yourself a break. A chance to “power down” and recharge. It may seem counter-productive. But the renewed energy and vitality are worth it.
So if the writing muse has skipped town on you, be patient. Disconnect. Switch gears. Do something different. Take time to recharge. (We wouldn’t necessarily recommend baking, but whatever works.) If you’re a writer, the muse will return.
Works every time
One last thing. When writer’s block hits, read. Really. Put down your pen. Lock up your keyboard. Pick up a book and dive in.
There’s nothing like nestling behind a good book with a great story – or even a mediocre one – to tempt the muse into returning. We can’t explain it. We just know it works. Every time. Kinda like dessert.
What do you do to overcome writer’s block?
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If you’re struggling with writer’s block, here are some great reads to recharge the ‘ole batteries. These aren’t how-tos. They’re just fun and engaging.
Inkheart – Cornelia Funke
The Book of Story Beginnings – Kristin Kladstrup
The Road to Grace – Richard Paul Evans
What books can you recommend?
Pages & Paws 