Books to Read in 2024

I read A LOT in 2023. I discovered audiobooks and found a new means of being at peace. I'm not sure if I'll listen as much as I did in 2023, but I do have a lot of time in a car planned for a road trip this summer, so maybe I will.  Either way I wanted to put together a list of the first 15 books for 2024 that I plan to read in 2024. 

I have a special spot in my heart for historical fiction that centers female voices specifically connected to WW1 or WW2. I've also rekindled a love of fantasy books and have many on my too read list. 

Sarah J Maas: 9 books 

A Thorn of Glass Series: 7 Books

A Thorn of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, and Kingdom of Ash

Thorn of Glass Novella- The Assassin's Blade

Next Book in the Crescent City Series: House of Flame and Shadow (Comes out Late January) 

Other Fantasy 

Forth Wing - Rebecca Yarros - Apparently there will eventually be 5 books

Realm Breaker- Victoria Aveyard - This is set to be a series as well- at least 3 books that I'm aware of.  

Fiction: 

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie - Marie Benedict - I've read all her other books

The President's Wife - Tracey Enerson Wood - I've read her 2 other works of historical fiction

Non-fiction: 

The Sisterhood- The Secret History of Women at the CIA- Liza Mundy - I loved Code Girls

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line- Major General Mari K. Eder 

Books and Short Stories Update 5

 This blog is going up at the start of December. Eleven months ago, I made a promise to myself to discover books that made me excited to read (listen). I thought a goal of  365 hours would be a stretch, but I was wrong. I fell in love with stories. Stories of love, sadness, courage, revenge and so much more. I read my way through a few authors and will wait for them to put out more books and have found a few more to keep me busy for awhile a least.  I spent a lot of time with women in war, specifically world war 2; from the front lines to the skies, the women who cracked codes and those who kept life afloat at home. Things no one taught me in school, that could have made history so much more exciting to a younger me. 

Prior to this blog I had read 62 books and listened to over 400 hours. After smashing my first goal sometime during the summer I set a new goal of 75 books. Keep reading to see if I met that target. 

So here is my last update for 2023. 

63. House of Earth and Blood: Crescent City Book 1 As I waited for the Court of Silver Flames to come out on dramatized audio, I decided to try to make due with another series from Sarah J Maas.  Well this was more than making due this was incredible. I yelled and cried, had moments of flush and got completely hooked. Sarah J. Maas is an incredible writer an while this book took longer to get into than Court of Thorns and Roses, it held such a pull over me, that I couldn't put it down at the end.  Joy and life and death and pain and song and silence. What would you do for your friends? (1.2x)

64. House of Sky and Breath: Crescent City Book 2 Clearly I liked book one, since I moved on and quickly finished book 2.  This one is spicer and the sex scenes are much more vivid and intense than book 1 so be aware of that if it's not your thing, there are a handful of chapters in this book that will be troublesome for you.  But that's out of 78 chapters.  I am bonded to these characters and am very curious about what will come next. (1.4x)

65. A Deadly Education This series was recommend to me by a student.  PG fantasy. Think Harry Potter, but instead of 1 big adventure or creature to fight, its several each chapter. Took awhile to get into it, especially as it is a change of pace from Sarah J. Maas's novels, but it's still exciting. Rather than different houses, witches have different skill sets that they study around. Something is always after students to kill them with few making it to graduation. The main character El, is an embodiment of the worst of my negative self talk, I find myself hating her. Feels like you're reading someone's daily diary entries for most of the book. I don't think I love this series, but I like it enough to try the 2nd book in the series.  (1.3x)

66. The Last Graduate The 2nd Scholomance book following Deadly Education. This book got me.  I fell in love with the characters even when I hated them, when I wanted to yell at El specifically but even Orion. I love that everyone worked together for the betterment of everyone, even if it wasn't in their best interest. I listen to books a a quick pace (1.4x) but I still couldn't get the ending fast enough, and then I wished I hadn't.  

67. The Golden Enclaves The 3rd Scholomance book. Book 1 was meh, book 2 was good, book 3....I could not put this one down. The book starts with the sadness that book 2 leaves off with, the first half of the book had me biting my nails worried about what would come next, but without giving anything away, while it's certainly not a 'happily ever after' it's not a heart break either. I feel like I got to have my cake and eat it too with my need for their to be a reasonable conclusion and have her grandmother's premonition be true. 

68. When We Were Brave by Suzanne Kelman Not my first book by this author. I earlier read "When the Nightingale Sings" which I enjoyed very much. Similar to many books I read in the spring  of this year. This piece of historical fiction centers around the role of a female spy during WW2. Juxtaposing her story against that of a great niece who uses the lessons she learns from her journey of family discovery to men her own heart. 

69. In Praise of Difficult Women by Karen Karbo - My very needed reminder that following my own compass and code is what matters, even if that makes me "difficult" The book shares a brief background of 31 difficult women, what led them to their work and insights into some of their reasons for why. I think if I own a paper copy this is something I would pick up to read just 1 woman every so often, but in the audio format it was easy to listen to one on the way to work and one on the way home. (1.8x) 

70 My Own Devices by Dessa not chronological, but rather thematic. Part memoir part therapy session, "My own Devices" gives me a behind the curtain peak into the life that inspired the art that helped save my life. I feel like I grew up with her. Her music lighting the road sometime less traveled as I experienced joy, and heart ache- mostly heart ache. I get it now, or I get more of it now. 

71. Ike and Kay by James MacManus The possibly maybe partially true story of Dwight Eisenhower (Ike) and his driver/personal secretary during WW2 Kay Summersby.  There is much debate on if there was actually an affair, but it was clear to all they did care for each other.  He took her from her job as a Chauffeur to being his personal secretary for the war and aided her in getting her US citizenship. But regardless of if they had an affair or not this book was a fun listen. Not fantastic writing, but a good quick listen. 

72. The Soldier's Girl by Sharon Maas. A female spy for the SOE in the Alsace region of France/Germany during WW2, whose job becomes unbearable as her achilles heal- her compassion regardless of heritage causes her to find love in a German man. This book is well written, and is an enjoyable listen, but far more fiction than history. 

73. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears I'm glad she finally got to tell her side of her story. We may never know all the truths of the horrors she was forced to endure in her ridiculous conservatorship, but I'm so glad she gets to decide her future. 

Are there parts I wish to know more of, sure, but that's the legal stuff and I can get updates on that from youtube commentators and in the end she owes us absolutely nothing. She owed this book to herself we should all just be grateful for the little bit she let us in for. 

74. Court of Silver Flames This is the link to the Audio Book, but I listen to the Dramatized Audio. Nesta's perspective is so very different, the trauma is real her distinctly adult coping mechanism is the spiciest Maas book yet (in my opinion).  This book is her story of coming into herself, but it is not a stand alone, you need the knowledge of the previous 4 books in the ACOTAR series for this to make sense. I'll be honest maybe a bit too happy of an ending. I feel like she tied it into a bow and then untied it just so she could write another book. I'm not disappointed about getting another book, or a few, but I feel it could have been done better. It's the only part of the writing that was a bit of a let down. 

75. The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity by Carlo M. Cipolla is a quick little read; but you'll probably want to read it a few time before considering it actually read. The 74 page book (yes I actually read this one) breaks down 5 primary laws of human stupidity and how individuals and society respond to or are impacted by the 4 types of people (intelligent, helpless, bandit and stupid). While I don't think you can take a book like this as gospel, I don't think it would be wise to dismiss it out of hand either. 

Current Reading Data: 582 hours on audio books and 2 paperback books. 

2023 Favorite things

 The reason I am posting this on December 1st rather than January 1st, is because holidays are coming up and you may decide that you or someone you love could use one of my favorite things. 

Many of these products have been around since long before this year, but these are products I love and have used throughout the year. 

Kitchen Stuff

Owala FreeSip I have 2 in the 24oz size because that's what's right for me, the others feel too heavy. I use to have a really hard time getting enough water, because I prefer to drink through a straw, but hate that I would always knock it over and make a mess. This solved that problem. I now get at least 48oz of water every day and don't need flavor packets any more to do it.  Not that I would put any electrolyte mixes in these anyway they are just water. The color options are fun and I like that I can clip it onto a bag or put it in the water bottle sleeve on my bag.  

Stasher Bags  I LOVE these. I got them for camping I take some food out in them and use others for left overs. I typically make enough at night for dinner to have lunch left overs for the next day. At home I use them for fruits The half gallon bags are large enough for a small seedless watermelon or cantaloupe sliced up. I know they seem a little pricey, but I truly believe they are worth it and if you watch for sales you can find them for less. 

Other Home Stuff

Pillow Cube I have been converted. I am a side sleeper and after 2 camping trips where my neck really hurt, and even my normal pillow didn't seem to do the trick, I bit the bullet and (thankfully it was on sale) purchased the pillow cube. I have the standard height 5" It took probably 2-3 nights for me to adjust to sleeping on it. I was use to putting my arm under my pillow for more support, but don't have to with this, but even during the learning curve I woke up in less pain and better rested. 

Power Scrub - Seriously can get out any mess in my bathroom tub, sink or countertop, it's easy to use and the Scrub mommy Sponge is a repurchased item in my cleaning arsenal. 

Books 

I did A LOT of reading this year. If you want to check out my thoughts on all of the books I've read, you do can that throughout my blog. But I thought I'd share a few favorites here in no particular order. 

Agent 355 This Amazon Original introduced me to the writing of Marie Benedict, whose entire repertoire I have gone on to read. It also started my journey of reading about bad ass women during wars.  It's short and easy to get through and I strongly recommend it. 

Flight Girls Women who played critical but not often discussed roles in the WW2 war effort inside an aircraft. 

Code Girls Most people have heard about The Enigma Code from the famous movie The Imitation Game, but this book, focuses on the pacific front code breakers, many of whom were women primarily from teachers colleges. 

America's First Daughter The life and very trying time of Patsy Jefferson- Daughter of Thomas Jefferson. So often in history the burden is laid on the women of strong men, this is no different. 

Personal Librarian Race, gender, bigotry, hate and the privilege that lighter skin brought especially at the turn of the 20th century. Belle whose brilliance is always a little dimmed with the fear she'll be found out. 

Court of Thorns and Roses series- specifically the Dramatic Audio versions of the books. Its like listening to a movie, the books came alive inside my mind.  These are spicy and may not be appropriate for delicate ears. 

Clothing

Brooklyn Ankle Pant- Athleta These are my new favorite pants. I have 2 pairs already and will probably get another pair soon. They come in tall and petite so you can find a pair that meets your needs. I wear a Tall 12. They are light weight easy to move in and great for home, work and date nights. 

Bodhi Jumper Is this expensive? Yes. Is it 100% worth the money?  Yes. It's so comfy no sensory issues and I don't need a bra. 

Outdoorsy Stuff

America The Beautiful Pass is $80 annually and will get you into every national park, national forest and a slew of other sites. Over the years J and I have shared a pass though during my summer road trip in 2021 we each had our own; and I will have my own again this coming summer for another road trip. It has always been worth it- usually within a few weeks of purchase each year. 3 trips to a National Park (because it covers the whole car) and it will save you money. 

Beauty Stuff

Silicone Back Scrubber I've always liked the concept of a loofa on a stick, but am really grossed out by the fact that they harbor bacteria and the like.  Enter a silicone option.  It is top rack dishwasher safe, makes me feel squeaky clean and is bendable to help me reach that 1 tough to get to spot on my back that ALWAYS itches.  I also had a few injuries this year that made reaching over my head challenging, and the bigger nubs helped with cleaning my hair as well. This is a great adaptive tool that I think a lot of people can benefit from. 

Viori Shampoo Bar- I am only recommending the shampoo. I did not like the conditioner bar, I felt it left a film or residue on my hair. The shampoo however is wonderful. My hair feels healthy, my scalp feels clean and I love that its in a bar form as that's so much easier for me to travel with. I have the unscented one.

Health/Wellness Stuff:

Yoga Nidra: Sleep Yoga Specifically this podcast series through audible. My favorites are Ski Hike, summer, Ocean and Jungle, and Desert.  These are 30 minutes I set the sleep timer on my audible, follow the instructions they give me and I've never had any memory of completing it. This has truly changed my life when it comes to sleep. I have other things that still create barriers- hyperfixation, time blindness, etc, but when it comes to help falling asleep this is a great option

Travel pill box I am now this old. All jokes aside, I have a lot of medical issues that require different meds. I don't want to have to carry around 5 different bottles all the time. I fill this up 1-2 times a month and it fits in my epi pen pouch along side the pens and my inhaler. It's a bit of a tight fit, but it gives me peace of mind to know I have all my things should I need them. And the Pouch fits in all of my purses as well. 

Self-Heating Eyemasks- A bunch of different companies make these. And I love them. They are so relaxing and can help me fall asleep on those tension headache- it hurts to close my eyes- sort of days. They are also really nice in the winter when you want a bit of extra warmth as you fall asleep.  

SleepCalm- Sleep aid In the latter part of this year I started using homeopathic options for pain, allergies and sleep. After years of trying so many different prescription and OTC drugs I thought I'd go for something more simple. I'm still trying to figure out what I think about the headache pain and allergy options, but what I can say is that this sleep support works. It worked night one and has worked every night since. I wake up feeling rested in a way I typically don't during the school year. 

Blowfish for Headaches - When I'm in the middle of a work day and I get a head ache 2 things are usually true: 1 I need more water 2 I need caffeine.  In Blowfish I solve both problems with some pain killer mixed in for good measure.  2 Tablets dissolve quickly in water and start to improve my quality of living in as quickly as 15-20 minutes.  

Food and Beverage:

Ben & Jerry's "Milk" & Cookies is my Dairy Free ice cream of choice. I also love American Dream, but this reminds me of my favorite oreo ice cream as a kid but even better because it doesn't make me sick. 

Was it worth is Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec

I highlighted in Green things I would buy again, Yellow things I am indifferent about and Red things that I would avoid.  

September:

Facial Cotton I use to get a new pack 1-2 times a year. No it is not eco friendly of me, yes I like them more than the eco friendly options, but I tried to switch over anyway this year. Still love these more though. 

Farmacy Toner Travel Size By November I knew I liked it enough to buy the full size.

Paula's Choice Toner I don't like this as much as the Farmacy and only now use it when I am traveling. I wouldn't purchase again. 

Kate McLeod Solid Moisturizer Great for massages. Lots of different options. I have used this one up and have gotten the pain relief bar in the full size and love that too. They are pricey so it's a splurg item. I seem to have several of those. 

SkinFix Cleanser I love the Skin Fix facial moisturizer I do not love the cleaser, but its not bad so I will use it up. Would not buy again. 

October:

Eu'Genia Shea Butter Unscented 12oz (Normal Price $55). I did not pay $55- I paid $14 on Fabfitfun. And at that price I think it's worth it. I don't think its $55 good.  This is NOT a fully body moisturizer for me.  This is very heavy very greasy just for the spots you are super dry. For me thats feet, knees, heels, elbows. I love a thick hand cream but this is too much for my hands. Also I will probably have this 12oz container for the rest of my life. You only need a pea sized amount because its so emollient. If you have really cracked dry skin, you will probably love it, but for me its really more than I need. 

Beekman Sunscreen Primer This is an overpriced crappy product.  Its not a good primer and left a white cast as a sunscreen and was impossible to get out of the bottle- waste of money

Prep and Prime I do not like this scent as much but couldn't find Noir anywhere for a while so we live with it. This stuff lasts almost a year for me, so I will be dealing with it for a year. My husband LOVES this scent.

Hair Bands Actually the best hair bands in the whole wide world. I will keep buying these.  They last so long. Highly Recommend.

Brow Pencil I don't go anywhere without my brows on. This works just as well if not better than Benefit for half the cost (1/4 if you have a coupon or get a sale). 

Glow Paradise Advertised as lipbalm in a cream this is sticky icky.  It's a giant pass for me. 

November:

VIB sale at Sephora means I spent a ton of money (nearly $300) but the thing is I don't regret any of it because this is basically my daily routine.

Farmacy Toner- I love this toner. I've used a travel size and now use the full size. Its great no complaints. 

Sephora Favorite Mini-Mascara set- $25 a great deal because you get a coupon for a free full size of one of the minis so basically they are free because most of the full size products are at least $20. This was the clean line.  I have several I really like so it will be easy to find 1 to get a full size of, and frankly 5 mini mascaras basically lasts me a year any way. 

Sunday Riley A+ retinol Ride or die product. I notice a different in my skin. I struggle with even lowest dose prescription retinol. So I splurg on this and I'm okay with that. 

Sunday Riley CEO serum A+ is night and this is day- every day under sunscreen. Again I notice a difference when I don't use it. I have tried so many other Vit C options, and none hold a candle to this. 

Faramcy Green Clean Holiday Trio pack- I love this cleansing balm. I've tried others, but keep coming back because nothing breaks down sun screen like this does. And I will use all of them this year and buy another holiday pack next season. 

LYS cream Blush in Classy I wanted to try a cream blush I really love this coral color because I don't own anything like it and so far I love it. 

Ulta Black Friday Sale:

IT Foundation brush- If I was less lazy and cleaned my brushes more often I wouldn't need as many as I have, but I am lazy so here we are. I only buy them on Black Friday when they are 50% off. 

Blockstar Sunscreen: Only works in the summer when I have some color or under makeup as its tinted slightly darker than I am in the winter. But its a good product. 

Mini Makeup Erasers I love this- probably top 10 purchases of the year last year. I use them every day and throw them all in the wash 1x a week. They are super easy to travel with as well. Now I get them for my friends for holidays/birthdays. 

Mac Paint Pot in Bare Study I cannot believe how long it took me to get on the Paint Pot train.  This a mascara and a lip tint and I'm good to go. I can use it on my eyes and as a highlight. It's a ton of product, but its perfect for me and simple no-makeup makeup days. 

Fenty Glass Bomb I was really disappointed by this product.  It was patchy and sticky and not at all like th other Fenty products I've owned.  I would not repurchase it. 

Hempz Original. I have SO many moisturizers so it's hard to justify this, but this is my ride or die normal skin day moisturizer and the smell transports me somewhere warm which is all I really want. 

Vice Lipstick in Hollyweird Picked it out on a whim. Had just decluttered due to going off multiple pink lipsticks. I only wear the color a few times a year. The formula is nice but I should have picked a better color that I actually get use out of. 

Liquid glass I use it 1x a week and Love the way my hair looks. I have a lot of hair- there is a lot of it and its long.  When I use this it's not completely glass like but it hypes up my shine tremendously. I feel prettier the day after I use this. 

I had a family emergency in November and had to fly home- what started as a 3 day trip turned into 14 so I purchased some things I needed to not feel gross after spending 8 hours a day in a hospital. 

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Travel set. Should have brought my stuff with me, I didn't so I was so grateful to have this. 

Ordinary Cleanser It was cheap. It did the job. And it didn't make my skin mad. But it's nothing special and I wouldn't buy it again. 

Prep and prime now my detangler lives at home in Minnesota. Honestly not bad so now I don't have to travel back and forth. Now to remember whose house I left it at

FabFitFun box:

Hourglass If Only Lipstick This is my favorite color this is the 2nd one I've owned and I love it I will keep buying refills because its perfect. 

Earth Harbor: Glow On kit I paid $14 as an add on item (normally $32). It was a fun way to try some new items, but not worth $32 in my opinion. I love earth harbor and have a lot I like. If you are looking for an easy way to try several items than this is great. If you already know what you like just buy that. 

Tone andDrench Sheet mask Set- 2 of each normally $5 each mask. Not worth that price point but they were fine masks. 

DECEMBER

I didn't buy anything from anyone related to beauty in December. I bought enough in November to last most of 2023-which was kind of the point but nothing to add to the list and nothing to regret in December. 

Books and Short Stories Part 4

 If you are just finding my blog today, I encourage you to go look at the other book summaries/reviews in previous posts here: Books 1, Books 2, and Books 3. 

This post comes to you at the end of the summer. I go back to work tomorrow. When I started my reading (listening) journey in January I set a goal for myself of 365 hours- That has been smashed; but now I am listening for joy, for learning, for comfort, for self-discovery, for peace. I've added several books of poetry into my rotation; not with the intention of finishing any of them, but of gaining perspective from them. 

Thanks to a friend I finally took on The Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas, and that did not disappoint- I completed the first 2 books in less than 72 hours. 

Total hours read as of today 462 hours over 19 days of listening. 

48.The Wishing Game - By Meg Shaffer **Spoiler alert** Is outside of my normal wheelhouse and to be honest I wasn't sure for the first hour of listening, but I really wanted to listen to the rest of the love story and the riddles-really the riddles. The book does cross some boundaries of teachers-I don't think its appropriate for teacher (or aids) to make promises like "I'm going to be your mom" or "we will be a family" or frankly making any promise ever. Promises make for disappointment and kids have enough of that in their lives; as is obvious throughout this book. 

Yes I know this is a book that has to have a plot line with a happy ending and story arc, but does grate on me throughout the book. The main character is very clearly a mellow dramatic all or nothing twenty-something year old-I can recognize it, because I've been it. However it does make the book a little rough to get through because you aren't (or at least I wasn't) always rooting for her- I just wanted to shake her-which does show I developed an attachment to her, which is the point.  I will say it's really well written, great imagery and intriguing conversations, I just wish the story line was less predictable. This is her debut novel, and I look forward to seeing how she develops as an author 3/5 stars read on 1.35x speed. 

49.The Lost Girls of Willowbrook: A heartbreaking novel of survival based on a true story By Ellen Marie Wiseman.  This reads like a YA book in its simplicity and repetitive nature of the writing (it could have easily been 3-5 chapters shorter) but I'd never let anyone under 17 read it. This is not for the faint of heart or faint of stomach. It provides accurate and detailed descriptions of life inside Willowbrook. The book includes pervasive use of the R-slur and other vulgar and derogatory language used to describe disabled populations and had such detailed descriptions of the experience of willowbrook that I nearly vomited. 

It is not a predictable story line, which I appreciated. But I struggled with the ending and the stereotypical image of the mentally ill. 1.35-1.6x 

If you are interested in learning more about Willowbrook there are several documentaries available on Youtube. Additionally Wiseman has written another book that centers it's story around an asylum or institution in What She Left Behind which is historical fiction and I personally think it was better written. 

50. The First Ladies Is the newest novel by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray who together previously authored The Personal Librarian. This novel uncovers the friendship of Mary McLeod Bethune and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The book goes back and forth between Mary and Eleanor's perspectives often of the same scene. It was a beautiful listen for book 50 this year. I am sad to admit that I was not very familiar with Mary McLeod Bethune, beyond her work as an educator and college founder. It was a great treat to learn about all she gave to a country that gave little to her.  This novel does not shy away from complex topics that people of the era encountered; poverty and the experience of most of American in the wake of the Great Depression, the openness of discussions around Boston Marriages, the importance of both the woman's vote and black vote, lynchings, the KKK, desegregation, and other topics connected to the early civil rights movement; which was the primary joint work of the two women. As I said with the Personal Librarian, I look forward to any further writing that comes out from Benedict & Murray together. 1.4x 

If you are interested in learning more about Mary McLeod Bethune you can start HERE with some brief information about all the amazing things she did over her lifetime. 

51. Bluets is a book of poetry on the color blue. I think I’m not the target audience for this one. Or maybe it has to be read not listen to. The author who performs the book has the same intonation and (lack) of inflection from start to finish maybe that’s the point but at some point the use of profanity started to be mundane. Fuck and other provocative language should add to a description not be there for nothing not be thrown away. But it felt forced at some points so clearly I am not the target audience and that’s okay. 1.3x

52.I Have To Tell You Something By Zara Bas. This is not an audio book. I actually own a physical copy of this book and have been working my we through the poems since Christmas 2022. I don't feel like you ever really finish books of poetry. I go back to them over and over again as the need arises and get new things from them each time. It also became very clear as I was finishing this book that for me personally poetry should be seen and read and that listening to poetry (unless its in a poetry slam performance setting) isn't a fit. But I was really excited to finish at least a first read through this poems. I have another book of her work I will be reading this summer as well, but considering it took me 6 months to finish this one- no promises. 

53.A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is for those of us that grew up loving Harry Potter, LOTR and dreamed of being Buffy The Vampire Slayer and who are open to erotic tones in our literature.  This isn't Game of Thrones, but it is a book that when made into a Movie or Show should definitely carry an a TV-MA or NC-17 label. That all being said it is the grown up version of all the fantasy books and good vs. evil and what is good and evil stories that my generation grew up with. I am the target audience- Female between the ages of 24 and 40 looking for a fantasy world to escape into when the real one is overwhelming. I listened to the Dramatic Read of this book with full cast- on 1.15x which is far slower than I normally listen, but dramatic reads are different, it really is like a movie in your mind. I still finished it in a day and could see myself returning to it again as regular read. At time of writing this review I'm half way through the 2nd book and have already stumbled across easter eggs that I know will make the first book different upon 2nd glance.  I'm sure that by the time I complete all 5 books I'll be ready to go back for more.  1.15x

54. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas is the 2nd book in the series.  I again listened to the Dramatic Audio which is played with a full cast and is a great way to read fantasy books.  Part 1 is the link provided.  It is more expensive than normal reads which I understand as more work goes into them, but truly worth it in my opinion.  This book picks up where Court of Thorns and Roses leaves off, and follows Feyre and Rhysand though their development as friends and lovers as well as the understanding and initial development of Feyre's powers.  There are more graphic scenes in this book, graphically violent, explicit sex scenes and moments of trauma. Looking forward to see what happens next in book 3. 1.15x

55. A Court of Wings and Ruin This is the link to the audio book, but like all the others I've listed to the dramatic audio version. Cauldron Bless the main cast is consistent. This story comes to us is 3 parts and had me laughing, crying multiple times and weaving connections between the lives of the characters and my own.  They are fantasy- high fae (Fairies) and yet so many of their person struggles are struggles we all navigate.  There is less spice in this book- its still there but less than in book 2 however, there is a lot of graphic violence- it is war after all. 1.15x

56. A Court of Frost and Starlight Darkness is a deep void, but even in darkness there can be hope.  I firmly believe everyone should have a holiday book, something that you can enjoy year after year that gives you the warm fuzzies- Mine use to be Harry Potter- it's now THIS.  Set in the winter solstice this short book (less than a 6 hour listen) touches on many of the topics the holiday season can bring up for many people- family dynamics, love, loss, thoughts of new beginnings in the year to come, etc.  I think this will be a fun story for my winters for years to come. I am sad I have to wait until Mid-August for the 5th and final graphic audio book to come out for this series, but I know it will be worth the wait. 1.15x

57. The Librarian of Burned Books features 3 time lines and 3 women whose stories overlap. They share with us only what we need to know piece by piece, like pulling back the layers of an onion.  The parallels between the story being told in this book about censorship and the 1933 book burnings in Germany and the current state of affairs around our country today was horrifying.  Fascists don't want an educated populous because people taught to ask questions, to be curious, those people don't vote for them, they don't follow parties blindly, they push back. Today the news that greeted me when I woke up was that of Florida deciding to re-write this history of slavery, to require white nationalist propaganda on race massacres as fact in history classes and further erase the stories of people of color. Daily we see more and more states banning books, but keeping firearms legal. The goal to keep a population who doesn't push back. So take this as your reminder to read, stay informed and push back. 

58. .Two More Days is an anthology of 30 short stories, below are the first 16- by a variety of authors who were all given the same 3 words...Two more days. Each story has its own characters, plot, setting and theme; because none of the short stories are related I thought it best to break them down individually here. Some of them come into nice conclusions others are openings to their own book series.  This is an adult read- a lot of spicy scenes.

I only have 16 here because honestly they grew more and more disappointing. I count it as a book because I have counted short stories similar lengths to each of these individually as full books, so there is no good reason to not list 16 of them as a book.  

Tequila Mate is adult in nature it’s not 50 shades of grey but it’s definitely what headphones were made for. The main character is relatable but the whole thing is cheesy with a lot of sex. 1.5x

Always Cake is every RomCom condensed into a 45 minute short story- which is the length most RomComs should really be.  1.4x

Confessions could easily be turned into a 5 season teen drama on the CW. Girl likes boy- Boys family hates girls family- for reasons that become very obvious very fast, time passes, boy tells girl he likes her and family doesn't hate her even if they hate someone she loves.  1.4x

Head of Heels in Love:

Slow to get started quirky girl gets hot guy who is genuinely a good guy sweet story. 1.5x

Second Summer:

Feels like the first few chapters to a novel then in the last minute of the story you realize it is. The line the best way to get over one man is under another is in this story and about sums it up. 1.5x

Protected: 

Teen girl in witness protection because her dad ratted on the Irish Mob to protect her. Cop slated to protect her has sexual tension with her she’s 19 but he’s easily in his 30s and it screams creepy to me, even if they are both consenting adults. Another beginning to a book, that you could choose to continue if you wanted. 1.4x

The Vanished: They are dead, but temporarily reincarnated in New Orleans, which is fitting. 1.4x

The Shelby:   TW-Domestic Violence. Girl on spring break meets rich man - married man and does things with him, he basically leaves her for dead, decades later she gets her revenge. Basic writing not great, primer level dialogue. Doesn't make me want to read more by this author. 1.4x

Sunshine Rae: High school girl is bullied, develops friendship with the guy who stuck up for her and is feeling anxious about his upcoming engagement years later. In the 12th hour she tells him, he freaks out, she walks away, he realizes he was wrong (that poor long time girlfriend) so boy finds girl and finally they make their timing work. The parts about their friendship are relatable, but the becoming more is just so obvious- I just want a story where they don't a realistic story where they are just good friends.  Basic writing, nothing worth writing home about or reading more of. 1.4x

From Friends to This: A 10 year HS reunion leads to friends reconnecting 10 years after their friendship fell apart. Poorly written spicy scenes can ruin a read. This one certainly did.  1.5x

The Kiss: Married best friends since childhood Leo and Mila are about to have their first child.  Leo's section is word vomit of every thought that goes through his head- it's obnoxious.  Mila's section is more realistic. Leo's reads as what a wife thinks is going on inside her husband's brain. 1.5x 

Stoneheart: Fantasy an immortal gargoyle found a way to stop existing has one more task to do. This is the first short story in this anthology I've really enjoyed.  The first one that felt like this author is worth reading more from. 1.4x

Without Yesterday: 2 Strangers meet in a bar- and the ripple effect is put in motion. 1.4x

Good Girl Gone Bad: Getting over 1 guy by getting under another seems to be a theme in this anthology. This story went passed that and the one night stand turned into more. Why can't women just be badasses on their own, by themselves and move on without another hot man? Abrupt ending 1.4x 

Of Potions and Poison: Opens in a jail cell preparing for an execution then goes back in time to how she got there. 1.4x

Breaking The Rules: Texting strangers, connect over messages and decide that if they talk for a month and still like each other that they will meet in person. She's probably 18-20 and he's somewhere between 21 and 34 (old enough to drink not old enough to be president) They set up rules and then some of them are broken. 1.4x

59. The Bookshop of Yesterday family secret coming undone, fully figured out where it was going halfway through chapter 11, but it was still an enjoyable journey

60. The Darkling Bride Full of mystery and intrigue. This book is full of dynamic relationships and more centuries of family secrets. If you enjoy murder mysteries or folklore you'll enjoy this story. Bonus points because it's set in Ireland. 

61. The Bookseller's Secret Nancy Mitford delighting me again. I enjoyed learning about her and her sisters during Marie Benedict's Mitford Affair and this story shines more light on Nancy and her life during WW2, the book also threads a modern love story through the pages. This would make a great hallmark movie. 

62. When The Nightingale Sings Based on a fictionalized friendship between Hedy Lamarr and Joan Curran (portrayed as Judy Morgan in the book) the book does explore how the intellect of both women was often ignored and underestimated. If you enjoyed "The Only Woman in the Room" by Marie Benedict and felt you wanted more of Hedy's life after leaving her first husband, this is a great book. Also with the allure of Oppenheimer right this book fits right into that timeline. Get out your tissue box though- I started crying in chapter 32. 

Was it worth it? July & August

Green - Would buy again

Yellow- Indifferent

Red- Avoid 

JULY-Nothing 

AUGUST

FabFitFun:

Fenty Stunna Lip Paint- Too Runny, Concealer lip color- could not be any worse.

Glossier Balm Dot Com- Too thick for me to use as a lip gloss- if it didn't have sparkles I could use it as a balm, but I've worked away at it as a purse balm when I dont have anything else. 

MudMasky Pearl Wash of Face Mask- I don't love wash off masks, just too many steps. This was a good value and left my skin feeling great. If I wasn't lazy with masks I would buy it again, but this isn't my style. 

Earth Harbor Laguna Body Oil- Love this when I get out of the shower. I think it's expensive, but if I didn't worry about the cost- I would certainly buy it again. 

Earth Harbor Sunshine cleansing oil- I really like this on light makeup days, but I don't feel like it removes sunscreen as well as a balm oil based cleanser. 

The 10 Essentials

 If you've spent any time in the outdoors there is a good chance you've heard about the 10 essentials. 

10 things you should have with you (and a plan for their use) when you are out in nature.  Below I share what I used this year on my camping trips and what my plan is for next year. (Plan for next summer is another 30ish day road trip a combination of camping and hotels along with a lot of hikes)

So without further ado- the 10 essentials. 

1. Food                2. Water                3. Fire                4. Fix it /Protection               5. First Aid

6. Insulation        7. Illumination      8. Navigation     9. Sun                10. Shelter

1. Food

    This Summer: I had the ability to pack for my whole trip at once. I had options for food at camp, but hadn't done much planning about where to eat outside of camp. I had cook and no-cook options and plenty of snacks.

    Next summer: I will not be able to pack for my whole trip at once. I will be able to order ahead at least my first grocery pick up at a safeway (love that), but will need to be flexible. I will probably carry some shelf stable items with me the whole time and try to go with the flow more. 

2. Water

    This summer I purchased 2.5 gallon and 3L waterbottles from the grocery story before each trip and filled up personal water bottles during my travel. 

    Next summer: I plan to have two 5 Gallon water storage cubes that I can refill and fill my water bladder from there. I love my water bottle, but it should just be used in the car and at camp.

3. Fire

    This summer I was camped in no burn areas so I only had to think about what I needed to cook on. I used a 2 burner Camp Chef Everest and while great it's way bigger than I need. It is my preferred fuel type. 

    Next summer: I need to increase my fire safety tools so the following will be added to my car and/or hiking pack: Water proof matches, fire starter/bic lighter and a fire extinguisher. I also am looking at smaller cooking stoves- Eureka has one I am interested in. 

4. Fix it /Protection

    This summer- I carried a pocket knife, a bear bell and mace. I also had a repair kit for my tent and a spare tire. 

    Next summer- In addition to all of that I will also have a repair kit for my sleeping pad and bear spray

5. First Aid

    This summer- I carry a first aid kit in my car at all times and a smaller version in my day pack. I just put a few bandaids, gauze etc in a ziplock bag. I also keep instant ice in the car. 

    Next Summer- Refill my kit probably carry a splint given some of the hikes I want to do and get stuff for blisters. 

6. Insulation

    This summer- I targeted the middle of the temperature ranges I would be in, and for the most part that was okay- at some point it's no longer appropriate to remove clothing, but at other points I wished for another layer or two. 

    Next Summer: I will plan better for the extremes and have extra layers. I have a car- so there is space. 

7. Illumination 

    This summer: I have a head lamp that is rechargeable- the perk of traveling in the summer is you don't need your head lamp as many hours. It is also SUPER bright so I can use it in my tent if needed. Additionally I have 2 sets of string lights that can be charged via USB as well as solar.   

    Next summer: I feel good about my set up and don't plan to change anything. 

8. Navigation

    This summer- I used paper maps and google off line maps and it mostly worked. 

    Next summer- Continue to have access to offline maps- especially for trails. Get some sort of Sat. Communicator for emergencies - I am looking at the Zoleo right now as a possible option. I also need to get a compass in case of emergencies. 

9. Sun

    This Summer: I had a wide brimmed hat, Eddie Bauer UPF button up shirt and sun screen. 

    Next Summer: I loved my sun protection set up this summer and plan to keep it the same though I'll likely add more UPF clothing as it was a game changer this year. 

10. Shelter  / Sleep System

    This summer: I used a 2 person tent. It was a bit of a pain to set up on my own, but it worked nicely. I used a tri-fold memory foam mattress- that did not go well. I used a 40-Degree sleeping bag and that was a good call

    Next summer: Since I will be gone a month I cannot leave my hubby without gear for his own trips, so I will pick up a 2 person shelter for myself, but will make sure it's easier to set up solo.  I will be getting a new camp pad, something much smaller but better for a side sleeper. As for bag I will use the same bag but bring my fuzzy blanket because I use it at home every day and miss it when I'm gone. 

Next summer's Camping trip

But CLAIRE!!! Didn't you JUST get back from your last camping trip for THIS SUMMER??? 

Why yes I did. But because I cannot shut of the running thoughts in my head the best thing I can do for me, is make plans.  Also many popular national parks require booking up to a year in advance. 

So this summer I did 3 short camping trips.  Next summer the plan is to spend a minimum of 12 nights camping. It could be as many as 17 depending on which option I choose. They will not all be consecutive, but it will be without coming home. As a teacher I know I have summers off, but my husband doesn't know his life that far out, so while I would love for him to join me for part of the trip, I plan for what I know and make changes where needed. 

I LOVE lists. This summer I came back from each of my trips with lessons. Most of which involve different things to bring with me.  So today while it is all still fresh in my mind I am making a list I wont lose of things I will need for next summer. 

1. 2 Liter Water bladder 

2. Rain Pants 

3. Wide Toe Box Hiking Boots

4. Better sleeping pad for side sleepers 

5. Bear Spray

6. Enough Audiobooks to have 1 per day I am gone- Addictive personality type with no access to internet will require pre-downloaded books. 

7. A list of places to eat when I don't want to cook for myself. 

8. Back up plans for each stage of the trip

9. Toilet Option- including poop tube. 

10. Realistic Expectations 

I have a few different trip options already mapped out because I am who I am and I'd be gone between 20 and 30 days depending on the trip. If I have a really big drive day am I building in enough rest time? If I've spent a lot of nights on the ground am I planning accordingly for getting a hotel or Airbnb so my back can take a break and maybe I can get in a hot tub? 

I love planning trips. Having everything (and it's backup) mapped out and booked. Planning my summer 2021 trip got me through that school year. Having this summer's camping trips as a goal made the last 6 weeks of school easier. So it's my hope that by having something to plan and look forward to that this gives my brain something to do when work is overwhelming or dragging me down. 

Signing off for Now

Claire

Solo Camping Trip #3

 Trip #3 was located the furthest from home 7 hours South near Crater Lake Oregon. Some things that are different about this trip:

1. A mix of Hotels/Airbnb and Camp Ground. Hotel 1x, Camp ground 3x, Airbnb 1x

2. Only 1 camp ground- First National Forest Camp Ground.  

3. Furthest camping trip from home 

And with that the lessons

1. Next summer I will be bringing with me some sort of portable toilet option. It’ll probably be pretty low tech, but it will make me feel better about some of the traveling, and the long stretches of road without rest stops.

2.my ideal length of driving for a day caps at 250 miles the maximum I ever want to do on a day is 300 miles. 

3. The tri-fold mattress is great for lounging in the car at the beach, but not great for my joints as a side sleeper. I will be researching better options- including rooftop tents

4. Wide Toe Box hiking boots/shoes. In the last year I have started to wear shoes with a much wider toe box that allows my toes to spread out more and my current hiking boots do no have that. So for next year I will be looking for options that give my piggies room to move. 

5. I felt really safe at the campground I was at and it made a huge difference in my sleep even with the less than ideal mattress situation. 

6. Bring more layers than you think you're going to need. Yes it did get into the 90s on my trip it was also in the 40s most mornings. 

7. I am really glad I brought NO COOK meal options. It was really helpful on the nights that I didn't want to cook because it was raining. 

8. Don't forget to reapply bug spray. I am really good about reapplying sunscreen, but forgot to reapply bug spray, and my ankles paid the price. 

9. You don't have to have every minute planned. Sometimes its nice to not have any plans, to just sit by the water and relax. 

10. I have an addictive personality type and need to make sure I have an audiobook for every day I'm gone downloaded and ready to go because I will likely need a book a day. 

I have 3 different road trips as summer options for the next few years. Each one checks off 5-8 national parks each with the majority of my time focused in either California, Colorado or Utah. For those I will ideally spend a few nights at/near each park and no more than 4 nights camping before a glamp/hotel night to shower and shop in between. 

I accomplished this summer what I set out to. I learned I can do hard things. I can camp solo. I can trust my gut. I can cook for myself. I can keep moving forward even when things go wrong. 

Signing off for now

Claire

Why I love the America the Beautiful Pass

I was cleaning out my car today and found America the Beautiful passes dating back to 2018. We'e always had one as a couple and it's a money saver, if like us you enjoy spending time outside and have a road trip bug. 

This is my reminder to everyone who likes to enjoy the great outdoors, that it's worth it to have an American the Beautiful Pass. If you are between 16 and 62 its $80 for an annual, over 62 $80 for LIFE, Member of the armed forces, a 4th grader or disabled FREE. 

Here is your one stop shop for the COST of visiting a national park without the pass- This list is for people ages 16 and older entering with a car. There are also countless historical sites and recreational spaces you can visit for free with this pass. 

Alaska:

Denali $15 per person

Gates of the Arctic- Best of luck getting here but free to enter if you can

Glacier Bay- Best of luck getting here but free to enter if you can

Katmai-Best of luck getting here but free to enter if you can

Kenai Fjords- No national park fee- but you're going to want to do a boat ride to enjoy it. 

Kobuk Valley-Best of luck getting here but free to enter if you can

Lake Clark- Best of luck getting here but free to enter if you can

Wrangell St. Elias-Best of luck getting here but free to enter if you can

American Samoa- Best of luck getting here but free to enter if you can as most of the island is a National Park

Arizona

Grand Canyon: $35 per car

Petrified Forest: $25 per car 

Saguaro: $25 per car

Arkansas:

Hot Springs: Fee Free park 

California:

Channel Islands: Fee Free Park- Requires a ferry ride to access-cost associated

Death Valley: $30 per car

Joshua Tree: $30 per car

Lassen Volcanic: $30 per car in the spring/summer, $10 per car in fall/winter

Pinnacles: $30 per car

Redwoods: Fee Free Park

Sequoia & Kings: $35 per car

Yosemite: $35 per car

Colorado:

Black Canyon of the Gunnison: $30 per car

Great Sand Dunes: $25 per car

Mesa Verde: $30 per car in the summer early fall, $20 the rest of the year

Rocky Mountain: $30 per car (1 day), $35 per car ( 1 week)

Florida:

Biscayne: Fee Free park

Dry Tortuga: $15 fee per person

Everglades: $30 per car

Hawaii:

Hawai'i Volcano: $30 per car

Haleakala: $30 per car + $1 sunrise or sunset reservation 

Indiana:

Indiana Dunes: $25 per car

Kentucky:

Mammoth Cave: Fee Free Park

Maine:

Acadia: $30 Per car 

Michigan:

Isle Royal- A struggle to get there and once you do its $7 per person

Minnesota:

Voyageurs: Fee Free Park- Do you own research on camping fees and permits 

Missouri:

Gateway Arch: Free to visit- but if you want to go up the pass gets you a $3 per person discount on your ticket. 

Montana:

Glacier: $35 per car

Yellowstone: $35 per car

New Mexico:

Carlsbad Caverns: $15 per person

White Sands: $25 per car

North Carolina:

Great Smokey Mountains: Fee Free Park

North Dakota:

Theodore Roosevelt: $30 per car

Nevada:

Death Valley: $30 per car

Great Basin: Fee Free Park

Ohio:

Cuyahoga Valley: Fee Free Park

Oregon:

Crater Lake: $30 per car

South Carolina:

Congaree: Fee Free Park

South Dakota:

Badlands: $30 per car

Wind Caves: Fee Free Park

Texas:

Big Bend: $30 per car

Guadalupe Mountains: $10 per person

US Virgin Islands- Fee Free park- May have additional Fees depending on where you go

Utah:

Arches: $30 per car

Bryce Canyon: $35 per car

Canyonlands: $30 per car

Capitol Reef: $20 per car

Zion:  $35 per car

Virginia: 

Shenandoah: $30 per car

Washington:

Mount Rainier: $30 per car

North Cascades: Fee Free Park

Olympic: $30 per car

West Virginia:

New River Gorge: Fee Free Park

Wyoming: 

Grand Teton: $35 per car

Yellowstone: $35 per car

In the summer of 2021 I would have spent over $150 in entrance fees to parks, forests and historic sites, but saved over 70 (a tank of gas in California) by having this pass. 

I have a few roadtrips over the next few years planned for Colorado and Utah and my National Park Pass is on the top of those packing lists. 

Solo Camping- Trip 2

For my 2nd trip I went out into the Olympics. The original plan was for 4 nights and 5 days. I ended up doing 3 nights 4 days. 

And with that Lesson 1: If you gut tells you something feels off, it probably is, and you should leave. Twice on this trip my gut told me to leave and both times I did.  

The first time was night 3, I was at a mixed use camp site/motel in Copalis WA. I want to make very clear that this issue was not with the camp ground itself or the staff. They were lovely and I would be happy to stay at the motel or stay here in an RV, but in the tent space I was left exposed to people who made me feel unsafe.  The way the site is set up is that the Motel is in the front, followed by the RV sites with all of the camp ground amenities and then the tent sites in the back. I was the ONLY tent camper so no one had any reason to be anywhere near my site or my car. It had been a really windy day and rainy night and I had been unable set up my tent, so I slept in my car.  On several instances people shined their lights into my car, knocked on my car and were being loud past quiet hours and into the wee hours of the morning, so I left that site at 2am and drove down to Long Beach, WA were I was actually able to get a few hours sleep in my car- under a street lamp with no interruptions. 

The 2nd time was what should have been night 4. I had booked a camp site on hipcamp and it was supposed to have river view tubs and a bath house, the person who ran the site was out of town but gave me information.  When I got there the tubs were filled with spider webs and animal feces, and the shower looked like someone had been murdered in it- finger prints on the walls and all. So I canceled my stay on the spot and drove home.  This had already been a really long day, after not sleeping much the night before and doing A LOT of driving, but I felt unsafe, and lied to about the site and it's not worth it. I wouldn't have been able to sleep any way. 

Lesson 2: Maybe State and National Park Camp Grounds aren't so bad after all.  For as much as the state park camp ground had it's draw backs of a lot of people, I felt safer there, so this was a good set of lessons to learn, I think with limited exceptions I will stick with more established park sites. 

Lesson 3: Rain Gear.  I have a really great rain jacket that I love and it definitely got used this trip. My first hike was up Hurricane Hill at the Hurricane Ridge section of the Olympic National Park.  I hiked over 3 miles and 50 flights of stairs only to be greeted by no view (Fog and Clouds) and freezing rain.  My sweatshirt and rain jacket kept my core warm, but being in shorts meant my legs felt all of the pelting frozen rain pellets. It hurt so I will be looking into rain pants or at least long hiking pants for future outings. 

Lesson 4: Making a list and checking it twice is great, but don't expect your 4:00am brain to remember things.  Whenever possible get EVERYTHING packet into the car the night before. I again forgot my pillow and worse yet I forget the camping pillow- so I stopped at a Walmart and got myself a cheap pillow but it certainly was not what I was hoping to have. 

Lesson 5: Having a base camp. I'd had the most enjoyable time when I had a base camp to come back to and didn't have to worry about packing up and setting up later. I'd like to try another trip where I have a base site in the middle of a lot of things and come back to that every night rather than picking up a moving, as that in and of itself is draining and stressful. 

Lesson 6: I don't have to cook every meal for myself. There are some wonderful restaurants and bakeries in small town across America, why not enjoy them?  

Lesson 7: I really understand the appeal of a van or trailer that has some form of bathroom in it, and know that it would open up more options for me as someone traveling with IBS and an ever expanding list of allergies. 

Lesson 8: The Ocean has restorative properties. I knew this already, but after my night 3 fiasco, walking onto Cannon Beach in the morning, was instantly restorative. I felt made anew. 

Lesson 9: Pace yourself. (Flights of stairs are based on elevation changes experienced) My first day I did over 7 miles and 58 flights of stairs.  Day 2 I did 5 miles and 9 flights of stairs, Day 3 I did 2 miles and 13 flights of stairs, Day 4 I did 4 miles and 2 flights of stairs.  I was sore after day 1 and really sore after day 2. As I plan for long trips I think it's important that I plan grace days. Days where I explore in nearby towns, or do simple things in order to not burn myself out. 

Lesson 10: I can do hard things. That's this summer's motto and I plan do do at least 1 more camping trip this summer continuing to take the lessons that I've learned and seeing more amazing things across the Pacific Northwest. 

Signing off for now

C

Car Set up for Camping

 I am a fair weather human. I am someone who likes all the comforts. I am not a backpacker or an unltralighter or a minimalist. So when I go out in the wild, I like to have comforts of home.  Here is what I bring with me to help provide that.  I am traveling in a 2018 Subaru Outback. I travel alone so I have both seats folded down and the front seat moved up far enough to fit my cooler behind it. 

I want to start by saying that I've been collecting gear since my early 20s and so has my husband.  You by no means need to go out and buy a lot or high end things to camp.  Sleeping in your car is one of those things thats cool if your rich but not if you're broke. Which is ridiculous. If you want to get outside and explore the world, do that. So much can be found at thrift stores and gear swaps.  REI has their used gear site that can be super helpful.  

First layer- Society6 Outdoor Blanket I got this in a Fabfitfun box and it works perfectly as a way to start my set up. I love the bright colors and graphic pattern as a way to offset mostly dark and neutral gear. 

Layer 2: Storage

Small Car organizer: Yet another Fabfitfun find, this small organizer fits nicely in the back of my car under the small table I have. 

Large Car Organizer- I use this for my dry food, small camping gear/cooking gear and clothing storage. It fits perfectly on the seat back behind the drivers side. If I didn't have the smaller one, I'd have gotten 2 of these. 

Yeti Roadie -24 My husband has a very large Yeti that's nearly 2x the size of this on wheels and it's way to big for me to handle on my own. It's also way more than I need for what I do as a solo camper. So he got me this as an anniversary present this year.  When I move my passenger seat up I can slide this in perfectly and it nearly levels out with the backseat, which is useful should I sleep in my car.  I can carry this by myself when it's fully loaded with food and ice. 

Stasher Bags These are great for food storage. I have 2 sandwich sized and 2 1/2 gallon size. I can bring pre-cooked meets, or use it as storage for left overs if pre-cooked meals that I can heat up when I get to camp. I can also use them at home so that's nice. 

Packing Cube I use a single cube from this set for clothing storage and it works fine. I have it in lime green, which was nice for easy access, but really use whatever you already have- there is no reason to buy something new. 

Kevu Toiletry bag This is the bag I use every day. I took out my make up and took it camping. 

Layer 3: Sleep and Table

Single Folding Mattress- I can sleep in my car, but I have chosen to also bring a tent and sleep in that. This mattress makes that experience better. It's a single so it's the same size as the larger fold down in the back of my car- hence allowing me to sleep in the car if needed/wanted. I also use that set up to lounge at the beach and watch the waves. 

tri-fold Mattress Fitted Sheet- Keep your bed clean. 

I used a camping blanket the first weekend out- it wasn't warm enough. So now I use a Columbia Omni Heat 40-degree bag that opens up nearly entirely so I can use it more as a blanket which I prefer. 

Lap desk/ Table This is the newer model of the one I have- I got it when we first started teaching from home in 2020. It was great back then but I think for me it's true calling is as a table for my car camping set up. When I'm in car sleep/lounge mode it is a flat level surface for my cooktop to go on and in the tent it serves as a desk if I'm stuck inside and a bed side table, and I can bring it outside to use as a table when I'm sitting in my camp chair. It also fits perfectly over my small car organizer and provides a second level for storage that would otherwise be lost. 

I used a travel pillow on my first trip out- that wont be happening again, the luxury of car camping is the ability to bring the pillow you already love. 

Camping Gear

2 person half dome tent by REI. It's color coded and easy enough for me to set up solo. It takes me about 5 minutes. 

Camp Chef 2 burner stove which has been super easy to use for a beginner. 

GSI Cookset is bigger than I need, but it's what we have, so it more than does the trick. 

Added Touches:

Solar Powered String Lights I got these through Fabfitfun, but they are available on Amazon. They string up perfectly in the tent or car and can charge by USB or solar.  They have a variety of colors and are a fun touch to a normal tent. 

Rechargeable Fan If you are camping somewhere cool with a nice breeze, you don't need this, if you are camping somewhere warm, stuffy, humid or are stuck in a raining tent, you want a fan.  This one can be used with our without the tripod- I think I prefer it without but it sits nicely on my table both in the tent and in the car. 

Bug Screens for Windows are a wonderful thing when I park at the beach and don't want sand to blow in but I want cross ventilation. Its also great for sleeping in the car so it's not so hot and humid or claustrophobic. 

REI Flexlite Chair - There is nothing better than kicking back in a comfortable chair, enjoying your dinner and a beer or cider after a long day, that doesn't change when you're in nature- at least it doesn't for me.   I find this chair comfortable and don't mind how low it is- but you should bring something you like. 

I don't really feel like I have "Food" figured out yet- like I have been making things that are edible, but nothing I'd serve to others. 

Solo Camping

 This was neither my first solo trip or my first camping trip, but it was my first solo camping trip; lessons were learned. 

Lesson 1- Make and print a packing list- especially for food.  There's nothing like getting half way through your drive only to remember what you forgot stopping thinking you got what you missed, getting to camp and realizing you forgot more. So my next trip will have a check list for food at minimum. 

Lesson 2- Bring your pillow from home.  I have a camping pillow and for lounging in the car its fine, but on the ground I really need the big fluffy thing.  I'm car camping, I maybe have to carry my gear 20 steps from car to tent, and I have plenty of room for a bigger pillow. 

Lesson 3- Always bring warmer layers than you think you'll need.  How I longed for sweatpants when waking up at 5am with the birds to a dew covered sub 50 degree tent and camp ground. I brought a quilt which met the minimum temp needs, but not the comfort ones so I will be bringing my 40degree bag with me next time. 

Lesson 4- A beer or cider at camp at the end of the day is a treat, and also helps you fall asleep and forget about the things that go bump in the night. 

Lesson 5- State parks may not be for me.  I thought I would feel safer being around so many people camping, but that just wasn't the case. My next trip has 3 sites through hipcamp and I'm interested to see how private land camping that is more spread out makes me feel. 

Lesson 6- I may be more comfortable sleeping in my car.  I sleep at a significant incline at home, it helps with my headaches and sinus issue, so flat on the ground in a tent especially with the crappy pillow left a lot to be desired, this next trip I will try staying in the car at least 1 of the nights and see how it goes.  

Lesson 7- The fairy lights are worth it.  I have LED fairy lights that I strung up in the tent and it may seem frivolous but it made it feel like me and was 100% worth it. 

Lesson 8 - Pack more stacks than you think you'll need and more variety of snacks.  I forget salty and regretted it. 

Lesson 9- Coconut milk is not for me.  I had a matcha latte mix I took with in lieu of coffee, but the coconut flavor already in it ruined the experience and left me without a warm drink in the morning.  I think I'll stick with Chai and just bring oat mylk in the cooler- its worth the space for a warm morning drink I'll actually enjoy

Lesson 10- I can do hard things. I can do things I've never done before, things that scare me. Just because I'm not a expert and will likely never be an expert doesn't mean I shouldn't have fun and try new things. 

In a week I will take the lessons I've learned and use them on a 5 day trip, and hopefully come back with more lessons to share. 

Signing off for now

Claire

Books and Short Stories Part 3

This is check in part 3 for April 21- Jun 18 

 Check out Part 1 and  Part 2 to see my reviews and thoughts on the 34 books and short stories.

I took 2 entire weeks off from listening to books at the end of April and beginning of May, and another long weekend off for a family wedding.  I did not have the head space or capacity to even do my job at that point, so I certainly didn't have the capacity for anything extra.  I did finish 4 books by my favorite author Marie Benedict and a waiting on bated breath for her next book coming out at the end of June and discovered Ellen Marie Wiseman reading several of her books as well. 

I listened to most books this check-in at 1.4x speed or higher- so all speeds for listening are noted at the end of each entry. 

35.The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict is a biographical novel based on the life and experience of Hedy Lamarr.  Perhaps most famous for her time in Hollywood, Ms. Lamarr born Hedwig Kiessler in Austria a Jewish woman whose first marriage was anything but happy provided the information to engage in her amazing works later in life as an inventor with hopes of helping the US win WW2. Half of the book focuses on the courtship and marriage to her first husband with arms dealer Fritz Mandl while the 2nd half looks at her life in Hollywood and her work with George Antheil.  There are points in the book that may be triggering for individuals with a past of Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence.  (1.4x speed)

36.If you only knew ** spoiler alert ** 2 Stars
I knew 6 chapters into this book that I wasn't going to like it, but I also have a habit of hyper fixation and needing to finish what I start, so here I am, reading bad books.
I struggled with much of this book as it revolves around the way 3 women need the men in their lives. Completely unable to stand on their own 2 feet for the entire duration of the novel. The mother demonstrates this in every conversation she has where she can bring up her dead husband and how lonely life is, her daughters stay in relationships without love, long for relationships with closed off men and move from one broken person to another. There was little "healing" in this story only an inability to be okay with ones self- by ones self. (1.4-1.5x speed)

37.Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict.  I have loved other works by Ms. Benedict but this one didn't have enough of the personal connection. It was very science based and spent much of the time focused on the work of Rosalind Franklin, which while amazing, meant that for much of the book it felt like being an outsider watching. One of the reasons I love Marie Benedict's other books is because of the fictional aspects she creates to make us as readers care about and want to root for the leading females. I didn't fee the same reading this and forced myself to finish it. 

38.On Cussing by Katherine Dunn is a quick but impactful listen on the ways in which language and communication can be impacted through cussing and the ways in which what we as society consider to be cussing have shifted over time. Your college level creative writing works, dramatic pieces and prose can all benefit by spending time with this piece, I know my communication with others certainly will. (1.4x)

39.Autism in Heels by Jennifer Cook O'Toole, is the book I needed 7 years ago. It makes me want to go pick up her books Asperkids which I likely would have benefitted from more when they came out a decade ago, but that will probably still be useful to me now.  When I look for a representation of my myself or a model for what my future could hold, there really aren't that many options, this one while not identical to my story certainly struck a chord other works by other Autistic women have not.  I did skip over about 30 minutes of the book for my own mental health and triggers that impact me, but I really appreciate that she does give the trigger warnings so I could safely take the break I needed.  There is something that happens any time I read a book by an Autistic author and that's feeling the gripping hold of comparison. So if that's something that you know impacts you, make sure you're in a good place or in an open enough head space to be listening to a book like this.  I listened to this book on (1.4 and 1.5x speed) 

40. America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray.  The slow southern drawl is one I don't mind in conversation, but in listening to what would typically be a 24 hour audio book if listed to a 1x speed its just too slow. As a result I listened to this book at 1.5x speed. This is a beautiful historical novel that imagines the thoughts and feelings of Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph as she lives her life as a public figure a role she did not choose for herself. The book works through all of the emotions and stages of grief, both the things we grieve as the happen and the losses of life, relationships and property along the way. (1.5-1.6x)

41.Sitting Pretty By Rebekah Taussig is a book about embracing yourself, defining the words that define you and the ones you wish didn't, unpacking the ways disability intersects with the multiple facets of being human.  Line after line either resonated with my experience or forced me to think about my privilege within the disabled community in a new way. My time with this book was filled with reflections and insight and it will be a book I pick up again- it may even be a book I bother to own a hard copy of as well as an audio book. I love when authors read their own work, especially in the memoir category as their intonation, pauses and insights are so much more powerful in their own voice. I listened to this book on 1.4x speed

42.The Mitford Affair: A Novel. By Marie Benedict. I'd probably give this 3.5 stars. I'm really glad I kept with it, as I would have given in 1-2 stars after the first 90 minutes of listening. The book takes on 3 perspectives of 3 of the 6 Mitford Sisters who were real people living during Hitler's rise to power, each with their own take on Nazism. The book follows Unity, Diana and Nancy. Both Unity and Diana are fascists who are aligned with Hitler and Nancy a social democrat who is thrown by her sister's extreme views and uses her writing as a way to navigate her thoughts on their choices. While we get a glimpse of "Decca" (Jessica) the communist sister it is through one of the other 3 sister's lenses. This book highlights the way politics can overwhelm and undermine a families dynamic. Read at 1.4x speed.

43.The Personal Librarian Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray joined forces to create an amazing reflection on the experience of Belle da Casta Greene a woman who live in a time where newly earned freedoms from the emancipation from slavery were being stripped away by segregation, hate, and bigotry of a society seeking to maintain. it's power and the status quo.  Belle and her family walk the color line, doing everything in their power to pass as white and maintain opportunity. The book shares the emotional turmoil of living the life long lie in order to protect ones self and family. The authors don't shy away from difficult topics as they may have been discussed at this point in history. From antisemitism to homosexuality to abortion. I appreciate the care given to topics that challenge our society as much today as they did 100 years ago. 

This partnership provided insights on both sides- allowing Murray to grow in understanding writing through a historical lens, while providing Benedict with the lens of a Black woman- one she likely would never have taken on without Murray's support and guidance.  This is my favorite book by Marie Benedict and I can only hope the 2 pair up again in the future for another novel. Read at 1.4x speed

44.The Rural Diaries By Hilarie Burton Morgan. As someone who dreamed of being Peyton only to learn as an adult what a toxic space that set was for her and her other female cast mates, I became more impressed with the person (Hilarie) behind the character. I loved her again on White Collar. Celebrities owe us nothing- they are people doing a job so we can all have entertainment- but I truly enjoy and connected with parts of her story I am grateful that she shared it. I also saved all the recipes and book quotes, because they were all either yummy or added to the experience of the book. 1.3x

45,What She Left Behind By Ellen Marie Wiseman.This story does contain many topics that may be disturbing or traumatizing to individuals including: Institutionalization, electric shock therapy, abuse, sexual assault of a minor, and self harm

Fiction with some historical information thrown it to make it interesting.  The Willard Asylum for the Chronically Insane, was a real place in upstate New York that remained open until 1995. The reasons for institutionalization and treatment while institutionalized especially of women were appalling for much of the last century. But this story is fictional. 

Wiseman does a beautiful job of connecting and intertwining the stories of 2 young women over a half a century apart highlighting their similarities and making sure their stories shine in their own right. The last 2 chapters bring the story lines together in a way that makes it feel like a happy and realistic ending.  Which after much of the story containing a lot of traumatic references was welcome. Read at 1.35x speed

46.The Life She Was Given By Ellen Marie Wiseman. This story does contain many topics that may be disturbing or traumatizing to individuals including: Circus and Freak Shows of the early 20th century, alcoholism, animal cruelty, abuse, and early 20th century terms for disabled people. 

Like "What she left behind" this story bounces back and forth between the stories of 2 sisters approximately 20 years apart- who don't (at least at the start) know about the existence of the other. Though they are connected to the people that raised them, some people really shouldn't have children. 

It was an by about half way through the story arch was clear, just had to listen to the path it took. It certainly isn't bad, but not nearly as well written as What she left behind. 1.35x speed 2.5-3 stars

47.The Plum Tree By Ellen Marie Wiseman. Unlike the other stories I've read by this author, there is only 1 person's perspective in this story. I can tell this was her first book. It's not as well written as "What she left behind" and is commensurate with "The Life she was given" but I enjoy the topic better as I learning about enjoy WW2.  While this is a work of fiction, it is so similar to so many stories of the lives and horrors people were forced to endure.  It has an obvious story ark, but how it navigates that path is interesting.  I would have liked more of the story to be based at Dachau, but understand the dark and twisty-ness of that thought.  1.25x 2.5 stars

Total listening time as of today is 14 days 16 hours and 9 minutes or 352 hours and 9 minutes.  My original goal for this year was 365 hours.  Clearly that's not my goal any more. I have read 47 books of my 75 book goal. If you had told me a year ago I'd be spending this much time with books I would have said you were nuts, but I'm enjoying making up for lost time and digging into good stories. 

Summer vacation starts in 3 days and I'm sure I'll read it fits and starts depending on my activities, but another update will come before the start of the school year. 

-Claire