The It’s Monday! What Are You Reading meme is hosted at BookDate
I’m also linking to The Sunday Post @ Caffeinated Reviewer
And the Sunday Salon @ ReaderBuzz
Life…
It’s heartbreaking as fires continue to rage out of control across the country. We’ve experienced daily flare ups in my area, but there is really nothing much left to burn. Right now the worst of the fires are moving through the South Coast of NSW over the border to Victoria, though over 130 fires continue to burn across the NSW, and over 12 million acres have been razed across the country (for Americans that’s equivalent to the area of the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined), and we are only a month into Summer. Fires aren’t uncommon in Australia but the scale and intensity here is something extraordinary. It’s being fought primarily by our volunteer rural fire service, with the federal government slow to provide support. Twenty three people are confirmed dead, a dozen are missing, hundreds and thousands of people have been evacuated, hundreds of homes and buildings have been destroyed, and ecologists estimate that over 480 million mammals, birds and reptiles have died. Traditionally January is the hottest month of the year, this week the East coast and inland regions have experienced temperatures well over 40C (105F) and up to 50c (over 120F), our (climate change denying) PM has admitted that, “with no substantial rain forecast, the fires could burn for weeks, beyond the capability of fire crews to control or extinguish”.
You can see plenty of images like these of the devastation on social media via #Australianfires or #AustraliaBurning and a dozen other tags.
There are ways in which you can help, you can donate to the Red Cross , to the NSW Rural Fire Service, or the Victorian Country Fire Service.
You can also participate in the #AuthorsForFireys Twitter auction being held between Monday Jan 6th and Saturday Jan 11th (funds will go towards the Vic Country Fire Service)…please pass the word along!
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What I’ve Read Since I last Posted…
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid
The Mothers by Genevieve Gannon
Cedar Valley by Holly Throsby
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New Posts…
It’s the End of the Year As We Know It: 2019
Review: Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Nonfiction Reader Challenge: January Links
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What I’m Reading This Week…
Maggie’s Going Nowhere by Rose Hartley
Maggie Cotton’s life is a hot mess.
In one day, she’s dumped by her boyfriend, disinherited by her mum, and kicked off the three-year degree she’d stretched to a decade. And that was before she received the letter saying she owed the government $70,000. But that’s no reason to grow up, is it? With a decrepit 1960s caravan to call home, Maggie has to prove to her mother she can survive without a safety net, stop her loyal best friend Jen from marrying a scumbag, and convince her sexy workmate Rueben that she’s not a walking disaster. For someone who’s spent her life avoiding hard work, she sure can move mountains when she’s got a little motivation – just don’t ask her to move the caravan.
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A Murder at Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey
Bombay, 1921: Perveen Mistry, the daughter of a respected Zoroastrian family, has just joined her father’s law firm, becoming one of the first female lawyers in India. Armed with a legal education from Oxford, Perveen also has a tragic personal history that makes her especially devoted to championing and protecting women’s rights. Mistry Law is handling the will of Mr. Omar Farid, a wealthy Muslim mill owner who has left three widows behind. But as Perveen goes through the papers, she notices something strange: all three have signed over their inheritance to a charity. What will they live on if they forefeet what their husband left them? Perveen is suspicious. The Farid widows live in purdah: strict seclusion, never leaving the women’s quarters or speaking to any men. Are they being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous guardian? Perveen tries to investigate and realizes her instincts about the will were correct when tensions escalate to murder. It’s her responsibility to figure out what really happened on Malabar Hill, and to ensure that nobody is in further danger.
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Long Bright River by Liz Moore
KENSINGTON AVE, PHILADELPHIA: THE FIRST PLACE YOU GO FOR DRUGS OR SEX. THE LAST PLACE YOU WANT TO LOOK FOR YOUR SISTER.
Mickey Fitzpatrick has been patrolling the 24th District for years. She knows most of the working women by name. She knows what desperation looks like and what people will do when they need a fix. She’s become used to finding overdose victims: their numbers are growing every year. But every time she sees someone sprawled out, slumped over, cold to the touch, she has to pray it’s not her sister, Kacey. When the bodies of murdered sex workers start turning up on the Ave, the Chief of Police is keen to bury the news. They’re not the kind of victims that generate a whole lot of press anyway. But Mickey is obsessed, dangerously so, with finding the perpetrator – before Kacey becomes the next victim.
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Chosen {Slayer #2} by Kiersten White
Nina continues to learn how to use her slayer powers against enemies old and new in this second novel in the New York Times bestselling series from Kiersten White, set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Now that Nina has turned the Watcher’s Castle into a utopia for hurt and lonely demons, she’s still waiting for the utopia part to kick in. With her sister Artemis gone and only a few people remaining at the castle—including her still-distant mother—Nina has her hands full. Plus, though she gained back her Slayer powers from Leo, they’re not feeling quite right after being held by the seriously evil succubus Eve, a.k.a. fake Watcher’s Council member and Leo’s mom. And while Nina is dealing with the darkness inside, there’s also a new threat on the outside, portended by an odd triangle symbol that seems to be popping up everywhere, in connection with Sean’s demon drug ring as well as someone a bit closer to home. Because one near-apocalypse just isn’t enough, right?
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Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, what destruction and sadness in your country 😦
I don’t follow the news much because, well, I’m tired of hearing about our government slowly imploding. I had no idea that the fire was so widespread and devastating. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. It’s crazy that your PM doesn’t take a more active stance on this.
Thanks for posting your book thoughts. Long Bright River is on my radar also..
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I’m not sure whose politics are craziest at the moment. Thanks for your kindness
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It’s horrible to see what’s happening. I’ve got friends in Aus so keep hearing/seeing the goings on.
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Every time I watch the pictures on BBC World News, I am shocked. It is absolutely devastating and so horrible. Stay safe!
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Thanks Vi
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I’m so sorry about what your country! It’s such a devastating catastrophe and after looking at the news and understanding the magnitude of this crisis, I can totally understand the helplessness one feels. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and friends. Here’s to hoping this new year will bring better solutions to fight and eradicate this menace!
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Thank you for your kind thoughts
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I’ve been following the news about the fires in Australia and my heart breaks. So much devastation and loss. I live in California where fires are a constant threat these days, but I’ve seen nothing like what you are experiencing over there. I know we’ve seen some firefighters to help, but I imagine they don’t come close to being enough. My prayers are with you and all of Australia. I am making a donation–although it doesn’t feel like enough. 😦 I hope you are at least enjoying your reading! I have yet to finish a book this year, but that isn’t so surprising. I am not as fast a reader as many out there in the blogging sphere. Not to mention my time is so divided. I do what I can and am happy with that. 🙂 Take care of yourself–don’t spend too much time outdoors. I imagine the air quality is horrible. I hope the fires die out soon.
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Thank you for your generosity xx
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I am so frightened for all of you in those wildfires. We’ve had a lot here over the year, but none so devastating.
My granddaughter Aubrey is spending a year in New Zealand, and my son is on his way there to spend time, and visit in Australia.
Your books look good. I’m curious about Maggie’s Going Nowhere. I am also intrigued by The Mothers, but couldn’t find it. Perhaps it has a different title here?
Have a great week…and stay safe.
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It’s a debut, so likely not being published o/s. You might be able to find a ebook version after the 7th.
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I saw it lead the news this week – it looked like the whole of Australia is on fire. What a heartbreak – and so frightening. You are in my thoughts, Shelley.x
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Thank you!
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xxx
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I have been following the fires and it is just devastating. Of course, the videos of koalas are going viral, but not those of the people and homes. I do hope the weather (or something) brings some respite and that your delusional PM gets his act together for federal aid. I recently read Long Bright River so hope you enjoy it. Maggie’s Going Nowhere looks really fun.
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Thanks Helen, injured animals tend to stir up more empathy I guess
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Shelley I wanted to donate because what’s happening there is awful but my bank system needs other references than the ones mentioned here. But you gave me an idea as I have an Asutralian friend and I’ll contact her, see if I can give her something through Paypal that she could transfer from Australia to these firefighters.
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That is so generous of you, thank you x
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The fires really are sad. I’ve seen a lot of coverage on the news. I hope they get them under control soon.
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Thank you for providing such an in depth discussion of the fires over there. It really brings things into perspective.
Such a Fun Age, Daisy Jones, and The Mothers are all on my TBR!
My husband and I are atheist as well and since we don’t have kids we usually exchange gifts on the 21st to celebrate the first day of winter.
Great post and blog! – Haley
Our Sunday Salon: https://stuckinthestacks.com/2020/01/05/sunday-salon-new-year-new-books/
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Those wildfires are so tragic and horrifying. I’ve seen the images on the news and it’s all so heartbreaking. Stay safe!
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I am so sorry and saddened by the fire damage. I hope you will stay safe. Happy reading!
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
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I keep seeing Australia on the news and it’s heartbreaking to see the updates on the horrendous fires. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
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Prayers were given in church this morning for the fires in Australia. I’m sad to hear about all the awfulness these fires have brought to your country. I’m glad you posted the links to ways to help. Let’s hope that rains will come or the fires will be vanquished soon.
I’ve interested in Maggie’s Going Nowhere. It does not seem to be available anywhere around here right now but perhaps it will be later.
I hope you have a good week. Sending prayers for those awful fires.
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Thank you Deb
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Mother nature just can’t seem to get a break from devastation and now in Australia, jeez. I am glad to hear you are well and safe.
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Thanks Jackie.
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I am so horrified by the death and destruction wrought by the fires. Stay safe. And I will be making a donation.
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I’m horrified by the scope of destruction Australia is experiencing and my heart breaks for all the lives impacted and lost. Thanks for sharing ways we can help. Sorry to hear Such a Fun Age didn’t quite live up to your expectations… I’d like to try it eventually, but it’s not near the top of my list. Hope this week’s reads are better for you.
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It has been devastating to see the destruction of your country. I wish I could do more!! I’m not the praying type.. but you and your country are in my thoughts!
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Those pictures are so scary! I can’t even imagine though we do get fires here in Central Texas at times as well. Nothing like this though. Yes, thanks for the links to ways to have a part in helping. You are all certainly in our prayers – both humankind and animals. So very sad…
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Every time I see the images of destruction, I am so sad for everyone there. I am so sorry that there hasn’t been much assistance either! That is terrible! Hopefully something changes soon-either the weather or the support from people who can help. Stay safe!
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So sad to see the devastation of the fires in Australia! I’ve donated to help those who have been affected.
I hope you have another great reading year. I know I’m reading more non-fiction this year.
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Thank you for your generosity Laura
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The fires are frightening! I live in California and we have our fair share of devastating fires, but this is on a whole other level! 480 million animals?! My thoughts go out to you and your fellow countrymen. Our idiot leader doesn’t believe in climate change either. Let’s hope your PM gets a flipping clue and breaks out some aid! I’ll be donating.
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Let’s hope both leaders do x
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I’ve been watching those fires on the news every day. They’re scary. I’m sorry this is happening.
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Thank you
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So sorry about the devastating fires. We watch the updates on the news, but had no idea of the area they are devouring.
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The fires look absolutely horrifying. I try not to get political but I can’t understand how our leaders can deny climate change when things are literally going down the tubes. Makes no sense. anyway… blessings and prayers to all those brave souls fighting those fires, and all of you going through this.
Take care this week and be safe!
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From California to Austrailia. This is a nightmare.😑
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When something as big as these fires scorches your country i think every Australian is affected whether they are near the fires or not. It is devastating for all and those poor firefighters. On a lighter note as you probably know smoke has reached here, a few weeks ago now, but in last couple of days turned Auckland sky orange. Evidently people phoned 111 (police emergency here in NZ) can you believe it.
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Eek, I hope the sky clears for you.
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I’ve been following the fire news here from California. It’s horrific and makes the worst of the firestorms we’ve had here seem like nothing. Your books look good. My weekly update
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Our news is keeping up about all the fires. I’m sorry they have been so devastating. I like your assortment of books. Come see my week here and Happy New Year!
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The fires are so scary. My thoughts have been with Australia.
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The devastation is truly heart breaking. All the photos and footage really drive home just how widespread and horrible it is. I can’t imagine what those firefighters are dealing with physically and emotionally. 😦
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This is so very sad. I had read the fire burnt an area larger than Belgium, abut I didn’t realize that 480 millions animals had died. That’s huge
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It’s really devastating what’s happening in Australia – and all the dead animals. The firefighters are amazing and I really hope the fires will stop soon.
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My heart is breaking for Australia, its people, and its wildlife. Such a beautiful country and such a nightmare to see this!
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I am sorry for the devastating wildfires you’re experiencing. The images we see each day are awful. Praying for relief to come right away.
Interesting books this week. Maggie’s Going Nowhere sounds fun. Hope they provide some enjoyment.
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I just can’t imagine what it is like there right now – the devastation and tragedy. It is hard enough to see it in the news, so far removed in distance. I hope that you are safe. This is so heartbreaking on all levels. All my thoughts and prayers for you and your country.
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Prayers for Australia!! So sorry y’all are suffering!!
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The fires are horrifying! Praying for rain!! The Maggie book sounds amusing, especially since my daughter’s name is Maggie.
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I have a few of the same on my TBR – I’ll start soon …
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So sorry about the horrendous fires! I think Canada has sent some firefighters. It sounds nightmarish. When will there be a break there? I too am looking forward to Long Bright River. Hang in there Australia!
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I’m sorry to hear about the fires. It’s great to know there are ways that we can help from afar.
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