Winter Soundtrack: The Odyssey Years

Back when the sun was shining, I wrote about the songs we've listened to in our minivan for the past few summers.  The Winter Soundtrack edition will not be as comprehensive as the Summer Soundtrack one, but I feel the need to record it for posterity.

Winter Soundtrack:  The Odyssey Years

2013-14:  Frozen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) -- just like every other family in America.  Our favorites were "Love Is An Open Door," "Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People," "Fixer Upper," and, duh, "Let It Go."  I still remember driving an Odyssey full of Cub Scouts to a Home Depot field trip and realizing that every second grade boy in the van knew every word of every Frozen song.

2014-2015:  That's Christmas to Me by Pentatonix.  I ordered this CD after my Facebook feed filled up with links to the "Mary, Did You Know?" video.  I still love their version of that song, but the one that stole my heart and kept us (at least me) listening even after Christmas was over was the title track, "That's Christmas to Me." 

2015-2016:  We have two winners for this winter.  The first is Adele's 25.  When my husband saw the CD, he started cracking up, mentioning some article about how Adele hasn't released her music for streaming because her fans are in a demographic of women who have not grasped that technology yet (or something like that).  Nailed it.  Our favorite tracks are "Hello," "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)," and "When We Were Young."  When I say we, I mean the entire family.  I think my in-laws were frightened when they rode with us to a family Christmas celebration.

Second winner is Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles.  After the recent passing of Glenn Frey, I felt a need and obligation to introduce my kids to the music of The Eagles.  For the life of me, I can't find the first volume of my Eagles Greatest Hits CD so I settled for Common Thread, an album where various country artists (whom I loved in the 90s) cover Eagles songs.  Favorite tracks are "Lyin' Eyes," "New Kid in Town," and "Best of My Love."  For you country fans, that's Diamond Rio, Trisha Yearwood, and Brooks and Dunn.  Solid.

What's playing in your van? 

Dollar Store DuJour

My son needed some poster board for a school project, and I used that as an excuse to head to Dollar Tree.  I won't bore you with details of all that I purchased (though if someone else wrote such a post, I would read it because I am curious about that kind of thing), except to say that I spent less than twenty dollars and really enjoyed it. 

I will offer the public service announcement that sometimes you can find good books at Dollar Tree.  Don't assume they are all crap.

Today, I found Sunset's Essential Western Cookbook, which looks to be a Costco remainder.  I've never subscribed to Sunset, and I think the magazine recently ended its run, but I know it was like Southern Living but for the West Coast.  The tacos on the front look delicious, and I think I'll enjoy looking through the cookbook and maybe even trying a recipe.  If not?  I'm only out a dollar, and I can put the book in my Amvets box or pass it on to a friend.

I also got a cute, fat paperback that includes two novels about Spy Mom.  I had never heard of Spy Mom, but the reviews on GoodReads and Amazon are strong.  Of course, it hasn't been reviewed by thousands or anything, and I guess there's always a chance all the positive reviews are from friends of the author.  But again, maybe I'll really like it.  If not, I can always pass it along. 

The little bunch of roses was not from Dollar Tree, but from Mariano's -- a $5 bright spot on a gloomy January Monday.  The adorable chevron burlap ribbon on my vase/pitcher?  You guessed it.  Dollar Tree, baby!

Sweethearts, Redeemed

Elsewhere and several years ago, I wrote about my disappointment with the changes to the Sweethearts brand conversation hearts.  Their product had always been my favorite Valentine's treat.  I loved the flavors and the satisfying crunch of the Sweethearts conversation hearts (you're not actually going to crack a tooth, but there's a sort of edgy pleasure to the bite) UNTIL they innovated with some new flavors (and colors--garish blue) that did not appeal to me at all.  I felt betrayed. 

Since then, I have boycotted Sweethearts brand and made do with the unoffensive flavor but inferior texture of the Brach's brand conversation hearts.

Imagine my delight when I spotted the 150th Anniversary "Classic Edition" bag of Sweethearts at Walgreens.  They went immediately into my basket and were tested as soon as my daughter and I got in to the Odyssey.  The same deliciously crunchy conversation hearts you may fondly remember from your childhood are back. 

I wish I could report on whether the messages on the hearts are vintage, contemporary, or a mix, but I haven't read a single heart.  Just crunched.  Sort of a one-sided conversation, but I heart that sometimes.

Quick Lit -- January

I am always late to this party, but I want to join Modern Mrs. Darcy with a Quick Lit post featuring brief reviews of this month's books.

The photo above may suggest that I spent a cozy evening by the fire, sipping a Moscow Mule and savoring a great book.  The pic actually reflects a family movie night in which we watched a forgettable tween made-for-TV movie about a figure skater who has to be a hockey player for a reason you would not believe.  I won't even tell you the title because you don't need to see it.  Many toe pics away from the classic and much beloved (by me) The Cutting Edge.

Even if I haven't been reading and drinking by the fire, I have done some reading this month.  Here's what's worth sharing ...

It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell -- I am a sucker for transformation stories.  Nothing I love more than reading about someone who digs themselves out of debt, leaves a cult, or loses eight dress sizes.  I had never read Andie Mitchell's blog, but I enjoyed her memoir about her years of compulsive eating and the steps she took to change her body, change her life, and find her career calling.  Every weight loss story is about way more than food, and I liked Mitchell and the way she wrote about her weight struggles and her relationship to food, friends, and family.

The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne -- I am also a sucker for Mormons.  Ever since I read Under the Banner of Heaven (which, yes, I know, is NOT about mainstream Mormonism), I have been intrigued by this fast-growing faith.  Mormonism and struggles with faith are only one aspect of Hanagarne's memoir though.  Fortunately, I am also interested in librarians (coulda, shoulda, woulda been one myself) and in people who overcome tremendous personal obstacles.  Hanagarne tells his story of living with and beyond Tourette's with thoughtfulness and humor.

The Lake House by Kate Morton -- We all know Morton can tell a story, and this one kept me thinking and guessing.  All the readers' questions are answered at the end, which is lovely, but I wish things were tied up a bit more subtly so I could pat myself on the back more for having paid attention.  Morton does a great job of layering and building her story as she shifts from character to character, present to past, and storyline to parallel storyline.

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson -- I raced through this Sliding Doors-esque story.  You will too!  Easy to get lost in both of Kitty's lives.

Paulina and Fran by Rachel Glaser -- I wimped out on giving this one a GoodReads rating.  Paulina is a memorable if not lovable character (actually tough to hate a character who is so unapologetically narcissistic).  I really enjoyed the art school setting, which was new and entertaining to me.  Definitely a book that makes you not want to go back to your twenties (though that decade, for me, did not include strange and frequent sexual encounters, artistic angst, and near homelessness).  Not every one will like this book, but I suspect they will remember it.  I think it will stick with me, though I'm not sure in what way.   Read some other reviews before you dive in.

Currently reading ...
The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell -- An ebook bargain I am really liking.  Good news is that Jewell is British and has written lots of other books.  Always good to have a new well from which to draw.

O, Pioneers by Willa Cather -- listening to this audiobook -- starting slow, but I know it will be worth my time

In case you missed it, I did write about my 2015 Reading Highlights.  And, of course, if you visit Modern Mrs. Darcy, you'll find many other Quick Lit lists to peruse!

What are you reading these days?  I'd love to know.  Stay warm and try a Moscow Mule if you haven't yet.

2015 Reading Highlights

2015 was a really good book year for me.  There are never as many uninterrupted reading hours as I wish, but thanks to audiobooks, the kindle iphone app, and a giant purse that can fit whatever new release I've picked up at my library's drive-thru window, I'm always ready to read when an opportunity arises.  Also, I took Facebook off my phone in June, which has freed me up for many things, including more (non-status update) reading time.

All you need to know about my selections is that I didn't overthink them and that I borrowed heavily from my own Goodreads reviews for the blurbs.  I'm booksandcarbs, by the way, if you want to find me on Goodreads.

Favorite 2015 Reads Published in 2015 (in no particular order)

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
This novel imagines the love story between a Kate Middleton-esque character (except American) and a Prince William-esque character.  Fun, fun, fun, but not pure fluff.  Is the fairy tale life only a fairy tale?  Some of the dialogue was cheesy, but I was 100% absorbed.  Hated taking breaks because I just wanted to follow the romance.

The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens
This book left me with a full heart.  A riveting survival story that is also a tale of friendship, family, and ultimate acts of love.  Five stars.

Dietland by Sarai Walker
Refreshingly subversive.  Do not be fooled by cupcake on the cover.  Plenty to think about in terms of gender roles, body image, and standards of beauty.  Would be a great book club selection.  Some people might hate it, but everyone will have something to say about it. 

All Together Now by Gil Hornby
This book just made me happy.  So many of the story elements I love:  strangers become friends, community bands together, woman learns her own strength, fresh start, music as a bridge, British setting.  Call it cheesy or boring if you want.  Haters gonna hate.

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Fictionalized portrait of a real woman, Beryl Markham, and her extraordinary life and loves in colonial Kenya.  Horse trainer, aviator, memorable woman.

Voracious: A Hungry Reader Cooks Her Way through Great Books by Cara Nicoletti
As a hungry reader (literally) myself, I really enjoyed this memoir, even if I am not motivated or talented enough to try any of the recipes inside.

A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan
A mom and wife tries to figure out "what all" she wants and "what all" she can have.  The motherhood details rang very true.  Would be a good book club choice.

Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner
My favorite Jennifer Weiner book since Good in Bed.  Really loved it.

The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore
Was planning to avoid this book because I thought the college admissions race was familiar territory for me from fiction, non-fiction, and my years as an ACT/SAT tutor.  So glad I read it.  Expertly plotted.  I was often a ball of anxiety rooting for this family to find its way.  It really made me think about what I want for my children and will stick with me for a long time.

Favorite 2015 Reads Not Published in 2015

In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden
This book is from my "I'll Thank Me Later List."  Over 600 pages about a woman who leaves a professional career to become a cloistered Benedictine nun.  I absolutely loved it.  I am envious of and inspired by those who have a religious vocation.

Pomfret Towers by Angela Thirkell 
Delightful to me, but I am really into British books where nothing super exciting happens and yet everything happens.

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks
So glad I tried this one, despite a premise (story told by imaginary friend) that sounded like something I would hate.  I gushed about it last month.

Reading Series Update for 2015

The Fatal Flame by Lyndsay Faye -- Worthy end to the fabulous Timothy Wilde trilogy that begins with Gods of Gotham.  New York City in the early days of its police force.  Great character-driven detective novel (but more than that).

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith -- The only thing I hate about the Cormoran Strike books (this is the third) is finishing one and having to wait at least a year for the next.  Don't keep me waiting, J.K. Rowling!  I would recommend reading them in order.  The first is Cuckoo's Calling.

Chief Inspector Gamache Series by Louise Penny -- I've read the first five this year.  I'm not obsessed, but I enjoy these mysteries with their well-drawn characters, idyllic setting (minus all those dang murders), and the ways Penny weaves art, poetry, and literature throughout.  The first is called Still Life. 

After You by Jojo Moyes --  You know what, this book is not the ugly-cry powerhouse that Me Before You was, but it's a really good book and definitely worth reading if you loved the first.

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand -- The second book was another satisfying holiday read.  Bring on the final installment!  Start with Winter Street if you can steal some time to read near the tree next December.

Learned Something and Liked It

Sure, you can learn something in every book, but I learned a lot of things from these.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

I hope the insights from Quiet will make me a better parent, a more content person, and a more sensitive friend, spouse, and teacher (if I ever go back).  No matter where you are on the introversion/extroversion spectrum, you can learn from this book.

The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money by Ron Lieber -- plenty to think about here

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari -- interesting, thoughtful, well-researched, and sometimes horrifying overview of romance in contemporary America:  texting, sexting, online dating, cultural norms and more   

Honorable Mention -- These books are enjoyable, satisfying reads!

In Some Other World, Maybe by Shari Goldhagen:  Relationships, coincidences.  Set in Cincy, Chicago, and L.A.  I dug it.

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid-- A Sliding Doors-esque story.

In The Unlikely Event by Judy Blume -- your grade school idol does not disappoint

Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan -- breezy summer read

Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper:  A Novel by Hilary Liftin -- TomKat in novel form.  Better than US Weekly!

The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs by Matthew Dicks -- humor but also revenge, forgiveness, friendship, parent/child ties

Ally Hughes Has Sex Sometimes by Jules Moulin -- and why shouldn't she?

Bargain Bonuses -- I'm always snapping up audible.com Deals of the Day.  Two of them this year were surprisingly satisfying:  The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor and Keep Your Friends Close by Paula Daly.

What were your 2015 Reading Highlights?  Do tell.  Please.

2015 Year of Books

For posterity ... complete list of books read in 2015.  Check reading list tab for current and past years.
 
2015 FICTION

Some Luck by Jane Smiley
(audiobook, narrated by Lorelei King)

The Love Season by Elin Hilderbrand
(paperback)

The Humans by Matt Haig
(paperback)

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
(audiobook, narrated by Dan O'Grady)

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
(audiobook, narrated by Zach Appelman)

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
(library book)

Euphoria by Lily King
(audiobook, narrated by Simon Vance & Xe Sands)

High Rising by Angela Thirkell
(paperback)

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
(ebook)

I Capture the Castle* by Dodie Smith
(audiobook, narrated by Jenny Agutter)

The Whole Golden World by Kristina Riggle
(ebook)

Nowhere But Home by Liza Palmer
(ebook)

The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel
(ebook)

Lydia's Party by Margaret Hawkins
(paperback)

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp
(audiobook, narrated by MacLeod Andrews)

All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews
(library book)

Lost & Found by Brooke Davis
(audiobook, narrated by Nigel Carrington, Nicolette McKenzie, Helen Walsh) 

Plus One by Christopher Noxon
(audiobook, narrated by Tom Taylorson)

An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor
(audiobook, narrated by John Keating)

Keepsake by Kristina Riggle
(ebook)

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
(audiobook, narrated by Kimberly Farr)

Lillian on Life by Alison Jean Lester
(library book)

Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum
(audiobook, narrated by Mozhan Marno)

The History of Us by Leah Stewart
(ebook)

Wild Strawberries by Angela Thirkell
(paperback)

Man at the Helm by Nina Stibbe
(audiobook, narrated by Imogen Church)

In Some Other World, Maybe by Shari Goldhagen
(library book)

Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
(audiobook, narrated by Ray Porter)

Kissing Ted Callahan by Amy Spalding
(library book)

Drama by Raina Telgemeier
(library book)

Summer Half by Angela Thirkell
(ebook)

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
(audiobook, narrated by Jayne Entwistle)

A Cool Breeze on the Underground by Don Winslow
(audiobook, narrated by Joe Barrett)

Before Lunch by Angela Thirkell
(audiobook, narrated by Nadia May)

Still Life by Louise Penny
(ebook)

Blankets by Craig Thompson
(library book)

The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan
(audiobook, narrated by Christine Lakin) 

Some Day This Pain Will Be Useful To You by Peter Cameron
(library book)

Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido
(ebook)

The Children's Crusade by Ann Packer
(audiobook, narrated by Cotter Smith, Frederick Weller, Thomas Sadoski, Marin Ireland, Santino Fontana)

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith
(ebook)

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
(ebook via My Media Mail, EPL)

A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny
(ebook)

Coronation Summer by Angela Thirkell
(audiobook, narrated by Nadia May)

Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill
(audiobook, narrated by Jenny Offill)

The Fatal Flame by Lyndsay Faye
(audiobook, narrated by Kirby Heyborne)

Dietland by Sarai Walker
(library book)

Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
(library book)

The Sleeping Beauty Proposal by Sarah Strohmeyer
(hardcover)

In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden
(paperback)

Early Warning by Jane Smiley
(audiobook, narrated by Lorelei King)

Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle
(library book)

The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand
(audiobook, narrated by Kathleen McInerney)

In The Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
(library book)

Younger by Pamela Redmond Satran
(audiobook, narrated by Meghan Wolf)

Geek Girl by Holly Smale
(ebook)

The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows
(audiobook, narrated by Ann Marie Lee, Tara Sands, Julia Whelan)

The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
(ebook)

Keep Your Friends Close by Paula Daly
(audiobook, narrated by Colleen Prendergast)

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
(ebook)

I Take You by Eliza Kennedy
(library book)

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
(audiobook, narrated by Lydia Look)

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
(library book)

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
(library book)

Armada by Ernest Cline
(audiobook, narrated by Wil Wheaton)

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
(library book)

Wedding Season by Katie Fforde
(library book)

14 by Peter Clines
(audiobook, narrated by Ray Porter)

Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper by Hilary Liftin
(library book)

All Together Now by Gill Hornby
(library book)

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
(audiobook, narrated by David LeDoux)

Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner
(library book)

A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan
(library book)

The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes
(audiobook, narrated by Aoife McMahon)

My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
(audiobook, narrated by Joan Walker)

A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny
(ebook)

The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
(audiobook, narrated by Joe Barrett)

After You by Jojo Moyes
(hardcover)

The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs by Matthew Dicks
(library book)

Read Bottom Up by Neel Shah
(hardcover)

Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
(audiobook, narrated by Will Damron and Julia Whelan)

Enchanted August by Brenda Bowen
(library book)

The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase
(library book)

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
(hardcover)

Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway
(hardcover)

Hidden by Catherine McKenzie
(ebook)

Pomfret Towers by Angela Thirkell
(paperback)

The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore
(audiobook, narrated by Allyson Ryan)

Ally Hughes Has Sex Sometimes by Jules Moulin
(library book)

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm
(paperback)

Golden Age by Jane Smiley
(audiobook, narrated by Lorelei King)

The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
(ebook)

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks
(audiobook, narrated by Matthew Brown)

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand
(hardcover)

The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay
(ebook)

The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens
(audiobook)

Pride and Prejudice* by Jane Austen
(audiobook, narrated by Flo Gibson)

The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor
(audiobook)

The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro
(audiobook, narrated by Xe Sands)

Christmas at High Rising by Angela Thirkell
(paperback)

2015 MEMOIRS, ESSAYS, and OTHER NON-FICTION

Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor
(ebook)

Food:  A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan
(library book)

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
(library book)

Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir by Liz Prince
(library book)

A Spy Among Friends:  Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal by Ben Macintyre
(audiobook, narrated by John Lee)

How She Does It by Anne Bogel
(ebook)

Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming
(audiobook, narrated by author)

Ten Years in the Tub:  A Decade Soaking in Great Books by Nick Hornby
(library book)

The Gift of Peace by Joseph Bernadin
(paperback)

Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of the Imagination by J.K. Rowling
(library book)

An Age of License: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley
(library book)

The Year of Reading Dangerously:  How Fifty Great Books (and Two Not-So-Great Ones) Saved My Life by Andy Miller
(ebook)

An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor
(ebook)

Happily Ali After: And Other Fairly True Tales by Ali Wentworth
(library book)

The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful by Myquillyn Smith
(ebook)

Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life by Emily P. Freeman
(ebook)

Fat Girl Walking:  Sex, Food, Love and Being Comfortable in Your Skin... Every Inch of It by Brittany Gibbons
(hardcover)

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
(library book)

Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley
(library book)

Homemakers: A Domestic Handbook for the Digital Generation by Brit Morian
(ebook)

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
(ebook)

Voracious: A Hungry Reader Cooks Her Way through Great Books by Cara Nicoletti
(hardcover)

Good Riddance: An Illustrated Memoir of Divorce by Cynthia Copeland
(library book)

Blood Will Out: The True Story of a Murder, a Mystery, and a Masquerade by Walter Kirn
(paperback)

I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend by Martin Short
(ebook)

The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money by Ron Lieber
(audiobook, narrated by author)

I Was a Child: A Memoir by Bruce Eric Kaplan
(library book)

Born with Teeth by Kate Mulgrew
(audiobook, narrated by the author)

What I Hate by Roz Chast
(library book)

Bird by Bird:  Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
(audiobook)

The Basson King:  My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy by Rainn Wilson
(audiobook, narrated by the author)

Steal Like an Artist:  10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
(ebook)



An (*) indicates a reread.  Unless otherwise noted, my ebooks are read via the Kindle app on my phone or iPad.  EPL = Elmhurst Public Library.