Audible Book Review: Caffeine by Michael Pollan

This is fascinating, quick history about coffee.

Caffeine How Caffeine Created the Modern World

By: Michael Pollan

Narrated by: Michael Pollan

Length: 2 hrs and 2 mins

Original Recording Audiobook

Release date: 01-30-20

Language: English

Publisher: Audible Originals

Categories: Home & Garden, Food & Wine

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Michael Pollan, known for his best-selling nonfiction audio, including The Omnivores Dilemma and How to Change Your Mind, conceived and wrote Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World as an Audible Original. In this controversial and exciting listen, Pollan explores caffeine’s power as the most-used drug in the world—and the only one we give to children (in soda pop) as a treat. Pollan takes us on a journey through the history of the drug, which was first discovered in a small part of East Africa and within a century became an addiction affecting most of the human species. Caffeine, it turns out, has changed the course of human history—won and lost wars, changed politics, dominated economies. What’s more, the author shows that the Industrial Revolution would have been impossible without it. The science of how the drug has evolved to addict us is no less fascinating. And caffeine has done all these things while hiding in plain sight! Percolated with Michael Pollan’s unique ability to entertain, inform, and perform, Caffeine is essential listening in a world where an estimated two billion cups of coffee are consumed every day. ©2019 Michael Pollan (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review: This work starts with self-deprecating humor that charmed me into a comfortable listening mood. Mr. Pollan choose to stop drinking caffeine to observe the effects as part of his research. According to him, this contributed to being unfocused and having to struggle to get the book on track. In spite of this proclamation, Pollan does a great job of delivering a lively history of the origins of caffeine and how it came to be a staple of working people everywhere. The description of the influence of caffeine in man’s development, work, politics, economics, and even war, is fascinating.

Pollan presents the position that caffeine does have scientific support showing a “pick-me-up” and focus effect. It is addictive to insects and addictive to humans. I was feeling fine accepting myself as a caffeine addict until Pollan mentions the negative impact on sleep patterns. Then I had to consider my afternoon consumption and remind my office staff to switch to decaf after noon.

The book is not an exhaustive history of caffeine and doesn’t’ purport to be a scientific tome. It is a light history in a quick, easy listen. The author moves among his themes which help to keep my interest. I recommend this especially to caffeine lovers and to others who would like a short history.

Audio Notes: Michael Pollan narrates his own work. He does a nice job delivering the work with a light humor. I totally enjoyed this quick listen.

Source: 2/8/2020 Free Member Audible Originals. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and nonfiction goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 7, 2020

Happy Friday!
Another week gone by. My spreadsheet is ready so watch for Gift Cards to be sent this weekend.
Stay safe - Buy books online!

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the July 31, 2020 Pick. There was no automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was no title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 31, 2020 Pick:
BN100 gets the Maggie Shayne Pair
and
ASHFA gets a GC.

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

I'm glad to celebrate books ANY day!
Image found at Porter County Public Library.

New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box. 

PAIRS:
Mary Jane Clark:  Hide Yourself Away and Do You Want to Know a Secret
Maggie Shayne:  Embrace the Twilight and Colder Than Ice
SINGLES:
On Thin Ice by Cherry Adair
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Cutting Edge by Allison Brennan
Summer Skies by Judy Christenberry (I apparently had a duplicate of this title)
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Angel Face by Suzanne Forster
Stalking the Puzzle Landy by Parnell Hall
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper
Statute of Limitations by Tamar Myers
The Missing Heir by Gail Rainstrom
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)
The Warrior by Frances Richey (poetry - hardcover)


New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Pairs:
Brenda Joyce: Firestorm and Innocent Fire
LaVyrle Spencer: Morning Glory and Bitter Sweet
Singles:
Open House by Elizabeth Berg (Hardback)
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
What the Heart Knows by Kathleen Eagle
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Angel Creek by Linda Howard
Montana Mavericks - Big Sky Grooms Anthology
Shadow and Silk by Ann Maxwell
Tempting Fire by Carla Neggers
Suicide Club by Gayle Wilson
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere
Through the Years - Three Novels, Linda Howard, Fern Michaels and Debbie Macomber


New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs


New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff


This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,325+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors, your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to faraway places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

MBS July 2020 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2020 Reading List - JULY

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2020
Favorites for the month:
5 Stars = Written in Red
4.75 Stars = Thunderhead
4.5 Stars = Crushing Depths, The Order of the Pure Moon..., Death of an Aristocrat, The Queen Bee

1. ATBR- #Audio Book Review: Termination Dust by Alana Terry; Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas by John Scalzi; Genre: Sci Fi, Space Exploration; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
3. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey; Genre: Christian Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
4. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: #The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho; Action and Adventure, Asian Myth, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
5. Author2020- Book Review: Death Of An Aristocrat (A Lucy Anne Trotter Mystery) by Anya Wylde; Cozy Mystery, Regency, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
6. Author2020- Audio Book Review: The Bomb Squad: Clash of the Patriots by Neil Perry Gordon; Espionage Thriller, Historical Fiction, WWI; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Conflicted Home: The Survivalist Series by A. American; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian Fiction, Survival; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
8. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Written in Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop; Genre: Shape Shifters, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.
9. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn; Genre: Bees, Children, Peer Pressure; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
10. ATBR-Audible Book Review: Thunderhead Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman; Genre: Dystopian, Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Teen and Young Adult; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Plus Three Children's Books: Little Panda, How High is Hope and Tawny Scrawny Lion.

Total read = 13; TBR = 6; New to Me Authors = 5
Audio/Audible = 6 (5 TBRs)
eBook = 1 (0 TBR)
NetGalley = 4 (0 TBR)
Review books (other than NG) = 1 ebook/1 audio
Print = 3 (1 TBR)
• Series: 7
• New to me Series: 2 (2 to continue)
• Continuing for me Series: 5
• Finished for me Series: 0

Goal Progress (Year to date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 88 of 150
TBR to Date: 65 of 100 total
TBR ebooks: 2 of 24
Audio to Date: 55 of 75
NetGalley to Date: 26 of 40
Author Reviews: 9 of 12
Nonfiction: 6 of 12
Series to Date: 54 (35 New and 19 Continued) 4 Finished
• Seasonal title: Winter 1, Spring 1,
• Alphabet letters covered: 10 Jan; 7 Feb; 5 March; 0 April; 0 May; 1 June; 0 July

Audible Book Review: Thunderhead Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman

This series has me fully engaged.
Thunderhead
Arc of a Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay

Series: Arc of a Scythe, Book 2
Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-09-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe from New York Times best seller Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.
The Thunderhead cannot interfere in the affairs of the Scythedom. All it can do is observe — it does not like what it sees.
A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent.
As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the "new order". But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change.
Will the Thunderhead intervene?
Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?
©2018 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
At the conclusion of book one, Scythe, Rowan and Citra were set against each other at the Scythe conclave to select one new member. Through an unexpected move, Citra is initiated as a true Scythe and Rowan went underground. Rowan takes a secret and different path to fight the corruption that is growing in the Scythedom. The Scythedom are the elite bringers of death who help maintain what should be a very peaceful society. But there is a heavy division between old and new factions of the Scythe. The old guard respects the weight of their task and serves with humility. However, there is a growing number of newer Scythes who are corrupt, brutal, and evil. This new faction is pushing to take control and rule for their own pleasure and gratification.

Grayson Tolliver is a good, quiet civilian, pretty much nondescript and of no particular notice. The Thunderhead, the AI that manages Earth, has noticed Grayson and has been his best friend for years. Now the Thunderhead has a plan to use Grayson even if it means trauma to the young man when it appears that the Thunderhead abandons him. Grayson gets unexpectedly drawn into Citra’s circle. While other Scythe’s suspect Grayson of attacks, Citra knows that isn’t true, but she can do little to protect Grayson when he is marked as an Unsavory.

Meanwhile, Scythe Farraday is off hunting for the secret to bring the Scythedom back into control. He finds a surprising bright ally hidden in a faraway museum and they race against time trying to save the world as they have known it.

Throughout the struggles of the humans, the Thunderhead is observing and commenting in the background. Although the Thunderhead may take actions that impact citizens at large, it is not allowed to interfere with the Scythedom, no matter how much it is distressed by the growing corruption.

I was completely drawn into this second book. There are surprises in the Scythes that rise to take action and it hurt my heart as situations turn against the primary characters. The final chapters of this volume have the supporters of good at the mercy of the evil.

I totally enjoyed having the Thunderhead as an alternating narrator sharing bits of history, wisdom, ponderings and even frustrations. The creativity of the author has me awed. I am excited to go on to book three to see how the conflict is resolved. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong futuristic, dystopian elements.

Audio Notes: Greg Tremblay’s expert narration had me immersed in this world. Tremblay delivers the work with distinct voices and spot on emotion. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/16/19 Audible 2nd Settlement Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post August 2, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 3, 2020

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

My assistant is doing a good job of spacing out my appointments on phone and limited in person when needed.
I have good news as the new contractor is busy working on additional tear out at my office so they can begin the repairs!

The morning after we arrived back home we heard a noise above our bedroom.
At first we thought it was a squirrel in the attic.
Then from the bathroom window, I saw dark shadows flying to the roof.
I looked out and this is what I saw! There were another 8 or so on our house roof.
Black Vultures - Very creepy!

Not much else new at home. We hope to get some of the smaller repairs done at home soon too.

I enjoyed the three books I finished - two audios and one ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to I'm a Voracious Reader. The site is very cute and Carol says: "I love to read. No, really. Love.To.Read. I devour books."

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 26, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 27, 2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Conflicted Home: The Survivalist Series by A. American; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian Fiction, Survival; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 31, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/6/2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Written in Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop; Genre: Shape Shifters, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn; Genre: Bees, Children, Peer Pressure; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 2, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Thunderhead
Arc of a Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 01-09-18
I liked this and need to get book 3.
Source: 12/16/19 Audible 2nd Settlement Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Caffeine
How Caffeine Created the Modern World
By: Michael Pollan
Narrated by: Michael Pollan
Length: 2 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 01-30-20
I went to a quick audio and found this fascinating. (And yes, I am a coffee addict.)
Source: 2/8/2020 Two Free Member Audible Originals.
Michael Pollan, known for his best-selling nonfiction audio, including The Omnivores Dilemma and How to Change Your Mind, conceived and wrote Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World as an Audible Original. In this controversial and exciting listen, Pollan explores caffeine’s power as the most-used drug in the world—and the only one we give to children (in soda pop) as a treat.
Pollan takes us on a journey through the history of the drug, which was first discovered in a small part of East Africa and within a century became an addiction affecting most of the human species. Caffeine, it turns out, has changed the course of human history—won and lost wars, changed politics, dominated economies. What’s more, the author shows that the Industrial Revolution would have been impossible without it. The science of how the drug has evolved to addict us is no less fascinating. And caffeine has done all these things while hiding in plain sight! Percolated with Michael Pollan’s unique ability to entertain, inform, and perform, Caffeine is essential listening in a world where an estimated two billion cups of coffee are consumed every day.
©2019 Michael Pollan (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Wolf at the End of the World
by Douglas Smith
I really liked this and would read more by this author.
Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

You Need a Budget
The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want
By: Jesse Mecham
Narrated by: Jesse Mecham
Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 12-26-17
I switched to a shorter book so now this becomes an August nonfiction.
Source: 9/9/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Lane Betrayal (Time Box Book 1)
by John A. Heldt
I really enjoy time travel and this author
so I am looking forward to this.
Source: Book supplied by Author.
From the author of the critically acclaimed Northwest Passage, American Journey, and Carson Chronicles series comes the first book in the Time Box saga.
Virginia physicist Mark Lane has a problem. Weeks after privately creating two time machines, he learns his corporate partner wants to use the portable devices for nefarious purposes. Rather than give him the chance to do so, Mark takes the time boxes and escapes to the relative safety of 1865.
For Mark, wife Mary, and their children, the adventure is a chance to grow. Mary runs a business. Jeremy, 19, and Ashley, 12, befriend escaped slaves. Laura, 22, finds her place as a nurse. Jordan, 25, falls for a beautiful widow. All hope to find peace in the past.
Billionaire Robert Devereaux has other ideas. Shortly after Mark's betrayal, he sends an assassin to 1865 to retrieve his property and set matters straight.
Filled with romance, suspense, and history, THE LANE BETRAYAL follows a modern American family as it tries to find security and contentment in the final weeks of the Civil War.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Monster Hunter Siege
Monster Hunter, Book 6
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-01-17
I like this series and am ready for another monster adventure.
3/17/19 February 2019 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Number six in multiple New York Times best seller Larry Correia's Monster Hunter series.
Go big or go home.
When Monster Hunter International's top hunter, Owen Zastava Pitt, was given a tip about some hunters who had gone missing in action, he didn't realize their rescue mission would snowball into the single biggest operation in MHI's history. Their men are being held prisoner in a horrific nightmare dimension, and the only way to reach them is through the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested war zone.
As if that wasn't bad enough, it's also the home base of the powerful creature behind the devastating attacks on the Last Dragon and Copper Lake. It turns out ancient gods of chaos really hate trespassers. But this god picked a fight with the wrong crew, and now MHI wants payback. Calling on their allies, a massive expedition is formed, and with the odds stacked against them, a legion of hunters goes to war.
It's D-Day at the City of Monsters.
©2017 Larry Correia (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

August 2, 2020 - I am still working on getting caught up for daily reading. I need to be in the word every day. I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I completed the 7-day study: Good News: Encouragement for a World in Crisis.
I don't plan to start another study until I get daily devotions caught up.

I completed three books and posted three reviews. I am up to date on reviews.
My NetGalley shelf is still at 2, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I'm resisting adding any more NetGalley titles until I get some of my review titles done. I still have one carry over author ebook left. I have two audiobooks from authors. I feel good getting caught up on these books.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
No new review books.
I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up one Chirp title for $.99.
I added one free Kindle title this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

8/2/2020 Chirp Deal $.99
Fire in Frost
Written by Alicia Rades
Narrated by Kim Reiko

Free

I picked up one free Kindle title this week from an author I like:
The Monsoon Series: Two Book Bundle
Anya Wylde 

Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.