You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
Challenges: Year Long Main 2021
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Nancy's "I Have Confidence In Me" 2017



And when you ask a German what they are going to have for diner, they tell you the meat, while Dutch tell you the vegetables... It still isn't easy for me as a vegetarian to order something to eat in a German restaurant (I usually end up with Pommes und Salat = fries and salat). :)

One of my earliest memories involves lilac bushes... my dad planted 'sticks' in the back garden in the late Autumn and told me they would grow into 'lilac trees'. I was so excited... and then so disappointed when the leaves came out green not purple : (
I checked regularly, but they never did change colour...
My grown up self loves the scent of lilac flowers in a summer evening though.

I did the same thing, Dawn! :0)

And... Your did circumvallate around Germany somehow...! LOL

Ah, home sweet home. At least that's what I thought of when I read that.

I could get used to that German dessert idea of two pieces of pie! - lol
I am still puzzled as to how the Germans who settled in Pennsylvania came to be called "Pennsylvania Dutch" but that seems to be just how things happened.

And... Your did circumvallate around Germany somehow...! LOL"
I know, probably because I taught French and Spanish (in addition to being a librarian), and I always had to take my students to those countries, and missed Germany completely, where I really wanted to go!

I did the same thing, Dawn! :0)"
Ha, ha, Dawn and Cherie, I was singing that song in my head while I worked on my list!

I liked your description of Pennsylvania Dutch, I never know quite how to explain it. I, too, am a descendant of German immigrants and that's why I also said I'd like to learn to speak German.
Have you read the Pennsylvania Dutch Mysteries by Tamar Myers? I've enjoyed that series, still working on it though.
Goodness, I didn't mean to ramble on so, lol.

Hi Lori Z,
It's a pleasure to 'meet' you on here. I live about an hour from Lancaster County in the center part of the state (halfway between Harrisburg and State College), so I am surrounded by Amish and by all the Pennsylvania Dutch food on a daily basis! We do the pork and sauerkraut dish plus the mashed potatoes several times a year, just because we like that food. Do you eat dumplings with yours? I am not a dumpling person for anything else except that meal. I do cook some things, but I am not nearly as good with the desserts like shoo fly pie and all of those things. I can do whoopie pies pretty well, though, and a couple of other things, but I have an aunt who is an absolute whiz at all of that baking. She learned from my grandmother who had eight children and baked bread every day just as a matter of course to help feed her large family; she also was an excellent cake and dessert baker, and later in her life, baked excellent wedding cakes for people. That is where my aunt learned how to do it all, and is just as good as her mother. My mom does some of that cooking but not as much as my aunt. We have big family celebrations a couple of times a year with all of that food. Of course then it takes months to take off all the pounds ---- just in time for the next family gathering - lol!
I also did take a Pennsylvania 'Dutch' (German) course, but the teacher wasn't very good and I didn't get much out of it, even though I love languages and am fascinated by them (and speak Spanish and French and a teensy bit of Italian - enough to eat - lol). I would love to learn 'real' German and then Pennsylvania Dutch to compare them. The Amish tell me that they are not at all alike, and a local German teacher told me the same thing. That is definitely on my bucket list, because almost every single one of my ancestors came from Germany, the Netherlands, or the Germany/France border.
I was talking about this the other day, and saying how hard it is to describe Pennsylvania Dutch, and my friend knew that it came about because of the word 'Deutsch' that was misinterpreted as 'Dutch'. I had forgotten about that when I was trying to explain.
I have read all of the Tamar Myers mystery series and I have enjoyed them. (I love almost any mystery!) I don't read a lot of the other 'Amish' books (especially the Amish romances) because since I live among them and have some friends who are Amish (our neighbors, in fact), I always find a ton of mistakes and misrepresentations in them, and that distracts from my reading.
Thanks for sharing. I love getting to know people on GR!

Its nice to meet you too, Nancy.
I've never had dumplings with pork and sauerkraut, might have to give that a try. That's great that you can make whoopie pies, I've always heard that they can be difficult so I've never attempted them. My Grandmother was the baker in our family too, and I have all her recipes but I just can't bring myself to try them, I think I'll just be disappointed that they won't taste the same as she made. My daughter has just started baking and says she's going to try to make shoofly pie, here's hoping she's inherited the baking gene, since apparently it skipped a generation, lol.
Anyway, that's interesting that both the Amish and the German teacher say that Pennsylvania Dutch and German languages are not alike, I always assumed they were very similar. It would be interesting to compare the two. I'm not even sure now if my great-grandparents and grandparents spoke German or Pennsylvania Dutch, I'll have to ask around.
I'm really enjoying this challenge and it hasn't even started yet, but its been fun getting to know you and everyone through their surveys.

1. What is your name? (First, Last, Middle, Nickname) – Read a book that contains one of your names in some way – author, title, character. Bodice of Evidence by Nancy Parra
2. What is your favourite sport? – Read a book that is either about your favourite sport or one of the characters plays that sport. You could also chose a book where the cover shows that sport. badminton - Bewitching Winter by Serenity Woods (1/31/17
3. What colour are your eyes? – Read a book where the colour of your eyes is the main colour of the cover, or the word is in the title. Blue cover - The New Mrs. D - Heather Hill (1/15/17)
4. Have you ever had a broken bone? – If yes, read a book with the word “Bone” in the title. If no, read a book about archeology (the character may be an archeologist, the book may be set in a museum, etc) archeology - Turn Right at Machu Picchu
5. What is your favourite movie? – If the movie is an adaptation, read the book that inspired the movie. Or, read a book that is written by the same author. Or, read a book that has the same title. If the movie is not an adaptation, read a book with a similar theme or has the same title.
6. What is your favourite book? – Read it again. Or, read a book that has the same title. Or read a book by the same author. If you can’t find the same title, or the author only has the one book, go to the book page and click on “Readers Also Enjoyed”. Select a book from the list.
7. Pick a number between 1 and 10. – Select a series and read the book that corresponds to that number. Or, read a book with the number in the title.n 7 was the number I chose. I read the 7th in the series, A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny.
8. What is your favourite holiday? – Read a book that is about that holiday, set during that holiday, or has the name in the title. Christmas. The Stocking Was Hung by Tara Sivec.
9. What is your relationship status? – Read a book with that word in the title, or where the main character or author shares that status. Or…. Get creative. What kind of book will be representative? It's Your Party, Die If You Want To
10. Are you right or left handed? – Read a book with that word in the title. Right-handed. You Have the Right to Remain Puzzled by Parnell Hall
11. What is your birthday month? – Read a book with the selected month in the title, or set during that month.
12. Do you have a pet? What is it? Don’t have a pet? Adopt a pet that someone in your immediate circle has (mother, brother, sister, friend, etc.) – Read a book featuring that type of pet. Or, read a book with that pet in the title. A Cat in the Wings
13. What is your favourite type of food? (Chinese, Italian, Mexican, etc) – Read a book set in the country or region of choice. (Chinese – set in China, Italian – set in Italy, etc.) If you chose a type of food that is not specific to a country, what region would you find it prevalent? Read a book set in that region. For example – Seafood would be prevalent in the coastal areas of Canada, United States, among others.
14. What is something you use daily? (brush, computer, car, get creative) - Read a book with that word in the title. Or, is on the cover. Or…. Get creative. What kind of book will represent that item? My reading ability. The Book Stops Here by Ian Sansom
15. What is your shoe size? (No halves; roll up to next number) – Select that number of books on your TBR, put them into the Fruit Machine (or another randomizer), and read the one that is selected. If you used European sizes, convert to US using this site: https://www.softmoc.com/ca/shoesize.asp That will reduce the number of books you need to plug into the Fruit Machine. The View from Mount Joy by Lorna Landvik
16. What is your favourite Ice cream flavour? – Read a book that either represents that flavour by the colour of the cover, or in the title. You may also chose a book that represents that flavour in some way. chocolate chip cookie dough - Semi-sweet by Roisin Meany
17. What is your country of birth? – Read a book set in that country, or written by an author that was also born in that country. United States - Feliz Navidead by Ann Myers (1/6/17)
18. What is your favourite season? – Read a book with either the season in the title, or set in that season. Summer. At The Edge of Summer by Jessica Brockmole
19. What is your current desk top picture? – Interpret that desk top picture any way you like. Read a book that represents that interpretation. For example, mine is a magnified picture of a frozen soap bubble. I could interpret it as ice, or alien landscape, or bubble. I could read a book with “Ice” in the title, a book set on an alien planet, or has bubbles on the cover. The gophering could be endless on this one. Nature scenes. Mother Nature by Sarah Andrews
20. What is your preferred mode of transport? – Read a book with your selection on the cover, or in the title, or it plays a significant role in the book. car - Nobody But You by Julie Kenner (1/22/17)
21. How many candles were on your last birthday cake? – Go to your TBR and order the shelf by number. Read the book that corresponds to your answer. If you picked “none” or “zero” as your answer, your number will be 100.
22. Have you been in an accident? – If yes, read a book set in a hospital, or with the word “accident” in title. If no, read a book that is a thriller, in which an accident is a high probability.
23. Do you prefer a shower or bath? – Read a book with your selected word in the title, or depicted on the cover.
24. Name a place you’d like to visit. – Read a book set in that location. Germany. The Bomber Boys by Travis L. Ayers
25. What is your favourite genre? – Read a book in that genre. Cozy mystery - The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes
26. Do you prefer a car or truck? – Read a book with your selection on the cover or in the title. car - Carrying Albert Home by Homer Hickam
27. Do you have a tattoo? – Read a book that represents your tattoo in some way. For example, if you have a tattoo of a rose, your book choice could have a rose on the cover, in the title, or a proper name of the author or character. If you don’t have a tattoo, read a book with a tattoo on the cover, or represents a tattoo that you would want if you were to get one.
28. Do you prefer Classic or Contemporary? – If Classic, read a book published in 1800 – 1899. If Contemporary, read a book published in 2000 – 2017. contemporary - Dying for Strawberries by Sharon Farrow (read 2/18/17) published in 2016
29. What is your favourite flower? – Read a book with that selection on the cover or in the title. Or, read a book that you feel represents that flower in some way. Lilac - The Scent of Lilacs by Ann H. Gabhart (4/8/17)
30. Have you been to Europe? Where? – Read a book set in that location. If you haven’t been to Europe, read a book set in a European country you would like to visit. England - When You Give a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen (1/4/17)
31. If you could meet anyone famous, infamous, notorious… who would it be? – read a biography, autobiography, memoir, or historical fiction about that person. Or, read a book that is representative of that person.
32. What is the feature you are most often complimented on? – Read a book with that feature on the cover or in the title.
33. Would you rather encounter a ghost, an alien, or neither? – If ghost, read a ghost story. If alien, read a story with aliens in it. If neither, read a book about another supernatural being other than a ghost or alien (werewolf, vampire, witch, succubus, etc). Ghost - A Ghostly Murder by Tonya Kappes
34. What is your favourite animal (other than domestic pets)? – Read a book with that creature on the cover, in the title, or in the story. wombat The Secret Life of Wombats by James Woodford (1/21/17)
35. What type of holiday do you prefer? (Beach, Mountain, Camping, exotic, etc) – Read a book in that setting or that represents your choice. Hong Konged by Paul Hanstedt (2/8/17)
36. If you had to lose one of the 5 senses, which would you prefer it to be? – Read a book with that word in the title, or read a book where a character is afflicted by that same loss.
37. Who is your favourite author? – Read either a book by that author, or a book recommended by that author.
38. Do you prefer tea, coffee, or water? – If tea or coffee, read a book with the word in the title, or set in a country where that beverage is a huge export (ie China for tea, Brazil for coffee). If water, read a book with the word in the title, or set on/near a large body of water. tea Sex, Lies, and Sweet Tea by Kris Calvert (3/18/17)
39. What is your birthstone using the US 2016 listing: (https://www.americangemsociety.org/en...) – Read a book with that gemstone on the cover, in the title, or the colour of that gemstone is the colour of the cover.
40. What is your favourite fruit? – Read a book with that fruit on the cover, in the title, or the colour of that fruit is the colour of the cover. pear Fruit of all Evil by Paige Shelton (3/17/17)
41. Issue you are passionate about (abortion, euthanasia, animal rights… etc) – Read a book where this issue is prominent or is represented in some way. It may be fiction or non-fiction. Women's rights - The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan (3/20/17)
42. Would you rather explore in space or undersea? – Read a book in that setting.
43. To what time period would you like to time travel? – Read a book either set in that time period, or published in that time period. Or, read a book about time travel where the character’s time travelled to that period. Future - Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb (1/13/17)
44. Do you prefer shoes or bare feet? – Read a book where your selection is on the cover or in the title, or get creative and find a book that represents your choice. Barefeet on cover - Sugar Rush by Donna Kauffman 3/14/17
45. Do you prefer green or black olives? Neither? Read a book with either a predominantly green or black cover depending on your answer. If you said “neither”, read a book with a predominantly white cover. Aim for at least 75% of the cover so that when you look at the cover, it screams green, black or white depending on your choice. The Olive Farm by Carol Drinkwater (3/19/17)
46. What is your Zodiac sign? – This one is wide open. Read a book that represents your zodiac sign in some way. Mine is Sagittarius (the archer). I could read a book with Sagittarius in the title, Archer in the title, author named Archer, bow and arrow on the cover, horse on the cover, a Western with Indians (bow & arrow).
47. What is your height in inches? – Go to your TBR shelf and sort by number. Read the book that matches your answer. If you don’t have that many books on your TBR, select a listopia on a topic you are interested and read the book with the corresponding number to your height.
48. Who is someone you miss? – Read a book that represents that person in some way. I miss my mother, so I could read a book with “Mother” in the title, a biography of Mother Theresa, where the main character is a mother, a book with a mother holding her baby on the cover, etc.
49. What is your hobby? – Read a book that represents that hobby in some way.
50. What language would you like to learn to speak? – Read a book that was translated from that language to one you do speak. Or, chose a book where a character speaks that language. For example, if you chose Gaelic, you could read any of the books in the Outlander series. German. I chose a book where the main character speaks German. The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons (1/24/17)

Question #1: Bodice of Evidence by Nancy Parra Bodice of Evidence

1/12

#30 - When You Give a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen (1/4/17) When You Give a Duke a Diamond

Question #17 - Country of birth - United States. This book takes place in New Mexico, USA.
#17 - Feliz Navidead by Ann Myers (1/6/17) Feliz Navidead

3/12

#25 - The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes (1/8/16) The Man With a Load of Mischief

Question #43 - Time period - Mine is the future.
#43 - Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb Judgment in Death

5/12



I know, Carla. They are fascinating animals, and I am almost finished with a book about them, which makes me like them even more. Sadly, though, they are highly endangered, and I am very afraid that they may become extinct.

I know, Carla. They are fascinating animals, and I am almost finished with a book about them, which makes me like them even more. Sadly, though, they..."
I may have to add that book to my list. Can't wait to hear about it.

Ummm...
Fair enough, the Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat is threatened and the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat is near threatened. But the Common Wombat is, well, common. While we should be concerned definitely about the Hairy Noseds, I can guarantee you that wombats are going to be around for a long while yet.

Hi Rusalka,
Thank you for telling me this information. The two types I am reading about are the Northern Hairy Nosed and the Southern Hairy Nosed, so that would explain why my book says they are threatened. I'm glad to hear that there are some that will be around, though. My interest in them started when we were in Australia at a wildlife park, and our guide was telling us how they can defend their burrows with their behinds. I thought, "Wow! Any animal that can use its behind for defense is definitely interesting and one I would admire!" (Having a behind myself whose best activity is couch-sitting and not defending my house or anything - lol!)

I am always a fan of more wombats though, so it's good to protect the hairy nosed species as much as we can!


I have finished my book on wombats and it was extremely informative and entertaining. I must say, I LOVE this challenge because I am reading lots of books that I normally would not pick up, and they are great!
7/12 books for this challenge


8/12 books for this challenge


I know what you mean, Cherie. I love the conversations on here because they often get me to look beyond my normal 'boundaries' of thought and life and learn new things. That is so much fun!

#50 The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons (1/24/17) The House at Tyneford

9/12

A Trick of the Light

10/12

A Ghostly Murder

11/12


I did the same thing, Janice, and have started it up again. The more I get into this series, the more I love it. I am fortunate that a good friend has given me these books as she had read them, and I had put off reading them for a bit, and now have all of them that have been published. Now I can read them one after the other in order, and I keep doing that because I am so intrigued by the characters that I can't wait to see what happens from one book to the next. I know I am going to get very impatient when I get all caught up - lol.


I know what you mean. I have so many series that I am doing. That is why I LOVED the finish-the-series challenge the other year!


That's my plan too, and I've knocked off a book or 2 but I've added 3 series and it's only January. Oh well.

Also, reading the posts on your thread is making be hungry for German food. I may have to make some beef rouladen with spatzle this week - with pie!

Also, reading the posts on your thread is making be hungry for Germa..."
Lol, Suzanne. I know - even writing about this food makes me hungry. This past weekend I just made a huge pot of roasted pork and sauerkraut and mashed potatoes and dumplings (which is what we call the dough-y things we make with this meal - as if it needs more carbs, but oh, well), and it was all delicious.
And, I also liked that book very much. It was so much better than I was somehow expecting.

#2 - Bewitching Winter

12/12 - Part I done!


#35 - Hong Konged: One Modern American Family's (MIS)Adventures in the Gateway to China

Level 2: 1/12
Books mentioned in this topic
Assaulted Caramel (other topics)Le Petit Prince (other topics)
Borderline (other topics)
By Its Cover (other topics)
The Scent of Jasmine (other topics)
More...
1. What is your name? (First, Last, Middle, Nickname – you only need to pick one if your prefer. Feel free to list them all.) Nancy Lee (Hackenberger) Chrismer
2. What is your favourite sport? badminton
3. What colour are your eyes? blue
4. Have you ever had a broken bone? No
5. What is your favourite movie? What Women Want
6. What is your favourite book? Julia's Chocolates
7. Pick a number between 1 and 10. 7
8. What is your favourite holiday? Christmas
9. What is your relationship status? Married, with grown children
10. Are you right or left handed? right
11. What is your birthday month? July
12. Do you have a pet? What is it? Don’t have a pet? Adopt a pet that someone in your immediate circle has (mother, brother, sister, friend, etc.) A cat, a female cat whose name is Tommie
13. What is your favourite type of food? (Chinese, Italian, Mexican, etc) Pennsylvania Dutch
14. What is something you use daily? (brush, computer, car, get creative) my reading ability
15. What is your shoe size? (No halves; roll up to next number) 7
16. What is your favourite Ice cream flavour? chocolate chip cookie dough
17. What is your country of birth? United States
18. What is your favourite season? summer
19. What is your current desk top picture? Nature scenes
20. What is your preferred mode of transport? Car
21. How many candles were on your last birthday cake? 6, but I am 66 - we just didn't want to burn down the house!
22. Have you been in an accident? yes
23. Do you prefer a shower or bath? shower
24. Name a place you’d like to visit. Germany - because all my ancestors came from there
25. What is your favourite genre? cozy mysteries
26. Do you prefer a car or truck? car
27. Do you have a tattoo? no
28. Do you prefer Classic or Contemporary? contemporary
29. What is your favourite flower? lilac
30. Have you been to Europe? Where? (If you live in Europe, specify country other than your own.) France, Spain, Italy, Monaco, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales
31. If you could meet anyone famous, infamous, notorious, who would it be? Elizabeth Cady Stanton
32. What is the feature on you are most often complimented? my kindness and love of people
33. Would you rather encounter a ghost, an alien, or neither? ghost
34. What is your favourite animal (other than domestic pets)? wombat
35. What type of holiday do you prefer? (Beach, Mountain, Camping, exotic, etc) exploring countries and cultures other than my own
36. If you had to lose one of the 5 senses, which would you prefer it to be? smell
37. Who is your favourite author? J.K. Rowling
38. Do you prefer tea, coffee, or water? tea
39. What is your birthstone using the US 2016 listing: (https://www.americangemsociety.org/en...) ruby
40. What is your favourite fruit? pear
41. Issue you are passionate about (abortion, euthanasia, animal rights… etc) women's rights
42. Would you rather explore in space or undersea? space
43. To what time period would you like to time travel? the future
44. Do you prefer shoes or barefeet? barefeet
45. Do you prefer green or black olives? Neither? Both green and black- I love olives!
46. What is your Zodiac sign? Leo
47. What is your height in inches? 61 inches
48. Who is someone you miss? My dad, who died in 2006
49. What is your hobby?reading, crocheting, doing crossword puzzles
50. What language would you like to learn to speak? German