In the earliest days of our Read With Us LOUNGE, I invited you all to join me for a little virtual icebreaker . . . The Lightning Round. It was a fun and easy way for us to get to know each other with some silly questions. I think we had a good time with it all around, so I’m bringing it back again (with exciting NEW silly questions) now that the summer is coming to an end.
I hope you’ll join in again . . . with as much spirit as you showed last June!
How does it work?
Just cut-and-paste the following questions into the comment section . . . and add your answers. Don’t overthink. Just a quick answer will do! Don’t answer any questions you don’t feel like answering (remember the Read With Us LOUNGE motto: No rules. Just fun.)
So.
Without further ado . . .
Welcome to the Read with Us LOUNGE Lighting Round: End of Summer Edition
(Just copy these questions, paste them into your comment, and give a quick answer!)
- What are you reading right now?
- What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure?
- When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind?
- Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand?
- Did you notice anything magical this summer?
- What was the best book you read during these summer months?
- Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer?
- What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall?
- What are you most looking forward to in the coming months?
- Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet?
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The Read With Us LOUNGE will be open for a couple more weeks!
Grab a book. Find a comfy spot to read with us for awhile – and chime in with your thoughts and insight, too.
No rules!
Just fun!
And be sure to visit Bonny and Carole today to see what they’re talking about in the LOUNGE.
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And now . . . we’ve got a little Read With Us LOUNGE surprise for you. Back in June, we weren’t exactly sure if our “anti-book bingo”/LOUNGE idea would work . . . but you have helped to make it a rousing success with your thoughtful comments and discussion, no matter what the topic was.
If you’ve participated in our discussions this summer, we have a small thank you gift to send you. But . . . we’ll need your mailing address to send it to you. If you’d like a commemorative LOUNGE sticker – and if you’re comfortable sharing your address – please send me your name and mailing address via email (there’s a link in the sidebar) and we’ll send your parting gift to you. (You can send your info to either Bonny, Carole, or I — you don’t need to send it to all three of us.)
Thanks again! We really appreciate your commitment to our No Rules. Just Fun. concept.
And we’ll continue opening the Lounge each week through the end of August.
What are you reading right now? — An ARC of Richard Osman’s new mystery “We Chase Shadows” (which will be released next month).
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? — I am now officially a dual citizen of the US and Canada. I got my paperwork this summer. (My mom was Canadian.)
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? — A pencil box.
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? — I do. And they’re usually dusty . . . because they’re usually not the books I’m currently reading.
Did you notice anything magical this summer? — Lots of lightning bugs!
What was the best book you read during these summer months? — Whistler.
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? — We got an Air Fryer, which I said I’d never buy, but there you go. I love cooking salmon fillets in it. And grilled cheese. (Who knew?)
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? — Sitting on the patio with Tom every evening for “checking in” and sometimes a glass of wine. (Although we’ll actually do this until the weather turns consistently nasty, so I should really have a different answer here, but I don’t.)
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? — A little less backing-and-forthing.
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? — Absolutely!
What are you reading right now? – Theo of Golden on paper, The Angel of Warsaw on audio, and Judi Dench’s next memoir-ish collaboration (an ARC) on digital
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? – I had one week where I managed to run 3 10Ks!
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? – new notebooks, pencils, pens, and all the other wonderful things
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? – just a small pile; the big piles are on my bookshelves
Did you notice anything magical this summer? – I saw a hummingbird, twice, in my backyard!
What was the best book you read during these summer months? – Under Story by Chloe Benjamin (just finished)
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? – I learned that I am a Canadian citizen! (paperwork is in progress)
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? – waking up to sunshine
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? – less humidity
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? – yes and yes!
What are you reading right now? John of John and Louise Erdrich’s Python’s Kiss!
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? Probably knitting not one but two sweaters and completing 3 hand sewn things!
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? The joy that putting life back in order after a summer of “free time”!!
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? Absolutely… doesn’t everyone?
Did you notice anything magical this summer? Yes! (I mean a Pileated Woodpecker in the birdbath might be the most magical thing I have ever seen!)
What was the best book you read during these summer months? Whistler… hands down!
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? I read London Falling and I did not expect there to be ties from that story to the great gold heist! And I reinforced hand sewing…both decorative and practical… as a way of life. I mean, sometimes don’t you wonder why the desire to hurry every single thing really is not a good thing?
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? Iced coffee… sigh.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Sweater Weather!!! Wooo!!! But really… a reduction in humidity and mosquitoes! Ha!
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? I have never watched any of Ted Lasso… but I am looking forward to the return of Slow Horses, does that count?
What are you reading right now? – Still reading The Calamity Club (way too long)
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? – Getting back into an exercise regime and sticking with it! And…several long (meaning every day) weeks with Iris
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? – Brand new notebooks, pencils, pens
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? Several piles
Did you notice anything magical this summer? More butterflies and more hummingbirds than in prior years
What was the best book you read during these summer months? Land
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? We got an indoor grill and I’ve been using that since it is difficult for Fletch to grill outside now
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? Like Kym, sitting on the patio before and after dinner
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Cooler temps, less humidity, Fall colors
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? For sure (but 2 episodes in I am less than impressed – I hope it gets better)
What are you reading right now? An ARC of Every Story is a Love Story by Imbolo Mbue
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? Thoroughly cleaning out my stash closet, and a visit to the dispensary with both of my sisters in law.
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? New pencils and how they smell when sharpened
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? No, I don’t have a nightstand
Did you notice anything magical this summer? Saying hello to my finches at the window feeder every morning
What was the best book you read during these summer months? The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? Some interesting memoirs
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? Making a weekly visit to Ryan’s to tend the garden
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Cooler weather!!
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? No, I don’t have Apple TV
What are you reading right now? Shadow of the Object, The Colony, and The Hakawati.
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? Reading a slew of books about Greek Mythology, maybe 15, and I didn’t even know there was a movie about the Odyssey coming out!
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? New notebook
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? I have a shelf with a few books which I forget I own, but I did find I owed a copy of one of this years Booker books (Helen of Nowhere)
Did you notice anything magical this summer? The sky. It’s always magical if not smoky.
What was the best book you read during these summer months? Land
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? Greek Mythology
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? sandals
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? cooler nights
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? We’re waiting for all to drop so we can binge them right through.
What are you reading right now? Finishing up a house renovation, helping my stepson set up house. I’m between books.
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? Renovating above house!
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Lined notebooks paper and new pencils.
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? As I have gotten older, I no longer read in bed. Too pooped!
Did you notice anything magical this summer? The nature of tree fractals and how they calm the mind during my early morning walks. I noticed these because they were the subject of a scientific podcast about the benefits of forest bathing. I live in a neighborhood full of old growth trees, and I make it a habit to look up into the trees as much as is possible. It is calming, it’s true!
What was the best book you read during these summer months? Whistler
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? Yes, took a clay jewelry class and am currently taking a calligraphy class.
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? Early morning sunshine walks. They are already going away!
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Fall weather, it’s my favorite season.
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? Early on I was, but I stopped watching a couple of seasons ago.
What are you reading right now? Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart.
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? Total hip replacement.
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Pencils & paper.
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? Duh.
Did you notice anything magical this summer? Just the magic of growing things we eat… celery is amazing.
What was the best book you read during these summer months? Read books are fewer than ever, but probably John of John.
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? The Quiltfolk publications that I usually thumb through (because pretty pictures), but I’ve actually read them cover-to-cover (and learned some things).
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? Opening my bedroom blinds to sunshine.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Maddy’s visit from Down Under!
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? Yes, and not yet.
What are you reading right now? Rereading “The Matchmaker” by Elin Hilderbrand.
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? Left the dogs with a pet sitter to go to the Shakespeare festival–first time leaving Scout!
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Big fat crayola crayons.
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? Doesn’t everyone?
Did you notice anything magical this summer? Lots of feathers. Of all kinds. When you remind yourself to look for the magic, there’s a good chance you’ll find it.
What was the best book you read during these summer months? I feel like summer hasn’t been filled with great reads (and maybe I read the good ones earlier in the year via NetGalley) so it has to be Whistler.
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? Patience when you piece together a quilt.
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? Sunsets at 9pm.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Sunsets at 7pm.
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? Watched the first one. Not sure if I’ll continue.
What are you reading right now?
-John of John, a Sue Grafton, and The Scarlet Letter
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure?
-Swimming in a beautiful lake in Vermont
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind?
-The scent of a pencil case
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand?
-Not really. I read on my phone in bed
Did you notice anything magical this summer?
-The feel of an ocean wave passing over my face as I floated
What was the best book you read during these summer months?
-I can’t pick one!
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer?
-nothing specific to this summer
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall?
-I’ll probably miss making iced coffee.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months?
-Cool temps and sweaters and fall leaves
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet?
-Not really
What are you reading right now? The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter.
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? I made a list of books to read and have made good progress on it.
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Pens, I love pens.
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? Nope, nothing but a lamp, air purifier thing, kleenex box.
Did you notice anything magical this summer? Not really. I did take a some time off Friday and went to my favorite ice cream place, town with a beach and inlet and it was so nice. Ended at a Lavender Farm and drove home in torrential rain which was fun.
What was the best book you read during these summer months? This Book Made Me Think Of You.
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? I decided to read some short story collections/memoirs along with my regular books and I enjoyed it so much.
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? The local seasonal ice cream shops close up.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Creating a new reading list to pick from and maybe moving before the holidays.
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? I’ve never seen it.
What are you reading right now? Just finished John of John.
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? Took a trip to the CA coast.
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? I am a very picky pen and pencil user. I always shop for those during school supplies sales.
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? Nope, just my kindle
Did you notice anything magical this summer? How quickly it flew by
What was the best book you read during these summer months? The Calamity Club
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer?
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? BBQs
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? One last trip to the ocean and cooler temps
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? I’ve never seen it.
What are you reading right now? The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? We went to Greece in June and I moved my son across the country to MD for his new “big boy” job in July.
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Fresh notebooks and new pencils
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? I used to but now I use a Kindle. There is an endless list of books “in waiting” though.
Did you notice anything magical this summer? My father died three weeks ago and there is a story involving a hawk that appeared that was pretty darn magical.
What was the best book you read during these summer months? The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? Nope
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? My morning walk – I’m back to work tomorrow and walks will need to wait until the afternoons now.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Cooler weather – I was not built for heat and humidity!
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? I am a Ted Lasso fan but haven’t started the new season yet.
What are you reading right now? The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman, publication date is 9/8
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? Going to the Y consistently for strength training
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? FUN
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? Never
Did you notice anything magical this summer? My dahlias are always magical to me
What was the best book you read during these summer months? The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? I’ve been crocheting a lot, which is def unexpected
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? I don’t know if it’s a ritual but my board meets less frequently in the summer and I will def miss that
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? Camping on the canal
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? Yes but we haven’t started watching yet, I like to let a few episodes build up for binging purposes
What are you reading right now? “We The Women: The Hidden Heroes who shaped America” by Norah O’Donnell and Kate A. Brower
What was your biggest summer accomplishment or adventure? remodeling a bathroom
When you hear the words “school supplies,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? a blue fabric type three ring binder, notebook paper, and new sharp pencils
Do you keep piles of books on your nightstand? more of a short stack as in a book of poetry and a current bedtime read
Did you notice anything magical this summer? the full June strawberry moon
What was the best book you read during these summer months? Whistler
Have you tried/learned/read anything unexpected this summer? tried a little bit of sketching
What’s a summer “ritual” you’ll miss come fall? walking around the block in the evening
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months? crisp fall days
Are you a Ted Lasso fan — and have you tuned in for season 4 yet? yes I am and no I have not.