Author: Van Pelt, Shelby

I heard a lot about how good this book was and I knew it was a Netflix movie. It also won awards but I wasn’t particularly interested in reading it. I expected it to be a story about an octopus, Marcellus, but there is also a cast of other characters telling their story.

Tova, a 70-something widow, has a cleaning job at the local aquarium. She comes to love all the aquatic life but her particular favourite is Marcellus. And Marcellus seems to have a soft spot for Tova. Added to the characters is Ethan, who is in love with Tova; Christopher who is a down-on-his-luck newcomer to the town; and several of Tova’s Knit-Wit friends. But it is a high school ring that brings the story to its conclusion.

The book was passed to me by one of the Popsicles so it will go into my swim bag and I’ll pass it along to the next person sitting on “our” log at the beach.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Author: Strout, Elizabeth

This book has been on my list for a long time and it took some time to get it from the library. It was actually another book by this author that I wanted, but that one will have to wait for another time.

Although the title indicates the story is about the Burgess boys it is really a family story. It includes the wife of Jim, a successful New York lawyer, his brother Bob and his ex-wife, their sister, Susan, and her son. When Zach, the nephew, runs afoul of the law Jim is called in to smooth things over with his many connections. But it is Bob, the less than successful lawyer, who keeps everyone calm and mends the many rifts in the family.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

I just heard that I’m officially a Great Grandmother. Congratulations Walid and Madison and welcome to the family Amina. I sent this parcel to Elizabeth early so that she can give it to Madison at her first opportunity AFTER the baby arrived. I’m thrilled to see photos of Amina snuggled up in the blanket.

The blanket pattern is the same as I made when I was awaiting Madison’s birth. Unfortunately the yarn I used then is no longer available but I did my best to re-create it.

When Madison was a baby Pat bought her a stuff rabbit – Mr. Bunny. Elizabeth and I both searched for a duplicate to give to Amina but came up empty. I found a pattern for this bunny and I’m calling it a Cuddle Bunny. Madison still has her Mr. Bunny so I hope the two will get along.

And finally, what is a present from me without a card. I wasn’t even looking for this when it popped up as a freebie.

We’ll be making our way soon to Calgary and I can hardly wait to meet Amina.