iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Third fun read in a series of mysteries set in rural England. I tonight there were only 3 in the series but there are 10 so far. My public library only has the first 3, so I will be hunt elsewhere.

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als @als84.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

It was such a gorgeous day here, and I needed to get outside and away from any news. These are my asters, and they are getting lots of visits from painted lady butterflies.

041

als @als84.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Book about a teen who defected from North Korea and made her way to S. Korea via China/Mongolia. Research shows she is now in her early 30’s-an American citizen. She is a conservative but with her history of growing up in a dictatorship, no surprise. She calls the current USA a liberal dictatorship.

010

als @als84.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

A fun filled book about women in their 70’s who used to do heists of jewelry and art. They gave it and now years later are planning one more heist. Humorous and a quick read. From the public library as usual.

020

als @als84.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Trump just announced at his silly convention that if Republicans win the House and Senate in November, he will give each American $5,000. So, now he is illegally trying to buy votes and some will fall for it.

030

als @als84.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Another gem from the public library. I couldn’t put this down. Hopeful yet sad at the same time.

020

als @als84.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Book #135 for the year from the public library. What happens when a black couple move to a prestigious community outside Chicago? A mix of welcoming neighbors and bigots. I usually read mysteries and historical fiction, but this was a good read.

030

als @als84.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Published in Japan in 2017 and translated to English in 2021, this little gem talks about the power of books. Great short read. From the local public library.

130

als @als84.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Read this and be outraged. Not only racist but costing tax payers a lot more money.

010

als @als84.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

A book of joys and sorrow seen through the lens of death. From the public library.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

“Less is More.” An enjoyable and amusing story about a rich man who decides his career and money lack purpose. Pokes fun at the extravagance of the rich and the meaningless ways they try to belong.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

www.foxnews.com/politics/fau... So this is what the GOP is wasting their time on. Fauci is 85 years old and I doubt he’s going to do any work for the federal government anyway. But he’s still a lot sharper than the orange buffoon.

foxnews.com

Fauci faces lifetime ban from federal government work under new bill following explosive hearing

Rep. Rich McCormick's bill could ban Anthony Fauci from federal employment after he invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times before Rand Paul.

010

als @als84.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

You never know what you will find at the public library. This was just a delightful read.

001

als @als84.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The takes place in the 1930s in New York. A Russian immigrant who becomes the Madame of a brothel pairs up with a black district attorney to take down a mob boss. Totally different than what I normally read, but very good.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Saw this at the library and it turned out to be good. Elizabeth Barton lived during the time of King Henry VIII. She had visions and denounced him. She was hanged. That part is all true. This historical fiction novel blends her life with a current woman historian and involves mystery and murder.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Five people among many at a train station platform. This novel narrates their stories as one is about to die. An intrigue that keeps you guessing.

010

als @als84.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Written by a Yale history professor who minces no words in regards to the slaves of founding fathers, the atrocities against Native Americans, or the Japanese prison camps during WWII in the USA. I learned a lot.

021

als @als84.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Great read. I savored each of the 638 pages. Best seller about Mississippi women in the Great Depression.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Historical fiction set in 1915 on Book Row in NYC during the time of the Comstock raids. 3 Women fight for their bookstore and for women’s rights. Though set over 100 years ago it has echos of today’s Republican movement banning books, abortion, and women’s rights.

031

als @als84.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Historical fiction based on an American eugenics program that put women who were single, raped, or seemed promiscuous into institutions. The program called the American Plan began in 1917 and continued for many years. Very intense and disturbing read.

131

als @als84.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

In honor of PRIDE month, I read Patricia Cornwell’s memoir. When you read it you will be amazed that she grew up to be successful. Very tough and tenacious.

010

als @als84.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Historical Fiction based on a compilation of people who helped get Americans to adopt mixed race children (born to German women) after WWII.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Not my usual type of book to read. But it purely fun. Sure there are themes, but read it for joy.

110

als @als84.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Found at my local library. Alternates between 1550’s and 1950’s. Applicable to today where women still aren’t equal to men in many ways. Fiction but one woman character, Charlotte Guillard—woman who owned a printing press/shop in the 1500’s in Paris—is real.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Haunting novel (not horror) set in rural Ireland about generational grudges and power struggles. Elements of grief, love, and crime woven together in masterful writing.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Mammatus clouds after storms. Yes, I am a science geek!

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

”Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi is a book to savor. Levi’s writing restores faith in human kindness, humility and really seeing a person for the goodness inside.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Set in the 1960’s. Wives of serial killers investigate a serial killings themselves. Grim yet full of humor. Enjoy!

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

GO ILLINI! Men’s team to the final four!

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Two black women who grew up together in the Jim Crow south take divergent paths in adulthood. The ending was unexpected. I can see why it is a highly recommended book.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

This old Gary Larson cartoon reminds me of Trump.

010

als @als84.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Gas just hit $4 per gallon in central IL. Gas tax is very high in IL. 😱

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

3/8/26 International Women’s Day. “We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.” —Marie Curie

042

als @als84.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Excellent book. Biography of Marie Curie and the women protégés she encouraged. I can actually understand the chemistry and physics described in her work.

010

als @als84.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Great read. Skylark has parallel tales. One is of a Parisian woman in the 1600’s condemned to an insane asylum unjustly. The other is during WWII when a psychiatrist joins the French Resistance. I couldn’t put it down!

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Good read about 2 high school seniors who love rock climbing and the choices they have to make for the future.

010

als @als84.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uozL... Great song written by a Swede. Other countries are sure paying attention.

youtube.com

Minnesota Anthem

YouTube video by Marc Skjervem

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

I can see why this book made the New York Times best seller list. Rather than being narrated as a typical story, it is a series of letters that tell the story. I would recommend this as a very good read.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Darn cold here. Stay warm and check on your neighbors.

000

als @als84.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Another good read from my public library winter reading program. “The Tainted Cup” by Robert Jackson Bennett is a mystery that occurs in a fantasy empire. Published in 2024.

161209

als @als84.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

I just find it really sad that I had to tell my friend of Asian descent, who is an American citizen, not to go to Walmart today because ICE is camped out there. 🥲

000