Looking at the 9 reviews I’ve posted in the past few days, I feel I should admit that some are not recent. I’m also sharing ones from FB memories before Bluesky was a thing. Christmas vacation week does tend to be a prolific time for me to read though #booksky

This focuses on the long term damage to the people and the land. It suggests the truth has been minimized to protect the countries - including the US - who contaminated countless people during nuclear weapons testing and from the generation of nuclear power. It’s eye opening and awful #booksky

This YA novel in verse about clinical depression is infused with magic n fairy tales. I struggled a little to understand the metaphors but the author includes notes to explain. Once I finished, it became more clear. It could be the confusion is purposeful - because depression tells you lies #booksky

Sometimes when you finish a book, all you can say is wow. Damn. I raced through this in one day (love vacation weeks!). It’s a mystery with unexpected twists, a story of trauma, friendship, coming of age, and love in many shapes and sizes. It’s beautifully written in a unique voice #booksky

This is a fantastic nostalgic listen. Also hadn’t realised it’s 70 years since Kermit first appeared on TV in 1955. @muppetwiki.com #TheMuppets70 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Entertaining, irreverent and eye opening. The author talks a lot about the cultural issues at NASA that led to the Challenger and Columbia disasters. He tells of real life in space, things you may have wondered but were afraid to ask. He was heavily quoted in Packing for Mars by Mary Roach #booksky

Although the people and events covered in this book were just a bit before my time, I grew up feeling their impact. This is a fascinating look at what the author argues was a pivotal year in pop culture and America #booksky

My husband and I broke out some of our vintage board games today. Bigfoot dragged a little but had a great prop piece. Family Ties had some confusing cards that we fudged. Six Million Dollar Man moved quickly as we made the bionic sound effect and pondered the prevalence of nukes throughout the plot

It took me a while to pick up this book despite rave reviews (there’s never enough time for every book!) but it hooked me quickly. I love the characters (except the one you’re meant to hate). I loved the unique writing. I’m not a gamer but the story of friendship, grief and growth resonated #booksky

Fascism.

This cheeky thriller pays homage to slasher films and the “final girl” who somehow survives. In this story, a bunch of final girls who’ve been meeting for years are being targeted again. As they try to figure out who’s hunting them, they realize there’s more to life than just surviving #booksky

I think every HS student should read this story of 14 Japanese-American teens who were sent to internment camps after Pearl Harbor. Some cling to hope, others are fueled by anger. Some volunteer for the military and see horrific combat. It sadly echoes the attacks on immigrants today #booksky

Tigger, the cat who yowls but does not purr

This most difficult part of this exercise was only picking 25.

You almost have to feel bad for an ugly old man with no family or friends to keep him company on Christmas Day that he makes 200 crazy posts ranting about everything under the sun. Almost.

Heartbreaking but hopeful book about our flawed criminal justice system, by a lawyer who started a nonprofit to help people unfairly sentenced to death or life in prison in Alabama, especially the poor, mentally disabled and juveniles. There’s a YA version as well #booksky

I've seen this going around today and it's beautiful, so here's a gift link.

Holiday book haul. Hopefully just part one #booksky

In a year of pop culture moments, some things were old and some things were very new.

Merry Christmas to all. defector.com/what-did-we-...

Local park, Whitman, MA

Imagine if you can—it's getting harder and harder—living in a nation whose leader *isn't* nuttier than a shithouse rat. In such a place, that leader might wish us well *without* 96 more words of hatred and deceit. We don't live in that nation. For a day, let's pretend we do.

From @hcrichardson.bsky.social, the charming origin story of why the North American Aerospace Defense Command reports to kids on Santa's sleigh progress. It started in 1955 and "By Christmas Eve 1960, NORAD was posting updates and tracking the flight of 'S. Claus.'” open.substack.com/pub/heatherc...

It all started in 1955 with a misprint in a Colorado newspaper and a call to Col. Harry Shoup's secret military hotline. Shoup played along with the tiny voice who called, and a tradition was born. From the NPR archives.

The Onion Looks Back At 'It's A Wonderful Life'

"ICE officials are also investigating the couple for other crimes. They were found with a substantial amount of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 'What are those luxury goods doing in their possession?' asked the ICE spokesman, taking a moment to adjust his mask."

This YA novel puts the fight against book censorship front and center. I know having this book in my school library will make some people angry, but more importantly it will make others feel seen and understood #booksky

Thank you for all the snuggles, Pepper, aka Pepcid aka Smelly Cat. I forgive all the times you clawed me. ❤️🐾🌈

BREAKING: WATCH the full 60 Minutes CECOT segment here. This was sent to me anonymously. It appears to be the segment CBS' Bari Weiss killed. www.muellershewrote.com/p/watch-the-...

2026 is going to be another INSANE year for horror fiction! Very honored to see WRETCH mentioned here 🖤🕯️🪲 cinemachords.com/2026-horror-...

Spoiler: !!! www.altaonline.com/books/g69701...

@princeton.edu authors make several “Best of 2025” lists! These fantastic authors and books include Agustín Fuentes's Sex is a Spectrum, @stephenmacedo.bsky.social and Frances Lee's In Covid’s Wake, and Harry G. Frankfurt’s On Bullshit: Anniversary Edition: www.princeton.edu/news/2025/12...

"Bondi and company are sorely mistaken if they think breaking the law and giving Congress a middle finger will make the Epstein scandal go away."

Part 2

I don’t want to look at these again or promote them, but I’m sharing in the name of preserving evidence. Eff this awful administration

cotton candy skies — day 356 of 365 - sunset - 22.12.2025 - Central Tablelands, Australia #scape #australia #landscape #sunset #photography #photographersofbluesky #goodnight #naturephotography #sunsetphotography #colour #nature #potd #aesthetic #spring

"We must become more demanding for what’s right, what’s true and what leads us toward a more just future. It’s in our power to prove that the sacrifice of so many Americans to sustain our democratic project was not in vain." www.americaamerica.news/p/we-cant-st...

"'If the administration’s refusal to participate becomes a valid reason to spike a story, we have effectively handed them a "kill switch" for any reporting they find inconvenient,' Ms. Alfonsi wrote." {gift link} www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/b...

Remember: Almost all of us are the descendants of immigrants who fled persecution, or were brought to America under duress, or sought better lives for themselves and their descendants. Politicians who stoke fear and hatred over immigration want you to forget this. Do not.

Man suspected of killing 2 at Brown University was a former student who attended the college 25 years ago, officials say.

I guess Epstein isn’t in the Epstein files.

Stunning new revelation: Epstein hung out almost exclusively with guys who had black boxes where their heads should be.

If you’re thinking of doing some reading over the holidays, check out this Abortion Books site with over 600 books categorized by genre, country, and language (no anti-choice books) abortion-books.info

Watching Providence retreat into itself after the Brown shooting