The Great Hippopotamus Hotel by Alexander McCall Smith
First line: “Mma Ramotswe had always understood that people who are one thing may at the same time be another.”
These books (this is #25!) never grow old for me. I found a trip to Botswana to spend time with Mma Ramotswe and all the others I know and love there a perfect, calming, gentle way to begin my year of reading. I think it’s a series people either love or hate. I’ve loved it since I opened the first one.
The Land That Time Forgot by Edgar Rice Burroughs
First line: It must have been a little after three o’clock the afternoon that it happened – the afternoon of June 3rd, 1916.”
I needed a short audiobook for a day trip, so I decided on this adventure story narrated by Raymond Todd. It was fun, quick, and kept me entertained, but I couldn’t help comparing it to Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth … a comparison that fell short. A tiny part of me would like to read the rest of the series to find out what happens, but I’ve got too many other things on my TBR I’d rather read.
Heartwood by Amity Gaige
First line: “Any woodsman who says he’s never been lost in the woods is a liar.”
What a great book! It’s been a while since I read something like this and I really enjoyed it. The plot was fast-paced, I liked the characters, and I learned things about hiking the Appalachian Trail. And beyond face value, its look at mother/daughter relationships was thought-provoking. I recommend it!
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
First line: “The Visitor’s Room is exactly the functional, state designed space you’d expect.”
This is our February book club selection. It was only available as an audiobook (narrated by Eileen Stevens) and sat on hold on my Libby shelf for several months before I got it. I never even looked at the blurb, so went into it blind. It was not what I expected, but I enjoyed it. It moved pretty quickly and kept me entertained, but there were several things throughout the story that I took issue with. I look forward to our discussion to see if any others felt the way I did.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
First line: “I stood on the lacquered floor – a small woman in black with a rectangular name badge on my chest.”
I don’t think I would ever have considered reading this if it hadn’t been picked by our bookclub for March. It captured me from the beginning and ended up filling me with a wide range of emotions. It covers events that I remember and it also feels relevant in some ways to our current political climate. I didn’t expect to like it so much! I wish we still had our Iranian book club member. (click here to learn more) Unfortunately she stopped coming to bookclub and I eventually lost touch with her. I think she ended up moving away. Oh what I would give to be able to discuss this book with her! Nahid, we miss you!
Kelly
Kelly's Thoughts & Ramblings 
Kelly, I enjoyed your new extras very much. And I will definitely keep The Great Hippopotamus Hotel, Heartwood and The Lion Women of Tehran in mind. Raven
By: stardustraven on February 1, 2026
at 1:49 am
I know you would enjoy all the No, 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency books, Raven!
By: Kelly on February 1, 2026
at 11:49 am
I liked Alexander McCall Smith’s Scotland Street stories but haven’t read one in ages.
I hope you reconnect with your friend one day, The Lion Women of Tehran sounded amazing.
By: RoseReadsNovels on February 1, 2026
at 5:25 am
I’ve not read that series, but I’ve read the first in the Corduroy Mansions series and one stand-alone. He’s prolific!
By: Kelly on February 1, 2026
at 11:53 am
I read the first one or two Mama Ramotswe books, and I liked them, but I stopped after that. I don’t usually read more than the first couple of books in any series, come to think of it. I’m not really a series person.
By: Steve on February 1, 2026
at 8:49 am
I do read a lot of series, but mostly crime. Come to think of it, that seems to be the most popular genre for series!
By: Kelly on February 1, 2026
at 11:54 am
I’ve not read Alexander McCall Smith though our library in town has oodles of his books shelved. One of these days, I might give him a try. Sad, isn’t it, when folks we like move out of our sphere. Hope y’all are able to restore communication!
By: Debbie on February 1, 2026
at 10:15 am
He’s certainly written a lot of books! Of course I recommend this series, but I know his others are popular too.
I don’t imagine we’ll ever connect with her again. She only came sporadically and seemed to be self-conscious conversing in English.
By: Kelly on February 1, 2026
at 11:57 am
Interesting books. “The Lion Women of Tehran ” sound interesting.
By: jgarrison75 on February 1, 2026
at 10:24 am
Considering how much I try to avoid politics, it sure kept me turning the pages. Some things never change and we have to be careful what we wish for.
By: Kelly on February 1, 2026
at 11:58 am
Thanks, Kelly! 😊
By: episcopalcowgirl on February 1, 2026
at 11:22 am
Hope you found something that appealed to you here, Fliece!
By: Kelly on February 1, 2026
at 11:59 am
There are some interesting books here. Alexander McCall Smith is an author that has eluded me. I read the first book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, then never continued with it. I have several books I bought at the annual book sale one year but haven’t read them yet (except from some short stories). I have to pick one and try it soon.
I have heard of Heartwood, but did not know much about, and it does sound very good, from your description.
I have a copy of How to Read a Book by Wood on the Kindle but the problem with Kindles is that I forget about them.
The only book I remember reading about Teheran was a graphic memoir of a young girl who lived in Iran during the years of the Islamic Revolution. I only read part 1; I hope to read the 2nd part this year.
By: tracybham on February 1, 2026
at 2:47 pm
I’ve recommended Heartwood to several family members. It did made me second guess whether I would ever have been able to hike the AT. Maybe certain portions, but probably not through.
I look forward to our discussion of How to Read a Book next week. You need to set your Kindle out so you remember it.
By: Kelly on February 1, 2026
at 2:59 pm
All these sound compelling, especially the last one. I haven’t read any AmcS for ages and I love him so!
By: Kezzie on February 1, 2026
at 6:00 pm
I’d say it’s high time you read some more of them! I love his writing and characters.
By: Kelly on February 1, 2026
at 6:16 pm
I agree with you about the detective agency, such gorgeously funny gentle books!
By: Jane on February 2, 2026
at 9:12 am
I collect them in softcover, so I know I have at least two more to look forward to!
By: Kelly on February 2, 2026
at 1:05 pm
Funnily, I just removed How to Read a Book from my TBR. I read a few reviews with others also mentioning various issues and decided I was just going to skip it.
Heartwood is on my TBR and I’m happy to hear you liked it.
Thanks for sharing all these books and your thoughts on them.
By: henatayeb on February 2, 2026
at 2:09 pm
I’ll be curious to find out at our meeting tomorrow if anyone else was bothered by the same things I was.
I hope you like Heartwood when you get to it!
By: Kelly on February 2, 2026
at 2:15 pm
Heartwood has a lovely and intriguing first time, but the last book was the one that got my attention. I will look for more details on it and see if it’s available at the libraries.
By: Anca on February 8, 2026
at 8:54 am
I enjoyed both very much, but they were entirely different types of books. I look forward to our discussion of “Lion Women” in March, and at our last meeting it was decided to make Heartwood our August book.
By: Kelly on February 8, 2026
at 10:26 am