I will always remember the fall of 2017 because I had just retired and read all of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch books in order. Such a simple pleasure but hunkering down at home to read after a lifetime of work felt like a precious gift.
That was before the pandemic, before we discovered the dark side of hunkering down. But this staying at home thing … I still sort of like it. To commemorate the miserable rain-soaked winter of 2023, I am burning through all 19 of John Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy books in order. I would describe them as legal suspense with family intrigue, hardboiled criminal investigations and some courtroom drama.
Oh, and the setting is San Francisco.
Early on, I tried to take breaks and read other books in between, but I finally gave up and committed to the blitz. I’ll start number 16 later today and have the rest on hand, courtesy of our local library. I should be done before the rain clears later this week. No one can stop me now.
I’ll be sad when it’s over, the book marathon not the rain, but at least I can diversify my reading material again. However, I do think my compulsive nature rather enjoys the singular focus of one good series at a time. I’ve become immersed in this fictional world, and it’s been a pleasurable escape from the real one. I may just do this again with a new series.
On the local art scene, I finally finished number 35. I’m not sure why, but this piece was a bit of a slog. I was so happy to spray on that last coat of lacquer and immediately went to work on number 36. I’m already way more excited about him than I was poor number 35, who never felt the love.
So, today marks 24 years since I was diagnosed with stage 3 primary peritoneal cancer, which is virtually the same as ovarian. I am in a small group of long-term survivors who have been free of disease since their initial treatment. I don’t know why I’ve been so lucky, but I share this information from time to time because somebody somewhere needs to know good outcomes are possible.
I love a good book series, but I still have trouble allowing myself to read during the day. (I think I need to write a blog post about this problem. Geez.) Do not give up on #35, I think it is really interesting. The eggs and doughnuts are fun additions. I enjoy the unexpected in your art. Congratulations on the 24 year mark – that is something to celebrate!!!
I can do it when the weather is crummy, but if it’s nice outside, I have a hard time sitting down to read. Thanks for the nice feedback on number 35. I really wanted the donuts to be the star of the show, but I think the proportions are a little off. But at least you recognized them as donuts!
Congratulations, Donna!
Deb
Thank you!
Marian, try reading in the morning, after your coffee and before or after breakfast. Outside if your weather allows. Alot of people avoid this time cause it’s their “most active brain time” but it’s a great way to start your day.
I did the binge thing with the Prey books and a couple others. Never got into your current series but perhaps I’ll try again. I do love Bosch, and how they are dealing with his issues in the most recent book.
I have not read any of the Lucas Davenport novels, and there are a bunch of them! I may have to add those to the list. Bosch is still my favorite.
Good suggestion. I do read during that time but I reserve it for non-fiction. Maybe I need to break a few of my own rules!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book series like that… different books by the same author, but not ones that build on each other. Anyway, maybe I should try it… do you recommend the Dismas Hardy books? I enjoyed watching Bosch on TV but I’m not sure I want to also read the books, unless they are very different.
Congrats on your health anniversary. I do a little happy dance each year when mine comes around (almost 40 years for me).
Holy shit — 40 years! Go you.
I really do like reading the series, as you see the characters develop over time. I loved both the Bosch books and the TV series, so I think you’re good either way. I love the Dismas Hardy books, but they are heavy on courtroom drama. If you like the first two, you’d probably like the rest.
Hi, Donna – Congratulations on your impressive reading marathon, your beautiful art work and mostly on being successfully cnacer free since for 24 years!
Thanks, Donna!
Congrats on beating cancer! And yes, someone needs to hear your success story. My wife just went through breast cancer treatment and most recently reconstruction surgery. Any successful survivor story gives us hope. I also loved the Bosch stories!
I’m so happy to hear your wife is recovering. I did not do reconstruction, mostly because it is a tough road. Not like your run-of-the-mill boob job. Congratulations to your wife for enduring.
I love reading an author’s series of books. I have read several Dismas Hardy books and you’ve inspired me to try to complete the series. I prefer reading them in order so I’m a little miffed when I find I’ve unknowingly started a series in the middle. David Baldacci has written several series that I have enjoyed. Also Tess Gerritsen.
I have one more Dismas Hardy to go. I hope you like them. I’ll have to check out the two you recommend. Thanks!
Oh there’s nothing nicer than a good reading binge Donna. I’m totally against reading what we feel we should, rather than what we want and know we enjoy. I love when I find a new author and can indulge. It doesn’t happen often enough for me, but I get the tingles just thinking about it.
24 years is a great milestone (double mine), and one which should be marked, noted and celebrated in whatever way you feel is right. I agree that stories of good outcomes are so important – hope is so important.
Yes, to a good binge! I finished mine and am busy planning the next one.
Congratulations on your great outcome. You’re right — people need hope.