I was very excited to read that Haruki Murakami has a new novel coming out! It just came out in Japan but with translation needed, it probably won’t hit the US for 1.5 to 2 years. I am not a patient person! Its title is The City and Its Uncertain Walls. If it sounds familiar it’s because it’s based on a short story of the same name. I seriously cannot wait. I hope I am lucky enough to receive a review copy.
In other news, I am just plodding along trying to get through each day. The treatment for my autoimmune issues is not working. In fact, I think I may have gotten worse. The doc did say it would take awhile for the meds to kick in but it’s been six weeks and nothing. I go back in June.
Tonight I am going to a Lacrosse game to see one of our students play, and then heading to book club. We are discussing Demon Copperhead. It might be one of my favorite Kingsolver books ever. I do hope I can finish the book before our meeting because as of this morning I am still flipping pages. Fingers crossed.
I was supposed to attend a concert with my in-laws this Friday but it was cancelled for a third time and probably will not happen now. It was to see Gordon Lightfoot. Do you know who that is? He is very ill. I’m not all that familiar with his songbook but my in-laws were really looking forward to it.
All the pets are good. My daughter’s cat Jinx is a teenager now and has settled down a little. Root Beer is still a Queen, and The Otter Pup has been quite funny lately. She is very particular about what she wants and lets you know it. The humans are good too.
Have a good week. Once I make it to Wednesday I seem to be able to power through the rest of the week okay. I wanted to go to the LA Times Festival of Books this Saturday but honestly, I don’t think I can handle all of that walking.
Book Chatter 
I’m sorry you still aren’t feeling well, Ti. You’ve had a lot of health issues to deal with over the years, and I can imagine how frustrated you must feel. How is your knee? Are you able to get out and do any walking? The book festival sounds like fun, but I can see how it might be too much.
I’m looking forward to reading Demon Copperhead, but am waiting for life to settle down so I’m not distracted while I read. We have a lot on our calendar for the next few months and I need to focus on lighter reads that require very little from me. I just finished Recurrsion by Blake Crouch, which was all-consuming in a good way. What a thriller!
I remember Gordon Lightfoot from my pre-teen years. Most familiar songs to me are “Rainy Day People,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” and “Sundown.” I’m sorry the concert has been cancelled, but it sounds like he’s no longer up to performing. I believe he’s 84 years old.
I have been walking although I slipped in water two weekends ago and whatever progress I’ve made went back to square one. It’s so frustrating. And now I have vertigo. I really wonder what long covid is and if I have it. There’s a lot of stuff going on that I can’t explain.
Demon Copperhead is so good but I will not finish it today in time for book club. Can’t read with vertigo. It’s definitely not a book you can blow through. I have to take time after each chapter because it can be a little heavy at times.
Ugh. I had vertigo once (after having my ears irrigated!) and it was awful. My doctor said that Dramamine can help alleviate some of the symptoms, if you’re feeling nauseous.
I’ll definitely hold off on Demon Copperfield until later in the summer.
Ugh, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with autoimmune issues. I know how frustrating and intractable that can be — I’ll keep a good thought for you to improve.
I have heard Gordon Lightfoot’s name but couldn’t tell you a single song he’s ever sung. I think I thought he was dead already! He’s definitely from my parents’ generation, I think?
Sorry the meds are working. Hope the dr. can figure out the right fit for you soon. I loved Gordon Lightfoot’s songs in the 70’s. Sad to hear that he’s ill and that you missed his concert. Tell Chloe that my dog Kaiyo and I said hi.
I am so sorry that you aren’t feeling well. I hope it improves soon. I have heard of Gordon Lightfoot, but don’t recall any songs. Sounds like that concert isn’t going to happen.
I was also going to head to the LA Times Book Festival, but I traveled this past week and am traveling again this coming week so wanted time at home.
Sorry to hear the meds are not working. I was hoping you’d have some relief. Maybe see if long COVID has something to do with your recent vertigo? I dunno. I’m not a medical professional, but I hope you find some relief soon.
Docs do seem to think long COVID is causing the vertigo but there is no treatment for it besides anti-nausea meds and no one seems to know how long it will last.