Often, I start typing these out thinking I don’t have much to say, and then I realize, actually, there’s a lot on my mind. Idk if this will be that, but it’s been a while and so, if not, it will certainly be a bit of rambling.

Surprise, I went to Japan! I didn’t post about it bc of old school internet safety and I did not want to get robbed. However, I will post now/later about it, PHOTOS included. I made a whole album of them but honestly? I haven’t figured out how to input them to google photos which I need to do to put it here. Or something. Ugh.

I’ve been a bit lax on reading, but to be fair my kindle was not working (may be discontinued?), my Libby library card is on the fritz, and I was at Book Con which, ironically enough, was too loud for audiobooks. Here’s a look at my 2026 in books so far (https://www.goodreads.com/readingchallenges/annual) but a few more in depth comments for the recent books are below:

Physical book:

The Butter Book

So cute. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, except that I do not believe this at all. That’s what it’s there for! Great covers sell good books, great books, and mediocre books every single day. This was great, for what it’s worth, and I love a microhistory. I know alll about butter now. Yum. Sorta. I have a thing about oil.

Audiobooks:

You Better Believe I’m Going to Talk About It

I love listening to a memoir read by the author. Plus, I love Lisa Rinna apparently, so this was a win win. Anyway this was a very interesting one, with Rinna playing up her character a bit, and at one point she mentioned being in Japan WHILE I WAS AT A CAFE IN JAPAN. Anyway, 10/10 listening experience.

We Solve Murders

This was quite good, and the narrator was actually recommended by an author at an Audible Audiobook panel at Book Con. I liked the story obvi, but my heart is with Thursday Murder Club most of all. Also get your audiobooks from literally anywhere else! (I suggest AudiobooksNow or LibroFM).

Automatic Noodle

Fun, and the descriptions of food were so good, I got noodles the next time I could. But… meh. I think it might be better in print.

Well, time for me to go. I’ve got a meeting in a few…

As always, I’ve included relevant affiliate links but, don’t feel obligated. Xo, Ally