While waiting for my husband’s radiation treatments this week, I read and/or listened to two books and a short story. In all honesty, I did not sit in the waiting room (Covid restrictions), but found a very nice bench for my waiting right outside the clinic.
I started my RIP-XVI challenge early because of this opportune time to read, and I actually enjoyed my waiting time. This challenge is divided into different “Perils” you can choose — “Peril of the Fiction;” “Peril of the Short Story;” “Peril of the Screen;” “Peril of the Group Read;” “Peril of the Listen;” and “Peril of the Real.” So obviously, there’s room for all kinds of spooky and mysterious reading and viewing choices!
For “Peril of the Fiction,” I read another book in a fun mystery series that I’m slowly rereading. Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief, by Dorothy Gilman, was the 10th book in the series. Many of the usual characters from earlier in the series showed up in this one, with some fun twists. Mrs. Pollifax, elderly member of the local garden club and accomplished spy, was up to her usual brilliant mystery solving. I laughed out loud in the scene where she karate-chopped (one at a time) a whole group of bad guys trying to push their way into the safe haven she and her colleagues were sheltering in. Mrs. Pollifax is a trained operative that should not be messed with!
For “Peril of the Short Story,” I listened to the short story, Hero, by Susan Hill. It’s a back-story to her Simon Serrailler series, and tells the story of an event that happened when Simon was a rookie cop. I really enjoyed it. No, I haven’t read the series yet, so I thought I’d start with this short story. I’ve read a number of other books by Susan Hill and like her writing very much, so I look forward to reading this series at some point.
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In the evenings this week, Hubby and I have been watching a Korean urban dark fantasy series called “Tale of the Nine-Tailed,” and it fits right in with “Peril of the Screen.” It is a story based on Korean folklore about “mythical nine-tailed fox, or gumiho, Lee Yeon had to settle in the city many centuries ago. Able to transform into human form, he eradicates supernatural beings that threaten the mortal world. His real aim is to find the reincarnation of his lost first love.” It’s been a great entertainment during a busy and stressful week.
A Fondness For Reading 
I am so happy that reading helps. It makes me ache that you have to live through this, dear Robin.
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Thank you, Nan.❤️
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It is very hard to watch someone you love suffer through these things. Wishing him a speedy and complete recovery, and hoping your distraction helps!
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Thank you, Davida. Yes, it’s very painful to see him in pain. We are hoping this treatment will lessen the pain and allow a better quality of life for now. I’m grateful that my reading does help at this point. Thank you for your kind wishes.
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What a nice thing that there is a place to sit as you wait and read! It looks lovely. I continue to think about both of you through this time and keep you in my prayers. It’s been years since I reread the Mrs. Pollifax books. I’ve wondered how they held up. May have to try them again.
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Thank you for keeping us in your prayers, Kay. I am enjoying exploring your playlist that you sent me. Music is a real balm right now, and it’s fun to have such a list to explore and enjoy. Thank you so much for sharing it with me! Mrs. Pollifax is still fun, even though she’s younger than me now. Sheesh! How did that happen?
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I hope your husband’s treatment is going well and it’s such a shame you can’t be right there with him but you are nearby and glad you are able to find some comfort in books!
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Thank, Iliana. He finished his last of five radiation treatments this morning. Yay! Now we wait and see if they will make the difference we want and need them to. We’re hopeful!
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I’m glad it wasn’t too hot (or too cold or too rainy – ha!) for you to sit outside on the bench while you waited for you hubby. It looks much nicer than sitting in a car.
I’ll have to give Hero a read when I’m ready to go back to the Simon Serrailler series. I’ve read a couple, but it’s been a long time. When I finish the Deborah Crombie series, I’ll start in on Susan Hill’s.
I’m still trying to decide if I want to partake in the RIP challenge this year or continue with the books I chose for the 20 Books of Summer challenge. I still have five that I haven’t read yet. But, I have a stack of 10 books that would work very well for the RIP challenge. Decisions, decisions.
Hugs to you, dear Robin. xo
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Les, the temperatures were perfect for those waiting mornings, and the reading made the time fly. And he just finished the last of these treatments for now, so we don’t have to drive into Portland every day. Hooray!
I’ve read a number of Susan Hill’s not-mystery books in the last few years, and loved each one. She’s such a wonderful writer, so I think I’d like to delve into her series soon. It seems to me that with reading the Deborah Crombie series (which I loved, by the way), you are already well into the Autumn mystery mode.
Hugs right back to you, too. ❤️
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Reading is such a comfort isn’t it? The treatment will be over now, as I’m late in reading your post – I hope you’re able to find some rest
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Thank you, Jane. We are so happy to be finished with these treatments! And, yes, reading is such a comfort.
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