Well, gee, per Marilyne's great recommendation, I requested "Age of Miracles" from my library.  So I started reading, and realized I had read this before.  I'll have to check my list to see exactly when.  But, it does have my interest and I'm over half through.  Will, of course, finish it! and thanks again for the reco!
A great book that I read quite some time ago, but is still very pertinent is "One Second After" by Wm. R. Forstchen.  It deals with the after effects of EMP (electromagnetic pulse).  A very enlightening look at what could happen if this was ever used.  An apocalyptic novel that is well worth our time.

mary and Tome - glad you both liked The Age of Miracles. (Tome for the second time around!)

I'm not a fan of doomsday stories, but I thought "Miracles" was good.  I liked all of the characters, and I felt that the ending presented a flicker of hope.  There are other such books out there that are much more depressing, such as The Road, by Cormac McCarthy.   It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.  Very good, but oh so hopeless.
Tome - now that I'm, kind of, in the mood for such stories, I'll check out One Second After.

P.S. - I actually read "Miracles" in February last year. Coincidence, yeah?

I had a nice birthday, but the years are flying by.

After I had finished The Age of Miracles my book stack was dwindling so last evening I watched To Kill A Mockingbird on Netflix.   That movie never gets old for me!

I did get an ebook from the library through Hoopla that I am enjoying.   It is Chasing The North Star by Robert Morgan.    I've read and enjoyed a few of his books in the past.    His stories are centered around the western end of North Carolina and time wise they are in early times.    This one is as you might guess about a young slave who chooses to make a run for Canada from South Carolina.   I've like Mr. Morgan's stories because we had friends who lived in Hendersonville, Brevard and Boone, NC and enjoyed visiting that part of the state so it is interesting to read about these places in early times.   One of the interesting names of a town mentioned in this story and one that we have seen is called Traveler's Rest.

I stopped in at the little library in our daughter's town today because I had a few minutes before getting my hair cut.   This library is in the old school building that housed K-12 before the centralization of our school district.   They have made good use of the building.  It now houses the Village offices, the library, the historical room/museum, Village board room, scouts and recreation facilities for youth.   Well anyway back to the library.    A friend of my daughter's was just leaving her volunteer stint and we spoke about books and authors.  She suggested an author that is new to me by the name of Nancy Thayer.    I took the first of her books called, The Hot Flash Club.   Her setting for the stories is Nantucket.  I'll let you know how I like it....or not.

Just started "Age of Miracles"  So far seems to be going slow. Maybe get more interesting  soon.  I have so many books to read that I just stop reading if not good. Seems to be a lot more writers now. Some really bad.  I use to pick books by Authors but seems lot have quit writing.  Now they say with books going on IBooks and no longer $29.95  they are not paying big money to writers.  also some of mine have now gotten old.

JeanneP: There are a number of books with the title - The Age of Miracles.  Make sure you have the one we've all been reading, by Karen Thompson Walker.

Tome: I've done that also - started reading a book, and then realized that I've already read it. I've done it twice, with books by Sandra Dallas. I like her novels, so I've just gone ahead and enjoyed them all over again.

Mary - Watching To Kill a Mockingbird, is a good way to spend an afternoon.  As you said - it's a movie that can be watched over and over, and you never tire of it. I didn't realize it was on Netflix.  It's been a long time since I checked out the movie listings there, so will have to take another look and see what else has been added. 

I'd like to see a breakdown on the cost of producing a book in electronic form vs. print, but of course, the cost all depends on volume. Many of these new writers start out in ebook form because the cost of printing a book is more expensive if the run is not a high volume. Publishers are a bit shy of printing books that, in their opinion, won't sell very well. A printed book that doesn't sell is wasted cost. A few of the new authors will go the print on demand route for those who want paper, but the cost is high.

You might be interested to know that Amazon discovered a while back that people were downloading a book but not reading it (this includes the borrows and freebies). They were paying the authors by the number of books downloaded. They changed their royalty policy to pay authors by how many pages were read rather than how many books got downloaded. Many of the authors felt this was unfair. A few authors actually did better. I don't know how B&N and the others who offer ebooks handle their royalty payouts. BTW, this may be part of the reason you may have noticed that ebooks are getting longer.

Some of the writers who started out with ebooks have since gotten publishers' attention with high volume sales of their ebook. Several who started out with an ebook and went on to print include Hugh Howey, John Scalzi, and Andy Weir. Weir's book, The Martian, is especially interesting. The print version came out at about the same time, or shortly after, it was announced that Ridley Scott took a shining to it and bought the rights to make it into a movie. Kudos to Scott recognizing it's worth early on.

MarsGal - You wrote an informative post about the differences in the cost of electronic books vs. print books. I had never stopped to think about it before, but the authors, publishers and sellers all stand to make or lose money, depending on how the book is produced.

Although I have a Kindle, I still prefer reading a real book, but I think I'm in the last generation with that preference.   I can see the future, and it doesn't look promising for print!  The younger generations already prefer ebooks. Most college textbooks are now available in electronic form, and in upcoming years, I can see that the huge tomes we had to buy and carry around, will soon be obsolete. The publishing business is changing rapidly and drastically! 

Marilyne, I still like to have lots of print books when it comes to my Latin, History, and Biographies.

BTW, if anyone is interested in Historical Fiction, particularly 1st Century AD, you might want to check out Regarding Tiberius by Bartholomew Boge. For a first time author, it is very well written and proofread. While reading it I dragged out some maps and did some online traveling to see some of the spots the characters traveled through, and I learned a few things along the way, too. The female lead is a bit strong for some people, but I keep thinking that there were plenty of examples of strong women in history. The story reminds me of a Greek tragedy. I am happy to hear that Mr. Boge is in the process of writing a sequel.

MarsGal - thanks for recommending Regarding Tiberius.  First Century AD is a LONG time ago! This afternoon I hope to go to the library, unless the upcoming rainstorm arrives early.  I'll add "Tiberius" to my list of books to consider. 

An excellent nonfiction book about a historical event in America, that I would like to recommend, is The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson.  I read it many years ago, but was reminded of it again on one of my online book sites.  I liked it very much back then, but I think I will like it even more now.  So much has changed in the world since then.  It was then made into a PBS documentary, which was very good, and unforgettable. Here is a quick review from the book site.

"Epic in scale and beautifully written, Pulitzer Prizeâ€"winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life. From 1915 to 1970, this exodus of almost six million people changed the face of America. Told through the lives of three unique individuals, The Warmth of Other Suns is the definitive and vivid account of how these American journeys altered our cities, our country and ourselves."

Marilyne, I forgot to say that, for far, it is only available through Amazon either as an e-book or print on demand. I did put in a recommendation to my library, but my library manager likes to buy books with lots of reviews. Boge has yet to build up a large following. Too bad, because the book is good. I think GoodReads has more reviews than show up on Amazon.

Some interesting stuff in the discussion here this week.   The last I heard of Tiberius was in high school Latin classes.      I'm sure it would be a lot more interesting to me now than it was at that time.

Isabel Wilkerson's book does sound interesting also.   We were relatively new in the city of Niagara Falls when part of the movement of people from the south  was strong here due to the many industrial jobs available.  Those were interesting years.

I've just finished Robert Morgan's book Chasing the North Star.    Marsgal,  you spoke of a strong female character in Tiberius.    In this book which is about a runaway slave,   there also is a strong female character who makes the tale quite interesting even though it is almost unbelievable in some cases.    I'm sure that there were incidents in those times that we would think impossible now.  Our little Village is a landmark of the Underground Railroad so that added to my interest in his story.   I have been trying to post a picture of a monument called Freedom Crossing that sits in a park right at the Niagara River.    It was named after the children's book of that title.   The book was written by a local woman (Margaret Goff)  and was read by most 5th graders in the area in years gone by.

My library will not buy Regarding Tiberius. I just got it for $3.99 on my Kindle.  I remember that series on Tiberius ran on Public TV years ago. On for about 3 seasons. I loved it. Can get it on DVD at Libraries.

JeanneP, this isn't the same Tiberius, but I think you will like the story anyway. If you are a serious Roman history fan, you might be a little disturbed by some of the time line. Mithridates VI (Pontus) died in 63BC ending the Third Mithridatic War. The ending of the book is about 33AD. Which, is a seventy year span which got leaped.

Some things I learned when checking some of the sites and people mentioned in the book:

1. Mithridates did in fact have two daughters named Cleopatra. The first on was married to the King of Armenia. I couldn't find any info on the second except that she existed.

2. Pontius Pilate committed suicide several years after being recalled to Rome. I don't remember where I found that info. So little is known of his life.

3. Finally realized where the kingdom of Pontus, and the cities of Pergamon and Antioch were geographically. I had never looked them up before.

I actually don't remember a series on PBS specifically about Tiberius (the Emperor), but there was I Claudius, which was great. Also, I remember seeing a series about the early Emperors.

MarsGal - I checked both libraries yesterday, (town and county), for Regarding Tiberius.  Neither one had planned to purchase it, however my town library did say that they would put it up for consideration. 

Interesting how we all have our favorite historical "time periods", when it comes to reading pleasure.  I've never read much Roman history, except what I was required to read for college lit classes.  However, it's never too late to start!  I enjoy learning, now, much more so than I did as a college girl. 

maryc - Chasing the North Star sounds like a good one.  I do like to read books, (fiction or non), that take place before, during and after, the Civil War.  I'm interested in reading the new bestseller, The Underground Railroad.  Long waiting lists at the libraries.  Very interesting that your village is a landmark town for the Underground Railroad.  Was the Freedom Crossing, from the US, into Canada?

Yes. The PBS show was. "I Claudius" Really good.  I am going to watch them again.

I now have the Tiberius on my Kindle Fire Tablet.. Will take a while to read. Will just use it when on Appointment waiting.

Marilyne,  Yes Lewiston is a border town right on the Niagara River.    Here is a website that gives some info about the Underground.  http://historiclewiston.org/freedomcrossingwebcam/   The Freedom Crossing webcam will give you a pretty good picture of the monument.   You can see Canada across the river from those pictures.   Our whole region is rich in this history and the Art Gallery at Niagara University has a good exhibit.   This waterfront park is the one I have mentioned more than once here.    It also houses the SILO restaurant that was build in/on an actual old coal silo that was used to store coal for the steamships that came in and out from the Lewiston Docks a hundred years ago.

I was very moved while reading Chasing the North Star when Jonah mentioned often that he hoped to make it to Canada where he could have his freedom.     It was just about that time when Canada was openly welcoming the refugees into their country while there was such an uproar in Washington over newcomers to our country.

Canada has always been good for letting refugees and Immigrants in.  So many went from my area in UK after the war ended.  Lots of my school friends went.  Lots to australia and NZ also.  I was planning on Australia in the 50s.
I like Canada . Been up there a few times. Write to friends up there still.  We are all getting older.  Seniors seem to worry less in Canada than here. I like their Health System etc. Just like in the UK. Aust. and NZ.  USA should take a better look at the way they are run.

Marilyne, I've seen the news and weather reports about California, and have been worrying about you.  Has all this rain/flooding reached your area?  Those horrific sinkholes are scary.

Let me know if you all are OK.

mary - The Freedom Crossing Monument is beautiful!  I don't believe I've ever seen a commemorative statue or monument that is as large.  I didn't realize that Lewiston, was right there on the Niagara River, that defines the border with Canada.  I remember when you posted a picture of the Silo, that you had taken after eating there. Interesting looking building conversion!

It will be a long wait for The Underground Railroad, so I'm going to see if my library has Chasing the North Star. I'll probably enjoy both books more, now that I have a frame of reference to Lewiston!

Tome - Yes, the rains are like, 40 days and 40 nights, here in Northern CA!  We need water so desperately, but too bad it has to come at the expense of so much chaos and destruction.  Right now it's pouring and the wind is howling, but I'm grateful that we still have power and that our house is not in the pathway of potential mudslides.  We're all hoping that the many dams around here will survive the onslaught.  They are all spilling at this time, which is a very unusual event!  Lexington, the one that is just outside of town here, is full and spilling. Only a little over a mile from me - on the highway to Santa Cruz. 

I am still amazed. I bought Tiberius from Amazon Yesterday. clicked it to go onto my Amazon Fire tablet. & inch I carry in my purse.  Saw where it also downloaded onto my 10 1/2 inch tablet  Its not Amazon.  Both have  Kindle on.  Its a deal as I can also read on the 10 1/2 in bed.  easier than my IPad to read.  You just pay one time.
Has anyone noticed this.  It surprises me.

JeanneP,  It seems to me that if you have the Kindle app on more than one device that the books you buy or loan will show up on both.

Marilyne,   I've also wondered about how you are situated in regard to the stormy weather.  That Onoville Dam crisis was really frightening.    If you do get Robert Morgan's book Chasing the North Star,   I should tell you in advance that our folks in the story didn't come this way in their travels.   It was in their plan but just didn't happen that way.

JeanneP, as long as your devices are registered on Amazon, the e-books will download to all of them. There are a very few exceptions where some of the books are not configured for the Paperwhite or the older Kindles. I have the free Kindle app on my laptop as well as having a Paperwhite and a Kindle Fire. The other thing you will notice is that Amazon will coordinate the devices so that it keeps track of the page you are on. That way you don't have to find where you left of on the other device.

Has anyone seen the new movie Hidden Figures?  (The story of a team of African-American women mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the US space program. From Internet). An acquaintance saw it and said very good.  I'll wait until it comes out on rental but did read an interesting article about those black women and their work.

MarsGal.  That is so neat. getting the books on both Tablets.  Naturally they do not show up on my IPad. I keep special books on there.  This small Amazon fire is a favorite of mine. Handy when going out. Can read but still get on E-M. Internet etc. Phones to small for me.

FlaJean, I haven't seen the movie, Hidden Figures.  But I have read the book - it's a most interesting story of persistence and courage.  It's available from Amazon on e-books.

FlaJean & maryz - My cousin saw the movie, Hidden Figures, and thought it was really good.  She predicts that it will win Academy Awards for both the film and the actors.  She has also seen all the others that are nominated for awards, and liked La La Land the best . . .  as did my daughter and also son and dil.  I think it's the favorite this year.

maryc - Chasing the North Star was not available at either library, but it has been ordered for me through the country system.  I might get it this weekend.  In the meantime, I have The Warmth of Other Suns, to read and enjoy all over again.   

For some reason I seem to have been on a reading frenzy of late.     As I was finishing The Hot Flash Club (which I won't especially recommend)  I purchased a $.99 book from Amazon called  So Much Owed:  An irish World War 2 Story by Jean Granger.    I've started it an found it to be quite interesting.   When I returned The Hot Flash Club to the library I couldn't leave without picking up at least one more book.   As I was scanning the shelves I noticed one that caught my eye called Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots by Jessica Soffer.   This is a different story by an American  whose father emigrated from Iraq in the late '40s.   The characters in the story are also Iraqi though they have lived in NYC for many years.   One of the recommendations on the back cover is by Stephanie Kallos whose book Sing Them Home I had read a few years ago.   

As sometimes happens, I received a notice that five of the books I had on my library wait list, all came in at once! I picked them all up, but will probably only be able to finish two or three at the most.  The one that I'm most anxious to read, is Dinner At the Homesick Restaurant, by Anne Tyler.  Her novel, A Spool of Blue Thread, was my favorite book from last year, so I'm interested in reading her other books. 

maryc - How did you like So Much Owed?  It sounds good to me, so I may get that one for my Kindle.