Michelle’s Comments (group member since Dec 08, 2021)

Michelle’s comments from the On The Same Page group.

I love it! We loved Alexander and Sylvester too. Also Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Make Way for Ducklings, and Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business

I love all the talk about children's book. When people ask me why I read them I always say - Why miss a good kid's book just because you aren't still a kid? C.S. Lewis may have said it better “A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.”
― C.S. Lewis

Lillie wrote: "I did it! Read (audiobooks) the Bromance Book Club. I admit that I was so reluctant to read them but I’m glad I did. A little bit spicy, definitely some laughs and a lot of fun. Can’t wait for the ..."

Ditto on the Bromance Book Club! I'm glad you liked them. I think they are a lot of fun. Vlad is hands down my favorite character so I really liked his book. I listen to them on audio too. I was hesitant years ago when I first started listening to audiobooks but now they have become as much a part of life as reading if not more so. I don't think I have gone more than 48 hours without a book to read since I learned to read. Now audiobooks are the same. I always have one on the go.

Lea wrote: "To me, the point of Klara and the Sun was to provoke us into thinking what it meant to be human. In that book, we have robots who are flawed, who make mistakes, who are kind, who ha..."

So interesting. I agree with your analysis but for me the point of the book was to make us think about humans and their relationship to technology. We rely more and more upon technology even sacrificing our humanity to it in some ways, and yet technology can never replace a child or a friend. The humans in the story surrounded themselves with technology and isolated themselves from other humans. In Klara technology actually demonstrated more humanity than the humans. I felt that the ending granted a measure of grace to Klara, who had actually evolved to a level that some of the humans in the story had not.

I don't think there was any one thing we were supposed to "get" out of this one. Like you said Lea, it was to make us think. A good book is one that makes you think about it and talk about it.

Ok I have to weigh in. I thought the ambiguity was on purpose and maybe was sort of the main point to the story. Don't ask me what that point was exactly. Either way in this case I was OK with not knowing. The entire book told from the Klara's POV was a little like that. The reader did not know for certain what Klara saw, only how she interpreted it. She was an unreliable narrator. I can accept that.

Lillie wrote: "Yes! The frogs! How did your family know about them? 😅

I’ll definitely check out Kolbert’s new book. Looks very interesting, thanks"

I would have chalked it up to messing with Mom except one of my sons was very well informed. He has been interested in animals and the environment since he was small. Still, I don't know how I missed it. I kept asking other people and they were like yes I did know that.

Lillie wrote: "Have you read her other series, a duology Strange the Dreamer & Muse of Nightmares? I really loved it."

No but I've had my eye on Strange the Dreamer. Sounds like it's time to bump it up the list.

Lillie wrote: "#43 Remarkable Creatures 3.5 stars

Went into this hesitantly because I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it all. The first few chapters didn'..."

Glad to see you liked both of these books. I read remarkable creatures some years back when my son was really into dinosaurs and we were reading a lot about the male dino discoverers. As you say parts of it were slow but at the same time parts of it have stuck with me ever since. I would say that is the mark of a good book.

I also read The Sixth Extinction a while back. Like you I didn't retain all the details but my family still laughs about how upset I was to learn that the frogs were becoming extinct and I had not heard about it. Apparently my husband and sons were all aware of the frogs plight. Why didn't I see that on the news? It was upsetting. If you are up for more, I recommend her new book Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future. You won't retain everything in that one either but it is fascinating.

Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "#33 Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1) by Laini Taylor Daughter of Smoke & Bone This was another pleasant surprise. I can't believe I waited so long to read th..."

I'm pretty sure that it was your steadfast endorsement that put this one on my radar Alondra. So, thanks! Thanks too for saying the rest of the trilogy is good. I'm in it now so I'm going to have to read them.

@ Ioana and Lillie

I know what you mean about reading sequels. Sometimes I end up dropping a series just because I lose interest while waiting to read the next installment. I don't really like rereading unless it is just something phenomenal.

Patricia wrote: "I'm going to have to check out Once Upon a Wardrobe. I heard someone praise Becoming Mrs. Lewis on a podcast a few days ago. I was skeptical of either being good, bu..."

I was skeptical too Patricia but OUAW was a really sweet book with some real food for thought. After listening to this audiobook I am interested in Becoming Mrs. Lewis too.

Lea wrote: "I loved Travels with Charley: In Search of America, I hope you can squeeze it in sometime and enjoy!"

I don't know when I'll get to it but it is definitely on the mental TBR now.

#32 Once Upon a Wardrobe This book was a delightful surprise. I expected a silly romance and got something that was so much more. A young woman approaches C.S. Lewis in order to answer some questions her dying younger brother has about his favorite books. Instead of answering his questions she answers some of her own. In addition to contemplating life and death and love, this book examines the value of reading and fiction in our lives. The words that come to mind when describing this book are sweet and lovely. Audiobook. 4 stars. General Fiction.

#33 Daughter of Smoke & Bone This was another pleasant surprise. I can't believe I waited so long to read this one. I'm not even going to try to describe the plot. I'm just going to tell you it was truly unique and imaginative world building anchored in modern day Prague. I loved both the original fantasy plot and the real world depiction of Prague. I hope the next in the series lives up to the first one. I'm definitely reading it. ebook. 4 stars. Fantasy.

Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy The author draws history and current times together as he embarks on a journey to follow the travels of George Washington after he was elected President. My main takeaways from this book were: 1)Washington was extremely determined to bring the new states to consensus and see our brand new country succeed 2)many of the choices Washington made as president determined forever how we would view the role of president 3)the author thought his dog was a lot cuter than I did 4)I really need to read Travels with Charley: In Search of America the book that inspired the author. Audiobook. 3 stars. Nonfiction- President.

#35 Run Rose Run I know I shouldn't read these Patterson collaborations but I am always fascinated by the combinations he manages to make. What I have learned is that the result of these combos is usually a really generic Patterson story that could have been (and may have been) written by anyone with a few flourishes that ring true for the celebrity partner. This was better than usual in that it had an authentic country music flavor that had to have come from Dolly. The story was good and the country music insider view sold it. ebook. 3 stars. Fiction/Thriller??

35 books/5523 pages

Currently reading:
Fast, Feast, Repeat: The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don't Deny® Intermittent Fasting Audiobook. The latest in my wellness reading binge.
The School for Good Mothers ebook. Just started.
Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy Paperback. Taking it slow and savoring. Really great writing.

Alissa wrote: "Book #46: Completed another series book, Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams



3.5 STARS

This series is so funny..."

The Russain is my favorite character too. So glad you are enjoying the series. It's so much fun!

Alondra wrote: "I really hope you enjoy Daughter of Smoke & Bone. It made me want to visit Prague."

I did love it Alondra and you are right about Prague. It made me want to see it for myself. I love it when that happens with a book.

Congrats on your progress! So many good books this month!

Great month Bill!

Alissa wrote: " MARCH RESULT

15 Total Books read:
5 Books
7 Audiobooks
3 Ebooks

This was a GOOOOOOD month, so many 4s!!!

1 star- 1
2/2.5 Stars- 1
3/3.5 Stars- 5
4/4.5 Stars- 7
5 Stars- 1

# of Books Completed..."

Great month! Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks the Bromance series is hilarious.

21 books! what a great month you had!

Bill wrote: "My review of Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart (Kopp Sisters #1) 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next book will be from my 12 + 4 challe..."

Glad to see you enjoyed GWWG. I think I read the first 2 and then got distracted. I need to get back to that series.