As a vegan and diet of plant based foods, as well as food allergies, I highly recommend Julie Morris's hardcover collection: (The Superfood Smoothies,As a vegan and diet of plant based foods, as well as food allergies, I highly recommend Julie Morris's hardcover collection: (The Superfood Smoothies, Superfood Juices, Superfood Soups, and Superfood Snacks are the same size). Superfood Kitchen is larger. I am pretty picky about cookbooks (photography and quality recipes). These books have it all! If you are into healthy eating, without giving up flavor and selection.
My favorite is the Superfood Smoothies; however, the Superfood Juices is great too. Works great with my Vitamix. A wide selection. Very well done! ...more
Amazing! Loved the book and the especially the HBO miniseries (a binge-watch)! Frances Dormand and Richard Jenkins are award-winning. Now, we need a TAmazing! Loved the book and the especially the HBO miniseries (a binge-watch)! Frances Dormand and Richard Jenkins are award-winning. Now, we need a TV series for her other books. Have never laughed so hard. Elizabeth Strout is dynamite! Review to follow. ...more
Fredrik Backman has created a unique brand, with his own genre and collection of quirky humorous characters, with light-hearted, and deeply moving stoFredrik Backman has created a unique brand, with his own genre and collection of quirky humorous characters, with light-hearted, and deeply moving stories. Fans are loving!
It all started with the sensational debut, A MAN CALLED OVE, (pronounced OO-va), now a film, recently released in the US, featured in the latest Oct 2016, New York Times article . What an inspiring story!
I read the author's latest this weekend, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer his first novella and was hooked! (My favorite Novella of 2016, and my favorite of his books, thus far). I actually have read and reread it several times. It will touch your heart. As usual, I tend to start with the latest release and work my way backward.
Immediately, following the novella, quickly completed a Backman backlist "binge" weekend read; listening to all his books via audio to catch up. Currently reading My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry.Will be catching up with reviews.
Each story is unique, deeply moving, and comes with big important life message. All of Backman’s stories are about real people, in different turning points of their lives, most alone and starting over. However, they find a new way to approach life and look differently at those around them.
Featured in A MAN CALLED OVE, is a grumpy miserable man, age 59. He loves his Saab, and of course, knows nothing about computers or technology. He is very rigid and wants everyone to follow his rules. He does not like change.
His wife, Sonia died earlier and she was the only one who could keep him in line. (A beautiful back story). Life is not worth living without his soul mate and wants to join her in the afterworld. He misses her. He talks to her constantly.
However, a young couple and their children move in next door, plus all sorts of tragic news, including his oldest friend going to a nursing home.
His suicide plans have to take a back seat while dealing with one conflict after another. He is set in his ways and wants things his way. From turning off his radiators, canceling his newspaper subscription and even went so far as to anchor a hook into the ceiling to hang himself.
But he keeps getting interrupted by his clueless, prying neighbors. He strikes up a friendship with an Iranian immigrant and her two young daughters, who find Ove’s grumpiness endearing. However, underneath this rough exterior, the man is quite generous, with a heart of gold.
If you are in the US, some may see some similarities with (2008) Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” character, Walt. Both leading men; grumpy widowers, retired; very rigid, leading a solitary life, miserable lives. Both wives have recently died. They do not fit in today’s world. They despise their neighbors. They both love their cars (Eastwood, 1972 Gran Torino).
However, in the end, both leading men, develop unlikely friendships, and they take their neighbors under their wing and become the hero in the end. (Of course, A Man Called Ove, lacks all the violence, included in Grand Torino, and the storylines are totally different). However, fun parallels; to see the hardest of men turn soft in a positive, admirable way.
Highly recommend the Swedish blogger’s endearing, charming entire book collection. Can’t wait to see what comes next. (Love the branding, and covers).
Can you believe, this is four years later, “A Man Called Ove” has sold more than 2.8 million copies worldwide, making the book one of Sweden’s most popular literary exports since Stieg Larsson’s thriller “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.”
“Ove” became a blockbuster in Sweden, selling more than 840,000 copies. It was adapted into a successful stage production and an award-winning Swedish feature film, which recently opened in the US. In the US, the book landed on the bestseller list for 18 months. After first published and has remained for 42 weeks! Reprinted 40 times and has sold more than a million copies in print.”
“In his writing, Backman demonstrates a sense of positivity in the world, even while describing desperate circumstances. He covers up horror with humor but allows sadness and pain to have their time on the page as well, once his characters have developed enough of a closeness with each other to be able to experience it together. There is a kind of central thesis to his books in this: pain is something to be shared, something that is far harder to deal with alone and that is often pushed down or ignored or dealt with matter-of-factly when one doesn’t have a support network.”
Well said! Atria definitely has discovered an award-winning much loved Scandinavian Star (the US has embraced). What a success!! "He Wins Hearts on the Page and Now on the Screen!" Movie Trailer
Film Review 5 of 5 Stars. ‘A Man Called Ove’ is relatable and impactful..
Well I love anything Karin Slaughter; however, THE MEAN TIME was only a 17 minute audio, (One chapter) narrated by Shannon Cochran --she has the "souWell I love anything Karin Slaughter; however, THE MEAN TIME was only a 17 minute audio, (One chapter) narrated by Shannon Cochran --she has the "southern thing" down.
Discovered it is part of The Unremarkable heart & Other Stories . Some of these I have already read, but hey, if there is one story in the collection, I have missed, I am on it. Since I love her short stories, just purchased the audio collection above, so back to listening!
Collected in one volume-and on audio-for the first time, The Unremarkable Heart and Other Stories features bestselling author Karin Slaughter at her best: dark, provocative explorations of love, death, and the secrets we keep. (the queen of dark, witty, and mysterious).
This exclusive audiobook contains the previously published tales The Unremarkable Heart, The Blessing of Brokenness, Necessary Women, The Mean Time, Cold Cold Heart, and the never-before-seen story The Truth About Pretty Girls.
A Circle of Wives by Alice LaPlante is a gripping psychological suspense of a renowned plastic surgeon with three wives, found murdered. With a new deA Circle of Wives by Alice LaPlante is a gripping psychological suspense of a renowned plastic surgeon with three wives, found murdered. With a new detective on the case, a mystery of a closet polygamist with wives in three different cities. Whodunit and the motive?
A prominent reconstruction surgeon, Dr. John Taylor is found dead in an upscale Westin Hotel, after paying cash. He was a well known plastic surgeon who specializes in helping children with facial deformities.
At first glance, it appears the deceased has died of an apparent heart attack. After closer examination by rookie detective, Samantha Adams, Palo Alto Police – it appears to be murder caused by potassium being injected.
When the three wives show up at the funeral, readers find well know doctor had three wives in three different cities. Why get married? Why not just have an affair?
Readers hear from the three wives: The southern belle, MJ from Gatlinburg, TN, (the author was unable to capture the southern girl), Deborah of thirty-three years, and Helen the latest wife. All have nice careers and different personalities. Sam is drawn into the domestic web while she examines her own relationship. No likable characters here. The novel had great potential; however, fell flat. You keep reading as you want to learn the identity of the killer.
Having read LaPlante’s Turn of Mind, narrated by Jean Reed Bahle, which I enjoyed; however, Circle of Wives, narrated by: George Newbern, Betsy Zajko, Nan McNamara, Deanna Hurst, Kyla Garcia, not so much.
The narrator (Samantha) was so boring! There is no humor, emotion, or suspense. I have an ARC of Coming of Age at the End of Days” coming Aug 4, 2015. Here’s hoping it will be better than Circle of Wives.
The novel reminded me of I Love You More By Jennifer Murphy (three wives one husband murdered). I actually liked Murphy’s tale of murder and conspiracy as it was at least, funny and suspenseful . . much better than LaPlante’s Circle of Wives. ...more
Since I tend to read primarily new and upcoming new releases, I often find a new release so good, am quickly going back to purchase the author's previSince I tend to read primarily new and upcoming new releases, I often find a new release so good, am quickly going back to purchase the author's previous books.
After finishing an ARC of Carla Norton’s upcoming powerful and intense psycho-thriller (6/30/2015) What Doesn’t Kill Her (Reeve LeClaire Series, #2) —was so intrigued, with the author, the style, characters, and the enthralling series, immediately afterwards, purchased the audio, THE EDGE OF NORMAL(Reeve LeClaire Series, #1), curious about Reeve’s background. (hard to believe this is a debut)
WOW, what a series! To further enhance the well-written suspense; of captivity and sadism. the narrator, Christina Delaine delivers a chilling, stellar performance.
Reeve LeClaire has lived through a nightmare. She was held captive for four years, when only twelve years old; tortured, raped, and luckily was found alive. After a trial, her captor Daryl Flint was sent to prison. She changed her name and through the help of a psychologist, Ezra Lerner--she has been trying to rebuild her life, and try to get back to some sense of normal with continued haunting nightmares.
Now in her twenties, living in San Francisco, Dr. Lerner (specializing in “captivity syndrome”) needs Reeve to help her with a similar case --a young thirteen year old girl, Tilly, who has suffered a a traumatic ordeal, found a year after her kidnapping.
Reeve’s kidnapper was caught; however, Tilly’s abductor is still at large, putting other young girls in danger. Reeve wants to put her ordeal behind her, as she is strong and determined not to let her tragedy rule her future; however, she has to help find the killer. As she attempts to help Tilly, (similar circumstances), she not only puts her emotions on the line, she also puts herself in danger. With a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, and a ruthless predator—always one step ahead. In the end, by helping another victim, she may find it therapeutic.
An impressive debut and series, a fast-paced page-turner. Skillful writer, Carla Norton keeps you in suspense, while building intensity, with well-developed characters, hooking you from the first page to the end. She has a special talent of diving deep into the psychological minds of her characters, making for a compelling and taunt crime mystery thriller. Her background is definitively reflective throughout the pages of this well-written series.
Be sure and read WHAT DOESN’T KILL HER (Reeve LeClaire Series, #1), coming June 30, 2015 for a continuation of this special character. Looking forward to the next in the series. Psychological crime thriller fans will devour this suspense series!
BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP a strong debut by S. J. Watson--a psychological haunting suspense of one woman’s confused mind, a debilitating illness----leavinBEFORE I GO TO SLEEP a strong debut by S. J. Watson--a psychological haunting suspense of one woman’s confused mind, a debilitating illness----leaving her vulnerable, alone, and frightened--unsure whom to trust.
Based in London, Christina awakens not knowing the stranger in her bed. Ben of course, tries to comfort, assuring her they have been married for over twenty years. She discovers she has amnesia and unable to remember past events or retain new memories. Basically when she falls asleep, all her memories are gone. Zap!
She is seeing a therapist, who has encouraged her to write in her journal, similar to patients with Alzheimer’s or other brain disorders, in order to try and remember her thoughts or actions. However, she reads her words, “Do not trust Ben.” She begins to question herself and everyone around her. Where are her friends? Why is Ben so controlling and protective? Is Ben the enemy or is someone else? An affair possibly, or maybe her therapist? What caused this condition? She desperately tries to remember, as she feels she is in danger. Can she trust her therapist and is someone out to get her?
OK, several things here: I am reading (listening to the audiobook, narrated by Orlagh Cassidy, after having read S.J. Watson’s second book, The Second Life 6/5/2015. I liked the second a little better, but neither blew away--both drag; and not a huge fan of the narrator.
Also the reason for the lower rating, I just finished reading TURN OF MIND by Alice LaPlante,(surgeon/dementia/murder) THE BOOKSELLER by Cynthia Swanson (confused mind in between two lives); Paul Cleave’s TRUST NO ONE 5 Stars + (crime writer, Alzheimer’s), Lisa Genova’s STILL ALICE (professor, Alzheimer’s), and Maggie Barbieri’s ONCE UPON A LIE (retired cop, father, Alzheimer’s). Both Cleave and Barbieri add quite a bit of wit and humor, mixed with murder. Highly recommend, this list.
Before I Go to Sleep did not come close to the quality of the above; even though he does offer a nice twist; however, takes too long to arrive.
THE DISTANCE Charlotte Alton #1), debut by Helen Giltrow is a dark contemporary of a London socialite leading a double life. A secret identity. A criTHE DISTANCE Charlotte Alton #1), debut by Helen Giltrow is a dark contemporary of a London socialite leading a double life. A secret identity. A criminal past. Moving at breakneck speed, a spy-type complex crime suspense thriller. 2.5 Stars
Charlotte Alton is a sophisticated Londoner with a secret identity. She is trying to put her secret criminal past behind her when a hit man, Simon Johannsen comes to her with a job she cannot refuse. He wants her help in creating an identity to infiltrate an unusual prison called The Program.
Years ago Karla wipes Simon Johanssen, an ex-special forces sniper from the face of the earth. Now he has resurfaced. His mission is to find and kill an inmate, a woman hiding in this experimental den of horrific criminals.
The story is told in alternative chapters between Alton and Johanssen who is inside the prison and readers hear some pretty violent scenes. A complex plot, a mysterious prisoner, terrorist, plus more. If you like this sort of spy, crime, violence, intelligence operative, or assassin thriller, you may enjoy. Unfortunately, is was not for me.
I will be honest, the reason for selecting the audiobook, was the narrator, Rachel Atkins. I just finished The Letter by Kathryn Hughes, narrated by Atkins and fell in love with her style. However, Atkins was at her best and her talents were better served with a romance suspense slower paced historical fiction, of The Letter, than this fast spy thriller. ...more
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