75 Books...More or Less! discussion
Archive (2014 Completed)
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Jan's 2014 Challenge
43. The Killing Floor by Lee Child3 stars
This is the first of the Jack Reacher series. It was a good introduction to the character and entertaining even if some of the plot is a tad improbable. The narrator was great, although at 15 1/2 hours the book felt too long. I've heard from good sources that the books only get better so I will continue with the series.
44. Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz ChastThe author tells the story of her aging parent's decline and eventual death in hospice in a graphic memoir form that is both humorous and heartbreakingly poignant. She is unflinchingly honest in describing the harsh realities of navigating the caregiver role: the physical and mental decline of the very old (over 90), the wrenching angst-producing decisions she had to make, and the expense and money worries, as well as the humor that can be found in some of the situations and conversations she had with her parents. I'm 12+ years into the caregiving role and I found myself often laughing (sometimes through tears) in recognition.
Roz Chast is brutally honest and doesn't spare herself as she describes the conflicting emotions she has regarding her parents and the caregiver role, which is further complicated by a troubled mother-daughter relationship. I appreciate her honesty which makes those of us still in the midst of it all feel as if we're not alone.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is caring for elderly parents, and for those of us who would like to make it easier on our children as we ourselves grow older. If nothing else, it will make you want to clean out your closets!
Thanks Alecia for bringing this book to my attention. I loved it. Who knew that so much of this is truly universal?
Mod
Andrea, what area of health care are you in? I'm curious because I'm an RN. And yes, your patient is right :)
A friend that I recommended this book to loved it so much (she lost her mother last year) that she sent Roz Chast a "fan" letter with a copy of a photograph she keeps on her desk. This photo is exactly the pose of the one with Roz and her parents when she is twelve with a thought bubble " 6 more years to go" to get out of the house. My friend put a thought bubble on her photo with " 1 more year to go" as she was 17. And she adored her parents. Yes, it is sad, but also funny and very honest. Thanks for the shout-out, Jan:)
Alecia, I like the way your friend thinks! Lol! I bet Roz Chast was thrilled to get the letter & photo.
45. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng2.5 stars
This novel is set in the 1970s, and opens with the tragic death of a much-favored middle child, Lydia. What follows explores the dynamics of this dysfunctional family. The family is an interracial one, with the father the son of Chinese immigrants and the mother, white. Both had dreams and ambitions that were denied them, leading them to burden their children with expectations to fulfill those dreams, with no regard for what their children actually wanted. Lydia was the favored child, the one the parents pinned most of their hopes on.
Told in alternating chapters, we are given details of the parent's past, and the point of view of each of the family members, giving the reader a fully formed picture of where they've been, where they are now, and how they move forward. Unfortunately, although well-written, I found it less than absorbing and was somewhat detached from the characters. The mystery of Lydia's death is resolved in the end, but I found it less than satisfying and the motivations didn't ring true to me. I didn't really have a feel for the 1970s, and some of the attitudes and prejudices seemed more appropriate if set in an earlier decade. However, the author knows more about this than I do so I will give the benefit of the doubt on that issue.
Mod
Andrea, it's interesting the way our paths unfold isn't it? Maybe it was just meant to be :-) You must be very good at what you do to be promoted and in charge of so many. Good luck in making the very difficult decisions on where to live and on your career direction. Change can be scary but can also open up exciting ventures! .
46. Goodnight June by Sarah Jio3 stars
Goodnight Moon is a much-loved book that I read to my children nightly when they were little so the premise of this book appealed to me. Jio imagines a life-long friendship between Margaret Wise Brown and Ruby, a children’s bookstore owner from Seattle. When Ruby dies, her niece, June, inherits the bookstore and must decide if she should leave her stressful, high-powered job and life behind in NYC and save the struggling bookstore or should she sell the store and go back to her old life.
This is light feel-good story with a certain amount of predictability but also a few twists and turns and a little bit of mystery. I like how Jio’s story line from the past is told through a set of letters June found of correspondence between her aunt and Margaret Wise Brown. I sometimes find the plot device of two different time lines tiresome but Jio’s take on it was a refreshing change and it worked perfectly. It was my favorite part of the book. I also enjoyed the themes of the importance of brick and mortar bookstores, and instilling a love of reading in children. Unfortunately, some plot points and character developments in the present day story were just a little too neat and tidy and unrealistic (inducing some eye-rolling) for my taste.
Mod
47. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (audio)3.5 stars
The book started out strong, then got bogged down in way too much detail and cringe-worthy sex scenes. I nearly gave up. But once I passed the halfway mark I began to get into the story and ended up liking it. There were some plot points that disturbed me (wife-beating) and others where I wish she'd given us more detail (another time-traveler?!)
I don't think there are many books that warrants nearly 900 pages (33+ hours of listening on audio). Overall I ended up really liking it but not loving it.
Davina Porter was excellent as the narrator. She brought the story to life.
48. One Plus One by JoJo MoyesQuirky and fun, this is a sweet, madcap road trip story. The characters are flawed but lovable. I loved Jess, with her big heart and optimism; Tanzie, with her innocence and savant-like math skills, and Nicky, bullied by his peers, abandoned by his birth parents, and taken in by Jess. There were a few improbable plot developments but I think that is kind of expected in this type of book and I had no trouble suspending disbelief. In fact, I was cheering them on.
I would love to see this one made into a movie.
JanB wrote: "46. Goodnight June by Sarah Jio3 stars
Goodnight Moon is a much-loved book that I read to my children nightly when they were little so the premise of this book appealed to me...."
Jan, I just added this one to my To Read list. I loved the kids' book - it will be fun to read a "behind the scenes" story about it. And - I could use a feel-good book right about now!
Karol, then I think this one would fit the bill! I hope you enjoy it.
49. Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King4.5 stars
In a departure from the horror genre, King has written a book that is part thriller and part hard-boiled crime fiction, with most of the emphasis on thriller. Detective Hodges, recently retired, is bored and depressed, and spends his days watching mindless TV. He's still haunted by his last unsolved case: a madman plowed a stolen Mercedes into a group of people, killing eight and maiming many more. Police have no leads and no suspects. One day Hodges gets a letter from the perp, who taunts him and threatens an even bigger and more deadly crime. He’s hoping to drive Hodges into deeper despair and suicide, for no reason except for the thrill of it. Instead, the letter energizes Hodges and gives him a reason to live. He decides to hunt the killer down.
I thought this book was terrific! King is masterful at character development and realistic (often amusing) dialogue. I found the book riveting and suspenseful as Hodges and his small group of unlikely allies race against time to stop the madman and his diabolical plot. The chapters alternate between the perp and Hodges and the tension increases when it becomes a psychological cat-and-mouse game between the two. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough as I neared the end. I loved the "good guys" and hope to see more of them in future books.
50. The Round House by Louise Erdrich4 stars
This was a re-read for me for a book club group. I read the HB the first time and so this time I listened to the audio. I enjoyed both formats.
The story is told from the perspective of Joe, a 13 year old boy living on a reservation in the late 1980s with his father, a tribal judge, and his mother. The book opens following the brutal rape and attempted murder of his mother and Joe must deal not only with the after-effects of the crime on his mother (and the entire family), but with the injustice of the legal system on Indian reservations. Joe is frustrated and feels he and his group of friends must investigate the crime and seek justice for his mother when it becomes clear that there will be no recourse through the tribal law justice system. Tribal courts can’t prosecute non-Native people who commit crimes on native land. In addition, the rape occurred on a strip of land without clear jurisdiction of state vs federal law so there’s no recourse from the federal government either. (As an aside, the afterward Erdrich wrote is startling and sobering with statistics on crimes against Native Americans on reservations).
The perspective of 13 year old Joe is sometimes interspersed with narrative from the now-adult Joe as he looks back on the events of that Spring. This is a coming of age story, along with a lesson in tribal justice, reservation life, and the traditions, spirituality and myths of the Ojibwe tribe. There’s a cast of colorful characters in Joe’s life, all with interesting, sometimes amusing tales to tell. The history of the round house is told through the stories of Joe’s grandfather, Mooshum. The history and traditions of the old tribal ways of dealing with criminals is contrasted with the Christian teachings of the reservation priest, Father Travis. Meanwhile, Joe and his friends are also dealing with the typical concerns of adolescence.
The pace is leisurely, and builds slowly towards a shocking conclusion. The reader is left with a lot to ponder. Highly recommended!
51. Evergreen by Rebecca Rasmussen4 stars
Initially I was going to give this quirky story 3, maybe 3.5 stars, but 4 days after finishing I've let go of some of my frustrations (and a few improbable plot points), and I'm left with only the good. Maybe that doesn't make much sense but you'd have to read it to understand what I mean :-)
The story spans 3 generations, beginning in 1938 when newlyweds Eveline and Emil move from the city to a remote cabin in northern Minnesota, living without modern comforts. They have a son, Hux, but soon after, Emil travels to Germany to see his dying father. His return is delayed when war breaks out. Eveline decides to stay in the cabin instead of going to the city and living with her parents until Emil's return. That fateful decision, and a crime that occurs, ripples down through the generations, causing lasting changes for the characters.
Rasmussen writes beautiful prose and her sense of place made the location as much of a character in the novel as were the characters themselves. The story has a fable-like tone and feel to it, somewhat reminicent of The Snow Child. Told in 4 parts, each section leaps ahead many years, as we see the after-effects of Eveline's decision. The fate of some characters is told only through the narrative of the following generation. Those who like a linear plot may find this troublesome but once I was caught up in the story I adapted quickly, although I would have liked more detail concerning some of the characters. There is a lot of sadness, but also hope, as these characters, many broken by circumstances beyond their control, try to find peace and happiness. The friendship between Eveline and the quirky but big-hearted LuLu was probably my favorite part.
JanB wrote: "51. Evergreen by Rebecca Rasmussen4 stars
Initially I was going to give this quirky story 3, maybe 3.5 stars, but 4 days after finishing I've let go of some of my frustrations"
Jan, I just love your reviews. They really give me a feel for the novel. The only problem is that my to-read list just continues to grow! I've added "Evergreen" now . . . along with "Round House" and "Mr. Mercedes". Yikes! Need to go read.
Jan, Agreeing with Karol, your reviews have added quite a few books to my TBR list also. Evergreen is currently on my TBR list... and has just moved up a few books!
Karol & Annie, aww, thanks! :-) Evergreen was a bit different and it won't be to everyone's liking but you will know early on if it's for you.
JanB wrote: "Karol & Annie, aww, thanks! :-) Evergreen was a bit different and it won't be to everyone's liking but you will know early on if it's for you."That's where my 50-page rule comes in handy!
52. The Long Way Home (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #10) by Louise Penny (audio)3.5 stars
This one is my least favorite in the series. Chief Inspector Armand has retired and settled in to live a quiet life in the village of Three Pines when Clara approaches him with a request for help. Her husband Peter failed to call or return home after a one year separation to 'find himself'. They set off to find Peter by following him in his footsteps. What follows is a slow leisurely story with a lot of exposition on an artist's muse and the evolution of style, as well as the dark side of human nature infecting the "sin-sick" soul.
This is a book for die-hard fans and followers of the series from the beginning. The writing and character development are excellent, as always, but I thought the plot lacked oomph. A novel centered on finding Peter just wasn't all that compelling. But, still, this is Penny, and her lyrical writing is still a book to be savored. As always, the narrator of the audiobook is excellent.
53. A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman4 stars
The beauty and value of a life and the meaning that can be found in living with and for others are themes that are brought home in this book in a touching, humorous, and sometimes heartbreaking way. Ove is the quintessential grumpy old man who may or may not be hiding a heart of gold underneath his crusty exterior. His curmudgeonly ways were softened by his wife but (view spoiler) His plans go awry when the quirky new neighbors and other characters (including the neighborhood cat) need his help and create turmoil in his orderly life. I especially loved the scenes with Parvaneh and how she unashamedly barged into his life. Ove's interactions with the cat made me laugh out loud. These escapades, and more, add much of the humor to the book and softened the poignant backstory, which helps the reader understand why Ove is the way he is. As is often the case, there's a story behind every curmudgeon. I appreciated that Ove never abandoned all of his grumpy ways. But "Men are what they are because of what they do. Not what they say." (pg 78)
It took me a while to warm up to the book, but I think it was because I could only find the time to read short snippets at a time. Once I was able to read for an uninterrupted amount of time I loved it. My nitpicky complaints? I was shocked when I read Ove was 59?! I think it would have worked better to make him a man many decades older, especially in the Apple store scene. And some of the situations are over the top with a fable-like quality to them but these are easily forgiven. Still, I highly recommend this book. I turned the last page with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes
JanB wrote: "53. A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman4 stars
The beauty and value of a life and the meaning that can be found in living with and for others are themes that are brought home in this book ..."
Sounds like yet another really good one!
54. My Notorious Life by Kate ManningThis is a fictional account based on the real life woman, Ann Trow Lohman, once called "The Wickedest Woman in New York" for her work as a midwife in the mid 19th century.
I found the stylistic choices the author used annoying, such as - instead of quotation marks, ***to fill in the blanks of coarse language, and a tendency to use CAPITALIZATION a lot (which thanks to texting, I read as someone screaming). But since the book is written as a diary/autobiography I tried hard to get over my annoyance.
The strength of the book is the theme of the plight of women when their fates were tied to men and they had little choice or resources at their disposal. Pregnancy, high maternal death rate, the lack of birth control methods, extreme poverty, abandoned and orphaned children, etc. There are some controversial topics presented and regardless of personal beliefs it would be impossible to feel nothing but sympathy for the plight of these women.
This should make for a lively and interesting discussion at my book club meeting.
I read this one earlier so I was very interested to see what you'd think of it. Seems we were similar in our feelings. It's definitely one that has stayed with me because of the subject matter. I will be looking forward to hearing how the book club discussion goes.
55. Die A Little by Megan Abbott4 stars
A terrific debut noir novel (2005)! Set in the 1950's, Lora, a schoolteacher, lives with her brother Bill, a rising star in the DA's office. Orphaned years earlier, their relationship is especially close, and each would go to great lengths to protect one another.
Their orderly life is disrupted when Bill meets glamorous Alice and after a whirlwind romance, they marry. Alice busies herself becoming the perfect 1950s housewife with a flurry of cooking, decorating, and neighborhood parties, even going so far as to teach Home Ec at Lora's school. The descriptions of life in the 1950's were spot on.
Lora gradually gets glimpses of Alice which suggests there is more to her than meets the eye. Out of a desire to protect her brother (and perhaps out of jealousy too?) she begins to investigate Alice's past life and is soon drawn into a seamy underworld.
Abbott's writing is so good and atmospheric I could literally see it played out in my mind as a movie. The mystery and suspense build slowly and Lora's character especially was intriguing as she comes face to face with her own darker side.
This is my second noir novel by Abbott and I could gobble them down like potato chips - delicious!
Michele, yes, it was not a perfect book by any means, but a worthy one and definitely leaves an impression. I'll be sure to let you know about our discussion.
56. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty3.5 stars
The story is told from the perspective of 3 main characters as they navigate family life, parenting, and their personal lives. We know from the beginning of the book that a crime has occurred and that it happened on Trivia Night. But it isn't until near the end in a surprising and shocking twist that we find out what happened and who was the victim and perpetrator.
Helicopter parenting and domestic abuse are explored, as is the mini-society and pecking order one finds in a small town school. But nobody's life is as it seems and this is examined through the rich inner lives and thoughts of the characters.
As the title suggests, the book's main focus is the lies we tell ourselves, the little lies that become big ones, and what is behind the facade one shows in public. The perceptions of others are often flawed, and no one truly know what goes on behind closed doors.
I enjoyed the book but thought it would be even better if not so drawn out and long, which knocked a 1/2 star from my rating.
57. Rose Harbor in Bloom by Debbie Macomber2 stars
I love B&B's as a setting and thought the first book in this new series was good. However, this one bored me silly and took nearly a month for me to finish. Some of the behaviors of the characters made no sense and Annie especially made me roll my eyes more than once.
A big disappointment!
58. The Sins of the Father by Lawrence Block4 stars
There's currently a Matthew Scudder film playing in theaters ( A Walk Among the Tombstones) so I thought it was time I acquainted myself with this series of books. I've had this one on my kindle for months, and now I'm sorry I waited so long to read it.
This is the Scudder debut novel, written in 1976. He's an ex-NYPD cop who lost his taste for police work after an off-duty arrest went horribly awry. It's clear he's fighting personal demons from guilt over the event. He's a complicated guy who likes his drink, says he's a non-believer but tithes and stops in church to light candles for the dead, but also is not above bending the rules and meting out his own form of justice. He now works as a PI who, because he's unlicensed, "does favors" for clients and will accept a "gift" of money.
In this case, a young prostitute is murdered and there's no question who the murderer is: her roommate is found running down the street covered in blood and admits his guilt. He commits suicide in his cell 2 days later, and the police consider the case closed. The girl's father hires Scudder to investigate not the who or how but why she was killed. The rest of the novel focuses on the investigation as Scudder uncovers the truth. I'm not yet familiar with the series as a whole, but this one was more cerebral than action-packed.
Highly recommended! I've already downloaded #2 in the series.
Jan, So glad you enjoyed this first Mathew Scudder novel. Now you have lots of good reading ahead of you, as the whole series is a pleasure.
59. A Room With A View by E.M. ForsterEh, not my cup of tea but it was for a book club so I suffered through it.
JanB wrote: "59. A Room With A View by E.M. ForsterEh, not my cup of tea but it was for a book club so I suffered through it."
LOL - been there, although not with that specific book. The whole book club experience can be "interesting".
Karol wrote: "JanB wrote: "59. A Room With A View by E.M. ForsterEh, not my cup of tea but it was for a book club so I suffered through it."
LOL - been there, although not with that specific book. The whole b..."
Karol, I'm really lucky that both of my book clubs are excellent and we have a great time discussing the book while enjoying great food (and wine). I know that's not always the case. Even if a book isn't always a favorite, the discussion makes it worthwhile.
I usually enjoy listening to the classics written in formal English (Bronte, Jane Austen, etc) but this one was just silly IMO. It may have been timely when first published but that time has come and gone. At least it was blessedly short :)
60. The Bat by Jo Nesbo2 stars
I should have listened to the reviews that recommended starting this series with Book 3. This was rather boring and the author took the reader out of the narrative with lectures on Australian and Aboriginal culture. More than I ever wanted to know. Nor did I find the mystery all that compelling.
I did find out how Harry Hole was pronounced (Ho-lay) so now I can stop pronouncing it the American way, which makes it a very unfortunate name indeed :-)
I've heard enough good things about the series that I'll read #3 next, but I'm not in a big hurry
61. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman4 stars
An interesting and thought-provoking glimpse into the prison system at a minimum security facility. I've seen both seasons of the program on Netflix and while there are a few similarities that served as inspiration for some of the story arcs, there are major differences and much of what you see on TV is sensationalized fiction. If you've only seen the series the book is definitely worth reading. Just don't expect as much drama and sex.
62. The Children Act by Ian McEwan1 star for the story but I added a star for the quality of the writing
McEwan can write and he certainly knows how to string words together in a beautiful way but the subject matter in this book leaves a lot to be desired. I was initially attracted to the story because of similar cases during my nursing career, and I was curious to see how McEwan would treat the subject. My answer, unfortunately, was not well or even believable. (view spoiler)
It didn't help that McEwan writes in a way that makes the reader very detached from his characters. So the secondary story of the judge and her husband left me cold. Actually, by the end of the book I can't say I blamed her husband for wanting a passionate fling.
Given the subject, he could have written a book that was thought provoking and sensitive but chose to go another route. I've given this author a fair chance and he's just not my cup of tea. I gave his last book, Sweet Tooth 1 star. So this will be my last McEwan.
63. Chronically Me: Flushing Out My Life and Times With IBS: A Memoir in Comics by Joy Spencer 5 stars
With this book, Joy Spencer has given us a glimpse into the world of someone who lives with the pain and isolation resulting from a chronic, intractable condition, and she does it with sensitivity, humor, and engaging illustrations. Although I don't suffer from IBS, I do have an autoimmune disease, and I found much here to identify with.
Included are the frustrations of dealing with doctors who offer less than helpful answers and treatments, the endless search for a cure (or at least relief), alternative treatments that can sometimes be a little wacky, friends and relatives who don't "get it", and the isolation that comes from living with a chronic pain condition. Joy has found the humor in a condition that is anything but humorous to live with, and I often found myself chuckling. On a more serious note, the section on helpful and not so helpful things to say to a sufferer is excellent.
I highly recommend reading this book even if you don't have IBS or another chronic condition. It's likely that at some point in your life you will cross paths with someone who does, and this book will give you a glimpse into their world. Hopefully, it will lead to compassion for those who do, something this world could certainly use more of. Plus, the book is often funny and it will make you laugh!
64. Nora Webster by Colm Toibin2.5 stars
I loved the author's book, Brooklyn, but this one was not to my taste. I normally enjoy introspective books but this one is agonizingly slow-moving with Nora's every thought and the minutia of her daily life described in excruciating detail.
It was the reading equivalent of watching paint dry.
65. Yes, Please by Amy Poehler4 stars
I loved Amy Poehler's work on SNL and Parks and Rec and this book is terrific. Some chapters worked better than others and Amy (IMO) overshared a few aspects of her life but overall I loved it. I maybe didn't love it quite as much as Bossypants by Tina Fey but it was a fun listen.
She narrates her own book and her comedic timing while reading added to my enjoyment. The last chapter on cell phones and social media alone is worth the price of the book. Funny!
Mod
4 stars
I loved Amy Poehler's work on SNL and Parks and Rec and this book is terrific. Some chapters worked better than others and Amy (IMO) overshared a few aspects..."
I can't wait to listen to this audiobook! :)
Mod
Elyse & Andrea, then you'd both enjoy this audio!
66. Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting by Ann Hood (audio)This is a heartwarming, poignant, and sometimes humorous collection of essays on knitting by authors who knit. There are stories on the every growing yarn stash, why they knit, unfinished projects, who they knit for, teaching grandchildren to knit, knitting to heal a grieving heart, and yes, even an essay on why an author knits for his Chihuahua. I enjoyed some stories more than others, but overall I enjoyed the book very much. I'm a knitter and it made me want to pick up my needles and listen as I knit.
I listened to the audio but if I had known there were knitting patterns included I would have bought the book instead.
67. The Handsome Man's Deluxe Café (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, #15) by Alexander McCall Smith4 stars
I love this series and the excellent narrator with her lilting South African accent. The stories are full of wit and wisdom and after 15 books it feels like visiting with old friends.
68. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty
4 stars
The author is the founder of "The Order of the Good Death" and has a video series, "Ask A Mortician". Drawing on her experiences when she worked in a crematory, Doughty examines the funeral industry and our society's tendency to sanitize the process, and contrasts it with the practices and rites of other cultures.
In the past, families prepared a loved one’s body for burial and the wake was held at home. To our own detriment, modern society has sanitized this process with the advent of the funeral business, leading to a denial and fear of death.
Doughty's light and breezy tone, a little bit of wackiness, and her humor saved the book from being depressing, but she's adamant about the need for families to honor their dead in a way that is meaningful for them. Ultimately, reading this book made me examine my own feelings about the subject and to hopefully plan accordingly.
4 stars
The title is a quote from an Emily Dickenson poem, just one of many literary references in this well-written novel. It’s much more character-driven and literary than the usual mystery novel, with a window into the inner lives and thoughts of the characters.
Some patience is needed, but Atkinson writes an intricately plotted tale that is witty and ironic, with humor and insight into human nature. There were many times I chuckled out loud. But there’s also weightier moral issue to consider as the story unfolds.
There are a few narratives going on at the same time and Atkinson shifts between past and present and POV, interweaving these several story lines, with the connection to a 1975 crime all coming together in the end.
This is the 4th in a series and can be read as a stand-alone. There were a few references to prior books, but they aren't necessary to the plot. Atkinson may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and hope she decides to write another Jackson Brodie novel. I'd like to see more of Tracy and see some loose ends resolved.