75 Books...More or Less! discussion
Archive (2017 GR Challenge)
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Jan's 2017 Challenge
2. American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst4 stars
Most of us who were around in 1974 know the story of the abduction of Patty Hearst by the SLA. This book fills in the gaps and takes a closer look at the background story of Patty, the members of the SLA, their movements during the months Patty was with them, and the subsequent arrest and trial.
The big question: was Patty a willing member of the group and an enthusiastic participant in their crimes, or was she a victim of brainwashing, the Stockholm Syndrome? Toobin lays out the facts, as well as painting a picture of the countercultural movement of the 1970s. We may never know the full truth but Toobin obviously did exhaustive research into this fascinating story.
Mod
4 stars
Most of us who were around in 1974 know the story of the abduction of Patty Hearst by the SLA. This b..."
Fascinating!
3. Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson4 stars
A really lovely short book with a poetic, non-linear narrative of an adult woman who returns to NYC to bury her father, causing memories of her childhood to come flooding back. Growing up as a young black girl in Brooklyn, the loves and losses, friendships and dangers, are sobering yet never without hope. Highly recommend!
The narrator of the audiobook is exceptional.
Mod
4 stars
A really lovely short book with a poetic, non-linear narrative of an adult woman who returns to NYC to bury her father, causing memories of her ch..."
I've heard good things about this one!
Elyse, I think you'd like it - and it's a very short read or listen.
4. Lab Girl by Hope Jahren5 stars
I loved this memoir. The author reads her own book and does so flawlessly. She writes about her love for science (she's won a ton of awards for her work), her travels and adventures in pursuit of knowledge, her quirky lab partner Bill, her struggles with bipolar disease, her marriage and family, and interspersed in the chapters are passages about the lives of plants and trees. For some, it might be too technical but I loved it, all of it and will never look at a tree the same. I also have an even greater respect for the life of a research scientist.
Highly recommended!
Mod
5 stars
I loved this memoir. The author reads her own book and does so flawlessly. She writes about her love for science (she's won a ton of awards for her work), her tr..."
Added!
Mod
5. The Whistler by John Grisham2 stars
I could always count on a Grisham book to entertain and keep me flipping the pages. Unfortunately, this one was dull, dull, dull. Toward the end I was so bored I skipped ahead to the epilogue, and missed nothing. My recommendation is to skip this one.
6. Necessary Lies 4 stars
Historical fiction that delves into the federally funded Eugenics Program in the U.S that persisted into the 1970s. Although it sounds like a program in Hitler's Nazi Germany it took place in our own borders, and involuntary sterilization was forced onto citizens deemed unfit to bear children: the "feeble-minded", disabled, epileptics, the promiscuous...the list goes on.
The author tells the story through a young, idealistic social worker and a family in her caseload that is affected by the program. This is no dry accounting of the facts and their story was absorbing. I became totally invested in their dilemmas.
Very good and a cautionary tale IMO - t's a part of our history we should never forget.
7. The Cozy Life: Rediscover the Joy of the Simple Things Through the Danish Concept of Hygge by Pia Edberg
4 stars
It seems I'm hearing about the Danish concept of Hygge everywhere these days and this little book explains the concept and gives practical tips on how to incorporate it into our everyday lives. Nothing earth-shattering, just a reminder to be more mindful and intentional and there is joy in the simple things, from being instead of having. The Danes are said to be the happiest people on earth and living their lives with the principle of Hygge just may be one of their secrets.
JanB wrote: "7. The Cozy Life: Rediscover the Joy of the Simple Things Through the Danish Concept of Hygge by Pia Edberg
4 stars
It seems I'm hearing about the Danish concept of Hygge everywhere these days a..."
That sounds interesting!
Stacie, you can read this in about an hour or so. I wouldn't recommend buying but if you can find it at your library, give it a try!
8. The Dry by Jane Harper4 stars
This is a deeply atmospheric debut novel set in Australia. Aaron Falk returns to his hometown after a 20 year absence to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke Hadler. Luke killed his wife and son, then turned the gun on himself. Only baby Charlotte was spared. His parents don't accept the official explanation and ask Luke, now a police officer, to stay and investigate.
There's also the 20 year old mystery of his friend Ellie's death and suspicion hovers over Aaron's head. Not everyone is happy to see his return and long-buried secrets threaten to resurface.
The author did a great job incorporating the long ago mystery with the current day case and did so without alternating POV's and time periods. I think this device has been overdone in recent ears and it was refreshing to see a story told without it.
This is the start of a new series and I look forward to book #2!
Mod
4 stars
This is a deeply atmospheric debut novel set in Australia. Aaron Falk returns to his hometown after a 20 year absence to attend the funeral of his childhood frien..."
Sounds really good!
Elyse, it was! A bit of a slow burner but it kept my interest
9. The Winter in Anna by Reed Karaim4.5 stars
We know from the opening paragraph that things don't end well for Anna. What follows is a quiet contemplative trip down memory lane for Eric, who worked at a small town newspaper with Anna many years ago.
Anna's story is slowly revealed through Eric's musings. There's a tragedy in her past, a devastating one that forever changes her, and helps to explain what drove her to do what she did. Her burden was great and she chose Eric as the one person in the world she shared her story with.
Eric was 20 years old at the time, and Anna 10 years older. With a maturity that comes with time and age, Eric now sees Anna with a new understanding of her life and what her friendship meant.
The prose is beautiful with sentences and paragraphs that resonated with me. The story is a sad one but so beautiful I'm glad I read it. I thought about it for days after I finished.
10. Behind Her Eyes by Sarah PinboroughI finished it this morning and I'm not sure yet how I'll rate it. It was definitely a #WTFthatending book (no, I did not make up that hashtag. It's real, lol)
This is a genre-bending book with a twist upon the twist. No one will ever guess the ending so the author gets props for that. Its not a straight up psychological thriller. If people like the second genre that came out of left field they'll probably enjoy the book. Here's not a true spoiler but a little hint: (view spoiler)
It's love it or hate it ending for sure. I'm not sure yet if I'm a fan.
11. Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney3.5 stars
It's New Year's Eve 1984 and octogenarian Lillian takes a walk (a ten mile one at that!) around her beloved NYC and reminisces on her life as the highest paid ad woman in America, and her role as a wife and mother. Through her musings and the people she encounters we see a changing America through her eyes. She had an exciting life, but not one without heartbreak and pain. She was the original That Girl, a feminist before her time.
I loved Lillian's eccentricity, her take on life, and her spunk. Some of the situations she finds herself in are farcical (would a 80+ year old really confront a band of thugs demanding money from her? I think not) but that's part of the charm of the book. There are lessons to be learned.
I think the biggest take-away from this book is that regardless of age, we stay the same inside....an aging body is just a shell. The essence of a person remains. And Lillian was quite the woman who retained her curiosity, her optimism, and zest for life. We should all be so lucky.
** unlike some other readers I did not enjoy the narration of the audio book. The narrator spoke in a wobbly old lady voice, which was not only out of character for Lillian but it's not a voice I've ever encountered in real life.
A bonus of the audiobook is an interview between the author and narrator, which I very much enjoyed. I wish I had known at the start that the author's inspiration was the real-life Margaret Fishback. (less)
12. The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner3.5 stars
This is a family saga that spans 4 generations on a tiny fictional island off the coast of Italy, where time seems to stand still. There's drama, superstitions, folk stories, secrets, and scandals, plus new sets of challenges that face each new generation, Through it all their tight knit community helps them weather the storms.
I more than liked it, but didn't love it, so 3.5 stars it is. I thought it was a tad too long, and bogged down a bit in the middle. And while I can take a little magical realism, my eyes glaze over with too much of it.
13. The Trespasser by Tana French 4.5 stars
I love Tana French and think this one is one of her best. I loved the main character - a tough complicated female detective. Part police procedural and part character study, this one hit all the right notes for me. Highly recommended.
14. And Every Morning the way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman5 stars
A touching novella about a grandfather (who has what I assumed was Alzheimer's) and his grandson. It's written in a stream of consciousness style, which worked perfectly in a book this short. It was a lovely way to spend an hour or so. Keep the tissues handy!
15. The Nix by Nathan Hill3.5 stars
I loved so much of this book....it's both hilarious as well as moving...but it's sooooo long. There's an excellent 350 page book here but because it was unnecessarily drawn out for 640 pages it lost a star.
I would still recommend it and I especially recommend the audiobook. The narrator was one of the best I've ever listened to. He gets 5++ stars
Mod
5 stars
A touching novella about a grandfather (who has what I assumed was Alzheimer's) and his grandson. It's written ..."
*sniffle* So good!!!
Mod
3.5 stars
I loved so much of this book....it's both hilarious as well as moving...but it's sooooo long. There's an excellent 350 page book here but because it was unnece..."
I'm all for this because of the narrator! He narrated Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore!
Elyse wrote: "JanB wrote: "15. The Nix by Nathan Hill3.5 stars
I loved so much of this book....it's both hilarious as well as moving...but it's sooooo long. There's an excellent 350 page book here but because ..."
That makes me want to give Mr Penumbra a try. This narrator was just the best - seriously THE best!
Mod
No I haven't! But now I'll add it to my audible list :)
Elyse, wonderful.... thanks for the list!! I'll definitely check them out!
Mod
I've heard good things about Shotgun Love Songs too!
16. On Turpentine Lane4 stars
This is a fun rom-com with a little romance, a little mystery, quirky characters and no eye-rolling inducing dialogue. Often hilarious, I closed the last page with a smile on my face. This isn't my typical genre but I loved it and it was the perfect antidote to a darker grittier book I was reading at the same time.
17. Desperation Road by Michael Farris SmithA 5 star read that is sure to be on my favorites this year. Dark and gritty but not without hope. Russell just got out of prison and Mabel and her young daughter are homeless. Events collide to bring these two together and their lives become entwined, with each of their mistakes involving the other.
In these pages the reader feels all the emotions and desperation of these characters, and my sympathy was aroused even though the characters aren't always sympathetic.
A powerful well-written novel with unforgettable characters.
18. The Mask of Sanity by Jacob M. AppelBlech...this was from Netgalley. I finished it but would not recommend.
19. Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach1.5 stars
Don't bother unless you enjoy reading about a family of truly detestable raging alcoholics who are rude, snarky (in a not-funny way), and mistreat everyone around them. I usually enjoy books with unlikable characters but I need humor, clever plotting, or a way to empathize with the character (or in this case, an entire family). This book had none of the above.
But I'm the outlier, there are inexplicably plenty of good reviews. Just be aware and read at your own risk.
JanB wrote: "19. Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach1.5 stars
Don't bother unless you enjoy reading about a family of truly detestable raging alcoholics who are rude, snarky (in a not-funny way), and mistreat e..."
Oh no Jan! You seem to be in a bad book rut! Hope you find a good one.
Carol, thsnks! 2 stinkers in a row, maybe third time will be charm :)
Maybe you're just getting all the clunkers out of the way at once and the rest of the year will be great! (Fingers crossed)
Stacie wrote: "Maybe you're just getting all the clunkers out of the way at once and the rest of the year will be great! (Fingers crossed)"Stacie, thanks, that's a hopeful thought! :-)
20. The Son by Philipp Meyer (audio)4 stars
Excellent audio book with Will Patton and Kate Mulgrew as narrators. It's a long one but for the most part it kept my interest. The AMC series starring Pierce Brosnan premiers April 8
21. All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg3 stars
The whimsical cover and the blurb describes this book as "wickedly funny". Not so. It's sad and depressing, although there is some dark humor. I liked the book but didn't love it.
Andrea is an artist who quit producing art and took a soul-sucking corporate job that she's good at but hates. She drinks too much, indulges in casual drug use and casual sex, she doesn't 'show up' for the friends and family who need her, she skips out of work regularly and is generally a miserable and unhappy mess. She's certainly not captain of her own ship.
The book is told non-chronologically in vignettes and it's gradually revealed why she is the way she is. I think the emotions and realities were portrayed well and the book is well-written. The ultimate message is one of connection, but for me the epiphany came too suddenly and too late.
22. The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel3.5 stars
This is the story of Christopher Finkel who lived totally alone in the woods in Maine for 27 years. How he survives, and his motivation for doing so, is explored through interviews the author conducted with Mr. Knight. The book is rounded out with the history of hermits and interviews with mental health experts.
Mod
3.5 stars
This is the story of Christopher Finkel who lived totally alone in the woods in Maine for..."
If you liked this, have you read The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert? Both are in my TBR.
Elyse wrote: "JanB wrote: "22. The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel3.5 stars
This is the story of Christopher Finkel who lived totally alone in the woods..."
Elyse, I haven't but I just added it my tbr list. Thanks! Reading the descriptions it looks to be totally different (in a good way IMO). Gilbert's hermit looked to be pretty self-sufficient, while The Stranger in the Woods survived by stealing and eating junk food he stole from cabins. I think I'd prefer reading about the guy who was self-sufficient and making a statement about society :-)
Mod
But stealing is bad! lol. I think they'll both be interesting views.
Elyse, well, yes...and he said he felt bad about it....but continued to do it of course, lol
Mod
As long as he felt bad. haha
75 Books...More or Less!
Books mentioned in this topic
The Last American Man (other topics)Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore (other topics)
5 stars
Miss Jane, based on the author’s great-aunt, is born in the early 20th century in rural Mississippi. She has a congenital defect that leaves her incontinent, as well as unable to have sexual relations or bear children. Life is tough on the farm; her father is an alcoholic, her mother deeply unhappy, and her sister can’t get away fast enough.
Jane is a remarkable girl and woman, and how she finds a life of meaning and worth despite her loneliness and affliction is a joy to read. Her attempts to attend school despite her condition, and her brush with young love are particularly poignant. The friendship she has with her doctor, who becomes like a father to her, is touching. I also enjoyed the medical aspect of the story as her doctor searches for a surgical cure to her condition.
I don’t want to give any of the plot away but this is storytelling at it’s finest. I don’t like overly descriptive books, but the prose the author uses to describe rural life, nature, and the inner life of Jane is simply beautiful. Highly recommended.