Library Lovers discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Archived
>
2017 Reads and Reviews ~ Anything goes
date
newest »
newest »
Mod
A Touch of Stardust
Kate Alcott
3/5 stars
Julie Crawford has come to Hollywood from Fort Wayne, Indiana, trying to follow in the footsteps of Carole Lombard, also from the same town but wanting to be a writer instead of an actress. She gets a job as a publicist for MGM and actually falls into being Lombard’s assistant. While she is at the studio, she is attracted to a fellow worker, who happens to work with David Selznick and all this is going on while the film, Gone With the Wind is being filmed.
This was a fast read and interesting but I found the story line somewhat contrived. I don’t think someone who just got to Hollywood would rise so fast in such a short time and be so successful.
I just finished the excellent, but also frustrating, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, about the killings in an extended family of Osage Indians during the 1920s when hundreds and hundreds of these people were killed for their tribal headrights after someone struck oil on their reservation land. It's a comment on just how cold, calculating and ruthless some people can be when it comes to money -- imagine marrying someone, having kids with them, then killing off the whole family so you can inherit their cash!!! -- and how various law enforcement agencies did (or didn't) handle it. What frustrates me is the way the author keeps saying "Believe me, there's a lot more to this case than I'm telling you" without giving us even basic facts and figures. That didn't stop me from turning the pages until the end.
The Lost City of the Monkey God – Douglas Preston – 4****
I was mesmerized by this adventure story, as Preston recounts the expedition’s efforts to find these ruins in the dense jungle, plagued by weather, poisonous snakes, and biting insects. Preston also give equal time to political discourse and environmental impact. And the medical mystery of aftereffects of their time in the jungle was equally fascinating, and horrifying.
LINK to my review
Chocolate Chocolate – Frances Park and Ginger Park – 3***
Subtitle: The True Story of Two Sisters, Tons of Treats, and the Little Shop That Could. It’s a charming memoir, but I found it repetitious. While I admit to self-medicating with chocolate, reading about that in chapter after chapter is less satisfying. Still, they have an interesting story to tell, and I really liked their relationship with their mother and with their customers.
LINK to my review
Mod
The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer
Kate Summerscale
5/5 stars
This is the true crime story of Robert Coombes, who at the age of 13 in 1895 killed his mother in England while his father who was a sailor at sea. Robert and his brother Nattie (12) then went about their lives and eventually Robert convinces John Fox, a friend of the family to come and live with them. Fox does not suspect anything while in the house. When the boy’s Aunt finds out they are alone, she comes to the house and finds the mother dead. The two boys and Fox are arrested for the murder. As the trial proceeds, Fox and Nattie are found not guilty of the crime and Robert goes to an asylum instead of jail for the crime eventually being released to live an eventful and exemplary life. So why did he kill his mother? I had a hard time putting this down. Summerscale does a great job discussing the time period, facts of the crime, the lives of the boys and the aftermath of the trial.
The Good Lord Bird – James McBride – 3.5***
McBride looks at John Brown and Harpers Ferry through the lens of a “freed” slave, Henry Shackleford (known as Onion). I’ve seen reviews that compare McBride to Mark Twain, and I guess I see that here – an adventure tale that is about a serious event / issue, but that includes room for humor.
LINK to my review
The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican
By Benjamin Bleech & Roy Doliner --- 3.5 * * *
Many questions are raised and answered. Why is the Prophet Zechariah the introductory figure in the Chapel? In the Creation why does God "moon" the viewer? In the Garden of Pardise why do Adam and Eve eat from a "fig" tree and not an "apple" tree? Why on the ceiling are there 300 figures from the Old Testament and none from the New Testament? Who are the Sybils and what is their purpose? Why is the Prophet Jonah the most important figure on the ceiling? Why are cherubs making obscene gestures? In the Creation why does God touch Adam's left hand? In the Last Judgment why does Mary turn away from Jesus? Who is Jesus looking at in the Last Judgment? What is the significance of King Minos and his punishment? How did the painter sign his painting? Finally, why were all these secrets hidden in the painting or did the authors of this book make all this up? I wish I had read this book before I saw the Sistine Chapel.
A Gentleman in Moscow – Amor Towles – 5***** and a ❤
Well this book cements Amor Towles in my list of favorite authors. I love the Count and the way he leads his life. His accommodations may be limited, and he may be confined to the hotel, but his life is certainly *not* limited. They may take his possessions, they may restrict his movements, but they cannot make his less a gentleman.
LINK to my review
Book Concierge wrote: "A Gentleman in Moscow
– Amor Towles – 5***** and a ❤
Well this book cements Amor Towles in my list of favorite authors. I love the Count and the way h..."
I loved this one too!!
Rio Grande Fall – Rudolfo Anaya – 2**
Book two in the Sonny Baca mystery series is set during the Albuquerque NM Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. I like magical realism, in general, but this series has gone too far. I wasn’t interested and all the spiritualism detracted from the plot (what little there was of it).
LINK to my review
Love, Life And Elephants – Daphne Sheldrick – 4****
Subtitle: An African Love Story. This is a wonderful memoir that takes the reader from Sheldrick’s birth and childhood through her teen years, and first love, on to the love of her life, David Sheldrick, and the work they accomplished together. She writes in a frank and open manner, describing her missteps as openly as her triumphs.
LINK to my review
Christmas in Harmony – Philip Gulley – 3***
If the Christmas Eve service has become a burden, why not take Dale’s suggestion of a Progressive Live Nativity Scene. What could possibly go wrong? With Dale in charge … a lot. Funny and tender, but Sam always finds the true meaning of Christmas. A lovely holiday read.
LINK to my review
Book Concierge wrote: "Christmas in Harmony
– Philip Gulley – 3***
If the Christmas Eve service has become a burden, why not take Dale’s suggestion of a Progressive Live Nativ..."
Isn't this a fun series?! I love Philip Gulley -- and even met him at a local library last year! :)
Mod
by Mary Shelley
3.5/5 stars
This is the story about Dr. Frankenstein, who as a young man is intrigued with science and the origin of life. He goes away from home to study and has devoted his time in creating a new life. However, when he sees what he has created, he is shocked and repelled by his creation. In turn his creation is mortified by Dr. Frankenstein's reaction to him and thus plans to seek revenge on the doctor.
I have never read this before but have seen several film adaptations and a TV mini-series based on the book so I was curious to read it. Mary Shelley's book is still very readable to this day and is an interesting horror story about the results of scientific experimentation. While movies and TV portray the creature as a horrible monster, Shelley brings out the human in the monster while emphasizing caution in scientific experimentation.
Julie wrote: "Frankensteinby Mary Shelley
3.5/5 stars
This is the story about Dr. Frankenstein, who as a young man is intrigued with science and the origin of life. He goes away from home to study and has devot..."
I'm glad you enjoyed this! I am always glad to see people read this book because Hollywood has messed around with it so much. I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book a few years ago.
I felt the same way when I read Dracula. The movies lead you to believe so many things that just aren't in the book. Maybe you can get to it sometime too. I think it would be well worth your time :)
Mod
by Mary Shelley
3.5/5 stars
This is the story about Dr. Frankenstein, who as a young man is intrigued with science and the origin of life. He goes away from home to study..."
The book was so much better than the movies. I will have to add Dracula to my list. I have not read the original story.
Julie wrote: "Terris wrote: "Julie wrote: "Frankensteinby Mary Shelley
3.5/5 stars
This is the story about Dr. Frankenstein, who as a young man is intrigued with science and the origin of life. He goes away fro..."
Yes! The book is always better!! ;)
Julie wrote: "The book was so much better than the movies. I will have to add Dracula to my list."You won't be sorry you did!
Imaginary Men – Anjali Banerjee – 1*
Lina Ray is a professional matchmaker in the San Francisco bay area who has yet to make her own match. But after blurting out news of her own (imaginary) engagement to save herself from a match to an Indian “bachelor from hell,” she has to find her prince in two months, so the family matriarch can approve the match. It’s chick-lit with a cultural nuance. A fast read. Total mind candy.
LINK to my review
--------- * * * * * * * * --------
A Man Of His Own – Susan Wilson – 3***
Three people connected by one dog, this is a kind of romance novel with a twist. There’s plenty of drama with three characters who are all emotionally fragile, and yet somehow are “guided” by this remarkable animal. That synopsis sounds trite and predictable, and in a sense the book is that, but I have to say that I was entertained and engaged by the story.
LINK to my review
Terris wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "Isn't this a fun series?! I love Philip Gulley -- and even met him at a local library last year! :) ..."
Oh, how wonderful that you got to meet him. I just love this series!
Queen of the Air – Dean Jensen – 4****
Subtitle: A True Story of Love & Tragedy at the Circus. This is a love story, a tragedy to rival Shakespeare, a history of early twentieth century America, and a thrilling adventure. Lillian Leitzel and Alfredo Codona were the biggest stars in the early twentieth century Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. I was completed engaged and enthralled by their story.
LINK to my review
--------- * * * * * * * * --------
Mr Miracle – Debbie Macomber – 2**
Book ten in the Angels Everywhere (a.k.a Angelic Intervention) series. Harry Mills is on his first assignment on earth and he rather smugly believes he’s got it all covered. But he didn’t quite count on human emotions. It’s a cheesy Christmas romance, and the plot is what you’d expect from that genre. It’s not great literature, but it’s perfect for the season.
LINK to my review
Hillbilly Elegy – J.D. Vance – 4****
Subtitle: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Vance is a former Marine, a graduate of Ohio State and Yale Law School. But getting to his current place in life was a struggle, given his family upbringing. He is brutally honest looking at his life and at the culture of the working poor. He reviews government policies, and offers insight into how the working poor, themselves, might take steps to give the next generation a fighting chance. This memoir is both brutally honest, and movingly tender.
LINK to my review
Book Concierge wrote: "Hillbilly Elegy
– J.D. Vance – 4****
Subtitle: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Vance is a former Marine, a graduate of Ohio State and Yale Law ..."
I'm glad to see you enjoyed this one. It's on my list!
Mod
Hillbilly Elegy
– J.D. Vance – 4****
Subtitle: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Vance is a former Marine, a graduate of Ohio State and Yale Law ..."
This has been on my list forever-maybe I will get to it this year.
Born a Crime – Trevor Noah – 4****
Trevor Noah had a white Swiss German father, and a black Xhosa mother, at a time when such a relationship was punishable by up to five years in prison. This is his memoir of growing up under Apartheid and the years as it was being dismantled in South Africa. Honest and interesting.
LINK to my review
--------- * * * * * * * * --------
The Winter Garden Mystery – Carola Dunn – 3***
Book number two in the Daisy Dalrymple series has our heroine traveling to Occles Hall to research her latest article for Town and Country on England’s country manor houses. Lady Valeria is none too pleased at this intrusion, and even less so when Daisy finds a body buried in the winter garden. A satisfying cozy mystery with an intrepid heroine, set in 1920s England.
LINK to my review
The Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo – 3***
This is Coehlo’s international best-selling classic tale of an Andalusian shepherd boy’s quest to find his own Personal Legend. It’s an allegorical fable about find your true self, wrapped in an adventure tale, with a little romantic interest added. I found it entertaining but not particularly inspiring.
LINK to my review
--------- * * * * * * * * --------
The Birchbark House – Louise Erdrich – 4****
What Laura Ingalls Wilder did for the pioneer families in 19th century plains states, Erdrich has done for the Native Americans in this same time period. Omakayas is a seven-year-old Ojibwa girl living on Lake Superior’s Madeline Island. The novel covers the four seasons of 1847. I was fascinated by this story of the life of the Native Americans during this time period.
LINK to my review
Notorious 92: Indiana's Most Heinous Murders in All 92 Counties, Andrew Stoner3 solid stars
This was a remarkably quick read for such a big book -- a whopping 500-page trade paperback. There's a little of everything in here. Officers killed in the line of duty, unsolved sex murders, stalking, domestic violence, killer kids, murder for profit, even a mob hit or so. More than one serial killing. I was entertained by the way the copyediting got worse and worse as the book went along, as if someone's dose of caffeine were wearing off. By far the most egregious error was leaving Spencer County's crime out entirely and putting a duplicate of Sullivan County's crime in it's place. Overall, though, this one was well written and well presented, with a bibliography after each chapter. This is not the book for you if you want in-depth analysis of each case, but if you're looking for many fascinating stories in one place, be sure to read this one.
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Library Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
Notorious 92: Indiana's Most Heinous Murders in All 92 Counties (other topics)The Alchemist (other topics)
The Birchbark House (other topics)
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (other topics)
The Winter Garden Mystery (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Kate Summerscale (other topics)Kate Alcott (other topics)
Laura Ingalls Wilder (other topics)
Annie Hartnett (other topics)
Rachel Joyce (other topics)
More...
Victim Six – Gregg Olsen – 3.5***
A serial killer is terrorizing towns around Puget Sound. Kitsap County Sherriff’s Detective Kendall Stark is a really strong female lead character – smart, resilient, resourceful, intelligent and compassionate. This is a tightly-written, fast-paced psychological thriller. It’s not for the faint of heart; it’s about a sexual sadist serial killer, and there are some very graphic scenes.
LINK to my review
--------- * * * * * * * * --------
The Xibalba Murders – Lyn Hamilton – 3***
Number one in the Lara McClintoch Archeological Mystery series, takes our heroine from her home in Toronto to the Yucatan peninsula. I am a fan of magical realism, but Hamilton’s efforts seemed heavy-handed. All in all, it was a somewhat entertaining mystery and I enjoyed learning a bit more about Mayan lore.
LINK to my review