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What have you just read? Opinions, recommendations, reviews Part 2
My review of Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I didn't know where else to put this but it's something that both readers and authors should be aware of. Kindle or KDP is now a publishing house and they're aggressively reviewing their own books. They offer a program to indie authors where they pay a stipend (I think it's $5,000) and they take control of your book for 5 years. If your book is successful they give you the option to renew. Kindle, or KDP, is reviewing books that they have a financial interest in. Even the major publishing houses seek outside, objective reviews. PLEASE BE AWARE OF WHAT KDP IS DOING WHEN YOU READ ONE OF THEIR REVIEWS!
I have completed Dubin's Lives by Bernard Malamud.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am not so sure others will like it as much as me.
Then I picked up the first of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series--Murder at the Vicarage, which I have now dumped.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Whodunnits are not for me!
Finished Moby-Dick or, The Whale.A bit uneven.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also finished Spider Woman's Granddaughters: Traditional Tales and Contemporary Writing by Native American Women, edited by Paula Gunn Allen.
Loved it!
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read Corn-Fed: Cul-de-sacs, Keg Stands, and Coming of Age in the Midwesthttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read The Cut Out Girl: A Story of War and Family, Lost and Found. 4.5 stars rounded up. My review : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Duelling Facebook groups! Not quite the “duelling banjos” of “Deliverance”, but women can get pretty nasty. Choose your weapons in Those Other Women by Aussie Nicola Moriarty (yes, sister of Liane).
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I was skeptical about the sensational classic Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, but I was pleasantly surprised so I'm going to recommend it. Fun and intriguing! My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished
Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck. Pearl Buck writes with authenticity and great sympathy. I was deeply moved. Another great work by this author! 4.5 stars.My Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Alice wrote: "Finished Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck. Pearl Buck writes with authenticity and great sympathy. I was deeply moved. Another ..."I enjoyed your review. I've added the book to my list. Thanks.
Dale , glad to see your 5 stars . I’m starting this in a day or so . I’ll read your review afterwards.
Angela M wrote: "Dale , glad to see your 5 stars . I’m starting this in a day or so . I’ll read your review afterwards."Hope you enjoy it as much as I did Angela.
Tamara wrote: "Alice wrote: "Finished Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck. Pearl Buck writes with authenticity and great sympathy. I was deeply m..."Thanks, Tamara! Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
A couple of terrific books for younger readers:
Alanna: The First Adventure 4-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy4-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Circus Thief is a colourful picture book for kids showing 1929 Pennsylvania. Here's my review, with some illustrations.
Link to my review - with illustrations
Finished reading The Shipping News by Annie ProulxWrote a review that can found here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
I read A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl. 3.5 stars. My review : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have completed Love is Blind, William Boyd's latest.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished and really liked Early Riser by Jasper Fforde
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished today my first Judy Nunn novel Spirits of the Ghan. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Superior Spectre, Aussie author Angela Meyer's debut novel, is kind of genre-bending. Or genre-fluid? I think many readers will love it.
Link to my review
Less by Andrew Sean Greer. I loved this one! It feels light like a rom-com, but throughout reveals beautiful, deep emotions about love and aging and death. For me, a perfect mix of light and dark. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Today I listened to last month's Audible Originals. Each month two are given free to Audible members.My review of each:
Girls & Boys
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Feeding the Dragon
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
Alanna: The First Adventure 4-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"
I thought that one was a lot of fun Paul - I remember enjoying it
My review of Leadership: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read A Spark of Light. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. My review : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
my review of Beach House for Rent by Mary Alice Monroe5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read book 2 in Tanya Huff's vampire series, Blood Trail and reviewed it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2539762383.
Half-Truths and Semi-Miracles is a reissue of Anne Tyler’s 1974 story. If I had a light like this, I’d be tempted to hide it under a bushel, I think, ungrateful so-and-sos.
Link to my review
I have finished Interviews from the Short Century: Close encounters with leading 20th century figures from the worlds of politics, culture and the arts 4 starsIt has 50 interviews to famous characters of the 20th century, from politicians to singers. It was more interesting as I thought, and it was also a pageturner.
Italian/English review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I stuck in After Anatevka: Live, one of the freebies offered this month to Audible.com members.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I explain in my review why I do not recommend it.
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Makes perfect sense what you say. Thanks.