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2019 Reads and Reviews ~ Anything goes
The Devil and Winnie Flynn – Micol Ostow – 1*
I read this only because I needed to fulfill a challenge for a paranormal read, and this YA novel was readily available at the library. Basically it’s a “woo-woo” teen horror flick book. I rolled my eyes so often I made myself dizzy. Didn’t find anything scary about it. Dialogue was stilted. And basic premise was terrible.
LINK to my review
The Marseille Caper – Peter Mayle – 3***
This is book two in the Sam Levitt crime caper series. Think James Bond with less danger and more emphasis on enjoying life. Beautiful (and smart) girls, fantastic yachts, private jets, mansions with gorgeous sea views, political intrigue, sumptuous repasts, and good wine. A fast, fun, romp of a comedy crime caper that reminds me how much I will miss Peter Mayle.
LINK to my review
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Wait Till Next Year
Doris Kearns Goodwin
4/5 stars
Goodwin relates her life around the major events of the 1950’s including her love of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the hope that they will win the World Series, the changes in her neighborhood and her life in the Catholic Church. I thought this was wonderfully written and enjoyed learning about that time period through her eyes.
Blind Justice – Bruce Alexander – 4****
Alexander has written a mystery featuring a real historical figure: Sir John Fielding. I loved the characters in this book and found myself looking up various references to real people to get more back story. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. I’ll keep reading this series.
LINK to my review
I’ll Give You the Sun – Jandy Nelson – 2**
It’s been nominated for a slew of YA awards and I can see the attraction for the target YA audience, but not my cup of tea. I found it over-written and melodramatic. Not a fan of the dual timelines/dual narrators device either, which, in this case, just served to confuse and drag out the story line.
LINK to my review
The Midcentury Kitchen: America's Favorite Room, from Workspace to Dreamscape, 1940s-1970s by Sarah Archer 
5 stars
I suppose this is not actually a biography of kitchens, but for the purpose of the challenge that's what I am going to call it. The book shows the evolution of kitchens in America from the 1940's to the 1970's. Lots of pictures and I even found a picture of a Pyrex casserole dish like the one I have had since the 1970's. Just a fun book to look at and I read most of it in a day.
Evicted – Matthew Desmond – 5*****
Subtitle: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Fascinating. Frustrating. Horrifying. Compassionate. Informative. Distressing. Enlightening. Desmond thoroughly explores the effects on impoverished residents of being repeatedly evicted and contrasts the plight of the poor with the profits made at their expense.
LINK to my review
The Disappearing Spoon – Sam Kean – 3***
Subtitle: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements. Who could have imagined such a volume written about that chart that hangs in every high school chemistry classroom? Kean’s enthusiasm and fascination for the periodic table comes through. But, it was just too much even for this admitted science geek. Some parts were far more interesting to me than others.
LINK to my review
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The Rose and the Yew Tree
Mary Westmacott
5/5 stars
Written by Agatha Christie under a pseudonym, this story is narrated by Hugh Norreys who knows all the participants in this unusual tale. When Hugh is summoned by John Gabriel now known by as Father Clement, Hugh is shocked by the revelation. John Gabriel was a scoundrel and social climber who was a hero in the war and was running for election when Hugh first met him. However, when John meets the lovely Isabella, whose family Hugh is staying with, everything changes for John. I really enjoyed this book, the characters, the storyline and the surprise ending.
Julie wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Julie wrote: "
News of the World
Paulette Jiles
4/5 stars
After the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd is at l..."
Thought you might like News of the World. Such good reading.
To Kill and Kill Again, John Coston4 solid stars!
Just re-read this one for the first time since it originally hit the newsstands in paperback. I erased my old review because it was written by another me, a brain-dead me who missed the point of just about every page in this book. I hear you saying, yeah, yeah, another serial killer story. But read it anyway. Everything about this story is unusual, and it has the unlikeliest ending imaginable. Some of the imagery is weird (e.g. "wilted perfume"), but no weirder than the guy this story is about. At all costs, read this one.
Mod
4/5 starsThe Dog Stars
Peter Heller
4/5 stars
Years following a massive flu epidemic and the death of his wife, Hig finds himself adrift despite the company of his dog and his neighbor. With his wife gone, there is nothing to live for anymore. After his dog dies, he decides to take his plane for a final ride leaving his friend to take care of his property. He lands in an area and finds a father and a daughter trying to eke out a living on their plot of land and stays with them where he makes his decision of what to do with his life. I enjoyed Heller’s book Celine and this one too. Looking forward to reading more of his books!
Mod
Alice in Quantumland: An Allegory of Quantum Physics
Robert Gilmore
2.5/5 stars
This is an allegorical book that is supposed to help teach you the different aspects of quantum mechanics by following Alice around as she encounters the different theories. This got very high marks but this is not for everyone. I had taken physics many decades ago but had lost that knowledge since it was never my major field of study. I think someone studying beginning quantum physics now would benefit from reading this cleverly written and illustrated book.
The Map of Salt and Stars – Zeyn Joukhadar – 4****
Joukhadar uses dual story lines (2011 and 12th-century Syria) and two young heroines to tell this story of family, loss, perseverance, grief, love and success. I liked both Nour and Rawiya, and loved some of the supporting characters. I preferred Nour’s modern-day story, probably because I’m less inclined towards “fairytales” at this stage of my life. Still, Joukhadar gave me a compelling read with well-drawn characters and some interesting parallels. At one point Nour reflects on a scar left on her leg: Life draws blood and leaves its jewelry in our skin. This novel doesn’t draw any blood, but will definitely leave its mark on the reader.
LINK to my review
The Heist Society – Ally Carter – 3***
First in a series featuring Katarina Bishop, born into a family of art thieves, but desperate to get out of the family business. Or is she? This is a fun, fast, young adult novel with a likeable main character and a totally implausible plot. I did like the intricate plotting, and was glad that the romance was kept somewhat on the back burner.
LINK to my review
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street – Helene Hanff – 4****
In a follow-up to her hugely popular 84 Charing Cross Road Helene Hanff takes us to London. Written as diary/journal entries on her first (and last) trip to the city she had dreamed of visiting. Definitely read 84 CCR first, but you’ll want to read this one as well … especially if you’re planning a trip to London.
LINK to my review
Re-read Make Room! Make Room! for a challenge at Apocalypse Whenever. An future dystopian epic of where overpopulation and global warming are taking us. So much more depressing than I remembered. Watching the horrifying movie version, SOYLENT GREEN, actually cheered me up quite a bit.
Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream by Doris Kearns Goodwin3 stars
This is Doris Kearns Goodwin's first book, first published in 1977 and reprinted in 2015. Doris is one of the best known writers of presidential books and in typical fashion it is quite long and detailed. Doris worked for LBJ and so had a personal connection to him. Because of this I was surprised that she dwells more on the political side of him and not very much on the personal aspects. She goes into detail about his childhood, relating how his early childhood shaped his adult characteristics, but barely mentions his personal life after his marriage. His children are only mentioned once, in the epilogue. But then, I think this book was only meant to explore one aspect of his presidency, what his hopes and dreams were for the country.
Julie wrote: "4/5 starsThe Dog Stars
Peter Heller
4/5 stars
Years following a massive flu epidemic and the death of his wife, Hig finds himself ..."
I enjoyed this one. Read it last year.
Julie wrote: "Wait Till Next Year
Doris Kearns Goodwin
4/5 stars
Goodwin relates her life around the major events of the 1950’s including her love..."
Sounds like a fun read!
Mod
Less
Andrew Sean Greer
3.5/5 stars
In this Pulitzer Prize winning book, Arthur Less is in the doldrums. His former lover is getting married and he needs to leave town before the wedding. Les is an author so he books as many literary events and readings around the world so he doesn’t have to face up to the fact that he is turning 50 and not in a relationship. Probably not the funniest book I ever read but a highly enjoyable novel and I would read him again.
The Arrangement – Sarah Dunn – 4****
Somehow, I had the impression that this was going to be a fun, farcical comedy of manners type book. It isn’t. There are some scenes that are quite entertaining, but by and large this is a pretty serious look at modern marriage and the work of commitment – to your partner, to your child, to your values. I thought it was interesting that Dunn gave the couple the added responsibility / stress of an autistic child. My sympathies changed through the book as a result of how they interacted with their son and each other.
LINK to my review
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Cat's Eye
Margaret Atwood
5/5 stars
This is the fictional story of the artist Elaine Risley. Going back and forth through different time periods, Risley relates her life as a child in Canada during WWII and tells of her life as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend and artist through good and particularly bad times. Wonderfully written and relatable to most women, I had a hard time putting this down.
Cooking For Ghosts – Patricia V Davis – 2**
I expected a chick-lit light story with some ghosts and recipes to add flavor. The basic premise might be good, but it failed in execution for me. I did like some of the history / background of the RMS Queen Mary, though.
LINK to my review
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Mrs Jeffries and the Silent Knight – Emily Brightwell – 2.5**
In general, I like this cozy series set in Victorian London and featuring the somewhat clueless Inspector Witherspoon and his house staff, who do much of the investigative work, while giving him the credit. However, I’m noticing how repetitious it is – not only from book to book, but within one book. Well, at least they did sometimes talk about Christmas decorations and shopping for presents. And it was a Christmas carol that gave Mrs Jeffries the “clue” she needed to solve the case!
LINK to my review
Second Honeymoon – James Patterson & Howard Roughan – 1.5*
Book two in the “Honeymoon” series featuring FBI agent John O’Hara. I’ll say this about Patterson (and his co-writers): He knows how to craft a thrilling plot that keeps the reader turning pages. On the other hand, the writing is simplistic, and the characters are straight out of central casting. The two serial killers didn’t really work for me. Seems the authors couldn’t come up with enough material for either of these storylines, so they combined them to give us a sufficiently long book.
LINK to my review
Picture Miss Seeton – Heron Carvic – 3***
What a fun romp of a cozy mystery! Miss Seeton is a retired art teacher who has just inherited a cottage in the village of Plummergen, Kent. Whether she’s in London or Plummergen, she and her trusty umbrella do manage to wind up in the middle of all sorts of altercations. A bit slow to start, but once I got used to the style, I was hooked. Miss Seeton is a hoot, and I want to keep reading this series.
LINK to my review
Becoming – Michelle Obama – 5*****
Michelle Obama’s memoir / autobiography takes her from her childhood through college, her first years as an attorney, meeting Barack and their time in the White House as President and First Lady. Through her words I felt that I really got to know this remarkable woman.
LINK to my review
Three Wishes – Liane Moriarty – 3.5***
Moriarty excels at exploring relationships within an ensemble group of characters. Here she looks at the Kettle sisters, a set of adult triplets, their partners and their parents. As she did in Big, Little Lies Moriarty begins at the end, and then backtracks to lead us up to that climactic event. It's a story of sibling rivalry, and love found / lost / and found again. A fast read and quite entertaining.
LINK to my review
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Becoming
– Michelle Obama – 5*****
Michelle Obama’s memoir / autobiography takes her from her childhood through college, her first years as an attorney, meeting B..."
On my list to read!
Boomer by Jim Olson5 stars
A coming of age story partly based on the author's real life experiences. Written as fiction but reads like nonfiction. Part of the book is about growing up in small-town Minnesota during the 60's and childhood relationships. In the second half the main character goes to Viet Nam. The main character does not always make wise decisions and all of this comes together to show how family, friends, environment, and traumatic life experiences shape us.
Mod
The Clockmaker's Daughter
Kate Morton
3.5/5 stars
A multi-layered tale told over several generations beginning with Elodie, a young archivist who finds a case with a sketch book and an old photo of a beautiful woman in it. The author takes the readers on a journey, back and forth throughout several generations to find out the history and the story behind the photo. Good read but sometimes I had trouble figuring out what time line I was in since it was not a straight narrative.
Mod
Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World: The Twin Towers, Windows on the World, and the Rebirth of New York
Tom Roston
4.5/5 stars
This is the history of the restaurants in the Windows on the World which resided in the Twin Towers/ the World Trade Center in NYC and was created/developed by the restaurateur, Joe Baum. Roston gives the readers a behind the scenes look at the restaurants in the WTC and the people who ran them. He also talks about the history of the city during that time period and the tragedy that still affects people today. Sad but a compelling read.
The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam – Chris Ewan – 3***
Charlie Howard is a successful mystery author, writing a series that features a professional burglar, Faulks. As a sideline – and I guess you could call it research – he also occasionally accepts a commission to steal certain items. This was a highly entertaining mystery. I couldn’t help but think of Lawrence Block’s Bernie Rhodenbarr series, but the comparison is a good one. The pace is quick, the characters interesting, and the charms of Amsterdam (a city I have visited) evident.
LINK to my review
Our Man In Havana – Graham Greene – 4****
A delightful send-up of espionage / spy thrillers, starring a hapless vacuum cleaner salesman whose daughter has expensive tastes. Wonderful supporting cast of shady characters, corrupt police officials, and clueless bureaucrats. A nice romantic twist and a not-to-be-believed ending. Great fun, though the British humor is a bit dry. I've never seen the movie, but kept picturing Sir Alec Guinness in the lead role.
LINK to my review
Nobody’s Perfect – Donald E Westlake – 3***
Dortmunder’s gang is back for their fourth “can’t fail” scheme. This time the “victim” has arranged the theft as part of an insurance scheme. Westlake has a way of putting obstacles in the path of his loveable gang of thieves that just tickles my funny bone. I enjoy watching them scheme, and how exasperated Dortnumder gets with Kelp’s attempts to “help.” I was somewhat disappointed in the cliff-hanger ending, however.
LINK to my review
Burglars Can’t Be Choosers – Lawrence Block – 3***
This is the first in the series starring Bernie Rhodenbarr, a professional burglar with loads of charm. I love this series, and this is a second reading, though I didn’t remember any of the plot, so the twists were all a surprise to me. I like Bernie as a character. He’s smart and nonviolent. The plots are intricate and the supporting characters a delight. And I love the way Block writes about New York City; I really feel as if I’m walking the streets right along with Bernie.
LINK to my review
Mod
The Madwoman Upstairs
Catherine Lowell
3.5/5 stars
In this fictional story, Samantha Whipple is a descendant of the Bronte family on her late father’s side. After her eccentric father, who was a writer passes away she decides to go to Oxford to study. She supposedly has an inheritance of Bronte memorabilia that nobody can find until it starts showing up, a piece at a time at Oxford. I enjoyed this fast, light read and it makes me want to read some bios on the Brontes.
Vinegar Girl – Anne Tyler – 3***
A retelling of Shakepeare’s The Taming of the Shrew that doesn’t quite work. Tyler shines when she explores relationships, but here she has to find a plot to adequately mirror the bard’s play. Not her strong suit and it detracted from the relationships. Some things to like about it, but overall ‘meh’.
LINK to my review
Funny Cide – Sally Jenkins – 3.5***
In 2003 an unlikely horse, from an unlikely stable owned by a group of high-school buddies won the Kentucky Derby and captured the hearts of America. This is his story. Jenkins does a good job of weaving together the various stories behind the horse: breeder, owners, trainer and jockey. I particularly liked the way she wrote the build-up to the Derby and Funny Cide’s amazing win there. I felt the excitement all over again. The only thing missing was a mint julep.
LINK to my review
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For All the Tea in China: Espionage, Empire and the Secret Formula for the World's Favourite Drink
by Sarah Rose
5/5 stars
This is the story of the lengths that England and the British East India Company went about to monopolize the tea industry away from China. Robert Fortune, gardener, botanist and plant hunter was sent by England to secretly gather plants from China to send to India (where England had British Rule). Aiding him in the transplantation of the plants (besides some Chinese citizens) was the newly invented Wardian case, a predecessor of the terrarium. This was definitely a hard to put down book. So interesting!
The Flight of the Maidens – Jane Gardam – 4****
In the summer of 1946 three young women prepare themselves to head off to university and explore the world beyond Yorkshire, England. What I love about Gardam’s writing is the way she paints her characters and shows us who they are. Gardam changes point of view from chapter to chapter to give each girl a chance in the spotlight. Still, while Leiselotte’s journey is the most wide-ranging and full of surprises, I’m not sure I ever really got to know her and felt that her story was somewhat tacked onto that of the other girls.
LINK to my review
The Last Days of Night – Graham Moore – 4****
Moore’s novel is historical fiction that focuses on the question of genius, and the war between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse on WHO invented the light bulb and was entitled to power the country. I was completely captivated by the narrative. The characters fairly leapt off the pages. Moore also does a fine job of setting the scene. In short, it was fascinating, engaging and illuminating.
LINK to my review
Mod
The Last Days of Night
– Graham Moore – 4****
Moore’s novel is historical fiction that focuses on the question of genius, and the war between Thomas..."
This sounds very interesting!
Mr Mercedes – Stephen King – 4****
Book Number 1 in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, featuring retired Detective Bill Hodges in an unnamed Midwestern city. King is a masterful writer and he doesn’t disappoint in this thriller / police procedural. The reader always knows who the perpetrator is, but that doesn’t lessen the suspense as Hodges and his assistants race the clock to solve the puzzle.
LINK to my review
The Good Thief – Hannah Tinti – 2**
An orphan with a missing hand falls in with a group of scam artists / thieves in early 19th century New England. I had heard good reports of this novel and I was intrigued by the premise. Tinti captured my attention at the beginning and certainly kept me reading, but I found it very dark and distasteful. The scenarios, schemes, and twists in the plot just seemed like a list of “what will be next to befall this kid.” Tinti does give the reader a real sense of the time and place. I also really enjoyed Mrs Sands and descriptions of life in her boarding house. But in the end, the things I liked didn’t quite make up for what I didn’t like about it.
LINK to my review
Legion, William Peter Blatty4 stars!
This one was much, much better than I dared to hope. A perfect Halloween read about settling old scores while contemplating the meaning of evil and how to overcome it. This book is the basis of Jeff Dahmer's favorite movie, EXORCIST 3. See it and then read this novel. You won't be sorry.
Mod
4 stars!
This one was much, much better than I dared to hope. A perfect Halloween read about settling old scores while contemplating the meaning of evil ..."
Added to my reading list!
The Family Next Door: The Heartbreaking Imprisonment of the Thirteen Turpin Siblings and Their Extraordinary Rescue by John Glatt4 stars
This was all over the news a couple of years ago. The husband with the Captain Kangaroo haircut and his wife who kept their 13 children prisoners in their house, chained them, beat them and starved them, didnt educate them so that even the children who were adults were afraid to escape. Even the neighbors had no idea what was going on. The craziest thing was that the father filed with the state of California as a private school, not just a home school, and no inspections were done. Eventually one of the children did escape and when the children were discovered the were emaciated, filthy and smelly. This is the worst case of child abuse I have ever read about and I hope they are all doing well now. This was a quick read, which I was glad about, because who would want to spend a lot of time reading about this case. I only have one complaint and that is that once the children were found the rest of the book is mostly repetition of what we have already been told.
Celebrity Ghosts and Notorious Hauntings by Marie D. Jones 3 stars
I can really appreciate the research that went into this book and the organization. About half way it started to sound the same, just the location was different and I tired of reading of places I was probably never going to visit.
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News of the World
Paulette Jiles
4/5 stars
After the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd is at loose ends. His..."
Both of those books were very good. I have been pretty lucky with my book choices this year!