What Are You Reading: October - December 2019

[Book Concierge]

Clock Dance – Anne Tyler – 3.5***
The novel follows Willa Drake, her hopes, dreams, disappointments and joys – over 5 decades, from 1967 to 2017. I like the way that Tyler explores the everyday drama of life. Not much happens – as far as a plot to carry the reader along – and yet much happens in terms of the character’s life. Willa frustrated me for much of this book. She was so passive that I wanted to shake her. I’m glad that by the end she is finally beginning to assert herself, to look at what SHE wants from life and to dare to try to achieve it.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Things You Save In a Fire – Katherine Center - 2.5**
Going into this I knew I was getting a “chick-lit” romance, with a flawed heroine hiding from her feelings due to an earlier trauma. Cassie is a (mostly) strong woman, working in a “man’s” job – even excelling at it. It was a fast read and I was pulled into the story quickly. But I thought the past trauma was handled poorly, and Cassie’s weak-at-the-knees, head-over-heels, hit-by-a-truck reaction just doesn’t ring true to me. Despite its flaws, Center’s novel kept me turning pages, but it’s not a book I’d save in a fire.
My full review HERE

[L J]

Kay Finch's Bad Luck Cat Mystery series. The series holds up fairly well though I thought books 3 and 4 had a couple of problems. Popular trope of small town law enforcement needing amateur help is not a favorite of mine but one with which I can live. Author Kay Finch is a qualified paralegal in Texas and worked for a criminal defense attorney.
Black Cat Crossing4****
Enjoyed the book and the narration by Amy Rubinate. The title cat is a large black cat that roams the area and that some residents believe has been there over 30 years. Sabrina quit her job as a paralegal to help her aunt who has a broken leg. This gives her the chance to work on her dream of writing mysteries. She lives in one of her aunt's vacation cottages. She bakes in the middle of night when she has insomnia. Sabrina adopts the black cat and names him Hitchcock. Sabrina's best friend Ty owns book store with two cats and is able to help her make her writing dream come true.
The Black Cat Knocks on Wood4****
Sabrina's ex-boss comes to town, creating more stress for Sabrina who is trying to work on writing. She doesn't want to get involved in another murder investigation and resists even though a suspect is her aunt's friend but she can't resist when best friend Ty's child asks her to help.
The Black Cat Sees His Shadow 4****
The Pumpkin Festival fills the vacation cabins with vendors as guests and Sabrina's mother has come to the area for a visit. Hectic situation leaves little time for Sabrina to write. Add a vendor that looks like a younger Sabrina, a murder, a kitchen too full to bake in and more. I had one problem with this one. One of the vendors is diabetic and one evening drinks a lot of alcohol. That would be very risky for a diabetic.
The Black Cat Steps on a Crack 4****
Not available in audio. Another entertaining book. Annoying new characters served a purpose and while a little goes a long way with me when it comes to annoying or silly characters, I think most readers will be entertained by their antics. Like book 3 this one had what I consider a glitch due to lack of research. Usually what qualifies one as a librarian in Texas is MLS from ALA-accredited program. If library job didn't require degree I would have liked it to be mentioned, preferably with an explanation. The kindle book has dessert recipes. There were no recipes in the audiobooks but the things Sabrina baked sounded delicious.
Edit: Updated information on book and series after finished reading book four.

[Book Concierge]

Ways To Hide In Winter – Sarah St.Vincent – 4****
This is a tightly written, marvelous psychological / political thriller. The characters are skittish, guarded, and yet reveal themselves by their actions. Kathleen and Daniil recognize in one another a certain similarity – both are running from the truth, both profess to need solitude even a way to hide away, and yet both want desperately to confide and reveal their pain and their hopes. This short novel includes some major issues The landscape is practically a character, and adds to the feeling of isolation, loneliness and imminent danger. The reader is kept in suspense to the very end.
My full review HERE

[L J]

Wrangled Fate 3***
Cecilia Lane

Tansey is a human searching for her missing brother who recently became a wolf shifter. Ethan's a bear shifter rancher. She confronts Ethan because she's been led to believe by wolf shifter motor cycle gang leader that he has information about her brother. It soon becomes evident they were set up. This is a suspense book so can't say much more without risking spoilers.
What I liked: Interesting world, variety of characters and both romance and suspense. This had the potential to be a world where I wanted to read every book but...
What I didn't like: The pacing of romance and suspense plots. Repeated references to same things in characters' pasts, even the secondary characters. It came up so many times that the lion shifter owner of the next ranch didn't like humans that I had to look to see if I was right in my suspicion. Unsurprisingly when he gets his book and meets his mate she's a human.
Due to repetitious character info, at about halfway I started skimming for dialogue and confrontation scenes that would actually move the story forward.
Others may love it but I can only take so much of tragic pasts and angst. I would have liked it more when I was younger but now it probably would have suited me better if it had been the 217 pages Goodreads originally said it was instead of the 318 pages Amazon showed.

[Kimberly]

The Stone Circle, Elly Griffiths

★ ★

What can I say, it is important that I like the characters in a book I'm reading..... I mean, seriously, why bother with people you don't like; in real life you wouldn't even think twice about them!

So, this gal is some type of archaeologist, and she gets a letter from someone who should be dead. She is digging in a local salt marsh and finds an ancient burial site.... then while digging more, she finds a new burial, which turns out to be that of a young girl who went missing many years before.

It seems like everyone in the book are all connected to each other in some manner, like one big incestuous family.

Bronx Cheer!

[Kimberly]

Dead Man's Mistress, David Housewright

★ ★ ★

Although one of the perpetrators was obvious, I enjoyed the main character. He wasn't over written, he wasn't hard-bitten, angry, or a wise-guy. He was pretty down to earth and a decent human being.

When a gallery curator calls McKenzie to find 3 previously unknown paintings of her friend (a well recognized artist's model), given to the model by the artist just before his death that have been stolen a circus ensues.

The model, the artist's wife & the collector to whom she sold the original collection to all claim ownership. In addition a well known maker of film documentaries & his over zealous (annoying) daughter zoom in to make a documentary on the lives of the artist, the model & the paintings, which is being financed by the collector.

To add to the confusion, a local young man (the town's hottie) is found dead by McKenzie, after being identified as the seller of items stolen from the model's home.

On top of all that, there is a tough-nasty cop and a group of nasty local thugs who are responsible for a rash of burglaries.

Things become interesting when a ransom is offered for the paintings, but no one can provide McKenzie with the dimensions or accurately describe the paintings. Even more interesting is the illegal auction of the purported paintings that turn out to be forgeries.

This was a pretty interesting book, it held my interest, I liked McKenzie but not the majority of the other characters.

[Book Concierge]

After You – Jojo Moyes – 3***
A sequel to her runaway hit Me Before You, this brings the reader up to date on Louisa and her efforts to heal from the events in the earlier novel. I can’t say much more because that would spoil the first book. There are no easy, straightforward answers for Louisa, Sam or Lily. Or, for that matter the supporting characters. While the scenarios these characters are dealing with are not situations I have personally dealt with, their emotions ARE familiar to me. I did think that the plot got a little too complicated. Still, this was a very enjoyable sequel to the first book and I’m glad to have read it.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Before I Die – Candy Chang – 3.5***
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Chang noticed the many abandoned, boarded up homes in New Orleans. One such house was in her neighborhood – a daily reminder of damage, devastation, shattered hopes and despair. She was inspired to do something and got permission from the owner and the city to create a piece of public art. Her project brought her neighborhood together as people wrote, read, and discussed the responses, and drew national and international attention. This book chronicles the efforts of people in 40+ countries on six continents to create similar works of art.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Love And Ghost Letters – Chantal Acevedo – 3.5*** rounded UP
Acevedo gives us a wonderful exploration of Cuba from 1933 to 1969. Over the course of the novel Acevedo explores love in its many forms: passionate, within marriage or outside of it, as a teenager, during old age, parental and among friends. The upheaval within the relationships is contrasted nicely against the revolutions and political changes in the country during this time frame.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

All the Stars In the Heavens – Adriana Trigiani – 3.5***
Historical fiction based on real-life Hollywood drama: the love affair between Loretta Young and Clark Gable that resulted in a love child. I like Trigiani’s writing. I like the way she draws the reader in and moves the story forward. I really liked the secondary story of Alda and Luca – their steady love story is a direct contrast to the multiple relationships / marriages / breakups / divorces of the Hollywood stars
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Passing – Nella Larsen – 4****
Larsen was part of the Harlem Renaissance and this book is a marvel of social commentary. In this slim volume Larsen explores issues of black/white identity, of the desire to get ahead and the societal obstacles to that path, of male/female relationships, and female-female rivalries. There is tension, fear, anger, joy, desire and hope. We get a wonderful glimpse of middle-class Black culture in 1920s Harlem.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

The Library Book – Susan Orelan – 4****
On April 29, 1986, there was a disastrous fire in the Los Angeles Public Library. The conflagration reached 2000°F and burned for more than seven hours. It was the single biggest library fire in U.S. history, consuming 400,000 books and damaging 700,000 more. This is the story of the fire, the investigation, and the building / rebuilding of the library. fire, scientists and fire marshals, and family members of the primary suspect. The result is a comprehensive story, not just of the fire, but of libraries in general, and the LAPL in particular.
My full review HERE

[Kimberly]

Mr Campion's Fault, Mike Ripley

★ ★ ★

I know I stated that I'd not read another, but this came in for me from outside the state so.....

Albert's part was boring; his son's, Rupert, & daughter-in-law's, Perdita, were good.

Rupert & Perdita arrive at a school in a coal-mining town to help out after the death of one of the teachers: Rupert as Rugby coach & Perdita as Drama Coach.

The dead man was investigating a poltergeist that rattled & boomed the same house every Thursday night at the same time.

Two hard-core criminals, who were cellmates in Whitehall Prison have gone to ground.

A pair of schoolboys are set upon by a pair of thugs on motorcycles after visiting the local "Witch" asking her to exorcise the poltergeist.

Then Albert arrives, and why it took 3 paragraphs & 2/3 of a page to describe Albert driving over a stone bridge was far far beyond me & so I skipped to almost the end.

But other than Campion being a bore, it was a good story line.

[Kimberly]

The Rest of the Story, Sarah Dessen

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2


This is a Goodreads Nominee for Best Debut/YA Novel:

What a lovely well written story.

Emma (to her father) Saylor to her mother's family.

Emma Saylor's parents met one summer at North Lake; her mother from the working class shore, her father from the summer visitor's shore. After they married & divorced; Emma Saylor's mother died of a drug overdose.

When Emma Saylor's father remarries he leaves Emma Saylor with her mother's family as he & his new wife spend their honeymoon in Greece.

Emma (now Saylor) works hard to fit in with a family she does't remember and just as she settles in her father & stepmother return, but to the other side of the lake for an additional two week stay, forcing Saylor into an uncomfortable situation attempting to move her father into acknowledging the person Emma-Saylor really is & her kinship with her mother's family.

I really enjoyed this book.

[Book Concierge]

Empty Mansions – Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell Jr – 4****
Subtitle: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune. I remember the news coverage when Ms Clark was “discovered” living in a hospital room while her several mansions stood empty. I found this book completely fascinating. And yet … This story made me so very sad for this woman who, for all her wealth, lived such a lonely and limited life.
My full review HERE

[L J]

The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss 4****
by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt
Narration by authors Anderson Cooper and his mother Gloria Vanderbilt added to the book. Hearing Gloria Vanderbilt speak of her life made a greater impact than just reading the words. At times the emotion in her voice almost overwhelms the meaning of the words. She was over 90 when she recorded this and she does not sound young but the age of her voice helps make an impact. Anderson Cooper has a wonderful voice for narration, easily understandable and able to communicate emotion though he often comes off too unemotional. That may be to compensate for the emotional Gloria. Gloria is gone but maybe Anderson will do another book. I think that would be interesting. I think if he were doing a book alone instead of this back and forth "conversation" the emotional tone of the delivery might be more even.

[Book Concierge]

Grace Among Thieves – Julie Hyzy – 3***
Book three in the Manor House Mystery series, starring Grace Wheaton, curator and manager of the estate / museum in the North Carolina mountains. As cozy mysteries go, this is a pretty good series. I like Grace, who is generally calm in a crisis, and obviously competent at her job. She does seem to have a blind spot where romance is concerned but she helps the police find the culprit, further securing her future at Manor House.
My full review HERE

[Kimberly]

Riding the Elephant, Craig Ferguson

★ ★

I really like Craig Ferguson, I loved his show, & I enjoyed his first book... so I wanted to like this book.

But from the beginning I was lost, I just didn't get the point and I didn't find any humor in it. In fact it made me rather sad.

I'll say this for the book, it is thought provoking, but still I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped I would!

[Kimberly]

My Sister the Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite

★ ★

A riveting fast read, but I didn't like the conclusion and I surely did not like the characters they were ugly & shallow.

Ayoola has already killed 3 of her boyfriends, which makes her a serial killer.

So when Ayoola sets her sights on the man her sister, Korede loves, the s#!t gets real.

Korede confides to the patient in a coma, but when he awakens, he talks to Korede about things she has told him. He tells her to warn the man she loves. Which she does but the man turns against her.

Ayoola steps out on her new man going out of town w/ an older married man who gives Ayoola fine gold bracelets.... somehow he dies of a mysterious case of food poisoning and Ayoola returns to her new man, Korede's love.

In the end Korede is forced to choose between the man she loves & her narcissistic sister.

[Kimberly]

Ban This Book, Alan Gratz

★ ★ ★

School Library Books are being banned by the school board at the behest of one parent, a very influential PTA Mom. Although there is a School Board policy in place by which to review a book in question by the faculty & Librarian, it is ignored.

After the Librarian is fired and Amy Anne suspended for keeping the banned books in her locker & checking them out to her classmates, the students take things into their own hands in order to save their right to read.

A very interesting premise & solution to a very common problem.

[[deleted user]]

Kimberly wrote: "

My Sister the Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite

★ ★

A riveting fast read, but I didn't like the conclusion and I surely did not like the charac..."

Did you notice the knives on the lens of the glasses on the cover? You have to look really good. I love it!

[Kimberly]

MsGracie wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "

My Sister the Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite

★ ★

A riveting fast read, but I didn't like the conclusion and I surely did no..."

I did, but you notice the odd way she's holding it, with the blade up?

[[deleted user]]

Kimberly wrote: "MsGracie wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "

My Sister the Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite

★ ★

A riveting fast read, but I didn't like the conclusion an..."

☺Too funny.

[Book Concierge]

Summer At Little Beach Street Bakery – Jenny Colgan – 3***
Book two in the Little Beach Street Bakery series, this is an enjoyable chick-lit romance with food. There’s the usual drama one expects from new-adult relationships, life choices, career moves, etc. Wonderful cast of supporting characters. It’s a fun, fast, light read. Perfect for a vacation read, or anytime you want something entertaining.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

The Prisoner Of Heaven – Carlos Ruiz Zafón – 3***
Book three in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. Oh, I love Zafón’s writing! The book is very atmospheric; I can feel the chill of a wintery wind, smell the candlewax and dust, practically taste the delicacies offered at 7 Portes restaurant. There are twists and turns and changes in timeline that confuse, obfuscate, tease the reader and illuminate the plot.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

I’d Kill For That – Gayle Lynds, et al – 1*
This is a cooperative / team effort among thirteen women mystery writers, each one writing a different chapter. I would have abandoned it but it satisfied a couple of challenges. At least it was a fast read.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

The Game of Silence – Louise Erdrich – 4****
Book two in the Birchbark House series which is about an Ojibwa tribe’s life on their island in Lake Superior. Omakayas is the young girl who narrates this book, which chronicles a year on the island that is today known as Madeline Island. I love how Erdrich depicts these people and their way of life. Not everything is pleasant or easy, but there is room for joy and happiness, for children to explore and learn. I will continue reading this series.
My full review HERE

[Kimberly]

Queen of Bones, Teresa Dovelpage

★ (being generous)

I was so very disappointed: I waited to read this because I loved her first book, but this fell so very very short....

Juan is from Cuba, married to a successful blond real estate agent. Juan left Cuba with one of his best friends (who died on the raft), Juan's other friend, Elsa, never showed up that night to leave with them & bring the provisions she promised.

Juan has an opportunity to return to Havana, he reunites with his friend Victor, now Victoria Sunshine, a well known drag queen... Victoria invites Elsa to lunch w/ her & Juan, but when Juan arrives he finds Victoria dead.

Meanwhile, there is Rosita, who turned to Santeria in order to lure Juan away from Elsa....

I figured out immediately who killed Victoria, but not why....

Other than Victoria who loved everyone; Everyone else was shallow, selfish, & were beyond redemption.

I can say that in the end, everyone except Victoria, got their just desserts!

[Kimberly]

The Kiss Quotient, Helen Hoang

★ ★ ★ ★

Whoo Hoo! All ya'll better hang on to your chonies!

I understand that the book was actually about Stella and her Asperger's Syndrome. Be that as it may; Stella's Asperger's was seriously overshadowed by Stella wanting to learn how to have & enjoy sex, Stella's falling in love w/ Michael, the man she hired to teach her and the lessons.

If I didn't know better, I'd say this was more along the lines of a hot & steamy erotic "Bodice Ripper".

Just sayin'!

[Book Concierge]

The Perfect Ride – Gary Stevens – 2**
Gary Stevens is a Hall-of-Fame jockey and this is his autobiography. He openly and honestly relates his childhood, early training, and path to being one of the top jockeys in the world. I like horseracing and reading about the sport, but this book was frequently boring. I believe Stevens felt the thrill and excitement but he failed to convey that on the page.
My full review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Kimberly wrote: "

Queen of Bones, Teresa Dovelpage

★ (being generous)
.."

Am I a bad person when I love reading your 1-star reviews? LOL

[Peter]

Yuval Noah Harari is one of my favorite contemporary authors. His books are well researched, well written and very timely.

[L J]

Monster in My Closet by R.L. Naquin
2** Stars are mostly for secondary characters and somewhat for the possibilities I see for Naquin universe.

For me this was not a fun read though some of the secondary characters were fun. Halfway through when what I expected happened I'd had enough. I started skimming. I would have quit but I have the next two books and figured there might be info I needed. The book is not one I could enjoy.
POV main character is too close to being TooStupidToLive. There are reasons for her situation but I got tired of things she didn't know that she didn't know. This was more tragic than funny.
Death due to forced orgasm caused by prolonged repeated rape by incubus. Others might say not rape but seemed like rape to me. Yuk! Nothing funny there.
Spouse and child abuse. Something I expect in suspense novels but not book often described as fun.
Reveals were not surprises. I don't think they'd surprise regular readers of the genre. Some might have been fun in a less serious situation.
Many others like this book but it is decidedly NotMyThing.
ETA: I'm sticking with these because I read the short stories in the series and really liked them.

[Book Concierge]

Ordinary Life – Elizabeth Berg – 4****
This is a collection of short stories exploring the role of women and their relationships in contemporary America. Berg writes wonderfully about these women. I understand their frustrations and share their hopes, empathize with their pain and disappointments, and celebrate their triumphs and joys. Their lives may be “ordinary” … the stories, and this collection, are NOT.
My full review HERE

[Kimberly]

The Bride Test, Helen Hoang

★ ★

I realize that this book, like "The Kiss Quotient" was about Khai (Michael's cousin) who is on the Autism Spectrum... but like the first book it was mostly about sex & a relationship, which was for me a distraction from Khai's autism.

Since Khai's best friend & cousin, Andy, died 10 years ago on the way to visit Khai; Khai has been emotionally closed down.

Khai's mother goes to Vietnam to interview & choose a bride for him. All the girls being interviewed end up in the bathroom in tears while Esme, the cleaner, looks on.

When Khai's mother comes upon Esme in the bathroom, Khai's mother automatically interviews Esme & choose her to be Khai's wife.

The book continues back in San Francisco with Khai's & Esme's relationship & the difficulties within.

I never really warmed up to Khai or Esme, which was also why I marked the book down.

[Kimberly]

Finale, Stephanie Garber

★ ★ 1/2

This took me a while to read it. I had originally put it down & left it for two weeks, but I opened it to a random page last night & liked what I read, so I finished it today.

A kingdom left to waste over the release of the fates from an enchanted deck of cards... this is the last of a trilogy. It is up to Donatella, her sister Scarlett & the men they love to save the kingdom from terror, cruelty, & life at the hands of a mercenary, The fallen Star.

It was interesting, but rather long & very dramatic... and, sadly, once again, I didn't particularly like the characters.

So you might ask, what I thought of Books 1 & 2? I haven't read them, and I'm not inclined to. I just picked this up off the shelf because after reading the inside flap it sounded intriguing.

[CJ]

The Freshman Survival Guide: Soulful Advice for Studying, Socializing, and Everything In Between

This book is about the guidelines on how to survive the first year of college. It gives advice ranging from how to be independent to interacting with other students, factually, and staff. Overall, I recommend this book, especially for the readers who are going to be first-year students or currently a first-year student.

[CJ]

Flow

This novel is written by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. This novel talks about his thesis on flow. Throughout he says flow in other variations such as "psychic energy" or "optimal experience". Flow is described as being focused on a certain task and not realizing time has flown by quickly. To achieve flow, one must have an intense focus during their task. Also, Csikszentmihalyi describes making their task feasible. Their goal must not be hard, or the person will be frustrated to attain it. Or the goal must not be easy or they will be bored with it. Overall, this best-seller is a good read for individuals who are interested in psychology or have an autotelic personality.

[Kimberly]

A Lesson in Secrets, Jacqueline Winspear

★ ★ ★ 1/2

Masie is sent undercover to a ferret out the secrets of potential politically dangerous groups and a college that was founded on the precepts & belief of world peace.

The founder, an author of a pacifist children's book, which has been censored by the British Government, is found murdered in his office, his neck snapped.

His very efficient secretary immediately disappears as does her personnel file.... and Maisie uncovers a secret past they share.

The few side stories were ok, but the underlying story of the murdered man was more interesting/ Maisie's back story was boring & I skimmed most of that.

Also what I liked was a very powerful statement on fascism & how its ideology evolves from hatred.

[CJ]

How to Win Friends and Influence People

This book, written by Dale Carnegie, is about various ways to interact with people. Carnegie gives countless examples of how people use his principles to be very successful. I believe his teachings can pave the way for how individuals can communicate with each other. Overall, this book is excellent! I recommend this book for those who are interested in people or public speaking.

[Book Concierge]

Heart of a Samurai – Margi Preus – 4****
This young adult novel is marvelous work of historical fiction based on a real person. Manjiro leaves his village at age 14, only to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and then rescued by an American whaling ship. I really liked this book and how Preus explores prejudice and intolerance, as well as the gifts of curiosity, eagerness to learn and being open to new experiences.
My full review HERE

[CJ]

This book, written by Sun Tzu, is about different ways to attack the enemy. Tzu gives 13 rules on how to use win war. I believe his instructions can show readers ways to win battles. Overall, this book is great to read! I recommend this novel for those who are interested in war or strategy books.

[Kimberly]

A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Very touching and funny

An unhappy man learns about love & family after losing his wife....

Ove had a life of losses, worked hard, was honest & saw the world in terms of black/white & right/wrong.

Months after losing his wife, the only color in his world, he is forced to retire from his job, and almost daily tries to commit suicide, but is thwarted through the needs of his neighbors & the Cat.

Ove grudgingly & curmudgeonly accepts the new neighbors into his life and reconnects with his old ones.

I read this in one sitting, I laughed, applauded, & cried.

[Book Concierge]

The Fact of a Body – Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich – 5*****
Wow. I was completely mesmerized by this memoir / true crime work. Marzano-Lesnevich puts me right into the narrative and I feel invested in both her story and that of convicted murderer, and pedophile, Ricky Langley.
My full review HERE

[Kimberly]

Kimberly wrote: "

A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2



So as I'm sitting here contemplating this book, I realize I'm rather like Ove: I see things as right/wrong & black/white. I do my work & do it well, because that is what one does, their best.

I will help someone, even if I don't really like them, just because I know they need help & it is the right thing to do.
Ayup, I can be a curmudgeon, however, like Ove I have a heart... I tell people: "I'm not nice, but I am kind".

So, I'm glad I read this book, even thought I really didn't care for Britt-Marie... and from the synopsis of some of his other books, I most likely won't be reading those either.