Library Lovers discussion
2020 Reads and Reviews ~ Anything goes
Mod
Dark Remedies
Trent D. Stephens
4/5 stars
This was such an interesting and sad book about the history of Thalomide. The authors trace the drug from its beginning: from the doctor who developed it and who had a questionable history, stories of the families whose children had suffered from phocomelia (malformations of the arms and legs) and to its revival of use in cases of leprosy, multiple myeloma and HIV. I found it to be thoughtful and well written.
French Pressed – Cleo Coyle – 3***
This is book six in the Coffeehouse Mystery series, and I’m really enjoying them. I do think that Clare’s insistence on investigating on her own is a bit over-the-top, but it wouldn’t be a cozy mystery without an intrusive amateur sleuth. This episode really delves into foodie culture which had me salivating in places. Not a fan of the cliff-hanger ending, but that’s a pet peeve of mine. Still, I found it deliciously entertaining – a perfect “escape” read.
My full review HERE
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 4 stars
This was a heartbreaking story of love and loss. From a young age Kya learns that everyone she loves leaves and that story line doesnt change throughout the book. I found the storyline of a 7-year-old girl being deserted and left to fend for herself in a swamp was a little far out. I think I would have liked it better if she had been a little older. I dont think any 7-year-old would have been savvy enough to figure out a way to support herself and the townspeople not doing anything about it, even in the 60's. Also, as a fan of nonfiction crime, I thought the storyline of being charged with murder was not well-done. Even in the backwoods and in the 60's, I dont think someone would be charged with murder with so little evidence to go on. Aside from that, I found the story compelling and wanted her to have a good life. I liked that all loose ends were tied up in the end.
Rise & Shine Benedict Stone – Phaedra Patrick – 3.5***
This is a charming novel of one man’s awakening. Patrick has crafted a sort of modern fairy tale, with a cast of eccentric characters, a romantic quest, the mythology of gems, and a happy ending (of course). It was a delightful, heart-warming read.
My full review HERE
To the Bright Edge Of the World – Eowyn Ivey – 4.5****
This is a marvelous adventure story, and an engaging look at personal growth. Both these lead characters experience heartache and difficulties and yet both persevere in reaching their goals despite obstacles, naysayers and setbacks. I loved the use of diary entries and letters to tell this bifurcated story. The book is full of Native Alaskan people’s culture, traditions, and stories. There are several very strong Native characters. I love magical realism and Ivey seamlessly weaves these elements into her story.
My full review HERE
Mod
Rise & Shine Benedict Stone
– Phaedra Patrick – 3.5***
This is a charming novel of one man’s awakening. Patrick has crafted a sort of modern fa..."
Book Concierge wrote: "
Rise & Shine Benedict Stone
– Phaedra Patrick – 3.5***
This is a charming novel of one man’s awakening. Patrick has crafted a sort of modern fa..."
I like Patrick - adding to my list!
Mod
Many Waters
Madeleine L'Engle
4/5 stars
In this fourth book of the series, the focus is on Dennys and Sandy, the twin brothers of the Murry family. While no one is home they go into their mom’s lab when something happens to them and they are transported back in time. They end up still on Earth but in the time period when Noah and his family are given the instructions to build an ark and only certain people will be saved. Will Dennys and Sandy survive? This was a really interesting book but there are some very adult situations in this book so I find it interesting that it is considered a J (juvenile) book! I would consider it more of a YA book.
Mod
Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man
Mary L. Trump
4.5/5 stars
Mary Trump, niece of Donald Trump and daughter of Fred Trump Jr., writes about life in the Trump family beginning with the patriarch of the Trumps, Fred Trump. Fred Sr. was a cruel, miserly man obsessed with profits and his children were his last priority and seen only as valuable as employees and for what they could do for him. When their mother became ill, they were on their own and were ill prepared for life. Not a long book but filled with crucial details of the Trump family history and a look at the family that shaped Donald Trump.
The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill – Abbi Waxman – 3***
I was predisposed to like this book because it focused on a bookworm. However, while I liked Nina and the other characters, I somehow didn’t really connect to the book. Perhaps I’m just too far past that young-adult / new-adult phase in my life to really immerse myself in the angst of dating, or the romantic missteps we’ve all made in a new relationship. In any case, I still enjoyed it, as I enjoy mind candy (and candy of the edible kind as well), but it just doesn’t stay with me for long, or really satisfy my hunger.
My full review HERE
Ayesha At Last – Uzma Jalaluddin – 3.5***
I had great fun identifying Elizabeth, Darcy, Lydia, Wickham and Mr Collins in this modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, featuring a Muslim couple in Toronto, Canada. Their missteps, misunderstandings, wrong conclusions, and ultimate relationship flow seamlessly from who they are and how they perceive the world. Jalaluddin shows us characters who are faithful and yet living in the modern world, and she doesn’t shy away from exploring work-place (and societal) bias.
My full review HERE
Mod
Ayesha At Last
– Uzma Jalaluddin – 3.5***
I had great fun identifying Elizabeth, Darcy, Lydia, Wickham and Mr Collins in this modern-day retelling of Pride ..."
I liked that book. A nice spin on Pride and Prejudice.
Cats, Cannolis and a Curious Kidnapping
by Cheryl Denise Bannerman
Narrated by Robin Waters
2**
While I liked some things about the book and thought it had potential there are some things about it that may keep me from reading many more in the series. The second one is due out in September so I'll see how I feel after that one.
Short book described as "funny, whimsical, murder mystery series that appeals to 'mystery readers' of all ages" I'd say it is suspense though not the serious thriller type. It certainly didn't feel like a cozy mystery.
Some chapters are from Anna's POV. Some are from the murderer's POV. Some from POV of the police detective. This is "Anna Romano Mystery" book one but I felt I knew more about John, the police detective, than Anna.
Personal Preference: I don't like conveniently incompetent cops or scenes from POV of murderer.
(view spoiler)
Narration by Robin Waters was not perfect but it made this easier to follow. In print the chapters usually start with no indication of POV but Robin Waters voiced the characters differently enough to indicate POV character.
ETA: I've been giving this some thought and if I think of this as a police procedural rather than a cozy it works better for me.
Mod
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Stuart Turton
4/5 stars
This is the most interesting, suspenseful and intricate supernatural murder mystery, I have ever read. Evelyn Hardcastle is murdered at a party in the country. No one knows who has done it but there are certain guests at the party who need to find the murderer and they only have so much time to find him/her or else they will suffer the consequences. There are so many twists and turns that you may need to take notes especially if you want to keep track of the characters and the plot.
Mod
Housebroken: Admissions of an Untidy Life
Laurie Notaro
Laurie Notaro is an unconventional wife, mother and writer. She writes about her everyday experiences from trying on Spanx, snooping in her husband’s journal and her love of Twinkies to name a few, with no shame and makes you laugh and smile a lot. I would read more of her books!
Pride, Prejudice And Other Flavors – Sonali Dev – 2.5**
This retelling reverses the roles of Elizabeth and Darcy. Set in modern-day San Francisco it features neurosurgeon Trisha Raje (in the Darcy role), and master chef DJ Caine (in the Elizabeth Bennet role). I did like DJ, but Trisha is just a hot mess. In general, I think the author was trying too hard. Perhaps if she had just focused on the Bollywood-movie style romance without trying to force the elements of Austen’s classic into her story this might have worked better.
My full review HERE
Mod
An Acceptable Time
Madeleine L'Engle
4/5 stars
In the fifth book of the series, the focus is on Polly O’Keefe, granddaughter of Alex and Kate Murray. Polly is spending the summer with her grandparents. Her friend, Zachary, who is ill comes to visit. When an unusual occurrence happens, Polly and Zach are transported from their time to another time in the same location. The grandparents are upset and don’t want them to take off to see if it happens again. However Zach has heard of the mystical healing of the people who live in that time period and wants to return and they end up there not knowing if they can get back. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and this was probably the best of the five I read. She has written more but I think I’m ready for a break from this series for the time being.
Ted Bundy: The Killer Next Door, Steve Winn and David Merrill4 stars!
This is the book I guess I have been looking for all along when it comes to the Ted case. Told me all the interesting details I've never seen anywhere on the lives and personalities of his victims, the hassles faced by investigators in the wake of the crimes and a very colorful account of the courtroom antics of everyone involved. All the interesting stuff, no dullsville repetition of court transcripts. And here I find some real evidence behind Ted's last-minute statements that alcohol had a lot to do with the progress of his life. Not a boring or irrelevant line in here. Read it by all means.
Mod
4 stars!
This is the book I guess I have been looking for all along when it comes to the Ted case. Told me all the inte..."
Sounds interesting!
Mod
The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
Erik Larson
5/5 stars
I love Erik Larson and he does not disappoint in his newest non-fiction book recounting the first year of WWII. The book mainly centers on Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England as he and the country wage war against the Nazi Regimen and as he tries to get help from President Franklin Roosevelt. Larson also recounts the lives of Winston’s family and friends during war time and the British citizens as they deal with food shortages, bombing raids, death and destruction and trying to work amidst the German air raids and bombings. Larson’s books are so interesting, that I can’t wait for his next book.
The Summer is Ended and We Are Not Yet Saved, Joey Comeau5 stars!
I was leery of this one because everyone said great things about it, almost a sure sign I won't like it. It's great to be wrong sometimes. I read this with a disbelieving, delighted grin as the story got loopier and more wonderfully violent. Every page, nay, every word was pure delight.
Something Fresh – P G Wodehouse – 3***
Book One in the Blandings Castle series, featuring the elderly Lord Emsworth, his son Hon. Freddie Threepwood, and his trusty secretary, Baxter. This was a delightful romp and crime caper/comedy. Wodehouse excels are writing ridiculously plotted societal comedies that poke fun at the aristocracy and just about everyone else as well. There are unlikely disguises, attempts at hiding identities, and a variety of funny missteps along the way. Just great fun to read.
My full review HERE
Claimedby Evangeline Anderson
2** (but with caveat)
This got 2** not 1* because it's not a total loss and I can see how some people might like it. The grammar, spelling and sentence structure were better than some others I've read. The idea was interesting but I was bored with the book. Decidedly not my thing. I was expecting humorous SF romance but this is more angst than humor, more erotica than romance, and while there are SF elements they are odd and some I found disturbing such as the use of living animals as furnishings and the religious conflict between the AllMother Kindred and AllFather Scourge.
At 48% I started skipping through because I could not endure more descriptions of body parts. I was bored with description of his equipment by about third time and with the description of hers and her clothing at least as soon if not sooner. I was bored with the characters. I was bored with the story/plot or lack there of. Some things that were probably supposed to be funny I found to fit "so stupid it's not funny" category.
The second half of the book did have more story but this was too little, too late. Really too little as most non-romance plot(s) were glossed over or went nowhere.
The romance of the two main characters is complete at end of book but other relationships are up in the air, though it's pretty obvious where they are going, and SF plot is cliffhanger, evidently a series story arc. If you're looking for erotica you may want to try this since last I knew it's free on Amazon in kindle format. If you are looking for SF romantic comedy this may not be what you are wanting. The author's website shows 50+ Kindred books and more than one Kindred series with more species of Kindred added as they go along but I doubt I'll read any more books in any Kindred series.
I am so ready to be finished with reading these books I agreed to read and get back to reading authors and series I'm familiar with and know I like. I'm surviving by re-reading favorites or parts of favorites when I just have to have a break.
Mod
More Than This
Patrick Ness
5/5 stars
This book centers on Seth. He grew up in England but after his brother died, the family moved to the Pacific Northwest. Between his brother’s death and a personal issue that scandalized him and his family, Seth decides to kill himself. However, after he does try to drown himself, he wakes up and there is no body at home and there is no one in the town he lives in except for Regina and Tomasz who he befriends and the mysterious Driver who keeps trying to chase them down. I read this in a few days because it was so compelling and hard to put down!
Mod
Man in the Empty Suit
Sean Ferrell
2.5/5 stars
The man in the empty suit is a time traveler and has returned home to celebrate his birthday in New York City with versions of himself from years past. But when one of his versions is killed, the main character hides out with Lily, a young, poor woman taking care of a man with physical and mental disabilities while he figures out what to do. I had a hard time suspending disbelief while reading this one. I didn't understand why there were so many versions of him and why were they trying to kill him. I did like his relationship with Lily, the young woman he befriends but overall I can’t recommend it. There is a book called The Man in the Empty Suit but haven't read that one.
Mod
Dead Presidents: An American Adventure into the Strange Deaths and Surprising Afterlives of Our Nation's Leaders
Brady Carlson
4/5 stars
Brady Carlson, reporter and NPR Radio Host traveled around the country with his son tracking down a number of dead presidents' graves, looking into the manner of their deaths and how they were remembered. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved all the trivia. I definitely recommend this book.
Booked For Trouble – Eva Gates – 3***
Book two in the Lighthouse Library mystery series focuses on Lucy Richardson’s socialite mother, Suzanne. She may be intent on getting Lucy back in Boston, but Lucy loves her library job and has two potential suitors on Bodie Island. This cozy is full of literary references and peopled by an interesting array of secondary characters, including the cat, Charles (Dickens). An enjoyable read, and I’ll continue the series.
My full review HERE
Mod
Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies
J.B. West
5/5 stars
J.B. West was the Chief Usher of the White House from 1940’s in which he worked for the Roosevelts until his retirement a year or so into the Nixon’s’ first term in the White House. His role (along with his staff) was to assist in the daily lives of the president and his family which included planning social events, renovations to the White House (and each President’s wife had their say so in those changes) and supervising the staff. Each President had a budget for the White House but that did not cover all their expenses which they then had to pay for themselves. This was well written and a wonderful look at the Presidents’ wives and their roles in the lives of their husbands and country.
Mod
Bambi: A Life in the Woods
Felix Salten
4/5 stars
This is the original tale of Bambi written by Felix Salten and the source material for Disney's film. Bambi grows up in the wild with his mother and other animal friends while trying to avoid the danger from other animals and hunters. I thought this was wonderfully written and enjoyed the illustrations and I felt it was a pretty realistic depiction of life in forest for the animals.
I had decided to read this book after reading The Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt who talked about the book being an allegory of the treatment of Jews in Europe. According to Wikipedia - " ... it was subsequently banned in Nazi Germany in 1936 as "political allegory on the treatment of Jews in Europe."https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bambi,_...."
Mod
The Penguin Lessons
Tom Michell
4/5 stars
Tom Michell recalls his time in South America as a traveler, a teacher and an owner of a penguin. Tom is traveling in Uruguay when an oil spill occurs. He witnesses thousands of birds entrenched in oil, mostly dead except for one penguin who is still alive but coated with oil. He makes a decision to rescue him and clean him up. He christens him Juan Salvador and Michell takes him to his new assignment in Argentina, teaching at a boy’s school where all the students adore Juan. What a delightful story of survival and friendship!
Mod
Bizarre Romance
Audrey Niffenegger
3.5/5 stars
This is a compilation of odd, dark short stories by Audrey Niffenegger (author of The Time Traveler's Wife) and with illustrations by her husband Eddie Campbell. I enjoyed it. A fast read!
Death Of a Winter Shaker – Deborah Woodworth – 3.5***
Book # 1 in the Sister Rose Callahan cozy mystery series, set in a Shaker community in 1930’s Kentucky. I really enjoyed this mystery. Woodworth has given the reader some very interesting and complex characters. Rose is determined, clear-thinking, intelligent and tenacious. And I learned a little about the Shakers.
My full review HERE
Dark Chocolate Demise Jenn McKinlay - 4***Book #7 of the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries
Scottsdale, Arizona, may not be the liveliest place on earth, but it's never been as dead as this. Hundreds of fans have gathered together for the first annual Old Town Zombie Walk, and Mel, Angie, and the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew are donning their best undead attire to sell some horror-themed desserts to the hungry hordes.
This series is not Pulitzer Prize winning material but they're so fun I love reading them. This isn't the best so far, but still fun and makes me smile.
Be Frank With Me – Julia Claiborne Johnson – 4****
This is a delightful, engaging novel. The characters are complex and the author deftly handles the difficulties of dealing with such an unusual situation. While no specific diagnosis is ever given, it’s clear that Frank is on the autism spectrum. He is the catalyst for the book’s most hilarious … and heartbreaking … moments. I love a book that leaves me wanting more, and this definitely did that. I can hardly wait to read what Johnson writes next.
My full review HERE
Mod
The Two Faces of January
Patricia Highsmith
4/5 stars
A couple of con men, Chester MacFarland and Rydal Keener, along with McFarland’s wife, Colette travel to Greece. When MacFarland kills a Greek who reminds him of his father, they have to get out of Greece fast. However, another tragedy occurs and the group then splits up to leave Greece on their own before being arrested. Good story and a fast read! It was later made into a film.
The Red Address Book – Sofia Lundberg – 2.5**
I am so over the dual time-line device in historical fiction! Just tell the story. This seemed very disjointed, what with the drama occurring in present day – both Doris and Jenny have some serious problems – and the drama of her great lost love in the past, I just never felt connected to these characters or to the story.
My full review HERE
The Jackal
by J.R. Ward
Jim Frangione narrator
4**** because I will read it again
I did kindle book and audio.
I usually read the Black Dagger Brotherhood books as soon as I get my hands on them but put this one off for two weeks. A friend told me it was darker than usual and I wasn't in the mood.
Dark isn't the term I'd use for the book but I can see why she said it. I plan to read again for details as second reading does not have as much emotional impact on me as first reading. This is setting up a spin-off series so it has some first book in series problems.
Did I like it? I liked characters. The plot was interesting. The book was interesting but I'm not sure like is a term I would apply to the book as a whole. Outside a series I am already reading this is not the type of book I usually choose to read.
When I think dark I think dark night thunderstorm and there was some of that. To me it was part sad, part sweet, part horrifying and part hopeful with some surprising and interesting information that should lead to major changes in Vampire society. (view spoiler) I'm used to BDB books that cause me to smile or even laugh, at least occasionally. I didn't laugh and don't remember smiling. Overall, to continue the weather metaphor, it's more like a dreary day than a dark night thunderstorm.
I think the Prison Camp series will be interesting but I am disappointed in the BDB and the King. I know they were fighting a war but how, with friends as well as enemies in the glymera, was this allowed to go on? This is not the first time we've seen the King and the Brotherhood abysmally not just ignorant but oblivious to Vampire society as a whole and that bothers me, probably more than it should.
Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson – 5***** and a ❤
Jacqueline Woodson is an award-winning author and poet. This memoir of her childhood, growing up in the turbulent 1960s is written entirely in free verse. The language is appropriate and accessible for the target middle-school audience, but eloquent and complex enough to engage and interest adults.
My full review HERE
Mod
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Jonathan Safran Foer
4/5 stars
Oskar Shell, a young man whose father was killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11 finds a mysterious key that belonged to his father. He takes on as his mission to find what that key would unlock and finds himself meeting and interacting with people he would never have met and overcoming some of the grief of his father’s death. What a nicely written novel - recommended!
Mod
Strangers on a Train
Patricia Highsmith
5/5 stars
Two men meet on a train and get to talking about their lives. Charles Bruno then proposes a scheme in which Bruno kills Guy Haines’ wife and Guy kills Charles’ father. Not thinking that Bruno is serious, he leaves the train and later on finds out his ex-wife has been brutally murdered and now Bruno has re-entered his life pressuring him on the deal he feels he made with Guy. Excellent read and compelling to the very end!
Mod
Theft by Finding: Diaries 1977-2002
David Sedaris
4/5 stars
David Sedaris opens his life to his readers with his diary entries from 1977-2002. The entries relay the often bizarre world of David’s and his thoughts about life, his family, his work and the strange people and events he encounters. This is definitely for Sedaris fans. If you haven’t read any of his other books - you might want to read some of those before you open this book.
Hill Country Mysteries: Books 1-3
by Verena DeLuca Pen name for Sabetha Danes & Nicholi (NAK) Baldron
4**** because I would re-read if they ever proofread and edit
A Fresh BrewFirst book in new series. Interesting characters and ideas. Coffee shop, Aconite Cafe, with "What's your poison?" theme. Cat is actually a dragon.
Couple of things bothered me. Victim died on Friday, coroner declared it accidental, funeral on Monday. That's awfully fast. Nothing said about incompetent coroner.
At one point the cat is described as a fluffy Bombay black. Bombays are domestic cat breed with sleek black fur and lithe body. I suppose one could get fat but these cats intentionally look like miniature panthers, decidedly not fluffy. They need to do some research.
A Bitter Cup: A Dragon Cozy MysterySomeone is poisoned with aconite in the Aconite Cafe. More secondary characters are added and it's great to have more information about secondary characters but there's still too little information about main character, Hailey. Why is there so little information about Hailey? I feel like I know more about Azure the dragon than Hailey. Azure is wonderfully entertaining but I'm wondering about the gourmet cat food he eats. Salmon with Lemon is his favorite but that seems an unlikely commercial flavor as most cats are repelled by citrus scent. Liver and Onions is also mentioned but onions are not considered to be good for cats.
Rainbow Mocha: A Dragon Cozy MysteryMystery in this one is who is "tagging" businesses in town and why. What is being done is not tagging. It's urban art, which is a combination of street art and graffiti and in this case the graffiti is not the tagging type. They need to do some research.
Errors seem to be increasing not decreasing. It irritated me that new employee at Cafe name switched back and forth between Kendrick and Kindrick. Since I was already irritated, other word errors similar to what I passed over in previous books irritated me in this one. The funniest: What happens when you petal a bicycle? Do you scatter petals in your wake like over enthusiastic flower girl at wedding?
5***** concept undermined by 2** execution. I still like the ideas, characters and setting but the mistakes are beginning to irritate me. They need to do more research. If they can't proofread their own work they need to find someone who can. If you are bothered by writing mistakes skip these unless or until they are edited.
Book 4 Purrfect Roast: A Dragon Cozy Mystery which was supposed to be out in July is no longer listed on Amazon.
Book 5 Bury the Cups: A Dragon Cozy Mystery was supposed to be out in August. Amazon still has it listed as Book 5 with October date.
I couldn't connect to any of their author or publisher websites or social media pages.
They still have a BookFunnel listing. Downloaded
Coffee, Dragons & Poison: The official secret menu for the Dragon Cozy Mystery Series. Even this had errors. Brewed coffee and French press are on the menu as separate items but Hailey makes a big point about how bad non French press brewed coffee is and they use a French press. Authors don't seem to have kept it updated with new recipes as they said they would. It does have some information about some of the characters and their favorite coffee drinks.
Mod
Enduring Love
Ian McEwan
4/5 stars
Joe Rose and his girlfriend are spending time hiking in the countryside when a hot air balloon comes flying across the sky with the passengers struggling to maintain the flight. They run to the balloon to help, along with a passerby, Jed Parry. They try to help but one of the passengers falls to his death and the child is swept away in the balloon but later found. They are upset but leave to resume their lives but unfortunately Jed, the man that helped has now become obsessed with Joe Rose and will do everything he can to intrude in his life, upsetting his relationship with his girlfriend. This is a fascinating look at a stalker's victim and how it affects his life and his relationships.
Olive Again – Elizabeth Strout – 4****
The book is character-driven and Strout excels at revealing these characters by their actions and conversations with one another. I just love Olive, even if I don’t much “like” her. I can’t really say she’s mellowed much as she ages, but there is something so real, so vulnerable, so recognizable in her. I think there’s definitely some of me in her (or some of Olive in me).
My full review HERE
Go See the Principal – Gerry Brooks – 2.5**
Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal in Lexington, Kentucky. Apparently, he’s also a YouTube celebrity of sorts. I don’t have any children. I’m not a teacher. It’s been a long time since I’ve personally been in school of any kind, let alone elementary school. I would probably have found this funnier if it was closer to home and I could relate. As it was, I thought it was more “instructional” than entertaining.
My full review HERE
Long Road To Mercy – David Baldacci – 4****
This is a fast-paced mystery / suspense / thriller with a kick-a** female heroine – or two. I really liked FBI agent Atlee Pine, who is physically and mentally strong, intelligent, determined and well able to take care of herself, and others. But I loved her assistant, Carol, who rises to the occasion and shows that she’s more than up to the task of besting the bad guys. This is a team to watch!
My full review HERE
A Short History Of Nearly Everything – Bill Bryson – 3.5***
Well, the title pretty much gives you a synopsis of what this nonfiction work is all about – “nearly” everything. Bryson allowed his curiosity about scientific discoveries to lead wherever it might take him, and he organized his findings in a somewhat chronological order (hence the “history”). It is information, if dry, at times. It’s also entertaining, even funny, in places.
My full review HERE
Mignonette by Joseph Shearing
4 stars!
I was enthralled by this book and its brain-rattling plot twists. They were only as twisty as they were because the protagonist was utterly clueless and never saw anything coming before it was too late. But the fact is, even when I thought I saw what was coming I turned out to be wrong. This should go down as a "terror in daylight" classic. Beautifully written; full of prophetic omens and magical moments.
Mod
Boy Swallows Universe
Trent Dalton
4/5 stars
Set in Australia in the 1980’s we find brothers Eli and August Bell living with his mother and Slim, a friend that watches over the family. Life is not easy for the family, the father is in jail and they have little resources to live on. The Bell family keeps hanging on when the boys go to live with their dad after he is released while their mother ends up in jail and now Eli is now being targeted by Tytus Broz, a criminal/drug dealer. This is definitely a wild romp and you will have a hard time putting this down!
Library Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
Most Likely to Succeed (other topics)Ashfall (other topics)
News of the World (other topics)
Simon the Fiddler (other topics)
The Best of Richard Matheson (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Richard Matheson (other topics)Richard Matheson (other topics)
Richard Matheson (other topics)
Richard Matheson (other topics)
Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (other topics)
More...
Get Shorty – Elmore Leonard – 3***
This was just plain fun. I’d never seen the movie (starring John Travolta as Chili, and Gene Hackman as Harry), so had no real idea what to expect, other than a wild ride. And Leonard definitely delivers that.
My full review HERE