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2020 Reads and Reviews ~ Anything goes
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner’s Daughter – Loretta Lynn & George Vecsey – 3.5***
This autobiography takes the reader from Loretta’s birth to stardom. Originally published in 1976, the 30th-anniversary edition includes a forward with some additional information. I found this very interesting. She tells her story in a forthright and honest manner, relating both the good and the bad.
My full review HERE
Immortal Angel
by Lynsay Sands
Narrated by Emma Wilder
4+****
I don't think Wilder has narrated Lynsay Sands book before. She does distinct voices. Lucian Argeneau appeared early in the book. The way Wilder pronounced Lucian threw me off. At first it sounded like Lu Chen to me and I wondered who that was but I soon realized who it was. In another voice she did, it sounded like Lu-chee-in and when I went back I realized that was what she was saying all along.
Despite the problem with narration in the beginning I enjoyed this. It was somewhat predictable but I think that is because I've read Lynsay Sands for years so I pick up on clues. The story was a good one and fits well in the series story arc.
The couple ranks as one of my favorites in the series. Both G.G. and Ildaria have trauma in their pasts that are still troubling them but they get help and deal with the problems without becoming angsty.
I already plan to re-read this.
It's Not All Downhill from Here by Terry McMillan4 stars
I dont read a lot of fiction but Terry McMillan is one of my favorite chick lit authors. I love her writing style. It moves along quickly, it is smart and sassy. I loved that this book dealt with women friendships later in life, through marriages, divorce and death and dealing with grown up children. I would not say this is my favorite Terry McMillan book but it kept my interest throughout.
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards – Lilian Jackson Braun – 3***
Book # 1 in a cozy mystery series featuring James Qwilleran, a newspaper reporter in an unnamed Midwestern city, and an extraordinary Siamese cat, Koko. I love cozy mysteries, and this is a great series. Qwilleran is a good amateur detective. As a reporter he is appropriately curious and has a great excuse for gathering information. No talking cats, here, still I like the way that Braun uses Koko to help Qwilleran. A totally satisfying cozy mystery read.
My full review HERE
Mod
Edward L. Ayers
4/5 stars
This is part of the Great Courses series and covers the history of the American South. This comes with a Course Guidebook and DVD lectures covering 100 years of the struggles of African Americans that they undergo while living and working in the United States. Very informative, eye opening and interesting. Ayers narrates the DVDs and does a great job of it.
Mod
Edible Stories
Mark Kurlansky
4/5 stars
This is quite an interesting book. Kurlansky has written 16 tales (short stories) and each one highlights a different food. The stories are quite odd but it kept my attention to see how they end and I loved that all the characters were quite different with their own personalities and quirks! I have read several of Kurlansky's non-fiction books and loved them but I never knew he wrote fiction too.
Privileged Information by Tom Alibrandi and Frank Armani4 stars!
This showed me a side of the legal profession I never really suspected. Silly me, I thought that whole issue of attorney-client privilege was settled centuries ago, but it wasn't even really addressed until the hideous Garrow case, in the wake of the Watergate scandal. The attorneys involved did things I cannot really understand and boy, did they ever pay for it. A fascinating read that involves problem drinking, fistfights between co-counsel and how to ruin your life by taking the wrong criminal case.
Shadows in Death
by J.D. Robb
narrated by Susan Ericksen
4****
Most important thing to say about Shadows:
I'm not a believer in trigger warnings but this deserves one because of something unexpected in a J.D. Robb book. If you are disturbed by animal abuse brace yourself or skip this one. This is not a case where the animal is rescued or escaped and is saved.
While the death does not take place on stage it is described in detail. After that, the reader learns about the animal in such a way that she becomes a real character as is common in these books when it comes to human victims. A previous animal kill is repeatedly mentioned but there is less detail and it took place a couple of decades before.
As a former rescuer and fosterer I know there's risk in placing an animal and I've seen bad results of placement so this hit too close to home. I do not believe these events and how they are treated is a bad thing but it was hard to hear.
This is one of the in Death books that is pretty much work from crime to capture. The scenes at An Didean and the scenes with Summerset contributed more to the ongoing story arc than additional romance scenes would have.
Otherwise Shadows is pretty much as expected, though a bit more farfetched than some.
I gave this 4**** because I would re-read but probably not the whole book.
Mod
Ready for a Brand New Beat: How Dancing in the Street Became the Anthem for a Changing America
Mark Kurlansky
4/5 stars
In this book, Kurlansky explores the phenomenon of how Motown and the song “Dancing in the Street” changed music in a turbulent time in the US in the 1960’s. Kurlansky also explores the events of the time period including the rise of the Beatles, Vietnam, the Civil Rights Act and changes in politics. Kurlansky is never boring to me and I enjoy his unusual book topics!
Mod
Hardcore Twenty-Four
Janet Evanovich
3.5/5 stars
Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter is on the case when bodies show up without any heads. Diesel, a former associate shows up to help in the case to track down the killer. There is never a dull moment in Plum’s life.
The Siege4/5 stars
Historical fiction about the siege of Leningrad by Germany. Made me realize I take food and heat for granted.
Buttercream Bump Off
by Jenn McKinlay
narrated by Susan Boyce
4****
I read these for the humor more than the mystery which is a good thing because (view spoiler) Like many cozy mysteries these are fun but the romantic comedy elements make them funnier.
The main characters are movie buffs but the quotes and references don't seem as prominent as in the first book. Don't worry if you aren't a movie buff. They are explained with many well known enough to need little explanation.
The number of laughs make up for the things that bother me. These people close and take off whenever they want despite one of the worst things for a business is not being open posted hours. It also bothers me how many of the characters have and wear designer label clothes like it's not that big of a deal.
I made a chart of the characters when listening to first book, Sprinkle with Murder, because there are so many and they are connected in so many ways. I didn't look back at the chart but it helped to have it in mind as I listened. Some new fun characters appear in this book who I hope will appear in future books.
A couple of transitions left me briefly lost but that probably wouldn't be a problem in print version. I wish someone would come up with way to indicate time and setting transitions in audio books.
L J wrote: "Buttercream Bump Off
by Jenn McKinlay
narrated by Susan Boyce
4****
I read these for the humor more than the mystery whic..."
I love the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries. I read them when I need a break from life.
Mod
The Underground Railroad
Colson Whitehead
4/5 stars
This is the Pulitzer Prize winning book by Colson Whitehead about the life of Cora, a slave on a planation in Georgia. Cora is able to escape her planation with a fellow slave, Caesar who has knowledge of the Underground Railroad and the book follows her life in those turbulent times. Wonderfully written, it pulls you in the minute you start reading!
Return to Virgin River
by Robyn Carr
narrated by Thérèse Plummer
4****
Nice to catch up with Virgin River and Grace Valley characters. Not quite as much fun as I hoped for but Carr often has very serious themes. The dogs and cat were wonderful. The end was a bit scanty on detail. I think scenes with the puppies' placement would have been a great addition with the chance to see more of Virgin River and Grace Valley characters. I would have liked another chapter or two or at least a more informative epilogue.
(view spoiler)
In some ways this was what I expected in a Virgin River Christmas book with both main characters dealing with loss and the holidays, helping each other and being helped by the Virgin River family.
Parts were also similar to Carr's chick lit books with a group of strong women helping each other cope with life. A helpful man or two who stand with them.
Mod
Vanish
Tess Gerritsen
4/5 stars
Jane Rizzoli is a homicide detective and is on the verge of having her first child at the hospital when she is entrapped into a hostage situation with a woman who was brought into the hospital in a body bag but still alive. Gerritsen weaves a tale of desperation that keeps you reading on to find out what is going on!
Out of the Dark
by David Weber
Charles Keating is good choice for narrator
5*****
Audio re-read of book I've read several times. Sequel is due out January 2021.
I know many, possibly most, did not like this but I love it. My eclectic reading means I'm comfortable with the various genres this blends. It's part Dean Ing techno thriller, part W.W. Johnstone post-apocalyptic adventure, along with a good dose of Fred Saberhagen. Another part of my fondness for it is probably due to my rather odd sense of humor.
Those who don't like it complain that reveal is not foreshadowed. Not true. Romania. (alien blast) "shook the Carpathian Mountains." Wallachia. Resistance leader introduces himself as Mircea Basarab and is described in detail. How many clues do you need? Admittedly if you've never read or seen movie about him you might not know but not noticing is not same as not there.
Aliens very slow to understand why the humans don't surrender. Instead of hacking into government systems to spy they would have been better off watching Die Hard and Independence Day.
Mod
Every Secret Thing
Laura Lippman
4/5 stars
Alice Manning and Ronnie Fuller were childhood “friends”. After being kicked out of a birthday party they ended up walking home. On the way they find a young baby on a street porch alone. Thinking it was abandoned they took the child and hid her and the baby ends up dead. The two girls are convicted and the story picks up from their release from juvenile detention. Now another child has disappeared and the girls are suspected in the case. Compelling story!
Fair And Tender Ladies –Lee Smith – 5*****
Ivy Rowe tells her story from her parents’ meeting to her old age through letters she writes to her friends and family through the years. Ivy is curious and adventurous, intelligent if lacking education, forthright, determined, and self-reliant. She makes mistakes and deals with them. She observes the workings of the world as it changes around her but remains true to her tiny corner and her mountain ways. Her letters are full of every emotion of life – hope, despair, joy, sorrow and love.
My full review HERE
Espresso Shot – Cleo Coyle – 3***
Coffeehouse Mystery series book # 7 finds Clare Cosi in the uncomfortable position of catering a wedding reception for a bridezilla who seems to attract danger. I like this series. It’s populated with a nice cast of recurring characters. There are plenty of suspects and some twists and turns to keep the reader (and Clare) guessing. I find all the references to foodie culture and explorations of different cuisines, desserts and beverages (including various coffees) entertaining.
My full review HERE
Mod
In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox
Carol Burnett
3.5/5 stars
Carol Burnett talks about her show The Carol Burnett Show, highlights some of the famous guests who appeared on it, her fabulous cast and some of her favorite episodes during the eleven years of the show’s run. Definitely for fans of her show! I enjoyed it.
Mod
Compulsion
Jonathan Kellerman
3/5 stars
Alex Delaware, psychologist, hooks up with his old colleague Detective Milo Sturgis to search for a missing young woman, tries to solve the cases of an ex-school teacher who was killed in her driveway and solve the cases of two dead women found in a beauty shop. Are the cases linked and who did it? Full of details, you will be guessing to the very end. Not my favorite book of the series but never boring!
The Highwayman:: Larry Eyler, the Hoosier Highway Killer, Brian Lee Tucker2 stars
This was a mercifully short read; I finished it up in about half an hour. Not sure what the author was going for here because there was nothing to the book but detailed, gruesome description of most of Larry Eyler's murders, with no background on the victims, how he met most of them, what was going on in Eyler's life that might have made him want to kill someone. I'm not even sure whether to put this on my Nonfiction shelf because so much of the book was interior monologue from the killer as he plunged his knife into a guy's head or disembowelled him. Did Tucker just make it up or did it come from Eyler himself? How would we ever know? NOT an uplifting read.
Death Roads: The Story of the Donut Shop Murders, Orvel Trainer3 stars
This was well-written and compelling but ultimately hard to finish because the family Trainer wrote about was just so vile and depraved. I wanted to scrape them off my skin under a hot shower. Those poor, poor young women. Nobody should have to die like this, and the kids in this family should never have been exposed to any of this ugliness, let alone brought along in the family station wagon so Dad, Mom, Granny and Gramps can teach them the tools of the serial-murder trade. Guh.
The Highwayman:: Larry Eyler, the Hoosier Highway Killer, Brian Lee Tucker2 faintly nauseated stars
This was a mercifully short read; I finished it up in about half an hour. Not sure what the author was going for here because there was nothing to the book but detailed, gruesome description of most of Larry Eyler's murders, with no background on the victims, how he met most of them, what was going on in Eyler's life that might have made him want to kill someone. I'm not even sure whether to put this on my Nonfiction shelf because so much of the book was interior monologue from the killer as he plunged his knife into a guy's head or disembowelled him. Did Tucker just make it up or did it come from Eyler himself? How would we ever know? NOT an uplifting read.
Mod
When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People
Jeannie Gaffigan
4/5 stars
In 2017 Jeannie Gaffigan loses the hearing in her one ear. Putting it off because of just being too busy, she finally goes to the doctor and finds out that she has a brain tumor and must undergo brain surgery. Her husband Jim cancels all his concerts, takes over the household and gathers up all her family and friends to help out. Very heartwarming and at times very funny!
Mod
Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White
Tim Reid
4/5 stars
Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen talk about their lives as stand up comics and as the first comedy duo who were interracial. This was a fascinating look at their lives growing up, how they met and started to perform together, how audiences responded to them and how they ended up eventually parting ways. Tom remained a comedian and was the opener to Frank Sinatra concerts while Tim moved on to TV in WKRP in Cincinnati and Frank's Place. This book is still relevant today.
Chase Darkness with Me: How One True-Crime Writer Started Solving Murders, Billy Jensen5 stars!!!
This was a truly phenomenal read. It's not just a true-crime story. It's a how-to book for anyone with online access to start collecting the information that can be used to clear any sort of unsolved case. Missing people. Bodies without names. Rapes. Murders. I felt as I read that I was riding the same rollercoaster Jensen is on every day, because Jensen is a damned good writer on top of everything else. Don't miss this one, whatever you do.
Mod
5 stars!!!
This was a truly phenomenal read. It's not just a true-crime story. It's a how-to..."
Sounds interesting!
Mod
Barely a Lady
Eileen Dreyer
3.5/5 stars
During the War of 1815 in Europe, Olivia Grace who is divorced from her husband finds him unconscious on a battlefield in the enemy's uniform. Despite her misgivings, she rescues and brings him to the place where she is staying with friends and relatives. When he wakes up he does not remember their divorce and tries to resume their relationship but he is still in danger and they cannot reveal his condition or where he is at to others. Romance fans will probably enjoy this!
Mod
When Breath Becomes Air
Paul Kalanithi
5/5 stars
This is the wonderfully written autobiographical book by and about Paul Kalanithi’s life and his struggle with cancer which ends his life at the age of 36. The epilogue written by his wife lets the readers know what occurred at the end of his life. I am probably one of the last to have read this book but it was so inspirational and thought provoking that I had to praise this to all of you have not read it.
Thirteen Moons – Charles Frazier – 5*****
Frazier’s sophomore effort returns to the rural Carolina landscape, covering nearly a century from the 1820s to the very beginning of the 20th century. The tale is told by Will Cooper, who as a twelve-year-old orphan was sent into the wilderness as a “bound boy.” It’s a marvelous story, and beautifully told. Will’s life is full of adventure and opportunities, as well as peril and mistakes. Frazier puts the reader into an America that is long gone but vividly portrayed. On finishing, I find that I want to start again at the beginning, savoring every word.
My full review HERE
A Discovery Of Witches – Deborah Harkness – 4****
Book one of the All Souls Trilogy introduces the reader to Diana Bishop, descended from a long line of powerful witches, but uninterested in learning to use her magic skills, and Matthew Clairmont, who is a renowned vampire. It’s a combination of fantasy, romance, suspense, mystery, and historical fiction. I was engaged from page one and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
My full review HERE
Mod
Blindman's Bluff
Faye Kellerman
4/5 stars
A gruesome killing of a billionaire sends LAPD Peter Decker and his crew investigating the family and the people he surrounded around himself. It has been awhile since I read the an installment of the Decker and Lazarus series and I really enjoyed it!
A Bend In the Stars – Rachel Barenbaum – 3***
A debut work of historical fiction set in 1914 in Russia and featuring a brother and sister who are brilliant scientists determined to succeed and worried about escaping. I think the many subplots were a bit too ambitious. I was interested, but I was exhausted by the constant danger, and longed for peace for the characters and for me.
My full review HERE
The Nickel Boys – Colson Whitehead – 5*****
In the 1960s Jim Crow South, a young man on his way to college makes a life-changing mistake and winds up in the notoriously draconian Nickel Academy reform school. I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved how the relationships between the boys at Nickel developed, how they helped one another even when they could not understand one another. The last part of the novel moves forward in time when one of the boys has grown up and is in New York. But while he’s achieved a measure of success, he is still haunted by what happened in his youth. Whitehead’s use of this structure made the pivotal scene all the more impactful.
My full review HERE
Mod
The Nickel Boys
– Colson Whitehead – 5*****
In the 1960s Jim Crow South, a young man on his way to college makes a life-changing mistake and winds up in th..."
I am glad you liked it. This is on my TBR list.
Presumed Innocent – Scott Turow – 4****
This is a fast-paced story with several twists and turns and lots of political and personal intrigue to keep the reader guessing and turning pages. Turow’s tight writing gave me the sense of suspense and impending doom that I expect from a mystery/thriller like this. The final reveal is a bit of a stunner.
My full review HERE
Julie – Jean Craighead George – 3***
Book two of the Julie of the Wolves series, has our heroine returning to her father’s home and trying to reconcile the traditional Eskimo ways with the newer structure of village corporations, industry and working with the white man. The push/pull of old vs new, of childhood vs adulthood, of nature vs business form the central conflicts in the story.
My full review HERE
Mod
Presumed Innocent
– Scott Turow – 4****
This is a fast-paced story with several twists and turns and lots of political and personal intrigue to keep the r..."
Loved the movie-can't remember is I read the book!
Mod
Warden Ragen of Joliet
Gladys A. Erickson
5/5 stars
Despite the age of the book (published in 1957) and the subject, this is a book that I had a hard time putting down. In this true story, Warden Joseph E. Ragen was encouraged to take over the Stateville Prison and the Old Prison in Joliet, Illinois because of conditions at the prisons and the incompetence of an earlier warden. The book discusses the time period, some of the famous criminals in the system and the reforms that Ragen instituted to turn around the prison and encourage good behaviors in the prisoners. Highly recommended!
Julie wrote: "Warden Ragen of Joliet
Gladys A. Erickson
5/5 stars
Despite the age of the book (published in 1957) and the subject, thi..."
I read this one too, anf loved it!
The Girl Who Drank the Moon – Kelly Barnhill – 4.5****
This is a delightful fantasy / fairy tale that deals with prejudice, fear, the importance of family, and the courage to do the right thing. I loved these characters (a witch, a swamp monster, a tiny dragon, and a magical child) and their “family dynamic.” While it’s aimed at the middle-school crowd, it is easily enjoyed by adults.
My full review HERE
Julie wrote: "Warden Ragen of Joliet
Gladys A. Erickson
5/5 stars
Despite the age of the book (published in 1957) and the subject, thi..."
Sounds fascinating ...
The Last Stone, Mark Bowden4 stars
This excellent read gave me new respect for the difficult work detectives do, especially cold-case detectives who often have very, very little to work with. I never heard of this notorious case before picking up this book and I came away feeling that there is much, much more to know, if only the right person were to come forward and speak. My heart goes out to the family of the two girls -- one of whom was almost exactly my age and might be a grandmother by now if she had lived -- because no matter what they imagined had happened, the truth was probably worse. Some people in this world just need to be kept in chains and tormented with pointed sticks. This book describes some of those people.
Mod
Warden Ragen of Joliet
Gladys A. Erickson
5/5 stars
Despite the age of the book (published in 1957) and th..."
You may have recommended this. I had put this on my list when I read a review of it on Goodreads.
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground – Rita Williams-Garcia – 4.5****
This was wonderful on so many levels, from the history of the blues to the serious work of grieving over the loss of a family member to the need to face our troubles and talk about problems so that we can understand and forgive one another. Appropriate for middle-school readers and adults.
My full review HERE
Archangel's Sun
by Nalini Singh
narrated by Justine Eyre
5*****
Series Story Arc
The world is recovering from the War and rebuilding has begun but there are yet more horrors left behind by the two Archangels who tried the steal the world for themselves.
Sharine
Still thought of as The Hummingbird by angelkind, Sharine is much more. While the dreamy artistic Hummingbird still lives within her, Sharine is an ancient who never succumbed to sleep, who suffered loss after loss after loss and didn't break. The Hummingbird who most thought broken is revealed as just an aspect of the Sharine in Archangel's Sun.
Titus
Despite having a renowned General for a mother, four strong successful bossy nosy older sisters, women warriors, and countless ex-lovers and want to be lovers who adore him, Titus is a bit baffled when it comes to Sharine. It's fun watching as Titus, expecting The Hummingbird artist, gets to know the strong, capable, insightful Sharine.
Stayed up late last night, finished this morning, ready to read again.
Doña Barbara – Rómulo Gallegos – 3.5***
This classic of South American literature was first published in 1929. It is an epic tale of two cousins who are fighting for control of a vast estate / ranch in Venezuela. The novel is an early example of magical realism and Gallegos weaves together adventure, fantasy, and romance, using vivid description and outlandish storytelling. The various outdoor scenes were particularly exciting – I could practically taste the grit and feel the dust in my nostrils. If there was any element that made me downgrade the rating, it was the tendency towards melodramatic soap opera.
My full review HERE
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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 ..."
Such a great book!
The Siege by Helen Dunmore
4/5 stars
Set in Leningrad 1941-42.
The story of a family trying to survive harsh conditions of no food and freezing weather while living in a city under siege by Germany. This book isn't a history lesson about Russia or Germany, or reasons for the siege. It's a story about survival.