What did you read in ~ February 2020

[Alias Reader]

What books did you start the new decade with ?

Here is the Folder to tell us what your monthly reads for February 2020 were.

Please provide:
~ A GoodReads link
~ A few sentences telling us how you felt about the book.
~ How would you rate the book

[Alias Reader]

I thought I was going to be able to finish another one for February . However, I didn't make it.

So I only finished one this month.

Unsheltered--Barbara Kingsolver
Fiction
Rate: 2/5 Did not meet expectations.
I've enjoyed her books in the past, but this one was a miss for me.
I found one of the main character so whiny to the point she got on my last nerve. The plot started off with an interesting premise but the author just couldn't seem to pull this one off.

[John]

The Extra - an Israeli novel featuring a woman returning to Israel for an extended stay after living in Europe for a long time. Setting and characters were well done, although I didn't really like the protagonist much, nor her (frankly creepy) relationship with her ex. Three stars overall, perhaps rounded up a bit.

The Last Train to Zona Verde: My Ultimate African Safari - I had been putting off this travel narrative by Paul true for quite a while, finding that my hesitation was justified in the end. I have never been to Africa, while he has spent extensive amount of time there, but I knew from the beginning that his overall plan would prove unfeasible. Two stars from me for being unrelentingly grim.

French Exit - a novel with potential, but in the end I wish I'd abandoned it. Difficult to tell whether the mother and son were sad (pathetic) or selfish? Both, I suppose; never had much in interest in either. Best part for me was the father re-incarnated as a cat. Two stars.

[madrano]

It looks as though both of you had a mediocre reading month. I’m sorry to read that. At least you got to tick some books off your list.

John, love the last sentence of your Exit review. Funny when that’s a highlight.

I will post my list later today.

[Alias Reader]

Sorry this month wasn't the best for you, John. Still, I enjoyed reading your reviews. Negative reviews are as important to me as positive ones when it comes to selecting books for my TBR.

[madrano]

Being “with cold” and no US tv gave me plenty of reading time.

A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge by Terry Shames. I continue to appreciate the pace and characters in this contemporary mystery series about a small west Texas town. In this book, one of the sheriff’s neighbor’s mother has died but left him with a sense the neighbor herself was in danger.

High School by Sara Quin and Tegan Quin. The authors are well regarded Canadian singers who have written about their high school days and their discoveries about their sexuality. It was a mixed bag for me—much of the writing was good but after awhile i felt as though they were just looking at their journals, sharing details about parties, drugs and friends. (I often feel this way about autobiographies, btw, with the thus-far worst offender being Peter Coyote’s Sleeping Where I Fall: A Chronicle .) Younger fans and other teens would probably like it more than i did, which is not to say i disliked it.

Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson. Written in the 1920s or 30s and set in England, this oldie is about what happens when a long term resident of a small village writes a “novel”, based on real people. It’s an endearing book and first in a trilogy, although i’m not called to read further.

Murder Takes the Cake by Gayle Trent. Frankly, this one was a mess, so i was surprised to learn it is the first in a somewhat successful mystery series. First of all, describing cake decorations didn’t really work for me— i felt photos of the finished product were in order. Worse, the main character was just too nosy for my liking, and not in a cute way.

The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I guess i’m in the minority on this bestseller. I absolutely savored the descriptions of museums, libraries and cabinets, of course. However, i found the mystery tedious, too long, and by the end i just didn’t care what had happened.

The Revolution of the Moon by Andrea Camilleri. While seeking a short history of Sicily I found this historical novel about the then-Spanish colony’s first female Viceroy, a Spanish citizen whose Viceroy-husband’s dying wish was that she be named his successor. And she was...for 28 days, at which time the Catholic Church objected to her because part of the job entailed acting on their behalf & they didn’t want to set a precedent for women. It was only a so-so novel but the scant history mentioned in back was remarkable. The real woman managed to pass a number of acts which enhanced female status (including finding dowries for poor women) and supporting trade guilds. As far as i can tell there is no biography of her.

Holy Wild by Gwen Benaway. Petra mentioned this book of poems last month & i sought it out. The author wrote poems during her year of prepping to becoming a female, first with medications, up to the final operation. I felt many of the poems were on-target for all woman. Additionally, because she is a tribal member, her colonial associations between those two aspects of her life were well presented.

Dead End Street andDigging Up History by Sheila Connolly. I really like this mystery series, set in a Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society. With almost every mystery in the series there is a point when i want to volunteer myself to look through the old papers mentioned to help search to find answers. It’s almost frustrating to me that i cannot! I have never felt that way in other mysteries. Clearly, i need to find some volunteer research opportunities! (I have read the first of other series by her, such asThrough a Glass, Deadly, written under the pseudonym Sarah Atwell. As with other series by her, it did nothing for me. Go figure.)

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. My husband & i read this together, as we’d seen the series on PBS years ago. I found it delightful and informative about life in one small British town in the 1800s. Most of the characters are older single women, except the narrator, who visits on occasion. My husband was not nearly as happy with it because the events were small, nothing major. Naturally this is exactly what pleased me.

The Gone Dead by Chanelle Benz is a novel about a woman returning to her late father’s Mississippi home, 30 or so years after his death. Her dad was a poet and activist during the Civil Rights movement. One mystery was why he returned to the town, having success in NYC, another was how did he really die. I liked the story and felt the cadence was right for the setting.

Death in Springtime, Death of a Dutchman and Death of an Englishman, short mysteries, by Magdalen Nabb. Set in Florence, Italy, the protagonist is a Sicilian detective stationed north, who is a stickler for details, which are always the keys to solving the case. The 2nd & 3rd, which i had to read first, due to library holds, failed to give me a sense of the city. The first, however, was perfect, as two British detectives are part of the case & their notes on the city were dead-on.

In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination by Margaret Atwood. As a fan of Atwood’s poetry, it was a pleasure to read the autobiographical first part. Then there are essays on science fiction books and writing, which i found thoughtful. In all it was a pleasure to read the thinking Atwood shared.

Behold, Here's Poison by Georgette Heyer. Another in her Country Home mystery series, set in Great Britain in the 1920s. The dialogue is of the era so there are times i’m not sure what’s meant but it’s fun to read, nonetheless. In this one, the head of a wealthy household is found poisoned with nicotine but no one can figure out how.

Injury Time by Beryl Bainbridge. John mentioned Bainbridge last month & i wanted to give her work a try. What a mixed bag. There were LOL moments but times i wanted to throw the book at one of the primary characters. I won’t be running to my next Bainbridge novel but there will be one.

Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker. I liked this mystery, set in a contemporary small town in southern France. This first book of the series introduced readers to Bruno and his gentle work organizing parades and youth events. Then a murder, an awful one with nationalist overtones. However, the story also covered WWII history as well. Well written, making me glad we’ll be visiting France soon.

The Clergyman's Wife: A Pride and Prejudice Novel by Molly Greeley. This was my favorite book of the month. The novel takes the story of a minor character from Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Lucas, who married the Bennett family’s eventual heir, an unctuous clergyman. It sweetly looked at her patience with her husband’s obsequious behavior toward his employer, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Introducing a local farmer to the story allowed the author to introduce doubts Charlotte entertains. Anyone who long wondered about this Jane Austen character would find it worthy of the original, imo. For me, Greeley depicted her perfectly. In some ways the story & writing reminded me of Anne Tyler’s novels.

[Julie]

madrano wrote: "Being “with cold” and no US tv gave me plenty of reading time.

A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge by Terry Shames. I continue to appreciate the pace and characters i..."
You got a lot of reading done. Added Greely's book to my list. I do love to read old authors and Heyer can be a fun read. I will have to look and see if the Cranford series is available.

[John]

madrano wrote: "Being “with cold” and no US tv gave me plenty of reading time.

A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge by Terry Shames. I continue to appreciate the pace and characters i..."

Sorry to hear Injury Time wasn't more of a hit, guess the LOL moments must be what stuck with me? At least the ending is... decisive.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "Being “with cold” and no US tv gave me plenty of reading time.

A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge by Terry Shames. I continue to appreciate the pace and characters i..."

Wow ! I'm glad you were able to read while sick. Usually when I am sick I can't concentrate.

[madrano]

Alias, I’m not one for reading when I’ll. I must admit to really missing English speaking tv at the height of my woes.

John, the ending was perfect for the character!

Julie, i also just got Longbourn, written about a servant in Austen’s Bennett household, by Jo Baker. While i wondered less about them, i figured i would give it a go.

[Julie]

madrano wrote: "Alias, I’m not one for reading when I’ll. I must admit to really missing English speaking tv at the height of my woes.

John, the ending was perfect for the character!

Julie, i also just got [boo..."

I added that to my list too!

[Annette]

The Woman in the Green Dress

3/5 I like fast moving stories, but the characters and events could be better developed. It feels like everything is just scratched at the surface and it keeps jumping from one person to another, at least at the beginning. It gets better developed later in the story, but I was still missing a good hook at the beginning. I had a hard time getting into the story and being connected with the characters.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Paris Library

5/5 This story brings “a little-known chapter of WWII history: the story of the American librarian, Miss Reeder, who created the Soldiers’ Service to deliver books to servicemen, and who later faced the Nazi ‘Book Protector’ in order to keep her library open. She and her colleagues defied the Bibliotheksschutz by delivering books to Jewish readers after they were forbidden from entering the library.”
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Code Name Hélène

3/5 There are readers who enjoy descriptive style of writing. If you are one of them, then I’d recommend looking at reviews of those who liked this book.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Bronte's Mistress

5/5 Story of the alleged affair, between the married Lydia Robinson and Branwell Bronte, her son’s tutor, illuminates “portrait of a courageous, sharp-witted woman who fights to emerge with her dignity intact.” It may not be a woman you’d sympathize with, but it gives voice to a woman who is voiceless and suffocating. She is a complex human character full of passion and worth of attention.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Rebel Spy

5/5 “During the American Revolution, General George Washington employed a ring of spies in and around New York City, the headquarters for the British war effort in North America. These spies identified themselves in their letters by code numbers. One was known as “355,” which stood for “lady.” To date, her true identity remains unknown.” This story imagines such incredible young woman of courageous spirit.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The City of Tears

5/5 “The Wars of Religion in France was a sequence of civil wars which began” in 1562 and ended in 1598.
“The Eighty Years War in the Low Countries” (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg) “was no less complicated. Beginning in 1568, it was a revolt (…) against the violent occupation of Hapsburg Spain.”
“The Story of French Protestantism and the beginning of the Dutch Republic are both part of the larger European story of the Reformation.”
The story is set against the background of those religious wars, which also led to lucrative trade in religious relics and its falsification.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alias Reader]

Annette wrote: The Paris Library"

Nice reading month, Annette. I'm going to add The Paris Library to my TBR list. Thank you !

[madrano]

Ditto on the Janet Skeslien Charles book. Throw the word library into a title & i’m in!

Rebel Spy sounds good. For our 50th wedding anniversary my kids and sister treated our party of 8 to a tour of the Frances Tavern Museum— https://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/ . We selected the “spy tour” and this mysterious female, supposed, spy was mentioned. Intriguing. (After the tour we dined in our own room, which was special, too. Do our kids know us? History and fine dining!)

ANYway, this Veronica Rossi novel sounds like a good follow up. Thanks for the title.

[madrano]

madrano wrote: "Alias, I’m not one for reading when I’ll. I must..."

I have no idea what I meant by that first sentence! Sorry ‘bout that! I probably meant not usually one to read when I’ll but the lack of tv (my usual illness resource) led me to try. Until i read Julie’s post i missed the error. Sorry.

[Petra]

Alias, it's too bad that the Kingsolver book didn't work well. I've read The Poisonwood Bible and really enjoyed it. I haven't read her other books.

John, I hope March is a better reading month for you.

Deb, you've had a wonderful reading month! I'm glad you enjoyed Holy Wild.
I saw the twins interviewed once. It was an interesting interview but afterwards I thought I'd heard enough about their story that I didn't feel a need to read the book.

Annette, you've also had a good month. Thanks for the reviews on The Paris Library and City of Tears. I'll have a look for these in my library.

Nice updates everyone!

[Petra]

I seem to be in a little bit of a reading slump. I am reading but my interest wanders and I put the book down after a few pages. Therefore, I didn't read much in February but here are my reviews:

Mister Wonderful: A Love Story (3-star; graphic novel) - I enjoyed this short look at a middle-aged man beginning to date again. He carries many insecurities and a lot of baggage with him.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Frogcatchers (3-star; graphic novel) - this was an interesting look at the past and facing one's present. I won't say more about the plot than that. I enjoyed the graphics and story.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A Thread of Grace (3-star) - an interesting story of a little known area of Italy that showed resistance to Nazi control during WWII. Somewhere along the line this story slowed down too much and didn't pick up again. I did, though, like the historical aspect and the resilience of the people.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Mary Doria Russell is a favorite author of mine. Her books are all worth the read. My favorites, so far, are The Sparrow and Doc. Any of her books are highly recommended. They are all well written and interesting.

[madrano]

Slumps happen. Once upon a time i could pull myself out of slumps with a celebrity bio or autobiography. It’s been years since i’ve needed to, fortunately. I hope March picks up for you.

I know the disappointment of a treasured author letting one down. It’s a mark of their work that even missteps keep us reading. I’m glad you shared, Petra.

Be relieved you saved yourself from the Quin’s book. I think one good interview would suffice.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "madrano wrote: "Alias, I’m not one for reading when I’ll. I must..."

I have no idea what I meant by that first sentence! Sorry ‘bout that! I probably meant not usually one to read when I’ll but th..."


I knew what you meant. :)

[Alias Reader]

Petra wrote: "Alias, it's too bad that the Kingsolver book didn't work well. I've read The Poisonwood Bible and really enjoyed it. I haven't read her other books.
."

The Poisonwood Bible is one of my all time favorite books.

[Alias Reader]

Petra wrote: "I seem to be in a little bit of a reading slump. I am reading but my interest wanders and I put the book down after a few pages. Therefore, I didn't read much in February but here are my reviews:..."

Not too bad. You rated them 3. Hope March brings you many Good Reads. ;)

[madrano]

Thanks for “knowing”, Alias. I try to reread but often fail.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "Thanks for “knowing”, Alias. I try to reread but often fail."

I am quite sure my posts have an abominable amount of spelling and grammar errors. I don't stress over it. I feel I am among friends here and our goal is to share our love of reading and enjoy each others company.

[madrano]

True...and good point. It’s nice when a sentence makes sense but never yet when folks can figure out what was meant!

[Samantha]

Hi, I'm new to the group I read 4 books in February:

(1) Scoop by Evelyn Waugh (*) - I picked this up in my local library thought it sounded interesting I like reading the occasional classic but umm lucky it was so short as it just went over my head not much story and I just didn't get it.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

(2) The King's Deception by Steve Berry (***) - Again from my library - I like this adventure series following Cotton Malone as he pits his brains to unearth a historical mystery usually with villains getting in his way. This was set in the UK and my favourite period of history the Tudors. A fun read.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

(3) Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend (***) - a new fantasy series I got on kindle - I quite enjoyed it was fun but not as good as Harry Potter. So I have decided I won't read more of this series one was enough.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

(4) The School at the Chalet by Elinor M Brent Dyer (****) - a trip down memory lane as I loved this series when I was young. I really enjoyed the re-read I think it really holds up the test of time it was far more nuanced then I was expecting it had some interesting things to say about friendship and was quite an involved story.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

I'm really trying to read more this year since I've changed my job and I travel a lot less now I find I have to make more of an effort to read so this year I have set myself a page reading goal each month to encourage/challenge myself. It's working so far.

[Samantha]

madrano wrote: "Being “with cold” and no US tv gave me plenty of reading time.

A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge by Terry Shames. I continue to appreciate the pace and characters i..."

Shame you didn't like Cabinet of Curiosities this has been on my TBR for a while.

[madrano]

Welcome to the group, Samantha. And thanks for the list—it’s a pleasure to learn about books i don’t know. Your comment about theEvelyn Waugh book rings true for me with him but i keep trying. Usually what i get from the writing is worthwhile but i often feel as though i probably missed much.

As for Cabinet, i should say that i am alone here about the book. I read it in the hopes of much more about museums & such, so was likely doomed to disappointment. Please don’t let my panning taint your enthusiasm. I don’t read much of that sort of fiction to be a fair judge.

[Marie]

February was creepy month for me. Completely horror. :)

by Duncan Ralston - 5 stars. Warning on this one though - it is extreme horror.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

by Michael Phillip Cash - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

by Lee Mountford - 5 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

by Jeff DeGordick - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


by Jeff DeGordick - 5 stars.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[madrano]

Marie, it's a pleasure to read the excitement in your reviews. You are a true fan of the genre and it's contagious. The fact you read two in a new series in one month speaks volumes. Thanks for sharing.

Read on!

[Alias Reader]

Marie, you got in a lot of good reading in Feb. Well done !

[Marie]

madrano wrote: "Marie, it's a pleasure to read the excitement in your reviews. You are a true fan of the genre and it's contagious. The fact you read two in a new series in one month speaks volumes. Thanks for sha..."

Thank you, Madrano! That means a lot to me! :)

[Marie]

Alias Reader wrote: "Marie, you got in a lot of good reading in Feb. Well done !"

Thank you, Alias! :)

[madrano]

:-)

[Lydia]

I've read this book "One Caregiver’s Journey by Eleanor Gaccetta". It is an insightful book that digs deeper into caregiving and provides practical suggestions that anyone can use to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their loved one.

You can check the book here: https://www.onecaregiversjourney.com/...

[madrano]

It sounds as though this would be a good book for those considering that in-home care to loved one, too. One Caregiver's Journey by Eleanor Gaccetta

Welcome to the group, Lydia.

[Alias Reader]

Welcome to Book Nook Cafe, Lydia !