Challenge: 50 Books discussion
Finish Line 2015
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Carol V list for 2015
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#5
King and Maxwell by David Baldacci lib audio seriesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun story typical of King and Maxwell with action and ingenuity, twists and turns.
#6
Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg Lib AudioMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
a story of good clean fun. has a Leave it to Beaver/My 3 Sons feel. A story over the decades of lives of the residents of small town of middle America. you smiled at the antics of the little boy, rooted for the woman standing up to the men calling her the little woman, cried upon the death of a beloved character. Warmed your heart and soul. a bit sappy but just the right amount. A nice reprieve after reading heavy books, but not a light quick read either.
#7
A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon Ebook series hist fictionMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one took lots of twist and turns and seemed to drag on a bit.
I am a little annoyed that with such strong female characters that they get kidnapped/raped/harasses/accused of murder and it is considered normal place. Jamie's unwavering love and obsession with his wife is still a strong element throughout the story. There are times it seems that they have the worst luck but I guess the story would plod along like the rest of the story if that were the case.I really loved the first 3 books-I can not say I am as fond of the next 3. I hope they get better.
The reason why the article about the fire was wrong was a bit reaching.
Not saying that the TV version of Jamie is not quite nice to look at, but he is not who I have in mind in my imagination when i read the stories. He does not seem big or red enough (the actor).....
ok after those 2 longer book I need some light fast reads-- time to read some of the back log of free downloads i have on my Kindle:#8
The Mist on Bronte Moor by Aviva Orr Ebook free D/LMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
an interesting way to demonstrate to teens that their problems are not that great. When this modern day teen that thinks her world is ending stumbles on to the Bronte family of the mid 19th century she sees life from a different point of view- while I think her acceptance of the time travel seems a little too nonchalant and her ignorance of the Brontes in general is pretty sad state of the school system. I did like the introduction of Mary and her "wild" points of view....
#9
Coexist by Julia Crane ebook free d/lMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Received as a free download from Amazon years ago.
Cute but fulfilling story of a spoiled teenager "elf" and the "trials" of waiting for meeting and their forgetting all about her one true love. it includes mysticism, death, betrayal, war and peace and wise insights of a 12 year old .... all in less than 200 pages Its more like a chapter rather than a story.
I guess you get what you pay for......
#10
Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich Lib audioMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
fun bit of typical Evanovich story telling.
flustered woman trying to get on her feet check
dark handsome eerie bad boy - check
hunky good boy there to save the day but getting you into the trouble in the first place- check
sexual frustration that cant be be dealt with - check
flighty best friend you just want to slap- check.
Ninja cat and a monkey that I know came from a Plum novel....
not sure it will be worth making an effort to read other episodes in the series but it was not a waste of time.
#11
Rapid Dawn by T.K. Steiner ebook free d/lMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting concept using pseudo time travel to rectify an evil- which i have to say is riddled in issues and pitfall none of which are addressed in the story. Not much depth to the story. the resolution seemed a bit too simplistic. The story needs more depth.
#12
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell Lib audio classicMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Probably one of the scariest stories I have ever read. I supposedly read this in high school but I don't remember these details. I've never read a book that made my stomach turn so much in tension.
#13
Trouble in Mudbug by Jana Deleon free d/l ebookMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
a Fun mystery with a strong female leads (but still have to be saved by good looking male agent. :-( ) Characters were likable even the b*#$ mother in law....
#14
Chasing the Star Garden by Melanie Karsak ebookMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I think i was originally attracted to the story because it had the word garden in the title and I thought it would have a scifi twist to entertain my husband...not even close :-) it is a cross of historical fiction with a strong(ish) damaged female protagonist - an world renown airship pilot and a mystical/mysterious quest where she searches for a treasure and finds so much more about herself.
#15
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn lib AudioMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I always finish reading Flynn's books with a strong need to take a shower. While they are well written, her protagonists are very disturbed and there is nothing to like about them. The fact that her stories leave such a ill feeling is a tribute to her writing style and skill but doesn't mean I "enjoy" them.
That being said this is the third book of hers I have read ( even after telling myself that I was not going to read another).
The current day vs flashback of other characters back and forth keeps the story interesting even if I wanted to jump in to throttle some characters....I cannot even say that the eventual "killers" was too much of a surprise but the method of exposition threw me.
#16
A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes free d/l ebookMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
a tale of a spiritual village and its newest residents.The story was choppy and all over the place; the characters not developed enough- the mystery was not very mysterious.I received the story off a free offering on Amazon, but "its ok" is about as high as I can rate it.
#17
Low Pressure by Sandra Brown lib audioMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
a suspense filled story. kept you on your toes. maybe not a complete surprise at the end, but well developed with many misdirections.
#18
Shakespeare Saved My Life: Ten Years in Solitary with the Bard by Laura Bates lib ebookMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am not a big fan of non fiction, but I saw this on the online library website as part of a "Big Library Read" which is a global ebook club. It was a bit dry (very dry at times) and since I never really read all the Shakespeare stories/plays discussed in the book some of it was lost on me, but some very eye opening points were made especially about education and quality of citizen that a released prisoner makes.
I am not one who thinks that murderers should be set free but the inequality of the various sentences was very disturbing.
For an uneducated person of his environment to come up with the insightful correlations between current day life and Shakespeare shows that a formal education does not dictate a persons ability to understand and educate. I also found the ability of all the prisoners in the program to take a play from 4 centuries ago and bring their life experience into a current day translation that resonates with kids astounding.
Would I have read the book if it was not push at me by the Big Read? No, but I do not regret reading it because as one of the lines of the book states it was not for entertainment as a TV show or novel for introspection of an aspect of life and the world.
#19
Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum audio lib My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very disturbing story of a woman who has lost her sense of self. Well written since you could feel the turmoil that she was going through which does not make for a pleasant read. I loved how the author brought in the rules of the German language into the aspects of her life. A wife a mother in a strange land- but the fact that its strange is as much her fault since after 9 years she has barely learned the language. Some (much) of the turmoil is self imposed but some has to do with the strange surroundings that she has not familiarized herself with- her husband and mother in law are not much help although this could be attributed to typicsh Deutsches Mentalitat. You feel sorry for her but more so I felt like yelling at her to grow up and take some responsibility.
Not a story for someone who wants a light read but an interesting insight to the mindset of a Hausfrau in this day an age.
#20
A Temporary Ghost: A Cozy Mystery Set in Provence by Michaela Thompson free d/l ebookMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
A disjointed mystery about a journalist turned ghost writer brought on to reluctantly write the memoirs of a woman accused of murdering her husband.
Everyone is a suspect, no ones alibi is what it seems. but truthfully I could care less the story could not grab me and usually put me to sleep in moments
#21
The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn lib audioMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
For the type of novel it is, a Victorian romance with a strong young woman character and a damaged male character, it was surprisingly enjoyable. A little more substance than the standard of this genre. I never like I must marry or die thought process but it was par for the course of the era and the transition of animosity and severe dislike to friendship to adoration was nicely done.
#22
The Arsonist by Sue Miller lib audioMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A pleasant story about changes in life. Sylvie and Alfie are "enjoying" retirement in what was the old family summer home.Both are finding issues with this transition with Alfie failing health and mind and Sylvie looking back at what she has done with her life and the decisions she has made. Her daughter Frankie comes to stay for an extended visit after living the past 25 years as an aid worker in Africa. She too is trying to determine what she wants to do next feeling a bit lost both in the slow country life, the position of being the daughter close by for a change and in a new relationship. The arson as mentioned in the title really is just a background story of what else is going on. (view spoiler)[ It is not even really resolved by the end. nothing really is except that Sylvie decided to move back to where she has a purpose and she can get care help for Alfie; Frankie is still meandering and somewhat lost (hide spoiler)]
#23
The Fifth Avenue Series Boxed Set by Christopher Smith free d/l ebook- entire series (really 3 books)My rating: 2 of 5 stars
It was better than ok but I am not sure I could go as far as saying I liked it. I received this as free download a year or 2 ago and just got around to reading. It is a unique perspective. New York rich and famous and the hit men hired to resolve grudges....sociopaths - both the assassins as well as those that hire them. I am probably naive to think there are not people like this in the world but their thought processes were mind boggling
#24
Nemesis by Jo Nesbø lib audio seriesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
as always- these Harry Hole mysteries are filled with suspense and more twist and turns than Lombard st in SF. You know something is not right when everything seems to be tied up in a neat bow but you are only halfway through the story... Interestingly enough it is the contradiction of Harry's self destructive nature vs his self preservation that makes the story most intriguing. What I like about these stories is not so much that the ending is a surprise but the mechanism of how it is achieved is.
#25
Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas lib ebookMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
typical VM fashion - contract for the $$ but investigate /find justice for the underdog. Saw an eye opening version of Logan and not so positive view of VM when she "whined" about him redeploying.(view spoiler)[ sorry to see Eli sell out but not too surprised and can't say I blamed him considering all he was going through (hide spoiler)]
#26
Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs lib ebookMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
a great set of novella/short stories to fill in some of the holes in the mercy world and some that is just there for icing;....it has been a while since i have read one of the series- so some of the characters were not ringing bells but it was written and read as all the stories in her Mercy world...
#27
Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb lib ebookMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
i really enjoy this series. while somewhat predictable it always tackle some interesting topics that you would not normally get in a genre like this.
there are lots of twist and turns including those that seem to turn the whole story around. Also like the part about Eve finally getting comfortable with having someone love a care for her.
Started but really did not finish- had problems getting through
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkinslib audioMy rating: 1 of 5 stars
I got on the waiting list for this book at the ol library because it kept getting rated as a book to read but it was disturbing but not in a well written good way. There was nothing that was bringing me back to read it. I kpet trying to force myself to get through it and just as it might get interesting my libary rental expired-- figures... but really do not have any desire to renew ( which would take weeks because of the back log)
Found a couple JD Robb books on the bookshelf at the cabin so got my In Death fix....
#28
Visions in Death by J.D. Robb Pback seriesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
As always, I enjoyed this episode of the series. development of relationship of all the auxiliary characters with each other and with eve. Interesting twist at end
#29
Bump in the Night by J.D. Robb pback- Anthology- SeriesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
a pleasant collection of mystical romances. from haunted murders, magical wish coins to adventurous loners being brought together by their dead parents or a dead patent releasing a woman to have the life she wanted even if her childhood imaginary friend has to egg her along
#30
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry lib audioMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked the intrigue and historical conspiracy aspect of the story. The aspects of the potential of one supplemental letter from the Constitution can throw a totally different perspective on the founding father, the Civil war and any other succession attempt. It delves into the ramifications and the thought processes each is willing to go to meet their objectives.
Although I am not a big fan of the LDS church (or any church for that matter), I did find that the story was very anti-LDS preachy which is the only reason I did not rate the book higher. While there are always fanatics that can give every religion a bad name/feel/taste, this story really emphasized the fanatical element.
#31
Still Alice by Lisa Genova lib ebookMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
An eye opening book on the process that the individual as well as friends and family go through when diagnosed with Alzheimer.
Scary from the aspect that now every time I forget something or get flustered I started to freak out considering what it might mean. Much was so heartbreaking for both Alice as well as her husband and kids. I found it interesting that only one that really noticed the earliest signs was the daughter that was not around and she had the least in common with.
#32
Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy lib audioMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
An anthology of short ( in some cases so short you wonder why she bothered) stories of some auxiliary characters some of her other books from the neighborhood around Chestnut st. Some were interesting but overall there was a reason these characters did not warrant an entire story. I have read several Binchy stories over the years. She can bring several disparate characters together and interweave them like no one else. Some times it makes a wonderful story that you feel part of the intimate group of characters- sometimes as in this story it falls flat and and it feels like listening to gossip about people that you could care less about. These stories also bounce all over the place in time from post war to recent times.
#33
Eyes on You by Kate White lib ebookMy rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
I got this as part of the "Big Read" where certain ebooks are made available unlimited for a few weeks to allow many to read ( and review I'm sure they hope).
An interesting thriller about the psychological stalking of an up and coming author and news show anchor. The paranoia, self sabotage, flashbacks all made the character building more believable. Robin is already damaged from childhood and previous relationship issues which makes her possibly overreact but also miss some glaring false friends. Kept you guess to a certain point but have the hunky man save the day was a bit too pat. Really disparaged female working relationships and makes you not want to trust anyone thoroughly.
#34
Storm Clouds Rolling In by Ginny Dye ebookMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting story of a strong willed woman of the south just before the southern secession. The topics of slavery and its role in the South and its impact on the people both black and white are well investigated.
This books spans a year ( as supposedly the follow on books do). There are times it drags a bit and the overt Christian preaching are the reason I could not rate it higher because otherwise the writing is well done and the characters are interesting to want to know what has happened.
#35
The Fixer by T.E. Woods ebook free d/l My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Interesting story. had a slightly different take on your typical assassin. While not a completely unique concept, her sense of the need to deal justice and her desire to help are some times in conflict. While I agree that the justice system is lacking, vigilantism is a dangerous slope to start down. lots of twists and turns and several surprises. not too pat and not too cynical.
#36
We Are Water: A Novel by Wally Lamb lib audioMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
An intriguing story told from several perspectives about how childhood trauma/abandonment impacts both the child and all those he or she interacts with throughout their life. All the characters have aspects that you are appalled by, feel sorry for, rejoice and rooting for (except perhaps Kent) The intertwining of faith with the characters and how it plays within their lives and ways of dealing with their traumas. Lamb's books are never a pleasant "enjoyable" stories, but they make you think and pull you out of your comfort zone not as drastically/abruptly as some authors that you feel like you have to drink heavily after reading.
#37
The Associate by John Grisham pbackMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was enjoying the story while I was reading thinking that it was better than some of the last books I had read by Grisham -- BUT the end was extremely anticlimactic and it made you wonder what was the purpose of the story But the more I thought about some of the story premises and realized that the story has several flaws. one being that all the (view spoiler)[ The mindset that having sex with someone while their passed out is ok is not right. Even Kyle realizes this in the beginning since that even without the video he was willing to listen to the "agents" but then starts spouting the "she was asking for it" mantra- by either having sex with them before, partying with them etc. The story was making it seem like Kyle and his frat brothers were victims while at least 2 of his brothers screwed a woman while she was passed out and the other two just sat around while it was happening. The blackmailers did not even seem to think that they were guilty just that they had evidence that would give the girl more standing for a civil case. (hide spoiler)] There was a lot of good ol boy interactions men supporting men but the women were either crazy, bitchy or cold. I never thought Grisham was chauvanistic in past readings of his stories but in hindsight he usually does not portray woman in the best light ( except in The Client and Pelican Brief and even in these the protagonist needs men to help her) I initially thought this story rated 3 stars but upon reflection I cannot justify it.
#38
Hiss and Hers: An Agatha Raisin Mystery by M.C. Beaton audio libMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was the first Agatha Raisin story I read. The story was fun with typical twists and turns of a mystery series. The main character while supposedly a strong woman is both self centered and has a low self esteem (Never a pleasant combo to listen to whine) and is always looking for a man in her life and is willing to do anything including demean herself to capture her latest target. Her bumbling cohorts really do not add whimsy to the story.
#39
Untraceable by S.R. Johannes ebook free d/lMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I got this as a free download a while back from Amazon.
I found this story refreshing. Smart spunky teen who worshiped the father that trained her on forest survival, tracking etc... When he disappears she won't believe or accept that he is dead and moves heaven and earth to try to find him -- Annoying and breaking ties with town officials, friends and family. There are a couple of inaccuracies regarding the bears ( she makes it seem like a bear she ran into might actually eat her- while a black bear can hurt and possibly kill a person it would be more out of fear an preservation and not to have as food.) a couple references to Grizzlies are made as if they too are indigenous but they are now only indigenous to the Northern Rockies and Alaska.
#40
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure lib audioMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
a fascinating perspective of the Nazi occupation of Paris. both on the relationship between the Parisians and the Nazi officers as well and the interrelationships between Parisians. The fear and apathy were eye opening.The whole concept that they were just Jews so who cared what happened to them was distressing but obviously a disturbing fact of them vs us. The juxtaposition of greed, ego, survival, patriotism and humanity throughout the story pulls the story along. None of the characters are necessarily likable in the beginning but they grow as the story moves along and your understanding for them grows with it.
#41
Maui Widow Waltz by JoAnn Bassett ebook free d/lMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I received this book as a free download a while back from Amazon.
Probably more like a 2.75-- not quite an "I like" but it was better than "ok" As cozy mysteries go it fit all the appropriate boxes
woman business person down on her luck - check
strong woman in some aspects of her life messed up in others - check
strange client that if the protagonist wasn't so desperate she would not have anything to do with - check
a quirky best friend(s)- check
a baddy - completely unrelated to the "mystery" lurking in the background- check
a hunky romantic interest - check
enough self pity and lack of self confidence to not be able to pursue said hunky interest. - check
animosity with the police - check
wraps up nicely with friends getting there in the nick of time to save the day- check
and I am sure I am missing a few...but the storyline is choppy and a bit predictable and little too pat in some areas.
somewhat felt like it was written by the tourist info dept on Maui- making sure to include several of the tourist hot spots.
It would not be a complete waste of time to someone who thrives on any type of cozy mystery but not one I would rec to someone who wants a bit more meat on the bones.
#42
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith audio libMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
imperfect characters with every day issues both professionally and personally solving crazy crimes. this episode show more depth to the characters Robin almost as much as Strike. Both are somewhat messed up on the read when it comes to their "love" relationships. They are not sure enough of themselves to really know what they need.
Strike struggles too much regarding his ex who is just wrong for him and continues to play mind games even though she is marrying someone else causing him to use/see other women improperly...
Mathew is just a tool... I have yet to see a redeeming characteristic in him but yet Robin is supposedly devoted but yet stays to work despite her mother in laws death... Robin wants to prove herself so much but is so insecure (partly because Matthew makes her feel this way) that she doubts everything...
the mystery itself is complicated and wind among itself and some of the clues are reaches but still entrusting and thought provoking.. Totally different style to the Potter series such that using a pseudonym makes sense since her name may actually be a deterrent for some adult readers who think she can only write pop fantasy ya...
#43
Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water by Marc Reisner nf pbackMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fascinating book on the history of the water in the west especially on how transformation of the desolate desert to most populous urban areas and heavily subsidized agriculture acreage in the US/World. In the taming of the natural water sources/rivers to store water for usage to create the booming metropolis and irrigation of land previously unable to sustain crops, they have created unsustainable urban and agricultural environment in most of the West and destroyed much of the habitat for birds, fish etc.
This book was written originally in the 70's/80 with an update in the early 90's - over 20 years ago and so much of is is even more true.
This is not a fast or easy read-- while chock full of information it took me many months to get through it.
#44
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson audio libMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A different perspective on one of the timelines from Life after Life... While well written it was sometimes hard to follow since progression of time is obviously not something that the author considers in her writing. While I realized it was the same time in history and a similar story lines I did not realize that it was the same characters but a different point of view until the author explained it in the epilogue so the stories are not dependent on each other although this story may have been more interesting if I had read Life after Life more recently and it was fresh in my mind. I can't say that the characters had an interesting life or were even particularly likable. even Teddy the central wear hero was kinda blah in his stoic personality. His daughter who is anything but stoic doesn't fare much better in being interesting
#45
The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates pbackMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
extremely dark and depressing. Rebecca, daughter of refugees from Germany just before WW 2. she was born as they arrived in the harbour so she never understood what they were running from just that they were less than others. The members of her families were either angry or withdrawn so she was abandoned well before tragedy physically took their presence away. Her lack of self worth pervaded her life and decisions for the rest of time much of which was self imposed (although not all). Her calculating sense of self preservation is strong though. Well written but not necessarily an enjoyable read
#46
Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger audio libMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Safronia is at it again... she finds intrigue and conspiracy when no one else is looking. ongoing action. fast paced.
#47
The Sixth Man by David Baldacci pbackMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun albeit typical Maxwell and King action packed mystery :
Several attempts on their lives, not too sure which are the good or bad guys til the very end, always a surprise good guy and a surprise bad guy but it usually well concealed, lots of sexual tension (view spoiler)[ while although they have finally acted upon it in past book only vague references to it are made in this one (hide spoiler)]
Still a series I like to come back to. Sorry to see the TV program not continue even though it did not hold true to book characters.... For those TV series fans this is the book where Edgar is introduced....
#48
A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehlaudio libMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
an enjoyable mystery drama. Flawed real characters, a timely issue underlying several of the cases and relationships between the players of the storyline.
#49
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee audio lib classicMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
interesting child's perspective of early 20th century south. I read it because it is only many lists of must read books of the 20th century and because of the media's take on the release of Lee's next book that supposedly is with the same characters. It is a well told story and while supposedly the introspections of a child the mature overtones are there. Some disturbing but real topics that should make it part of pre highschool reading lists.
#50
In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume lib audioMy rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
a story about the ramifications of multiple catastrophes on a community in the mid 1950's. The impact on growing up, love- existing and falling in, betrayal, psychological effects etc.t tells the story of a young teen, late teen, young adult and older adults and how it effected their relationships - in true Judy Blume fashion-although I have to admit it has been almost 30 years since I ready one of her books. Probably really a 3.5+ stars but i cannot give it 4 stars.In some ways I felt that it jumped around too much and therefore just skirted some of the storylines and left you hanging.
#51
The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood lib audioMy rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Well written if not disturbing view of the future. An almost "post-apocalyptic" type world although the apocalyptic event is more economical than physical-- which makes it more of a possibility. Gangs of economically displaced people terrorize others just trying to survive. A potential utopia is presented and who wouldn't jump at the opportunity even though it seems too good to be true and you give up some freedoms. Some the antics that they end up doing to rectify the "problems/injustices etc" are a bit far fetched and this is where the story tends to lose me hence more of a 3-3.5 rating.... but it is a scary view of what people are willing to put up with for a bit of safety and security as well as what people with money are willing to do to get what they want and the greed that allows people to view others as just product to satisfy others.
#52
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer lib ebook seriesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A continuation of the Cinder story- The use of the fairy tales as an undertheme of this scifi series is well done. In this case a red hooded young lady and her relationship with her grandmother and a wolf like man who struggles between wanting to harm and protect her. Meanwhile Cinder is escaping certain death and getting her head around who she really is.
#53
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom lib ebookMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
While maybe a little sappy in true Albom fashion - I find it amazing how he always can open my eyes to something that I might know but not necessarily understand. The story is told from perspective of someone who wants more time and of one who doesn't want any more, and someone who was so consumed with counting time that he did not live it.
Favorite quotes:
“You marked the minutes,” the old man said. “But did you use them wisely? To be still? To cherish? To be grateful? To lift and be lifted?”
“When you are measuring life, you are not living it.
Time is not something you give back. The very next moment may be an answer to your prayer. To deny that is to deny the most important part of the future.” ... “Hope.”
“There is a reason God limits our days.” “Why?” “To make each one precious.”
Albom, Mitch (2012-09-04). The Time Keeper
#54
Memory Man by David Baldacci lib audioMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
New baldacci style story with new set of characters. Decker has an amazing mind with a sad back story. His acquired neurological condition as a result of a injury makes him not forget anything but makes his ability to relate to people disjointed. despite his best efforts he has people that respect and care about him. could be a interesting future series
#55
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan lib audioMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
enjoyable unique-ish story.Old knowledge vs new knowledge Books vs the web; secret of immortality or is it just a different interpretation of what immortality is.A little choppy in the story telling but it gives it the new knowledge feel.
#56
Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich lib audio seriesMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
typical plum novel ,enjoyable fun with just enough action. Plenty at the laugh out loud moments, OMG sexual tension moments that drive me to read this series. There are plenty of cringe worthy did she really do that - will she ever learn moments too that sometimes make this series hard to bare. It was fine for 10-15 but somewhere she needs to learn and mature. The main advantage of this episode is that seems to move a few critical plot points forward (or least it makes it look that way)
I still would like to use that gun of hers on Lula if it would just shut her up.
#57
An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon ebook seriesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
My favorite series...this was a more enjoyable episode...a refreshing change after the last two.the different perspectives and more involvement from the other characters adds a lot to the story line..I liked the Lord John and William story lines. Such that I now have to go back and read some of the Lord John novellas to get some of the back story....although I am not sure I am following how the goings on with Bree/Roger and fam is adding to the story... More of the "Can I change the future" paradox issues. Future knowledge and protecting those that your love as well as the personal spiritual impact of time travel
#58
Cress by Marissa Meyer lib ebook seriesMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I do like the fairy tale spin on a not so Utopian futuristic world. It brings to light interesting aspects of the women of these tales. I like the strong- capable portrayal of these young women but am annoyed at the YA swooning around the men even though they are not necc needed to save the day- if anything the women are saving them. I probably liked it more than a 3 but not quite a 4-- 3.75
#59
After This by Alice McDermott lib audio My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I had higher expectations so i was disappointed. It started out as an interesting life/fam dev but the story jumped around with no flow and no one really getting developed and then it just ended.
#60
Bones on Ice: A Novella by Kathy Reichs lib audio seriesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I normally am disappointed by some series in betweens but this was thoroughly developed without all the extraneous side stories so was very satisfying if not a bit of fun.
#61
Winter by Marissa Meyer lib ebook seriesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Conclusion to the fairytale based futuristic Sci-fi ish series Introduces the beautiful princess step daughter to the evil queen ( ala snow white) to the Cinderella, Red Ridding Hood, Rapunzel cadre.
The woman are all strong characters and their male "princes" while there to support they do not just save the damsel in distress. Take the intrigue of the interworld tensions, imminent war, global politics genetically modified soldiers, mind control, discrimination, plague and class clash and controls and add the surrounding YA angst driven self doubt, relationships and a fairy-tale underlying theme and it makes for a well rounded enjoyable series. This book seemed twice as long as any of the previous in the series. It was all needed to tell this story but it was definitely not a quick read.
#62
Justice Denied by J.A. Jance pback seriesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great episode of the Beaumont series.Great intertwining mysteries with just enough personal storyline to make relatable. I love now Beau is finally learning that women are not just for protecting. He has realized how invaluable Mel is but that she too has some history.You might even think she is human and not this perfect entity But she comes out smelling like Roses. I like Mel; I may even want want to be her, but she might be a bit too perfect.
I finished 62 books in 2015 ( I read most of Girl on a Train but was so irritated by it that when the library loan expired i did not bother to get it again to finish)30 audio 25 e-Book 8 paperbacks
40 of which came from the library ( all the audio and 10 of the ebooks) and several of the e-book came from Amazon freebies when offered.
While my number of books/ebooks is lower than previous years my page count is higher so the books must have been bigger.
a good year all in all
#1.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My first book of 2015. I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as i did. I had several laugh out loud moments as well several OMG ones. Marks wise cracking in the face of trials was great.
i liked that most of the science was relateable and seemingly accurate. while some issues seemed far fetched with further reading you could understand how they might come up with such a solution.
I like the Gravity meet Castaway comparison
Note while i enjoyed the book - i have no desire to see this in a movie. I like it better in my imagination and think the movie would drag on too much.
#2.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
a cute teen/preteen novel about a troublesome(but only because she is smart and curious) coming of age in a finishing school that teaches much more than manners and curtsies. it's setting is rather confusing since it seems advanced with some tech (robotics) but behind with others (communication and transportation) and fulling accepting of the supernatural but still limited in its views of the capabilities of women.
#3
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting storyline although it jumped all over the place making it seem choppy and some of the characters are half developed. There were so many twists it seemed like a soap opera by the end....
I like the lexicon, word definition references at the beginning of each chapter and how it related to the theme of the chapter.
#4
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A shocking crime mystery. A mature well season investigator at Interpol looks into murder of mathematician. Story includes political intrigue, religious fanatics, corporate espionage, horrific contract mayhem in revenge of previous case that affect Henri and his family, mathematical fractals and how everything is related and finding long lost family.
The only issue that as audio novel it was sometimes difficult to keep track of the french names.
Some parts were heart wrenching and others heart warming and others mind blowing.
Enjoyable kept you guessing.