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2021 Reads and Reviews ~ Anything goes
Mod
5 stars!
This was an exceptional read. Well-written, wel..."
Added to my reading list!!
In the Country We Love – Diane Guerrero – 4****
When Diane Guerrero was fourteen years old she came home from school to find an empty house. Her family had been picked up by ICE and were detained pending deportation. Fortunately for Diane, a family friend agreed to take her in, so that she could remain in school. This is her memoir. The author has an important message to convey about the effects on children of America’s immigration and deportation policies.
My full review HERE
Manson in His Own Words, as told to Nuel Emmons4 stars!
I put off reading this one for ages because I expected it to be a collection.of Manson's pithy quotes. Was I ever wrong. This is close to a complete memoir of his life (up until his early 50s), including most of the story of the Manson murders. This book comes across as believable and it explains some areas of the story I'd almost given up on learning about. Well written by Nuel Emmons and very much worth your time. I don't know that I can believe every word Charlie says in here but it makes more sense than other versions of the story. Funny that Charlie, a diagnosed schizophrenic, seems so much less crazy than some of his biographers...
Mod
We Were Feminists Once: From Riot Grrrl to CoverGirl®, the Buying and Selling of a Political Movement
Andi Zeisler
3/5 stars
This book came out in 2016 and talks about how feminism was politicized, taken over and turned into a media trend without any real change in how women are treated at work and in the media. I thought the author made some good points.
The Girls – Emma Cline – 2**
I vividly remember the Manson murders of Sharon Tate et al. I followed the news coverage and could not imagine how these people became so enthralled and obedient to the obviously crazy Charles Manson. Cline’s Evie gives me some insight into how that might have happened. But I cannot bring myself to rate the book even with three stars. The subject was so distasteful to me. I cringed at how Evie is drawn in, at how she was abused, at how she “begged” for the abuse because she was so hungry for attention and for what she thought was evidence of love.
My full review HERE
Mod
Winchell: Gossip, Power, and the Culture of Celebrity
Neal Gabler
4/5 stars
Gabler does a thorough job tracking Winchell’s career, relationships with his family and friends and his ups and downs in the publishing arena, vaudeville, radio, TV business and the gossip culture against the background of what was going on in America in the time period he worked in. I never realized how prolific he was in his career. Very interesting!
All Over But the Shoutin’ – Rick Bragg – 4****
In this memoir, Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist Rick Bragg outlines the difficulties of growing up “dirt poor” in Appalachia, with an alcoholic father who could never shake that demon and a mother who willingly sacrificed her own health and well-being for her children’s sake. Bragg left his home, but his home never left him. His story in an honest, gripping, heart-wrenching and inspiring love letter to his mother.
My full review HERE
Lost Children Archive – Valeria Luiselli – 5*****
A cross-country journey from New York to Arizona gives one family – mother, father, 10-year-old boy, five-year-old girl – an opportunity to explore the history of this nation’s native peoples, and to learn about the current fabric of America and the people so desperate to come here. I loved the way this unfolded. Luiselli changes narrators throughout the book, sometimes giving us the mother’s perspective, or the son’s. Both parents work to document things, and this forces the reader to think about how we remember things. I am so looking forward to my F2F book club discussion of this book!
My full review HERE
Mod
All Over But the Shoutin’
– Rick Bragg – 4****
In this memoir, Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist Rick Bragg outlines the difficulties of growing u..."
I read this several years ago - I thought it was very interesting!
Mod
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women
Kate Moore
5/5 stars
Radium was an element first discovered by the Curies and was thought to be a wonder drug used in many preparations. Unfortunately, this wonder drug turned into a horrible predicament for the girls who worked in factories applying the radium paint to watch dials in various factories including one in Illinois and in Newark and Orange, New Jersey. The dial painters were instructed to lick the paint brushes before applying the radium which resulted in poisoning the girls who eventually died from it but not before they suffered through their bones dissolving and their inability to work and take care of their families. Eventually the families and workers rose up to fight the companies that caused their deaths and disfigurements. This is definitely a page turner but also a sympathetic look at the workers and the greed of industry that denied for years to help the women who were afflicted.
Julie wrote: "The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women
Kate Moore
5/5 stars
R..."
Great review. I also really liked this one.
Practical Magic – Alice Hoffman – 3***
The Owens women have always been known for their beauty and have always had magical powers. Sally and Gillian, however, want nothing to do with magical powers and definitely do not want magic to dictate their love lives. I had seen the movie years ago and thought little of it, so was hesitant to read this. But it satisfied a challenge and I’m glad I read it. Hoffman is a great storyteller, and like all fairy tales, this one has some important lessons to impart.
My full review HERE
Rainbow Valley – L M Montgomery – 3***
Book seven in the classic series about Anne Shirley and her family. Anne’s six children have discovered their own “magical” place where they can play and indulge their imaginations. When a new family moves into an old mansion nearby, they welcome the Meredith kids into their hideaway. These books are just delightful reads. A nice gentle escape from today’s harsher realities. Like the other books in the series, this one is full of charming characters, believably innocent fun, and a few humorous miscalculations.
My full review HERE
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian – Sherman Alexie – 5*****
This young adult novel tells the story of Junior Spirit, a Spokane Indian living on the reservation with his parents and older sister. I loved this book. I could not help but think of all the kids out there like Junior – kids with limited abilities in one aspect, but extraordinary abilities in other aspects. Kids who just need someone to believe in them, and for an adult to step in to stop the bullying and give them a chance to grow and excel.
My full review HERE
Mod
The Chosen
Chaim Potok
5/5 stars
Set near the end of World War Two, two Jewish boys come together after a baseball game where one of them is injured by the other. They eventually become friends but their families’ don’t share the same beliefs. As they grow, each finds a different path to follow. Very well written and hard to put down.
The Anatomy of the Sea: Over 600 Creatures of the Deep, Dr. David Ponsonby & Professor Georges Dussart4 stars!
A lovely collection of anatomical notes on most of the families of sea creatures, starting from the very simplest and most primitive and moving onwards from there. Doesn't get into the animals' inner lives very much, but the authors may have considered that beyond the scope of this reference work. Handsomely illustrated with drawings and engravings made of bony fish, cephalopods, sponges and so forth through the centuries. Just the thing if you want to look up the inner workings of a Boring Bivalve (which is anything but, by the way).
America For Beginners – Leah Franqui – 4****
Pival Sengupta, a recently widowed Kolcatta native, books a trip to America for her first solo venture outside her home city. This went in directions I wasn’t expecting. I had read little about the book in advance, and thought it would a lighthearted, somewhat humorous look at America through the eyes of a total newcomer. But there were many deeper issues here. Characters have to deal with grief, life choices, and relationships; they must deal with their pasts, and move forward with courage. There WERE some humorous scenes, but also tender scenes that brought me to tears. This is Franqui’s debut novel and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
My full review HERE
The Brutal Telling – Louise Penny – 3.5***
Book # 5 in Louise Penny’s popular mystery detective series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache begins when a stranger is found murdered in the village bistro and antiques store. I love this series. I like the way Gamache ferrets out clues and pieces together the puzzle. I love the various inhabitants of the fictitious Three Pines, including Ruth and her duck. I particularly enjoyed the references to literature and art in this episode, especially the paintings of Emily Carr.
My full review HERE
The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and His People by Rick Bragg5 stars
Rick Bragg is one of the few authors that I will pre-order his books as soon as I hear he has a new one coming. I love his easy, lyrical way of writing and will at some point get all of his books in audio format just to hear his voice. While I don't think this will be my favorite book by him, it still warms my heart for the love he has for this poor, stray dog that he took under his wing. Few people would adopt such a dog, let alone fall in love with it and I love that (spoiler alert!) the dog does not die in the end. I was also set for the brother to die but I was glad he didn't. One thing I kept wondering about through the entire book was what happened to his wife and step-son. In the book he is living with his mother. He previously published a book that was entirely about his relationship with his step-son and there is no mention of him in this book. A google search did not give me any information. Does anyone know!
A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea and Tomorrow – Laura Taylor Namey – 3***
Okay, I totally picked this up because I needed a pink cover for a challenge. I noticed, too, that this was a pick for “Reese’s YA Book Club” and thought it might have some meat on the bones. Some of this stretch credulity a bit far for me, but on the whole I enjoyed it. I liked that things were not all wrapped up nice and tidy in a pretty bow, albeit there is still a happy (or at least hopeful) ending. A pretty good example of the YA romance genre.
My full review HERE
Mod
Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy
Barbara Ehrenreich
3/5 stars
Ehrenreich explores the rich tradition of collective religious and nonreligious festivities through the years including bans on them and the way people reacted to the festivities. Were they sinful or just an out pouring of collective emotion that needed to be released? Interesting book but at times, for me, there was just too much information to process in certain sections.
Halloween Mysteries: 9 Terrifying Stories that Took Place on Halloween: True Tales, by Roger P. Mills3 stars
A collection of true mysteries that happened on Halloween, all unsolved to this day as far as I know. The only piece of one mystery that has been cleared up since the book was released, as far as I know, is the identity of "Orange Socks," a woman who was found dead on the side of a Texas highway on Halloween, 1979. (Her name is Debra Jackson. They still don't know who left her there.) All of them are maddening in different ways. I would have liked this one better if I had not been familiar with so many of the stories already, but it was an interesting, quick read about people who disappeared, people who appeared without identities, and murders that may or may not be murders at all.
Halloween Mysteries: 9 Terrifying Stories that Took Place on Halloween: True Tales, by Roger P. Mills3 stars
A collection of true mysteries that happened on Halloween, all unsolved to this day as far as I know. The only piece of one mystery that has been cleared up since the book was released, as far as I know, is the identity of "Orange Socks," a woman who was found dead on the side of a Texas highway on Halloween, 1979. (Her name is Debra Jackson. They still don't know who left her there.) All of them are maddening in different ways. I would have liked this one better if I had not been familiar with so many of the stories already, but it was an interesting, quick read about people who disappeared, people who appeared without identities, and murders that may or may not be murders at all.
Pride – Ibi Zoboi – 4****
This YA romance is set in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, and features a Dominican/Haitian family. The Benitez sisters are F I N E and everyone in the neighborhood knows it. Then the wealthy Darcy family moves into the hood, and sparks fly between the handsome brothers and the two oldest Benitez girls. All told, a totally satisfying retelling of the beloved Jane Austen classic, Pride and Prejudice.
My full review HERE
Mod
Alfred Hitchcock's Ghostly Gallery
4/5 stars
This is a collection of ghostly short stories collected by Alfred Hitchcock by different authors including H.G. Wells and Robert Louis Stevenson. I especially enjoyed the one of the family living in a bird cage in a landlord’s renters’ room.
Out Of Africa – Isak Dinesen / Karen Blixen – 5*****
What glorious writing. I first read this in 1998, and re-read it for my book club in 2013. I revisited it again in 2017 and now, here I am again. If you're expecting the movie you'll be greatly disappointed - Denys Finch-Hatton is barely mentioned. No, the great love of her life was Africa itself. While I still love Dineson’s writing, and love the way she puts me right into early 20th century Africa, I am more attuned to social justice these days, and have to cringe a bit at some of the references to the indigenous tribes. The colonialists had such a superior attitude. But this a product of the era and of the social status of the writer, and we must give her her due.
My full review HERE
Mod
Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood
Danny Trejo
5/5 stars
This is the amazing autobiography of Danny Trejo, actor who starred in numerous films and became quite successful. However, his life growing up was not easy. Involved with drugs and gangs, he ended up in jail but he was able to turn his life around. I read this in a few days because I could not put this down. Highly recommended!
The Vampire Next Door: True Story of the Vampire Rapist and Serial Killer by JT Hunter4 stars
This case is unbelievably messed up, full of profound weirdness and maddening unanswered questions. There aren't that many true vampire stories to be had in this world and after reading about this guy, you'll be glad there will never be another specimen like John Crutchley.
The Body At the Tower – Y S Lee – 3***
Book Two in the YA historical mystery series about “The Agency” – an organization of female detectives in Victorian London – and featuring orphan and former thief, Mary Quinn. I enjoyed this quite a bit. It was somewhat repetitious in places, but Mary is a wonderful heroine – bright, resourceful, compassionate, observant and mentally strong. I like that Lee has made Mary half-Chinese, and that her ethnicity poses additional problems (and opportunities) for her in mid-19th-century England.
My full review HERE
Mod
Goldwyn
A. Scott Berg
4.5/5 stars
A. Scott Berg does wonderful job on this comprehensive biography of producer Samuel Goldwyn originally known as Schmuel Gelbfiz who flees from Poland in 1895, walking as he makes his way to America doing odd jobs. He eventually gets hooked up with Jesse Lansky and Cecil B DeMille to make his first motion picture and becomes one of the most powerful men in film.
My Invented Country – Isabel Allende – 3.5***
In this memoir, Allende looks at her own family history as well as the history of her native country, Chile. She explores the social conventions, politics, natural terrain, geographical difficulties and advantages of this unique land. It’s a story full of mythology – from national legends, to her own family’s stories. Here are the roots of her ability to seamlessly weave elements of magical realism into her novels.
My full review HERE
Water Witch, Deborah LeBlanc3 stars
Somehow the writing style of this book didn't really grab me. It should have been a much more suspenseful story, but I wasn't as enthralled as the swooning reviews told me I would be. What carried the entire story along was the maniac, a well-drawn and believable bizarro up to absolutely no good. He made the read more than worth it.
The Best Of Adam Sharp – Graeme Simsion – 1*
If this is Adam’s best, well…. It’s definitely NOT Simsion’s best. I really enjoyed Simsion’s The Rosie Project, but this did absolutely nothing for me. Neither Adam nor Angelina seemed at all mature enough for a real love relationship. I did enjoy all the music references, though I still wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
My full review HERE
Mod
Nothing to See Here
Kevin Wilson
Madison hasn’t heard from her college roommate Lillian in a long time. But one day she gets a call from Lillian to ask her to be a nanny to her new stepchildren. However, there is a catch, her stepchildren tend to break out in fire and her new husband is in politics and doesn’t want the public to know about them. Having nothing going on in her life, Madison heads out to re-connect with Lillian and assume care of the two children. This was an oddly delightful story of a young woman caring for the first time for herself and others through her new wards.
Say You’re One of Them – Uwem Akpan – 4****
This is a collection of short stories, dealing with various social issues facing African people throughout numerous countries on the continent. All are beautifully written even when heart-wrenchingly difficult to read. Uwem focuses an unblinking eye on serious issues and while the reader is fortunate to not have to face such dilemmas, the reactions of the characters are totally understandable and relatable. The local English dialect used in some of the stories was sometimes difficult to get used to, but really gave a sense of place to the narrative.
My full review HERE
The Boys : A Memoir of Hollywood and Family by Ron Howard and Clint Howard
Readers that grew up with The Andy Griffith Show, Gentle Ben, Happy Days and American Grafitti or if you like movies, especially Ron Howard movies, will love this well-written memoir by Ron and his brother Clint. The book mostly focusing on their parents and what great influencers they were, keeping their sons grounded when the whole world knew who they were. You can feel the love these two have for each other and their parents. The brothers talk about their experiences but even when things were rough there wasn't a lot of complaining, instead everything is a learning experience. Even when they are talking about all the people they have met along the way you don't get the feeling that this is a "look who we know" book. The authors try to stay positive, even when they are talking about the dry spells when they couldn't seem to find an acting job and when talking about Clint's addiction. The only complaint I have about this book is that the authors don't take you into their other personal relationships very much which makes me wonder if they let you completely inside. For instance, Ron doesn't talk much about his wife and only mentions all of his children once by name. Clint tells us once at the very end of the book that he was married shortly before the book is published. There isn't any juicy gossip in this book. They always seem to get along well with their costars which makes me wonder if they are being totally honest, but all in all it was an interesting read.
Mod
Readers that grew up with The Andy Griff..."
This is on my list to read.
Holmes On the Range – Steve Hockensmith – 3.5***
Well, this was a hoot and a half! I loved the brothers Big Red (Otto) and Old Red (Gustav) and how they worked together. Big Red narrates, as he is the more educated of the two, being able to read and write. But Old Red is the real fan of Holmes and his methods of observation and deduction, and it is he who finally solves the murder.
My full review HERE
Candles Burning, Michael McDowell and Tabitha King 5 stars!
Don't miss this one if you like Southern Gothic, the paranormal, dysfunctional families, mysteries, or family secrets. Every page is magic.
Book Concierge wrote: " Holmes On the Range
– Steve Hockensmith – 3.5***
Well, this was a hoot and a half! I loved the brothers Big Red (Otto) and Old Red (Gustav) and how they..."
This sounds like a lot of fun so I'll be seeing if my library has this.
Mod
Silhouette In Diamonds: The Life Of Mrs. Potter Palmer
Ishbel Ross
4/5 stars
This is the fascinating story of Bertha Honore, who in 1871 married millionaire Potter Palmer of the famed Chicago Marshall Field’s and Palmer House. She was very involved in philanthropy and when the Chicago fire destroyed the city, she helped her husband recoup his finances and also helped to restore Chicago. When her husband died, she continued to help others. The book also explores the time period in which she lived and the famous people she met and worked with. I never heard of her but what an intriguing biography and history of that time period.
Mod
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens
4/5 stars
Set in the late 60’s, Kya Clark, also known as the Marsh Girl, lived a solitary life in Barkley Cove in North Carolina working on her art. Harassed by Chase, one of the boys from town, she is thought to have killed him when he has gone missing. Did she do it or is she a victim of the town folks who don’t like her. Intriguing story and hard to put down!
At Bertram’s Hotel – Agatha Christie – 3***
Christie excels at creating complicated plots with many suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. She has plenty of surprises in store with this one as well. I had, unfortunately for me, seen the PBS Masterpiece mystery series episode, so knew where it was heading, but I still found it fascinating to watch how Christie wove the elements together.
My full review HERE
Babylon’s Ark – Lawrence Anthony – 4****
Subtitle: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo
Lawrence Anthony was a well-known conservationist and advocate for animals, running a game reserve in South Africa when images on CNN of the war in Baghdad caught his attention. Horrified at the potential loss of wildlife at that war-ravaged city’s zoo, he had to somehow go help. And so, against all odds, he did. This is the story of his work there. It’s informative and exciting. It’s quite the adventure!
My full review HERE
Discovering Scarfolk, Richard Littler5 enthusiastic stars!
This book was the wildest ride I've taken in a long time. Utterly bizarre and confusing. Funny and terrifying. Don't miss it!
Mod
The Bomber Mafia: A Dream, a Temptation, and the Longest Night of the Second World War
Malcolm Gladwell
4/5 stars
Malcolm Gladwell is one of my favorite authors and this book, though short, is a fascinating look at the "Bomber Mafia", strategists who during WWII debated precision bombing - targeting critical infrastructure instead of randomly bombing areas.
Miss Benson’s Beetle – Rachel Joyce – 4****
Two women no one would ever consider as compatible form an unlikely team as they travel to the other side of the world in search of an elusive beetle. What they find is a strong vocation, and an ever-lasting bond of friendship and love. I absolutely loved these characters! There were times when I had to laugh at their foibles. There were times when I feared for their safety. And quite a few tears were shed as well. Ultimately, they teach us a lesson about courage and perseverance, about not being afraid to fail … or to succeed.
My full review HERE
Mod
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
Robert Dugoni
5/5 stars
Sam Hill was born with red eyes which shocked his parents and caused no end of grief for him in school and life. But with his parents, best friend Ernie Cantwell who was also shunned as an African American at their school and his girl friend Micki, they helped him get through school and the bullying he received. This was one of my best reads this year.
The Cobra Event – Richard Preston – 4****
A deranged, disgraced biotechnician is intent on releasing the deadly Cobra virus in New York, to kill as many “useless humans” as possible. This is a great thriller, that kept me enthralled and turning pages as quickly as I could. I’d read Preston’s nonfiction bestsellers, so I knew he had the research background to make this a very plausible scenario. I loved the details on how the teams of scientists, public health officials and FBI agents worked to decipher the clues. If you’re at all squeamish you might want to skip some of the autopsy scenes.
My full review HERE
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An Irish Country Christmas – Patrick Taylor – 3.5*** (rounded up)
Book three in in the charming and popular story of 1960s country GP, Barry Laverty, M.B., his partner / mentor Doctor Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly, and the people of Ballybucklebo. It’s Christmas and love is in the air. I came late to this party, but I’m glad I finally arrived, and now it seems that I may never leave. The books are charming and entertaining and just plain fun to read.
My full review HERE