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Reviews for May theme: Testing, Testing
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Cloister had to prove himself a capable agent to not only his employer...the FBI , missing person division...but almost to everyone he encountered from his friends to his family. He and his dog loved one another though:)Bone To Pick - TA Moore (California)
Digging Up Bones Series Book #1
3 ★
I liked Bourneville, the dog, more than Cloister...(Who names their kid “Cloister anyway?). To his credit, he does have an innate goodness that draws people to him. I really liked his devotion to his dog who he affectionately called “Bon Bon” and his dedication to his work. Seems he’s a man of few words and simple tastes...but he’s consumed with guilt over his past and remorse for every person he is not able to find. I know this is the first book and I certainly believe the series has a great deal of promise...but I sincerely hope the next, and the future books see him finding a good psychist to lighten some of guilt that overtook and became the main focus of what had the makings of a really good story.
Mod
Where We Come From – Oscar Cásares – 4****
The setting is Brownsville, Texas, a border town with a mean reputation as a haven for human traffickers and drug runners. But it’s also a community of hard-working, middle-class people who want nothing but a safe home for their children, decent schools, good roads, a thriving business district and reliable city services. Cásares focuses on one such family. I really enjoyed this exploration of a complex issue. There are multiple layers to the novel and much fodder for a stimulating book club discussion.
My full review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: "Nina inadvertently becomes embroiled in a human smuggling chain... Where We Come From
– Oscar Cásares – 4****
The setting is Brownsville, Texas, a bor..."
Sounds great! I've just checked it out from the library, based on this review.
Ever since her father was killed when she was just a child, Miranda Crabtree has kept her head down and her eyes up, ferrying contraband for a mad preacher and his declining band of followers to make ends meet and to protect an old witch and a secret child from harm. The preacher starts to make an unthinkable demand, it sets Miranda on a desperate, dangerous path, forcing her to consider what she is willing to sacrifice to keep her loved ones safe.
I seem to be on a horror feast this month and this one certainly fits right in. It’s a noir thriller dipped in the dark mud of the bayou, packed with witches, demons, and gods I have never heard of...nor wish to hear of. I’ve never before read anything by this author but I know that he knows how to write my darkest dreams...or give me some shiny new nightmares. I love to read. That should not be news to all that know me and I try hard to not be judgmental of an author’s work. After all I have no personal experience with seeing someone tear your hard work apart but I do know when something comes along that has merit and appeals so much to the depth of my being that I don’t want to put it down. This was one of those books.
Murder Run - John Hunt – (Ontario, Canada)
5 stars
If there was one thing that Kyle didn't like it was being told what to do. When his brother demanded that he get himself home right now, no stopping, no passing GO and no collecting two-hundred dollars, the order didn't sit well with him. So, he stopped at a bar in an unknown town. He met a girl. They drank, left, did drugs together, and when he awoke in the morning, her decapitated head lay in his lap. As he pieces together what happened the night before, a police cruiser rolls in behind him. From that moment, the chase is on. Kyle was a constant, never ending test to his brother as well as himself.
If I had to sum up this book in one simple sentence…I’d have to say that it’s a fun thrill ride of murder and mayhem mixed with a little horror. If you are the type of mystery reader that has to have everything fall into place and all clues make sense…you are going to be very frustrated. You need to just sit back and let the story take you over but be aware that it is NOT for the faint of heart. The main character of Kyle is just recently out of jail. He also has an impulse control disorder of some kind and lots of anger issues which makes him a walking, talking, breathing time bomb most of time, but he grows on you. It’s just one good scary, fun story with several really good twists and turns.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Black Rose Writing in exchange for an honest opinion. The views expressed by this reviewer are entirely my own.
Fire victims were tested on what to save when they knew the fire was headed their way. Investigators were tested with finding out when, where and how the fire started so there could be closer and start the rebuilding.
29.
2 stars
I have read a few books about the Chicago fire so I knew a little about what happened, the speculations of how it happened and some of outcomes. I did learn some new information, has a few background stories that I have not heard or read about and seeing the pictures of the fire’s destruction was well worth the read. The fire story itself is only in a few chapters and the rest is about what happened after with the investigation and to the survivors. I am only giving it two stars because it is so dry to read and overpowering with unnecessary information that it drags.
Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This is book 13 of 14 in the Wheel of Time Series. If you've come this far, following the Ta'Veren boys of Three Rivers, you know there is no review that will keep you from reading the final book.
As the White Tower heals after the breaking, all of the Aes Sedai Sister's must use the Oath Rod to remove their vows and re-take the three oaths testing them to see if they are Black Aja.
People were tested with their beliefs and their bodies in order for the diseases to come to a end or come down to a manageable number. 
5 stars
Taken from the book "A Shot in the Arm! explores the history of vaccinations and the struggle to protect people from infectious diseases, from smallpox --perhaps humankind's greatest affliction to date --to the COVID-19 pandemic."
This young adult/children's book, highlights measles, polio, rabies, cholera and influenza by using a graphic novel, comic book approach and with the voice of Lady Mary Worthey. Lady Mary Worthey was born May 15, 1689 and passed away, August 21, 1762. She helped popularize inoculation in England and was an aristocrat, writer and poet. The book moves fast and does not go overboard with details. Uses explanations geared for a younger audience but a good book for adults too. I recommend this book if you interested in Science history.
Childhood poverty, losing both legs in Iraq, infertility and becoming a mother in her late 40's while serving in the US senateEvery Day Is a Gift: A Memoir by Tammy Duckworth
5 stars
I did not know a lot about Tammy Duckworth going into this book except I thought she breast-fed on the Senate floor but in the book she says she was not going to whip out her breast in front of a bunch of 70 year old men. She only made it possible that if she wanted to, she could. I also knew she had lost her legs in Iraq. What I didn't know was what an inspiring woman she is. Born in Asia to a Taiwanese mother and an American soldier father and mostly grew up in Asia until moving to Hawaii as a teenager, she overcame poverty and adversity to go on to a military career where she lost both of her legs when her helicopter was shot down in Iraq and then became a senator (not part of her life plan at the time) and a mother through IVF treatments in her late 40's. Through all this she maintains a positive outlook (well, maybe not 100 percent of the time). If you read this book it will make any complaints you have look petty for sure.
Not a spoiler: If you are not a Democrat I think you would still enjoy this book as there is very little about politics in this book and what there is is mostly about how she juggled pregnancy and motherhood with campaigning.
Mod
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
Mod
The Old Gringo – Carlos Fuentes – 1*
The novel is framed as the reminiscence of a woman. An old journalist heads to Mexico during the time of the Mexican Revolution seeking, not a story, but his death. There has been much praise for this work; it was the first translated work by a Mexican author to become a bestseller in the United States. But I had great difficulty engaging with the characters and the plot, such as it was. Our book club struggled to find anything positive to say about this work.
My full review HERE
Mod
Women Of the Silk – Gail Tsukiyama – 3***
This work of historical fiction takes us to early 20th century China and the unique position of the women who worked in the silk factories in lieu of marriage. I loved the unexpected strength and determination of these young women as they made their own way in a culture that restricted opportunities for women. The independence they gained, though initially forced on them, became their most prized attribute.
My full review HERE
Adults and Children were tested on how to survive. 33.
4 stars
The Children's Blizzard is based on a real event. The day started off warm and then clouds came in and it turned into a blizzard that will be talked about for decades. I did enjoy the writing but did find it hard to follow at times and a little dry to read. The subject is not an easy one to read about, especially involving children, but the author was able to show the tragedy unfold in a raw but tasteful way. I could have done without a couple of the side stories, can't go into them because I don't want to give spoilers. I did like that the author took the time to show some of the kids as adults and their choices. Overall I give it 4 stars but not one I would read again.
Mod
This Tender Land – William Kent Krueger – 4****
Krueger references both The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and Homer’s The Odyssey in this epic adventure set in America’s upper Midwest during the Great Depression. Krueger is a marvelous storyteller and he keeps the plot moving with a variety of incidents. The travelers show intelligence, resourcefulness, and tenacity. They are also children - immature and prone to misunderstanding or misinterpretation of information they gather. And, of course, they are vulnerable. I loved watching them grow, both individually and in their relationships, through these experiences.
My full review HERE
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Books mentioned in this topic
This Tender Land (other topics)The Children's Blizzard (other topics)
Women of the Silk (other topics)
The Old Gringo (other topics)
An Irish Country Christmas (other topics)
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Our May theme was suggested by Teresa:
Testing, Testing - Read a book in which a character is tested in some manner (explain).
Enjoy!
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