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2023 Independent Challenges > ***Michelle's Counting Stars 2023 Challenge

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message 101: by Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator (new)

Alondra Miller | 4190 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "Hurry! I want to know what you think about it...."

It's going to be at least a month before I get to it. smh


message 102: by Michelle (last edited Jun 23, 2023 12:19PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Catching up!

#70 Only a Monster (Monsters, #1) by Vanessa Len Only a Monster This book had the potential to be just another YA Love-triangle Fantasy tale but I'm pleased to report that when the time travel kicked in it became much more interesting. Interesting enough that I will probably pick up the sequel. 3 stars. Audiobook. YA Fantasy-Time Travel.

#71 The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali The Stationery Shop A bittersweet tale of lost love and romance amid revolution. 4 stars. Audiobook. Historical Fiction/Romance.

#72 Someone Like You (Wild Widows #1) by Marie Force Someone Like You For RL book club. I am sad to report that this was as close to not reading a book as you can come. It was just a lot of nothing; the characters were all nice, the story was bland and uneventful, everything turned out fine. There were lots and lots of nice words strung together. 2 stars. ebook. Romance.

#73 All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby All the Sinners Bleed This book had too much action and grit to be nothing. S.A. Cosby's tale of the first black sheriff of a small southern town does not disappoint. I'm such a fan of this author! 4 stars. Audiobook. Thriller.

#74 The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton The Light Pirate A young girl adapts to the new world left after climate change and the slow dissolution of civilization. Hope amid the ruins was the theme here. 3 stars. Audiobook. Apocalypse Lit-CliFi

Star Tally 2023

5 stars - 11
4 stars - 32
3 stars - 28
2 stars - 3

Current:
Witch King ebook. Trying to find the time to read this one.
Going Zero Audiobook. Surprisingly good.
All the other books listed above that I'm supposedly not giving up on.


message 103: by Ioana (new)

Ioana | 2127 comments I haven't read anything by S.A. Cosby, although I have some of his books on my TBR. I think I need another TBR reshuffle 🤣


message 104: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Ioana wrote: "I haven't read anything by S.A. Cosby, although I have some of his books on my TBR. I think I need another TBR reshuffle 🤣"

I have enjoyed everything that I have read of his. Caution though when I said gritty above I meant it. There is a lot of violence.


message 105: by Lillie (new)

Lillie | 1689 comments There were lots and lots of nice words strung together.

This right here made me laugh 😂

Can't wait to see what you think of Witch King. I've only read her Murderbot series. Wonder what her fantasies are like.


message 106: by Michelle (last edited Jul 07, 2023 12:27PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Seems like I'm always trying to bring this list up to date. I guess that means I'm reading/listening faster than I can review so that's all good.

#75 Going Zero by Anthony McCarten Going Zero This book was surprisingly good. 10 "contestants" try to live off the grid for one month without getting caught by the CIA's new super computer surveillance program. This was a fun one with lots of twists and turns. You may think you know what is happening and then suddenly you don't. 4 stars. Audiobook. Thriller/Fantasy.

#76 Pretend I'm Dead by Jen Beagin Pretend I'm Dead A young housekeeper tells her story. I can't lie. I really did not like this one. It was depressing, unneccessary, and overall uncomfortable. I would not recommend. 2 stars but now that I'm thinking maybe it should have been one. Audiobook. Contemporary Fiction.

#77 Time and Again (Time, #1) by Jack Finney Time and Again This time travel classic was interesting enough that I may read the sequel to see what happens but not interesting enough to make me love the characters. I guess that means plot - 4 stars, characterization - 2 stars, averages out to 3 mediocre but not a total loss stars. Audiobook. Fantasy/Time Travel.

#78 The Hidden One (Kate Burkholder, #14) by Linda Castillo The Hidden One Chief Burkholder uncovers old secrets and captures another murderer making Amish country a little safer. 4 war criminals and old sweethearts stars. Audiobook. Mystery.

#79 Dogs of War (Joe Ledger, #9) by Jonathan Maberry Dogs of War Despite battle scars and PTSD, Joe Ledger and his war weary team manage to stave off a techno apocalypse. 3 beware AI, robodogs and mosquito spray stars. Audiobook. Thriller.

#80 Lone Women by Victor LaValle Lone Women Wow! I'm at a loss as to how to descibe this genre bending piece of historical fiction. The author uses the horror trope to create a very effective piece of social commentary. Enjoy might not be the correct word but I did enjoy this one. 4 stars Audiobook. Historical Fiction.

Star Tally 2023

5 stars - 11
4 stars - 35
3 stars - 30
2 stars - 4

Current:

Witch King Library returned this one so I'm waiting to get this one back from the hold list.
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot ebook.
Dead Man's Hand ebook but I may switch to audiobook.
Maisie Dobbs Audiobook. I like Maisie so much.


message 107: by Lillie (new)

Lillie | 1689 comments Michelle wrote: "Seems like I'm always trying to bring this list up to date. I guess that means I'm reading/listening faster than I can review so that's all good."

Excellent reason for updating :) I do the same (though haven’t done any for July).

I knew clicking in your name, I’d walking away with putting at least one title on my list. Going Zero is it. I’m glad you’re liking Maisie Dobbs. Really need to get back to that series.

I have Witch King on hold too. No idea when I’ll get to it. I’ve only read her Murderbot series. Interested to see how her fantasies are.


message 108: by Michelle (last edited Jul 10, 2023 01:53PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments I think you will like Going Zero. There was more to it than I expected.


message 109: by Ioana (new)

Ioana | 2127 comments Thank you for the update and for the Going Zero. I really did not need another book on my TBR, but I can't resist :-)


message 110: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Resistance is futile


message 111: by Bill, Moderator (new)

Bill | 4257 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "Seems like I'm always trying to bring this list up to date. I guess that means I'm reading/listening faster than I can review so that's all good.

#75 Going Zero by Anthony McCarten[book:Going Zer..."


I have to revisit Maisie Dobbs. I enjoyed the books I'd read up to now.


message 112: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments I'm really loving that one. I can't imagine why I never read them before. Also why aren't we seeing it made into a series. I would definitely binge watch Maisie. I guess she's too wholesome for Netflix but you'd think PBS would give it a go.


message 113: by Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator (new)

Alondra Miller | 4190 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "Lone Women Wow! I'm at a loss as to how to descibe this genre bending piece of historical fiction. The author uses the horror trope to create a very effective piece of social commentary. Enjoy might not be the correct word but I did enjoy this one. 4 stars Audiobook. Historical Fiction...."

Can't wait to pick this one up.

Kudos on your progress. :)


message 114: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Thanks Alondra! Hope you enjoy Lone Women


message 115: by Michelle (last edited Aug 08, 2023 02:00PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments #81 Maisie Dobbs (Maisie Dobbs, #1) by Jacqueline Winspear Maisie Dobbs First in the series and I loved it. Maisie is such a great character getting all her background information was a treat. I didn't even mind that the book was a little soft on the mystery part. I can't wait to read more Maisie. 4 Upstairs/Downstairs stars. Audiobook. Mystery/Historical Fiction.

#82 Witch King by Martha Wells Witch King I don't want to be too hard on this book because it wasn't bad fantasy, but it was something of a muddle. Names and places and who was what kind of being and what were those kinds of people anyway - too obscure. There were two storylines one current and one historical. I appreciated both of them, but I would have liked the book better as a whole if it had just stuck to one or the other. It was all just too confusing to enjoy. I will admit though that the biggest problem for me was that this wasn't Murderbot. Martha Wells created such a wonderful character in her Murderbot series and well, this was no Murderbot. 3 Was the witch king (who seemed to be actually a prince) really a witch or something else stars. ebook/Audiobook. Fantasy.

#83 Zero Days by Ruth Ware Zero Days Another intense thriller from Ruth Ware master of suspense. Unlike many of her other books I actually liked this main character. That is really irrelevant to my enjoyment of a Ruth Ware novel though. I just like the way she builds a story. 4 stars. Audiobook. Mystery/Suspense.

#84 The Man Who Died Twice (Thursday Murder Club, #2) by Richard Osman The Man Who Died Twice The Thursday Murder Club is back in action, solving the latest case with all their usual flair. I love this series. Zany characters and even zanier twists. Lots of fun. 4 stars. Audiobook. Mystery.

Star Tally 2023

5 stars - 11
4 stars - 38
3 stars - 31
2 stars - 4

Current:
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot ebook for RL book club
Dead Man's Hand ebook Not bad so far.
The Hidden PalaceAudiobook. Just started.


message 116: by Lillie (new)

Lillie | 1689 comments I thought it was just me with Witch King and I’m only at the beginning of book and already lost. Maybe I need to switch from audiobook to print.

Maisie Dobbs is a good series but I think I stalled at #9. Need to get back to it cause I do remember liking them.

Glad you’re liking The Thursday Murder Club. I’ve already put myself on the hold list for #5 at the library.

Hope you like The Hidden Palace. I did enjoy it but had to reread The Golem and the Jinni to reacquaint myself with the characters before diving in.


message 117: by Michelle (last edited Aug 11, 2023 01:15PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Lillie wrote: "I thought it was just me with Witch King and I’m only at the beginning of book and already lost. Maybe I need to switch from audiobook to print.

Maisie Dobbs is a good series but I think I stalled..."


Not just you with Witch King. I started with print and switched to audio when the ebook went back to the library. I didn't really feel like one was better than the other.

I'm loving Maisie. I don't know why it took me so long to discover this series.

What??!! there are 5 Murder Club books?! I have to get over to my library app immediately. I'm pretty sure I'm only in line for 3.

I hope my liking Hidden Palace does not depend on me re-reading. I don't believe in re-reading series books just because it has been a while between books. I just forge ahead. A good author will tell me everything I needed to know. At least that's my theory. I do reread occasionally but for different reasons. Usually because I really liked(or hated) a book and I want to see if I still like(or hate) it as much as I did before.


message 118: by Lillie (new)

Lillie | 1689 comments I was under the impression that The Hidden Palace would follow the golem and the jinni’s (forgot their names) adventures but although they are there, they’re in the background. I am a rereader, esp if it’s been a number of years between books. In this case, it’d been 7 years, a bit too long for me to remember details. I am happy I reread cause it was 5 star read again. However, I don’t think you need to reread the first to enjoy the second.

You need to catch up with the Thursday Murder Club :) Isn’t it nice to know you have 3 books to look forward to.

I’ve been thinking of seeing if the Maisie Dobbs books are on audiobook. Maybe I can add them to my challenge for next year. Hmmm…

As for the Witch King, I’ll give it another listen to and if I don’t start enjoying it, I’ll give myself permission to put it aside. Fantasy isn’t my preferred genre or even in the top 5 but I was hoping that I’d enjoy it cause I love the author’s Murderbot series.


message 119: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Updating one more time before leaving on vacation!

#85 Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn Becoming Elisabeth Elliot Excellent biography of the early years of this Christian author and speaker. Well written and researched and very much the right book at the right time for me. I will be looking for the next book Being Elisabeth Elliot: The Authorized Biography: Elisabeth’s Later Years This was an awsome pick from my RL book club. 4 stars. ebook. Nonfiction-Biography

#86 Dead Man's Hand (The Unorthodox Chronicles Book 1) by James J. Butcher Dead Man's Hand A very entertaining urban fantasy about a young wizard trying to make it in the world. Written by James J. Butcher son of Jim Butcher author of the Dresden files. Father and son seem to share a sense of humor. 3 stars. ebook/Audiobook. Urban Fantasy.

#87 The Hidden Palace (The Golem and the Jinni, #2) by Helene Wecker The Hidden Palace I loved this beautiful sequel to The Golem and the Jinni. I wasn't quite as mesmerized by the writing as I was with the first book but I enjoyed finding out what happened to all the characters. 4 stars. Audiobook. Fantasy.

Star Tally 2023
5 stars - 11
4 stars - 40
3 stars - 32
2 stars - 4

Currently
The Cold Dish Audiobook.
Fire Touched ebook.


message 120: by Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator (new)

Alondra Miller | 4190 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "#82 Witch King by Martha Wells Witch King I don't want to be too hard on this book because it wasn't bad fantasy, but it was something of a muddle. Names and places and who was what kind of being and what were those kinds of people anyway were too obscure. There were two storylines one current and one historical. ..."

I have not started this; but I know this is a different type of work that the author is doing; so I am extending grace, just as you did. I want to finish out Murderbot with these last 2 books; then I may read Witch King. I have a feeling that book 2 will be much better, now that she has "built-up" that world.


message 121: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "#82 Witch King by Martha Wells Witch King I don't want to be too hard on this book because it wasn't bad fantasy, but it was something of a muddle. Names and places and who was wha..."

You are probably right about book 2, I'm just not sure that I will care enough to find out. Do finish Murderbot though, the character alone is worth the read. So much fun.


message 122: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Three 4 stars rounding out my vacation reads.

#88 Fire Touched (Mercy Thompson, #9) by Patricia Briggs Fire Touched The Mercy Thompson series is always a light fun read for me. This one seemed better than most as Mercy seems to come into her own as a leader of the pack. Also, there were plenty of laughs. There was a little aside on essential oils that made me smile. 4 stars. ebook. Urban Fantasy.

#89 Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews Hello, Summer A young reporter suffers a career setback and ends up back home at the local family-owned newspaper. She not only stumbles upon the story of her life but finds out that her priorities may have changed and the small town and the family newspaper might be just what she needs. A perfect beach read by Mary Kay Andrews the fictional town was even located in the part of the country where I was vacationing. Perfect! 4 toes in the sand stars. Paperback. Mystery/Romance.

#90 The Cold Dish (Walt Longmire, #1) by Craig Johnson The Cold Dish My husband and I binge watched the TV series a few months ago so I knew I would enjoy the series but I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Nice writing laced with humor anchored to a good solid mystery. A great reader on the audiobook too. 4 sharpshooter stars. Audiobook. Mystery.

Star Tally 2023
5 stars - 11
4 stars - 43
3 stars - 32
2 stars - 4

Current:
The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson Audiobook.
All That Is Mine I Carry with Me Hardback.


message 123: by Bill, Moderator (new)

Bill | 4257 comments Mod
The Longmire books are just as good as the TV series. Enjoy.


message 124: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Bill wrote: "The Longmire books are just as good as the TV series. Enjoy."

I'm not sure that it wasn't better but maybe I just enjoyed the characters so much after watching the series. My husband and I never watched it until it hit Netflix then we watched one a night until we made it through all the seasons. We loved that so many character actors from the 80's popped up on the show. They had aged of course so that became our game figuring out what the somewhat familiar actor had appeared in years ago. My husband is way better at it than I am.


message 125: by Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator (new)

Alondra Miller | 4190 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "You are probably right about book 2, I'm just not sure that I will care enough to find out. Do finish Murderbot though, the character alone is worth the read. So much fun..."

That makes sense. If you don't care enough either way, then its not worth wasting your time. Onto, Murderbot!! LOL


message 126: by Bill, Moderator (new)

Bill | 4257 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "Bill wrote: "The Longmire books are just as good as the TV series. Enjoy."

I'm not sure that it wasn't better but maybe I just enjoyed the characters so much after watching the series. My husband ..."


My wife and I always do that. What might be an hour show often drags on for another hour as we wander through imdb checking out actors, what they did, who they were married to, yada yada.. It's half the fun.. LOL


message 127: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Bill wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Bill wrote: "The Longmire books are just as good as the TV series. Enjoy."

I'm not sure that it wasn't better but maybe I just enjoyed the characters so much after watching the se..."


Glad we're not alone.


message 128: by Michelle (last edited Sep 27, 2023 11:49AM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments #91 The Last Folk Hero The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson by Jeff Pearlman The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson I should start this by saying that I am just not a sportsball person. My husband likes to watch baseball but not with me. I get bored and pay attention to all the wrong things. So, I am not sure what attracted me to this book other than a fit of nostalgia. I am also not sure what the author's purpose in writing this book was (Hint: it was not nostalgia). It could have been that he wanted to highlight what an incredibly gifted athlete Bo Jackson was, to which I say, Ho-hum. It could have been that he wanted to demythologize Bo, to which I say mission accomplished at least where I am concerned. It could have been that he wanted to point out the inherent evils of our collegiate and professional ball systems, to which I say didn't we already know, I'm pretty sure it's in the news almost every day. What I got out of this was that Bo Jackson was an unbelievable natural athlete but not a very nice person who was completely used up by the system. Don't put too much stock in that though. Like I said when it comes to sports, I always pay attention to the wrong things. 3 Did you say Bo ran up a wall? Why? stars. Audiobook. Nonfiction-Biography.

#92 All That Is Mine I Carry with Me by William Landay All That Is Mine I Carry with Me I am a fan of William Landay's Defending Jacob so I was looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint. Lots of delicious twists. Lots of different POV's analyzing the crime. 4 who done it stars. Hardback. Mystery/Thriller.

#93 The Recovery Agent (Gabriela Rose, #1) by Janet Evanovich The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich. I didn't love this as much as Stephanie Plum but I needed something lighthearted and fast paced. This definitely fit the bill. 3 action packed and plenty of playful banter stars. Audiobook. Thriller/Action.

#94 Pony by R.J. Palacio Pony I have had this book on the TBR forever. This was very different from R.J. Palacio's Wonder series which I loved but I enjoyed this one too. I liked the main character and his companion, and I particularly liked how everything came together at the end. 4 there are no coincidences stars. Audiobook. YA/Adventure.

Star Tally 2023
5 stars - 11
4 stars - 45
3 stars - 34
2 stars - 4

Current:
Echo Burning paperback Reacher is back!
Night Train to Lisbon ebook. Very cerebral so far.
What Alice Forgot Audiobook. More like what didn't Alice forget?


message 129: by Michelle (last edited Aug 25, 2023 12:56PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments #95What Alice Forgot What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty An excellent selection by my IRL book club. I do love Liane Moriarty. Her books always take one of those what if moments you have in your head and follow it all the way down a crazy rabbit hole. In this case what if you lost all memory of a decade of your life, including your three children and the looming divorce from the love of your life? 4 how did everyone get so old stars. Audiobook. Contemporary Literature.

#96 Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle, #1) by Amie Kaufman Aurora Rising Terrific YA space thriller. Space cadets, time warps, angsty teen love and a double dose of witty teen sarcasm. Somehow it works. These authors also wrote the Illuminae Files series which I also enjoyed. Lots of great space action that you don't have to take too seriously. 3 Two hundred year old teenager fresh out of cryofreeze stars. Audiobook (full cast...nice). YA/SciFi.

#97 A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot, #1) by Becky Chambers A Psalm for the Wild-Built I absolutely loved this little gem. Becky Chambers has a way of writing so eloquently about the human condition even when all of her characters are not human. I really, really want my own Tea Monk now. I won't spoil the story, but I strongly suggest you read it with a big mug of tea in hand. 5 Steaming mug of tea and a warm hug stars. Audiobook. Fantasy/SciFi

Star Tally 2023
5 stars - 12
4 stars - 46
3 stars - 35
2 stars - 4

Current:
Aurora Burning Audiobook. Just had to go for another round. I need light and spacey right now.
Night Train to Lisbon ebook. The opposite of light
Echo Burning paperback. Reacher is in trouble again.


message 130: by Bill, Moderator (new)

Bill | 4257 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "#95What Alice Forgot What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty An excellent selection by my IRL book club. I do love Liane Moriarty. Her books always take one of those ..."

I loved Psalm as well. So enjoyable. The 2nd book is just as good. I have to try her Wayfarer series next.


message 131: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Bill wrote: "Michelle wrote: "#95What Alice Forgot What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty An excellent selection by my IRL book club. I do love Liane Moriarty. Her books always t..."

I loved the Wayfarer series too. You have a lot to look forward to. I already have the second book checked out. I hope I enjoy it as much as the first.


message 132: by Michelle (last edited Sep 14, 2023 01:32PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Catching up this thread again! Hot! Hot! Hot!

#98 Aurora Burning (The Aurora Cycle, #2) by Amie Kaufman Aurora Burning The second in the series suffered slightly from 2nd book slump syndrome but still held my interest and ended with a bang. Enough to make me want to read the next book. I always end up liking what this writing team comes up with even though it is unapologetically YA. 3 bad boy in black plastic pants stars. Audiobook. YA/SciFi

#99 Echo Burning (Jack Reacher, #5) by Lee Child Echo Burning I enjoyed it but this was not my favorite Reacher novel. I thought it was low on believable motivation even for this series. What it excelled at were incredible descriptions of the summer Texas heat. Since we were experiencing a little heat wave of our own in my area, these descriptive gems rang true. 3 egg on the sidewalk stars. Paperback. Thriller.

#100 A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (Monk & Robot, #2) by Becky Chambers A Prayer for the Crown-Shy This little novela was as delightful as the first in the series. There is no way to read about the sweet friendship between the tea monk and the robot without having one of those AaawwwwW! moments. 5 celebrate the introvert stars. Audiobook. Fantasy.

#101 Deadline (Newsflesh, #2) by Mira Grant Deadline This second book in the series shifts the focus of the series away from zombie apocalypse and toward massive conspiracy reveal. Not a bad thing unless you like apocalypse lit which, well, I sort of do. Still a good solid story. Very enjoyable. 3 where have all the zombies gone stars. (To be fair there were zombie mosquitoes in this one which is pretty cool.) Audiobook. YA/Apocalypse Lit-zombie.

#102 Hello Stranger by Katherine Center Hello Stranger I just really like to read Katherine Center. I'm never disappointed. This romantic tale centers around a young artist with temporary face blindness which results in predictable misunderstandings. Improbable, very predictable, and yet, a totally satisfying romantic success. 4 cheating on you with you stars. ebook. Romance.

#103 Searching for Sunday Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church by Rachel Held Evans Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church A very timely, thought provoking and hopeful analysis of what church means. In this time of unrest and turmoil in our churches and in denominations, Held's reminders of what is really important provide healing for those who are struggling. 5 don't give up on the church stars. Audiobook. Nonfiction-Christian.

Star Tally 2023
5 stars - 14
4 stars - 47
3 stars - 38
2 stars - 4

Current:
Death Without Company Audiobook. Longmire #2
The Brass Verdict ebook. Lincoln Lawyer #2
Night Train to Lisbon ebook.


message 133: by Ioana (new)

Ioana | 2127 comments The list of good books keeps going and going, great update. I just noticed I had one more hold available, so I put A Psalm for the Wild-Built on it. Thank you for reminding me of this series.


message 134: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Ioana wrote: "The list of good books keeps going and going, great update. I just noticed I had one more hold available, so I put A Psalm for the Wild-Built on it. Thank you for reminding me of th..."

You will love it Ioana. Reading it was like book yoga. Just breath and relax.


message 135: by Michelle (last edited Sep 15, 2023 12:14PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Seconds anyone?

#104 Death Without Company (Walt Longmire, #2) by Craig Johnson Death Without Company The second in the Longmire series. I enjoyed it just as much as the first. Sheriff Longmire may be my new favorite cowboy. Great writing in this series and a fun cast of characters. 4 stars. Audiobook. Mystery.

#105 The Brass Verdict (The Lincoln Lawyer, #2; Harry Bosch Universe, #18) by Michael Connelly The Brass Verdict Also the second in the series. Mickey inherits a big case but like everything else there is a catch. 4 stars. ebook. Mystery/Legal Thriller

#106 Skeleton Crew by Stephen King Skeleton Crew I think Stephen King writes the best in short story form. In fact, I think he is one of the best modern short story writers. It was the second time around for me on some of these stories but it didn't affect my enjoyment at all. I particularly enjoyed "The Mist". The audiobook production was also top notch with a stellar cast of readers. 5 stars. Audiobook. Horror/Great King

Star Tally 2023
5 stars - 15
4 stars - 49
3 stars - 38
2 stars - 4

Current:
The Murder Mystery Book Club ebook. For my IRL book club.
The Bullet That Missedaudiobook. The gang is back and up to it's old high jinks.
Night Train to Lisbon ebook. Slogging along with this one.


message 136: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Continuing to think about Stephen King and his short stories or novellas if you prefer. My top three would be Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption; Mr. Harrigan's Phone; and The Mist. What would yours be?


message 137: by Bill, Moderator (new)

Bill | 4257 comments Mod
Longmire is an excellent series. I enjoyed the TV series just as much. I'm glad you enjoyed the 2nd Monk and Robot book too. I agree so much that it just leaves you feeling nice by the end.


message 138: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Bill wrote: "Longmire is an excellent series. I enjoyed the TV series just as much. I'm glad you enjoyed the 2nd Monk and Robot book too. I agree so much that it just leaves you feeling nice by the end."

It does. I love it when that happens with a book!


message 139: by Michelle (last edited Sep 25, 2023 02:05PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Rolling on!

#107 Murder Mystery Book Club (Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery, #1) by C.A. Larmer Murder Mystery Book Club For my IRL book club. A short little cozy mystery that takes place in Key West. A place I've always wanted to visit. 3 stars. ebook. Mystery-Cozy.

#108 The Bullet That Missed (Thursday Murder Club, #3) by Richard Osman The Bullet That Missed A delight! I love these octogenarian detectives. 4 stars. Audiobook. Mystery/Thriller.

#109 The Rewind by Allison Winn Scotch The Rewind Cute romance. Former lovers return to their college alma mater to celebrate the wedding of old friends and wake up together with no memory of the night before. Predictable but enjoyable. 3 stars. Audiobook. Romance-Comedy.

#110 Bad Blood Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup A reread for my IRL book club. The story of Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos debacle. Mind boggling. 4 stars. Audiobook. Nonfiction.

#111 Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane Small Mercies A gritty story about a mother seeking vengence for the death of her daughter. The story was harsh but the characters were wonderful. This was the first Dennis Lehane book that I have read. He is a gifted writer. 4 stars. Audiobook. Mystery.

#112 High Five (Stephanie Plum, #5) by Janet Evanovich High Five Stephanie Plum, you just have to enjoy this series. It is so much fun. The love triangle is ramping up in this one and things are getting interesting. 3 stars. Paperback. Mystery.

Star Tally 2023
5 stars - 15
4 stars - 52
3 stars - 41
2 stars - 4

Current
Warrior Girl Unearthed Audiobook.
Night Train to Lisbon ebook.


message 140: by Bill, Moderator (new)

Bill | 4257 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "Rolling on!

#107 Murder Mystery Book Club (Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery, #1) by C.A. LarmerMurder Mystery Book Club For my IRL book club. A short little cozy mystery that takes place in Key West. A place I've ..."


I'm looking forward to finally starting Richard Osman's series. Glad you're enjoying.


message 141: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Bill wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Rolling on!

#107 Murder Mystery Book Club (Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery, #1) by C.A. LarmerMurder Mystery Book Club For my IRL book club. A short little cozy mystery that takes place in Key We..."


You should definitely work it in Bill. The Thursday Murder Club rocks!


message 142: by Karol (last edited Sep 29, 2023 08:55AM) (new)

Karol | 746 comments Dennis Lahane - I agree with you that he is such a good author. However, I found the books The Given Day and Shutter Island to be so wrenching and as you put it "harsh". I've not gotten back to reading more of his books although I often think I should. I need the right emotional energy to jump in again.


message 143: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Karol wrote: "Dennis Lahane - I agree with you that he is such a good author. However, I found the books The Given Day and Shutter Island to be so wrenching and as you put it "harsh"...."

This was the first book by Lahane that I have read. I would like to read more but like you say the timing will need to be right. There was a lot of violence and desolation.


message 144: by Ioana (new)

Ioana | 2127 comments I'm not sure how I feel about Dennis Lahane. I absolutely loved Shutter Island but could not get into The Given Day. It did not grab me from the beginning (his books start slow), and because of the length I did not have the patience to keep going.
Small Mercies is on my TBR, we'll see.


message 145: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments I don't know if I could say it grabbed me from the beginning but there was definitely a momentum to the story that kept me reading. And the writing was great.


message 146: by Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator (new)

Alondra Miller | 4190 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "Continuing to think about Stephen King and his short stories or novellas if you prefer. My top three would be Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption; Mr. Harrigan's Phone; and The Mist. What wo..."

Shawshank, of course; The Long Walk (bachman books); and Crouch End from Nightmares and Dreamscapes. All excellent, obscure and highly recommended.


message 147: by Michelle (last edited Oct 02, 2023 01:55PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Continuing to think about Stephen King and his short stories or novellas if you prefer. My top three would be Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption; Mr. Harrigan's Phone; and ..."

I've only read the first two. So looking up Crouch End now to see if I can get it on the hold list. :)


message 148: by Michelle (last edited Oct 02, 2023 12:37PM) (new)

Michelle (marcher08) | 1711 comments #113 Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley. Loved this author's previous book loved this one. It is defnitely YA but it deals with weighty topics which are currently being discussed - the overwhelming number of unsolved cases involving the disappearance of indigenous women and the return of indigenous remains to their tribes. A great story too. 4 strong female character stars. Audiobook. YA-Mystery.

#114 The Brain Fog Fix Reclaim Your Focus, Memory, and Joy in Just 3 Weeks by Mike Dow The Brain Fog Fix: Reclaim Your Focus, Memory, and Joy in Just 3 Weeks Lots of interesting information here in an enjoyable format. I'll give you a spoiler which I am not even going to hide. The answer is the same as with all these books: eat healthier, exercise more, and sleep better. That answer is OK. I read these for information and encouragement not because I need a different answer. 3 eat, move, and sleep stars. Audiobook. Nonfiction-Health.

#115 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros Fourth Wing Now that's what I call Dragon Fantasy! Except when it wasn't. I loved the fantasy story - think Anne McCaffrey meets Suzanne Collins. Unfortunately, the author bowed to the pressure of convention and threw in the typical love triangle (team sunny boy next door vs. team dark and brooding bad boy). To make matters worse near the end that whole thing devolved into a way too long passage of erotica. I'm not opposed to either of those necessarily but in this case it seriously interrupted a really good dragon fantasy. 4 dragon school rules stars! In spite of my complaints, I enjoyed the book too much to only give it 3 stars. Audiobook. Fantasy-Dragon/Romance-Steamy.

#116 Falling by T.J. Newman Falling The writing on this one was just adequate, but the intriguing premise followed by non-stop action carried the book. I enjoyed this one in spite of a few weaknesses in the execution. 3 flight attendants not going down without a fight stars. Paperback. Thriller.

Star Tally 2023
5 stars - 15
4 stars - 54
3 stars - 43
2 stars - 4

Current:
Night Train to Lisbon ebook. It's a slow train obviously
Poster Girl ebook. Off to a decent start
Hot Six audiobook. I had to see who she called.


message 149: by Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator (new)

Alondra Miller | 4190 comments Mod
Michelle wrote: "I've only read the first two. So looking up Crouch End now to see if I can get in on the hold list. :..."

I hope you find it and enjoy it! I hated for that short story to end; it was so good. It needs a 2nd story or novella-length sequel.


message 150: by Lea (new)

Lea (leaspot) | 3640 comments You're making me want to get back into my Stephanie Plum books. They are such silly fun.


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