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What have you just read? Opinions, Recommendations, and Reviews, part 3
City of Jackals by Aman J. Bedi
The second book of the Ghosts of Ethuran series, and even more action-packed than the first one.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review The Wedding Dress Maker by Leah Fleming
3 and a half stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner was a DNF fr me. Didn’t like the main characters and just couldn’t be bothered persisting. Others may view this book differently.
I read The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang. Historical fiction set in 19thC China. The story had potential, but I thought the execution was disappointing.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
The fifth book of the Hunger Games series, and my absolute favourite so far! Loved the way this portrayed Haymitch's story.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of The View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston
5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
by Gregg HurwitzMy review 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
by Danielle SteelMy review 3 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
by MartineKropkowskiMy review 3.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just read Simon Sinek find your why, and it was great. Really enjoyed it
Find Your Why: A Practical Guide to Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team
Two books from the Guardian Cats series by Nic Minnella- paranormal middle-grade fantasy. I liked the first book better, but both deliver to some extent. Good for young cat-lovers who also enjoy horror. Book One: The Cat Who Chased Ghosts: A Feline-Fueled Middle Grade Mystery with a Supernatural Twist
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book Two: Sybilla and the Clockmaker's Secret
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read A Calamity of Noble Houses by Amira Ghenim; translated from the Arabic by Miled Faiza and Karen McNeil. It was a finalist for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. A gripping tale with eleven narrators, all of whom recollect the same event with a prejudicial lens. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen
This dual-timeline novel contains one of the cleverest plot developments I have seen. Much recommended to OwnVoices historical fiction fans.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan
A *historical* (1990s) crime mystery set in the Philippines. The investigating duo are priests, which makes this an unusual crime drama.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read crime and true crime - Bonehead by Mo Hayder - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... - and Bitter Harvest: A Woman's Fury. A Mother's Sacrifice by Ann Rule - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....3 stars each.
Been forgetting to record that I've done some reviews:The Third Reich: A New History by Michael Burleigh - reviewed - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Nancy Drew - reviewed - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Richard Osman's The Man Who Died Twice - reviewed - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell - reviewed - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Lightning by Dean Koontz - reviewed - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie - reviewed - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Oh my goodness this was good!
by Chris BlakeMy review 5 stars:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports by Christine Brennan
Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland by Salena Zito
Praying in Rome: Reflections on the Conclave and Electing Pope Francis by Timothy M. Dolan
Seven Things You Can't Say About China: An Unflinching Look at the Hidden Dangers of China's Global Influence by Tom Cotton
Waseem by Lilas Taha
An OwnVoices literary fiction about a disabled Palestinian refugee and his journey towards love. The pacing is a bit wonky, but the plot is quite good.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read crime and true crime, 3 stars a piece, Bonehead by Mo Hayder - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... - and Bitter Harvest: A Woman's Fury. A Mother's Sacrifice by Ann Rule - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
✨🏡🥰 Enchanting, magical, funny and wonderfully cozy! I was thoroughly entertained by the ridiculously dramatic shenanigans, and the style of humour in the writing. The story was full of heart, and beautiful themes. But I did have a somewhat mixed experience with the last 30-35%.📝 My Full Review (4.25 ⭐): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Some middle-grade and YA graphic novels for your consideration. All were mid-range for me.1. Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson
A middle-grade story. Worked decently but the stereotypes created some big red flags.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Again for middle graders, highlighting the struggles of a large family. Decent enough, but the depth was missing.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3. Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen
A YA story. Missed out on one important danger element, but has some nice themes.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports by Christine Brennan | pages 252 | My ReviewI enjoyed all of Brennan’s behind the scene accounts and especially the on/off the record interviews. Hadn’t thought about it in terms of the connection to Title IX which Brennan did a good job highlighting. I found it simply stunning at the corporate malpractice of not preparing the organization for the golden goose whose life long dream was to play in their gyms. Completely confounding the depth of their incompetence.
Praying in Rome: Reflections on the Conclave and Electing Pope Francis by Timothy M. Dolan | pages 44 | My Review
Jovial and at times sober behind the scenes look at one of the oldest and most secretive voting blocks by its new and youngest American Cardinal as the doors lock them in the Sistine Chapel.
Seven Things You Can't Say About China: An Unflinching Look at the Hidden Dangers of China's Global Influence by Tom Cotton | pages 208 | My Review
While Americans weren’t looking China has found its way into our society in unprecedented ways. Cotton explains the methods of China’s goal of overthrowing American dominance on the world stage, and surprisingly in the latter third of the book offers solutions for government administrations and Americans in their daily lives
The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I by Douglas Brunt | read by Scott Brick | 12:40 hours | My Review
Throughly fascinating read about an incredible inventor that so few have ever know. Author does a fantastic job explaining the innovative design of the Diesel engine to the non-mechanically inclined reader, and how advantages of this invention was such a threat to so many of status quo of its time late 19th/early 20th century.
The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asia’s Mythical Creatures edited by Hanna Alkaf
A collection of cryptid stories from South-East Asia aiming at middle-graders. Unfortunately, this was more about the kids than the cryptids, though there were a few gems too.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Some of the books I read in October, and my reviews:
Crazy Stupid Bromance
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Let's Make a Scene
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wild About You: 'The perfect comfort read' Laura Wood
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Taco Truck TakedownOther two books I read in October, and my reviews:Take a Hint, Dani Brown
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Taco Truck Takedown
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of A Mother's Heartbreak by Jennie Felton
3 and a half stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read The Treatment by Mo Hayder ... really didn't like it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman and reviewed - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Other books I read in October, and my reviews:PS: I Hate You
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This Is Not a Holiday Romance
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tilly in Technicolor
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love Lettering
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heart the Lover by Lily King
I am a bit of an outlier for this anticipated title, but the male leads and the overdramatic final section didn't work for me. It has a surprise connection to Writers & Lovers
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Foundation Under My Feet, A Poetic Journey of Faith and Self Discovery.https://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Und...
I read The Furies by Natalie Haynes.Unlike her other novels which are re-tellings of Greek myths, Natalie Haynes sets this novel in contemporary London and Edinburgh. A young theatre director, grieving over the untimely death of her fiancee, goes to Edinburgh to teach drama therapy to dysfunctional children. The outcome is not what she expected.
I enjoyed the novel, especially the parts showing the teenagers engaging with classical Greek tragedies.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Cat's Tales: Feline Fairy Tales and Folklore by Charlie Creed
An excellent gift option for cat lovers of all ages during this festive season!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of Because I Could Not Stop for Deathby Amanda Flower
4 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Through Each Tomorrow by Gabrielle Meyer
The sixth book of the brilliant Timeless series. Historical fiction combined with time travel in a mesmerising way.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All About Books
Books mentioned in this topic
House of Treason: The Rise and Fall of a Tudor Dynasty (other topics)Thin Air (other topics)
Once There Were Wolves (other topics)
The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories (other topics)
Dead Water: A Cornish Crime Thriller (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Beka Gremikova (other topics)M.L. Wang (other topics)
R.F. Kuang (other topics)
Robert Jackson Bennett (other topics)
Sarah Wynn-Williams (other topics)
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...