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2025 Independent Challenge
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**Michelle’s Any Way You Want It That’s The Way You Read It Independent Reading
message 101:
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Lillie
(new)
May 12, 2025 02:20PM
I love this discussion of Daphne du Maurier books. I've read 3 of her books, with Rebecca being one of all time favorite books. Enjoyed both My Cousin Rachel and Jamaica Inn. Have been trying to decide which one to read next. Sounds like The House on the Strand is up next for me.
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Lillie wrote: "I love this discussion of Daphne du Maurier books. I've read 3 of her books, with Rebecca being one of all time favorite books. Enjoyed both My Cousin Rachel and [book..."I can't wait to hear what you think Lillie.
How do you explain to someone else why a thing matters to you if it doesn’t matter to them? How can you put into words how a book slips inside of you and becomes a part of you so much that your life feels empty without it?”― Alan Gratz, Ban This Book
76 books
5957 pages
60 audiobooks
16 print
#72
Where the Crawdads Sing An absolutely beautiful book about an abandoned young girl who grows up on her own in the Carolina marshes. I'm probably the last person on earth to read this book but I'm really glad I finally did. 5 unforgettable characters, purposeful suspense, and quiet romance stars. Historical Fiction.#73
The Ruin of Kings I disliked this book almost as much as I liked the one before it. The fantasy arc of this book was fine but the organization drove me crazy. Multiple narrators all tell the story of the same person but on different timelines. Some narrators don't know what others know and others have forgotten what some of them know and others never knew anything. Confused. So was I. Note to the author: If you have to add a "Forward" at the end of the book (don't get me started on how wrong that is) to explain literally the entire plot maybe rethink how you have structured your book. 2 I was listening to this at 2.5X speed by the end and it was still not fast enough stars. Fantasy.#74
The Wild Robot Escapes Continuing this cute graphic novel series as Roz works her way back to Brightbill and their island. I enjoyed the second in the series more than the first. 4 wild robot adventures stars. Graphic novel.#75
Ban This BookA young girl begins her own private protest to books being removed from her school library and it expands to include the entire school. I picked this one up after seeing it in the discussion on the Monthly Genre reading thread. I'm so glad I did. This book would be appropriate reading for children but makes so many good points about the book banning issue that I would encourage others to read it as well. More than anything it presents good constructive ways to respond to book banning. 4 encourage understanding, don't just fan the flames stars. Children.#76
The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road E.A. Hanks channels shades of Didion and Steinbeck as she uses a roadtrip to reconnect herself to her past and her country. A memoir that I connected to on so many points in spite of having such a very different life experience. 4 adventures of self discovery stars. Nonfiction-Memoir.Current:
Olivetti Loving this one.
Edna St. Vincent Millay: Selected Poems: So many poems so little time.
Strangers in Time Good historical fiction.
“I wasn't aware that words could hold so much. I didn't know a sentence could be so full.”
― Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing
That’s what libraries were for: to make sure that everybody had the same access to the same books everyone else did.”
― Alan Gratz, Ban This Book
Michelle wrote: "I was listening to this at 2.5X speed by the end and it was still not fast enough stars. This made me laugh cause yes! BTDT
I've held off reading Where the Crawdads Sing because it got such high praise and I didn't want to be let down. Looks like I'll have to move it up on my list.
I really loved WTCS Lillie. I hope you do too.
Mod
I've really enjoyed the 1st 2 Wild Robot books. I will read #3 shortly.
My grandson is finishing up #3, so I'm sure it will be heading my way soon. It's such a fun series. Have you watched the movie?
“I suppose there is really only one place to go. The library.What is it about books that helps us be brave?" -Beatrice”
― Allie Millington, Olivetti
79 books
6414 pages
62 audiobooks
17 print
#77
Olivetti This sad/sweet little book much of which is told from the POV of an Olivetti typewriter stole my heart. A beautiful story about family, friends and letting others in. A great audio production with Simon Vance as Olivetti. Nice one. 5 listening and caring stars. Fiction/Children (but really for everybody.).#78
Strangers in Time David Baldacci writes historical fiction with this WWII tale. Two children orphaned by the blitz find help and comfort in a bookshop and its eccentric owner. 3 gas masks and bombshelters stars. Historical Fiction.#79
Crown of Midnight The second in the series does not disappoint. I think the second book is actually more interesting than the first as more questions are answered and the characters make decisions that will determine where the story goes from here. 4 magic in the mix stars. Fantasy.Current:
The Selected Poetry Back on the hold list. I can't seem to finish this one but I'll give it another try when the library sends it back to me.
James Recommended by my son and oh yes, a Pulitzer Prize winner of course.
My Friends Wow! This one grabbed me from the start. I hope my heart can take it.
“Humans make poor gods. We’re just not up to it.”
― David Baldacci, Strangers in Time
“To dream is often to deceive oneself. We may dream so often about another sort of life that we forget to live the one that we already possess.”
― David Baldacci, Strangers in Time
Mod
My wife and I laughed and cried all through it.. Just so good.
Glad you enjoyed it Bill. I just saw it. Beautiful animation. Beautiful story.
Mod
60 audiobooks
16 print
#72 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Where the Crawdads Sing An absolutely beautiful book about an abandoned young girl who grows up on her own in the Carolina marshes. I'm probably the last person on earth to read this book but I'm really glad I finally did. 5 unforgettable characters, purposeful suspense, and quiet romance stars. Historical Fiction..."
I am actually the last person on earth to read it. I have a physical copy; but i am not finished with harvest yet; so, it has to wait.
great review and kudos on your progress, Michelle! :)
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "60 audiobooks
16 print
#72 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Where the Crawdads Sing An absolutely beautiful book about an abandoned young girl who grows up on her own in t..."
Thanks Alondra! I feel better knowing I'm not the last. I was stubborn about this book but it really is worth the read. Hope you can get to it after the fields are harvested. I'd love to hear what you think.
“So, in case you are wondering, every line of this book is true, and you can check the notes if you wish to review the source material.”― Larry Loftis, Code Name: Lise
83 books
7112 pages
65 audiobooks
18 print
#80
My Friends Such a wonderful life affirming book by Fredrik Backman. While it is a tear jerker, you will feel so much better about the world after you read it. 5 I highly recommend stars. Contemporary Fiction.#81
James The main character is Jim from Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This is his story. Not a fun read but a good one. 4 Pulitzer prize winner stars. Literary Fiction.#82
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder A high school senior takes on a cold case from her hometown as her senior project. 4 fun twists and turns stars. Mystery.#83
Code Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII's Most Highly Decorated Spy A true story of spy craft during WWII that reads just like historical fiction. 4 romance and danger stars. Nonfiction-History.Current:
Good Girl, Bad Blood
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
“With my pencil, I wrote myself into being.”
― Percival Everett, James
“Real men wear floral when trespassing”
― Holly Jackson, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
“If you only get a few summer days like that you’re truly lucky, if you only find one friend like that you’re insanely fortunate.”
― Fredrik Backman, My Friends
I loved My Friends as well but I'm such an avoider of sad books that I kicked and screamed through the first third. With that said, Fredrik Backman is a wonderful writer and he kept me coming back.Good to hear aboutJames. It's my book club's July read. I've never read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and I've debating on whether I need to read that first. I usually do read the original before books based on the book, for example Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea (and The Eyre Affair). Any advice?
Lillie wrote: "I usually do read the original before books based on the book.... Any advice?"My bookclub is reading James for Sept. and I am planning on reading Huckleberry Finn first. I might even reread The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
I read Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn before reading James as it had been TOO many years. I'm glad I did, but you don't have to.
Oooh, I want to read both James and the new Backman book, so good to hear you've enjoyed both!
Lillie wrote: "I loved My Friends as well but I'm such an avoider of sad books that I kicked and screamed through the first third. With that said, Fredrik Backman is a wonderful ..."Should you read Huck Finn before reading James? My first reaction is yes but that might not be fair. James is a standalone story and you will probably enjoy it whether you read Huck Finn or not. It does dove tail in with the Twain version in a way that is really smart and impressive. Also, I felt like the version from James' POV did make some subtle statements about the original book in addition to the obvious ones. I say all of that, but I have not read Huck Finn in years so I'm sure that my memories are not terribly detailed. I felt that I was still able to appreciate James so maybe a good overall understanding of the plot is all that is necessary.
Also, in response to My Friends being sad. I want to say for everyone else reading this that it was sad, but the ending was not sad as much as it was positive and hopeful. I want to emphasize that because like you for a large part of the book I was afraid that things would end badly, and I would have to hate this book forever. Didn't happen.
Laurel wrote: "Lillie wrote: "I usually do read the original before books based on the book.... Any advice?"My bookclub is reading James for Sept. and I am planning on reading Huckleberry Finn ..."
I don't think you can go wrong with the background reading but I don't think it is a must for enjoying James and understanding what the author is trying to convey.
Jackie wrote: "I read Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn before reading James as it had been TOO many years. I'm glad I did, but you don't have to."I admire your commitment, Jackie. I'm sure it added to your James experience. I have to admit that I was unsure about reading James to begin with so the re-reads were just a bit much for me. I just plunged right in.
Ioana wrote: "Oooh, I want to read both James and the new Backman book, so good to hear you've enjoyed both!"I'm looking forward to your reviews Ioana. I hope you enjoy them both.
Michelle wrote: "Also, in response to My Friends being sad. I want to say for everyone else reading this that it was sad, but the ending was not sad as much as it was positive and hopeful. I want to emphasize that because like you for a large part of the book I was afraid that things would end badly, and I would have to hate this book forever. Didn't happen."Same! I’m glad it ended the way it did cause I was reading it like 🫣
Based on everything you all have said, looks like Huckleberry Finn is going on my list for the month. Maybe even Tom Sawyer. Thanks!
“Reading love stories isn’t frivolous. It’s profound. It’s not escape, it’s the opposite. Trust me, and trust yourself: love stories are the best kinds of therapy. They aren’t shallow, they’re deep. Start looking and you’ll see it, too. Love stories make us better at love. In all directions. And getting better at love of course, means getting better at life.”― Katherine Center, The Love Haters
#84
Good Girl, Bad Blood The first book in this series by Holly Jackson was great. It had a few flaws but overall great. This second in the series not so great. More flaws, less believable motivation, more unbelievable coincidence. In spite of that, the ending was pretty good so 3 sorry that this one was just OK stars. YA/Suspense.#85
The Love Haters Sooo good! I always enjoy Katherine Center but this book was probably her best. I would recommend reading it based on the author's note alone. 5 yes, it's that good stars. Romance.#86 As Good As Dead
What the heck happened to this series???!!! I didn't love the beginning of book 3 but in spite of all the flaws I was willing to stick it out. Then for a few pages about halfway through it became nail biting and I thought OK here we go. Then BAM! Pippa went to the dark side and the remainder of the book was a long string of idiotic and unbelievable teen drama nonesense. Don't start this series. You will be destined for disappointment. 2 Ravi needs to get a new girlfriend ASAP stars. Audiobook. YA????????????/Suspense.Current:
Abundance Something very different to clear my head from the last one.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Not really far in but enjoying it so far.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Back from the library . I'm going to give it another go.
“People in good relationships had to appreciate each other—say thank you, give compliments, notice what their partner was getting right—in ways that created a cushion of warmth and kindness that eased everything else.”
― Katherine Center, The Love Haters
I so agree with you regarding Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series. Loved the first one, second one was alright but the third one??? Why? Just why?
Lillie wrote: "I so agree with you regarding Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series. Loved the first one, second one was alright but the third one??? Why? Just why?"Why? and am I supposed to buy this? Even before things went dark, I had thought out a better plot ending in my head. Also, after things went off the rails it just went on and on. My audiobook would not shut up. It just kept coming up with chapter after chapter and I was in the car talking to it and telling it how stupid and unrealistic it was being, and it just did not listen. I've had teenagers I don't need to have to deal with that kind of stuff anymore.
Michelle wrote: "I've had teenagers I don't need to have to deal with that kind of stuff anymore."Exactly!! So not interested in dipping my toes back into teenage angst and stupidity. I lost brain cells listening to it. I even had it at 2x speed and it wasn't fast enough.
I agree with you and Lillie about the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series. What a disappointment! What happened to the Pip from the first book? I haven't been able to read a Holly Jackson book since.
Lea wrote: "I agree with you and Lillie about the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series. What a disappointment! What happened to the Pip from the first book? I haven't been able to read a Holly Jackson book since."I'm afraid that was my last Holly Jackson book too Lea which is a shame the first book was so good. What happened? I'm wondering if AI wrote the last book or something. It was just way off.
Michelle wrote: "I'm afraid that was my last Holly Jackson book too Lea which is a shame the first book was so good. What happened? I'm wondering if AI wrote the last book or something. It was just way off." That's a serious possibility, Michelle! I wondered if she listened too hard to an editor or an ARC reader who had a problem with the "good girl" moniker and decided she needed to address that by changing the character entirely. I get the sentiment, I never liked it either, but it was too drastic of a change for an already established character.
I might read another Jackson book...some look very good...but every time I consider it, I keep thinking about this one and pick some other books instead.
Also a good explanation. It definitely didn't fit with the character or the rest of the series. it was a completely unpredictable and shocking twist though. I'll give her that much. I also have to get this off my chest and I'll try not to make it a spoiler. I don't think the author has ever used bleach before. There's just no way.
Michelle wrote: "Also a good explanation. It definitely didn't fit with the character or the rest of the series. it was a completely unpredictable and shocking twist though. I'll give her that much. I also have to get this off my chest though and I'll try not to make it a spoiler. I don't think the author has ever used bleach before. There's just no way."Here's what I need to get off my chest about this book, but it is a big spoiler, so I will hide it behind spoiler tags (view spoiler)
Yes! The complete flip on the characters' personalities was so. wrong. The revenge plot was wrong and out of character. But most of all, the methodology was so very wrong. I just couldn't accept any of it. Plot twists are great but they need to be at least mildly believable.
“Being human was such a lonely endeavor.”― Taylor Jenkins Reid, Atmosphere
89 books
7464 pages
71 audiobooks
18 print
#87
Abundance A series of essays analyzing where we are as a society, what brought us here and what it will take for us to meet the future. Written with reality in mind but an optimistic outlook. 4 stop bickering and get to work stars. Nonfiction.#88
The Tainted Cup A fantastic cozy mystery fantasy. Great world building, good mystery but above all interesting characters. 4 Sherlock and Watson got nothing on these two stars. Fantasy/Mystery.#89
Atmosphere Wow! Even though none of her books seem to be my type, when I read them Taylor Jenkins Reid never fails to impress me. This was a great fictional tale about women astronauts and a great romance. 4 just really, really good reading stars. Fiction.Current:
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Back from the library for another round
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Sort of struggling to get into this one but I suspect I just need uninterrupted reading time.
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President I had no idea Garfield was so interesting.
“Happiness is so hard to come by. I don’t understand why anyone would begrudge anyone else for managing to find some of it.”
― Taylor Jenkins Reid, Atmosphere
“crisis is a focusing mechanism. But leaders define what counts as a crisis. And leaders are the ones who choose to focus.”
― Ezra Klein, Abundance
“We have a startling abundance of the goods that fill a house and a shortage of what’s needed to build a good life.”
― Ezra Klein, Abundance
“Civilization is often a thing that is barely managed.”
― Robert Jackson Bennett, The Tainted Cup
Michelle wrote: "#88 The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett A fantastic cozy mystery fantasy. Great world building, good mystery but above all interesting characters. 4 Sherlock and Watson got nothing on these two stars. Fantasy/Mystery."Read this one last year and enjoyed it. Have #2, A Drop of Corruption, on my list for this year but do I read it now or do I wait till it's closer to when #3 is released. Decisions, decisions...
I'm in the queue for number 2 now Lillie. The first one was so enjoyable
Mod
Glad you enjoyed this. I have been looking forward to this one for a while.
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "“#88 The Tainted Cup (Shadow of the Leviathan, #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett The Tainted Cup A fantastic cozy mystery fantasy. Great world building, good mystery but above all inte..."I think you will enjoy it Alondra. Solid mystery, oddball characters and unique world building.
“You must make time for reading or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”― Craig Johnson, The Longmire Defense
92 books
7487 pages
74 audiobooks
18 print
#90
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President Wow, I did not expect this. I thought I was just checking Garfield off of my Presidents challenge but I discovered the best book. A story that reads almost like fiction. Not only was Garfield himself fascinating as a self-educated, liberal and patriot dedicated to helping the United States recover from the Civil War, but he also never campaigned for president, even asked not to be nominated and still won the election. He died from an infection that developed in wounds inflicted by a would-be assassin, but the infection was caused by the ignorance of his doctors making them almost as culpable in his death as the shooter. Witnessing the shooting was the son of Abraham Lincoln who was actually present at the attempted assassination of three presidents, making him something of an albatross if you ask me. Inventor Alexander Graham Bell in an attempt to help save the president actually invented a machine that would detect the location of the bullet in the body. An invention which did not help Garfield but obviously led to other remarkable advances in the field of medicine. The book followed Garfield, his assassin and the inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Read this one! Really. 5 Garfield is clearly one of our underrated Presidents. Nonfiction-Biography. Presidents Challenge.#91
Great Big Beautiful Life The first Emily Henry book that I have read that didn't have me raving about the misleading title. It was also a decent story. Fun not too deep. Nice break from heavier stuff. Although.... it did read like a Taylor Jenkins Reid rip off without the drama or the unforseen twist. 3 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo-light stars. Fiction-Romance.#92
The Longmire Defense The last few Longmire books have been a bit too dark for my tastes but this one was spot on. It even opened up some new storylines which makes me think that one of my favorite series will be continuing on and on. 4 retirement???? stars. Fiction-MysteryCurrently:
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Slow going but finally getting good.
Never Flinch A shiney new read pulling me away from all the others.
Heartwood An AT thru hiking thriller.
Edna Saint Vincent Millay Poetry Illustrated Back from the hold list and trying to finish.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell I've all but given up.
“Love isn’t something you can cup in your hands, and I have to believe that means it’s something that can’t ever be lost.”
― Emily Henry, Great Big Beautiful Life
If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old. JAMES A. GARFIELD”
― Candice Millard, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
“he had dangerous enemies and problematic friends,”
― Candice Millard, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
“I must say that I thought there was some derangement of his mental organization.”
― Candice Millard, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
I went to Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Canada last year, and I was so fascinated by his role in trying to save the life of President Garfield. I have got to get back to my president's challenge and read that book. :-) Glad to hear that there's an Emily Henry book that matches the title finally. I accepted Book Lovers, but anyway, will have to read this one eventually too.
I'm excited that you are reading Never Flinch. I can't wait to hear what you think. Happy reading!
You definitely need to read Destiny of the Republic Lea. You will enjoy it. Never Flinch is great so far. I love Holly Gibney.
Michelle wrote: "You definitely need to read Destiny of the Republic Lea. You will enjoy it. Never Flinch is great so far. I love Holly Gibney."OK . . . I am SOLD on Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. Adding it to my To Read list. I also like the idea of reading a book about each president. I've got a few covered, but mostly I've read a couple of books that have given an overview of each president. Now that I'm retired, I can dig deeper!
Destiny of the Republic is definitely one I would recommend if you want to read the presidents Karol. Nixonland was also a great read. Good luck! I can't wait to see what you read.
“A reader is never lonely.”― Amity Gaige, Heartwood
95 books
8026 pages
76 audiobooks
19 print
#93
Heartwood A woman goes missing from the Appalachian trail, as time runs out for a rescue she, those who search for her, and those who hold the key to her survival meditate on their life journey. Some really beautiful thoughts about parent/child relationships and our connectedness to each other and nature. I enjoyed this book a lot but it was more cerebral than I expected, not really a thriller. 3 I always love a book about the AT stars. Contemporary Fiction.#94
Tooth and Claw Continuing the good vibes with this Longmire short. 4 polar bears and ghost ships stars. Fiction-Novella.#95
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Sigh! I really want to like V.E. Schwab but I just can't quite get there. Like the other books that I have read by her, this begins with a stellar concept, but it stretched out on and on. Always promising something that I didn't feel like it ever delivered. Great idea. Good writing. But... 3 toxic lesbian vampire stars. Fiction-Horror.
Current:
Never Flinch Much more engaging than anything else I'm reading currently.
No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson Sacklers move over.
Edna Saint Vincent Millay Poetry Illustrated So close.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell I'm close to calling it on this one.
“The world and its people are too much for me.
I am crushed between empathy and impotence.
I don't think I'm important. Not at all!
In fact, I am embarrassingly insubstantial.
Then why was I given this heart?
It is so much more than I need.”
― Amity Gaige, Heartwood
“You are slurring your words.” I stared at him for a moment and then poured one for myself, raising it in a toast. “I prefer to think of it as speaking in cursive.”
― Craig Johnson, Tooth and Claw
“But you cannot have what you want until you know what you want. And once you do know,” she adds, “it’s only a matter of what you’re willing to do to get it.”
― V.E. Schwab, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
Michelle wrote: "#96 Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Sigh! I really want to like V.E. Schwab but I just can't quite get there. Like the other books that I have read by her, this begins with a stellar concept, but it stretched out on and on. Always promising something that I didn't feel like it ever delivered. Great idea. Good writing. But...3 toxic lesbian vampire stars. Fiction-Horror"
Same! I really want to love her stuff but I just don't connect with her writing. I think the one I did end up enjoying was the 2nd in the Shades of Magic series, A Gathering of Shadows. I guess it's true that not all books are for all readers.
Yes. I think it's not knowing what to edit and where to end it somehow. It needs to be tighter. Anyway, it just doesn't click for me.
Heart, have no pity on this house of bone: Shake it with dancing, break it down with joy.-Edna St. Vincent Millay
98 books
8275 pages
78 audiobooks
20 print
#96
No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson An expose' about the Johnson & Johnson company. Horrifying, but even more horrifying because it seems to be the way the pharmaceutical industry in the United States works and the FDA is complicit. Tylenol and baby powder are just the tip of the iceberg. This one will really make you think next time you are at the pharmacy. 4 move over Sacklers stars. Nonfiction.#97
Edna St. Vincent Millay: Selected Poems: This one took me a while. I do love some of this author's poetry. I found while reading this collection that some of it I do not love. While she has a beautiful turn of phrase and is often down to earth, some of her poetry calls too much on classical literature and the cerebral for my taste. It did make it all the more enjoyable when I found a line or poem that spoke to me. 3 Though summer's rife and the warm rose in season, Rebuke me not: I have a winter reason stars. Poetry.#98
The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits I really enjoyed this book. It was Jennifer Weiner at her finest. Two sisters make it to the top of the charts but when one eclipses the other the trouble begins. Sad but heartwarming. 4 sisters what can you do stars. Contemporary Fiction.Currently:
Never Flinch Holly Gibney is the GOAT.
Isola About half way through and I have mixed feelings about this one.
“the FDA is now so wholly captive to those it supposedly regulates that agency officials routinely refer to drug and device companies as their main customer and concern, not consumers or the American public.”
― Gardiner Harris, No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson
Asking her to do anything else, like actively participate in her own love life, or have difficult conversations with family members or bandmates, was like asking a spoon to take someone’s temperature, or thinking a hammer could iron your dress. ”
― Jennifer Weiner, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits
Pity me that the heart is slow to learn What the swift mind beholds at every turn.
-Edna St. Vincent Millay
“Light is only possible through dialogue between cultures, not through rejection of one or the other.”― James McBride, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
101 books
8712 pages
80 audiobooks
21 print
#99
Never Flinch I hate to have to give this review, but this was not King at his best. I still love the Holly character but the book on the whole just didn't come together. I don't know if King tried to do too much with one story or if he just phoned it in but either way he didn't pull it off. 3 entertaining but not up to par for King stars. Mystery/Bad King (of course Bad King is still better than a lot of other books).#100
Isola A young woman is left to the mercy of her guardian. When he decides to take her with him in search of the new world his mercy leaves her stranded and desolate. The degradations this young woman suffered at the hands of men made this a frustrating book to read. The ending was somewhat satisfying and at least hopeful but the main character still had to debase herself to achieve a measure of security. 3 woe to those who do not conform to the patriarchy stars. Historical Fiction.#101
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store This was a meandering tale of a segregated community that came together to rescue one young boy. While it was masterfully written it was still a difficult read, not only because of the subject matter but also because of the in-depth histories of the characters and their complicated connections to each other. 3 love overcomes hate stars. Historical Fiction.Current:
The Listeners More historical fiction but with a little magical realism maybe???
The Dream Hotel More oppression by the patriarchy but this time in the future.
“extreme horror is, in it's own way, merciful - it doesn't let you look ahead to the end”
― Stephen King, Never Flinch
“My guardian served as my protector, but I had no one to protect me from him.”
― Allegra Goodman, Isola
“As I have said, my daughter, no matter what virtue and goodness you see in yourself or others, know that in this world, not one in a thousand escapes without some deception or attack on her honor, no matter how good or perfect.”
― Allegra Goodman, Isola
“You can forever remember the wrongs done to you as long as you live,” she said. “But if you forget ’em and go on living, it’s almost as good as forgiving.”
― James McBride, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
Enjoyed looking through your list of books. I have Isola & The Griffin Sisters to read. I also greatly enjoyed Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. One of those--even though you know he's going to die, still a gut punch when he does. Millard is a very good writer. I've read one or two others by her & gave my husband River of the Gods: Genius, Courage and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile, and he kept telling me about it as he was reading it. Still need to get to that one though.Enjoy the rest of your July reading!
Patricia wrote: "Enjoyed looking through your list of books. I have Isola & The Griffin Sisters to read. I also greatly enjoyed [book:Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Mu..."Enjoy Isola and The Griffin Sisters Patricia! I'm going to have to find more of Millard's books too. Destiny of the Republic was just awesome. I've got River of Doubt on my wishlist. Hopefully it will come through from the libary soon.
Michelle wrote: "Current:
The Dream Hotel More oppression by the patriarchy but this time in the future."
Looking forward to what you think about this book. I have it on my list but so far it's been languishing somewhere in the middle of it
Happy reading!
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