On The Same Page discussion
2025 Independent Challenge
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**Michelle’s Any Way You Want It That’s The Way You Read It Independent Reading
"The morning sun baptizes both sinner and saint alike."-S.A. Cosby, King of Ashes
105 books
9132 pages
83 audiobooks
22 print
#102
The Dream Hotel An interesting dystopian tale set in the near future when tech companies watch everything even dreams and use algorithms to predict crime, removing potential criminals based on the probability that they will commit a crime. A young mother is sent to a retention center based on her algorithm and struggles to return to normal life. I had a few quibbles with this one, but it was such an interesting concept my hang ups did not spoil the book for me. 3 big brother is not only watching he is in your dreams stars. Speculative Fiction/Dystopia.#103
The Listeners Maggie Stiefvater's first adult book was a hit for me. Set in the early days of WWII the manager of a luxury hotel is forced to house political prisoners as guests. The writing was beautiful and the setting was captivating. 4 be careful if you drink the water stars. Historical Fiction.#104
King of Ashes S.A. Cosby never disappoints me. I have only one word for this book INTENSE. 4 everything burns stars. Fiction-Southern Grit Lit.#105
One Summer I usually enjoy David Baldacci so I jumped on the bandwagon when I saw my Goodreads friends reading this one. A mistake I'm sad to say. I also have only one word for this one TRITE. Not a bad story but everything was so contrived. This was like if your 90's Dad wrote a Hallmark movie. 3 no, I think it might even be too corny for Hallmark stars. Romance.Current:
Oona Out of Order Setting up for a nice time travel tale.
The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey I didn't imagine I could like this one as much as I do.
“Life is crazy and maddening and often makes no sense.”
― David Baldacci, One Summer
“To be a woman was to watch yourself not just through your own eyes, but through the eyes of others.”
― Laila Lalami, The Dream Hotel
“Even he, with all his life experience and his training, saw loveliness in these surroundings. Everything logical in him was unnerved; everything else swooned.”
― Maggie Stiefvater, The Listeners
Michelle wrote: "Current:
Oona Out of Order Setting up for a nice time travel tale."
I hope you continue enjoying it! I found it to be a much better time travel story than the one I read for book club this month, The Day Tripper
Mod
-S.A. Cosby, King of Ashes
105 books
9132 pages
83 audiobooks
22 print
#102
[book:The Dream Hotel|218..."I've only read The Scorpio Races by Stiefvater so far and thought it was great. I do have a couple of her books on my bookshelf. I need to try them.
Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Current:
Oona Out of Order Setting up for a nice time travel tale."
I hope you continue enjoying it! I found it to be a much better time travel story than the one I read for book..."
I haven't read The Daytripper but so far this is the best time travel tale I have read in a while. So good! I read Wrong Place Wrong Time a while back. Not bad but this one is so much better.
Bill wrote: "Michelle wrote: ""The morning sun baptizes both sinner and saint alike."-S.A. Cosby, King of Ashes
You should pick up The Listeners Bill. I think you would like it. Her Raven King trilogy is also good but I flaked out on the follow up series for that one.
Sorry you didn't love One Summer. I agree with your assessment, but I think I had lower expectations for the book. There were way too many convenient plot twists that made this book completely unbelievable. I heard it did make a Hallmark movie though. :-)
Lea wrote: "Sorry you didn't love One Summer. I agree with your assessment, but I think I had lower expectations for the book. There were way too many convenient plot twists that made this book completely unbe..."I hated that. I really do like Baldacci normally. I'm also glad to hear it made Hallmark. Maybe this was just bad timing for me. Also, I listened to the audiobook which was clearly one of the early audiobook productions. It was a VERY dramatic reading especially the letters. Complete with heartfelt background music. That didn't help.
Michelle wrote: "I hated that. I really do like Baldacci normally. I'm also glad to hear it made Hallmark. Maybe this was just bad timing for me. Also, I listened to the audiobook which was clearly one of the early audiobook productions. It was a VERY dramatic reading especially the letters. Complete with heartfelt background music. That didn't help."Yikes! Thankfully, I read the hardcover book versus the audio. It was a good escape read while I was on vacation, but it wasn't more than that. I did like the symbolism of the light house, but it bugged me that we didn't get to know what Jack's illness was. I do think he's better writing thrillers. I also think I'll skip the Hallmark movie though, as I've gotten enough out of the story. :-)
Michelle wrote: "This was like if your 90's Dad wrote a Hallmark movie. "You're not wrong lol
“Dogs and books, two excellent defenses against solitude and despair.”― Margarita Montimore, Oona Out of Order
109 books
9464 pages
86 audiobooks
23 print
I seem to be on a 4 star streak.
#106
The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey I could not have imagined how much I would enjoy this book. Author Rinker Buck and his brother drive a team of mules and a covered wagon over the modern-day Oregon Trail and their adventures are poignant, funny, and fascinating. Great audiobook production read by the author. 4 fans of Bill Bryson would love this one stars. Nonfiction-Living History.#107
Listen for the Lie Also better than I thought it would be. A woman accused of murder but with no memory of the event joins with a podcaster to learn the truth. This was just a lot of fun. 4 everyone in town is a suspect stars. Mystery.#108
Oona Out of Order I loved this unique time travel story. This one wasted no time on the how of the time travel and focused on the effect on the traveler and the people she encountered. Really endearing characters in this one. Also, a funny story. I had no intentions of reading this even though I do like time travel. My son gave it and another book to me for my birthday and said I want you to tell me if you like it. Turns out he used ChatGPT and my Goodreads read list to pick out two paperbacks for me. I haven't read the second book yet but based on my experience with this one - well done! 4 let's hear it for AI stars. Speculative Fiction-Time Travel.#109
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey My second president book by Candice Millard was as successful as the first. This book covered one of the final adventures of Theodore Roosevelt. After he was president he discovered, explored, and mapped an unknown river in the Amazon jungle. This was an exciting tale all by itself, but Millard managed to tell it in a way that revealed the character and personality of Roosevelt in a way that most biographies do not. 4 the crucible of adventure stars. Nonfiction-President ChallengeCurrent:
Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind so funny
The Phoenix Pencil Company I can't wait to see where this one goes
“I do not believe in organized religion, herbal remedies, yoga, Reiki, kabbalah, deep massage, slow food, or chicken soup for the soul. The nostrums of Deepak Chopra and Barbara De Angelis cannot rescue people like me. I believe in crazyass passion.”
― Rinker Buck, The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey
“I am not responsible for the fake version of me you created in your head.”
― Amy Tintera, Listen for the Lie
“Roosevelt had never allowed himself to fear death, famously writing, “Only those are fit to live who do not fear to die.” From a very young age, he had been prepared to die in order to live the life he wanted.
― Candice Millard, The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
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King of Ashes is already on the list. I have Razorblade Tears on my list for this year; so, I want to get that under my belt first.
They are making All the Sinners Bleed into a series on Netflix!! I can't wait!!
Alondra wrote: "Great updates, Michelle.King of Ashes is already on the list. I have Razorblade Tears on my list for this year; so, I want to get that under my belt first.
They are making [book:All the Sinners ..."
I'm right there with you Alondra. Something about S.A. Cosby and his gritty reads, I always go back for more. I'm looking forward to the Netflix series. I hope they don't mess it up.
Michelle wrote: "“Dogs and books, two excellent defenses against solitude and despair.”― Margarita Montimore, Oona Out of Order"
Yay! Happy to hear that you enjoyed Oona Out of Order. Read it about 5 years ago and I still remember it. May need to pick it up again.
About SA Cosby, when I see both you and Alondra raving about his books, I know I really need to buckle down start reading them. Just need to be in that dark and gritty mood. I've been reading a lot of popcorn reads this year (cozy mysteries).
I loved Oona! Great premise. Great character. You should try Cosby but make sure you're ready for grit lit when you do. I would recommend starting with Razorblade Tears.
Mod
The author seems excited about it; so, I am hoping they treat it with the care that it deserves.
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I'm right there with you Alondra. Something about S.A. Cosby and his gritty reads, I always go back for more. I'm looking forward to the Netflix series. I hope they don't mess it u..."**fingers crossed**
"The most words"- Nate Bargatze, Big Dumb Eyes
112 books
9493 pages
89 audiobooks
23 print
#110
Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind Nate Bargatze always cracks me up and his book was no different. Having grown up in the same part of the country that he did, his stories of his childhood particularly resonated with me. 4 super funny and clean stars. Nonfiction-Comedy.#111
Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President I cannot for the life of me think why I put this book on my library hold list but when it popped up I said OK. The result was an audiobook experience that I cannot quite describe. Sometimes funny, sometimes stomach churning, ultimately a little inspiring and always stylish. I can only say after listening that these two octogenarians were well matched for the courtroom battle of the century. 3 what was that!? stars. Nonfiction-Memoir??#112
The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life A beautiful and inspiring book meant to spark the reader's creativity. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it but this is really a book to read and spend some time with. 3 would make a great gift book stars. Nonfiction.Current:
The Phoenix Pencil Company Still plugging away at this one but enjoying it.
Monday's Not Coming Working to finish my banned books challenge.
“It taught me that if you’re in conversation with the self, you can be in conversation with the world.”
― Suleika Jaouad, The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life
“I’m just reading.” “It’s one of the only times you look happy.”― Allison King, The Phoenix Pencil Company
116 books
10217 pages
92 audiobooks
24 print
#113
Monday's Not Coming Sad story of a missing girl and the friend who will not let her be forgotten. A really good book full of twists-some you see coming, some you don't. 3 a library book can be a cry for help stars. YA Fiction/Banned.#114
One Life: The True Story of Sir Nicholas Winton and the Prague Kindertransport A beautiful book if you are looking for a daughter's homage to a beloved father. A terrible book if you want to read about the Prague Kindertransport. The book unfortunately skimmed lightly over the historical events that I was hoping to read about. 3 yes, a nice man but what about those kids trying to escape the Nazis stars. Nonfiction-Biography.#115
The Phoenix Pencil Company A warm book about friendship, love, family and the stories we tell ourselves with a little magical realism thrown in. 4 charming and bittersweet stars. Speculative Fiction.#116
Burn Book: A Tech Love Story Kara Swisher writes about her 30 year career reporting on the tech industry. Since she was there from the early days until the present, her memoir gives a pretty good review of the rise and growth of the tech industry and it's leaders. I thought the subtitle of the book would actually have been the better title. She didn't pull any punches but she clearly admires the tech world. 3 Not too gossipy not too geeky stars. Nonfiction-Memoir.Current
The Enchanted Greenhouse Loving this one, my second by this author.
Going Home If you clicked the link. I know, I know but I just have a weakness for survivalist apocalypse stuff. Can't help it.
“Mondays are the best days! Like, aren’t you excited about the start of a new week? It’s like a new chapter in a book.”
― Tiffany D. Jackson, Monday's Not Coming
“How can you know when you’re young and sad and vulnerable how to choose someone to share your life with? And how can you know when you’re old and weak and vulnerable that someone will be kind to your granddaughter, long after you are gone?”
― Allison King, The Phoenix Pencil Company
“French philosopher Paul Virilio has a quote I think about a lot: “When you invent the ship, you also invent the shipwreck; when you invent the plane, you also invent the plane crash; and when you invent electricity, you invent electrocution…. Every technology carries its own negativity, which is invented at the same time as technical progress.”
― Kara Swisher, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story
Mod
Bill wrote: "I thought Burn Book was ok as well."I was interested throughout Bill. She was astringent yet inciteful.
Michelle wrote: "#115 The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King A warm book about friendship, love, family and the stories we tell ourselves with a little magical realism thrown in. 4 charming and bittersweet stars. Speculative Fiction."Oh! This looks so good. Adding it to my list. Do you think it would be a good book club book? Starting to compile a list to share with book club for when we pick books for next year.
I think you would really like it Lillie. As for book clubs I don't know. I could see some great discussions about story telling and family relationships happening but there are elements of the story that some people might not appreciate. I'd say it depends on your book club. Mine would hate it. They don't appreciate Magical realism and they don't like anything touching on terminal or chronic illness.
“Words matter.” The right words could heal shattered glass. And hearts. And families. And lives.”― Sarah Beth Durst, The Enchanted Greenhouse
119 books
10601 pages
94 audiobooks
25 print
#117
Going Home by A American (28-Jul-2014) Paperback OK first thing: I do not recommend this book. As I said somewhere above I love apocalypse lit. I am particularly drawn to apocalypse tales that describe how the characters survive the immediate event. I especially like it if they have to travel to get somewhere and/or if they have to gather what they need to survive. This book satisfied that requirement. In fact, it satisfied to a degree that was pretty much unbelievable. The MC is in his car traveling for work. An EMP hits, no electricity, no car etc. He has to gather what he can from his vehicle and somehow walk 250 miles or so back to his family. Because he is a prepper, he gathers around 60 pounds of crucial survival gear from his car even having to discard some because he doesn't want to make his pack too heavy. Right. I'm sure I could gather 60 pounds of detritus from my car under similar circumstances but 0% of it would be useful for my survival which would be OK because if I had to carry a 60-pound pack I would keel over after about 500 yards. I am describing here the good part of the book. The rest was crude, gross, bloody and deeply biased. Oh yes, it was also poorly written. It seems to be a series, but I believe I can "survive" without the rest of it. 2 Country Boy Can Survive by Hank Williams Jr. kept playing in my head stars. Fiction (except for the survival gear, I'm sure you can find that in Cabelo's or somewhere).#118
The Enchanted Greenhouse The second in a duology by Sarah Beth Durst. I just loved both of these books. This was the epitome of cozy fantasy. Enchanted greenhouses, sentient plants, hot gardeners and endless mouthwatering descriptions of food, it all made me want to curl up in my reading chair and read for days. 5 peaceful and hopeful feel good stars. Cozy Fantasy.#119
An Incomplete Revenge I enjoyed this installment of the Maisie Dobbs series. Maisie puts old ghosts to rest both in her case and in her own life. Revealing a little more about her own past and clearing the stage for future events in the series. 3 deep cleansing breaths stars. Mystery.Current:
Silver Elite Just started but I'm intrigued.
Flowers in the Attic Almost done and I'm a bit nauseous.
“She felt like she fit within his arms, like a book properly shelved.”
― Sarah Beth Durst, The Enchanted Greenhouse
“You risked so much... And you barely know me."
"I did what I believed was right," Rijes said. "It's my duty--- in fact, I believe it's every person's duty, especially those in power--- to reject unjust laws. To choose kindness and empathy, whenever we can.”
― Sarah Beth Durst, The Enchanted Greenhouse
I just finished reading The Spellshop, so I'm excited to read The Enchanted Greenhouse. You called it a duology, but according to GR, there is a third book coming out July 2026, so that's exciting. Sea of Charms
I'm so happy to hear there's a third! I would love it if this series had a dozen books. Reading them is like wrapping up in your favorite blankie.
Mod
― Sarah Beth Durst, The Enchanted Greenhouse
119 books
10601 pages
94 audiobooks
25 print
#117 [..."
I have to get back to Maisie. I've been neglecting her stories.
I wasn't sure how much further I was going to go with Maisie but this one renewed my interest. A nice mystery.
“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”― Heather Fawcett, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
122 books
10629 pages
97 audiobooks
25 print
#120
Flowers in the Attic I'm glad I finally read what has become a modern classic but I'll admit I found it a little sickening. I did admire how the author delicately handled descriptions of child abuse and incest. That took some writing skills. 3 well written but not the story for me stars. Fiction. Banned.#121
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries I was on hold for this book for a very long time, so I'm glad I finally got the chance to read it. It was amusing and I liked the main character's humor and independence. 3 I guess I'm up for the series stars. Fantasy.#122
What If I Never Get Over You A satisfying romance in the spirit of "An Affair To Remember". 4 vacation lovers and missed meetings stars. Romance.Currently:
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism So much toxic stuff going on here.
Silver Elite Romantasy with no excuses.
“There is no hate such as that born out of love betrayed- and my brain screamed out for revenge.”
― V.C. Andrews, Flowers in the Attic
“I knew you wouldn’t believe it. Just because you have a heart filled with the dust of a thousand library stacks does not mean everybody does.”
― Heather Fawcett, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Michelle wrote: "I wasn't sure how much further I was going to go with Maisie but this one renewed my interest. A nice mystery."This was my dilemma as well. Loved the first one but as I went on in the series, I started getting less and less interested. Ended up taking a 7 year break between book 9, Elegy for Eddie and book 10, Leaving Everything Most Loved. Glad I went back.
Yes. I think this is one of those slow series reads that you come back to when you need something dependably good.
“My mind involuntarily keeps repeating the John Updike quote “Celebrity is a mask that eats into the face.”― Sarah Wynn-Williams, Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
126 books
11167 pages
100 audiobooks
26 print
#123
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism An expose about Facebook from a former employee. I would like to use the word shocking to describe this book but in truth it wasn't shocking. Sadly, it was pretty much what you expect. I guess the better word is disappointing. 4 greed, excess, and flagrant moral disregard stars. Nonfiction-Memoir#124
Silver Elite A new romantasy series starts with a bang. A young woman hides her telepathic talents as she attempts to infiltrate an elite squadron of soldiers in hopes of avenging the death of her uncle. 4 hot and heavy Romantasy stars. Fantasy.#125
The Breakaway I'm a fan of Jennifer Weiner. Like many of her books what should be a light little romance is chock full of storylines and issues. A fun read with a lot going on. 3 biking through the countryside not the idyllic trip you were expecting. Romance.#126
Shunning Sarah A TV news reporter investigates the case of a murdered Amish girl. This one has been on my TBR forever and I'm not sure why. My fascination with Amish murder mysteries I guess. Anyway this was just OK. Ok story. Ok writing. Ok mystery. 3 mediocre stars. Mystery.Currently:
Moon Tiger Slogging along with this one at the moment.
The Marlow Murder Club This one has potential.
Water for Elephants I should have read this one sooner.
“Silicon Valley is awash in wooden Montessori toys and shrouded in total screen bans. Parents at work talk about how they don't allow their teens to have mobile phones, which only underscores how well these executives understand the real damage their product inflicts on young minds.”
― Sarah Wynn-Williams, Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
Mod
― Sarah Wynn-Williams, Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Ideal..."
Have you watched the Marlow Murder Club TV series? We've been enjoying a lot.
No I'm holding off until I finish the book but as soon as I'm done that will be our next binge watch.
Bill wrote: "Have you watched the Marlow Murder Club TV series? We've been enjoying a lot. "Michelle wrote: "No I'm holding off until I finish the book but as soon as I'm done that will be our next binge watch."
Ha! Came on to ask the same, lol. It's been a fun show, the actresses are great.
I've been on hold for Murder on the Marlow Belle, the fourth book. 2 more weeks 🤞🏼
Mod
― Heather Fawcett, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
122 books
10629 pages
97 audiobooks
25 print
#120 [bookcover:Flowers in the Attic|..."
I should not have read this book as a teen, but here we are. LOL
Alondra wrote: "Michelle wrote: "“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”― Heather Fawcett, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
122 books
10629 pages
97 audiobooks
25 print
#120 [bookcover:Flow..."
I actually think there might have been less of an ick factor and more of a horror vibe if I had read it as a teen. Reading it now for the first time the scary parts weren't really too scary and the gross parts (of which there were many) were extra gross. It made me sick to my stomach more than anything else.
Michelle wrote: "had read it as a teen. Reading it now for the first time the scary parts weren't really too scary and the gross parts (of which there were many) were extra gross. It made me sick to my stomach more than anything else."My bff in 6th grade (so we were 11?) read this series. I was horrified and never read it after the gory details she shared.
Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "had read it as a teen. Reading it now for the first time the scary parts weren't really too scary and the gross parts (of which there were many) were extra gross. It made me sick t..."Yeah, maybe I'm wrong about reading it as a kid. It was just an icky book I guess no matter how old you are. It was well written and I can see why it has held up over the years. I'm not sorry I finally read it just ... ick.
“Why the hell shouldn't I run away with the circus?”― Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants
130 books
11,190 pages
104 audiobooks
26 print
#127
Water for Elephants Happy to have finally read this modern classic. I had a few quibbles but overall, I thought it was great. Most importantly it kept me engaged and eager to hear more of the story. Also, I loved that the ending was way better than I had imagined it would be. 4 how much do elephants drink anyway stars. Historical Fiction.#128
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club A group of young women form a book club to help each other through the hard times during WWII. The setting and the period were fascinating. 3 spies and submarines stars. Historical Fiction.#129
Part of Your World An enjoyable princess and the commoner romance. The story touched on some tough subjects but overall it was a sweet and funny romance. 4 baby goats and bar room bets stars. Rom-Com.#130
Our Infinite Fates Time travel. Romance. This one should have been a winner, but I just couldn't ever connect. The characters: tragic teen aged lovers destined never to live past 18. The writing: dramatic and overwrought (as one would expect eternal teen-agers to be). The reader: bored and impatient. 2 it was probably just me stars. Fantasy.Current:
A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck Just started but I can't wait to see where it's going.
The Marlow Murder Club Still enjoying this one. I just need time to read.
Moon Tiger Hoping to wind this one up soon.
“Without you, there would be no poetry.”
― Laura Steven, Our Infinite Fates
“I'd follow a clown into a storm drain if he had a baby goat in pajamas.”
― Abby Jimenez, Part of Your World
“Life is the most spectacular show on earth”
― Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants
Mod
Exactly. I was so intrigued as a kid. Now, it is just ick.
“The power of language. Preserving the ephemeral; giving form to dreams, permanence to sparks of sunlight.”― Penelope Lively, Moon Tiger
133 books
11,423 pages
106 audiobooks
27 print
#131
A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck I enjoyed the survival story of a husband and wife adrift at sea. I also appreciated the overall story about a successful marriage. I think it was the format of the book that lost me. The writing felt very much like the story was being told third or fourth hand. 3 for a story about a couple committed to a life of adventure there was not much here about the adventures stars. Nonfiction.#132
Moon Tiger A play about a woman on her deathbed reliving the seminal moments of her life. I actually appreciated the structure of this story, but I found a play difficult reading. 3 what we remember most stars. Fiction/Play.#133
Service Model This book had a lot of potential. A robot's journey after a robot apocalypse was a really good concept. The plot moved very slowly and because all the characters were robots everything fell a little flat, especially the humor. 2 I wanted it to be more clever than it was stars. SciFi/Apocalypse.Currently:
Orbital Just getting started.
The Marlow Murder Club Trying to wind this one up.
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism Fascinating.
“Misfortune can seem abstract in the midst of celebration. At the beginning, we imagine the bad weather might pass us by. It’s only natural, part of the long business of self-preservation, because how impossible it would be to go through life in full awareness of all that will befall us. Somewhere, deep within, unspoken, we must know, we do know, that we’ll all have our time adrift. For what else is a marriage, really, if not being stuck on a small raft with someone and trying to survive?”
― Sophie Elmhirst, A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck
“None of these things are efficient or logical. I wish to report an error in the way that everything works.”
― Adrian Tchaikovsky, Service Model
“She took the facts and in a natural way charged them with tension; she intensified reality as she reduced it to words, she injected it with energy.”― Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend
136 books
11435 pages
109 audiobooks
27 print
#134
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism A Christian journalist's search to understand the politicalization of the Christian Evangelical movement in the United States in recent years. 5 informative, inciteful, and hopeful stars. Nonfiction.#135
My Brilliant Friend The story of two young girls growing up together in post WWII Naples. I'm still not sure how I feel about this book. It is well written and compelling, but I don't feel entirely satisfied with the plot. It ended abruptly without resolution. 4 I think it left me wanting more but I'm not really sure stars. Fiction.#136
Rage Human trafficking comes to Painters Mill. Just when I think this series has become too predictable, I read one like this that sparks my interest again. 4 why is crime in Amish country so fascinating stars. Mystery.Current:
The Sweetness of Water Still not sure about this one.
The Marlow Murder Club Only a few more pages to go. I just need reading time.
Orbital I'm taking this one in small bits but I like it.
“There was something unbearable in the things, in the people, in the buildings, in the streets that, only if you reinvented it all, as in a game, became acceptable. The essential, however, was to know how to play, and she and I, only she and I, knew how to do it.”
― Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend
“What you've done is you've baptized your worldview and called it Christian.”
― Tim Alberta, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism
Michelle wrote: "#135 My Brilliant Friend (Neapolitan Novels, #1) by Elena Ferrante My Brilliant Friend The story of two young girls growing up together in post WWII Naples. I'm still not sure how I feel about this book. It is well written and compelling, but I don't feel entirely satisfied with the plot. It ended abruptly without resolution. 4 I think it left me wanting more but I'm not really sure stars. Fiction."I really enjoyed this series, with the last book being my favorite. Will you continue the series?
“Her beauty was secondary to the strength of her character, the fortitude in which she housed her beliefs,”― Nathan Harris, The Sweetness of Water
140 Books
12,017 Pages
111 Audiobooks
29 Print
#137
The Marlow Murder Club This was OK. A lot of fun quirky characters. Maybe the solution to the mystery was a little bit of a cheat but it was unique. 3 it might be worth moving forward with the series stars. Mystery.#138
Dating After the End of the World I thoroughly enjoyed this Enemies to Lovers trope Romance/Zombie Apocalypse mash up. A fun quick read. 3 preppers, zombies and wimpy fiancées stars. Romance/Apocalypse.#139
The Sweetness of Water If this one had not had so much hype behind it I might have given it more stars. The writing was excellent. The story was lacking. It was one of those historical fiction plots that tries to paste all of our current society's popular social issues onto a story from the past. A lot of it didn't fit and it just got old. Also, the audio production I listened to introduced a new minor character about 50% to 60% into the story and the only voice the narrator had to give it apparently was a really bad imitation of John Wayne. It might have passed in a humorous story. This was not a humorous story. 2 too many distractions to enjoy stars. Historical Fiction.#140
Once Upon a Time in Dollywood Also receiving a lot of hype but this time I loved it. A NY playwright returns to her grandmother's cabin in Gatlinburg, TN to escaper her current life and start again. A handsome neighbor battling his own demons shows her the way. 4 sweet romance, familiar setting stars. Romance.Current:
Orbital Enjoying this one slowly.
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero Interesting, more than just another 9/11 book.
“she lived knowing, quite well, that such things were not promised to her. She might hope for more but had long ago learned to live with whatever came to pass. Yet sometimes—just sometimes—hope was enough.”
― Nathan Harris, The Sweetness of Water
“Becks’s eyes widened in amazement. “That’s not possible, she does yoga!” Judith wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly. “Are you saying people who do yoga can’t commit murder?” she asked. “Yes!”
― Robert Thorogood, The Marlow Murder Club
@Ioana I'm just not sure. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. I'm not sure if I'm interested enough for 3 more books.
“How are we writing the future of humanity? We're not writing anything, it's writing us. We're windblown leaves. We think we're the wind, but we're just the leaf.”― Samantha Harvey, Orbital
145 books
12,251 pages
115 audiobooks
30 print
#141
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero Not so much a 9/11 story, as the story of a blind man who learns to make his way in the world and a service dog that helps him through one of the most harrowing events of our time. Caution the audio production includes several motivational speeches at the end which get a bit repetitive. 3 amazing man, amazing dog stars. Nonfiction. #142
Orbital Beautifully written. The collective stream of consciousness of a group of astronauts orbiting the earth as they reflect on their lives and the planet below. If books were yoga this one would be savasana. 4 poetic and relaxing stars. Fiction/Essays?#143
My Life I'm using this book for my presidents challenge and my states challenge so its doing double duty. The book filled in Bill Clinton's early years and discussed his political life and his presidency. It skimmed over a lot of the scandals and emphasized the triumphs. I guess I wanted a little more personal introspection but overall, I think it made me like Bill Clinton a little more. It was read by the author, and I had forgotten what an exceptional speaker Clinton was. 3 maybe not the most honest guy but always persuasive stars. Nonfiction-Memoir.#144
We Met Like This A couple meets online and, after years of messaging, struggle to forge a relationship. Super funny and a little messy. 4 no meet cute for these two stars. Rom-Com.#145
All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today You might say a lot of the things in this book are unbelievable unless you have ever been a woman who has gone to the doctor. 4 engrossing, enraging, enlightening stars. Nonfiction-Health.Current:
The Impossible Fortune Thursday Murder Club is back in session.
Heart Strings Second chance romance.
“After being married for nearly thirty years and observing my friends’ experiences with separations, reconciliations, and divorces, I’ve learned that marriage, with all its magic and misery, its contentments and disappointments, remains a mystery, not easy for those in it to understand and largely inaccessible to outsiders.”
― Bill Clinton, My Life
“A man with high testosterone, it was understood, was virile, a warrior, a stud. A woman with too much estrogen, on the other hand, was just crazy.”
― Elizabeth Comen, All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today
I always love your reviews. I'm planning to read All in Her Head soon. And I'm hoping very much to get to The Impossible Fortune very soon.
Thanks Lea! I'm looking forward to your thoughts on All in Her Head. I'm still stewing over parts of it but I do feel validated after reading it.
Hello, Michelle. I've been thinking about that Kate Burkholder series for a while and finally decided to try the series. Very excited that my local library several from this series including #1 and #2 - so I will get started very soon!
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"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 ..."
I did enjoy it Lillie. I'll write more later but it was frighteningly close to current reality. I can see us getting there if we aren't careful.