I love short books with creative covers. I want you to stop for a moment and just look at this cover. We have a sweet smiling *cat sitting in a bowl sI love short books with creative covers. I want you to stop for a moment and just look at this cover. We have a sweet smiling *cat sitting in a bowl sniffing the delicious odors of something coming out of the bowl below. Do you get an overall sense of yum ...more
“The best place to enjoy a stormy night is in a warm room with a book in your lap.”
Cassie’s life has been confined to working in the bookstore and the“The best place to enjoy a stormy night is in a warm room with a book in your lap.”
Cassie’s life has been confined to working in the bookstore and then going home to her apartment and maybe sometimes seeing her roommate, Izzy. Or has it?
And then, Mr. Webber dies at her bookstore and leaves her two books, The Count of Monte Cristo, and an unusual magical book, The Book of Doors.
What does this book have in store for her and Izzy? What will this book open for Cassie? And what will she discover about herself and her past? And possibly her future?
Also, what dangers does this book bring into her life?
Although this appears to be a fantasy tale adventure about magical books, the story does much more.
With quirky characters and magic and whimsy, and time travel (not always my favorite time bending genre), the story, moves along, sometimes bumpily.
But it is one that addresses loss and grief and the cyclical nature of trauma.
It also is about families, those that are made and those that are found. And that usually is the best part of a story. ...more
“What did you do with the time and talents I gave you? God’s question…” - Hilary Rodham Clinton – “Living History”
Catching up…
When the donation was dr“What did you do with the time and talents I gave you? God’s question…” - Hilary Rodham Clinton – “Living History”
Catching up…
When the donation was dropped off at my Little Free Library Shed, it reminded me of when I first read this book. I knew I needed to re-visit it again so I could bring my review to Goodreads.
I love a good “what if” story, if it is told in just the right way. And this one asks us to imagine if Hilary Rodham didn’t marry Bill Clinton and went her own way.
And, with this story, it even has us reimagine what it would be like if Clinton’s sexual scandals happened earlier in his career life, so that he never made it to the Presidency, and thus life looked differently in the White House.
And then…
The 2016 election. Rodham will face off against several challengers.
But before then we do get to see Bill Clinton be brilliant and charming and fall in love with her.
Which will make that part of this story an interesting highlight. Their love affair will be portrayed with its ups and downs, and as readers we will be left to wonder, will she always put up with this?
As the novel fast forwards through the years, we see glimpses of Hilary’s political career – and as familiar as her rise is, it is interesting to watch the fictional side of what we know of her real life play out in the novel.
Still, Rodham as a character has a way of creating a level of intimacy, too. We read about her bad hair days, her jogging, her occasional diets, and preparations for a date.
But if we were expecting her to be personable, and our best friend, we are reading the wrong novel. Rodham as a character is clearly distant. And maybe in Sittenfeld’s eyes, that is how she sees the “real” Rodham Clinton, so this is how she chose to create her character Rodham.
By the time 2016 comes around and Rodham is running for President, the attacks feel real. And anyone who followed the real news, almost feel like Rodham just might not be given a chance here either.
But, for once, could something finally change? And imagine what our world would look like today if the outcome had occurred the way Sittenfeld envisioned it.
I know there are supporters and detractors out there as it relates to Hilary. There will always be fences when it comes to politics. But there are some admirable qualities here.
Consider the substantial educational/professional resume of this competent, intelligent woman that can’t be underestimated, no matter what anyone’s beliefs are about her. She truly is someone who was and still is devoted, and loyal to this country, constitution and world peace. And perhaps this is what Sittenfeld was wanting us to consider, as we envisioned Rodham throughout this story.
This was an interesting “what if” experience. Having enjoyed following both Clintons, it is hard for me to imagine Hilary without Bill or vice versa, but this reimagining, was a nice touch.
For anyone who has ever been curious about what it takes to be a woman in politics, or even a woman in a leadership position, this might be considered an engaging read....more
There are literally many layers to this story and lost painting that will keep readers engaged.
It may have started off as an innocent find of a hiddeThere are literally many layers to this story and lost painting that will keep readers engaged.
It may have started off as an innocent find of a hidden painting, but could it be a missing self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh? But when it is stolen before Alex and Luke have a chance to authenticate it, what will they do?
This is a fast-paced, globe-trotting, art crime thrilling page-turner with twists and multiple viewpoint narratives. This one is rich with backstory of Nazi stolen art and their collaborators – as well as an introduction to the modern art and theft trade. Also, the author tackles the mystery of Van Gogh himself. Could it have been too much between the pages?
Still…the author does touch on important questions. When a lost painting is found, who does it truly belong to – the world for everyone to appreciate – or some rich person to hoard? What about restitution and reunion to those families that Nazis/collaborators stole from?
I have since learned that the author’s first book, "The Last Mona Lisa" featured characters Luke Perrone and Alexis Verde. Still, not knowing that initially, this book was read as a stand-alone. But it is always good to start with any series at the beginning.
This author is also a talented artist. At the end of the book there are some beautiful ink-wash sketches that reflect the time and place written in the story, as well as a self-portrait....more
I forgot to include this one in my batch of books I had picked up at the library the other day. It caught my eye because of, its title, and I enjoyed I forgot to include this one in my batch of books I had picked up at the library the other day. It caught my eye because of, its title, and I enjoyed the author’s book, “The Lost and Found Bookshop.”
So, what is home? Is it the home you were raised in – or is it the home you choose?
In many ways this can be considered a warm engaging story that gave readers a cozy feeling. It emphasized the importance of self-worth, perseverance, personal growth and the significance of family – the one you are born into and the family you choose.
If you are patient with it, readers will find the story heart-warming. Perhaps even a redemption story of sorts.
And for anyone who loves the surf – “welcome to beach town,” where one finds freedom amongst the waves. ...more
I was thrilled when I saw this one so prominently displayed in the children’s section of my local library.
It is clear from the beginning that this isI was thrilled when I saw this one so prominently displayed in the children’s section of my local library.
It is clear from the beginning that this is a teaching book. One that hopes to change the landscape of our thinking about racism. Of how we can teach children to think and have explicit conversations about race and equity.
Through beautiful, colorful illustrations and nine lessons, the author outlines those nine ways to be an antiracist baby.
I can’t emphasize enough how much this book is such a powerful teaching tool that needs to be available in all homes and libraries throughout the world!
The author provides a note to parents and caregivers at the back of the book that helps with conversation about race and racism with young children. ...more
Sometimes rainy days are perfect days. I cuddled with our dogs, ate, did yoga indoors, and then settled in a comfortable chair next to the fire with aSometimes rainy days are perfect days. I cuddled with our dogs, ate, did yoga indoors, and then settled in a comfortable chair next to the fire with a warm blanket and read books. This truly was an ideal day. Now I am posting my reviews.
The End.
This is how this book starts. With the main character, Emma grateful to be done with her 99-cent e-book horror mystery. When asked to post an online review, she offers her 1-star review online reluctantly. When the author posts underneath her review shortly afterwards, asking her to remove it, she politely refuses. And well, he isn’t too happy about it. And then…
What happens when one writes a bad review? Do they have consequences? ...more
Could it be Bigfoot? What happened to Brodie in Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest?
Morgan a cryptozoologist, has special talents, besideCould it be Bigfoot? What happened to Brodie in Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest?
Morgan a cryptozoologist, has special talents, besides being a bookstore owner of books and strange “Odds & Ends.” When she is called to investigate with her dog Newt, what will she discover?
What makes this story interesting, isn’t just Morgan’s character, but the author’s interest in deep diving into the history of Bigfoot and the mysteries of this particular forest. Some of the solutions made sense, and Morgan’s character showing reason and intellect felt realistic and easy to follow.
This book was filled with atmosphere, her charming dog named Newt, and a well-built mystery. ...more
This one also came up as a Facebook memory that I thought I had already posted on Goodreads. But since I had not, I am doing so now. Also, I had receiThis one also came up as a Facebook memory that I thought I had already posted on Goodreads. But since I had not, I am doing so now. Also, I had received this as a paperback. Since there is no paperback version shown here on Goodreads, I am posting my review under the Kindle edition.
This is a very different kind of Halloween story. One in which a little girl asks her sister a lot of questions about a Man on the Moon. So much so that she feels compelled to write him a letter and send him some of her Halloween candy and her mask that she wore from Halloween night.
Of course, we can only hope that the postmaster will know how to deliver her letter.
What happens next will be exactly how you would want any book to provide for a perfect ending.
This was a lovely story for any family to read together with their kids.
This book was donated by the authors for our Little Free Library Shed....more
They were dark charcoal gray knee-high UGG boots. I loved those UGG boots. I remember when they went on sale at N“Every pair of shoes tells a story.”
They were dark charcoal gray knee-high UGG boots. I loved those UGG boots. I remember when they went on sale at Nordstroms when I lived in Southern California. I had saved my dollars so I could buy them. They were the thing! They were perfect when I moved to the Central Coast. So warm and cozy to wear on wintry cold days.
And one day while I was visiting my horse Buddy that I had at the time, I was wearing those very same UGG boots. And then…
Buddy moved left when I wasn’t paying attention (shame on me) and he stepped on my left foot and ended up tearing open my UGG boot. I don’t know what I was more upset about – the torn UGG boot or the torn/strained tendon in my foot. I loved those UGG boots. I was heartbroken when I realized that they were irreplaceable.
But those boots have nothing to do with this story. I just thought the first line, brought that memory back for me.
“One day at a time.”
No, this is Esme’s story. About dreams shattered and changed when a car accident kills her mother and makes her father a paraplegic. So instead of celebration on her college graduation day, she finds herself for the next 7 years taking care of her father and losing herself.
After he dies, this becomes Esme’s opportunity for self-discovery. And through her love of shoes, she takes a month, and baby-sits a dog named Elvis and finds a way to reconcile the past, discover her future, and learn about herself, so that she can create the life she truly deserves.
“You are my north.”
“You are my north, my south, my east, and my west.”
But, will she find her happily ever after?
With a deeply developed cast of characters, that have their own heart-wrenching stories to tell, this is a true gem of a story that will keep any reader wanting to stay with it from the moment they pick it up.
And perhaps have memories about favorite shoes, too!...more
There is always something sweet and saucy about this award-winning author. And this particular book is the winner of the National Book award. Not thatThere is always something sweet and saucy about this award-winning author. And this particular book is the winner of the National Book award. Not that this has ever influenced my feelings about a book. But I do enjoy reading this author’s books!
This story opens with the discovery of a skeleton buried in a well in Pottstown, Pa. in 1972. Instead of a simple whodunit, the novel leads readers back further in time to the 1920’s and 30’s where Jewish, Black and immigrant folks made their homes in a place called Chicken Hill, a neighborhood in Pottstown. A community of people bonded by love and duty. This is where McBride begins his epic journey for readers.
And believe me it was a journey. One I took my time reading.
I also recommend taking out a piece of paper for any reader to begin a list of characters, because everyone will play a part that will lead to “something” later.
Of course, if you are looking for a cut-to-the-chase kind of storyline, you have come to the wrong author and wrong book. This isn’t McBride’s style. He has a reason to introduce many characters into his story, and sometimes when you think you have everyone all settled in, all of a sudden, he brings on a new character into the mix.
So, even if we think as readers we are wanting to move on and have this story get to the point, don’t count on it. McBride isn’t done with us, yet! There is a reason he wants to build his community…we just need to be patient. And to be honest, this reader, wasn’t always patient. (No matter how much I adore this author!)
The skeleton at the novel’s start is almost forgotten as the story lives in the town’s past, but, don’t fret. McBride will lead readers back to them bones…eventually.
Bottom line…this is a message novel.
McBride is asking readers to look hard at how racial and class divides manifest. He wants us to ask ourselves: how do we truly allow ourselves to be known and seen?
In many ways, even if it is a slow burn novel, it is also charming, smart, heart-blistering and heart-healing. There is a lot of love amongst these characters.
McBride is also showcasing the changing country. Immigration. Migration. Violence. Segregation. Community.
Which even if he isn’t asking us as readers, we can’t help but take a hard look at what is going on now – and hope that with love and community we can take action to come together to possibly love humanity better.
And ask ourselves…Will it ever be possible to overcome prejudice?
“Every act of living was a chance for *tikkun olam, to improve the world.”
*The Hebrew translation for tikkun olam is “repairing the world – when it is felt that the world is broken, we are given the opportunity to repair it.
McBride’s novel confronts prejudice and celebrates his character Chona’s belief in tikkun olam. (She is the beautiful Jewish American).
If you decide to read this one…Remember to make that list of characters! ...more
“The heart is the inner face of your life. The human journey strives to make this inner face beautiful. It is here that love gathers within you. Love “The heart is the inner face of your life. The human journey strives to make this inner face beautiful. It is here that love gathers within you. Love is absolutely vital for a human life. For love alone can awaken what is divine within you.”
Catching up…
This is one of those books that is with you, that you pick up and read as you need it when you need it. And so, even as I review it, I share with you, that this book has been with me for years. It is ageless to me. I started reading it slowly years ago. Then I read it cover to cover years ago. I still read it. It is an old book to me. It is a new book to me. I always see it with fresh eyes every time I open its pages.
And so, if you find this book, it may be one that once you get it, you may be like me. You may choose not to let it go.
Listen closely to his opening words…
“It is strange to be here. The mystery never leaves you alone. Behind your image, below your words, above your thought, the silence of another world exists. A world lives within you. No one else can bring you news of this inner world.”
If I were to even begin to attempt to interpret his thoughts, I would consider that he is asking us to go within. To recognize what is in each of us. To see the true artist within each of us. How can we not be mesmerized by what he sees within each of us? Or what he is asking each of us to see that exists within us?
This book taps into the richness of Celtic spirituality, poetry and stories. He explores friendship, awareness, and intimacy. Our senses. Our soul.
He asks us to recognize the aging process as living in rhythm with our soul and our life. Even looking at life all the way through to his last chapter as we affirm death and see it as an invitation to freedom.
There is so much to appreciate about his words. He is truly stirring our soul and stoking the fires of our imagination. He reminds us of the precious gift of present moment living.
Most the time my books are read and reviewed and released to my Little Free Library Shed. But this one evokes a different and deeper meaning for me. And so, it stays with me. Where I can read it again and again. As I need it, when I want it.
The words continue to resonate with me and remind me of the preciousness of life. The gift of what we have been given. And what comes back each time for me is a feeling of immense gratitude. I am grateful for this life.
Although it appears that I am reading books backwards, having recently read and reviewed “A Better Man,” I actually did read this one whenCatching up…
Although it appears that I am reading books backwards, having recently read and reviewed “A Better Man,” I actually did read this one when it first came out. It was “A Better Man” that I hadn’t read until recently. I am now finally re-visiting this one and posting my reviews for Goodreads.
Glass Houses starts in an unusual place. With Gamache in the role as Chief Superintendent of the Surete du Quebec and in the witness box being questioned about a murder that took place in Three Pines a few months back.
And while he is being questioned on the stand, readers are being taken back to earlier when the story supposedly took place. Because, at this point, as readers, we have no idea who was murdered. Or who was the murderer.
We just know that there is something dark happening.
Penny has a way of creating a scene with short sentences and paragraphs and stylistic characters that keep readers entranced. What exactly happened? We need to know.
And before long we do. And everything is changed. And nothing would be the same again.
If readers are up for the slow burn, they will appreciate the clear focus of the explosive ending.
Oh, how I love my neighbors and their generosity to my Little Free Library Shed. And, it just so happens that this one is going to be a diCatching up…
Oh, how I love my neighbors and their generosity to my Little Free Library Shed. And, it just so happens that this one is going to be a discussion book for the Mobile Public Library in August which I have been invited to attend via Zoom. So, I am looking forward to the discussion. It was nice to re-visit this book again and catch up with all the characters.
Of course, this is not the typical Grisham. I love Grisham for his courtroom dramas. But he has been known to write other stories that have tugged at the heartstrings, and garnering readers attention.
So, if this isn’t courtroom drama, or a legal thriller, what is it?
Well. It is one of Grisham’s favorite pastimes, baseball. And even though baseball may not be a favorite type of story for me to read, it was something I enjoyed watching as a spectator in my younger days living in Southern California. (I was a Dodgers and Angels fan.)
And, this turned out to be quite a compelling and heart-felt story. So, I am grateful to have let myself be open to a different kind of reading experience.
This is a sweet, simple story. A story with a moral. Most importantly, a story about the importance of forgiveness.
“It’s known as the restorative powers of forgiveness.”
Joe Castle is a 21-year-old rather talented rookie first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. His nickname is the name of the book, Calico Joe. His nickname comes from his hometown of Calico Rock, Arkansas. His talent is all those homeruns he seems to hit every time he comes to bat!
Unfortunately, there is a pitcher, Warren Tracey who doesn’t play fair, and his intentions are to challenge batters which sometimes include throwing balls directly at batter’s heads. Will he do this to Joe?
And then there is the pitcher’s son, Paul, the narrator of the story, who knows that ball is coming but, stands silent as he watches the pitch.
What is going to happen next will leave readers spellbound. But it doesn’t happen right away. Grisham builds to that moment. And when it finally does…many lives will be changed, including Paul’s.
And that is what keeps readers turning pages in this captivating, easy-to-read, beautifully written story.
What will happen years later is what brings this story to its amazing climax. Including the emotions of its readers.
Is redemption possible? Perhaps Kleenex might be welcome in this moment.
But that isn’t the only moment. There is more. Keep reading to its very satisfying end. You’ll need the Kleenex again....more
I remember reading these partners years ago. Receiving this book donation to my Little Free Library Shed reminded me, it was time to re-viCatching up…
I remember reading these partners years ago. Receiving this book donation to my Little Free Library Shed reminded me, it was time to re-visit this story once again and include my review here on Goodreads.
Continuing characters, private investigative partners, Michelle Maxwell and Sean King are back in what they believe is a simple burglary investigation. But they soon learn they are in the path of a complicated murder investigation in which they are asked to help along with the FBI and the local police. For anyone following these two investigators, their past Secret Service backgrounds does appear to help in this case.
Even though this can be read as a stand-alone, it is better to have read the first book, Split Second, to get background on the characters.
This is typical Baldacci where the story is carefully plotted with lots of red herrings, and misdirection. When you think you know what is going on, think again, another twist has been thrown at readers!
But some may consider this a bit of a convoluted, perhaps bloated plot with excessive, unnecessary pages. What is important is what you think. Dive in. I am interested to hear your thoughts.
Interestingly this book is more than a meet-cute. Or a book about books. It is a book about finding one’s voice.
Whether it is the ability to put one’Interestingly this book is more than a meet-cute. Or a book about books. It is a book about finding one’s voice.
Whether it is the ability to put one’s thoughts into words on a page or saying these words directly to someone else, or having these words translated into feelings through the heart, what comes out here through these characters can be heard deeply by readers.
Izzy is an Editors Assistant in New York with big dreams to eventually publish her own book. But is her career being sabotaged by an overzealous assistant editor named Gavin?
Also, Izzy’s less than congenial Editor boss, Marta is trying to get one of her clients, Beau Towers, to finish his overdue memoir. Can Izzy help Beau Towers self-start his manuscript in to becoming a winning debut bestseller?
Izzy takes on the challenge, and what seemed like the worst possible situation opens the doors for the best possible beginning for both.
What secrets can Izzy help Beau unlock? And what confidence can Izzy gain by this newfound relationship with Beau?
Compelling. Uplifting. Page-turning. Imperfect Beauty and the beast vibes? However, you choose to see this, let this story warm your heart. It did mine....more
Another rainy day in Morro Bay, and what perfect way to spend it than with one of my favorite characters, Chief Inspector Gamache.
Even though he has Another rainy day in Morro Bay, and what perfect way to spend it than with one of my favorite characters, Chief Inspector Gamache.
Even though he has been recently demoted, he works well with fellow officers and Jean-Guy Beauvoir, as they share the position of Chief Inspector of Homicide before Jean-Guy leaves for Paris.
On the case of a missing pregnant woman in the midst of tumultuous weather that creates a threatening raging river to their village of Three Pines, the questions faced are…
Did she run away from her abusive husband or was she killed by him or did something else happen?
As always, Ms. Penny captivates and engages readers with page-turning suspense. For the most part, it was a well-plotted story with some flaws, but they didn’t take away from the overall flow of the story.
There will be more questions than answers as pages turn which makes this truly an engrossing mystery. But answers will eventually be forthcoming.
This is the Teddy Fay series. The first book in the series. Because I messed up so badly, by reading this series out of order, I am back again with thThis is the Teddy Fay series. The first book in the series. Because I messed up so badly, by reading this series out of order, I am back again with this one. For anyone following me, I read the 6th book first – Obsession. And in that review, I mentioned I would go ahead and read the first book. So, here I am. Doing what I promised to do.
The question is, was the experience worth it?
Well, this book answered the back story on Teddy Fay. And for anyone interested in following any series, in which this person is the star of the series, this is always important to know who that person truly is. Always read the first book first.
And, in Woods/Parnell Hall typical fashion, the story moved at a quick, fast pace with short chapters and action-packed suspense.
But it didn’t take long for me to be stopped in my tracks when the reason that Teddy Fay was brought on scene was the same reason in the book, Obsession. A kidnapping. What? You couldn’t come up with something more creative?
Now granted this was the first book. And this was a different co-author than the one who wrote Obsession. So now having read both, who was at fault here? I would say that Mr. Battles the author for Book 6 wasn’t paying attention.
Now, in all fairness, if I hadn’t read this book out-of-order, would this have been an issue for me? Let’s pack this thought away for a moment and move on.
The difference I am feeling about this book is the political intrigue. And this is where this first novel shines and sparkles.
Published in 2016 when civility was once the central language of Washington DC and bipartisanship was a goal, the question for readers might be about the central theme of a kidnapping plot.
Why did it happen to an important government figure’s family member? Did the kidnappers believe it would spark government officials to be reminded that this was what was needed to make government work effectively, especially on behalf of veterans? And why this veteran’s aid bill specifically? And, who was behind this kidnapping? Will this be easy for readers to figure out?
So many questions. So many twists.
And even if readers are getting a glimpse of who might be doing this – is the why they are doing it, really all that obvious? Just know this…
Nothing is as it seems.
And that is what makes this page-turner so compelling.
Teddy Fay. Quite the smooth operator, indeed....more
As I was working in my Little Free Library Shed, my neighbor literally handed me this book as her latest donation. She said, “this is her first in theAs I was working in my Little Free Library Shed, my neighbor literally handed me this book as her latest donation. She said, “this is her first in the series, you’ll love it.”
Well, of course, I loved knowing it was the first in the series. I have already learned my lesson reading books out of order! So, I was happy to read this Emmy Award Winning Journalist’s first in the series book.
The author, Tamron Hall has experience being in the limelight as a journalist. She knows what it is like when there are stories that make the news. A white woman goes missing and it is all over the 24-hour news cycle. But what happens when Black girls go missing? This story brings a vulnerability and systemic neglect to the victims of that violent crime into the forefront. Also, how quick are people ready to accuse the Black boys as the perpetrators? How does the media react? And how does the public respond?
So, is this really just a case of a potential runaway when a 15-year-old Black girl who is the pride of her family vanishes in Chicago? Local TV Reporter, Jordan Manning, the star of this series, is upset that nobody seems to be all that concerned, other than the family.
This story is told through the eyes of a reporter, where her probing is done deeper than the police, who don’t seem to be taking this disappearance as seriously as Jordan feels it needs to be.
Unfortunately, Jordan’s musings sometimes slow the action, and Hall’s story and pacing can feel somewhat drawn out. But her intentions are good.
If you read any interviews with this author, you will find that the novel draws upon Hall’s own time as a reporter in Texas and Chicago about cases that have haunted her for years. Certainly these type of cases are going to have large ramifications involving many agencies – police – politicians – family – lawyers – spokespersons – community activists and justice advocates. And Hall includes them all within these pages.
If readers are interested in crime reporting investigations this story may be considered intriguing.
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