Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Seven Days of Us - Francesca Hornak


Seven Days of UsSeven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The Birch family is having to spend the Christmas holiday under quarantine at their country estate due to their oldest daughter’s medical career. For those seven days, they bump up each other and their various personalities and idiosyncrasies. Is a happy holiday had?
I am striking out on Christmas books this season. I found nothing to like about this book other than short chapters, that were easy to read.
I didn’t like or appreciate or care about any of the characters. Perhaps that was the point, and I missed it? They were just all so dysfunctional and self-absorbed. Every.Last.Character.
The “coincidences” where just a bit much. Seriously. Were the 6 main characters the only people on the planet to continue running into each other like that? The “surprises” weren’t surprising at all but could be spotted chapters in advance.
The plot and story telling were ponderous in the minutiae.
Summed up: I just really didn’t care.
That being said, other people in my book club (it was our December choice), enjoyed it. So perhaps it’s just me.
If you would like to read more of my reviews, please visit mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com


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Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Comfort & Joy - Krisitin Hannah


Comfort & JoyComfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Joy Candellaro is not feeling the Christmas spirit at all this year. A recent divorce and estrangement from her sister just has her wanting to avoid it all. An impromptu trip ends in disaster. Or does it?
Oh, this book. I wanted to love it. But I couldn’t. It was awful. Or perhaps the problem was me. I just expected too much out of my love for Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone. Wow. Has she come a long way as an author since this book.
I expect to have to suspend some disbelief in my Christmas book reading. It’s a magical season and the books written for the season tend to have elements of magic or at least far-fetchedness in them. But this one was just beyond. I don’t think I have the capability to suspend my disbelief to the extent this story requires.
Then there were the more technical aspects of the book that drove me batty. The timing was off several times in the book. And the inconsistencies were crazy. I realize that some of the inconsistencies were due to the belief suspension elements. But some were just there because they weren’t caught in editing.
The character of Bobby grated on my nerves in so many ways. The way he was written, he acted and talked like he was a lot younger than 8. Perhaps that was due to the trauma he experienced. But even so, that was just a couple months prior. So I can’t see it being a full explanation. And that fact no one was concerned about him not being able to read at 8. What was that all about? He was just poorly written, I felt.
Had it not been a book for book club, I probably would have quit by page 50. I have some other of Hannah’s earlier books in my TBR list and piles. I hope they’re better than this one.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Quick Reviews


Every BreathEvery Breath by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was liking the story pretty well. I mean, it was typical Nicholas Sparks - not necessarily believable but still an enjoyable read. And then there was the author's note. And I realized I fell for a plot device. And I think I'm still kind of ticked off about that.

View all my reviews 1st to Die (Women's Murder Club, #1)1st to Die by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Super quick read. Definitely graphic in the crime content. But I loved the women and their connection.

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You, Your Child, School: Navigate Your Way to the Best Education - Sir Ken Robinson


You, Your Child, and School: Navigate Your Way to the Best EducationYou, Your Child, and School: Navigate Your Way to the Best Education by Ken Robinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So this book wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for. But perhaps (probably) my hopes were too high. I did not turn the final page with a clear answer on where to send my kiddo to kindergarten - or really even ideas on how to get an answer.
It was interesting. My background is in education, so not much new to me information. But good reminders nonetheless.
I did skim the last 50+ pages in an effort to finish before it needed to go back to the library.
Probably a 2.5 for me.

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Sunday, November 25, 2018

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood - Trevor Noah


Born a Crime: Stories From a South African ChildhoodBorn a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book is a collection of stories from Trevor Noah's growing up under apartheid (and after) in South Africa. I went into this book having no idea who Trevor Noah is (I now know he's a comedian, a pretty successful one) but have heard from others how amazing this book is. So I was disappointed to not enjoy it as much as they all did. I did learn and have my eyes opened to some issues that just weren't on my radar before. But I really disliked the organization of the book as a whole, and I think that affected my appreciation of the content. There really was no rhyme or reason to how the different mini memoirs were organized. So in one section I'd be reading a piece about Trevor's high school, then the next section would jump back to elementary school, then after high school. Which also led to some redundancies.
I would like to meet his mother though. She seems like an amazing woman.

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Thursday, November 15, 2018

Mini Reviews


Dark MatterDark Matter by Blake Crouch
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Jason, a science professor, is abducted by a masked man, knocked out, and wakes up in a world not much like the one he's used to. This is the tale of him trying to find his way back home.

I really liked about the first quarter of the book. Then there was a point that I was just over it and reading to be done. I didn't like any of the characters, even Jason. The box and its doors got confusing, as did Jason's choices as far as entering doors. A lot of the science had holes in it for me. I could suspend my disbelief but not to that extent.

Probably 1.5 for me.

View all my reviews The Hate U GiveThe Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Relevant.

Starr Carter lives in the ghetto but goes to an elite private school. She feels like she can never be fully herself but that there is a "home Starr" and a "school Starr." Then her worlds collide when she is the witness to her friend's murder.

This book. I found myself thinking about it and the ideas and characters presented even when I wasn't reading it. I have a feeling it will be one of those that sticks with me.

One of my favorite lines is when Starr's mother tells her what a nurse once told her: Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right.

This was a hard read. A lot of tough issues tackled like police brutality, gangs, racism, etc. But an important read as another part of the dialogue needed for what's wrong in our country and some ways to start fixing things.

Trigger warning is there is A LOT of language in this book and a couple of make out sessions. As a result, I haven't tagged it as YA; I wouldn't want my teen reading it without my knowledge and discussion through it. However, I didn't bump it down a star in my rating because I don't think the language was gratuitous in any way; I just prefer not to read it.



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Friday, November 9, 2018

The One and Only Ivan - Katherine Applegate


The One and Only IvanThe One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Ivan charmed me from page 2 with "his" steller human insight. He's funny. And the short, stream of consciousness chapters were just what I was needing for my reading life right now.
Love that it was based on a true story too.

**See more of my reviews at mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

The Orphan's Tale - Pam Jenoff


The Orphan's Tale: A NovelThe Orphan's Tale: A Novel by Pam Jenoff
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

**For more of my reviews, visit mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com

This is the tale of two circus performers. Astrid/Ingrid grew up flying trapeze in her family's circus. She is tasked with training Noa, a teen who has been thrown out of her phone and finds refuge for herself and a Jewish baby she rescued from a boxcar. This is the story of their relationships - with each other, with others, and with the circus itself.

I know I am the unpopular opinion on this book. And I'm okay with that. Perhaps I was expecting too much. I like to read WWII books as there are so many facets of that time period beyond just the Holocaust (no offense meant as that was horrific and should be written about and discussed prolifically to keep it at the forefront of our public consciousness). And the idea that circuses helped hide Jews during the war was interesting. I've yet to read a book about circuses in that time frame. I hadn't even considered they'd existed in a time of war.

I think I would have loved the main story of Astrid. However, I had very little patience for Noa and her continued poor decision making, it seems like at almost every turn. Seriously. Love at first site and soul mates and sacrifice everything and everyone around you? Girl, get your priorities straight and be just a little aware of the potential consequences of your actions! She "thinks" all the time about the loyalty and protection she owes Astrid; yet most of her choices disregard that. The ancillary characters of Herr Neuhoff and even Peter I could sympathize with more than Noa.

Also, I found the title to be a bit of a misnomer. Who is the orphan that it is the tale of? I mean, maybe Astrid? Theo? The circus as a whole?

I didn't fully buy into Astrid's reason to visit the circus display in the prologue and epilogue. To just check the box? I would have bought into it more if she was wanting to be there for pure nostalgia.

From a historical standpoint, it was lacking some key details, I felt. For example, the only gypsy (Roma) mentioned is a fortune teller who only shows up at the circus during the peak season. I would think in a circus environment gypsies would have as much of a shelter as Jews would. Especially since they were rounded up, sent to camps, and murdered as well. But perhaps I'm wrong in my connection of gypsy and circus.

My even bigger issues were all the discrepancies. I will outline just a few of the more glaring ones below (hence marking the review as having spoilers). Most were at the beginning of chapters.
--Ch. 11: In the second paragraph, it says Astrid's mind goes back to the previous night's performance when a colleague of her ex-husband attended the show "at its very first performance." But the start of Ch. 10 said it has been two days since their first show.
--Ch. 13: Paragraph 3 starts with "The previous night when Noa had gone in the ring without me." Which was the same night that the police arrested the dad. However, on the next page it says the police interrupted their show a few days earlier.
--Ch. 16: Astrid starts to walk from the train car, not looking in the mirror, to head to the meeting. Dose she then stop? Because it doesn't mention that at all. But all of a sudden she's pulling out her valise to put on some makeup before the meeting. Then it says she starts out from the train again.
--There's some general confusion around the timing of the wedding. it was on a Sunday afternoon according to Ch. 16. Noa sneaks off to be with Luc during the wedding festivities. They return to the wedding festivities turned arrest - so assuming it's still that night. In fact, at the end of Ch. 19 Noa tells Luc's father that Herr N. had died that night. Ch. 20 starts with the funeral being the next day. So the day after Sunday is Monday. There's also mention at some point of the circus being cancelled that night, but they don't perform on Sundays and it was already the middle of the night when they were saying to cancel. So would that have been Monday night, and now it's Tuesday that the funeral is actually on Tuesday? Somehow we lost a whole day then.
--Ch. 20 starts with, as mentioned, the funeral taking place the "next day" after the wedding. But then the next page said that Astrid was starting her life with Peter a few days ago. The page after that has Noa lamenting that she hasn't seen Luc since the night of Peter's arrest...which was just the night before!
--Ch. 24: A lot of remorse from Noa about her plan to leave and not telling Astrid. But what would be the point of telling Astrid since Astrid was to leave first?
--Luc tells Noa to meet him at the far side ravine on the far side of the quarry. After two close readings, it seems to me she waits for Luc in the quarry as she mentions walking down in and looking at the brush at the far en of the quarry.
--The epilogue implies that Noa & Luc used the belly box to exchange notes on multiple occasions instead of just once.

This book would have benefited from a better editor. I honestly checked my copy more than once to insure it wasn't an ARC (not fully edited advanced review copy). A small part of me thinks maybe the author was trying for an unreliable narrator (or two in this case), but I really don't think so.

All in all, a disappointing read for me. It's more of a 1.5 stars for me.



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Friday, November 2, 2018

Artemis - Andy Weir


ArtemisArtemis by Andy Weir
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Jazz grew up on Artemis, the moon colony. She is a smuggler of goods, hoping to get rich and move up in both housing and food choice. She's smart and smart-alecky. Soon she's commissioned for a job that just might be more than she bargained for.
I listened to the audio book for The Martian and remember really enjoying it. So, I already had this book on my TBR when the library sci-fi book club chose it for November's book. And I didn't love it. I waffled between 1 and 2 stars. I think I would have really liked the story if I wouldn't have been continually distracted by all. the. language. So much. Excessive to what was needed for the character. A lot of sex mentioning as well that I didn't feel like added to the story line.
This book seemed less science and more fiction/fantasy than The Martian. But I could be wrong there as I'm not well-versed in moon science.
The narrative got bogged down in description of the lunar colony, and I just didn't really care for any of the characters.
Not a fan.

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Monday, October 22, 2018

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale


The Goose Girl  (The Books of Bayern #1)The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Princess Ani knows that as Crown Princess she's destined to be queen...until that all changes.
I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to do a read aloud with my kiddos. Princess, action and adventure, strong characters. It's a good one. And apparently the first in a series. I'll be reading the next one.

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Friday, October 19, 2018

The Dry & Force of Nature - Jane Harper


The DryThe Dry by Jane Harper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a mystery that I can't figure out quickly. And this book delivered that.
I enjoyed the characters of Falk and Roco. The pacing was good. The author left some loose ends, but I'm okay with that.
Going to read the second.

View all my reviews Force of Nature (Aaron Falk, #2)Force of Nature by Jane Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this one even more than the first. The story line developed a bit slower, and I think that was good for the mystery. I liked the additional character development of Falk. I hope she writes a third.

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Lilac Girls - Martha Hall Kelly


Lilac GirlsLilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, so good. I've read a lot of wwii/Holocaust historical fiction. I always enjoy (? not sure that's the right word?) one that teaches or shows me something new. This book did that. And had all the feels throughout.

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The Wife Between Us - Greer Hendricks


The Wife Between UsThe Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I didn't like this book. But I don't know if I disliked it enough to say I hated it. Twists on top of twists just for the sake of a twist. I had told a friend that it had absolutely zero likable or sympathetic characters. That's when she reminded me of Aunt Charlotte. Okay, Aunt Charlotte was likable...but clearly not memorable. The redeeming quality is the fact it was a quick read.

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Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Outlander (Outlander #1) - Diana Gabaldon


Outlander (Outlander, #1)Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I keep waffling between 3 and 4 stars. So I'm glad I finally read it. I'm definitely going to read the second book as I have some lingering questions for sure.
Others were right to warn me about All.The.Sex. And not just normal, passionate sex. There is some messed up stuff and a lot of triggers if you're sensitive to violence, abuse, etc. My "women are equals" dander was put up a number of times; I had to keep reminding myself we're in 1700's Scotland.
But the writing was captivating. The character development amazing. Some of the concepts and ideas had me thinking between reading sessions. And I hear the racy isn't so much in the following books.
It took me almost 2 weeks to read, which is quite a bit of time for me to devote to one book. I'd say it was worth it, though, and I was moving homes during those weeks. So reading time was in shorter supply.
If you've been on the fence like me, go ahead and give it a try.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

The Class: A Life-Changing Teacher, His World-Changing Kids, and the Most Inventive Classroom in America - Heather Won Tesoriero


The Class: A Life-Changing Teacher, His World-Changing Kids, and the Most Inventive Classroom in AmericaThe Class: A Life-Changing Teacher, His World-Changing Kids, and the Most Inventive Classroom in America by Heather Won Tesoriero
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I am usually a sucker for inspiring teacher stories. And I usually try to push through books for review (Thanks, NetGalley and Random House) even if I don’t enjoy it. However, this book (sort of) focusing on Andy Bramante and his super smart, motivated Greenwich students just was not my cup of tea. I abandoned it 30% of the way in.
Some of my issue was with the writing itself. There was weird time and pacing throughout and no clear organizational method. It seems like it would be organized by Andy or individual students as that was used for the chapter names. However, in those chapters they’d take lengthy tangents to other students, random information, or jumps in time. It was just poorly organized, making it hard to follow and get into a reading groove. Pieces of information are redundant. I got it the first 5 times that one competition is only for seniors. Add in the contradictions, and I just couldn’t do it any longer.
Then there’s my question regarding the point of the book. Is this about an inspiring teacher or an ad for Greenwich, CT? A lot of times it seemed like the latter.
Maybe it got into this after I quit, but what makes Andy a successful, effective teacher? The reasons brought forth in the first part of the book are that he’s working with gifted kids who are motivated and have parental support. Plus, he has a background in the sciences outside of teaching, leading to additional resources and connections for his students. But what is it about *him* that makes him such an exceptional teacher? What sets him apart that other teachers can emulate?
Some of the research the students were conducting was really interesting. However, overall, this book was a miss for me.
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Monday, August 20, 2018

It Ends with Us - Colleen Hoover


It Ends with UsIt Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover


Holy Smokes! I loved, loved, LOVED the lessons and main character (and most of the side characters) in this book. However, I HATED all the graphic sex. And the profanity. If you’re like me, prepare to skip a lot of pages. I would love to recommend this book to everyone but don’t feel like I can recommend it to anyone. I'm not even sure how to rate it with stars. The writing and message and characters are a 5. But not being able to recommend it...
Lily didn’t have a great childhood. But she’s opening a whole new chapter in Boston, starting her own floral shop. A chance encounter with Ryle changes the course in both their lives. She’s head over heels. Then her first love reappears in her new life and things devolve from there.
Lily is one tough cookie. She opened up my mind and heart to things I thought I knew but didn’t fully understand until witnessed through her experiences. I was rooting for her throughout. There was one piece at the ending of her story that left me a bit disappointed. I didn’t need my loose ends tied up that neatly.
Ryle’s sister and Lily’s mom are both great women and characters in their own right.
It is hard to write a detailed review on this book as there are so many things that would be spoilers. I have a lot I would like to say though. The lack of review length doesn’t reflect a lack of thoughts on the book. I’m still thinking about it several weeks later.
This was a book club pick this month. Definitely a lot of fodder for discussion.

If you want to read more of my reviews, visit mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com.

Trigger Warnings: several.


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Monday, August 13, 2018

Sold on a Monday - Kristina McMorris


Sold on a MondaySold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This historical fiction novel was inspired by an actual Depression Era photograph. It follows the story of Ellis Reed, a struggling reporter, whose photograph and accompanying article launches his career and complicates his life. The photograph? Two children with a sign in front of them: Two Children for Sale. Lilly Palmer is Ellis’s coworker and is involved in a way Ellis doesn’t even know. From the countryside to the city; from news desks in Philadelphia and New York – the story moves along making you want to keep turning pages.
It did take me several chapters to get into the characters of Ellis and Lilly and to be invested in the story. However, once I was there, I finished the rest of the book pretty quickly. The fact that this novel is based on a photograph actually printed and that people were so desperate that all they could think was to sell their children saddens me. It made me wonder what I would do in a similar situation.
One of the reasons I like reading historical fiction is to get a glimpse of the past. This did that with the photograph, a look into gender roles, glimpses of newspaper life, and even some Mafia interaction.
It was a good book. I’d recommend it to others who like historical fiction or books inspired by something true in the past.
There are more points I would like to expound on but don’t want to have spoilers. So I’ll leave it at that.
Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the review copy. If you would like to read more of my reviews, please visit mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com.


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The Memory House - Rachel Hauck


The Memory HouseThe Memory House by Rachel Hauck


Oh man. So I only received a sneak peak at the first chapter from the publisher via NetGalley. The introduction to one of the main characters seems like a major departure from Rachel Hauck's usual work...and I think I'm going to love it. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest.

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Thursday, July 26, 2018

The Great and Only Barnum - Candace Fleming


The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P. T. BarnumThe Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P. T. Barnum by Candace Fleming
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So after watching The Greatest Showman, I wanted to learn more about P.T. Barnum. This middle grades biography is the only thing my library had to offer. But it ended up being really good. Just enough information on most of the areas I wanted to learn more about/compare movie vs. fact. It was very readable, well organized, and contained great pictures.

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Monday, July 23, 2018

Mary B. - Katherine J. Chen


Mary B: An Untold Story of Pride and PrejudiceMary B: An Untold Story of Pride and Prejudice by Katherine J. Chen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Oh, this is a hard book for me to review and even more challenging to rate. I moved from 2 stars to closer to 4 stars and then down to 1 when the author ruined it all for me. And I can’t even go into details about that without spoiling it for those who haven’t read it. So this might be a short and vague review. My apologies in advance.
When I received an email from NetGalley alerting me of a new book centering on Mary Bennet, I was intrigued. I like Austen literature in many of its forms. Specifically, I’ve always felt for Mary in that chaotic household, overshadowed by her lovely older sisters and overwhelmed by her vivacious younger sisters. This novel starts just before Pride & Prejudiuce does, extends itself through that timeline from Mary’s perspective, and wraps up several years after P&P ends.
The story started slow. Mary’s narration started out very cerebral and pedantic. However, as I got used to the style and realized in reflection that is probably how Mary was. So I warmed up to it and really enjoyed the middle section of the book. I enjoyed seeing the other characters from Mary’s perspective and get some additional behind the scenes. I even really liked the beginning of the time after the original story line. But then, due to one plot decision, I hated it. Passionately and thoroughly. Read it. I’m sure you’ll know exactly when my change of heart happened.
So I’m settling on 1.5 stars rounded to 2. Some might enjoy the plot twist that I abhor.
Trigger warning: Sex, not super graphic but present.
Thanks to Random House via NetGalley for the ARC.

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Wolf Hollow - Lauren Wolk


Wolf HollowWolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk


2017 Newbery Honor Winner

I’m working my way (very slowly) through the Newbery Award winners. The winner in 2017, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, didn’t really appeal to me. Since Wolf Hollow was also a Golden Sower (Nebraska) state award for 2018, I thought I’d give it a try. And I’m so glad I did.
This middle grade novel deals appropriately with weighty themes of bullying, PTSD, prejudice, lying, and more. Annabelle is a young girl growing up with her multi-generational family on their farm. They have a peaceful existence until Betty comes to town. She sees Annabelle as an easy target, and things escalate from there.
I loved how the story was written. The prose was wonderful. The dialogue was appropriate for each character. Beautifully done. I can easily see how it has won awards.


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Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Still Life (Chief Inspector Gamache #1) - Louise Penny


Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #1)Still Life by Louise Penny
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book was my local book club pick for the month. It has been on my TBR list for quite awhile as Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy) and others have been raving about the series for years. Because of that, I think it was a case of expectations and reality for me that I ended up thinking the book was just “meh.”
This is the first book in the series by Louise Penny that centers around Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. On Thanksgiving Sunday, he is dispatched to a murder scene in the rural village of Three Pines, Quebec. Jane, who seems to be universally loved by the town members, is dead in the woods. Inspector Gamache and his team need to determine foul play and whodunit.
There were a lot of nuances and mentions about the English Canadians and the French Canadians throughout the book. Those were completely over my head.
There was one character, Agent Nichol, who’s continued story I would like to know. But not enough to invest reading time into the other books in the series (13 to date).
A lot of emotions and thoughts. I felt some characters were decidedly stereotypical.
However, I will say this book (and series) has won numerous awards. And everyone else I know who has read it really enjoyed it. So, I’m the odd one out. Give it a go if you like mysteries, especially of the somewhat cozy variety.



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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

The Read-Aloud Family - Sarah Mackenzie


The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your KidsThe Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids by Sarah Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book by podcaster Sarah Mackenzie. The first sections are a reminder about how important reading aloud to your kids are, even once they can read for themselves. I borrowed a copy from the library but definitely want to purchase one to have on my shelf. She presents 10 questions you can use for book club type discussions with any book. And then there are book lists at the back, broken out by level, along with activities to keep your kiddos hands busy while you read. A great resource to keep handy.

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Monday, July 16, 2018

Everything I Never Told You - Celeste Ng


Everything I Never Told YouEverything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lydia is dead. This is not a spoiler, but the opening line to the novel. It is the story of a Chinese American family dealing with the aftermath of their daughter/sister’s death. There are flash backs to give you history on the family and their lives – together and individually. It is a, inspection of family and secrets and grief.
This was the book for my old book club this month. And I so wish I was there to discuss it; a lot of things to ponder and dissect.
I went into this book expecting one thing. Then it really wasn’t that at all. Which left me conflicted on giving it a rating. One part of me thinks it deserves more stars due to its portrayal of human intricacies so well. At the same time, it was very cerebral and heavy and detailed for me. Which probably wasn’t what I was needing in my reading life at the time. At another time, I might have appreciated that more.
This book really delved into how people and relationships affect those around us. How impressions and memories are in the eye of the beholder. It was a quiet novel.
I’m glad I read it. I want to read her Little Fires Everywhere. But I think I’ll wait a bit on that one.
If you want to see more of my reviews, please visit mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com

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Thursday, July 12, 2018

The Romanov Empress - CW Gortner


The Romanov EmpressThe Romanov Empress by C.W. Gortner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maria (Minnie) Feodorovna was a Danish princess destined to marry the tsarevich of Russia during the Romanov dynasty. In her life, she saw the reign of three tsars – her father-in-law, her husband, and her son. Her son Nicholas, coming to the throne in a tumultuous time, is the last tsar of Russia. This is a fascinating look at the final years of Imperial Russia’s royalty, seen through the eyes of a daughter, wife, and mother.
This book came across my NetGalley radar. A recent read or two of the Romanovs’ story caused this book to pique my interest. Plus, I enjoy learning and immersing in a great historical fiction story. This one certainly didn’t disappoint. I also didn’t realize until I was done reading it and digging into CW Gortner a bit more that I had already read an enjoyed another book by this author.
I found there to be a good balance between description and character development/dialogue. I was glad to be reading the Kindle version, so I could just quickly click on words to learn their definition. As expected, a lot of Russian terms I wasn’t familiar with.
The whole book flowed smoothly. I was engaged throughout, anxious to get back to it and learn what happened next.
The character of Maria Feodorovna was well formed. She was complex and sympathetic. Really, all the characters were nicely fleshed out. My only complaint, which is superfluous if you want historical accuracy, is that there were so many characters, and some had similar names. I got confused a few times but nothing that was detrimental to the overall enjoyment of the book.
I’ll be the first to admit my knowledge of Imperial Russia is slight. However, based on what I do know, this book seems well researched and in line with history.
Triggers: Violence – which makes sense for the time frame, and it’s not at all gory or gratuitous.
Read if you’re a fan of the Romanovs, historical fiction, or just good books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for giving me access to the ARC.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Crazy Rich Asians - Kevin Kwan


Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, #1)Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with boyfriend Nick, not realizing he's basically Asian royalty. Drama ensues.

I saw the preview for the movie, and it looked so funny. And the book definitely had some funny (not laugh out loud but maybe smirk) parts. But I didn't love it. It's probably 1.5 stars for me. I rounded up to 2 stars because I think some of my lack of enjoyment of the book stemmed from having absolutely no knowledge of the "crazy rich" level of society in the Far East. In fact, I'm only assuming it's a real thing based on the author's extensive footnotes (which were incredibly helpful). I felt like all of the characters were very stereotyped. Which I kind of get as it was satire but still would have liked to have a bit more depth. I didn't really get engaged with any of their stories. The character I liked most appeared towards the end and played a pretty small role in Astrid's story line.

Quite a bit of language and discussions (not scenes but retelling of scenes) of sexual nature.

I was hoping to love it, be thoroughly entertained, and read the rest. I wasn't, and I won't.

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Wednesday, July 4, 2018

When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi


When Breath Becomes AirWhen Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book has been on my To Read list for a bit. It pops up in blogs I read and podcasts I listen to fairly regularly. Plus Atul Gawande wrote a blurb for it.
Paul Kalanithi is wrapping up years of medical training as a neurosurgeon when he is diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. This is his story of living through dying. And was so eloquent. His last paragraph of the book (to his daughter) and his wife's epilogue did me in.
3.5 stars for sure.

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This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today - Chrissy Metz


This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are TodayThis Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today by Chrissy Metz
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Chrissy Metz is one of the stars of the hit TV series, This is Us. Love the series. Didn't love her book.
I couldn't decide if it was trying to be a self-help book or a memoir (so shelved as both). It probably did a better job being a memoir than self-help, but part definitely had more the self-help feel. Those sections were very trust and confidence in self, if you believe it and speak it and do good, your dreams will come true. While I agree that self-confidence and trusting your gut are good to an extent, this was a bit out there for me.
I did enjoy reading about her path to success in Hollywood.
Triggers: Some language

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Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham


Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy GrahamJust As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham by Billy Graham
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Whew! This book took me awhile to get through. Longer than I had even anticipated when first realizing it's length. I think I had it checked out from the library three or four different times getting it finished. There were a lot of names throughout, which made for some tedious reading. It was also sort of chronological but not really. So that made it hard to follow at times.
I'm glad I read it. I did really enjoy the more personal aspects that he wrote about. Shortly after his death, a blogger I read mentioned what a disservice he did to his family through his ministry and if that was really what God called him to. And I have been pondering that ever since. I was glad that he did address this towards the end of his autobiography. It helped me understand where his heart was on that issue.
Just amazing to read all that happened through the life of this one man who chose to surrender to God and act on what he believed God was telling him.

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Mr. Popper's Penguins - Richard Atwater


Mr. Popper's PenguinsMr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Newbery Honor book from 1939, this fanciful tale about an average man (and his family) who unexpectedly receives a penguin is cute. I did try to read it to my three- and four-year-olds. They lost interest after the first few chapters. But I think they were just not ready for it; nothing against the book itself.

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Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy - Kate Abbott


Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil WarLiar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbott
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book covering four female spies (two from the North and two from the South) during the Civil War should have been infinitely interesting. But it wasn't. Because the four stories rotate based on chronology, it took me about half the book to keep people straight. The pace was slow, and it took me far longer to read than it should have. I'm not entirely sure why, as the content is something that would normally intrigue me. So I just have to chalk it up to presentation.
1.5 stars

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Tuesday, July 3, 2018

The Space Between Us - Thrity Umrigar


The Space Between UsThe Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story focuses on two women and their relationships - with each other, their husbands, their children, and, more subtly, the modern India at large. Bhima has worked for Sera for decades, providing for her own family's sustenance. It's an intimate and thought provoking look at their lives.

This was the book choice for the club I am currently leading. And it definitely gave us a lot of discussion points. Reading it was really a cycle of hope and despair. The ways the lives intertwined was intriguing to me. I am looking forward to the second book coming out June 2018

Trigger warnings: abuse

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An Update

Super behind on reviewing all the books I've been reading.  So stay tuned for a blast of micro reviews on the blog.

Monday, June 4, 2018

Small Victories - Anne Lamott


Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of GraceSmall Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace by Anne Lamott
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5
I wish I would have read this book instead of listened to it while driving on a road trip. Definitely some nuggets of wisdom I would have liked to jot down.
Themes of forgiveness and grace.
Quite a bit of language.

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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Always Never Yours - Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka


Always Never YoursAlways Never Yours by Emily Wibberley
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.

Megan is always the girl that guys date before they find the one they want a serious relationship with. She has embraced that role wholeheartedly. Until life circumstances make her reconsider if that's who she truly wants to be.

I did not at all like this book. I wouldn't recommend it to any teen I know based simply on the questionable content. There might have been a redeeming message, but it's overshadowed by the sex. All the sex. Talk of sex. Having sex. Casual sex. More committed sex. Hooking up. Making out. Plus a bit of drinking and language. But mainly the sex.

Now I'm not an ostrich with my head in the sand thinking there aren't a lot of teens out there having sex. I'm sure there are. However, I don't think that is something we need to hold up to them as tantamount to real love or feelings or relationships.

I did not like Megan. I did not like Tyler. I did not like Anthony. I like Owen a bit. He seemed the most insightful character in the whole mess. I did not like Megan's parents and parental figures who were mainly just there because...I'm not really sure. Other than one talk with her dad towards the end, there was no parenting or guiding going on.

I struggled with Megan being so shallow and flighty. If a guy looked good, he was a potential next hook up for her. People say that art (and writing) is just a reflection of our culture and society. Well, I hope not. Because I'd like to give the youth of today a bit more credit for their character and depth.

I did like the Shakespeare references sprinkled throughout, especially towards the start of the book. And I really liked the premise. But, again, not worth the read.

***If you would like to read more of my reviews and bookish thoughts, please visit mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com Thanks!


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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely FineEleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was not at all what I expected. And I adored it. However, it's a 4 start instead of 5 as it took me until halfway through the book to begin adoring it.

Eleanor is different. She suffers through the workweek, more than competent at her job, only to drink her way through the weekend so she can get back to what she knows. She is unskilled and awkward in social settings and even in the office. But then Eleanor meets Raymond, the new guy working IT at the office. As a result, she begins to shift out of her isolation. It's a beautiful and messy transition.

First of all, I have to say this book is full of amazingly deep thoughts and quotes to pull out and ponder. About love. About loneliness. About what it takes to be accepted in today's society. About judgment and assumptions and opening oneself to others. Profound.

Gail Honeyman's insight into humanity is keen. She has created a character in Eleanor that I didn't particularly like for the first part of the book. She was judgmental and odd. But then a shift happened. The more I learned of her story, the more I understood her quirks. The more I understood, the more sympathetic I could be. I was rooting for her 100% by the end (the end which I loved, by the way). I think that alone speaks to the fact that we need to take to the time to connect and listen to each other's stories.

Raymond, with his own awkwardness, was probably my favorite character. He really saw people for who they were. That was powerful.

There is some language, drinking (the vodka every weekend for sure), and some racy discussion. None of it was out of character nor was it much.

I'm already stalking Gail Honeyman's internet presence to see when her next book will be released.

***If you'd like to read more of my reviews, please visit mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com. Thanks!

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The Radium Girls - Kate Moore

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining WomenThe Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was so interesting. It was incredibly readable but very hard to read due to the content and all the names.

Radium Girls is the stories of the women dial painters in the early part of the 20th century (and even as recently as 1978) who were mislead about the safety of their work with radium. Often times leading to a painful and early death.

First, I can't believe none of this is ever covered in history classes. At all. Despite the fact the law suits these ladies filed are the basis for modern-day OSHA and other worker safety legislation and oversight.

Secondly, the ridiculousness these companies were able to get away with. Yes, in the beginning when it wasn't sure the cause and radium was widely believed safe, I can give them the benefit of the doubt. But that benefit doesn't last long as they fight tooth and nail to deny all culpability and responsibility. Despicable.

There were a lot of names. There are some pretty gory medical specifics. There is a lot that will stir anger in the soul. But absolutely and totally worth reading.

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Monday, May 28, 2018

PJ Sugar Series - Susan Mae Warren

So I recently read all three books in the PJ Sugar series.  They are Nothing but Trouble, Double Trouble, and Licensed for Trouble.  

A great, fun, light-hearted trilogy about PJ Sugar and her various mishaps and relationships.  PJ returns to the hometown she'd run from a decade prior.  Her sister says she needs help, so PJ puts aside her fears and shame to head back.  At home she encounters her penchant for trouble with various run-ins with criminals. 

The first book was, of course, the best.  The second was still super entertaining.  By the third, I was a little tired of PJ constantly making heart instead of head decisions and being so down on herself all the time.  Still, I would say the series is definitely worth the read.  

Friday, May 18, 2018

Two Mini Reviews


DK Eyewitness Books: First Ladies (Library Edition)DK Eyewitness Books: First Ladies by Amy Pastan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Quick bites of information about every First Lady from Washington to Trump. Also some historical context given.

View all my reviews Parenting Preschoolers with a Purpose: Caring for Your Kids  YourselfParenting Preschoolers with a Purpose: Caring for Your Kids Yourself by Jolene L. Roehlkepartain
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book on parenting revolves around "asset building." The first section covers what the assets are. There are a lot. The second part covers parental self-care. And the final section tackles a ton of common place preschooler situations and 5 tips (plus a couple of bonuses) on specifically how to handle each one.

The assets were overwhelming to me. To try to keep 40-some skills and characters traits and such to develop in my kids in my head all the time. Not going to happen. But I appreciate the exposure.

With the specific situations and issues and scenarios, there were a lot of good, practical tips. Some were common sense, I thought. But I did have some take aways. And, of course, there were some like "Heck, no. I'm not doing that."

A decent read to pick and choose what works for you.

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Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Flora & Ulysses - Kate DiCamillo


Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated AdventuresFlora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

A freak vacuum accident leaves the squirrel, Ulysses, with super strength and smarts. Flora is his self-appointed sidekick and protector.

So I made a goal of reading the Newberry winner for each year. Of the ones I read as a child and before making this goal as an adult, I remember liking them all. And the first few I read for this challenge, I enjoyed. Which made this one even more disappointing. Flora was disrespectful and annoying. The repetition of things got on my nerves. Granted, I only made it to Chapter 26 (about 35% through the book), so maybe there is redemption for the book in the end. Hopefully? I mean, it did win a Newberry in 2014. But I'm not willing to invest more reading time in finding out.

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Monday, May 14, 2018

The Love Letter - Rachel Hauck


The Love LetterThe Love Letter by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In Rachel Hauck's latest dual narrative Christian romance, we move between Revolutionary War South Carolina and present day California. In the past, Esther Longfellow - daughter of a Loyalist - is in love with Hamilton Lightfoot, who leans Patriot. What will become of their love?

In present day, Chloe Daschle pours her heart and soul into an unlikely role, hoping to right her acting career. She is playing "Esther" in the screen play written by Hamilton's descendant, Jesse Gates. Is romance brewing there too?

Of course romance is brewing! Didn't I already mention the genre is Christian romance? The end result is generally predictable, but the journey there is what's important.

The characters, while I liked them, confused me with their decisions. Mainly in the current day plot line. Who leaves a wedding reception (when part of the bridal party) with a stranger to eat pizza at said stranger's house? Also, Esther is the only one who didn't waver in what she wanted.

I did like the Smitty character. I had my suspicions about him and am glad with how that character line ended up.

The historical plot was interesting to me. Revolutionary War books (and even history lessons) seem to focus on the New England colonies. In fact, I don't know that I've ever considered there were colonies in the south that were involved in the fighting. But there were. And I enjoyed the unusual, but still accurate, locale of the past story line.

This book overall was decent. I liked it and was engaged in the quick read. But I lean towards the "okay" side of I liked it instead of the "I really liked it" side of liked it.

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Monday, May 7, 2018

American Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World - David Baron


American Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the WorldAmerican Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World by David Baron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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So I originally picked this book off the library showcase bookshelf around the time of the total solar eclipse of August 2017. Life happened. More books shifted in. So I finally got around to listening to the audio book on a road trip all these months later. And it was good. I didn't really go in with expectations, and I think that helped.

The summary on the flap indicates the book follows three scientists (well, one was more an inventor) in their pursuit of the 1878 total eclipse in the western US. However, it was so much more. It references several total eclipses, many more in the astronomical field, and a whole slew of scientists. I'm glad I listened to it or else I fear I would have been bogged down with some of the details and science. Although I found most of the science accessible.

It was an interesting book. Worth the read/listen.

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Turtles All the Way Down - John Green


Turtles All the Way DownTurtles All the Way Down by John Green
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

So my opinion on this book is no doubt the unpopular one. And in the interest of full disclosure, I have only completely read one other John Green book. I've quit a few others. I wanted to quit Fault in our Stars but also wanted to finish to see if it lived up to the buzz. I wanted to quit this one multiple times. But I have heard it gives such a clear picture of someone living with anxiety, I wanted to finish and see that. However, I think all the things I disliked made it difficult for me to appreciate the picture of the anxiety struggle.

Daisy convinces her anxiety-ridden friend, Aza, to pursue and then abandon the mystery of a local billionaire's disappearance. Through this Aza reconnects (sort of) with a boy she had met at summer camp years before.

The whole tone of the book was grating. I never really connected to any of the characters. They seemed more like caricatures to me. As I've thought about it, maybe that's what was intended so that the "character" of anxiety was the only thing with depth. But all the characters annoyed me and were just super selfish and self-focused. True - to an extent - of some teenagers, or some would say teens in general. I would like to think better of our next generation and have seen many teens who don't live in "angst all the time" mode.

Anyway, I didn't love it. I'm not sure I hated it, but it was definitely less than "meh" for me.



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Friday, April 27, 2018

The Masterpiece - Francine Rivers


The MasterpieceThe Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Grace Moore is trying to get her life on track for herself and her young son. Through employment, her path crosses with artist Roman Velasco. And God's grace is presented throughout.

I liked this book. Probably 3.5 stars for me. It was predictable, I felt. But I am fine with that in this book. I would have liked Roman to have more depth in the beginning of the book. However, his shallowness was probably part of the point. I liked Grace and really liked one of her friends and her aunt.

There were some side characters - like two of Grace's friends - that I don't really feel added anything to the story line. Every time they popped up in the narrative I had to think and remember who they were.

This is a book of relationships. Between people. Between people and God.

A lot of loose ends left hanging. But I think I was okay with that.

Definitely worth the read. I pretty much flew through it because it was interesting.

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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Before We Were Yours - Lisa Wingate


Before We Were YoursBefore We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Memphis 1939 and South Carolina present day. A family of orphans. A family of wealth. What are each of their stories, and how do they intertwine.

This book grew on me as I was reading it. So I think the 3 star rating instead of 4 start might be a result of wrong book for the time. The first half I didn't have big chunks of time to read. So the stories were disjointed, and I had a hard time engaging with the characters or either of the plots. The second half I was more invested in because I had longer reading sessions. I could really lose myself in the tales even though I knew how they were involved. Or maybe I enjoyed it because I knew how they were involved.

Regardless...how in the world is none of this ever taught in history classes?!? I even went to 3.5 years of school in Tennessee and took Tennessee history. The truths of Georgia Tann and the families she tore apart, lives she destroyed and ended. Atrocious.

I think it's definitely worth the read, even if purely from a historical interest.

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Sunday, March 25, 2018

The Lying Game - Ruth Ware


The Lying GameThe Lying Game by Ruth Ware
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

An unexpected discovery reunites four boarding school friends, bringing them together to deal with the repercussions of past decisions.

Okay, I didn't love Woman in Cabin 10. But I truly didn't like this book. In fact, if I hadn't been stuck in the hospital with a family member for days with nothing else to read, I would have quit it several times.

All of the characters are entirely unlikable. They were all annoying and whiny and utterly self-involved - both in the present story and when Isa's memories take you back to the past.

The plot was convoluted and choppy Yet it also seemed to drag, painfully and meandering through emotions and memories and dialogue - including much foul language.

If you loved Woman in Cabin 10, don't expect this book to be of the same caliber. If you thought Cabin 10 was just okay, I'd say skip this one entirely.

I received this book free in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are entirely my own.

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Saturday, March 24, 2018

The Crossover - Kwame Alexander


The CrossoverThe Crossover by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book started at 2 stars for me...not knowing much about basketball and needing to acclimate to the “novel in verse” form. But it gained stars throughout. The basketball importance faded as the characters cane to life. I loved the formatting and presence of the words on the page as well.

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Tuesday, March 13, 2018

After Anna - Lisa Scottoline


After AnnaAfter Anna by Lisa Scottoline
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Noah Alderman and Maggie are married. Everyone is happy, including Noah’s young son. Until Maggie’s lost but not forgotten daughter moves in with them. She is 17 and used to doing her own thing. Then she is murdered. Noah is on trial for the crime he swears he didn’t commit. What is the truth?
The more Lisa Scottoline I read, the less I like her books. Which is disappointing.
The only character I liked in the whole book was Noah, the man on trial for murdering his step-daughter. Maggie was annoying and whiney and entirely too accommodating to her daughter, who clearly respected no one and nothing.
The whole timeline of the story seemed off. The story itself was plodding in many points. Also, it was only a couple of weeks between Anna coming to live with the family and her murder. Yet no one can remember when they didn’t fight? After just 4 days they all need a weekend at the beach where their roles aren’t all set in stone?
And then there were the discrepancies. The trust manager who Anna knew so well even though her dad had just died. Why would a criminal attorney work for a group of allergist doctors? A malpractice attorney, sure. But a criminal one? If Kathy (Maggie’s best friend) is a teacher, how does she meet Maggie every morning for a walk? And, more importantly, how does she take all sorts of time off after the murder and during the trial to take care of and be with Noah’s son? How could Noah throw a punch when he’s handcuffed? It was snowing a lot, but Maggie could see the front of the farmhouse, but the next page there’s too much snow to see anything. Easter candy is a caffeinated treasure?
Also, there were so many plot points that just didn’t make sense to me. I hate to (and never have) written a spoiler in a review. But I have to this time around. So, if you are still wanting to read the book, stop reading this review now!


No law enforcement would let a mom ride along on an ambush of where her daughter might be being held. It just wouldn’t happen. Much less would the law enforcement let the mom get out of the vehicle and run to the scene of the ambush. How did Connie known PG had set up to meet Noah and been able to get there from out of state in time to kill her before Noah arrived? And more than that, why would he kill her before they had their hands on the large inheritance?
It just required too much suspension of disbelief for me in reading a realistic fiction suspense.
However, I do appreciate this book for helping me nail my overall issue with the last few Scottoline books I’ve read: there is too quick and unrealistic a resolution.


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