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10 April 2024

The General's Gold, LynDee Walker & Bruce Robert Coffin 4
A treasure so priceless, it's worth killing for. . . .

When Mark Hawkins is found dead in a seedy motel, police deem it an accidental overdose. But billionaire computer genius Avery Turner suspects there might be more to the story. Her old friend was on the trail of the legendary General's Gold, and now Avery is determined to pick up where he left off. . . .

Teaming up with Carter Mosley, a deep-sea shipwreck diver and adrenaline junkie turned social media sensation, Avery embarks on a dangerous quest for the treasure—and the truth. From Florida to Maine, and from the mountains of Virginia to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, they face treacherous gangs, man-eating sharks, and a world of deception and double-crosses.

As they navigate hidden clues and uncertain allies, Avery and Carter must outwit their deadly adversaries and unravel the mystery surrounding the General's Gold. But in this high-stakes game, losing the treasure could cost them their lives. [from the publisher]

The General's Gold is an exciting, fast-paced adventure much in the vein of the Indiana Jones or National Treasure movie franchises. The story ties several generations and timelines together. There is a trio of likeable protagonists trying to solve the mysterious death of one's friend. They are challenged by multiple villains. Add to this a smart and knowledgeable museum worker—who has a crush on one of the adventurous team members and is depended upon to answer the team's historical questions—and some spunky old folks—(almost) all cousins who wear a variety of hats in a pivotal town along the way—and you have uninterrupted fun.

Several times as I was reading, I felt the need to yell at one or another character as they were about to do something stupid, much like one might do when watching television or film.

Narration by Alan Carlson was excellent for most male characters; less so for some female characters.

As much as possible, I like to read without preconceived notions. Therefore, I limit how much I learn about a book before reading. In this case, that habit led to a few surprises. Contrary to the publisher's blurb, Mark's quest for the General's Gold isn't revealed until almost a third of the way through the book. Too, after I finished reading and considered the summary more carefully, I realized that Harrison/Harry isn't considered one of the main adventurers. I thought Carter was the add-on or third wheel—not Harry. I'll be interested to see how the characters develop as the series progresses. If I had checked the book's Goodreads entry before starting, I would have known that this is the first installment in a planned series. Instead, the epilogue tipped me off. I'm there for at least the second installment.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Dreamscape Select/Severn River Publishing. Publication is expected April 16.


5 April 2024

Ash Dark as Night, Gary Phillips 3
Los Angeles, August 1965. Anger and pent-up frustrations boil over in the Watts neighborhood after a traffic stop of two Black motorists. As the Watts riots explode, crime photographer Harry Ingram snaps photos at the scene, including images of the police as they unleash batons, dogs, and water hoses on civilians. When he captures the image of an unarmed activist being shot down by the cops, he winds up in the hospital, beaten, his camera missing. Proof of the unjust killing seems lost—until Ingram’s girlfriend, Anita Claire, retrieves the hidden film in a daring rescue. The photo makes front-page news.

A recuperating Ingram is approached by Betty Payton, a comrade of Anita’s mother, who wants Ingram’s help tracking down her business associate Moses “Mose” Tolbert, last seen during the riots. Ingram follows the investigation down a rabbit hole of burglary rings, bank robberies, looted cash, and clandestine agendas—all the while grappling with his newfound fame, which puts him in the sightlines of LAPD’s secretive intelligence division. [from the publisher]

I was really enjoying Ash Dark as Night . . . until I really wasn't.

What I liked: Right out of the gate, I was engaged by the Black photographer/occasional amateur private eye main character. Using the historical setting of the Watts riots allowed the author to create a lot of action, suspense, and grit. The police brutality Harry Ingram captured on film during the riots was a great set-up. Ingram using his observational skills to solve a mystery is a plausible extension. I was even amused and relatively engaged by Ingram's girlfriend Anita's “family business.” Leon Nixon is an excellent narrator.

What I didn't like: Phillips' delivery of the history was sometimes awkward. While sex and seduction are often used in noir as plot advancers, I believe it's usually used as a means to the desired ends on the part of someone involved in the mystery. For example, a femme fatale uses sex to coerce someone into killing her husband. Here, explicit sex is described even among an established couple (on the same side of the mystery), and even in public spaces. It seemed gratuitous to me—I don't think it advanced the plot. As the book went on, the story fell apart, and I lost interest.

This is the second installment in a series of which I did not read the first book. I think the second works fine as a standalone read.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—RB Media. It was published earlier this week—April 2.


3 April 2024

The Cemetery of Untold Stories, Julia Alvarez 3.5
Alma Cruz, the celebrated writer at the heart of The Cemetery of Untold Stories, doesn’t want to end up like her friend, a novelist who fought so long and hard to finish a book that it threatened her sanity. So when Alma inherits a small plot of land in the Dominican Republic, her homeland, she has the beautiful idea of turning it into a place to bury her untold stories—literally. She creates a graveyard for the manuscript drafts and revisions, and the characters whose lives she tried and failed to bring to life and who still haunt her.

Alma wants her characters to rest in peace. But they have other ideas, and the cemetery becomes a mysterious sanctuary for their true narratives. Filomena, a local woman hired as the groundskeeper, becomes a sympathetic listener as Alma’s characters unspool their secret tales. Among them: Bienvenida, the abandoned second wife of dictator Rafael Trujillo, consigned to oblivion by history, and Manuel Cruz, a doctor who fought in the Dominican underground and escaped to the United States.

The characters defy their author: they talk back to her and talk to one another behind her back, rewriting and revising themselves. The Cemetery of Untold Stories asks: Whose stories get to be told, and whose buried? Finally, Alma finds the meaning she and her characters yearn for in the everlasting vitality of stories. [from the publisher]

What I was looking for/thought I needed: an overall feel-good, happy-ending magical realism tale with relatively little angst (think Sarah Addison Allen, Heather Webber, Alice Hoffman).

What I got/perhaps needed: a trauma-heavy historical fiction/magical realism mash-up.

Admittedly, I really shouldn't have expected the former. The historical fiction aspect is the substance, focusing on the incredible challenges of a people—including but not limited to corrupt government, persecution, toxic masculinity and patriarchy, and the plight of women.

I wish that Alma had been a greater part of the story. Beyond the fact that it's her writings coming to new life in the cemetery, she doesn't play much of a part in the story. There are interactions with her sisters involving the distribution of their father's estate, but these, too, are minor in the grand scheme of things. I may just be looking at this too superficially: of course Alma is a major player—these words, these stories are borne from her, though they take on a life of their own (the magical realism aspect of the novel).

The novel repeatedly talks about the historical and cultural importance of oral tradition, while placing additional importance on committing stories to writing. It's so interesting that Alma understands the critical nature of the written word, and yet buries such a large portion of her work, ensuring that the stories will die with her.

Ultimately, I appreciated Alma's father's story the most, followed by the story of Bienvenida Ricardo—ex-wife of Dominican military commander and dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina (“El Jefe”).

While I didn't get what I wanted (because of my unrealistic expectations) out of The Cemetery of Untold Stories, I have—for the second time this week—read a deep and impressive work that I wouldn't have chosen based on current mood alone. Good for me!

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—RB Media. It was published earlier this week—April 2.


2 April 2024

I Cheerfully Refuse , Leif Enger 3.66
Set in a not-too-distant America, I Cheerfully Refuse is the tale of a bereaved and pursued musician embarking under sail on a sentient Lake Superior in search of his departed, deeply beloved, bookselling wife. Rainy, an endearing bear of an Orphean narrator, seeks refuge in the harbors, fogs and remote islands of the inland sea. Encountering lunatic storms and rising corpses from the warming depths, Rainy finds on land an increasingly desperate and illiterate people, a malignant billionaire ruling class, crumbled infrastructure and a lawless society. Amidst the Gulliver-like challenges of life at sea and no safe landings, Rainy is lifted by physical beauty, surprising humor, generous strangers, and an unexpected companion in a young girl who comes aboard. And as his innate guileless nature begins to make an inadvertent rebel of him, Rainy’s private quest for the love of his life grows into something wider and wilder, sweeping up friends and foes alike in his strengthening wake. [from the publisher]
I used to be a huge fan of dystopian fiction. That is less the case as real life continues to deteriorate socially and politically. So, why did I request to preview this book by an author whose work I haven't read before? I have to admit that I was amused by the title and enticed by the cover art. In this case, judging a book by its cover paid off. Enger has crafted a dark, overwhelmingly sad story with rich descriptive language, interesting characters (some of whom are appealing), music, books, quest by sailboat, and just enough comic relief to keep one from going over the edge into despair.

As in real life, the desperate conditions of the novel are largely due to climate change and a tiny group of rich folks manipulating the masses for their own political and financial gain, including employing tactics like demonizing reading and education to reduce the masses' power and distributing a pharmaceutical that causes people to commit suicide. Main character Rainy—a bass guitar player with a bookseller wife—is accompanied on a great portion of his travels by an uneducated but seemingly bright nine-year-old girl, Sol, who has lost almost her entire family and is escaping physical and emotional abuse by an unrelated adult male.

Having just recently read Percival Everett's James, similarities between Jim and Huck and Rainy and Sol did cross my mind. Both books tell hard stories with a lot of intelligence, grace, and humor.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—RB Media. It was published today—April 2.


21 March 2024

Olivetti, Allie Millington 3
Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks. Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs) and recently replaced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindle family—the humans he’s lived with for years. The Brindles are busy: Dad and Mom work constantly, three of their children put the extra in extra-curriculars, and Ernest, their shy twelve-year-old, goes off alone to read.

When Olivetti learns Mom has mysteriously gone missing, he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of his ‘kind’ and types back to Ernest, who must face what he and his family have been running from, The Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find the parts of themselves they’ve lost. [from the publisher]

The storyline of Olivetti is heavy—it's much more family drama; much less mystery or fantasy. While that disappointed me, I wouldn't discourage anyone else from reading—it's a fine debut novel. I do hope, though, that promotion of the book—whether via official channels or via reader reviews/word of mouth—will warn readers adequately. I was expecting a fun fantasy about a sentient typewriter and the mystery he and one of his humans solve. The story is actually much darker, with few, if any, fun moments whatsoever. There's a big difference between a mystery around a missing object or an interesting event and that of the disappearance of a parent.

With reasonable expectations established now, Olivetti the typewriter revealing the family's history and memories from Beatrice/Mom's past use of him is an interesting way to share a story. Sadly, the protracted reveal of Mom's situation and location was not written in a way that built excitement: there's just repeated mention of a Bad Thing That Happened to the Family In the Past.

In addition to main human character Ernest (age 12) and his family, several characters play parts in finding Mom: Ernest's age peer/new friend of sorts, Quinn the pawn shop owner's daughter; an enthusiastic public librarian; a doctor; and an apartment building maintenance worker.

Ernest's introversion is portrayed in relatable ways, including other characters not appreciating his traits or respecting his needs and boundaries.

The narration—especially Simon Vance as Olivetti—was top-notch. Christopher Gebauer also narrated. The cover art is attractive and enticing.

Fun fact: The manuscript was written on the author's own antique typewriter.

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—RB Media. Publication is expected March 26.


17 March 2024

Bless Your Heart, Lindy Ryan 3.33
Rise and shine. The Evans women have some undead to kill.

It’s 1999 in Southeast Texas and the Evans women, owners of the only funeral parlor in town, are keeping steady with . . . normal business. The dead die, you bury them. End of story. That’s how Ducey Evans has done it for the last eighty years, and her progeny—Lenore the experimenter and Grace, Lenore’s soft-hearted daughter, have run Evans Funeral Parlor for the last fifteen years without drama. Ever since That Godawful Mess that left two bodies in the ground and Grace raising her infant daughter Luna, alone.

But when town gossip Mina Jean Murphy’s body is brought in for a regular burial and she rises from the dead instead, it’s clear that the Strigoi—the original vampire—are back. And the Evans women are the ones who need to fight back to protect their town.

As more folks in town turn up dead and Deputy Roger Taylor begins asking way too many questions, Ducey, Lenore, Grace, and now Luna, must take up their blades and figure out who is behind the Strigoi’s return. As the saying goes, what rises up, must go back down. But as unspoken secrets and revelations spill from the past into the present, the Evans family must face that sometimes, the dead aren’t the only things you want to keep buried. [from the publisher]

Horror is not one of my favorite genres, whether vampire-specific or otherwise. Still, I was enticed to read Bless Your Heart by the whimsical cover, the women family–owned business, and the mystery.

I felt like the story was somewhat repetitive, though some of that might be due to multiple points of view. The author tried to string us along too long, with the result being tedium, rather than excitement. I predicted the “bad guy” well ahead of the characters. I don't generally ding a book's rating for that if I'm suitably entertained, which I was in this case. It took me a while to figure out and keep track of the generations of women, as well as the supporting characters. Now that I “know” the players, I'm anxious for the next installment. Yes, this moderately gory vampire story has enough humor, sassy women, and mystery that I want more!

This unbiased review is based on an audio ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected April 9.


8 February 2024

Anita de Monte Laughs Last, Xóchitl González 3.33
Who gets to leave a legacy?

1985. Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn’t. By 1998 Anita’s name has been all but forgotten—certainly by the time Raquel, a third-year art history student is preparing her final thesis. On College Hill, surrounded by privileged students whose futures are already paved out for them, Raquel feels like an outsider. Students of color, like her, are the minority there, and the pressure to work twice as hard for the same opportunities is no secret.

But when Raquel becomes romantically involved with a well-connected older art student, she finds herself unexpectedly rising up the social ranks. As she attempts to straddle both worlds, she stumbles upon Anita’s story, raising questions about the dynamics of her own relationship, which eerily mirrors that of the forgotten artist.

Moving back and forth through time and told from the perspectives of both women, Anita de Monte Laughs Last is a propulsive, witty examination of power, love, and art, daring to ask who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite. [from the publisher]

After being blown away by González's debut, Olga Dies Dreaming, I found Anita de Monte Laughs Last above average, but not stunning.

The feminist themes especially shone. The sexism, racism, and misogyny endured by both Anita and Raquel is so incredibly present to this day, decades later. I appreciated Anita's persistence and Raquel's growth into standing up for herself and demanding appropriate treatment of herself and Anita, in memoriam. Raquel eventually finds her power . . . and wields it.

The audiobook is narrated by Jessica Pimentel, Jonathan Gregg, and Stacy Gonzalez. Whomever voiced Anita was particularly brash—it's in keeping with personality and context, but quite jarring.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—Macmillan Audio. Publication is expected March 5.


28 January 2024

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice (#4), Elle Cosimano 4.33
Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls’ weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are—seeing as it’s actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero’s childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car—it won’t be all fun and games. When Finlay’s ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi’s kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi’s life. But that’s not all—he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark’s suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for—Marco's already dead. They don’t have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike—and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he’s a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precocious kids, her mother’s marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero’s missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she’s done, or be forced to double down? [from the publisher]

The usual gang's all here for the fourth full-length Finlay Donovan installment: Finlay's kids, parents, and sister Georgia; Georgia's girlfriend Sam; hot cop Nick and his ex-partner Charlie; ex-husband Steven; Vero's childhood friend/love interest Javi; young hacker Cam; Finlay's agent; and various Russian and American mob figures. A dog named Kevin Bacon even gets into the action.

The story picks up immediately following the events of Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, and the relationships continue to develop. Throughout the series, Cosimano has adeptly set a foundation, added details to the history, and prepared for future twists. Because of this, I do recommend reading the series in order.

As I neared the end, I worried that things were getting too perfectly tied up with a bow—that there might not be another Finlay book. Then, at the very last moment, the hope of another installment presented itself. Whew!

This humorous, cozy mystery/thriller series might appeal to you if you like strong female main characters, intergenerational relationship–heavy stories, mystery, action, and a degree of silliness. You shouldn't take things too seriously—be willing to suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the ride. If you are fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series or Jana DeLeon's Miss Fortune series, this may be another series to add to your rotation.

This unbiased review is based on an ARC supplied by the publisher—St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books. Publication is expected March 5.


19 January 2024

Family Family, Laurie Frankel 4.5
“Not all stories of adoption are stories of pain and regret. Not even most of them. Why don’t we ever get that movie?”

India Allwood grew up wanting to be an actor. Armed with a stack of index cards (for research/line memorization/make-shift confetti), she goes from awkward sixteen-year-old to Broadway ingenue to TV superhero.

Her new movie is a prestige picture about adoption, but its spin is the same old tired story of tragedy. India is an adoptive mom in real life though. She wants everyone to know there’s more to her family than pain and regret. So she does something you should never do—she tells a journalist the truth: it’s a bad movie.

Soon she’s at the center of a media storm, battling accusations from the press and the paparazzi, from protesters on the right and advocates on the left. Her twin ten-year-olds know they need help—and who better to call than family? But that’s where it gets really messy because India’s not just an adoptive mother. . . .

The one thing she knows for sure is what makes a family isn’t blood. And it isn’t love. No matter how they’re formed, the truth about family is this: it's complicated. [from the publisher]

This is my third outing with Laurie Frankel. She writes about deep issues with such respect and humor that the stories avoid becoming impossibly oppressive. I liked This Is How It Always Is more than average. I gave One Two Three 4.5 stars. It is precisely because OTT affected me so greatly that I jumped at the chance to read this ARC.

Family Family also rates an extraordinary 4.5 stars from me for its wonderful surprises, huge doses of humor, adorably quirky and precocious kids, and depiction of different types of families. Friendships are also important to the story, especially India's relationship with her college roommate, Dakota. The story is told in multiple timelines.

The audiobook is stupendously narrated by actor Patti Murin. If you choose to read with your ears, don't stop at the end of the book—listen to the author/narrator discussion, too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 23.


18 January 2024

The Getaway List, Emma Lord 3.66
The day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes two things: One, that she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mom that she has no idea who she really is anymore, and two, she has no idea what she wants because of it. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer, where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List—a list of all the adventures they’ve wanted to do together since he moved away—will hopefully help her get in touch with her old adventurous self, and pave the road to a new future.

Riley isn’t sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since his famous mom’s scriptwriting career pulled him away. But when Riley arrives in the city, their reconnection is as effortless as it was when they were young―except with one, unexpected complication that will pull Riley’s feelings in a direction she didn’t know they could take. As she, Tom, and their newfound friends work their way through the delightfully chaotic items on The Getaway List, Riley learns that sometimes the biggest adventure is not one you take, but one you feel in your heart. [from the publisher]

This is my second experience with Emma Lord's writing, the first being When You Get the Chance. My overall impressions are similar—age-appropriate behaviors and feelings, with little/mild profanity and kissing.

In addition to Riley and her long-distance best friend/budding romantic interest Tom, several other late-teenagers join the Getaway List (bucket list) team. Jesse is a childhood friend of Riley and Tom's who has relocated to New York City to try to make it big with his band. Mariella is a newer friend of Tom's—they met in high school. Riley and Tom meet Luca at a writing class as soon as Riley arrives, and he grows on them. The various relationships that bloom within this group add significantly to the story.

I didn't want to stop reading—real world be damned! Throughout, I was rooting for the teens in their quest. It's easy reading: not too much angst, danger, or stress; plenty of adventure, growth, mystery, and humor. The teens are caring to—and generous with—each other, and they work cooperatively for the good of individuals and the group. Each has talents, skills, or connections to contribute.

I will definitely seek out more of Lord's work. I put her YA rom-com debut on my Overdrive wish list. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for her upcoming book targeted at adults, which I hope will be every bit as delightful as her two YA books I've read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 23.


8 January 2024

Love, Naturally, Sophie Sullivan 3.33
Presley Ayers is not the woman you bring on a camping trip. An accomplished concierge at an exclusive hotel in Great Falls, MI, she knows more about the top ten places for champagne and caviar than she does about the best hiking boots to go stomping around near Lake Michigan. But when she surprises her boyfriend of eight months with a vacation to the Get Lost Lodge and he dumps her instead, Presley decides to rough it solo and take the trip herself.

When Beckett Keller helps the gorgeous woman off the rickety boat and onto Lodge territory, it’s clear to him she's made a mistake. She doesn’t like hiking, fishing, or nature in general, so why did she go on this trip? He’s got other things on his mind though—a crumbling lodge, and his own plans and dreams that are forever deferred—so he doesn’t have time for Ms. Fish-Out-of-Water. Even so, neither Beckett nor Presley can help that inexplicable draw they feel towards each other. He’s all rough stubble and plaid shirts, while she’s all high heels and brand-name athleisurewear.

But you know what they say about opposites. [from the publisher]

Love, Naturally is a cute, sweet, family-oriented (in that a family is central to the story—not that it qualifies as family entertainment) love-at-first-sight, closed-door romance.

I especially enjoyed the way Presley wanted to help the siblings grow their business and Beckett's relationship with his neighbor, Adam. There is a lot of warmth between the townspeople and between the lodge owners and their guests.

There's a recurring theme of Presley settling for less than she deserves, both romantically and professionally. A minimal amount of mild profanity is used (e.g. “sucked” and “figure shit out”). I thought the story started to drag a bit before or around the halfway mark; but, overall, I was invested in the story and glad for the happily-ever-after.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 16.


6 January 2024

The Sign of Four Spirits (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #9), Vicki Delany 3
When a psychic fair arrives in West London, Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, wants nothing to do with it. But somehow, at the urging of Donald Morris, an enthusiastic Sherlockian, she finds herself talked into attending a séance, along with baker and best friend Jayne Wilson, store assistant, Ashleigh, and former pop star Bunny Leigh.

But to her surprise, Gemma finds herself banned from the séance and shown the door. Curious, she listens in from outside the room. The medium informs a disappointed Donald that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will not be able to make it tonight. Then, Gemma hears a voice cut off, a cry for help, a scream. Gemma bursts into the library to see that someone has collapsed on the table—dead. The windows are all locked, and Gemma was guarding the only door. Someone in this room is a murderer. But who?

The game is once again afoot for Gemma Doyle as she hunts a killer. But, this time, is the killer of flesh and blood, or had the medium summoned doom from beyond the veil? [from the publisher]

While this is the ninth in the series, it's my first experience. It's a typical cozy, locked-room mystery. I guessed the culprit at the first clue drop.

A British expat on Cape Cod, Gemma Doyle owns the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium (which she previously managed for her great uncle Arthur while he was away, which, I gather, was most of the time). Gemma's relationship with Jayne—best friend and business neighbor (Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room, adjoining the bookstore)—is good. However, Gemma does not come off as particularly likeable in her treatment of most other characters. She is practically a sweetheart in comparison to a few of the guests in this story.

The psychic fair/séance aspect of the story was mildly interesting and fun. I might read back or future installments when I'm in a very cozy mystery mood.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 9.


4 January 2024

The Expectant Detectives, Kat Ailes 4
For Alice and her partner Joe, moving to the sleepy village of Penton is a chance to embrace country life and prepare for the birth of their first child. He can take up woodwork; maybe she’ll learn to make jam? But the rural idyll they’d hoped for doesn’t quite pan out when a dead body is discovered at their local prenatal class, and they find themselves suspects in a murder investigation.

With a cloud of suspicion hanging over the heads of the whole group, Alice and her new-found pregnant friends set out to solve the mystery and clear their names, with the help of her troublesome dog, Helen. However, there are more secrets and tensions in the heart of Penton than first meet the eye. Between the discovery of a shady commune up in the woods, the unearthing of a mysterious death years earlier, and the near-tragic poisoning of Helen, Alice is soon in way over her head. [from the publisher]

For me, what puts this debut cozy mystery near the front of the pack is the sheer amount of humor. Ailes also keeps interest high with several twists.

The publisher blurb can't begin to describe the hilarity or difficulty of the prenatal class moms—from different socioeconomic and philosophical backgrounds—becoming friends. There's a running gag around the presence of Helen the dog.

Hot-button topics include politics, multiple sexual partners, LGBTQ rights, alternative treatments, and homeschooling.

I'd definitely consider reading another book by this author.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 9.


31 December 2023

Revenge of the Librarians, Tom Gauld 4.33
Tom Gauld returns with his wittiest and most trenchant collection of literary cartoons to date. Perfectly composed drawings are punctuated with the artist’s signature brand of humour, hitting high and low. After all, Gauld is just as comfortable taking jabs at Jane Eyre and Game of Thrones.

Some particularly favoured targets include the pretentious procrastinating novelist, the commercial mercenary of the dispassionate editor, the willful obscurantism of the vainglorious poet. Quake in the presence of the stack of bedside books as it grows taller! Gnash your teeth at the ever-moving deadline that the writer never meets! Quail before the critic’s incisive dissection of the manuscript! And most importantly, seethe with envy at the paragon of creative productivity!

[from the publisher]

My true love gave to me a signed edition of this book for Chanumas this year. One of my favorite pages is the New Year's Resolution—a philosophy I embrace and heartily recommend to others! Happy New Year to all! [I carried over my rating from the original reading earlier in the year.]

12 December 2023

Thieves' Gambit, Kayvion Lewis 4.0
The Inheritance Games meets Ocean's Eleven in this cinematic heist thriller where a cutthroat competition brings together the world's best thieves and one thief is playing for the highest stakes of all: her mother's life.

At only seventeen years old, Ross Quest is already a master thief, especially adept at escape plans. Until her plan to run away from her legendary family of thieves takes an unexpected turn, leaving her mother's life hanging in the balance.

In a desperate bid, she enters the Thieves' Gambit, a series of dangerous, international heists where killing the competition isn't exactly off limits, but the grand prize is a wish for anything in the world--a wish that could save her mom. When she learns two of her competitors include her childhood nemesis and a handsome, smooth-talking guy who might also want to steal her heart, winning the Gambit becomes trickier than she imagined.

Ross tries her best to stick to the family creed: trust no one whose last name isn't Quest. But with the stakes this high, Ross will have to decide who to con and who to trust before time runs out. After all, only one of them can win. [from the publisher]

This is twisty heist action for the teen set. I don't appreciate—but completely understand—the cliffhanger ending. Rights were sold for two books, though the second doesn't seem to have a title or publication date yet.

10 December 2023

Death Valley, Melissa Broder 3.35
Need a quick read? This is trippy and dryly/darkly funny.

9 December 2023

Finding My Elf, David Valdes 3.5
This was mostly lighthearted/fun, despite understandable teen angst. It fit well in my light holiday reading lineup.

8 December 2023

The Better Half, Alli Frank & Asha Youmans 3.35
After a difficult five years, at age forty-three, Nina Morgan Clarke’s time has finally arrived. With an ex-husband relocated across the country, her father bouncing back after the loss of his beloved wife, and her daughter, Xandra, thriving at boarding school, Nina is stepping into her dream job as a trifecta: a first-generation, Black female head of the storied Royal-Hawkins School. To mark the moment, Nina and her best friend, Marisol, take a long-overdue girls’ trip to celebrate the second half of Nina’s life—which is shaping up to be the best part of her life.

As Nina’s school year gets underway, all seems to be progressing as planned. Before long, wunder-hire Jared Jones, two hundred pounds of Harvard-educated ego, relentlessly pushes Nina to her ethical limits. Soon after, dutiful Xandra accuses one of her teachers of misconduct. And most alarming, the repercussions of her trip with Marisol force Nina into a life-altering choice. Time is of the essence, and Nina must decide if she will embrace a future she never could have predicted. [from the publisher]

I liked Nina in her work persona, along with supporting characters of Nina's father, best friend(s), and baby-daddy.

Bahni Turpin narrates.


7 December 2023

Coconut Drop Dead (Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries #3), Olivia Matthews 3
Brooklyn’s annual Caribbean American Heritage Festival is finally here, and Spice Isle Bakery is thrilled to be one of the event’s food vendors. After all, the Murrays have been attending the festival for years. Co-owner Lyndsay Murray hopes their West Indian pastries and finger foods draw people back to the bakery in Little Caribbean. She’s looking forward to having fun, connecting with customers, and celebrating with her family.

But the day's festivities are cut short when Camille, lead singer of an up-and-coming reggae band, dies. The police think it may be a tragic accident. But Lyndsay’s cousin Manny was close to Camille, and he believes someone cut her life short. Now Manny needs Lyndsay’s help to make sure a killer faces the music. [from the publisher]

I liked this (third) series installment more than the first, but not by a landslide. I haven't read the second book.

Tiny annoyance (falling short of qualifying as “the bad”): For a short book, there's a surprising amount of unnecessary repetition. The biggest offense may be excessive description of clothing. I'm not talking about accounts of outfits that support the storyline—of which there are some—but of repeated description of the casual bakery uniform, including the color of their shirts. We get it—they have matching shirts for their family business.

The indifferent: There were a couple of potential romantic partners in book one, both of whom are still around in book three. Lindsay is brutally clear to one that she doesn't like or trust him. Unfortunately, there is next to no heat generated between Lindsay and the other man, despite hints of mutual attraction. If you're looking for Stephanie Plum– or Finlay Donovan–level heat, you won't find it here. Maybe the slow burn is part of the series strategy . . . or maybe it's just not of interest to the author, which is fine, too.

The good: As expected from a series centering on a family business in a close-knit ethnic neighborhood, there is a strong sense of family and community. Camille wanted proceeds from the band's CD to go to a local cause. Lyndsay’s brother is torn between returning to his law firm and staying with the family bakery beyond the initial need for which he took a break from his law practice. We learn more about the grandmother's history, including the reason for her estrangement from a close friend. These were the most interesting parts of the story, though they have nothing to do with the mystery. Also as expected from a food-themed cozy series, there are recipes at the end.

If you are looking for a very light cozy mystery, this might suit you. I'm not disappointed that I read it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected December 26.


5 December 2023

What You Need to Be Warm: A poem of welcome, Neil Gaiman 3.5
During the coldest season, when the world feels scary—what do you remember about being warm? Baked potatoes. Trust. A kettle on the stove. Blankets. A smile. And, most of all, the reassurance that you belong. In his powerful and moving poem, featuring illustrations from thirteen extraordinary artists, bestselling author and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Neil Gaiman draws together many different memories to answer the question, what do you need to be warm? [from the publisher]
In a way, this graphic poem was crowdsourced into a really cool project in support of refugees. I especially enjoyed the fact that each spread was illustrated by a different artist.

5 December 2023

Schooled, Ted Fox 3.5
Jack Parker didn’t set out to be a stay-at-home dad, but his professional dreams went up in smoke after he accidentally burned down his office building. Six years later, Jack’s got parenting his two kids down cold.

Then comes an unwelcome blast from Jack’s past: high school nemesis Chad Henson. He beat out Jack for class president, stole his girlfriend, and never had so much as a pimple in his four years of adolescent bliss. Now Chad has moved to the same midwestern town Jack calls home.

When Jack learns Chad is running for president of his daughter’s school board, he decides to run to settle old scores. But parent politics prove more cutthroat than Jack could have imagined, and he’s facing unexpected challenges in his marriage, too, forcing him to question his role in the family. Suddenly, the election is about more than Jack’s past. It’s an opportunity to discover the person he wants to become.

People grow up, but some high school rivalries never die. It’s time Chad Henson got schooled once and for all—and for Jack to learn a few things of his own. [from the publisher]

Schooled is a funny treatment of real issues, including equity and access, outdated societal gender roles, family dynamics, and social isolation. There is nice friendship development.

Content warnings include infidelity and gaslighting.


3 December 2023

The Secret (Jack Reacher #28), Lee Child & Andrew Child 3.5
1992. Eight respectable, upstanding people have been found dead across the US. These deaths look like accidents and don’t appear to be connected. Until one body—the victim of a fatal fall from a hospital window—generates some unexpected attention.

That attention comes from the Secretary of Defense, who promptly calls for an inter-agency task force to investigate. Jack Reacher is assigned as the Army's representative.

Reacher may be an exceptional soldier, but sweeping other people's secrets under the carpet isn't part of his skill set. As he races to discover the link between these victims, and who killed them, he must navigate around the ulterior motives of his new "partners." And all while moving into the sight line of some of the most dangerous people he has ever encountered. [from the publisher]

As is customary for the Reacher series, the level of violence is high. There are a couple of fairly satisfying twists.


17 November 2023

Emergency Contact, Lauren Layne & Anthony LeDonne 3.35
Katherine, an ambitious New York City attorney, gets diagnosed with a concussion and must be monitored for forty-eight hours to make sure it doesn’t get worse. Unfortunately, she forgot to update her emergency contact, so the person they call is her ex-husband, Tom. Unable to be left alone, Katherine reluctantly agrees to travel to Chicago with him for the holidays. But thanks to a blizzard, what should have been a quick plane ride turns into an antagonistic overnight misadventure that stirs up old feelings even as Tom prepares to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve.

A delightful meet-cute between The Proposal and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Emergency Contact is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sophie Kinsella. [from the publisher]

In case you haven't already prepared yourself based on the publisher's reference to Planes, Trains and Automobiles, get ready to suspend your disbelief. This farcical second-chance romance taking place on a journey from New York City to Chicago just before Christmas was just as I anticipated—mostly light and fun.

Why in the world, you might ask yourself, would a romance genre–resistant, non–Christmas celebrator request to read such a book . . . and rate it well, to boot? Here's my bizarre little secret: I have an inexplicable affection for Hallmark/Hallmark-like Christmas movies and, apparently, their book cousins. I'm at least as surprised as you! In recent years, I've given up resisting. They've become a favorite form of seasonal stress-relief packed with plenty of schmaltz and silliness.

Emergency Contact includes a strong dose of snark; plenty of humor; and a bunch of fun side characters, including coworkers, medical personnel, Tom's family, and strangers met along the journey. [My favorite might be the trucker.] Katherine is not terribly likeable, which is a bummer. Somehow, the story still works.

I enjoyed Brianna Cohen's and Tim Paige's narration of the audiobook. The publisher's suggestion of the book being right for fans of Sophie Kinsella's seems accurate to me—I'm reading Kinsella's latest as of the day I'm writing this review (a week after finishing this book).

Thank you, NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing—Audiobooks, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. It was published October 24.


1 October 2023

Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0), Travis Baldree 3.35
When an injury throws a young, battle-hungry orc off her chosen path, she may find that what we need isn't always what we seek.

Set in the world of New York Times bestselling Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree's Bookshops & Bonedust takes us on a journey of high fantasy, first loves, and second-hand books.

Viv's career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam's Ravens isn't going as planned.

Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she's packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she'll never be able to return to it.

What's a thwarted soldier of fortune to do?

Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn't possibly imagine.

Still, adventure isn't all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected. [from the publisher]

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I requested this book. I wasn't terribly concerned that I haven't read Legends & Lattes, as this is the prequel to that. I repeatedly read reviews of Legends & Lattes, that characterized it as “a warm hug.” And what is a “cozy fantasy?” I wondered. Is that a thing? Well, let's examine. . . .

Given the information with which I started this adventure, the book's opening struck me as surprisingly violent. There are bursts of battle violence on and off throughout the story. Profanity is abundant, and steamy romance book passages are read (from books within the book). Alcohol is consumed to excess. So, (at least this particular) cozy fantasy probably is not recommended for children [as always, you choose what's right for your family] or sensitive readers of any age.

For all the violence and profanity, though, the main theme seems to be caring relationships, both platonic and romantic. These relationships earn a ratings bump.

Other themes include cooperation, social responsibility, consideration, the importance of reading (and finding the books that are right for you/reader advisory services), and inclusivity—characters include quite a variety of fantasy creatures: orcs, dwarves, elves, goblins, ratkin (wererats—today I learned), and the like. The seaside town in which the story takes place has small businesses—pub/inn, bookshop (obviously), and bakery among them—and the owners of each play significant parts in the story. Character development is fairly good and I became invested in the what happened to the characters. In addition to the fantastical beings, there are magical objects, including grimoire and bonedust.

I wasn't as enthralled by the story as I had hoped, but I do genuinely wish to read the next (published first) book. I don't know whether most fantasy lovers will like this book, or if they might feel the same kind of mild disappointment that some traditional mystery lovers feel about cozy mysteries. If you aren't put off by the qualifiers I opened with, and if you're game for a mostly light read, why not give this a try?

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC, which is narrated by the author, of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected November 7.


23 September 2023

Butt or Face?, Kari Lavelle 4.5
Move over, Jeopardy, Family Feud, and The Price Is Right—this book will be your new favorite laugh-until-your-stomach-hurts family game! In Butt or Face, weird animals are introduced with a close-up photo. Kids must guess: are they seeing . . . um . . . err . . . the bottom or the top?

Readers will learn about animals like Cuban Dwarf Frogs, whose backsides look like a pair of eyes, and the Mary River Turtle, which not only has a unique face, but even breathes through its butt! On every reveal page, kids can enjoy the animals' complete photos and fascinating scientific facts, which explain how the critters' camouflage and trickery help them to engage with their habitats.

Can YOU tell a butt from a face? [from the publisher]

This children's picture book is hilarious and informative. I found it surprisingly challenging. Each answer page shares interesting facts about the animal, including where they live, how they protect themselves, what they eat, and so on. Definitely read this to your littles, if you have any, but(t) go ahead and read it to yourself even if you don't have—or can't borrow—littles with whom to share. Don't miss the author's note about the inspiration for the book.

15 September 2023

Twas the Bite Before Christmas (Andy Carpenter #28), David Rosenfelt 3.66
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is at the Tara Foundation’s annual Christmas party. The dog rescue organization has always been his true calling, and this is one holiday tradition he can get behind because every dog that’s come through the rescue—and their families—are invited to celebrate.

This year’s party is no exception. But before the stockings can be hung by the chimney with care, homicide detectives ruin the evening. Derek Moore, one of the foundation’s best foster volunteers, is arrested for murder.

Andy discovers Derek—whose real name is Bobby—is in the witness protection program after giving evidence against his former gang. The police believe Bobby murdered a member. But Bobby swears to Andy he didn’t do this. He’s built a new life, a new business, has two new dogs after being a double foster-failure.

There isn’t much Andy likes about this case, but he likes Bobby. If he’s innocent, Andy wants to help. Before Andy can settle down for his long winter’s nap, he has a client’s name to clear, a murderer to catch, and two new dogs to look after: a golden and a Dalmatian. Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, will have to adjust to not being the only golden at the house while Andy gets to the bottom of this one. . . . [from the publisher]

You may remember that I've read several each of David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter and K-9 series. I typically find both series enjoyable but not extraordinary. This one delivers more from the moment it starts. It's funny and there are good plot connections, less repetition (not none—this time the shtick revolves around Andy's son's food and activity preferences), and a tidy end. 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas is 28th in the Carpenter series.

I lamented in my June review for Flop Dead Gorgeous (book 27) that there weren't enough appearances by Marcus, who provides the muscle for Andy's team. I don't know if I had any influence, but I was rewarded with more Marcus in this installment. Thank you, Mr. Rosenfelt!

While the story takes place at Christmas time, it really has little to do with it, though Andy delivers a hilarious inner monologue relating to gross holiday foods and drinks. As in other installments, enough background information is shared that this book can stand on its own.

Narrator Grover Gardner is clearly beloved by many as the series narrator. He might be growing on me.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected October 10.


12 September 2023

Starling House, Alix E. Harrow 3.66
I dream sometimes about a house I’ve never seen. . . .

Opal is a lot of things—orphan, high school dropout, full-time cynic and part-time cashier—but above all, she's determined to find a better life for her younger brother Jasper. One that gets them out of Eden, Kentucky, a town remarkable for only two things: bad luck and E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth century author of The Underland, who disappeared over a hundred years ago.

All she left behind were dark rumors—and her home. Everyone agrees that it’s best to ignore the uncanny mansion and its misanthropic heir, Arthur. Almost everyone, anyway.

I should be scared, but in the dream I don’t hesitate.

Opal has been obsessed with The Underland since she was a child. When she gets the chance to step inside Starling House—and make some extra cash for her brother's escape fund—she can't resist.

But sinister forces are digging deeper into the buried secrets of Starling House, and Arthur’s own nightmares have become far too real. As Eden itself seems to be drowning in its own ghosts, Opal realizes that she might finally have found a reason to stick around.

In my dream, I’m home.

And now she’ll have to fight.

Welcome to Starling House: enter, if you dare. [from the publisher]

This creepy gothic horror is arriving just in time for spooky season. I'm guessing it will appeal to those who celebrate. As expected, it's overwhelmingly dark, but there are occasional patches of light and humor. It hooked me quickly, kept me on the line with a slow burn, and escalated considerably toward the end. I'm not into hardcore horror, generally—you can use that as a gauge when I say that it's not super-scary.

Relationships abound, notably between Opal and her brother, the owner of the motel in which they live, the local librarian, and Arthur Starling, along with a few highly adversarial and more marginal relationships.

There is some social commentary—historical to the present—including women's rights (or, rather, lack thereof, especially in terms of personal agency and rights to property), racial/civil rights, and environmental issues. I liked these threads, which are pretty low-key and well-integrated.

I jumped at the chance to read this in advance, having had good experiences with Harrow's Fractured Fables (preferring the first over the second). I bought two of her backlist novels when I was burning my remaining Audible credits the day before their expiration, so I'm looking forward to those, as well.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected October 3. That's only three weeks away, so act quickly, folks! [Sadly, publication date was erroneous by the better part of a month on NetGalley. I would have read it and alerted you sooner if I had been better informed.]


22 August 2023

Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, Judith Henderson, Katherine Ahmed (Illustrator) 4
A Muslim American girl at the top of her game makes a difficult choice in this powerful and beautifully told true story about breaking barriers. Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir was born to play basketball. At three, she has her own hoop. By seventeen, she's the star player on her school's varsity team. On the day of the playoffs, though, the referee says she can't play while wearing her hijab. Her teammates refuse to play, the crowd shouts its support and the referee relents. With that game, Bilqis becomes the all-time lead scorer in Massachusetts State history and goes on to play college ball, where she is the first woman to play in a hijab in the NCAA—she even plays basketball with President Obama at the White House! The story follows Bilqis into adulthood and her heartbreaking decision to walk away from a professional basketball career when the rules once again won't allow her to wear a hijab. Bilqis becomes an activist, fighting for years on the international stage advocating for young Muslim women, and eventually the rule is overturned. Written in free verse in a voice that captures the cadence of the game, this picture book biography, coauthored by Bilqis and award-winning writer Judith Henderson, is both a love poem to the sport of basketball and an inspiring story about how one person can effect change. Richly colored illustrations by Katherine Ahmed add further emotional depth to the story. This book will spark discussions about respect, beliefs, values, culture and discrimination. Back matter includes biographical information, photos and a list of sources for further exploration. Lion on the Inside is the first book in the CitizenKid collection that is geared to younger readers ages 5 to 8. [from the publisher]

The CitizenKid collection encourages young readers to learn about global issues and then think about ways that they can help improve the communities they live in, and the world at large. Each CitizenKid book is developed with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in mind, such as climate action, clean water and sanitation, gender equality, poverty and more. The Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. [from the back cover]
It's quite an accomplishment to tell a complete story in 40-ish pages, especially when it's an important story. In this slender picture book, the author/subject, coauthor, and illustrator show what one can achieve with effort, dedication, and strong familial and team support. I especially liked the discussion questions and the brief overview following the illustrated story. There are additional sources provided for those who want to learn more about Abdul-Qaadir's story.

I am thrilled to have discovered this book collection encouraging young readers to become caring, thoughtful, and engaged global citizens. It's never too soon to build social consciousness and civic responsibility.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for the e-ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected September 5.


18 August 2023

Scorched Grace, Margot Douaihy 2.5
Sister Holiday, a chain-smoking, heavily tattooed, queer nun, puts her amateur sleuthing skills to the test in this debut crime novel.

When Saint Sebastian's School becomes the target of a shocking arson spree, the Sisters of the Sublime Blood and their surrounding community are thrust into chaos. Unsatisfied with the officials' response, sardonic and headstrong Sister Holiday becomes determined to unveil the mysterious attacker herself and return her home and sanctuary to its former peace. Her investigation leads down a twisty path of suspicion and secrets in the sticky, oppressive New Orleans heat, turning her against colleagues, students, and even fellow Sisters along the way.

Sister Holiday is more faithful than most, but she's no saint. To piece together the clues of this high-stakes mystery, she must first reckon with the sins of her checkered past-and neither task will be easy. [from the publisher]

I was drawn in by the publisher's blurb/premise and the interesting and descriptive language, especially very early in the book. It started out strong, but fizzled pretty quickly. Some of the flashbacks to Sister Holiday's band days seemed extraneous to the story, overall. The story's New Orleans setting added some interest.

Content warnings include arson; murder; sexual assault and abuse of minors, including incest and gang rape; smoking; drinking; profanity; and various viewpoints on Catholicism, including its practice and administration.

Mara Wilson narrated—yes, that Mara Wilson: actor in Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and more.


17 August 2023

Under the Influence, Noelle Crooks 2.5
After a series of go-nowhere jobs in the New York publishing world, Harper Cruz is broke, lonely, and desperate for a salary that won’t leave her scrambling to make rent each month. So when she stumbles across a job posting from an influencer offering triple her last paycheck, she automatically submits her résumé.

Harper may not be familiar with self-help guru Charlotte Green, but her relentless optimism and charismatic can-do spirit has created a cult-like following of women across the country. When she selects Harper among thousands of other applicants in less than twenty-four hours, it’s obvious she sees something she likes. Despite the pressure to accept the offer just as quickly as she’s been given it, Harper decides to take a leap of faith and become the newest member of The Greenhouse.

Accepting the job means a move to Nashville, and Harper is quickly dazzled by the glamorous world Charlotte has built in Music City. The Greenhouse is more than a workplace—it’s a family—and Harper soon finds herself swept into its inner circle. At first, she loves working in such an inspirational environment, where mandatory dance parties, daily intentions, and group bonding activities make up for long hours and Charlotte’s persistent demands for loyalty. But the deeper Harper is pulled into Charlotte’s world, the more she realizes that having it all and being it all comes with a price. [from the publisher]

This did bear some resemblance to The Devil Wears Prada (as promised), but not to as good an effect. It reminded me, in some ways, of The Circle, as well. Maybe I just don't have patience for stories about influencers. The company seemed cultish to me—its employees considered it “a movement.” I guess there's no maybe about it—I've never understood how most of these “influencers” gain, much less deserve, such a following.

11 August 2023

Good Bad Girl, Alice Feeney 3.5
Sometimes bad things happen to good people, so good people have to do bad things.

Twenty years after a baby is stolen from a stroller, a woman is murdered in a care home. The two crimes are somehow linked, and a good bad girl may be the key to discovering the truth.

Edith may have been tricked into a nursing home, but at eighty-years-young, she’s planning her escape. Patience works there, cleaning messes and bonding with Edith, a kindred spirit. But Patience is lying to Edith about almost everything.

Edith’s own daughter, Clio, won’t speak to her. And someone new is about to knock on Clio’s door . . . and their intentions aren’t good.

With every reason to distrust each other, the women must solve a mystery with three suspects, two murders, and one victim. If they do, they might just find out what happened to the baby who disappeared, the mother who lost her, and the connections that bind them. [from the publisher]

Good Bad Girl is Feeney's sixth novel. My only previous exposure to her was last year's (2022) Daisy Darker.

This story is told from multiple points of view and in multiple timelines. Unfortunately, this made the story hard to follow at times, especially in the beginning. I started taking notes about family trees and major events pretty early in the game. The narrative was repetitive not only because of instances of the same scene being told by multiple characters, but even the same character recalling certain events multiple times. It became tedious. Some chapters make clear which character is speaking; others are labeled by timeline. While this was necessary to string us along, there is a fine line between creating tension and annoying the reader by overestimating their tolerance for stretching misdirection. I believe that telling a story across multiple timelines can be done well—sadly, I neither think it's the rule or that success was achieved in this case, with one notable exception.

There were, of course, red herrings.

Ultimately, the character connections are a bit far-fetched, but I couldn't help but enjoy them.

There is no way to significantly discuss the book without spoilers, so you'll just have to read it yourself. If you are a mystery/thriller fan and you're willing to relax and go with the flow, this is a solidly entertaining story.

The audiobook is quite well–narrated by Katherine Press and Stephanie Racine.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 29.


9 August 2023

The Raging Storm, Ann Cleeves 3.35
Fierce winds, dark secrets, deadly intentions.

When Jem Rosco—sailor, adventurer, and legend—blows into town in the middle of an autumn gale, the residents of Greystone, Devon, are delighted to have a celebrity in their midst. But just as abruptly as he arrived, Rosco disappears again, and soon his lifeless body is discovered in a dinghy, anchored off Scully Cove, a place with legends of its own.

This is an uncomfortable case for Detective Inspector Matthew Venn. Greystone is a place he visited as a child, a community he parted ways with. Superstition and rumor mix with fact as another body is found, and Venn finds his judgment clouded.

As the winds howl, and Venn and his team investigate, he realizes that no one, including himself, is safe from Scully Cove’s storm of dark secrets. [from the publisher]

This is the third installment in the Detective Matthew Venn series. While I did not read the first two, I didn't feel at all lost. Cleeves also authored the Vera and Shetland series, both of which have been adapted to television.

There's so much going on in the story, with an entire town to meet, question, and assess.

I wasn't a fan of Venn's husband or their relationship—the writing about it seemed awkward. Perhaps one of the earlier installments included greater presence of the husband and he just wasn't meant to be a strong participant in this one. Or, perhaps they just don't have a good relationship. In any event, I didn't feel like the husband's presence in the story added value.

The narrative was not stunning or particularly compelling. Overall, the storytelling might be categorized as serviceable, and yet I was fairly satisfied with how the pieces fell into place by the end.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected September 5.


3 August 2023

Amazing Grace Adams, Fran Littlewood 2
Grace Adams gave birth, blinked and now suddenly she is forty-five, perimenopausal and stalled—the unhappiest age you can be, according to the Guardian. And today she’s really losing it. Stuck in traffic, she finally has had enough. To the astonishment of everyone, Grace gets out of her car and simply walks away.

Grace sets off across London, armed with a £200 cake, to win back her estranged teenage daughter on her 16th birthday. Because today is the day she’ll remind her daughter that no matter how far we fall, we can always get back up again. Because Grace Adams used to be amazing. Her husband thought so. Her daughter thought so. Even Grace thought so. But everyone seems to have forgotten. Grace is about to remind them . . . and, most importantly, remind herself. [from the publisher]

I lost a ton of notes in a weird technical glitch, including several points to which I wanted to return and examine more closely in the print edition. So, I'll have to work from my thoughts reconstructed from memory immediately after finishing the audiobook.

Amazing Grace Adams was compared with several high-profile, wildly popular novels of the last just over a decade. I didn't feel that it compared well with any of them. [For what it's worth, I read all of the books to which I've seen it compared on several bookish sites. Three of those books, I rated 4 stars; one I rated 2 stars.]

Littlewood tries to cram too many stories into her debut novel. Not all the bad things have to happen to this one person/family, especially not in a single book. I won't list the topics by name for fear of spoiling the book, but I counted no fewer than eight distinct items off the top of my head.

I didn't feel warmly toward any of the characters. I wasn't rooting for Grace.

The chapters are too short and there's too much jumping around in the timeline. It's disjointed.

Most of the book was just an incredible downer. There was little-to-no comic relief. It wasn't enough for me that there was a sliver of hope for Grace by the end of the book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, too, to Henry Holt & Co. via Goodreads for the print ARC. Publication is expected September 5.


28 July 2023

The Lost Library, Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass 4.35
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.

Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself. [from the publisher]

This mystery story is told from the points of view of a librarian, a cat, and an ascending middle-grader. It includes ghosts and talking animals (only understandable to each other). Multigenerational relationships abound between friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family. I was so totally engaged that I didn't want to stop reading. The ending was wonderful. This book is perfect to share with tween readers in your life, of course, as well as book, library, and mystery lovers of all ages who enjoy a nonviolent, not scary, slightly magical tale.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 29.


22 July 2023

Unnecessary Drama, Nina Kenwood 3.66
Eighteen-year-old Brooke is the kind of friend who not only remembers everyone’s birthdays, but also organizes the group present, pays for it, and politely chases others for their share. She’s the helper, the doer, the maker-of-spreadsheets. She’s the responsible one who always follows the rules—and she plans to keep it that way during her first year of college.

Her student housing only has one rule: “no unnecessary drama.” Which means no fights, tension, or romance between roommates. When one of them turns out to be Jesse, her high-school nemesis, Brooke is determined she can handle it. They’ll simply silently endure living together and stay out of each other’s way. But it turns out Jesse isn’t so easy to ignore. [from the publisher]

Two books before this made it to the top of my queue, I read a women-in-STEM–themed romance that didn't live up to my expectations based on reviews from my bookish friends, in part because I was disappointed in the lack of maturity of the female main character. [I will definitely get that book's publication data and my rating posted on my blog eventually, but am leaning against actually reviewing it.]

In Unnecessary Drama, by contrast, Brooke seems appropriately immature and insecure as she enters university and finds herself sharing a house with two others, including an estranged childhood friend, Jesse (given name Jeremy).

The book's humor ranges from lightly snarky to laugh-out-loud funny. Particularly funny to me was Brooke's internal monologue—as well as subsequent dialogue—as a fake dating scenario suddenly takes shape at a bar where Brooke and friends run into her ex, who broke up with her for another girl. My partner—who only recently has been seeking and enjoying my fiction recommendations—even snickered at the snippet I read to him.

This generally lighthearted YA romance includes LGBTQ representation. A note for people for whom the following is a sensitive topic: it also includes some family strife in the form of parental abandonment/lack of physical and emotional involvement and support.

Of course, I won't be spoiling anything by confirming that there are happily-ever-afters, or at least happily-for-right-nows.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 8.


19 July 2023

At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities, Heather Webber 4.5
A mysterious letter. An offer taken. And the chance to move forward.

When Ava Harrison receives a letter containing an unusual job listing one month after the sudden death of her ex-boyfriend, she thinks she’s being haunted. The listing—a job as a live-in caretaker for a peculiar old man and his cranky cat in Driftwood, Alabama—is the perfect chance to start a new life. A normal life. Ava has always been too fearful to even travel, so no one’s more surprised than she is when she throws caution to the wind and drives to the distant beachside town.

On the surface, Maggie Mae Brightwell is a bundle of energy as she runs Magpie’s, Driftwood’s coffee and curiosity shop, where there’s magic to be found in pairing the old with the new. But lurking under her cheerful exterior is a painful truth—keeping busy is the best way to distract herself from the lingering loss of her mama and her worries about her aging father. No one knows better than she does that you can’t pour from an empty cup, but holding on to the past is the only thing keeping the hope alive that her mama will return home one day.

Ava and Maggie soon find they’re kindred spirits, as they’re both haunted—not by spirits, but by regret. They must learn to let go of the past to move on—because sometimes the waves of change bring you to the place where you most belong. [from the publisher]

When I requested this ARC, I didn't put together that Heather Webber is the author of Midnight at the Blackbird Café, which I have been thinking lately (and often) of rereading. That is, I requested this new book based on its description alone—on its own merit. I'm so glad I did.

The story is warm and tender; sometimes sad, but more often sweet and/or hopeful; mystical; occasionally truly funny (often, but not exclusively, due to a strange old woman who is the town seamstress).

As we often are led to believe is common, small-town gossip is rampant. It's clear, though, that everyone seems to care about all their neighbors. There is mention at several points about how many people came to town for vacation and decided to put down roots. There are intergenerational relationships that are rich and rewarding. There is LGBTQ representation. There is descriptive language about the sights, sounds, and smells. There are so many interesting and appealing characters.

A major plot twist at 94% made sense according to clues given earlier. However, when I reread the book (I already know I will), I will be on alert so I might get a better handle on the timeline. In this first reading (when I didn't know what was coming), I felt that parts of the timeline were rushed and implausible. [I'm sure the author planned it all out carefully—I'll trust, but verify.]

Honestly, I didn't want it to end.

As I did for another recent Macmillan Audio ARC that pleased me immensely, I immediately hunted down and preordered a signed hardcover and started following the author on several sites.

The audio edition is narrated beautifully by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 1.


14 July 2023

Birder, She Wrote (Meg Langslow #33), Donna Andrews 3.35
Meg is relaxing in the hammock, taste-testing Michael’s latest batch of Arnold Palmers and watching the hummingbirds at their feeders when her hopes for a relaxing early summer morning are dashed.

First her father recruits her to help him install a new batch of bees in the hive in her backyard. Then Mayor Shiffley recruits her to placate the NIMBYs (Not in my backyard), as she calls them—a group of newcomers to Caerphilly who have built McMansions next door to working farms and then do their best to make life miserable for the farmers. And finally Meg’s grandmother, shows up, trailed by a nosy reporter who is writing a feature on her for a genteel Southern ladies’ magazine.

Cordelia drafts Meg to accompany her and Deacon Washington of the New Life Baptist Church—and the reporter, alas—in their search for a long-lost African-American cemetery. Unfortunately what they discover is not an ancient cemetery but a fresh corpse. Can Meg protect her grandmother—and Caerphilly—from the reporter who seems to see the worst in everything . . . and help crack the case before the killer finds another victim? [from the publisher]

Birder, She Wrote is installment 33 in the Meg Langslow series of cozy mysteries. Previously, I read books one through three and 14. Obviously, I've missed huge chunks of Meg's life. Still, this installment can be read as a standalone.

Several of Meg's family members play a part in the story, to varying degrees, including both her parents, two grandparents, a brother, her partner, and her twin sons. Grandmother Cordelia is a main player in this plot, as she's being interviewed by a magazine reporter who rubs Meg (and others) the wrong way throughout the story.

There are a surprising number of interlacing parts. Andrews does a good job of fleshing out and linking people and their activities. She also injects a great deal of humor, which is always welcome, in my humble opinion.

The entire adventure takes place between Friday, May 5 and Monday, May 8.

While interesting—and definitely important to the plot—there was a bit too much concentration on bees and beekeeping. There's also a fair amount of time spent on hummingbirds, though that makes more sense in relation to the title. In between those two concentrations lies the portrayal of rich interlopers to the community and other bad neighbors.

I'm not a super fan of narrator Bernadette Dunne (especially her performance of Meg's dad's voice), though I gather series devotees are. She has other high-profile narration credits. Maybe I'll appreciate her talents more in another series installment or another book altogether.

All in all, I enjoyed the book enough to both rate it above average and consider going back occasionally to read earlier installments.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 1.


18 June 2023

Hello Stranger, Katherine Center 4.35
Love isn’t blind, it’s just a little blurry.

Sadie Montgomery never saw what was coming . . . literally! One minute she’s celebrating the biggest achievement of her life—placing as a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition—the next she’s lying in a hospital bed diagnosed with a “probably temporary” condition known as face blindness. She can see, but every face she looks at is now a jumbled puzzle of disconnected features. Imagine trying to read a book upside down and in another language. This is Sadie’s new reality.

But, as she struggles to cope, hang on to her artistic dream, work through major family issues, and take care of her beloved dog, Peanut, she falls in love—not with one man but two. The timing couldn’t be worse.

Making judgment calls on anything right now is a nightmare. If only her life were a little more in focus, Sadie might be able to have it all. [from the publisher]

You may remember (or you might want to search for it before or after reading this review) that my 8 July 2022 review of Center's The Bodyguard started like this: “This, folks, is what I'm talking about! If the modern version of the romance genre is going to encompass pretty much every work of fiction including a romantic relationship, this is what I want it to look like. . . .” Because I had a truly satisfying experience with The Bodyguard, I jumped at the chance to read Hello Stranger before publication. I was richly rewarded.

More and more books seem to feature introverted main characters. I am here for it . . . as long as the portrayal is done thoughtfully and accurately! Not all introverts are alike. Not all are shy, or nerdy, or socially inept, or dislike people, or, or, or. . . . [If they are any or all of those things, that's OK. My point is just that we come in many flavors.] Having introversion portrayed as a completely normal trait that is found in up to half the population (it depends on who you ask, with a common range being 33–50%) is important. It doesn't have to be made a big deal. Just acknowledging that extroverts and introverts gain, and are depleted of, their energy differently is a mighty fine start. There is such acknowledgement here.

The story is bursting at the seams with humor and relationships—two of my favorite things. In addition to the characters in romantic relationships, I especially liked Mr. Kim, who is Sadie's best friend's dad and Sadie's landlord. There are quite a few animal companions who play a part,

SPOILER ALERT—If you really want to know more, click to reveal (including snakes—oh, happy day!).
.

I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about face blindness. I have read at least one other book in which a main character had this condition.

Humorous reference was made to Bob Mankoff's famous New Yorker cartoon “How about never?” If you're so inclined, you might read both his memoir—How About Never—Is Never Good for You?—and his article The Story of “How About Never,” dated 27 March 2014. [I read the former in July 2014 (it was OK—I'm glad I read it) and the latter this week.] Anywho, I was pleased to get the reference in Hello Stranger. I'm also tickled pink that Center uses the word “anywho” (not in conjunction with the Mankoff reference), enabling me to whip it out in this review. It reminds me, warmly, of my elders.

I often talk about how predictable I find a particular story. This isn't always a bad thing—it depends on how entertaining the story is overall and how well it's crafted. In mysteries, I like to follow the clues along with the detective, and I like to be challenged. If it's too easy for me to solve, I may not be as enamored with the book, which is reflected in my rating. By the same token, I don't necessarily disqualify any book whose ending I predict early on. I give brownie points for any twist I didn't see coming. In her author's note at the end of this novel, Center talks about how the majority of clues writers drop in romances, rom-coms, and non-tragic love stories are giving you things to look forward to (as opposed, presumably, to something to dread in mysteries, thrillers, and the like). Good point! Further, she urges us to stop saying “predictable” and start talking about “the feeling of anticipation.” I appreciate what she said and how she said it. I hope it will help me better express my impressions of a genre about which I have long been critical (at worst) or at least ambivalent. With this new language and attitude in mind, I will admit that I anticipated the most important plot point early on—but I'm not mad about it because the story continued to be engaging. I was surprised and delighted by a different plot twist at around 80%. Tell me when you get there . . . and whether you were similarly surprised or anticipated it.

Immediately after finishing Hello Stranger, I hunted down and preordered a signed/inscribed hardcover. Then, for good measure, I found and ordered a signed hardcover of last year's The Bodyguard, which I received so quickly that I've already rearranged my home library to accommodate these new prized editions. I've also added a bunch of Center's back catalog to my TBR list, which allowed me to realize that I have watched and enjoyed the movie adaptation of her book The Lost Husband.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected July 11.


15 June 2023

Flop Dead Gorgeous (Andy Carpenter #27), David Rosenfelt 3.5
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that’s come through the Tara Foundation’s doors, but the most well-known alum of the dog rescue organization that Andy founded in Paterson, New Jersey, may be Mamie. Adopted by famous actress Jenny Nichols―Andy’s high school girlfriend―the miniature French poodle is now practically a starlet in her own right.

Andy doesn’t hold it against his friend. In fact, he and his wife, Laurie, have dinner with Jenny while she’s in town filming her next big hit. But after an eventful meal, there’s a plot twist the next morning that none of them see coming: Jenny’s costar is found dead, a knife in his back. It’s not long before Jenny is arrested for the murder and finds herself in need of Andy’s legal services.

While Mamie becomes reacquainted with Tara, Andy’s golden retriever, Andy digs into the lives of the rich and famous. [from the publisher]

I rediscovered Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series by way of his related later series The K Team. I have now read three of each: installments 1, 7, and 27 of the former, and installments 1 through 3 of the latter. The writing seems consistent, so if you dig one, you'll probably dig more. Like the others, I found Flop Dead Gorgeous to be mildly funny, sometimes in a sarcastic way.

Andy mentions a team member who likes to talk like a film detective, which is how I feel about narrator Grover Gardner. Like most voracious readers, both audio and visual, I create an image of how the characters look and sound. Gardner and I just aren't on the same page. That's a me problem. I'll get over it.

Specific to this installment, Andy is constantly reminding us that he dated Hollywood star Jenny in high school. I think this is part of Rosenfelt's shtick. It became too much. Neither canine Tara nor team member Marcus appear as much as I would have liked. I'm especially partial to Marcus, who speaks very little but whose use of his physical stature makes every situation crystal clear.

I gave my rating a slight boost toward the end to reward the nice little twist that I absolutely should have—but didn't—see coming. As soon as it landed, I completely remembered the set-up.

As I've mentioned in a previous review, Rosenfelt gives enough background information to allow this book to stand alone. I'll keep reading the series whenever I feel the need for a decent light mystery.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected July 4.


10 June 2023

How the Murder Crumbles, Debra Sennefelder 3.35
Wingate, Connecticut, is famed as one of the top ten shopping destinations in the state and home to Mallory Monroe’s beloved Cookie Shop—a place where patrons are greeted with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies that are as beautifully decorated as they are insanely delicious.

But things aren’t going so smoothly for Mallory. Her two employees are a disaster in the kitchen, she catches her boyfriend with another woman, and she’s seen having a fierce argument with food blogger Beatrice Wright, who accuses Mallory of stealing her cookie recipe. Then Beatrice turns up dead in her kitchen, flour outlining her body and a bloodied marble rolling pin nearby. Mallory immediately becomes suspect number one, her sales plummet, and she desperately tries to clear her name—but that’s not the only murder the killer is baking up. [from the publisher]

This cozy mystery features wholesome language and a cast of fully developed characters. Mallory—and the story overall—is naïve to the extreme, maybe even to the point of being too precious. There is a little bit of romance and a little more drama. There are many red herrings.

I snorted at the ridiculousness of a moment, followed quickly by laughter. [My partner was next to me while I was reading that section. He also laughed.]

There is one point at which a journalist cites his perceived duty to be neutral (as in giving equal time and weight to two things regardless of truth). No, that's really not how that is supposed to work. I will not pull you down that rabbit hole.

The rabbit hole I did go down after finishing the book relates to the expression “champing at the bit.” I always thought it was “chomping at the bit.” Among other search results, I found that NPR did a piece revealing quite a lot of debate over which is the preferred usage or whether alternates are acceptable at all. Who knew?

Three recipes are shared at the end. Perhaps I'll remember to refer to the print edition in the future to try those.

For cozy mystery fans—and maybe traditional mystery fans, myself included—this series starter is a good light-read candidate.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected June 20.


22 May 2023

Revenge of the Librarians, Tom Gauld 4.33
[See review at end of year.]

14 May 2023

Bad Summer People, Emma Rosenblum 2.35
None of them would claim to be a particularly good person. But who among them is actually capable of murder?

Jen Weinstein and Lauren Parker rule the town of Salcombe, Fire Island every summer. They hold sway on the beach and the tennis court, and are adept at manipulating people to get what they want. Their husbands, Sam and Jason, have summered together on the island since childhood, despite lifelong grudges and numerous secrets. Their one single friend, Rachel Woolf, is looking to meet her match, whether he’s the tennis pro—or someone else’s husband. But even with plenty to gossip about, this season starts out as quietly as any other.

Until a body is discovered, face down, off the side of the boardwalk. [from the publisher]

Bad Summer People was promoted under the mystery and thrillers umbrella. There is not enough of either for my tastes. Instead, I'd characterize it as melodrama. The book opens with a child discovering a body—unidentified to the reader until very late—but that's the last we hear about the murder until the end. There are alternating chapters from various characters' points of view, with more than one chapter devoted to each character, no matter how minor (decidedly more for major characters). Just for reference, we're still just meeting and digging deep on all the wretched players almost halfway through the book. Any one of these could be the victim or the killer. There's too much repetition—partly because of the multiple points of view, but also because the story is superficial. The ending was decidedly anticlimactic.

The title and cover were enticing. Narrator January LaVoy is experienced and talented. I bumped the rating a smidge just for her.

If you like dishy stories about entitled, rich (or not), vapid, scheming, greedy, narcissistic, cheating people—or any combination of these—this might be a great beach read for you. If you were here for mystery or thrills, you might want to keep shopping.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected May 23.


8 May 2023

Six Ostriches (Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery #2), Philipp Schott 3
It’s springtime in rural Manitoba, and the snow has finally left the exotic animal farm when an ostrich finds and swallows a shiny object. (Because this is what ostriches do.) Cue veterinarian and amateur sleuth Dr. Peter Bannerman, who surgically removes the object, which looks like an ancient Viking artifact. Soon after, people around are horrified by a series of animal mutilations. This sets Peter, and his talented sniffer dog, Pippin, on the hunt for answers. Peter begins to suspect a link between the Viking artifact, the mutilations, and a shadowy group of white supremacists on the internet.

Before long Peter and Pippin are in over their heads, and the only way for them to get out alive will be to unmask the mastermind before they end up among their victims. [from the publisher]

I liked this second installment in the series marginally less than the first.

We have the return of Dr. Peter; trusty canine sidekick Pippin; wife Laura; and brother-in-law Kevin, an RCMP officer. New characters include a host of high-personality animals (Peter's patients, including a group of ostriches named after Sesame Street characters), the members of a darts team trying to recruit Peter, and a college crush of Peter's, among others.

Foul language use was harsher and more plentiful than I remember from the first book. As I'm not terribly sensitive to swearing, the fact that I registered this seems notable. Peter's college crush was useful in terms of the expertise she could lend to solving the mystery. Her use as a temptation to infidelity on Peter's part was uninteresting and unwelcome—it didn't add to the story. Peter struck me as introverted in the first book and perhaps on the autism spectrum in the second book. I don't know if I'm misremembering the first book or if his characterization has changed considerably in the second. There were plenty of red herrings. The main culprit was not a shocking surprise to me. As in the first installment, there was a frenetic increase in activity at the very end, while the bulk of the book was pretty steady and uneventful, the excessively gory multiple murders notwithstanding.

Fun detail: Peter very appropriately celebrates his 42nd birthday with a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy-themed party. Not fun: This book made me aware of Odinism and, further, its ties to white supremacy. Yikes!

Content warnings include senseless violence toward and mutilation of animals (including human).

I imagine I'll continue reading the series, though I'm hoping that subsequent installments will be more consistently exciting without depending on shock value.

Thank you, NetGalley and ECW Press Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected May 22.


5 May 2023

Ward D, Freida McFadden 2
Medical student Amy Brenner is spending the night on a locked psychiatric ward.

Amy has been dreading her evening working on Ward D, the hospital’s inpatient mental health unit. There are very specific reasons why she never wanted to do this required overnight rotation. Reasons nobody can ever find out.

And as the hours tick by, Amy grows increasingly convinced something terrible is happening within these tightly secured walls. When patients and staff start to vanish without a trace, it becomes clear that everyone on the unit is in grave danger.

Amy’s worst nightmare was spending the night on Ward D.

And now she might never escape. [from the publisher]

I didn't find Ward D the least bit suspenseful or thrilling, even with the narrator's over-the-top gasps and exclamations. There are no likeable characters. I found it completely implausible that Amy was smart or competent enough to be in medical school.

While I don't know from personal experience, I strongly suspect that the book's representation of mental health issues is grossly inaccurate and dangerous. At the very least, it's insensitive.

I see from glancing at other readers' ratings that my opinion is not the popular one, though I am not alone in my rating either. It seems that the author—a practicing physician specializing in brain injury—is consistently highly rated. She just may not be for me.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected May 9.


4 May 2023

The Collected Regrets of Clover, Mikki Brammer 4.5
What’s the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can’t give yourself a beautiful life?

From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living. After the beloved grandfather who raised her dies alone while she is traveling, Clover becomes a death doula in New York City, dedicating her life to ushering people peacefully through their end-of-life process.

Clover spends so much time with the dying that she has no life of her own, until the final wishes of a feisty old woman send Clover on a trip across the country to uncover a forgotten love story—and perhaps, her own happy ending. As she finds herself struggling to navigate the uncharted roads of romance and friendship, Clover is forced to examine what she really wants, and whether she’ll have the courage to go after it. [from the publisher]

I am ever-so-glad that NetGalley didn't include in its description “for readers of The Midnight Library” as Goodreads did. Had that been included, I might not have requested The Collected Regrets of Clover, and I would have missed out on possibly my favorite new work of fiction so far this year.

I was delighted by this poignant, sweet, and funny fiction debut. Apparently, Brammer typically writes about architecture, art, and design for serial publications. I requested this ARC quite close to publication date, and was granted access even a few days later, so I pushed it to the top of my to-be-read list immediately. As it turns out, I had no need to worry about finishing it in time—once I started reading, I didn't want to stop.

Clover is extremely introverted, is hesitant and slow to open up to others because of past hurts, likes to watch rom-coms, reads voraciously, and loves animals—she has one dog and two cat companions. After Clover's parents are presumed dead in an accident in China when she was six years old, her grandfather—a biology professor, if I remember correctly—raises her, instilling a love of reading and learning, and teaching Clover about honesty, keen observation, and consideration for others.

I never liked potential love-interest Sebastian, who hired Clover to work with his grandmother. I was lukewarm on neighbor Silvie, though she served to draw Clover out of her comfort zone a bit. I liked the bookstore owner (whose name escapes me at the moment) whom Clover (and her grandfather) visited at least weekly throughout Clover's life.

I adored elderly neighbor Leo (with whom Clover visits and plays mahjong regularly), Sebastian's grandmother Claire (a photojournalist before working women—especially society women—were accepted), and Hugo (Claire's Hugo's grandson). If we had gotten to know Clover's grandfather better, I think I might have adored him, too. Clover's relationships with these characters are what made the book so engaging and enjoyable.

My feelings about Clover aren't so easy to quantify. I especially appreciated her thoughtful relationships with those who were dying. She was a spectacular question-asker and listener. I liked her quite a bit, and I was certainly rooting for her throughout. Her imperfections were so slight that I didn't find her irritating as I do so many main characters in fiction lately. That is, however human, Clover is not unlikeable, unredeemable, mean, whiny, wishy-washy, or narcissistic.

At the risk of turning off other readers as I might have been turned off by the book comparison mentioned above, aspects of this story remind me of the movie Letters to Juliet.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected May 9.


2 April 2023

Hestia Strikes a Match, Christine Grillo 2.35
The year is 2023, and things are bad—bad, but still not as bad as they could be. Hestia Harris is forty-two, abandoned by her husband (he left to fight for the Union cause), and estranged from her parents (they’re leaving for the Confederacy). Yes, the United States has collapsed into a second civil war and again it’s Unionists against Confederates, children against parents, friends against friends.

Hestia has left journalism (too much war reporting) for a job at a Baltimore retirement village on the Inner Harbor (lots of security). She’s single and adrift, save for her coworkers and Mildred, an eighty-four-year-old, thrice-happily-married resident who gleefully supports Hestia’s half-hearted but hopeful attempts to find love again in a time of chaos and disunion. She reckons with the big questions (How do we live in the midst of political collapse? How do we love people who believe terrible things?) and the little ones (How do I decorate a nonworking fireplace? Can I hook up with a mime?), all while wrestling with that simmering, roiling, occasionally boiling feeling that things are decidedly not okay, but we have to keep going, one foot in front of the other, because maybe, just maybe, we can still find the kinds of relationships that sustain a person through anything. [from the publisher]

It always makes me sincerely sad to give a less-than-stellar book review.

Hestia Strikes a Match was an especially surprising disappointment to me, as the publisher's description was intriguing. There are a couple of main sources of this disappointment. Firstly, after years of increasing polarization in real life, the second civil war aspect of the story sounds too much like our real sociopolitical environment—it's not at all inconceivable. Both sides claim to be the patriots. [Twelve states have seceded in the story, whereas fewer have threatened in real life, and none have followed through . . . yet.] Secondly, there's way too much time (for my tastes) devoted to Hestia's string of bad dating decisions. Her affairs arise both from using a dating app and from people she knows already or meets in her daily life. In most cases, the dalliances are short-lived, superficial, and unsatisfying (in that she's not thrilled with any of her choices, usually finding more faults than positive attraction).

Not unlike another recent review of mine, the elderly characters are pretty much the only redemption to the story. In particular, 84-year-old Mildred is interesting, wise, and supportive, if a bit ornery. Mildred—one of Hestia's writing students in the retirement village—takes Hestia under her wing, and seems to be Hestia's only true friend. [Hestia considers one of her coworkers a friend, at least eventually, but if she is one, she isn't a good one.] Others of Hestia's students are quoted throughout the book, in the form of their responses to writing prompts. These responses are, overall, the most interesting parts of the book.

Between the treatment Hestia receives from her college-professor parents, her abandoner husband, her sexual partners, and her “friends,” Hestia comes across as a bit of a doormat. Truthfully, though, she doesn't treat others terribly well, either. Too, she doesn't seem appropriately mature or competent for a well-educated person in her 40s.

As I often remind you, your mileage may vary. This just isn't a book for me, at least at this time.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected April 18.


30 March 2023

Said No One Ever, Stephanie Eding 3
Ellie has just about had enough of her family's constant criticism and attempts to control her life. But when she rents an Airbnb getaway on a gorgeous farm in Montana, she encounters a whole new set of family drama. Now she's the reluctant and borderline competent caretaker of a barn full of unruly farm animals, caught between two handsome men competing for control of the farm, and the sudden best friend of a spunky elderly widow whose outrageous ideas just might change her destiny. . . . [from the publisher]
I found the majority of Said No One Ever tedious, boring, and unpleasant. In particular, Ellie's mom and sister are absolutely horrid—being insensitive about her decision to leave her serious boyfriend; completely ignoring the fact that she's trying hard to find a new job; and generally trying to control her, as if she's a child (or incompetent). They are selfish, narcissistic, snobby, and demeaning.

The old ladies—Ellie's Airbnb host Marilyn and, later, Marilyn's roommate at the physical therapy care facility—are the saving grace of the book. I also enjoyed Ellie's friendship with Dr. Tori, the local vet, though that doesn't get a lot of attention.

The main romance isn't the one you likely think.

I was amused that Warren's ringtone for Marilyn (his grandmother) is the Golden Girls theme. Even funnier, though, is that his ringtone for his mom is an emergency siren.

Despite the several rewarding female friendships, the animals, the occasional humor, and an admittedly nifty ending, I dinged the rating because one shouldn’t have to wait until the 80% mark for the story to get really good and interesting.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected April 4.


29 March 2023

An American in Scotland, Lucy Connelly 3.5
Sea Isle was supposed to be the fresh start Dr. Emilia McRoy dreamed of. Far from the busy emergency room across the Atlantic in Seattle, she hoped to settle down and begin this new chapter as a small-town doctor to the quirky residents who immediately welcomed her. When she stumbles across a dead body, she starts to think that she may not be as Scot free of the drama and intrigue as she initially thought.

Emilia soon learns she has bigger issues at hand. It starts with realizing she'll work closely with the less than helpful local constable, Laird Ewan Campbell. Her luck continues when she discovers that part of her new responsibilities includes being the coroner for the very body she found. Finally, when the body goes missing before she can even begin the autopsy, she must convince the townspeople that a crime did, in fact, occur. The deeper she digs into the picturesque town, the more suspicious she becomes. And then there are her sleep issues. It may be due to the ever-growing list of suspects, a number of threatening letters, or the surprise visitor who breaks into her house at night. But she’s never backed down before, and she doesn’t intend to start now.

Someone doesn’t want this doctor to treat the ailments of Sea Isle, but Emilia McRoy is determined to find the murderer before they kilt again. [from the publisher]

As I continue to slog through especially challenging times, my appreciation of lighter fiction (in this case, cozy mysteries; but also extending to some romances) is growing.

This cozy mystery is especially fun. American doctor Emilia McRoy jumps right into trouble as soon as she arrives in her new Scottish village, where she has signed a one-year contract to provide all necessary medical services as an escape from trouble at home.

In the first 10% of the book, we get an intimate look at her casual clothing preferences, including sports bra and Batman boy shorts and her favorite sloth pajamas. [This isn't important, but it amused me greatly.]

Em immediately forms a squad of girlfriends, including the granddaughter of the local pub owners, a local shopkeeper, and the Jill-of-all-trades assisting at Em's home/clinic. The squad helps Em solve the mystery, with each woman showing her bravery, strength, and particular skills. I loved the girlfriend relationships, as well as their own family relationships.

There are a couple of potential romantic partners for Em, though she's disinterested in another relationship after a bad ending to her marriage.

So many townspeople are considered potential suspects, of course, including the local law-enforcement.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected April 4.


28 March 2023

French Holiday, Sarah Ready 3.35
One (crumbling) French castle. Two enemies-at-first-sight. The holiday of a lifetime.

Merry DeLuca has a problem—a big problem. Her sister just married her best friend and the only man she’s ever loved. Her life is rapidly spiraling down the drain and she doesn’t have an escape plan.

So when Merry is offered a three-month holiday living in a romantic castle in the French countryside she leaps at the chance. Merry knows her French holiday will fix everything—there will be mouthwatering pastries, delicious (meaningless) flirtations, and languid strolls through vineyards at sunset. Her holiday will be perfect.

At least, Merry believes that until she arrives and finds Noah Wright—the best man at her sister’s wedding and the worst man she’s ever known—staying in her castle.

Famous travel documentarian by day and arrogant devil by night, Noah refuses to leave the castle. Which means that Merry and Noah are stuck together in France, in a crumbling castle, in a holiday where nothing goes right. Not for Merry and not for Noah.

So they strike a truce—they’ll live as cohabitating friends for three-months, and then they’ll amicably part ways, never to see each other again.

But the thing about friendship? Sometimes secrets are uncovered. Mysteries revealed. Hearts laid bare. And friendship can start to feel a lot like caring. A lot like love. It can even make you wish that the holiday never has to end. [from the publisher]

Yes, French Holiday is ridiculously implausible at pretty much every turn. But, if you're willing to suspend your disbelief, it's not a bad story. By the end, I felt that my needs for light, escapist reading were met.

Right out of the gate, Merry is a bit whiny, and certainly a huge pushover. Her little sister, Angela, is a self-centered brat; and her “best friend”/crush, Leo, isn’t much of a friend with the way he talks about how much better Angela is than Merry.

Merry's godmother, Jupiter, is the orchestrator of the French chateau trip. [How nice that Merry can afford to up and quit her job in HR and run off to France for months!] The Jupiter character is way out there. But her inappropriate gift sense (preceding and separate from the France trip) was amusing.

Noah's family mystery is a big focus. Tertiary (or maybe secondary) characters Pierre and Camille fit in well and contribute to making a more well-rounded romance than is often delivered. That is, the book isn't only focused on the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope. The adventures Merry has in France also add to the overall fun and interest of the book.

There is more character- and relationship-development than in many romances. There is very little sex, and it's handled tastefully.

Thank you, NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected April 26.


20 January 2023

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun (Finlay Donovan #3), Elle Cosimano 4
Finlay Donovan has been in messes before—after all, she's an author and single mom who's a pro at getting out bloodstains for rather unexpected reasons—but none quite like this. After she and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they may have “borrowed” in the process of saving the life of Finlay's ex-husband, the Russian mob got her out of debt. But now Finlay owes them.

Still running the show from behind bars, mob boss Feliks has a task for Finlay: find a contract killer before the cops do. Problem is, the killer might be an officer.

Luckily, hot cop Nick has started up a citizen's police academy, and combined pressure from Finlay's looming book deadline and Feliks is enough to convince Finlay and Vero to get involved. Through firearm training and forensic classes (and some hands-on research with the tempting detective), Finlay and Vero have the perfect cover-up to sleuth out the real criminal and free themselves from the mob's clutches—all the while dodging spies, confronting Vero's past, and juggling the daily trials of parenthood. [from the publisher]

Like the first two series installments, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun is full of escapades, banter, and humor. As I trudged through several other heavier or darker (and definitely no fun) books before writing this review, I appreciated the tone of this book even more. [I'm recovering from hand surgery, so I'm doing a lot more reading and sleeping than writing or anything else.] I need much-more-frequent infusions of escapism, silliness, and comedy, even (or especially?) if it’s dark. Finlay Donovan definitely satisfies.

In addition to nanny/ride-or-die bestie Vero and hot cop Nick, Finlay's sister Georgia and their parents are among the active characters again. Apropos of nothing, there's a reference to Kathy Reichs' character Temperance Brennan, which I enjoyed. [For the record, I prefer the books to the television adaptation, but my partner and I have just finished season eight of the latter—largely repeats for me, but new to him.]

Narrator Angela Dawe does an excellent job, as usual. I did a little sleuthing on her, finding that she lives in Chicago. Maybe someday we'll meet. I can dream, right?!

The ending definitely leaves the door open for a fourth book. I, for one, can't wait!

The series has a similar feel to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, which also features a female protagonist/buddy duo, one or more romantic interests at a time, close familial support, and unrealistic and darkly comedic storylines. There's a nice cover quote on this installment from Evanovich herself.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 31.


15 January 2023

Maame, Jessica George 3.66
It’s fair to say that Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced stage Parkinson’s. At work, her boss is a nightmare and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting.

When her mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie leaps at the chance to get out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she’s ready to experience some important “firsts”: She finds a flat share, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But it's not long before tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to face the true nature of her unconventional family, and the perils––and rewards––of putting her heart on the line.

Smart, funny, and deeply affecting, Jessica George's Maame deals with the themes of our time with humor and poignancy: from familial duty and racism, to female pleasure, the complexity of love, and the life-saving power of friendship. Most important, it explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures—and it celebrates finally being able to find where you belong. [from the publisher]

I have surprisingly little to say about this engaging and interesting debut novel. Bottom line: I recommend that you read it for yourself.

Maddie is a sympathetic character. We (perhaps especially those of us who have the benefit of double or more her years of lived experience) don't always relate to or approve of her thoughts and actions. But, we care about what's happening to her and we're rooting for her life to improve. It hurts to read the number of people who hurt Maddie and the atrociousness of certain of those acts of harm. The book is nearly 80% over before Maddie finally stands up for herself. We know she's going to be okay.

Commentary unrelated to the quality of this novel: Brace yourselves . . . I'm going to get crabby about genres again. This book is classified as belonging to the women's fiction genre. Yes, I understand that it is a book about a woman's experiences that is directed at women readers. I call that “fiction.” Why shouldn't men be interested in Maddie's story? Perhaps many would be. Perhaps some should be, in order to gain a perspective other than their own. Publishers and booksellers: Please stop classifying fiction as “women's fiction”!

Another tangential note: One of the promotional blurbs for Maame was written by Xochitl Gonzalez, New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming, another fiction debut with which I was impressed (and honored to read and review before its publication).

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 31.


9 January 2023

Locust Lane, Stephen Amidon 2.5
On the surface, Emerson, Massachusetts, is just like any other affluent New England suburb. But when a young woman is found dead in the nicest part of town, the powerful neighbors close ranks to keep their families safe. In this searing novel, Eden Perry’s death kicks off an investigation into the three teenagers who were partying with her that night, each a suspect. Hannah, a sweet girl with an unstable history. Jack, the popular kid with a mean streak. Christopher, an outsider desperate to fit in. Their parents, each with motivations of their own, only complicate the picture: they will do anything to protect their children, even at the others’ expense. [from the publisher]
I found this mystery almost completely unsatisfying. There were few, if any, surprises, and there are no characters who are significantly good and moral—I had no desire to root for anyone.

The story is told primarily from the point of view of the parents, either individually or in conversation with each other, though there was some important dialogue between the parents and their progeny. The parent group includes the parents of the three teens who were partying with the victim, as well as the victim's mom and a man introduced at the opening who becomes involved in several ways (I'm being vague in order to avoid spoilers).

A distinct us-versus-them situation quickly develops between the wealthy kids (suspects Jack and Hannah, who are dating) and their parents and the less- or non-affluent kids (victim Eden and suspect Christopher) and their parents. That is, the wealthy families use their wealth and power to manipulate and influence the investigation, with the police force and community seemingly eager to oblige. [There is one exception to this that I'll leave you to discover on your own.]

We are subjected to exhaustive (and exhausting) backstories about each of the parents, including an especially baffling backstory about Jack's mom, Celia, tacked on near the end that seemed marginal and misplaced. I thought this concentration on the parents was unnecessary padding. I guess I should be thankful that it didn't become a much longer book. My interest level was being sorely tested as it was.

Content warnings include a graphic description of serious harm done to a dog, murder, bullying, serial sexual assault, self-harm, infidelity, child abuse, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 17.


3 January 2023

All the Dangerous Things, Stacy Willingham 4.35
One year ago, Isabelle Drake's life changed forever: her toddler son, Mason, was taken out of his crib in the middle of the night while she and her husband were asleep in the next room. With little evidence and few leads for the police to chase, the case quickly went cold. However, Isabelle cannot rest until Mason is returned to her—literally.

Except for the occasional catnap or small blackout where she loses track of time, she hasn’t slept in a year.

Isabelle's entire existence now revolves around finding him, but she knows she can’t go on this way forever. In hopes of jarring loose a new witness or buried clue, she agrees to be interviewed by a true-crime podcaster—but his interest in Isabelle's past makes her nervous. His incessant questioning paired with her severe insomnia has brought up uncomfortable memories from her own childhood, making Isabelle start to doubt her recollection of the night of Mason’s disappearance, as well as second-guess who she can trust . . . including herself. But she is determined to figure out the truth no matter where it leads. [from the publisher]

There were times during the book that I was irritated by a sense of repetitiveness. It took quite a long time for the story to become interesting. Once it finally got going, though, I didn't want to stop reading. There are several plausible (as fictional mysteries go) candidates for the abductor, and that's not the only mystery: there are some mistaken identities at play, too. That is to say, ultimately, the book is satisfyingly twisty.

The author uses descriptive language. Narrator Karissa Vacker does a good job with both female and male voices.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 10.


28 December 2022

The Villa, Rachel Hawkins 3.5
As kids, Emily and Chess were inseparable. But by their 30s, their bond has been strained by the demands of their adult lives. So when Chess suggests a girls trip to Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to reconnect with her best friend.

Villa Aestas in Orvieto is a high-end holiday home now, but in 1974, it was known as Villa Rosato, and rented for the summer by a notorious rock star, Noel Gordon. In an attempt to reignite his creative spark, Noel invites up-and-coming musician, Pierce Sheldon to join him, as well as Pierce’s girlfriend, Mari, and her stepsister, Lara. But he also sets in motion a chain of events that leads to Mari writing one of the greatest horror novels of all time, Lara composing a platinum album––and ends in Pierce’s brutal murder.

As Emily digs into the villa’s complicated history, she begins to think there might be more to the story of that fateful summer in 1974. That perhaps Pierce’s murder wasn’t just a tale of sex, drugs, and rock & roll gone wrong, but that something more sinister might have occurred––and that there might be clues hidden in the now-iconic works that Mari and Lara left behind.

Yet the closer that Emily gets to the truth, the more tension she feels developing between her and Chess. As secrets from the past come to light, equally dangerous betrayals from the present also emerge––and it begins to look like the villa will claim another victim before the summer ends.

Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, the Manson murders, and the infamous summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron at a Lake Geneva castle––the birthplace of Frankenstein––The Villa welcomes you into its deadly legacy. [from the publisher]

Emily, a cozy mystery writer, and Chess, a self-help writer, have been best friends since childhood. It would be more accurate to say that they are intense frenemies. Chess is wildly popular and successful. Em's cozy series hasn't allowed her to reach the same level of acclaim. She is recently divorced from the toxic Matt, who is now trying to claim a share of the financial rights to her past and future writing. Really, all of the characters in both timelines are highly flawed and unlikable.

The Villa is being advertised as a mystery/thriller. Chapters alternate between the present (Emily and Chess storyline) and the 1970s (Mari storyline). In all cases, we are dealing with unreliable narrators—one could get whiplash from the quick switches, beginning to end. Ultimately, I found this unsatisfying. As such, I lowered my rating somewhat. That notwithstanding, the story was entertaining. I never once thought of bailing.

The main narrator of the audio edition is Julia Whelan, who is a consistently strong performer. I'm not familiar with the other two narrators, nor did I find them to be nearly as skilled as Whelan. The podcaster narration (two characters) is especially obnoxious, as intended.

The story gave me a Taylor Jenkins Reid vibe throughout, perhaps due to the sensationalism. [When I started writing the review, I noticed in the publisher's description that the story was inspired by Fleetwood Mac, which makes my TJR vibe even more understandable.]

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 3.


13 December 2022

All the Dark Places, Terri Parlato 3.35
Snow falls softly outside Molly Bradley’s home on a frigid January night. Inside, half a dozen close friends are gathered to celebrate the fortieth birthday of Molly’s psychologist husband, Jay. Candlelight gleams against dark wood, wine flows, and the house rings with laughter. Everybody loves Jay, Molly most of all. Yet next morning, Molly discovers Jay dead on the floor of his office, his throat brutally slashed.

After decades working with the Boston PD, Detective Rita Myers has grown accustomed to the banality of evil—the murders that make no sense beyond bad luck or a tragic brush with the worst of humanity. But Jay Bradley’s murder isn’t random, or a mere crime of opportunity. Rita is convinced that someone in the couple’s small circle killed him. Someone who was celebrating with them that night.

Devastated, Molly tries to make sense of her husband’s death. Jay was her rock, the only person who really understood the nightmare she lived through long ago. He knew the horrors she’s kept hidden even from her friends. But shocking revelations are making her question if Jay was all he seemed to be—and whether someone else knows her past too. And until Molly figures out who she can really trust, she won’t be able to stop herself becoming the next target. . . . [from the publisher]

The story is told in alternating points of view of Molly and Detective Rita. Molly is dull and tedious. She has some understandable emotional issues due to The Big Horrible Thing That Happened to Her When She Was Little. That storyline is tediously slow—it is brought up regularly and vaguely as sort of a tease, until suddenly it all spills out at the end. This was ineffective on me—I almost didn't care by the time the backstory was actually revealed. In the present, Molly works in a bookstore (fun!), but is generally uninteresting, privileged, and whiny (annoying!). Rita is 60 and experienced. Her habit of sketching during investigations—she's a visual learner—was one of the more interesting aspects of the book, which is actually sort of sad.

Content warnings include child abduction, drugging, and murder; multiple murders of adults; harassment; infidelity; and rape (threatened or in the past?). There's a lot of naughty to go around, perpetrated by multiple characters.

Generally, the characters are unlikeable, with the exception of precocious Alice (10 or 11)—homeschooled daughter of a widowed bookstore owner dad and children's author mom—and the rescue dog Sadie—whom Molly adopts as an emotional support animal, outside of official channels (icky). Rita escapes the categorization of unlikeable, as well.

Because I found the pace painfully slow and most of the characters wildly unlikeable, I'm hesitant to rate the book higher than 3 stars. However, everything is connected and the story ends well, so I'll give it a bit of a bump. This is the author's debut. I might give another of her books a chance, in hopes that her skills will improve and that she might get better editing services as her career develops.

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected December 27.


30 November 2023

November reading recap: 22 books finished (6 bailed)

4-star reads

  • Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem, Laurie Notaro
  • You Matter to Me, Doyin Richards & Robert Paul Jr. (Illustrator) (4.5)
  • Nothing More to Tell, Karen M. McManus

honorable mention (3.5 or 3.66)

  • Going Rogue: Rise and Shine Twenty-Nine, Janet Evanovich (3.5)
  • Firekeeper's Daughter, Angeline Boulley (3.66)
  • Let's Not Do That Again, Grant Ginder (3.5)
  • Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death, Caitlin Doughty (3.5)
  • I'm Wearing Tunics Now: On Growing Older, Better, and a Hell of a Lot Louder, Wendi Aarons (3.66)

30 November 2022

Number One Is Walking, Steve Martin & Harry Bliss (Illustrator) 3.35
Steve Martin has never written about his career in the movies before. In Number One Is Walking, he shares anecdotes from the sets of his beloved films―Father of the Bride, Roxanne, The Jerk, Three Amigos, and many more―bringing readers directly into his world. He shares charming tales of antics, moments of inspiration, and exploits with the likes of Paul McCartney, Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford, and Chevy Chase. Martin details his forty years in the movie biz, as well as his stand-up comedy, banjo playing, writing, and cartooning, all with his unparalleled wit.

With gorgeously illustrated cartoons and single-panel “diversions” in Steve and Harry’s signature style, Number One Is Walking is full of the everyday moments that make up a movie star’s life, capturing Steve Martin’s singular humor and acclaimed career in film. [from the publisher]

This memoir in short bursts, illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss, is cute and amusing—overall, a nice diversion. It was certainly much more lighthearted and enjoyable than Martin's 2007 memoir, Born Standing Up, which included some really tough details about his early life, if I remember correctly.

I have long admired Martin for both (some of) his fiction writing and (a great deal of) his acting work. My wish for a signed copy of Number One Is Walking this past holiday season was granted!


29 November 2022

Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail (Bright Falls #2), Ashley Herring Blake 3.35
For Astrid Parker, failure is unacceptable. Ever since she broke up with her fiancé a year ago, she’s been focused on her career—her friends might say she’s obsessed, but she’s just driven. When Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Inn’s renovation that will be broadcasted on a popular home improvement show, Innside America, Astrid knows this is the answer to everything that is wrong with her life. It’ll be the perfect distraction from her failed love life, and her perpetually displeased mother might finally give her nod of approval.

However, Astrid never planned on Jordan Everwood, Pru’s granddaughter and lead carpenter for the inn’s renovation, who despises every modern design decision Astrid makes. Jordan is determined to preserve the history of her family’s inn, particularly as the rest of her life is in shambles. When that determination turns into a little light sabotage, ruffling Astrid’s perfect little feathers, the showrunners ask them to play up the tension. But somewhere along the way, their dislike for each other turns into something quite different, and Astrid must decide what success truly means. Is she going to pursue the life that she’s expected to lead, or the one she wants? [from the publisher]

Overall, I liked this better than the first book (Delilah Green Doesn't Care); though, as it turns out, my immediate impulse upon finishing resulted in a matching rating. Astrid significantly redeems herself in this installment. There could have been more relationship building and story advancement and fewer explicit sex scenes. That, of course, is highly subjective. Jordan's supportive twin brother and grandmother are especially appealing characters. Astrid finally stands up for herself to her mother and does her own thing, leading to a predictable but satisfying ending.

28 November 2022

Sign Here, Claudia Lux 2.66
Peyote Trip has a pretty good gig in the deals department on the fifth floor of Hell. Sure, none of the pens work, the coffee machine has been out of order for a century, and the only drink on offer is Jägermeister, but Pey has a plan—and all he needs is one last member of the Harrison family to sell their soul.

When the Harrisons retreat to the family lake house for the summer, with their daughter Mickey’s precocious new friend, Ruth, in tow, the opportunity Pey has waited a millennium for might finally be in his grasp. And with the help of his charismatic coworker Calamity, he sets a plan in motion.

But things aren’t always as they seem, on Earth or in Hell. And as old secrets and new dangers scrape away at the Harrisons’ shiny surface, revealing the darkness beneath, everyone must face the consequences of their choices. [from the publisher]

There is not a single good or interesting character to be found. The plot is so cringeworthy that I considered bailing several times in the first half or so of the book, particularly during the Silas/Lily family sections. The Hell sections are occasionally funny.

At around the 65% mark, Peyote suggests that someone is asking the wrong question. This may serve as an aha moment to some readers, but I hope not.

Content warnings include self-harm (cutting), infidelity, implied murder.


27 November 2022

Poorly Drawn Lines, Reza Farazmand 2.5
Life is weird. Embrace it.

A bear flies through space. A hamster suffers a breakdown. Elsewhere, a garden snake is arrested by animal control and jailed for home invasion, while a child marvels at the wonder of nature as worms emerge from the ground and begin looking for vodka (as they always have). These are common occurrences in the world of Reza Farazmand’s wildly popular webcomic, Poorly Drawn Lines. Traveling from deep space to alternate realities to the bottom of the ocean, this eponymous collection brings together fan favorites with new comics and original essays to share Farazmand’s inimitable take on love, nature, social acceptance, and robots. [from the publisher]


26 November 2022

Friends Like These, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez 2.5
An end-of-summer party. A prank gone wrong. A body on the beach. Who's to blame?

Tegan Sheffield's annual end-of-summer beach party is the only way to start their senior year. At least that's what Jake Healy tells his girlfriend Jessica Sanchez.

But when a video prank from the party goes viral and a body is discovered at the beach, Jake and Jessica find themselves at the centre of a national media storm and a police investigation.

It's a race to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. [from the publisher]

All the characters are just awful. That being said, the mystery was well-written, with plenty of plausible red herrings.

Content warnings include drug-assisted sexual assault and violence.


25 November 2022

Rock the Boat, Beck Dorey-Stein 2.5
When Kate Campbell's life in Manhattan suddenly implodes, she is forced to return to Sea Point, the small town full of quirky locals, quaint bungalows, and beautiful beaches where she grew up. She knows she won't be home for long; she's got every intention (and a three-point plan) to win back everything she thinks she's lost.

Meanwhile, Miles Hoffman—aka “The Prince of Sea Point”—has also returned home to prove to his mother that he's capable of taking over the family business, and he's promised to help his childhood best friend, Ziggy Miller, with his own financial struggles at the same time. Kate, Miles, and Ziggy converge in Sea Point as the town faces an identity crisis when a local developer tries to cash in on its potential. The summer swells, and white lies and long-buried secrets prove as corrosive as the salt air, threatening to forever erode not only the bonds between the three friends but also the landscape of the beachside community they call home. [from the publisher]

  • soapy
  • slow and boring
  • Kate is immature for a 30-something
  • “Smart women were always trouble. It's what made them so appealing, before it made them so exhausting.” [Golden Retrievers]

22 November 2022

Bring Your Baggage and Don't Pack Light, Helen Ellis 3
When Helen Ellis and her lifelong friends arrive for a reunion on the Redneck Riviera they unpack more than their suitcases: stories of husbands and kids, lost parents and lost jobs powdered onion dip and photographs you have to hold by the edges; dirty jokes and sunscreen with SPF higher than they hair-sprayed their bangs senior year, and a bad mammogram. It's a diagnosis that scares them, but could never break their bond. Because women pushing fifty won't be pushed around.

In these twelve gloriously comic and moving essays, Helen Ellis dishes on married middle-age sex, sobs with a theater full of women as a psychic exorcises their sorrows, gets twenty shots of stomach bile to the neck to get rid of her double chin, and gathers up the courage to ask, Are you there, Menopause? It's Me, Helen.

A book that reads like the best cocktail party of your life, Bring Your Baggage and Don't Pack Light is chockablock with fabulous characters: cat-lady plastic surgeons and waterpark Adonises, bridge ladies and poker players; platinum medallion fliers and Garage Sale Swindlers; forty-year-old divorcées, fifty-year-old new moms and still-young octogenarians. Alive with the sensational humor and ferocious love for her friends that won Helen Ellis legions of fans, this book has a raw vulnerability and an emotional generosity that takes this acclaimed author to a whole new level of accomplishment. [from the publisher]

The audio edition is narrated by the author, including shrieky yelling and big variations in volume. This was incredibly jarring—not good to doze off to. I really needed a break from violence, though, and this quick batch of essays fit that bill.

Here are a few amusing tidbits:

  • In Grown-Ass Ladies Gone Mild, she explains that she doesn’t do cabins in the woods: “If someone wants to murder me, they are gonna have to get past reception.”
  • A stranger explains Fireball shots this way: “What it is is dry-cleaning the next morning.” [Grown-Ass Ladies Gone Mild]
  • “What can I say? Everything is better when it is brought to you.” [Are you there, menopause? It’s me, Helen.]

21 November 2022

The Widowmaker, Hannah Morrissey 2.66
Ever since business mogul Clive Reynolds disappeared twenty years ago, the name “Reynolds” has become synonymous with “murder” and “mystery.” And now, lured by a cryptic note, down-on-her-luck photographer Morgan Mori returns home to Black Harbor and into the web of their family secrets and double lives. The same night she photographs the Reynolds holiday get-together, Morgan becomes witness to a homicide of a cop that triggers the discovery of a long-buried clue.

This could finally be the evidence to crack open the chilling cold case, and Investigator Ryan Hudson has a chance to prove himself as lead detective. If only he could stop letting his need to solve his partner's recent murder distract him. But as Morgan exposes her own dark demons, could her sordid history be the key to unlocking more than one mystery? [from the publisher]

The Widowmaker is relentlessly oppressive. These characters (notably, Morgan and Ryan) can't catch a break—all the bad things happen to them.

The book is annoyingly repetitive, including but not limited to mentions of the red ticket and the Bart Simpson doll.

The special project that rich matriarch Eleanor Reynolds gives Morgan makes sense, at least on the surface.

A minor—and largely unimpressive—reveal happens before 40%. A much more significant reveal—that most mystery buffs probably will realize considerably sooner—happens at around 60%.

The ending didn't redeem the story for me. I'm curious as to whether it will lead to another book with the same characters. [As far as I can tell, this is the second book written about events in the same town . . . perhaps with different main characters, though.]

Content warnings include abandonment; gratuitous sex (without affection, relationship, or particular caring); multiple murders (not a surprise, of course); and prostitution, sexual assault, and torture of a child.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected December 6.


18 November 2022

Flight Risk (The Booking Agents #2), Cherie Priest 3.35
When psychic travel agent Leda Foley is approached by a man searching for his sister, she quickly agrees to help. The missing woman disappeared with a vintage orange car, a fat sack of her employer’s cash, and a grudge against her philandering husband—a man who never even reported her missing.

Meanwhile, Seattle PD detective Grady Merritt has temporarily misplaced his dog. While he’s passing out bright pink “Lost” flyers at the Mount Rainier visitor’s center, the wayward pooch appears—with a human leg in his mouth.

Thanks to DNA matching, Grady learns that the leg has something to do with Leda’s new client, and soon the two cases are tangled.

Theories abound, but law enforcement is low on leads. Lucky for Grady, Leda has a few ideas that might just be crazy enough to work. They’ll need one yellow dog, a fair share of teamwork, and perhaps a bit of Klairvoyant Karaoke to piece the clues together in this “undeniable treat” (Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author) of a mystery. [from the publisher]

I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as the first installment. The returning characters seemed subdued; so, while still likeable, the energy and excitement were significantly lower. Cute interactions again occured between Leda and her bestie, and between detective Grady's daughter and adults other than her dad.

17 November 2022

I'm Wearing Tunics Now: On Growing Older, Better, and a Hell of a Lot Louder, Wendi Aarons 3.66
A late bloomer who came to her career later in life, humorist Wendi Aarons shares the joys, stumbles, and outfit mishaps she’s experienced on her road to no longer giving a f***. It's a journey from chunky heels and bad choices from the juniors department to the panache of a comfortable linen tunic (metaphorically, but also literally), enjoying her second act and unapologetically chasing her dreams. With relatable personal anecdotes, an irresistible comedic voice, and inspirational takeaways—you, too, can find self-acceptance and also age-appropriate fashion pajamas—I’m Wearing Tunics Now is a comic memoir with humor and heart. [from the publisher]
These few quotes may give you a sense of the tone of the book, which might especially resonate with GenX women.

It's only now that I realize that I spent too many years biding my time, sitting in the back, not making waves. I acted like a good girl, a good mom, a good wife, and a good employee. Many women of my generation relate to this. Most of us grew up shrinking ourselves to fit in instead of making our environments grow to fit us. We didn't have Girl Power or STEM. We had high school typing class and “Can you pinch an inch?” We had the Swedish bikini team and “No fat chicks.” . . . Women my age are latecomers to the whole “I'm speaking” movement that's happening now—at least I am. [Introduction]

But in those places of male hierarchy, the deck was stacked against me the whole time, even as a white woman of privilege. For women of color and LGBTQIA+ people, the deck is stacked a million time higher. Add in pay gaps, maternal mortality, rapists that go unpunished, medical gaslighting, missing and murdered indigenous women, attacks on democracy, racist voting restrictions, just to name a few travesties, and the world looks like a pretty bleak place. It soon became difficult to not burn with rage 24/7. [Chapter 6]

GenX women are one of the most politically active demographic groups right now. Is this because women 40+ are just pissed off in general? Is it because by this time in our lives we're tired of decade after decade of taking everyone's shit? I'm sure that's part of it. But it's also because middle-aged women have realized that we can use the skills and influence and experiences we've spent our lives honing to leave a better world for younger generations. We know that things aren't supposed to be like this. [Chapter 6]

15 November 2022

Cece Rios and the King of Fears (Cece Rios, #2), Kaela Rivera 3.35
Cece Rios thought saving her sister would be the end of her adventures in the world of criaturas. But part of Juana’s soul is still trapped in Devil’s Alley. As Cece tries to find a way to get it back using her new curandera abilities, Juana takes her fate in her own hands and sets off alone, intent on restoring her soul and getting revenge on El Sombrerón.

But then they discover that El Cucuy, king of the criaturas, is hunting for Cece, craving her powers for his own dark purposes. Can the Rios sisters—along with Coyote, Little Lion, and their other criatura allies—uncover his secrets and reclaim Juana’s soul? Or will the sinister forces of Devil’s Alley overcome them all? [from the publisher]

  • sister love, friend love, self love
  • chapters alternate between Cece's and Juana's storytelling
  • quote spotlight: “You did not plant its seed, but you must prune the weed.” [a proverb in Chapter 15. Cece Rios and the Ocean's Grief]
  • on the violent side (especially for middle grade)

I wasn't as impressed with—or entertained by—this second installment. I don't know that I'll be inspired enough to read on, should the series continue.


14 November 2022

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death, Caitlin Doughty 3.5
Everyone has questions about death. In Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?, best-selling author and mortician Caitlin Doughty answers the most intriguing questions she’s ever received about what happens to our bodies when we die. In a brisk, informative, and morbidly funny style, Doughty explores everything from ancient Egyptian death rituals and the science of skeletons to flesh-eating insects and the proper depth at which to bury your pet if you want Fluffy to become a mummy. Now featuring an interview with a clinical expert on discussing these issues with young people—the source of some of our most revealing questions about death—Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? confronts our common fear of dying with candid, honest, and hilarious facts about what awaits the body we leave behind. [from the publisher]
We can't make death fun, but we can make learning about death fun. Death is science and history, art and literature. It bridges every culture and unites the whole of humanity. [Before We Begin]

I found this book both interesting and disturbing. The author narrates the audio edition, and her delivery is highly entertaining—whether because or in spite of being overly melodramatic or snarky.

One of our very own librarians recommended this book to me. One thing is for sure: I'm never bored by Brian's suggestions!


13 November 2022

Nothing More to Tell, Karen M. McManus 4
True crime can leave a false trail.

Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favorite teacher. The case was never solved, but she's sure that the three kids who found Mr. Larkin's body know more than they're telling, especially her ex-best friend Tripp Talbot. He's definitely hiding something.

When Brynn gets an internship working on a popular true-crime show, she decides to investigate what really happened that day in the woods. But the further she dives into the past, the more secrets she finds.

Four years ago someone got away with murder. Now it's time to uncover the truth. . . . [from the publisher]

There were lots of red herrings, yet there weren't any pivotal pieces of information that were completely withheld until the end. [Such withholding irritates me to no end. The reader should have enough clues to have a shot at solving the mystery.] Each suspect seemed plausible. I found the ending more satisfying than many.

11 November 2022

Let's Not Do That Again, Grant Ginder 3.5
Nancy Harriman is running for Senate, and she’s going to win, God dammit. Not that that’s her slogan, although it should be. This is what she’s worked so hard for over the years after her husband’s untimely death (which was definitely not her fault) and inheriting his seat in the House of Representatives. She’s said all the right things. Passed all the right legislation. Chapped her lips kissing babies. There’s just one problem: her grown children.

Greta and Nick Harriman are adrift. Nick, recently heartbroken, is floundering in his attempts to write a musical about the life of Joan Didion (called Hello to All That). And then there’s his little sister Greta. Smart, pretty, and completely unmotivated by anything, allowing her life to pass her by like the shoppers at the Apple store where she works.

But then one morning the world wakes up not to Nancy making headlines, but Greta. She’s in Paris. With extremist protestors. Throwing a bottle of champagne through a beloved bistro’s front window. In order to save her campaign, not to mention her daughter, Nancy and Nick must find Greta before it’s too late.

Smart and poignant, funny and tear-jerking, Let’s Not Do That Again proves that like democracy, family is a messy and fragile thing that means more than any mother, or senator, could ever dream. [from the publisher]

  • one of those odd cases in which I didn't really like any of the characters, but I still enjoyed the book
  • family drama and politics
  • favorite quote: “The more often a person tells himself a story, the farther it gets from the truth.” [Act 5]


10 November 2022

Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi 2.66
In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time.

In Before the Coffee Gets Cold, we meet four visitors, each of whom is hoping to make use of the café’s time-travelling offer, in order to: confront the man who left them, receive a letter from their husband whose memory has been taken by early onset Alzheimer's, to see their sister one last time, and to meet the daughter they never got the chance to know.

But the journey into the past does not come without risks: customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the café, and finally, they must return to the present before the coffee gets cold. . . .

Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s beautiful, moving story explores the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time? More importantly, who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time? [from the publisher]

I was not deeply touched, as many were, by this novel—92% of Goodreads users rated it three or more stars (62% rated it four or five stars). I strongly considered bailing because it's kind of a drag (slow, not as intriguing as I would have expected based on the premise). While I will admit to misting up a bit at the end, that doesn't redeem the book in the long run.

7 November 2022

The Cracked Spine, Paige Shelton 2.5
In need of a good adventure, Delaney Nichols takes the leap and moves to Edinburgh, Scotland to start a job at The Cracked Spine. She doesn't know much about what she's gotten herself into, other than that the work sounds exciting, and that her new boss, Edwin MacAlister, has given her the opportunity of a lifetime. Edwin has promised that she'll be working with “a desk that has seen the likes of kings and queens, paupers and princes,” and Delaney can't wait to get started.

When she arrives, she meets her new Scottish family; also working at the Cracked Spine are Rosie, perpetually wrapped in scarves, and who always has tiny dog Hector in tow; Hamlet, a nineteen-year-old thespian with a colored past and bright future; and Edwin, who is just as enigmatic and mysterious as Delaney expected. An unexpected bonus is Tom the bartender from across the street, with his piercing eyes, and a rolling brogue—and it doesn't hurt that he looks awfully good in a kilt.

But before she can settle into her new life, a precious artifact—a previously undiscovered First Folio of Shakespeare's plays—goes missing, and Edwin's sister is murdered, seemingly in connection to the missing folio. Delaney decides to do some sleuthing of her own, to find out just what the real story is behind the priceless folio, and how it's connected to the tragic death, all without getting harmed herself. [from the publisher]

I found this cozy mystery underwhelming. I liked how the cab driver and his wife took Delaney under their wings and watched over her.

6 November 2022

Firekeeper's Daughter, Angeline Boulley 3.66
As a biracial, unenrolled tribal member and the product of a scandal, Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in—both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. When her family is struck by tragedy, Daunis puts her dreams on hold to care for her fragile mother. The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother’s hockey team.

After Daunis witnesses a shocking murder that thrusts her into a criminal investigation, she agrees to go undercover. But the deceptions—and deaths—keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home. How far will she go to protect her community if it means tearing apart the only world she’s ever known? [from the publisher]

For me, the best part of the book was learning a bit of Native American philosophy and ritual. Daunis' mom is white; her dad was Native American. The differences between the two extended families are stark, made clear by interactions with, and descriptions of, multiple generations.

I bookmarked more than a handful of compelling quotes, including this:

Then Granny rants that it doesn't matter who gets elected because they end up serving themselves better than any of the members. “Now, when I die, you . . . promise to get tribal council to be pallbearers at my funeral,” she pauses for dramatic effect, “so they can let me down one last time.” [Part 1, Chapter 2]

Content warnings include abandonment, rape, drug abuse, and murder.


4 November 2022

You Matter to Me, Doyin Richards & Robert Paul Jr. (Illustrator) 4.5
Biscuit the dog is adopted from the shelter and loves his new home and his new human family. The dad, especially, takes good care of Biscuit and is the person who walks him the most.

But Biscuit soon realizes that not everyone shares his feelings about his human. His human is Black, and some people in the neighborhood are scared by that. Some people hold their purses closer, or tighten their grip on their children’s hands.

With honest, age-appropriate storytelling, Doyin Richards starts a conversation about racism that is more important than ever. Here is a book that should be in every home, school, and library as a reminder that everyone matters. [from the publisher]

Doyin (pronounced “doe-ween”) Richards is a dynamic keynote speaker, best-selling author, anti-racism facilitator, TEDx speaker, Slate Columnist, mental health advocate, and lover of cheesy pasta. [from the author's website]
The author dedicates the book to his dog, Biscuit. The Illustrator also makes a dedication.

The audio edition is beautifully and enthusiastically narrated by the author. This is usually a red flag for me (unless the author is also an actor or frequent public speaker), so I was both pleasantly surprised and curious to learn more about the author. Additional sound effects in the audio edition were sometimes overbearing and distracting.

The story is told from the dog's point of view, starting with their meeting in the shelter. Having the dog narrate is an effective and nonthreatening way to introduce the issue of other humans' reactions (like fear and distrust) to the dog's human and offer suggestions about how other humans should treat the dog's human (e.g. by talking to and getting to know him).

I loved the description of the human/dog relationship. The mutual love, trust, and respect are palpable. I think anyone who has welcomed a pet into their life will relate, no matter what kind of animal.

I've already submitted a hold request at our library for the print edition. I can't wait to read it again (for at least the fourth time), this time with the illustrations.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected November 8.


3 November 2022

Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem, Laurie Notaro 4
Laurie Notaro has proved everyone wrong: she didn’t end up in rehab, prison, or cremated at a tender age. She just went gray. At past fifty, every hair’s root is a symbol of knowledge (she knows how to use a landline), experience (she rode in a car with no seat belts), and superpowers (a gray-haired lady can get away with anything).

Though navigating midlife is initially upsetting—the cracking noises coming from her new old body, receiving regular junk mail from mortuaries—Laurie accepts it. And then some. With unintentional abandon, she shoplifts a bag of russet potatoes. Heckles a rude driver from her beat-up Prius. And engages in epic trolling on Nextdoor.com. That, says Laurie, is the brilliance of growing older. With each passing day, you lose an equivalent amount of fear. [from the publisher]

I narrowly escaped death by choking because I laughed so hard at one section (well, I laughed out loud during several sections, but only one was responsible for the choking fit). Topics include middle-aged-female insomnia, anti-AARP hilarity, and attitudes of some long-married couples.

2 November 2022

Going Rogue: Rise and Shine Twenty-Nine, Janet Evanovich 3.5
Monday mornings aren’t supposed to be fun, but they should be predictable. However, on this particular Monday, Stephanie Plum knows that something is amiss when she turns up for work at Vinnie’s Bail Bonds to find that longtime office manager Connie Rosolli, who is as reliable as the tides in Atlantic City, hasn’t shown up.

Stephanie’s worst fears are confirmed when she gets a call from Connie’s abductor. He says he will only release her in exchange for a mysterious coin that a recently murdered man left as collateral for his bail. Unfortunately, this coin, which should be in the office—just like Connie—is nowhere to be found.

The quest to discover the coin, learn its value, and save Connie will require the help of Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur, her best pal Lula, her boyfriend Morelli, and hunky security expert Ranger. As they get closer to unraveling the reasons behind Connie’s kidnapping, Connie’s captor grows more threatening and soon Stephanie has no choice but to throw caution to the wind, follow her instincts, and go rogue. [from the publisher]

The 29th installment is not extraordinary, but is still a reliable pleaser. It was interesting to see what Stephanie and Lula get up to when both Connie and Vinnie are out of the office.

1 November 2022

There Are Flowers in Ohio, Rumaan Alam 2
Alice Comstock has always been a dutiful wife and an attentive mother, a perfectionist presiding over a flawless home. She’s reliably been her family’s center, the caretaker and problem-solver, until an illness requires her children to assume responsibility for their mother. For Adam, Alice’s youngest, a return home to California sparks a memory of his younger self. Alternating between the present and flashbacks to Adam’s college years, There Are Flowers in Ohio explores how the paths not taken shape all of our lives. [from the publisher]
This Audible original short story (only available in audio, not in print) was another filler while I anxiously awaited my November 1 preorders. I didn’t like at least one of the two female narrators. Michael Crouch also narrated.

1 November 2022

The President’s Brain Is Missing, John Scalzi 3
The question is, how can you tell the President's brain is missing? And are we sure we need it back? [from the publisher]
I read this short story to tide me over until my two Audible preorders became available (not until after 5 am). Stiff narration exacerbated my irritation at excessive use of “(so & so) said.” I'll stick with Scalzi's full-length books.

31 October 2022

October reading recap: 22 books finished (7 bailed)

4-star reads

  • Book Scavenger, Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Ejaculate Responsibly: a Whole New Way to Think About Abortion, Gabrielle Stanley Blair (4.5)
  • Something Rotten (Thursday Next #4), Jasper Fforde (4.66)

honorable mention (3.5 or 3.66)

  • The Vicious Circle, Katherine St. John (3.5)
  • The Messy Lives of Book People, Phaedra Patrick (3.5)
  • Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win, Susan Azim Boyer (3.5)
  • The Headspace Guide to Meditation & Mindfulness, Andy Puddicombe (3.66)
  • A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door: The Dismantling of Public Education and the Future of School, Jack Schneider & Jennifer Berkshire (3.5)
  • A Most Efficient Murder, Anthony Slayton (3.66)
  • Bad Vibes Only: (and Other Things I Bring to the Table), Nora McInerny (3.5)

31 October 2022

This Pen for Hire, Laura Levine 2.5
Smarmy personals ads. Daring declarations of love. Writer-for-hire Jaine Austen has penned them all. But when one of the love connections she made is broken up by murder, Jaine finds herself freelancing free-of-charge—and uncovering more than she bargained for. . . .

No one seems to need her help more than geeky, gawky Howard Murdoch. His request is simple enough: a letter proclaiming his undying love for Stacy Lawrence, a gorgeous aerobics instructor. The fact that he's never actually met the woman gives Jaine pause—but she soon overcomes her misgivings, warms up her computer, and starts pitching woo on Howard's behalf.

To Jaine's surprise, the letter is a success—the unlikely Romeo lands a date! But his triumph is, sadly, short-lived. On Valentine's Day, Howard finds Stacy bludgeoned to death with a Thigh Master—and is quickly named the prime suspect.

Upon hearing the news, Jaine is shocked. Sure, Howard's awkward, eccentric, and a tiny bit odd. But a murderer? That's hard to believe. Especially after a little sleuthing turns up a whole bunch of people who harbored less-than-loving feelings towards the svelte Stacy.

But Jaine had better wrangle her clues quickly, before a crafty killer catches on--and puts a whole new spin on her ghost writing career. . . . [from the publisher]

I started this out of desperation in the wee hours of Halloween. I have two Audible preorders dropping on November 1—I don't want to get deep into anything and delay digging into my brand-new books.

It's pretty cringe-worthy (from the outset, and still at 65% in). I can't put my finger on exactly why. Does the narration share some of the blame? Jaine's negative body image and self-talk don't help. Neither does the portrayal of one of her senior students, with whom Jaine has a particularly gross and inappropriate interchange.


30 October 2022

Something Rotten (Thursday Next #4), Jasper Fforde 4.66
Detective Thursday Next has had her fill of her responsibilities as the Bellman in Jurisfiction. Packing up her son, Friday, Thursday returns to Swindon accompanied by none other than the dithering Danish prince Hamlet. But returning to SpecOps is no snap—as outlaw fictioneer Yorrick Kaine plots for absolute power, the return of Swindon's patron saint foretells doom, and if that isn't bad enough, back in the Book World The Merry Wives of Windsor is becoming entangled with Hamlet. Can Thursday find a Shakespeare clone to stop this hostile takeover? Can she vanquish Kaine and prevent the world from plunging into war? And, most important, will she ever find reliable childcare? [from the publisher]
Thursday's Schrödinger's husband situation adds to the tension and fun. I really enjoyed this installment, including the time-travel twists. It's hard to find fault with it for sheer entertainment value. [This was a reread for me. Jasper Fforde is an auto-read author for me. I often read or reread his work when I need a sure thing.]

29 October 2022

Ejaculate Responsibly: a Whole New Way to Think About Abortion, Gabrielle Stanley Blair 4.5
In Ejaculate Responsibly, Gabrielle Blair expands on her viral Twitter thread and offers a provocative reframing of the abortion issue. In a series of 25 brief arguments, she deftly makes the case for moving the abortion debate away from controlling and legislating women’s bodies and instead directs the focus on men’s lack of accountability in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Highly readable, accessible, funny, and unflinching, Blair builds her argument by walking readers through the basics of fertility (men are 50 times more fertile than woman), the unfair burden placed on women when it comes to preventing pregnancy (90% of the birth control market is for women), the wrongheaded stigmas around birth control for men (condoms make sex less pleasurable, vasectomies are scary and emasculating), and the counterintuitive reality that men, who are fertile 100% of the time, take little to no responsibility for preventing pregnancy. [from the publisher]

In not much more than the time it would take me to review this tiny whopper, you could read it yourself. I recommend that. I will say, though, that in addition to the topics described by the publisher, Blair presents compelling arguments relating to women's ability to orgasm (Argument 11), rape (Argument 17), maternal mortality (Argument 19), and adoption as not an alternative to abortion (Argument 22). The author gives straightforward talking points for changing the conversation in Argument 28. Extensive sources are provided via the publisher website for audio readers.

28 October 2022

Bad Vibes Only: (and Other Things I Bring to the Table), Nora McInerny 3.5
Nora McInerny does not dance like no one is watching. In fact, she dances like everyone is watching, which is to say, she does not dance at all. A bestselling author and host of the beloved podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking, she has captured the hearts of millions with her disarming and earnest approach to discussing grief and loss. Now, with Bad Vibes Only, she turns her eye on our aggressively, oppressively optimistic culture, our obsession with self-improvement, and what it really means to live authentically in the online age.

In essays that revisit her cringey past and anticipate her rapidly approaching, early middle-aged future, McInerny lays bare her own chaos, inviting us to drop the façade of perfection and embrace the truth: that we are all—at best—slightly unhinged. Socrates claimed that the unexamined life is not worth living. Bad Vibes Only is for people who have taken that dictum a bit too far—the overthinkers, the analyzers, the recovering Girl Bosses, and the burned-out personal brand—reminding us that a life worth living is about more than just “good vibes.” [from the publisher]

  • she's brutally honest, and not gentle with herself
  • especially liked the section about her time with her uncle
  • sometimes funny (usually darkly)

I don't know when I learned that “Fine” was the correct answer to “How are you?,” but nobody ever had to explicitly tell me that “Well, I'm teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown” is definitely not the answer you're colleague is looking for while you pass each other in the hallways before your many overlapping meetings. [Before We Begin]

28 October 2022

A Most Efficient Murder, Anthony Slayton 3.66
When a party thrown by the reclusive Lord Unsworth is marred by murder, his loyal secretary, Mr. Quayle, must unravel a web of red-herrings and old family secrets in this English country house mystery.

“I do not wish to disturb you, your grace, but there is a body in the garden. . . .”

England, 1925. When a strange young woman is found murdered on the grounds of Unsworth Castle, the duke and his family are astounded at first, but quickly become enraged when the police begin asking all sorts of impertinent questions.

And when suspicions dare to fall on one of their own, it is up to Mr. Quayle, Lord Unsworth's exceedingly efficient secretary, to find the true culprit and save the House of Unsworth from scandal and ruin. [from the publisher]

In a traditional cozy mystery, the mystery-solver is a “civilian”—that is, not a detective by profession. In A Most Efficient Murder, we have a bit of a hybrid: Lord Unsworth's secretary, Mr. Quayle, serves as the unofficial detective, “assisting” the official detective. [A more senior detective is present as well, though he tries to let the assigned detective take the lead.] Because Mr. Quayle served in the military with Lord Unsworth's beloved son (deceased), there's a great deal of mutual respect, trust, and loyalty between the two. The lead detective served with both Unsworth's son and Mr. Quayle, though not at the same time, if I remember correctly. There are several other relationship connections in the book that add interest to the story, but I won't spoil more.

The story opens on the night that Unsworth is hosting a grand birthday party for his favorite niece, Fanny. The close relationship between uncle and niece is a source of consternation for other members of the family who feel that they should be granted certain title and property instead of Fanny. In addition to the family and Mr. Quayle, several friends and household/grounds staff are potential suspects.

There is a fair bit of humor in the book. Too, Quayle is more personable and diplomatic than his counterparts in mysteries along the same vein (for instance, Agatha Christie's Poirot). This makes for a more charming and generally delightful read for a murder mystery, however strange those descriptors may be for the genre. There is a second installment planned for publication in 2023. I'm looking forward to it!

Thank you, Netgalley, Ink and Dagger Press, and BooksGoSocial Audio, for allowing me to read the audio ARC of the book in the grace period between publication (September 15) and NetGalley archive in exchange for an honest review.


26 October 2022

A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door: The Dismantling of Public Education and the Future of School, Jack Schneider & Jennifer Berkshire 3.5
Betsy DeVos may be the most prominent face of the push to dismantle public education, but she is in fact part of a large movement that’s been steadily gaining power and notching progress for decades—amassing funds, honing their messaging, and crafting policies. While support for public education today is stronger than ever, the movement to save our schools remains fragmented, variable, and voluntary. Meanwhile, those set on destroying this beloved institution are unified, patient, and well-resourced.

In A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door, Jennifer Berkshire and Jack Schneider, co-hosts of the popular education podcast Have You Heard, lay out the increasingly potent network of conservative elected officials, advocacy groups, funders, and think tanks that have aligned behind a radical vision to unmake public education. They describe the dogma underpinning the work of the dismantlers and how it fits into the current political context, giving readers an up-close look at the policies—school vouchers, the war on teachers’ unions, tax credit scholarships, virtual schools, and more—driving the movement’s agenda. Finally they look forward, surveying the world the dismantlers threaten to build.

As teachers from coast to coast mobilize with renewed vigor, this smart, essential book sounds an alarm, one that should incite a public reckoning on behalf of the millions of families served by the American educational system—and many more who stand to suffer from its unmaking. [from the publisher]

[Note: This is the November pick for my League of Women Voters chapter book club. Books are chosen—and discussion is facilitated—by a member. During our discussions, each of us offer our own viewpoints. League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization.]

The authors present—based on historical and scientific research—the dangers of the assault on our public education system (overwhelmingly, but not exclusively, coming from conservatives). There's a lot to process here, including funding (and how often it is wildly inequitable); workarounds allowing use of public funds for private—often religious—schools; charter and virtual schools; and more. The general populace still overwhelmingly wants—and expects—excellent and inclusive public education. That is, generally, we see it as a public good. It's good for the health and strength of our country to have a well-educated and healthy populace. If we want it, we must act by raising our voices via our votes and by regular communication with our elected officials on the subject.

I didn't know about this book until my friend volunteered to moderate our discussion. I can't say that I enjoyed the book—it was infuriating and frightening. I am glad to have read and discussed it with others.


25 October 2022

The Headspace Guide to Meditation & Mindfulness, Andy Puddicombe 3.66
Quiet the mind, feel less stressed and less tired, and achieve a new level of calm and fulfillment in just ten minutes a day.

Andy Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk, the Voice of Headspace, and the UK's foremost mindfulness expert, is on a mission: to get people to take 10 minutes out of their day to sit in the here and now.

Like his readers and students, Andy began his own meditation practice as a normal, busy person with everyday concerns, and he has since designed a program of mindfulness and guided meditation that fits neatly into a jam-packed daily routine—proving that just 10 minutes a day can make a world of difference.

Accessible and portable, The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness offers simple but powerful meditation techniques that positively impact every area of physical and mental health: from productivity and focus, to stress and anxiety relief, sleep, weight-loss, personal relationships . . . the benefits are limitless. The result? More headspace, less stress. Andy brings this ancient practice into the modern world, tailor made for the most time starved among us.

[from the publisher]

This was brought to my attention by someone dear. Thank you, dear one!

I read with both ears and eyes. I've never been a successful meditator, but I truly enjoyed the sleep meditations. Puddicombe says the point is not to fall asleep . . . oops!

I especially liked the discussion of the difference between “responding skillfully” to situations and “reacting impulsively.”

The book is short. The author is personable.


24 October 2022

The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, Bianca Marais 3.35
Five octogenarian witches gather as an angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor. All eyes turn to the witch in charge, Queenie, who confesses they’ve fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. Still, there’s hope, since the imminent return of Ruby—one of the sisterhood who’s been gone for thirty-three years—will surely be their salvation.

But the mob is only the start of their troubles. One man is hellbent on avenging his family for the theft of a legacy he claims was rightfully his. In an act of desperation, Queenie makes a bargain with an evil far more powerful than anything they’ve ever faced. Then things take a turn for the worse when Ruby’s homecoming reveals a seemingly insurmountable obstacle instead of the solution to all their problems.

The witches are determined to save their home and themselves, but their aging powers are no match for increasingly malicious threats. Thankfully, they get a bit of help from Persephone, a feisty TikToker eager to smash the patriarchy. As the deadline to save the manor approaches, fractures among the sisterhood are revealed, and long-held secrets are exposed, culminating in a fiery confrontation with their enemies. [from the publisher]

I'm on fire with all the spooky reading this month!

This one has irreverent old witches, an inventive and creative teen girl, and some horrible men. Down with the patriarchy!


22 October 2022

Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win, Susan Azim Boyer 3.5
A fresh spin on the cult-classic Election meets Darius the Great Is Not Okay in Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win when an international incident crashes into a high school election, and Jasmine is caught between doing the right thing and chasing her dream.

It’s 1979, and Jasmine Zumideh is ready to get the heck out of her stale, Southern California suburb and into her dream school, NYU, where she’ll major in journalism and cover New York City’s exploding music scene.

There’s just one teeny problem: Due to a deadline snafu, she maaaaaaybe said she was Senior Class President-Elect on her application—before the election takes place. But honestly, she’s running against Gerald Thomas, a rigid rule-follower whose platform includes reinstating a dress code—there’s no way she can lose. And she better not, or she’ll never get into NYU.

But then, a real-life international incident turns the election upside down. Iran suddenly dominates the nightly news, and her opponent seizes the opportunity to stir up anti-Iranian hysteria at school and turn the electorate against her. Her brother, Ali, is no help. He’s become an outspoken advocate for Iran just as she’s trying to downplay her heritage.

Now, as the white lie she told snowballs into an avalanche, Jasmine is stuck between claiming her heritage or hiding it, standing by her outspoken brother or turning her back on him, winning the election or abandoning her dreams for good.

Told with biting insight and fierce humor, Susan Azim Boyer's Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win is a fresh, unforgettable story of one Iranian-American young woman’s experience navigating her identity, friendship, family, her future, and a budding romance, all set against life-changing historical events with present-day relevance. [from the publisher]

I was in eighth grade in the fall of 1979, when this story takes place. I read the newspaper daily and watched major network news nightly, including its update of the number of days the hostages had been held in Iran (eventually totaling 444).

In this YA historical fiction debut, Jasmine Zumideh (sounds like “ZoomyDAY”) is an American teenager of Iranian heritage who is running to be senior class president at her California high school. She finds herself conflicted between winning her campaign (to support her college application) and defending her family; and subjected to hate from her classmates, largely born from ignorance, intolerance, and misinformation (long before the age of wanton and rampant misinformation-peddling via social media, Fox News, and even misguided and dangerous “equal time” given by mainstream television and written news in lieu of straight reporting).

In addition to the fraught political situation, there's the usual YA drama of friends and romantic relationships, sports, and partying, along with fashion and culture (latchkey kids, Gilligan's Island, Burt Reynolds, satin bomber jackets, Tab, and Spencer's gift stores) and lots of music (The Pretenders, Elvis Costello, Cheap Trick, Pink Floyd, and The Who, among others).

Possibly my favorite character is Jasmine's Auntie Minah (her father's sister), who cares for Jasmine and her brother after their parents' divorce, while their white American mom is trying to get back on her feet (living away from the kids, with her own mother) and their Iranian immigrant dad is away on business. [The author has the same parentage.] While Jasmine and Ali are both teenagers, Auntie Minah cooks and cleans, teaches and cares for them. There are also some brief scenes in which Jasmine's Iranian grandmother (living in Iran) is present via phone or discussed.

Thank you, Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Wednesday Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected November 1.


21 October 2022

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid 3.35
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways. [from the publisher]

I'm so woefully behind in writing reviews, that I am going to give myself a break and present some of my thoughts recorded during reading, without fleshing every review out.

  • slight twist at the end
  • good for celebrity watchers
  • gossipy
  • talks quite a bit about how poorly LGBTQ folks have been treated historically—how their human rights have been consistently denied
  • probably longer than it needed to be

20 October 2022

Gallant, V.E. Schwab 2.66
Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source.

Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home—to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.

Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.

Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him? [from the publisher]

Gallant is slow-burn creepy throughout, so it was a fine read for spooky month. When we got to the part that was supposed to be scariest, though, I felt it was anticlimactic.

I had no bookmarks available. I can't remember if that was because I didn't find any passages notable or if this was due to Libby failure—either could be the case. [Libby has been making/having problems with bookmarks, reading progress, and syncing between devices on-and-off since August. Their tech support hasn't been successful in discovering the true problem.] When I went to make notes 17 days later, I needed to read the publisher's description in order to remember which book this was—not a good sign. That is, I didn't find it riveting enough to be instantly memorable.

This is only the second of Schwab's books I've read, the first being her wildly popular The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. While judging on just two books may not be fair or adequate, she doesn't seem to reach me the same way she reaches many.


19 October 2022

Newsroom Confidential, Margaret Sullivan 3
Sullivan began her career at the Buffalo News, where she rose from summer intern to editor in chief. In Newsroom Confidential she chronicles her years in the trenches battling sexism and throwing elbows in a highly competitive newsroom. In 2012, Sullivan was appointed the public editor of The New York Times, the first woman to hold that important role. She was in the unique position of acting on behalf of readers to weigh the actions and reporting of the paper's staff, parsing potential lapses in judgment, unethical practices, and thorny journalistic issues. Sullivan recounts how she navigated the paper’s controversies, from Hillary Clinton's emails to Elon Musk's accusations of unfairness to the need for greater diversity in the newsroom. In 2016, having served the longest tenure of any public editor, Sullivan left for the Washington Post, where she had a front-row seat to the rise of Donald Trump in American media and politics.

With her celebrated mixture of charm, sharp-eyed observation, and nuanced criticism, Sullivan takes us behind the scenes of the nation's most influential news outlets to explore how Americans lost trust in the news and what it will take to regain it. [from the publisher]

I found Newsroom Confidential interesting, but often frustrating. Sullivan talks about such things as distrust of the mainstream press; DEI in the newsroom; false equivalency; and appearing nonpartisan, even at the cost of honest reporting. The book is somewhat repetitive. Worse, sometimes I felt like she was talking from both sides . . . or, at least, that she didn't seem to commit sufficient blame to the mainstream press for its significant role in allowing “fake news” to run rampant.

In Chapter 13, Sullivan suggests that instead of asking who are the winners and losers in the political arena, “Start asking who is serving the democracy and who is undermining it.”


17 October 2022

A Death in Door County, Annelise Ryan 3
Morgan Carter, owner of the Odds and Ends bookstore in Door County, Wisconsin, has a hobby. When she's not tending the store, she's hunting cryptids—creatures whose existence is rumored, but never proven to be real. It's a hobby that cost her parents their lives, but one she'll never give up on.

So when a number of bodies turn up on the shores of Lake Michigan with injuries that look like bites from a giant unknown animal, police chief Jon Flanders turns to Morgan for help. A skeptic at heart, Morgan can't turn down the opportunity to find proof of an entity whose existence she can't definitively rule out. She and her beloved rescue dog, Newt, journey to the Death's Door strait to hunt for a homicidal monster in the lake—but if they're not careful, they just might be its next victims. [from the publisher]

You know how some people yell at the TV screen when an athlete or team isn't performing well? Or how they yell at the movie screen when a character in a horror flick is about to walk right into danger? I did a lot of screaming at Morgan for her bad decisions. I know . . . she can't hear me!

Pros: set in the Midwest (Wisconsin); main character owns a bookstore; a loyal dog sometimes steals the show; bookstore staff have mad skills and are allowed to use them


16 October 2022

Float Plan, Trish Doller 3
Since the loss of her fiancé, Anna has been shipwrecked by grief—until a reminder goes off about a trip they were supposed to take together. Impulsively, Anna goes to sea in their sailboat, intending to complete the voyage alone.

But after a treacherous night’s sail, she realizes she can’t do it by herself and hires Keane, a professional sailor, to help. Much like Anna, Keane is struggling with a very different future than the one he had planned. As romance rises with the tide, they discover that it’s never too late to chart a new course.

. . . starting over doesn't mean letting go of your past, it means making room for your future. [from the publisher]

I don't have a lot to say about Float Plan. I didn't love Anna—she wasn't horrible, but she wasn't great either . . . not especially likeable, funny, smart, or charming. I liked Keane and his brother (who is a very minor character, to be sure) more. A stray dog may be the best character in the book. I did appreciate the slow-ish development of Anna and Keane's romance.

16 October 2022

They Both Die at the End, Adam Silvera 3.35
On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day. [from the publisher]

This has been on my TBR list for an age. Why did I read it now? Well, it's a fun story. . . . Number Two Son moved to the Austin, Texas, area this summer. We visited Austin just shy of four years ago, and we were definitely game to extend our summer a smidge by visiting again now. We notified NTS and partner that we'd love to see them as much as they wanted/were able, and that we'd entertain ourselves the rest of the time. They welcomed us enthusiastically. So far, so good!

We started our travel day gosh-awful-early—sometimes that's the price one pays. Straight from the airport, we headed to Terry Black's BBQ (my favorite from our BBQ survey in 2018, and still my favorite after trying a couple more BBQ joints this visit) for a late lunch. After we were satiated, we headed to Book People, where we dumped tourist dollars in 2018, via mail since, and again in 2022. Imagine my delight to see Adam Silvera's name on the marquee for an author chat and signing for his new book, The First to Die at the End, which is the prequel to They Both Die at the End. Good timing! Well, yes and no. The signing was that very evening, when we were scheduled for our first dinner with the kids. So, I bought a signed (but not inscribed) first edition of the Silvera prequel/latest release, as well as a signed Neil deGrasse Tyson book—Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization, and had a wonderful evening with my loved ones. Anyway, that experience bumped the older book to the top of my TBR (after a couple that were already on my loan shelf), and here we are, on to the review. . . .

I wish I could say I liked this more. I liked Mateo fairly well, especially in his caring for his dad—who is in a coma in the hospital—and his best friend (an unwed teen mom) and her young daughter. I totally didn't relate to Rufus. I get that he's experienced trauma, but his violence just didn't work for me. I liked Rufus better once he and Mateo connected, but that's a relative thing.

The audiobook is well-narrated by Michael Crouch, Robbie Daymond, and Bahni Turpin. Crouch and Turpin are two of my favorite narrators; Daymond is new to me.

My previous exposure to Silvera's work was in cooperation with Becky Albertalli. Even though I didn't love They Both Die at the End, I'm still looking forward to reading the prequel, which will always be a lovely reminder of our second trip to Austin. Travel is always better when bookstores are involved!


14 October 2022

Daisy Darker, Alice Feeney 3.35
Daisy Darker was born with a broken heart. Now after years of avoiding each other, Daisy Darker’s entire family is assembling for Nana’s 80th birthday party in her crumbling gothic house on a tiny tidal island. The family arrives, each of them harboring secrets. When the tide comes in, they will be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours.

But at the stroke of midnight, as a storm rages, Nana is found dead. And an hour later, the next family member follows. . . .

Trapped on an island where someone is killing them one by one, the Darkers must reckon with their present mystery as well as their past secrets, before the tide goes out and all is revealed. [from the publisher]

Daisy Darker is very Agatha Christie-ish, with the Darker family (and a close family friend) being picked off one-by-one as they gather at Nana's remote house (which they can't leave during high tide) to celebrate her Halloween birthday. It's also like a messed-up family edition of the board game Clue.

Main character Daisy is the youngest of three flower-named daughters of Frank and Nancy, preceded by Rose and Lily. The story is revealed through Daisy's memories (as if we are in her head), various family members' discussions during the party, and several family movies on VHS tapes that are strategically left by the killer to watch at particular times during the night. There's quite the discussion at the end of Chapter 5 about ways to do away with someone without getting caught. Each family member has a different favorite.

I predicted several major things—including the killer's identity—but was surprised by one twist. Still, it's plenty creepy—definitely a good read for October.

Notable quote: “My dear, I’d rather be dead than normal.” —Nana in Chapter 3


12 October 2022

The Stars Did Wander Darkling, Colin Meloy 3
A suspenseful and atmospheric horror set in 1980s Oregon, perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Neil Gaiman, and Margaret Peterson Haddix, from New York Times bestselling author and the Decemberists’ lead singer/songwriter, Colin Meloy.

Maybe Archie Coomes has been watching too many horror movies.

All of a sudden, the most ordinary things have taken on a sinister edge: a penny on a doormat. An odd man in a brown suit under a streetlamp. The persistent sound of an ax chopping in the middle of the night.

He keeps telling himself that this is Seaham, a sleepy seaside town where nothing ever happens. Or at least nothing did, until his dad’s construction company opened up the cliff beneath the old—some say cursed—Langdon place.

Soon, though, he and his friends can’t deny it: more and more of the adults in town are acting strangely. An ancient, long-buried evil has been unleashed upon the community, and it’s up to the kids to stop it before it’s too late. . . . [from the publisher]

This middle grade horror story is creepy throughout—a good read for spooky month. [It might be just a bit too creepy for young teens or especially sensitive readers, but that's so subjective.] I was definitely enticed to read because of the publisher's marketing to Stranger Things and Neil Gaiman fans, and the fact that it's set in the 1980s, when I was a teen.

There is a long build-up, with an interesting additional character appearing too briefly toward the end. I was disappointed by the end of the story, which went off the rails quickly—going from slow-burn creepy to downright bizarre in a big hurry.


9 October 2022

Well, That Was Unexpected, Jesse Q. Sutanto 3
After Sharlot Citra's mother catches her in a compromising position, she finds herself whisked away from LA to her mother's native Indonesia. It'll be exactly what they both need. Or so her mother thinks.

To ensure that their children find the right kind of romantic partner, Sharlot's mother and George's father do what any good parent would do: they strike up a conversation online, pretending to be their children.

When the kids find out about their parents' actions, they're horrified. Not even a trip to one of the most romantic places on earth could possibly make Sharlot and George fall for each other. But as the layers peel back and the person they thought they knew from online is revealed, the truth becomes more complicated. As unlikely as it may seem, did their parents manage to find their true match after all? [from the publisher]

The publisher description pretty much covers this YA rom-com in which catfishing meets Very Rich Asians for the high school set. George's 13-year-old sister and Sharlot's cousin form a sister-friend relationship. George is working on an app having something to do with teaching teen boys how to treat girls respectfully. Both main characters make statements against misogyny. There is LGBTQ representation.


6 October 2022

The Messy Lives of Book People, Phaedra Patrick 3.5
Mother of two Liv Green barely scrapes by as a maid to make ends meet, often finding escape in a good book while daydreaming of becoming a writer herself. So she can't believe her luck when she lands a job housekeeping for her personal hero, megabestselling author Essie Starling, a mysterious and intimidating recluse. The last thing Liv expected was to be the only person Essie talks to, which leads to a tenuous friendship.

But when Essie dies suddenly, a devastated Liv is astonished to learn of her last wish: for Liv to complete Essie's final novel. But to do so Liv will have to step into Essie's shoes, and as Liv begins to write, she uncovers secrets from the past that reveal a surprising connection between the two women—one that will change Liv's own story forever. . . . [from the publisher]

I approached The Messy Lives of Book People cautiously—I'm so often disappointed with books about books, libraries, bookish people, and bookstores, probably because the depictions don't always live up to the magic of my wonderful reading life. While this one isn't among my favorite books about bookish places and people, it was pleasant and adequately satisfying. Liv is likeable, if a bit meek. Her growth during the story is as expected. Several other characters grow during the story as well. There aren't any unredeemable characters. Just pleasant.

There is an important reveal late in the story that could have been disastrous and highly dramatic that was instead written such that Liv is conflicted (at least initially) but not devastated.

I liked this novel more than Patrick's The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper (her debut in 2016), and much more than her The Library of Lost and Found (2019). She has authored several other titles.


4 October 2022

The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant, Drew Hayes 2.5
Some people are born boring. Some live boring. Some even die boring. Fred managed to do all three, and when he woke up as a vampire, he did so as a boring one. Timid, socially awkward, and plagued by self-esteem issues, Fred has never been the adventurous sort.

One fateful night—different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful—Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos that is the parahuman world, a world with chipper zombies, truck driver wereponies, maniacal necromancers, ancient dragons, and now one undead accountant trying his best to “survive.” Because even after it’s over, life can still be a downright bloody mess. [from the publisher]

There are five multi-chaptered episodes, each one including a brief reference to something that happened in the previous episode. This seemed odd to me, so I did a bit of digging online . . . apparently the author does produce web-serials. Sophomoric humor and swearing are not enough for me—this feels like a bad B-movie. My impulse is to skip the subsequent six entries in the series, even though the ratings do seem to increase.

3 October 2022

Book Scavenger, Jennifer Chambliss Bertman 4
A hidden book. A found cipher. A game begins. . . .

Twelve-year-old Emily is on the move again. Her family is relocating to San Francisco, home of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger, a game where books are hidden all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles. But Emily soon learns that Griswold has been attacked and is in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend James discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold and leads to a valuable prize. But there are others on the hunt for this book, and Emily and James must race to solve the puzzles Griswold left behind before Griswold's attackers make them their next target. [from the publisher]

This was the light, fun read I needed right now—a middle grade mystery adventure starring a mini-me bookdragon and mystery lover.

Emily's family moves often, as they're on a quest to live in all 50 states. What started as a fun adventure and atypical living/learning experience has become less fun and more problematic for Emily and her older brother, Matthew, as they age and mature. [It's more of a problem for Emily, who has a harder time making new friends.] Luckily, in San Francisco, Emily quickly makes friends with James—the grandson of Emily's family's landlord, who lives in the same building. James and Emily send each other coded messages via a bucket on a pulley outside their bedroom windows, and spend lots of time together creating ciphers and trying to solve the mystery of Griswold's game. The action also features a handful of adults who either hinder or help their cause; one classmate who definitely hinders their work by way of competing with James at school; and Matthew, who eventually steps in to help. There's an amusing side story about Matthew's favorite band. The level of violence and peril seems a tad high for a middle grade story, but that may just be my age and sensitivity showing.

The Book Scavenger program bears a striking resemblance to Book Crossing. This was addressed in the Author's Note at the end, along with some background about Edgar Allan Poe and his relationship with one of Griswold's ancestors (also referenced in the story).

Nugget of note: “Don’t mistake shared interests with shared ethics.” —bookseller Hollister to Emily in Chapter 32


1 October 2022

The Vicious Circle, Katherine St. John 3.5
On a river deep in the Mexican jungle stands the colossal villa Xanadu, a wellness center that's home to The Mandala, an ardent spiritual group devoted to self-help guru Paul Bentzen and his enigmatic wife Kali. But when, mysteriously, Paul suddenly dies, his entire estate—including Xanadu—is left to his estranged niece Sveta, a former model living in New York City.

Shocked and confused, Sveta travels to Mexico to pay her respects. At first, Xanadu seems like a secluded paradise with its tumbling gardens, beautiful people, transcendent vibe, and mesmerizing de-facto leader Kali. But soon the mystical façade wears thin, revealing a group of brainwashed members drunk on false promises of an impossible utopia and a disturbing, dangerous belief system—and leader—guiding them.

As the sinister forces surrounding Sveta become apparent, she realizes, too late, she can't escape. Frantic and terrified, she discovers her only hope for survival is to put her confidence in the very person she trusts the least. [from the publisher]

I found myself surpisingly engaged in this creepy mystery/thriller. I say surprisingly because of Sveta's age and behavior at the onset of the story. I found some of her actions/reactions silly or implausible, though not to such a degree that I wanted to bail. Sveta's fiancé and his rich, snobby, superficial family were insufferable. Luckily, they played very little part in the story. Some fun, twisty connections are woven in, which kept the book interesting . . . and me hooked.

30 September 2022

September reading recap: 18 books finished (9 bailed)

4-star reads

  • One Thursday Afternoon, Barbara DiLorenzo (4.66)
  • Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber, Andy Borowitz (4.5)
  • All The Lonely People, Mike Gayle (4.35)

honorable mention (3.5 or 3.66)

  • Thank You for Listening, Julia Whelan (3.5)
  • Other Birds, Sarah Addison Allen (3.5)
  • The Kaiju Preservation Society, John Scalzi (3.5)
  • Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl's Mission, Estela Juarez & Lissette Norman (Illustrator) (3.66)

30 September 2022

Delilah Green Doesn't Care, Ashley Herring Blake 3.35
Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls—nothing is there for her but memories of a lonely childhood where she was little more than a burden to her cold and distant stepfamily. Her life is in New York, with her photography career finally gaining steam and her bed never empty. Sure, it’s a different woman every night, but that’s just fine with her.

When Delilah’s estranged stepsister, Astrid, pressures her into photographing her wedding with a guilt trip and a five-figure check, Delilah finds herself back in the godforsaken town that she used to call home. She plans to breeze in and out, but then she sees Claire Sutherland, one of Astrid’s stuck-up besties, and decides that maybe there’s some fun (and a little retribution) to be had in Bright Falls, after all.

Having raised her eleven-year-old daughter mostly on her own while dealing with her unreliable ex and running a bookstore, Claire Sutherland depends upon a life without surprises. And Delilah Green is an unwelcome surprise . . . at first. Though they’ve known each other for years, they don’t really know each other—so Claire is unsettled when Delilah figures out exactly what buttons to push. When they’re forced together during a gauntlet of wedding preparations—including a plot to save Astrid from her horrible fiancé—Claire isn’t sure she has the strength to resist Delilah’s charms. Even worse, she’s starting to think she doesn’t want to. . . . [from the publisher]

“When she was good, she was very, very good; but when she was bad, she was horrid.” This seems to apply to Delilah, who seems out to wreak as much havoc as possible upon her brief return to her hometown to serve as photographer for her evil stepsister Astrid's wedding. She softens, on and off, to love interest Claire. Throughout, though, Delilah is patient and sweet with Claire's daughter, Ruby. Most of the book's characters were mean, with the exception of Claire. Eventually, the reader is given the background of the meanness.

The book is often funny. Also redeeming is Deliliah's art photography work (as opposed to her wedding photography work).

Content warnings for sensitive readers: There are several explicit sex scenes. Profane language is laced throughout.


29 September 2022

Vacation at Home: Design Ideas for Creating Your Everyday Getaway, Vern Yip 3
We've all heard that our home should be our sanctuary, but most of us fall short of that ideal. Too often, the reality is that our homes are just another place for stress and work. Now trusted HGTV and TLC interior designer Vern Yip is here to guide us on confidently creating a home where we can instantly feel relaxed and rejuvenated, while also reflecting our individual style and needs.

In this lush, beautifully illustrated book, Vern shares the tips, tricks, and design principles that 5-star resorts and hotels use to help guests get into vacation mode, and shows how we can duplicate that sense of ease and relaxation (while fitting into our personal design flair). He also opens the doors to some of his clients' homes to show you how these key design principles can vary with different styles, tastes, and locations. With Vern's reassuring tone and clear, easy steps, readers can create spaces that can make everyday feel like vacation! [from the publisher]

Great concept. Spare execution. Yip's carriage house (to his generous beach property) example notwithstanding, most people with average means (not colossal mansions for two- to four-person families—the pool areas alone in two of the example houses seem to cover more ground than many personal residences!) will be hard-pressed to create, let alone keep up, the magazine-shoot ready environments. There are some very specific suggestions about materials. Bottom line: Replace “placeholder” items as soon as one can afford; use sturdy, low-maintenance materials and replace things regularly; store practically everything behind closed doors or box lids [actually, he suggests that one reserve an entire room in the house to serve as storeroom; failing that, store in cabinets, boxes, closets, etc.]; only keep and display things one loves—aren't groundbreaking new suggestions. Borrow it if you enjoy design eye-candy. I do/did.

28 September 2022

All The Lonely People, Mike Gayle 4.35
In weekly phone calls to his daughter in Australia, widower Hubert Bird paints a picture of the perfect retirement, packed with fun, friendship and fulfilment.

But Hubert Bird is lying.

Now Hubert faces a seemingly impossible task: to make his real life resemble his fake life before the truth comes out.

Along the way Hubert stumbles across a second chance at love, renews a cherished friendship and finds himself roped into an audacious community scheme that seeks to end loneliness once and for all. . . . [from the publisher]

I reread this for my alumni book club, this time reading in installments, keeping as close as possible to the prescribed schedule over the course of eight weeks. I'm unlikely to do that again.

Even though it's been less than a year since my original reading, I had forgotten a couple of (insignificant) points. I'm leaving my rating as it was after my first reading. Despite my familiarity with the story, I was moved once again.

This reading came with the bonus of an author talk with Mike Gayle, in conversation with our PBC Guru book club moderator.


27 September 2022

Killers of a Certain Age, Deanna Raybourn 3.35
Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite network of assassins, for forty years. Now their talents are considered old-school and no one appreciates what they have to offer in an age that relies more on technology than people skills.

When the foursome is sent on an all-expenses paid vacation to mark their retirement, they are targeted by one of their own. Only the Board, the top-level members of the Museum, can order the termination of field agents, and the women realize they've been marked for death.

Now to get out alive they have to turn against their own organization, relying on experience and each other to get the job done, knowing that working together is the secret to their survival. They're about to teach the Board what it really means to be a woman—and a killer—of a certain age. [from the publisher]

I liked the premise of a group of women assassins on the brink of retirement. We see their personal power, prowess, and cunning both in flashbacks and the present. While I think the content was a little thin for close to 400 pages, it might make a decent straight-to-television or -streaming movie.

The story is often funny, yet graphically violent (not at the same time). Swearing abounds.

“I find it hard to take us seriously as agents of vengeance when our plan looks like a kindergarten craft project.” [Chapter Twenty-two]


26 September 2022

Stories from the Tenants Downstairs, Sidik Fofana 3
Like Gloria Naylor’s The Women of Brewster Place and Lin Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights, Sidik Fofana’s electrifying collection of eight interconnected stories showcases the strengths, struggles, and hopes of one residential community in a powerful storytelling experience.

Each short story follows a tenant in the Banneker Homes, a low-income high rise in Harlem where gentrification weighs on everyone’s mind. There is Swan in apartment 6B, whose excitement about his friend’s release from prison jeopardizes the life he’s been trying to lead. Mimi, in apartment 14D, who hustles to raise the child she had with Swan, waitressing at Roscoe’s and doing hair on the side. And Quanneisha B. Miles, a former gymnast with a good education who wishes she could leave Banneker for good, but can’t seem to escape the building’s gravitational pull. We root for these characters and more as they weave in and out of each other’s lives, endeavoring to escape from their pasts and blaze new paths forward for themselves and the people they love. [from the publisher]

“Everybody got a tale. Question is, is it despair or prevail?” [Introduction]

This is a fine debut. The characters are well-developed. Each chapter is written from the point of view of its main character. I liked the connections between the characters and chapters. Several parts were moving.


25 September 2022

Stay Awake, Megan Goldin 2.66
Liv Reese wakes up in the back of a taxi with no idea where she is or how she got there. When she’s dropped off at the door of her brownstone, a stranger answers―a stranger who now lives in her apartment and forces her out in the cold. She reaches for her phone to call for help, only to discover it’s missing, and in its place is a bloodstained knife. That’s when she sees that her hands are covered in black pen, scribbled messages like graffiti on her skin: STAY AWAKE.

Two years ago, Liv was living with her best friend, dating a new man, and thriving as a successful writer for a trendy magazine. Now, she’s lost and disoriented in a New York City that looks nothing like what she remembers. Catching a glimpse of the local news, she’s horrified to see reports of a crime scene where the victim’s blood has been used to scrawl a message across a window, the same message that’s inked on her hands. What did she do last night? And why does she remember nothing from the past two years? Liv finds herself on the run for a crime she doesn’t remember committing as she tries to piece together the fragments of her life. But there’s someone who does know exactly what she did, and they’ll do anything to make her forget―permanently. [from the publisher]

The plot of the book necessitates a certain amount of repetition, I suppose. It was taken to such an extreme that it became tedious, making for a dull experience. One female detective was potentially interesting. Unfortunately, we barely get to know her.

18 September 2022

Ghosts, Dolly Alderton 2.66
Nina Dean has arrived at her early thirties as a successful food writer with loving friends and family, plus a new home and neighbourhood. When she meets Max, a beguiling romantic hero who tells her on date one that he's going to marry her, it feels like all is going to plan.

A new relationship couldn't have come at a better time—her thirties have not been the liberating, uncomplicated experience she was sold. Everywhere she turns, she is reminded of time passing and opportunities dwindling. Friendships are fading, ex-boyfriends are moving on and, worse, everyone's moving to the suburbs. There's no solace to be found in her family, with a mum who's caught in a baffling mid-life makeover and a beloved dad who is vanishing in slow-motion into dementia.

[from the publisher]

I found Ghosts almost completely unremarkable. Nina's friend Lola is the most interesting character—I'm not sure that's saying much. There's a simultaneously funny and horrifying misunderstanding about Nina's downstairs neighbor's packages. Start to finish, though, the relationship with that neighbor was a hot mess. Nina's dad's dementia was covered sympathetically, sensitively, and accurately, at least according to my limited experience.

16 September 2022

Rewire Your Anxious Brain, Catherine M. Pittman, PhD & Elizabeth M. Karle, MLIS 2
In the book, you will learn how the amygdala and cortex (both important parts of the brain) are essential players in the neuropsychology of anxiety. The amygdala acts as a primal response, and oftentimes, when this part of the brain processes fear, you may not even understand why you are afraid. By comparison, the cortex is the center of “worry.” That is, obsessing, ruminating, and dwelling on things that may or may not happen. In the book, Pittman and Karle make it simple by offering specific examples of how to manage fear by tapping into both of these pathways in the brain.

As you read, you’ll gain a greater understanding how anxiety is created in the brain, and as a result, you will feel empowered and motivated to overcome it. The brain is a powerful tool, and the more you work to change the way you respond to fear, the more resilient you will become. Using the practical self-assessments and proven-effective techniques in this book, you will learn to literally “rewire” the brain processes that lie at the root of your fears. [from the publisher]

This short book probably could have been reduced to a pamphlet or a few one-page handouts without losing effectiveness. There's a lot of discussion about the differences between the amygdala and the cortex. Actually, there's a bit of discussion that gets repeated over and over. Many of the “exercises” should have been called “assessments.” That's fine, except I'd venture a guess that most of us who are interested enough to pick up the book have already accurately assessed our situation, whether it pertains to anxious reactions or sleep habits or. . . .

There are several actual suggestions, including progressive muscle relaxation, coping thoughts to substitute for negative thoughts, and tips for healthy sleep habits. None of these are new or groundbreaking. One piece that I might try: “. . . replace 'I should . . . ' with 'I'd like to. . . .'” [186] It isn't explicitly stated in the book, but I'll choose to apply this in situations that are truly optional—one has to understand the difference between compulsory and discretionary situations.

There's a fair amount of “get back on the horse that threw you”-type advice, suggesting that one voluntarily expose oneself to the fears that trigger them in order to generate a new response in the brain. This does not seem applicable to much of what ails many of us currently and in the recent past.

As is so often the case, I'm thankful that my local library gave me an opportunity to read at no additional charge. I will take what works for me and leave the rest.


15 September 2022

Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber, Andy Borowitz 4.5
The winner of the first-ever National Press Club award for humor, Andy Borowitz has been called a “Swiftian satirist” (The Wall Street Journal) and “one of the country’s finest satirists” (The New York Times). Millions of fans and New Yorker readers enjoy his satirical news column “The Borowitz Report.” Now, in Profiles in Ignorance, he offers a witty, spot-on diagnosis of our country’s political troubles by showing how ignorant leaders are degrading, embarrassing, and endangering our nation.

Borowitz argues that over the past fifty years, American politicians have grown increasingly allergic to knowledge, and mass media have encouraged the election of ignoramuses by elevating candidates who are better at performing than thinking. Starting with Ronald Reagan’s first campaign for governor of California in 1966 and culminating with the election of Donald J. Trump to the White House, Borowitz shows how, during the age of twenty-four-hour news and social media, the US has elected politicians to positions of great power whose lack of the most basic information is terrifying. In addition to Reagan, Quayle, Bush, Palin, and Trump, Borowitz covers a host of congresspersons, senators, and governors who have helped lower the bar over the past five decades.

Profiles in Ignorance aims to make us both laugh and cry: laugh at the idiotic antics of these public figures, and cry at the cataclysms these icons of ignorance have caused. But most importantly, the book delivers a call to action and a cause for optimism: History doesn’t move in a straight line, and we can change course if we act now. [from the publisher]

The minute Andy Borowitz announced this book, I put myself on the digital audio hold list at my library (first in line—yeah, baby!). That is, the book filled one of my precious dozen hold spots for months. I'm not sorry!

A hot minute after he told his fans we could order a signed/inscribed (according to our preferences) hardcover book through the Norwich Bookstore, I ordered my copy.

I created almost 50 bookmarks with notes (and I believe I could have marked more) in the borrowed audio. Originally, I was planning to flag up my print edition upon its arrival. Because there are so many bookmarks (and because I want to avoid excessive handling of the inscribed hardcover), I've now purchased the e-book edition as well, so I can search and highlight instead of flag.

Borowitz's column has long consisted of satire in the form of made-up news stories. Sadly, nothing in this book is made-up. The result is sobering, frightening, and infuriating. I've been alive for the bulk of time covered in the book, and politically aware/pretty well-informed for more than 80% of that time. Still, I learned things. The book is well-researched, thorough, and thoughtful. It is incumbent on members of our society to learn the background and development of our current sociopolitical situation if we are to avoid losing our democracy to autocracy. This work is a good (and not overly long or demanding) way to expand one's awareness and understanding. Like the author, I am hopeful.


12 September 2022

Fairy Tale, Stephen King 3.35
Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was ten, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself—and his dad. Then, when Charlie is seventeen, he meets Howard Bowditch, a recluse with a big dog in a big house at the top of a big hill. In the backyard is a locked shed from which strange sounds emerge, as if some creature is trying to escape. When Mr. Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie the house, a massive amount of gold, a cassette tape telling a story that is impossible to believe, and a responsibility far too massive for a boy to shoulder.

Because within the shed is a portal to another world—one whose denizens are in peril and whose monstrous leaders may destroy their own world, and ours. In this parallel universe, where two moons race across the sky, and the grand towers of a sprawling palace pierce the clouds, there are exiled princesses and princes who suffer horrific punishments; there are dungeons; there are games in which men and women must fight each other to the death for the amusement of the “Fair One.” And there is a magic sundial that can turn back time. [from the publisher]

I much preferred the first half (or less, maybe) of this tome—the time in Charlie's world. After that, the story became so slow and repetitive that I stopped caring altogether. The charm in the first half is in the relationships between Charlie, Mr. Bowditch, and Bowditch's dog, Radar. Watching the trust and affection grow between them was fantastic, as was Bowditch's reveal.

If you're not already a Stephen King fan, please don't start with this. If you are, I imagine you'll take what you like and leave the rest.


9 September 2022

Less Is Lost, Andrew Sean Greer 3.35
For Arthur Less, life is going surprisingly well: he is a moderately accomplished novelist in a steady relationship with his partner, Freddy Pelu. But nothing lasts: the death of an old lover and a sudden financial crisis has Less running away from his problems yet again as he accepts a series of literary gigs that send him on a zigzagging adventure across the US.

Less roves across the “Mild Mild West,” through the South and to his mid-Atlantic birthplace, with an ever-changing posse of writerly characters and his trusty duo—a human-like black pug, Dolly, and a rusty camper van nicknamed Rosina. He grows a handlebar mustache, ditches his signature gray suit, and disguises himself in the bolero-and-cowboy-hat costume of a true “Unitedstatesian” . . . with varying levels of success, as he continues to be mistaken for either a Dutchman, the wrong writer, or, worst of all, a “bad gay.”

We cannot, however, escape ourselves—even across deserts, bayous, and coastlines. From his estranged father and strained relationship with Freddy, to the reckoning he experiences in confronting his privilege, Arthur Less must eventually face his personal demons. [from the publisher]

I read the original Less in April 2018, awarding it 4 stars. My only record of my thoughts (because it was read pre-blog) was “Oddly charming!” I should probably treat myself to a reread! In any event, I was thrilled to be granted access to the advance reader audio of this sequel.

I don't remember from which character's point of view the first installment was written. In this sequel, the story is told by Less' current lover, Freddy, who isn't even present in the action until around the 80% mark.

As is typical of my preferences, I thought the best parts of the story were relationship-driven. In particular, there's a scene in which Freddy's great uncle gives life/love advice to Less; another in which we receive the wisdom of Thomas's grandma Cookie; and a particularly poignant moment in which Less uses carefully chosen words to make a point to his long-estranged father. [I am not permitted to share quotes from the ARC—they would have to be compared to the finished work.] There is some humor—which is always appreciated and enjoyed—but not hilarity.

This was a fine read—I have no qualms about recommending it. In my mind, though, it pales in comparison to its predecessor.

Thank you, NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Little, Brown & Company, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected September 20.


8 September 2022

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water, Angie Cruz 3
Write this down: Cara Romero wants to work.

Cara Romero thought she would work at the factory of little lamps for the rest of her life. But when, in her mid-50s, she loses her job in the Great Recession, she is forced back into the job market for the first time in decades. Set up with a job counselor, Cara instead begins to narrate the story of her life. Over the course of twelve sessions, Cara recounts her tempestuous love affairs, her alternately biting and loving relationships with her neighbor Lulu and her sister Angela, her struggles with debt, gentrification and loss, and, eventually, what really happened between her and her estranged son, Fernando. As Cara confronts her darkest secrets and regrets, we see a woman buffeted by life but still full of fight. [from the publisher]

The story is told almost exclusively from Cara's point of view/in her voice. That is, we're reading/listening to her side of the conversation during the dozen meetings with a job counselor required to keep her unemployment benefits. Cara is busy and easily distracted, so the sessions rarely are focused on the most important task at hand: getting a new job placement. We learn quite a bit about Cara's family, friends, and neighbors, and she exhausts herself in the telling of particularly challenging relationships and events.

I didn’t love the one-sided conversation format as many advance readers did; but it moves quickly, so there's no time for boredom. It was hard for me to invest in Cara's situation, given her scattered sessions. I warmed to her slightly at the end, when a different perspective on the session transcripts is offered.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected September 13.


7 September 2022

Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl's Mission, Estela Juarez & Lissette Norman (Illustrator) 3.66
When Estela Juarez's mom is deported to Mexico, Estela knows she has to speak up for her family. Told in Estela's own words, Until Someone Listens is a true story about a young girl finding her voice and using it to make change.

Estela’s family lives together in a happy home full of love. Or, at least, they used to… until their home was torn apart.

My mom had to go back,

to the other side of the river,

because she wasn’t born in this country.

For years her family fought and fought for permission for her to stay in the U.S. But no one listened. When Estela was eight, her mother was deported to Mexico.

Estela knew she had to do something. So she wrote letters: to local newspapers, Congress, the President, and anyone else who could help. She wrote and wrote and wrote until, finally . . . someone listened.

In this heart wrenching, autobiographical story, Estela Juarez's letters take her from the local news all the way to the national stage, where she discovers the power in her words and pledges to keep using her voice until her family—and others like hers— are together again. [from the publisher]

The body of this children's book tells the story of the young author/narrator's warm and loving family that is ripped apart when her Mexican-born mother is deported, leaving her US Marine father, Estela, and her older sister in their Florida home, without recourse. The author talks about her mom's hopes, dreams, and work. The language is richly descriptive.

The extensive author's note gives more details, including a timeline (under three presidents: Obama, Trump, and Biden) and the ways in which Estela and her family have tried to make change for families like their own.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected September 13.


6 September 2022

The Kaiju Preservation Society, John Scalzi 3.5
When COVID-19 sweeps through New York City, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls “an animal rights organization.” Tom's team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on.

What Tom doesn't tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at least. In an alternate dimension, massive dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm and human-free world. They're the universe's largest and most dangerous panda and they're in trouble.

It's not just the Kaiju Preservation Society that's found its way to the alternate world. Others have, too—and their carelessness could cause millions back on our Earth to die. [from the publisher]

I always enjoy Scalzi, and usually enjoy narration by Wil Wheaton. This book is especially silly . . . even sillier than the silliest of Scalzi's work that I've read previously (which is not to say that all of his work is silly). This story was meant to be especially lighthearted, per the author's note (which you should read, most definitely), and it was just what the doctor ordered. I have nothing specific to offer beyond the premise in the publisher's description. If you need a light sci-fi romp, this could be the ticket.

5 September 2022

One Thursday Afternoon, Barbara DiLorenzo 4.66
When Granddad picks Ava up from school one Thursday afternoon, she's quiet. She doesn't want to talk about the lockdown drill that has stirred up her worries. How can she be so afraid in a place that has always felt so safe?

Granddad doesn’t talk much either; he just offers creativity and companionship. And with his gentle encouragement, Ava begins to sense that although the world can be scary, it is still a beautiful place.

With tender insight, One Thursday Afternoon sheds light on how an unpredictable world can make a child feel, reminding us that big fears can become smaller when we take time together to look, listen, and create. An author’s note about the story’s real-life inspiration and recommendations for how adults can help children overcome fear is included. [from the publisher]

This children's book about feelings after a lockdown drill is practically perfect in every way. Ava's Granddad supports her most magnificently, allowing her space for her thoughts, encouragement to use all her senses in a natural environment, and listening to her without judgment or invalidation. The author also illustrated the book, with gorgeous, expressive, warm art. Don't miss the author/illustrator's note at the end, sharing the inspiration for the story and tips for all ages for managing feelings of fear and anxiety.

Thank you, NetGalley and Flyaway Books, for the eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected September 6.


4 September 2022

Other Birds, Sarah Addison Allen 3.5
Right off the coast of South Carolina, on Mallow Island, The Dellawisp sits—a stunning old cobblestone building shaped like a horseshoe, and named after the tiny turquoise birds who, alongside its human tenants, inhabit an air of magical secrecy.

When Zoey comes to claim her deceased mother’s apartment at the Dellawisp she meets her quirky and secretive neighbors, including a young woman with a past, two estranged middle-aged sisters, and a lonely chef, and three ghosts. The sudden death of one of Zoey's new neighbors sets off a search that leads to the island's famous author and to a long-estranged relative of the sisters.

Each of them has a story, and each story has an ending which hasn't yet been written. [from the publisher]

Other Birds was a perfectly pleasant—but not extraordinary—read. The relationships between new neighbors Zoe, Charlotte, and Mac were lovely.

The author truly surprised me with one identity, earning major bonus points! However, there was another that I guessed so early on that she bungled by awkwardly pretending wasn't a thing and then equally awkwardly admitting it was at the very last minute. A third identity reveal was anticlimactic. When you've read it, let's compare identity reveal notes.

Favorite quote: “He [Mac] hilariously rated their ketchup packets according to ease of opening.” [Chapter 21]


2 September 2022

Thank You for Listening, Julia Whelan 3.5
For Sewanee Chester, being an audiobook narrator is a long way from her old dreams, but the days of being a star on film sets are long behind her. She's found success and satisfaction from the inside of a sound booth and it allows her to care for her beloved, ailing grandmother. When she arrives in Las Vegas last-minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger.

On her return home, Sewanee discovers one of the world's most beloved romance novelists wanted her to perform her last book—with Brock McNight, the industry's hottest, most secretive voice. Sewanee doesn't buy what romance novels are selling—not after her own dreams were tragically cut short—and she stopped narrating them years ago. But her admiration of the late author, and the opportunity to get her grandmother more help, makes her decision for her.

As Sewanee begins work on the book, resurrecting her old romance pseudonym, she and Brock forge a real connection, hidden behind the comfort of anonymity. Soon, she is dreaming again, but secrets are revealed, and the realities of life come crashing down around her once more.

If she can learn to risk everything for desires she has long buried, she will discover a world of intimacy and acceptance she never believed would be hers. [from the publisher]

Thank You for Listening is quite funny from the start. That goes a long way to improving my enjoyment of a book in a genre I usually dislike (in this case romance, but also applicable to historical fiction).

Seeing the twist coming from miles away didn't detract overall. Parts where Swan was feeling sorry for herself/closing herself off from others, along with the sex scenes (coming across more as perfunctory than sexy), did detract somewhat.

The book is relationship-heavy—a pro, in my mind—including good relationships between Swan and her best friend, colleague(s), mother and her partner, Blah-Blah (beloved grandmother), and author/mentor (now dead).

Whelan is an award-winning audiobook narrator of over 500 titles, and one of my favorites. Of course, she narrates her own books. I liked this better than her debut, My Oxford Year, also fiction.


1 September 2022

Carrie Soto Is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid 3
Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular. But by the time she retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Grand Slam titles. And if you ask Carrie, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father, Javier, as her coach. A former champion himself, Javier has trained her since the age of two.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stands of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning player named Nicki Chan.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked “the Battle-Axe” anyway. Even if her body doesn’t move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever.

In spite of it all, Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells her most vulnerable, emotional story yet. [from the publisher]

Carrie's comeback starts almost a quarter into the book. Throughout, Reid writes the same things over and over, until eventually something is ever-so-slightly different. I liked Javier (dad), Bowe (love interest), and Gwen (agent) more than Carrie, generally. As for the book overall, I liked it considerably less than Malibu Rising, but definitely more than Daisy Jones and the Six (though I'm rating it the same—I just can't see bumping it a notch higher than 3; I'm also not going to go back to change my Daisy Jones rating).

Favorite quote: “One of the great injustices of this rigged world we live in is that women are considered to be depleting with age, and men are somehow deepening.” [Mid November: Two Months until Melbourne]


31 August 2022

August reading recap: 15 books finished (2 bailed)

4-star reads

  • The Valkyrie's Daughter, Tiana Warner
  • Flying Solo, Linda Holmes
  • Ada Twist, Scientist: Ghost Busted,Gabrielle Meyer (4.5)

honorable mention (3.5 or 3.66)

  • A Killing in Costumes, Zac Bissonnette (3.66)
  • The Couple at Number 9, Claire Douglas (3.66)
  • Bicycling with Butterflies, Sara Dykman (3.5)
  • The Verifiers, Jane Pek (3.5)

30 August 2022

Election, Tom Perrotta 3
A suburban New Jersey high school teacher confronts a student-body election gone haywire in this darkly comic novel by the author of The Wishbones. Who really cares who gets elected President of Winwood High School? Nobody—except Tracy Flick. Tracy's one of those students of boundless energy and ambition who somehow finds the time to do everything—edit the school paper, star in the musical, sleep with her favorite teacher. Her heart is set on becoming President of Winwood, and what Tracy wants, Tracy gets. With weeks to go before election day, her victory is nearly a foregone conclusion.

And that's just the problem, according to Mr. M—a.k.a. Jim McAllister, faculty, advisor to the Student Government Association and a popular Winwood history teacher. In the name of democracy—not to mention a simmering grudge against Tracy Flick—Mr. M recruits the perfect opposition candidate. Paul Warren is a golden boy, a football hero with a brain and a heart, eager to bulk up his meager resume.

As Winwood High experiences election fever, Mr. M is distracted by a sudden attraction to his wife's best friend. The two dramas he has created—one personal and private, the other public and political—unfurl simultaneously, with all the players sharing in a life-altering conclusion.

Part satire, part soap opera, Election is an uncommon look at an ordinary American high school, and the extraordinary people who inhabit it. [from the publisher]

Reading this precursor to Tracy Flick Can't Win didn't have the expected results. If memory serves (not at all guaranteed) I enjoyed the movie Election more than the book. That's almost unheard-of! A rewatch of the movie is still on the list.

The characters have strong personalities. I will reluctantly accept a degree of bad behavior from the teenage characters, I suppose; but the number of adult characters off the rails was unfortunate (to put it mildly). The story is soap opera–ish.

It's altogether possible that I just don't have patience for this story at this time, with bad behavior among adults in our society running rampant. What are satirists to do when reality is so outrageous? In any event, I need a break from the daily grind when it comes to my reading entertainment.


28 August 2022

The Verifiers, Jane Pek 3.5
Claudia Lin is used to disregarding her fractious family’s model-minority expectations: she has no interest in finding either a conventional career or a nice Chinese boy. She’s also used to keeping secrets from them, such as that she prefers girls—and that she's just been stealth-recruited by Veracity, a referrals-only online-dating detective agency.

A lifelong mystery reader who wrote her senior thesis on Jane Austen, Claudia believes she's landed her ideal job. But when a client goes missing, Claudia breaks protocol to investigate—and uncovers a maelstrom of personal and corporate deceit. Part literary mystery, part family story, The Verifiers is a clever and incisive examination of how technology shapes our choices, and the nature of romantic love in the digital age. [from the publisher]

I liked the mystery and tension, especially in the beginning. Even though the plot may be silly and pointless, I found the book fun overall. If you're looking for an entertaining mystery/family drama combination, this could fit the bill.

In Chapter IX, Claudia notes, “. . . I hate being told what to do.” I'm with you, Claudia! I was amused by Claudia's mom's “two out of three” eventual compromise in terms of Claudia finding a nice Chinese boy.


26 August 2022

Husband Material (London Calling #2), Alexis Hall 2.66
In Boyfriend Material, Luc and Oliver met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disappointment and family and friends . . . and somehow figured out a way to make it work. Now it seems like everyone around them is getting married, and Luc’s feeling the social pressure to propose. But it’ll take more than four weddings, a funeral, and a bowl full of special curry to get these two from I don’t know what I’m doing to I do. [from the publisher]
I wasn't a superfan of the first installment, so I'm not exactly sure what I expected out of Husband Material. The story is slow, repetitive, stereotypical, and overly long. I think I liked the ending, but maybe I was just relieved it was finally over. This series is not for me, but might be for you.

23 August 2022

Bicycling with Butterflies, Sara Dykman 3.5
Sara Dykman made history when she became the first person to bicycle alongside monarch butterflies on their storied annual migration—a round-trip adventure that included three countries and more than 10,000 miles. Equally remarkable, she did it solo, on a bike cobbled together from used parts. Her panniers were recycled buckets.

In Bicycling with Butterflies, Dykman recounts her incredible journey and the dramatic ups and downs of the nearly nine-month odyssey. We’re beside her as she navigates unmapped roads in foreign countries, checks roadside milkweed for monarch eggs, and shares her passion with eager schoolchildren, skeptical bar patrons, and unimpressed border officials. We also meet some of the ardent monarch stewards who supported her efforts, from citizen scientists and researchers to farmers and high-rise city dwellers.

With both humor and humility, Dykman offers a compelling story, confirming the urgency of saving the threatened monarch migration—and the other threatened systems of nature that affect the survival of us all. [from the publisher]

Bicycling with Butterflies was suggested by one of our League of Women Voters chapter book club members. A friend of hers is a monarch butterfly expert who offered to present to our group and moderate discussion. I never would have chosen this title on my own, but enjoyed it much more than I expected.

The book starts out beautifully—descriptive and warm. During the course of the book, Dykman offers educational tidbits and political & social commentary. I think she could have included more of both. I especially liked her interactions with kids, both in the classroom and in the community. Some sections seemed unnecessary, not adding to the otherwise excellent narrative. Very occasionally, the tone became somewhat whiny.

I had an incredible number of bookmarks and notes in my borrowed audio edition that I was planning to transfer to/review in the hardcover edition I had waiting at home (I was out of town). Enter the Great Libby Crisis of August 2022, in which the app deleted all of my reading progress and bookmarks/notes for three books. So, I have no lasting record of passages that struck me—crushing! Still, I greatly enjoyed the presentation and book club discussion.


20 August 2022

The Extraordinaries, T.J. Klune 3
Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right?

After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life). [from the publisher]

I found The Extraordinaries much less satisfying than either of the other two Klune books I've read so far. It was too slow to start, and Nick's efforts to become an Extraordinary are ridiculous—for example, wanting to microwave a grasshopper in hopes of making it radioactive so it could bite him.

The book got funnier as it went along, sometimes eliciting audible laughs. In addition to being funny, pros include representation (LGBTQ, Black), intergenerational cooperation, and friendships.

Content warnings include death of parents; violence, including risk to/deaths of bystanders. Depictions of sex mostly consisted of kissing and handholding, though there were some suggestions of more, including in epilogue.


18 August 2022

My Imaginary Mary, Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows 2.5
Mary may have inherited the brilliant mind of her late mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, but she lives a drab life above her father’s bookstore, waiting for an extraordinary idea that’ll inspire a work worthy of her parentage—and impress her rakishly handsome (and super-secret) beau, Percy Shelley.

Ada Lovelace knows a thing or two about superstar parents, what with her dad being Lord Byron, the most famous poet on Earth. But her passions lie far beyond the arts—in mechanical engineering, to be exact. Alas, no matter how precise Ada’s calculations, there’s always a man willing to claim her ingenious ideas as his own.

Pan, a.k.a. Practical Automaton Number One, is Ada's greatest idea yet: a machine that will change the world, if only she can figure out how to make him truly autonomous . . . or how to make him work at all.

When fate connects our two masterminds, Mary and Ada learn that they are fae—magical people with the ability to make whatever they imagine become real. But when their dream team results in a living, breathing, thinking PAN, Mary and Ada find themselves hunted by a mad scientist who won't stop until he finds out how they made a real boy out of spare parts. [from the publisher]

I occasionally make an exception to my usual personal ban on reading historical fiction for books like this one in which the history is combined with fantasy/science fiction/retelling in an utterly over-the-top way. It's not even trying to be accurate. This installment started out as a feminist romp (as does its series mates), and dropped a few zingers during the story. Unfortunately, the book is so overly long that the good parts get overwhelmed by the long, tedious parts. The book could have been so much better at half the length.

I absolutely hated the main villain and the Italian accent (at least that's what I think it was supposed to be) the narrator used for him. I liked Ada's mathematical/scientific brain, as well as the friendship between Mary and Ada and between both of them and Pan.

I truly enjoyed My Lady Jane by the same authors, but haven't found the same sparkle in the two Mary series books I've read. I may be done.


15 August 2022

My Government Means to Kill Me, Rasheed Newson 1.35
Born into a wealthy Black Indianapolis family, Earl “Trey” Singleton III leaves his overbearing parents and their expectations behind by running away to New York City with only a few dollars in his pocket. In the city, Trey meets up with a cast of characters that changes his life forever. He volunteers at a renegade home hospice for AIDS patients, and after being put to the test by gay rights activists, becomes a member of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP). Along the way Trey attempts to navigate past traumas and searches for ways to maintain familial relationships—all while seeking the meaning of life amid so much death.

Vibrant, humorous, and fraught with entanglements, Rasheed Newson’s My Government Means to Kill Me is an exhilarating, fast-paced coming-of-age story that lends itself to a larger discussion about what it means for a young gay Black man in the mid-1980s to come to terms with his role in the midst of a political and social reckoning. [from the publisher]

There are several content warnings applicable to My Government Means to Kill Me, but one is so prevalent that it's the only one I'm going to mention, and it is the primary reason I disliked the book. The vast majority of the narrative is sexually graphic, and the sex is often violent and occasionally anonymous.

This book serves as a perfect example of why, generally, I'm not a fan of historical fiction: neither the fiction nor the history is well-served. I read a lot of politics, social justice, history, and LGBTQ (primarily fiction, but also nonfiction). In this case, I would have been much more satisfied by reading a historical account of the AIDS crisis (along with race relations and general LGBTQ issues). Here, the significant factual narrative was completely overshadowed by the sexual exploits of the fictional characters. It's like the history was an afterthought. After reading a well-done nonfiction account of the topics, I would also, possibly, be happy to read a purely fictional story about the main character, Trey, if it weren't so sexually explicit. That is, every little detail of the many sexual encounters of several characters is not interesting to me. I don't think it advances the characters' stories. Describe to me how the characters feel and what they're thinking. Make me care. Don't just catalog their sexual positions and acts.

Contrary to the publisher's assertion that the book is “an exhilarating, fast-paced coming-of-age story,” I felt like every minute of the book was a trudge. This is an especially startling disconnect in a book that is relatively short (fewer than 300 pages).

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 23.


14 August 2022

Ada Twist, Scientist: Ghost Busted, Gabrielle Meyer 4.5
Ada, Iggy, and Rosie are ready for their sleepover, but Iggy warns them of the haunted basement. The Questioneers must investigate using science, bravery, and teamwork. [from the publisher]
This fun Halloween story is narrated by the marvelous Bahni Turpin.

Iggy thinks there's a ghost in his dad's basement. He and his friends Ada and Rosie work together, using the scientific method, to determine whether he's right.

I especially like the spirit of cooperation between the friends, the fact that the friends are diverse in gender and race, the presence of a supportive adult, and the use of science.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 23.


13 August 2022

The Family Remains (The Family Upstairs #2), Lisa Jewell 2.35
Early one morning on the shore of the Thames, DCI Samuel Owusu is called to the scene of a gruesome discovery. When Owusu sends the evidence for examination, he learns the bones are connected to a cold case that left three people dead on the kitchen floor in a Chelsea mansion thirty years ago.

Rachel Rimmer has also received a shock—news that her husband, Michael, has been found dead in the cellar of his house in France. All signs point to an intruder, and the French police need her to come urgently to answer questions about Michael and his past that she very much doesn’t want to answer.

After fleeing London thirty years ago in the wake of a horrific tragedy, Lucy Lamb is finally coming home. While she settles in with her children and is just about to purchase their first-ever house, her brother takes off to find the boy from their shared past whose memory haunts their present.

As they all race to discover answers to these convoluted mysteries, they will come to find that they’re connected in ways they could have never imagined. [from the publisher]

This is being billed by some as a standalone sequel—I don't think that's accurate.

It was long enough ago that I read the first book—The Family Upstairs, which I awarded, albeit without certainty, 4 stars in November 2019—that, while I remembered a surprising amount, I had a hard time keeping track of the adult returning characters in this book and correlating them to the children they were in the first book.

The domestic abuse and rape perpetrated by Michael on Rachel was gratuitous and diminished the book greatly. Of course, I always think this—rape and physical abuse shouldn't be used as entertainment fodder. [Yes, I see that murder mysteries being my favorite genre might produce some confusion in this regard. Let me assure you that I also recognize that murder is wrong and is not entertainment. What I like about mysteries is the problem solving . . . not the murders. Too, the murders aren't typically described graphically, while rape and other forms of physical violence typically are described quite explicitly.]

The timeline flipping around was a bit confusing and entirely unnecessary.

I don't know what this book added. I thought about bailing on it more than once, hence my below-average rating. The first book was good. If the premise of either book appeals to you, I'd recommend that you read the first book and skip this one.


11 August 2022

Bookish People, Susan Coll 3
Independent bookstore owner Sophie Bernstein is burned out on books. Mourning the death of her husband, the loss of her favorite manager, her only child’s lack of aspiration, and the grim state of the world, she fantasizes about going into hiding in the secret back room of her store.

Meanwhile, renowned poet Raymond Chaucer has published a new collection, and rumors that he’s to blame for his wife’s suicide have led to national cancellations of his publicity tour. He intends to set the record straight—with an ultra-fine-point Sharpie—but only one shop still plans to host him: Sophie’s.

Fearful of potential repercussions from angry customers, Sophie asks Clemi—bookstore events coordinator, aspiring novelist, and daughter of a famed literary agent—to cancel Raymond’s appearance. But Clemi suspects Raymond might be her biological father, and she can’t say no to the chance of finding out for sure.

This big-hearted screwball comedy features an intergenerational cast of oblivious authors and over-qualified booksellers—as well as a Russian tortoise named Kurt Vonnegut Jr.—and captures the endearing quirks of some of the best kinds of people: the ones who love good books. [from the publisher]

I found Bookish People slow and dismal, though that's how life is for a lot of people now—the world and, especially, American society aren't healthy. So, I won't discourage any of my fellow bookish people from reading this . . . I just wanted to warn you that it's not the warm, comforting book you might expect or seek. It definitely reflects current affairs.

I felt this to my core:

Why does everyone think they need to write a book? Why is reading not a sufficient occupation? [Chapter 4]

Throughout the book, Autumn T’s email updates (end of day report) to the rest of the store's staff are, generally, mildly amusing.


9 August 2022

Twice as Perfect, Louisa Onomé 2.66
The only things worth doing are those that will lead to success.

For seventeen-year-old Adanna Nkwachi, life is all about duty: to school and the debate team, to her Nigerian parents, and even to her cousin Genny as Ada helps prepare Genny’s wedding to Afrobeats superstar Skeleboy (“Skeleboy me, Skeleboy this money, everything na Skeleboy . . . that Skeleboy!”). Because ever since her older brother, Sam, had a fight with their parents a few years ago and disappeared, somebody has to fill the void he left behind. Ada may never know what caused Sam to leave home, but the one thing she’s certain of is that it’s on her to make sure her parents’ sacrifices aren’t in vain.

One day, chance brings the siblings back together. Although she fears how their parents will react if they find out she and Sam are back in touch, Ada’s determined to get answers about the night Sam left—Sam, who was supposed to be an engineer but is now, what, a poet? The more she learns about Sam’s poetry, the more Ada begins to wonder if maybe her own happiness is just as important as doing what’s expected of her. Amid parental pressure, anxiety over the debate competition, a complicated love life, and the Nigerian wedding-to-end-all-weddings, can Ada learn, just this once, to put herself first? [from the publisher]

This is a pretty typical coming-of-age story, with the bonus of being from the viewpoint of a relatively recent immigrant family/family of color. Overall, it was OK, but not particularly special.

I liked the Nigerian voices in the audio edition.


7 August 2022

The Couple at Number 9, Claire Douglas 3.66
The Victims . . .

When pregnant Saffron Cutler moves into 9 Skelton Place with boyfriend Tom and sets about renovations, the last thing she expects is builders uncovering human remains. The remains of two bodies, in fact.

The Investigation . . .

Forensics indicate the bodies have been buried at least thirty years. Saffy has nothing to worry about—until the police launch a murder inquiry and ask to speak to the cottage's former owner. Her grandmother, Rose.

The Witness . . .

Rose is in a nursing home and Alzheimer's means her memory is increasingly confused. She can't help the police, but it's clear she remembers something.

The Killer . . .

As Rose's fragmented memories resurface, and the police dig ever deeper, Saffy fears she and the cottage are being watched.

The Truth . . .

What happened thirty years ago? Why did no one miss the victims? What part did her grandmother play? And is Saffy now in danger? [from the publisher]

Does the titular couple refer to Saffy and Tom (the new residents of the cottage) or the “residents” of the back yard?

I predicted a big piece fairly early (definitely before 45%), but still didn't know the identity of one of the buried bodies until later. The end was anticlimactic given my early prediction. Still, I'm rating this highly—and will recommend it—because it kept me entertained.


4 August 2022

Flying Solo, Linda Holmes 4
Smarting from her recently cancelled wedding and about to turn forty, Laurie Sassalyn returns to her Maine hometown of Calcasset to handle the estate of her great-aunt Dot, a spirited adventurer who lived to be ninety. Along with boxes of Polaroids and pottery, a mysterious wooden duck shows up at the bottom of a cedar chest. Laurie's curiosity is piqued, especially after she finds a love letter to the never-married Dot that ends with the line, “And anyway, if you're ever desperate, there are always ducks, darling.”

Laurie is told that the duck has no financial value. But after it disappears under suspicious circumstances, she feels compelled to figure out why anyone would steal a wooden duck—and why Dot kept it hidden away in the first place. Suddenly Laurie finds herself swept up in a righteous caper that has her negotiating with antiques dealers and con artists, going on after-hours dates at the local library, and reconnecting with her oldest friend and first love. Desperate to uncover her great-aunt's secrets, Laurie must reckon with her past, her future, and ultimately embrace her own vision of flying solo. [from the publisher]

This is the second Linda Holmes book I've read. It's full of close relationships, humor, mystery, sassy old ladies, and includes a hot librarian. Laurie is aware of what she needs in order to live a happy and fulfilled life, and is unapologetic about having created it for herself. [Some readers didn't take kindly to Laurie's protectiveness of her personal space and time. I'm guessing these people are extroverts without a shred of understanding of the critical recharging needs of introverts. If this is a part of the story that confuses or irritates you, too, let's have a chat. I'll help you understand why the way Laurie is written makes complete sense and is not a bad thing.]

It's refreshing—and all too rare, it seems—to read a book where several of the characters (both Laurie at almost-40 and supporting characters in the two generations before her) are mature in terms of both age and behavior, but also funny, vibrant, strong, smart, sexy, and a host of other positive characteristics.


2 August 2022

The Valkyrie's Daughter, Tiana Warner 4
From the time she was born, Sigrid has only ever been ordinary. Being paired at birth with a plain horse―instead of the powerful winged mare of a valkyrie―meant there would be no warrior path for her. No riding the skies, no glory among the nine worlds. Just the simple, unremarkable life of a stable hand.

Everything changes when a terrible enemy ambushes Vanaheim and Sigrid sees a vision of herself atop a mythical stallion, leading the valkyries into a harrowing battle. Finally, she can grab her future with her own two hands and become the hero of her own story . . . if she dares.

But her destiny is tied up with Mariam, a fallen valkyrie who’s allied herself with the very enemy Sigrid is trying to stop.

Now Sigrid has left ordinary behind as she begins a journey with the beautiful―if treacherous―valkyrie, each step bringing her closer to answers . . . and to awakened feelings for Mariam.

Only, the life Sigrid has escaped may have been paradise compared to the one she’s racing toward. Because her destination is the realm of the dead: the gates of Hel. [from the publisher]

The Valkyrie's Daughter—a YA LGBTQ fantasy—is action-packed and exciting. Main character Sigrid is inexperienced and surprisingly naïve, given her life circumstances, but recognizes right, compassion, and loyalty. Unlikely friends band and stick together.

1 August 2022

A Killing in Costumes, Zac Bissonnette 3.66
Jay Allan and Cindy Cooper were soap-opera stars in the late 90s, a wholesome young husband-and-wife duo who combined musical talent with humor and charisma. When the truth about their sexual orientations came to light, their marriage and TV careers ended, but decades later they have remained friends. Together, they open Palm Springs’ chicest movie memorabilia store, Hooray for Hollywood, but no customers and dwindling finances spell trouble.

A Hail Mary arrives in the form of Yana Tosh, a ninety-year-old diva of the silver screen who has amassed a valuable collection of costumes and props and is looking to sell. But first, Jay and Cindy have to beat their competition, a vice president from a mega-auction house with ten times their resources. And when he winds up dead, they become prime suspects in the murder.

With their freedom and livelihoods on the line, Jay and Cindy desperately need to clear their names. There are plenty of other potential suspects, but they'll have to solve it soon before they're forced to trade in their vintage costume collection for two orange jumpsuits. [from the publisher]

I liked A Killing in Costumes much more than most cozies—so much so, in fact, that I've already mentioned it to three friends. The multigenerational (Yana's and Cindy's/Jay's/mine) movie & TV references were fun. The ending—including culprit revelation—was satisfying. The story was a good mix of humor, relationships, cleverness, and light mystery.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 9.


31 July 2022

July reading recap: 18 books finished (8 bailed)

4-star reads

  • The Bodyguard, Katherine Center
  • Finding My Voice, Valerie Jarrett
  • Upgrade, Blake Crouch
  • The Decomposition of Jack, Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

honorable mention (3.5)

  • The Law of Innocence (Mickey Haller #6), Michael Connelly
  • Race and Reckoning, Ellis Cose

30 July 2022

Once Upon a Quinceañera, Monica Gomez-Hira 2.66
Carmen Aguilar just wants to make her happily ever after come true. Except apparently “happily ever after” for Carmen involves being stuck in an unpaid summer internship! All she has to do is perform! In a ball gown! During the summer. In Miami.

Fine. Except that Carmen’s company is hired for her spoiled cousin Ariana’s over the top quinceañera.

And of course, her new dance partner at work is none other than Mauro Reyes, Carmen’s most deeply regrettable ex.

If Carmen is going to move into the future she wants, she needs to leave the past behind. And if she can manage dancing in the blistering heat, fending off Mauro’s texts, and stopping Ariana from ruining her own quinceañera Carmen might just get that happily ever after after all. [from the publisher]

The book started out sharp and snarky, but deteriorated as it went on . . . and on . . . and on. I'm estimating that a good 100-or-so pages could have been edited out to make it significantly better.

This is the third YA rom-com I read over the course of less than two weeks, and it's the only one in which sex is part of the equation. As the main character has reached the age of majority (in story time—not when she became sexually active), this is not really an issue. However, the sex scene didn't add anything to the story. Though that's not the only factor, this did contribute to the fact that I rated this book lowest of the three.

I didn't find most of the characters particularly appealing. If over-the-top family drama is fun for you, you might enjoy it more.


29 July 2022

The Suitcase Clone, Robin Sloan 3
James Bascule is adrift. College beckons—but not quite strongly enough to actually get him to campus. A trip to Europe showed him a world bigger than his Northern California upbringing—and yet, one broken heart later, Northern California is where he’s returned. Back to his old bedroom, paying his bemused parents rent with his new hobby, baking bread with the sourdough starter that is his only souvenir of what was apparently just a summer fling.

The future is being built an hour or two down the highway—it’s 1985; the twenty-first century is just around the corner!—but that’s not his world, either. While sitting in a Sonoma County bar, indulging in a little aimless day-drinking with a junior college acquaintance, he meets a man. A man with . . . something like a plan. Has James ever heard of a “suitcase clone”? It’s a cutting of a vine used to clone and propagate noteworthy grapes—say, from a legendary European vineyard to an upstart Napa Valley operation. This man has an operation. He has a suitcase. He just needs an enterprising young accomplice up for an adventure.

Just how deliriously fun and thrillingly mind-expanding an adventure, James can’t yet know. But we, of course, know how Robin Sloan crafts a story. Crossing the international literary-techno-conspiracy of Mr. Penumbra with the delicious experimentation of Sourdough, The Suitcase Clone is a tale that enriches and expands the Penumbraverse in ways you never saw coming, told by a mysterious narrator with an unexpected perspective on the great puzzles of life. Who could it be? [from the publisher]

I don't exactly agree with the publisher's assertion that this is “the story that definitively bridges the world of Sourdough to that of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore.” This novelette [longer than a short story; shorter than a novella] tends closer to Sourdough, I think. Like that novel, which I read in 2018, I'm rating this piece a perfectly respectable but not mind-blowing 3 stars. I rated Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore 4.5 stars when I read it in 2014. I'm trying to decide whether I dare reread Penumbra. Will it hold up for me? [It didn't for one of my bookish friends.] Maybe I should reread Sourdough again, as well—I remember liking it more than my “I'm not mad I read it, but I'm not going to rave about it either” rating would indicate. I even bought a hardcover copy of it somewhere along the way.

Regardless, if you're a Sloan fan, you should definitely read The Suitcase Clone. Even if you aren't a generally a short story (or slightly longer short story) fan—as I generally am not—this piece is plenty entertaining and certainly a quick read. There's a surprising level of intrigue and adventure for such a short piece.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio (for their production from Farrar, Straus and Giroux), for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 2.


28 July 2022

From the Jump, Lacie Waldon 3
Liv Bakersfield is used to living her life in “shoulds.” Be fit. Be financially responsible. Be your best self. An overworked graphic designer, she’s stretched so thin that she’s about to miss yet another vacation with her beloved group of college friends. But when Liv finally decides to start saying no, it feels good . . . good enough to leap straight into quitting her job and hopping on a plane to join them in South Africa.

Amid the exotic landscape and unforgettable sights, Liv expects sun and safari animals and an easy time with her best friends. But such close proximity makes everything more complicated, especially with the emotionally unavailable Lucas Deiss. Their friendship is the only thing in her life that's still solid, and she vows to do anything she can to keep the group together. But once they get back to L.A., Liv discovers that her leap of faith has become a freefall, sending her crashing into Deiss's arms. With the trust of the people she loves most on the line, Liv must decide between doing what she should . . . and risking everything for what she shouldn’t want. [from the publisher]

Liv is mostly annoying—too reliant on the advice of self-help writers and oblivious to most everything in real life. Most of the friends are pretty jerky and self-centered. Deiss (sounds like “dice”) is the most appealing character, overall, among them. Liv's cat names—Cat Stevens and Fluff Daddy—are cute.

A major disaster is discovered toward the end of Liv's impromptu South African trip (slightly shy of the halfway point) that is ridiculously implausible, but sets the stage for the rest of the story. Not to worry—I don't think I'll be spoiling anything when I tell you that everyone lives happily ever after.

Befitting a rom-com (vs. a hardcore romance), sex is minimal and not terribly graphic.


26 July 2022

Tracy Flick Can't Win, Tom Perrotta 3
Tracy Flick is a hardworking assistant principal at a public high school in suburban New Jersey. Still ambitious but feeling a little stuck and underappreciated in midlife, Tracy gets a jolt of good news when the longtime principal, Jack Weede, abruptly announces his retirement, creating a rare opportunity for Tracy to ascend to the top job.

Energized by the prospect of her long-overdue promotion, Tracy throws herself into her work with renewed zeal, determined to prove her worth to the students, faculty, and School Board, while also managing her personal life—a ten-year-old daughter, a needy doctor boyfriend, and a burgeoning meditation practice. But nothing ever comes easily to Tracy Flick, no matter how diligent or qualified she happens to be.

Among her many other responsibilities, Tracy is enlisted to serve on the Selection Committee for the brand-new Green Meadow High School Hall of Fame. Her male colleagues’ determination to honor Vito Falcone—a star quarterback of dubious character who had a brief, undistinguished career in the NFL—triggers bad memories for Tracy, and leads her to troubling reflections about the trajectory of her own life and the forces that have left her feeling thwarted and disappointed, unable to fulfill her true potential.

As she broods on the past, Tracy becomes aware of storm clouds brewing in the present. Is she really a shoo-in for the Principal job? Is the Superintendent plotting against her? Why is the School Board President’s wife trying so hard to be her friend? And why can’t she ever get what she deserves? [from the publisher]

I didn't enjoy this sequel as much as I remember enjoying the movie adaptation of Election, which has been on my rewatch list for quite a while—maybe I'll read it, while I'm at it. The sequel suffers from being told from too many perspectives. I was most engaged by the Tracy sections. The ending was abrupt and disappointing.

25 July 2022

California Fever, John J. Jacobson 3
SoCal surfer Dolphin Smoote just wanted to earn quick dough for a date with the brown-eyed beauty . . . what he got was G-men (and G-women), ghosts, and a Colt 45.

John Jacobson’s California Fever is the compelling fusion of mystery, crime, and Southern California beach charm. Top surfer Dolphin Smoote gets more than he bargains for when he works up the nerve to ask out the brown-eyed beauty on a date. The search of quick coin without having to work will always lead a surfer to precarious places, and Dolphin is no exception. With the help of his lovable surfer crew who often have more to say about stylishness than anything else, Dolphin finds himself between conmen, ghosts, an impending storm from the coast of Mexico . . . and still no money for a second date. Along the ride, Dolphin finds in himself capacity for storytelling that would make P. G. Wodehouse himself chortle with laughter. [from the publisher]

California Fever is light on mystery—even for a cozy—and heavy on silly antics and team play. Dolphin's crime-writer Aunt Clemmie steals the show, though she gets limited attention. The audio edition is narrated by Grover Gardner, who is prolific and well-respected, albeit not a particular favorite of mine. If you need a light read—a break from heavy-duty mysteries, thrillers, politics, and current affairs—this may be a good beach read for you. I don't regret reading it—it was a fine brain-break.

Thank you, NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 2.


24 July 2022

Three Girls from Bronzeville, Dawn Turner 2.35
They were three Black girls. Dawn, tall and studious; her sister, Kim, younger by three years and headstrong; and her best friend, Debra, already prom-queen pretty by third grade. They bonded as they roamed the concrete landscape of Bronzeville, a historic neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, the destination of hundreds of thousands of Black folks who fled the ravages of the Jim Crow South.

These third-generation daughters of the Great Migration come of age in the 1970s, in the warm glow of the recent civil rights movement. It has offered them a promise that they will have more opportunities, rights, and freedoms than any generation of Black Americans in history. But the girls have much more immediate concerns: hiding under the dining room table and eavesdropping on grown folks’ business; collecting secret treasures; and daydreaming about their futures. And then fate intervenes, sending them careening in wildly different directions. There’s heartbreak, loss, displacement, and even murder.

Three Girls from Bronzeville is a memoir that chronicles Dawn’s attempt to find answers. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, a testimony to the unique struggles of Black women, and a tour-de-force about the complex interplay of race, class, and opportunity, and how those forces shape our lives and our capacity for resilience and redemption. [from the publisher]

Dawn Turner is an award-winning journalist and novelist. A former columnist and reporter for the Chicago Tribune, Turner spent a decade and a half writing about race, politics, and people whose stories are often dismissed and ignored. Turner, who served as a 2017 and 2018 juror for the Pulitzer Prize in commentary, has written commentary for The Washington Post, PBS NewsHour, CBS Sunday Morning News show, NPR’s Morning Edition show, the Chicago Tonight show, and elsewhere. She has covered national presidential conventions, as well as Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential election and inauguration. Turner has been a regular commentator for several national and international news programs, and has reported from around the world in countries such as Australia, China, France, and Ghana. [from the author's page on publisher website]
While the author is tremendously accomplished in her career as a journalist, using the “show, don't tell” rule in writing this book would have produced a far better work. It felt longer than its 336 pages, and wasn't nearly as engaging or impactful as (the much shorter, and fictional) Last Summer on State Street, which packed an incredible punch in its 224 pages. In fact, I seriously considered bailing on Three Girls from Bronzeville starting before the halfway mark and continuing through the end. [There comes a point, obviously, when one might as well just finish.]

The book absolutely makes some important sociopolitical points, but does so almost casually or in passing. I felt like the lessons got lost in Turner's exhaustively detailed retelling of her personal events. There are much more powerful books on the subject—both fiction and nonfiction.

My favorite quote of the book offers some comic relief (I think), when Dawn's sister, Kim, says to her, “Don't leave me with that woman. When she’s old and crazy, how will we know?” [Part 2 Chapter 14]


22 July 2022

Blaine for the Win, Robbie Couch 3
High school junior Blaine Bowers has it all—the perfect boyfriend, a pretty sweet gig as a muralist for local Windy City businesses, a loving family, and awesome, talented friends. And he is absolutely, 100% positive that aforementioned perfect boyfriend—senior student council president and Mr. Popular of Wicker West High School, Joey—is going to invite Blaine to spend spring break with his family in beautiful, sunny Cabo San Lucas.

Except Joey breaks up with him instead. In public. On their one-year anniversary.

Because, according to Joey, Blaine is too goofy, too flighty, too . . . unserious. And if Joey wants to go far in life, he needs to start dating more serious guys. Guys like Zach Chesterton.

Determined to prove that Blaine can be what Joey wants, Blaine decides to enter the running to become his successor (and beat out Joey’s new boyfriend, Zach) as senior student council president.

But is he willing to sacrifice everything he loves about himself to do it? [from the publisher]

Blaine is kind and artistically talented, but also portrayed as wishy-washy, moody, and somewhat self-centered (mostly in relation to his lack of self-confidence). Admittedly, these less-positive traits could be chalked up to normal teenage behaviors. The story becomes somewhat repetitive. I loved Aunt Star—who lives with Blaine and his parents for much of the book—and Blaine's friends, Trish (his main campaign support—her ideas are pivotal), Camilla (Trish's dinosaur-loving girlfriend), and Danny (an acquaintance whose dad owns a coffee shop that Blaine and friends frequent). I always enjoy a Chicago setting, even if it's minimal.

Representation includes gay, lesbian, Black, and Vietnamese American.

This quote sums up Blaine, but serves many of us well: “Where's the fun in fitting in?” [Chapter 2]


21 July 2022

Vera Kelly Is Not a Mystery (Vera Kelly #2), Rosalie Knecht 3
When ex-CIA agent Vera Kelly loses her job and her girlfriend in a single day, she reluctantly goes into business as a private detective. Heartbroken and cash-strapped, she takes a case that dredges up dark memories and attracts dangerous characters from across the Cold War landscape. Before it’s over, she’ll chase a lost child through foster care and follow a trail of Dominican exiles to the Caribbean. Forever looking over her shoulder, she nearly misses what’s right in front of her: her own desire for home, connection, and a new romance at the local bar. [from the publisher]
If my personal rating system has remained relatively consistent, I liked this sequel ever-so-slightly more than the first book, which I read almost exactly four years ago. I especially liked Vera's consideration and protection of the missing boy. The book has sort of a noir feel—it's a bonus that the detective is a woman. [Vera is also a lesbian. This installment takes place in the late 1960s.] The book didn't wow me, but it was adequately entertaining.

19 July 2022

Better Than the Movies, Lynn Painter 3.35
Liz Buxbaum has always known that Wes Bennett was not boyfriend material. You would think that her next-door neighbor would be a prince candidate for her romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only proven himself to be a pain in the butt, ever since they were little. Wes was the kid who put a frog in her Barbie Dreamhouse, the monster who hid a lawn gnome's severed head in her little homemade neighborhood book exchange.

Flash forward ten years from the Great Gnome Decapitation. It's Liz's senior year, a time meant to be rife with milestones perfect for any big screen, and she needs Wes's help. See, Liz's forever crush, Michael, has just moved back to town, and—horribly, annoyingly—he's hitting it off with Wes. Meaning that if Liz wants Michael to finally notice her, and hopefully be her prom date, she needs Wes. He's her in.

But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz her magical prom moment, she's shocked to discover that she actually likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own perception of what Happily Ever After should really look like. [from the publisher]

Pro: cute and snarky; I liked Wes's deep knowledge of and appreciation for Libby*

Con: Libby is painfully slow to come to terms with her true attraction; repetitive; *I didn't like the way Wes masqueraded his affection for Libby by antagonizing her


18 July 2022

The Decomposition of Jack, Kristin O'Donnell Tubb 4
Middle school is always hard, but when you’re known as the Roadkill Kid, well, it’s even harder. Jack’s mom collects roadkill—it’s her job, and she’s very good at it. Ever since Jack’s mom and dad got divorced, Jack has stepped into the role of Mom’s co-scientist.

One day while tending to the roadkill garden, Jack believes he spots a cougar in the wilderness beyond his backyard. A cougar in Tennessee? They’re supposed to be extinct. So, when Jack has to choose an animal to research for his Earth Science class, he picks cougar.

As pressure mounts on Jack to complete his project and to be Mom’s business partner, the mystery of the cougar feels too big to solve. Jack knows what the decomposition of an animal—and a family—looks like, so can he figure out how to bring them back to life? [from the publisher]

As a child of divorce, Jack has—and shares—understandable feelings about his parents, himself, and their family relationships. Jack and his friends are believably portrayed as smart, curious, kind, and fun. Jack is torn between his desire to be a kid, playing with friends, and his feelings of responsibility to be a helper to his mom, with whom he lives. This seems a good length and pace for a middle grade book (spoken by someone whose children, even, are well past the target audience).

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for making this voicegalley (not human-narrated audiobook) ARC of the book available in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected October 11.


17 July 2022

Race and Reckoning, Ellis Cose 3.5
Ranging from chattel slavery, through the New Deal to the Covid pandemic, a groundbreaking work that investigates how pivotal decisions have established and perpetuated discriminatory practices, even as the rise of disinformation and other modern advertising techniques have plunged democracy into an ever-deepening crisis.

Throughout our nation's history, numerous racialized decisions have solidified the fates of generations of citizens of color. Some of the earliest involved race-based slavery, the removal of Indigenous peoples from their lands, and the exclusion of most Asians. More have proliferated over time. While America grew into a superpower in the twentieth century, it continued to discriminate against people of color—both soldiers who served overseas and civilians on the home front, herding Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II and denying Black citizens their right to vote.

American Politicians have waxed eloquently and endlessly about bettering the nation. But bettering it for whom? journalist and cultural commentator Ellis Cose asks. From Reconstruction to the New Deal to the unceasing fight for civil rights, Cose reveals how the hopes of many Americans for a true multicultural democracy have been repeatedly frustrated by white nationalists skilled at weaponizing racial anxieties of other whites.

In Race and Reckoning Cose dissects chapter-by-chapter how America's overall narrative breeds racial resentment rooted in conjecture over fact. Through rigorous research and with astute detail, Cose uncovers how, at countless points in history, America's leaders have upheld a narrative of American greatness rooted in racism, as he offers a hopeful yet clear-eyed vision of American possibility.

It is a story grounded in history, and it demolishes the myths that ultimately allowed one of the most ill-prepared, unethical, vindictive, and truth-challenged politicians in history to position himself as America's savior by tapping into the nation's darkest tendencies. [from the publisher]

As I read Race and Reckoning it sometimes felt like a dry history textbook. However, now that I see how many passages I flagged, it's clear that the writing style was not completely ineffective. Cose covers a lot of ground in this short book, including a good dose of commentary. I imagine that once I revisit my bookmarked sections I'll appreciate the impact more.

15 July 2022

Upgrade, Blake Crouch 4
“You are the next step in human evolution.”

At first, Logan Ramsay isn’t sure if anything’s different. He just feels a little . . . sharper. Better able to concentrate. Better at multitasking. Reading a bit faster, memorizing better, needing less sleep.

But before long, he can’t deny it: Something’s happening to his brain. To his body. He’s starting to see the world, and those around him—even those he loves most—in whole new ways.

The truth is, Logan’s genome has been hacked. And there’s a reason he’s been targeted for this upgrade. A reason that goes back decades to the darkest part of his past, and a horrific family legacy.

Worse still, what’s happening to him is just the first step in a much larger plan, one that will inflict the same changes on humanity at large—at a terrifying cost.

Because of his new abilities, Logan’s the one person in the world capable of stopping what’s been set in motion. But to have a chance at winning this war, he’ll have to become something other than himself. Maybe even something other than human.

And even as he’s fighting, he can’t help wondering: what if humanity’s only hope for a future really does lie in engineering our own evolution? [from the publisher]

Logan Ramsey is subjected to a genetic “upgrade” during a raid on his employer, the Gene Protection Agency. Beyond working in genetics as an adult, there's a family history in the field, including his brilliant but flawed mother. The rest of the book follows the changes Logan experiences, and his quest to find out what's happening/how it might affect others. Major topics are the ethics of genetic modification, evolution, global pandemics, intelligence, reason, power, greed, evil, and compassion. I bookmarked quite a few sections, none of which I'll share for fear of spoiling. In fact, I deleted all of my bookmarks so my partner can read the book without influence from my tags.

After the huge disappointment of my previous read—which was billed as a science fiction mystery/thriller [though I believe it's really a sci-fi mystery (not thriller)—I've discussed the differences before]—I debated whether to read Upgrade—a science fiction thriller—immediately or to put a book or more between. I'm glad that I dove in immediately. This book is longer than Scarecrow, but has a much better pace—there's less repetition (if any) and much more depth, action, and excitement. In fact, perhaps Upgrade could have been even slightly longer without diminishing its effect. I've read and very-much-enjoyed two other books of Crouch's previously—he'll stay on my radar as a preferred author.


13 July 2022

Scarecrow Has a Gun, Michael Paul Kozlowsky 1.66
Never trust other people’s memories, and watch out for your own.

Although we’ve all seen The Wizard of Oz, few of us recall that the Scarecrow is holding a gun in the haunted forest. Strange it may seem, but this sort of thing happens all the time. Something jarring—something right in front of our faces—escapes our memory altogether, no matter how many times we witnessed it.

This new novel is the story of a man’s ongoing struggle with tormenting lacunae in his own memory. Tortured by his inability to remember details of his wife’s murder—even though he was an eyewitness—Sean Whittlesea pins hopes on a high-tech device purportedly able to provide him with accurate access to every detail of his past.

A haunting question emerges through Sean’s quest for answers. Are we the masters of our memories, or are we their helpless pawns? [from the publisher]

Scarecrow Has a Gun is set more than a decade after Sean Whittlesea's beloved wife was murdered in front of him, when their son was a toddler. Now, that son is a sullen late-teen, and Sean is engaged to the mother of his second child—a barely school-aged girl. The story opens with a truly strange contest hosted by Sean's boss as part of the company's “Widowers’ Club,” in which membership appears to be obligatory. The losers of such contests go back to their normal lives, while the one winner earns a prize that will help him achieve great success and wealth. [It is never explained why such a club exists, nor why it has so many members. Seems sinister, no?] Sean doesn't win that particular contest. Later, when Sean does win, he is awarded a new piece of technology called “the Memory Palace,” which allows the user to relive their memories by viewing them on a screen. Sean, of course, becomes obsessed with extracting and replaying memories of his dead wife, including the night of her murder.

The book is classified as a science fiction mystery/thriller. Given that mystery has always been my favorite genre, and that I also read heavily in science fiction, I jumped at the chance to request to read it as soon as I saw it in early April. Sadly, not only did I not love the book, I actively disliked it. Here are just a few of the reasons:

  • The Widowers' Club contests were creepy. At best, one was voyeuristic. At worst, most of the contents were extremely violent.
  • All of the characters and relationships are highly unpleasant.
  • I predicted the murderer before the 25% mark.
  • The book is relatively short, but felt sooooooooooo long. It was a trudge.
  • The book is full of violence, misogyny, and psychological manipulation. It's not limited to one character, event, or purpose—it's just pervasive and oppressive.

As always, I'll point out that your mileage may vary, and I welcome discussion with other readers.

Thank you, NetGalley and Imbrifex Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected August 2.


10 July 2022

Finding My Voice, Valerie Jarrett 4
When Valerie Jarrett interviewed a promising young lawyer named Michelle Robinson in July 1991 for a job in Chicago city government, neither knew that it was the first step on a path that would end in the White House. Jarrett soon became Michelle and Barack Obama's trusted personal adviser and family confidante; in the White House, she was known as the one who got him and helped him engage his public life. Jarrett joined the White House team on January 20, 2009 and departed with the First Family on January 20, 2017, and she was in the room—in the Oval Office, on Air Force One, and everywhere else—when it all happened. No one has as intimate a view of the Obama Years, nor one that reaches back as many decades, as Jarrett shares in Finding My Voice.

Born in Iran (where her father, a doctor, sought a better job than he could find in segregated America), Jarrett grew up in Chicago in the 60s as racial and gender barriers were being challenged. A single mother stagnating in corporate law, she found her voice in Harold Washington's historic administration, where she began a remarkable journey, ultimately becoming one of the most visible and influential African-American women of the twenty-first century.

From her work ensuring equality for women and girls, advancing civil rights, reforming our criminal justice system, and improving the lives of working families, to the real stories behind some of the most stirring moments of the Obama presidency, Jarrett shares her forthright, optimistic perspective on the importance of leadership and the responsibilities of citizenship in the twenty-first century, inspiring readers to lift their own voices. [from the publisher]

I was waffling on my rating . . . I've decided to bump up a bit, if only because I would very much like to meet Ms. Jarrett and share long conversations. [My people who are common to both of us: hook me up, please!]

It's no wonder that Jarrett is so determined, intelligent, and accomplished—she comes from a long line of super-high-achievers. [I would have liked to meet several of her ancestors, as well.] Jarrett and I both grew up in Hyde Park/Kenwood, but our age difference kept us from meeting then. Both her personal and professional lives are fascinating.

Incidentally, Justin and Hannah gave me The Ultimate Reading Challenge: Complete a goal, open an envelope, and reveal your bookish prize! for my birthday this year. This book opened the envelope “Read a book that's been sitting on your shelf, unread, for more than a year.” The book was published on April 2, 2019; I shelved it six days later. This was a good pick for this week—it was inspiring and fun.


8 July 2022

The Bodyguard, Katherine Center 4
She's got his back.

Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than somebody who could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But the truth is, she’s an Executive Protection Agent (aka “bodyguard”), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker.

He’s got her heart.

Jack Stapleton’s a household name—captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, famous for, among other things, rising out of the waves in all manner of clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity. But a few years back, in the wake of a family tragedy, he dropped from the public eye and went off the grid.

They’ve got a secret.

When Jack’s mom gets sick, he comes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah—against her will and her better judgment—finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover. Even though her ex, like a jerk, says no one will believe it.

What could possibly go wrong???

Hannah hardly believes it, herself. But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak. Because it’s easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done. [from the publisher]

This, folks, is what I'm talking about! If the modern version of the romance genre is going to encompass pretty much every work of fiction including a romantic relationship, this is what I want it to look like [though I will likely never get over how ridiculous that is]. There is no hate-to-love trope, falling into bed within the first 30 minutes of knowing each other, or extreme immaturity. Hannah does try to keep from believing that either her or Jack's feelings are real because they're both playing roles for his safety and her work ethic (and she's trying to protect herself), but it's not totally obnoxious.

Besides the absence of the above-mentioned offensive items, I enjoyed The Bodyguard because of these positive inclusions: humor; a strong, independent, skillful female protagonist (yes, Hannah has some insecurities—she's human); Jack's warm family (for the most part); and acknowledgment of the importance of event-suitable footwear.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected July 19.


6 July 2022

Keya Das's Second Act, Sopan Deb 3
Shantanu Das is living in the shadows of his past. In his fifties, he finds himself isolated from his traditional Bengali community after a devastating divorce from his wife, Chaitali; he hasn’t spoken to his eldest daughter Mitali in months; and most painfully, he lives each day with the regret that he didn’t accept his teenaged daughter Keya after she came out as gay. As the anniversary of Keya’s death approaches, Shantanu wakes up one morning utterly alone in his suburban New Jersey home and realizes it’s finally time to move on.

This is when Shantanu discovers a tucked-away box in the attic that could change everything. He calls Mitali and pleads with her to come home. She does so out of pity, not realizing that her life is about to shift.

Inside the box is an unfinished manuscript that Keya and her girlfriend were writing. It’s a surprising discovery that brings Keya to life briefly. But Neesh Desai, a new love interest for Mitali with regrets of his own, comes up with a wild idea, one that would give Keya more permanence: what if they are to stage the play? It could be an homage to Keya’s memory, and a way to make amends. But first, the Dases need to convince Pamela Moore, Keya’s girlfriend, to give her blessing. And they have to overcome ghosts from the past they haven’t met yet. [from the publisher]

Keya Das's Second Act is decidedly OK—not horrid, but ultimately unsatisfying. After their horrifically poor reaction to Keya's coming out—followed by her death by car accident—the Das family gets a second chance of sorts by producing Keya's play (cowritten with her girlfriend when they were in high school). Throughout the story, we see varying transformations among the family members. The author does a fine job of employing the concept of six degrees of separation. Neesh (Keya's sister Mitali's boyfriend) gets more than his fair share of attention in the book. My favorite character is Keya's paternal grandmother, who hardly appears.

3 July 2022

The Law of Innocence (Mickey Haller #6), Michael Connelly 3.5
Defense attorney Mickey Haller is pulled over by police, who find the body of a client in the trunk of his Lincoln. Haller is charged with murder and can't make the exorbitant $5 million bail slapped on him by a vindictive judge.

Mickey elects to defend himself and must strategize and build his defense from his jail cell in the Twin Towers Correctional Center in downtown Los Angeles, all the while looking over his shoulder—as an officer of the court he is an instant target.

Mickey knows he's been framed. Now, with the help of his trusted team, he has to figure out who has plotted to destroy his life and why. Then he has to go before a judge and jury and prove his innocence. [from the publisher]

Well, folks—I've made it to the end of my Lincoln Lawyer series immersion (at least until Michael Connelly writes another installment). Thanks for coming along for the ride.

The sixth book is in keeping with its predecessors in terms of tone and formula. It's set near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were fewer appearances by Lorna and Cisco. Mickey & Maggie's daughter is now in college (or law school, maybe?). Mickey's love interest from the previous book makes an appearance. As always, there's a little surprise toward the end.

As far as I can tell, Connelly has written 23 Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch books so far. When I start that series, I'll try to show greater restraint and not consume them all in the space of a month . . . or even six of them in a month. [I started The Lincoln Lawyer (book 1) on June 3. I finished The Law of Innocence (book 6) on July 3.] I have only watched an episode or two of the Bosch television series. Binge opportunities abound!


30 June 2022

June reading recap: 20 books finished (2 bailed)

4-star reads

  • The Lincoln Lawyer, Michael Connelly
  • The Brass Verdict, Michael Connelly
  • Book Lovers, Emily Henry
  • Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus (4.66)
  • Last Summer on State Street, Toya Wolfe

honorable mention

  • The Reversal, Michael Connelly (3.66)
  • Things to Look Forward To, Sophie Blackall (3.5)
  • The Fifth Witness, Michael Connelly (3.5)
  • The Gods of Guilt, Michael Connelly (3.5)
  • Adult Assembly Required, Abbi Waxman (3.66)

30 June 2022

Adult Assembly Required, Abbi Waxman 3.66
When Laura Costello moves to Los Angeles, trying to escape an overprotective family and the haunting memories of a terrible accident, she doesn’t expect to be homeless after a week. (She’s pretty sure she didn’t start that fire—right?) She also doesn't expect to find herself adopted by a rogue bookseller, installed in a lovely but completely illegal boardinghouse, or challenged to save a losing trivia team from ignominy . . . but that’s what happens. Add a regretful landlady, a gorgeous housemate and an ex-boyfriend determined to put himself back in the running and you’ll see why Laura isn’t really sure she’s cut out for this adulting thing. Luckily for her, her new friends Nina, Polly and Impossibly Handsome Bob aren't sure either, but maybe if they put their heads (and hearts) together they’ll be able to make it work for them. [from the publisher]
I didn't like this quite as much as Abbi Waxman's The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, but it's pretty darn close. Several of the Nina characters appear in this new release, for which I couldn't possibly be expected to wait months to borrow—I ponied up a precious Audible credit. I'm not sorry.

There's so much of Waxman's trademark gentle, often bookish humor that I can't possibly share all my bookmarks. Here's just a taste.

  • In a note from landlord Maggie to Laura: “Animals have all been fed. Don't listen to their lies.” [Chapter Four]
  • This interchange between Nina and her boyfriend, Tom, in front of their friends in Chapter Twenty-Nine:

    “Tell the normal people what you moved out of your schedule to make room for both me and trivia.”

    “Additional reading,” said Nina defiantly.

    “Which was additional to. . . ?”

    “Work reading,” she said in a slightly quieter voice.

    “Which was on top of. . . ?”

    “Regular reading,” she muttered.

    Tom turned up his palms and grinned at Bob.

  • Nina sings the praises of Reese's peanut butter pumpkins in Chapter Thirty-Nine: “They're the best of the shapes. . . . It's the perfect ratio of chocolate to peanut butter.” young Claire echoes the sentiment in Chapter 40. [I prefer the ratio in Reese's peanut butter eggs, in case you were curious.]

In addition to the humor, the many various relationships in the book are key. [Toward the end, the romantic denial between Laura and Impossibly Handsome Bob became just too much, in my opinion; but it didn't sour me on the book overall.] I typically like Waxman's books (though—shockingly—I did bail on one), and the latest is no exception. They're easy and comforting to read—my drug of choice to counter the currently atrocious happenings in real life.


28 June 2022

The Library of the Dead, T. L. Huchu 2.66
When a child goes missing in Edinburgh's darkest streets, young Ropa investigates. She'll need to call on Zimbabwean magic as well as her Scottish pragmatism to hunt down clues. But as shadows lengthen, will the hunter become the hunted?

When ghosts talk, she will listen. . . .

Ropa dropped out of school to become a ghostalker. Now she speaks to Edinburgh's dead, carrying messages to the living. A girl's gotta earn a living, and it seems harmless enough. Until, that is, the dead whisper that someone's bewitching children—leaving them husks, empty of joy and life. It's on Ropa's patch, so she feels honor-bound to investigate. But what she learns will change her world.

She'll dice with death (not part of her life plan . . .), discovering an occult library and a taste for hidden magic. She'll also experience dark times. For Edinburgh hides a wealth of secrets, and Ropa's gonna hunt them all down. [from the publisher]

I wanted—and expected—to like this book, which offers a sassy teenage Scottish girl main character, her retired-but-still-sassy Zimbabwean grandmother who knits, and a library location. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

MC Ropa is a reader after my own heart, though—she is an audiobook devotee. “I walk around all day, and the way I see it, if I'm walking and learning, then I'm doubling time.” [Chapter 2]


27 June 2022

Hurricane Girl, Marcy Dermansky 1.35
Allison Brody is thirty-two and newly arrived on the East Coast after just managing to flee her movie producer boyfriend. She has some money, saved up from years of writing and waitressing, and so she spends it, buying a small house on the beach. But then a Category 3 hurricane makes landfall and scatters her home up and down the shore, leaving Allison adrift.

Should she go home from the bar with the strange cameraman and stay in his guest room? Is that a glass vase he smashed on her skull? Can she wipe the blood from her eyes, get in her car, and drive to her mother's? Does she really love the brain surgeon who saved her, or is she just using him for his swimming pool? And is it possible to ever truly heal without seeking some measure of revenge?

A gripping, provocative novel that walks a knife's edge between comedy and horror, Hurricane Girl is the work of a singular talent, a novelist unafraid to explore the intersection of love, sex, violence, and freedom—while celebrating the true joy that can be found in a great swim and a good turkey sandwich. [from the publisher]

Almost the entire storyline of Hurricane Girl is revealed in the publisher's summary. Really. If it weren't a mere 240 pages, I might have bailed on this. As it was, there really wasn't time.

The writing is choppy and basic. My overwhelming feeling during the entire book was boredom. [I was going to say “ennui”, but it doesn't merit the more interesting word.] I often omit the final paragraph in the publisher's description—you know, the money shot—but I had to include this one because the book falls so very short on both the promised comedy and horror sides of the knife's edge. Allison is uninspired and immature. The (non-)surprise ending didn't elicit even the tiniest gasp from this horror lightweight.

As is not infrequently the case, my opinion is in the minority for this recent release. If you read it, let me know how it worked for you. I hope the answer is “better!”


26 June 2022

The Gods of Guilt (Mickey Haller #5), Michael Connelly 3.5
Mickey Haller gets the text, "Call me ASAP—187," and the California penal code for murder immediately gets his attention. Murder cases have the highest stakes and the biggest paydays, and they always mean Haller has to be at the top of his game.

When Mickey learns that the victim was his own former client, a prostitute he thought he had rescued and put on the straight and narrow path, he knows he is on the hook for this one. He soon finds out that she was back in LA and back in the life. Far from saving her, Mickey may have been the one who put her in danger.

Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mickey must work tirelessly and bring all his skill to bear on a case that could mean his ultimate redemption or proof of his ultimate guilt. [from the publisher]

While The Gods of Guilt is the fifth Mickey Haller book, it was the first I read [May 2014]. So much has happened in real life since then that I had essentially no recollection of the book. Reading it again now—after watching the movie adaptation twice, watching the Netflix short series, and reading the book series in order—it was helpful to know who so many of the returning characters were, including the murder victim. Still, I'm not sorry that I read it as a standalone all those years ago. Just as I did in 2014, I'm rating this 3.5 stars now. It's not the best of the series, but it's no slouch either.


24 June 2022

Last Summer on State Street, Toya Wolfe 4
Felicia “Fe Fe” Stevens is living with her vigilantly loving mother and older teenaged brother, whom she adores, in building 4950 of Chicago's Robert Taylor Homes. It's the summer of 1999, and her high-rise is next in line to be torn down by the Chicago Housing Authority. She, with the devout Precious Brown and Stacia Buchanan, daughter of a Gangster Disciple Queen-Pin, form a tentative trio and, for a brief moment, carve out for themselves a simple life of Double Dutch and innocence. But when Fe Fe welcomes a mysterious new friend, Tonya, into their fold, the dynamics shift, upending the lives of all four girls.

As their beloved neighborhood falls down around them, so too do their friendships and the structures of the four girls' families. Fe Fe must make the painful decision of whom she can trust and whom she must let go. Decades later, as she remembers that fateful summer—just before her home was demolished, her life uprooted, and community forever changed—Fe Fe tries to make sense of the grief and fraught bonds that still haunt her and attempts to reclaim the love that never left. [from the publisher]

This impressive debut is not an easy read. Wolfe paints such a detailed picture that every high and low is felt deeply. By its very nature, the story is both heartbreaking and infuriating—systemic racism, poverty, violence, drug use, gang activity, and child neglect and abuse (including sexual) are pervasive. This quote packs a punch:

There wasn’t enough caution tape in the world for our neighborhood. [Chapter 18: Salvation]

My favorite passage (probably) comes just a hair before the very end, so I won't share it with you—I'll leave it for you to discover and sit with when you get there. The ending was just right.


23 June 2022

Acts of Violet, Margarita Montimore 3
Nearly a decade ago, iconic magician Violet Volk performed her greatest trick yet: vanishing mid-act. Though she hasn’t been seen since, her hold on the public hasn’t wavered. While Violet sought out the spotlight, her sister Sasha, ever the responsible one, took over their mother’s salon and built a quiet life for her daughter, Quinn. But Sasha can never seem to escape her sister’s orbit or her memories of their unresolved, tumultuous relationship. Then there’s Cameron Frank, determined to finally get his big break hosting a podcast devoted to all things Violet—though keeping his job hinges on an exclusive interview with Sasha, the last person who wants to talk to him.

As the ten-year anniversary approaches, the podcast picks up steam, and Cameron’s pursuit of Sasha becomes increasingly intrusive. He isn’t the only one wondering what secrets she might be keeping: Quinn, loyal to the aunt she always idolized, is doing her own investigating. Meanwhile, Sasha begins to experience an unsettling series of sleepwalking episodes and coincidences, which all lead back to Violet. Pushed to her emotional limits, Sasha must finally confront the most painful truths about her sister, and herself, even at the risk of losing everything.

Alternating between Sasha’s narration and Cameron’s podcast transcripts, interspersed with documents that offer a tantalizing peek at Violet herself, Acts of Violet is an utterly original, propulsive story of fame, deception, and forgiveness that will make you believe in magic. [from the publisher]

I read Montimore's Oona Out of Order within weeks of its publication in 2020. Before I started blogging, I tended to simply rate books on bookish sites and in my own notes, not write a full-blown review (which is time-consuming, dontcha know?), so my only written comment about it was on Litsy, which requires one to say something: “I'm not sure quite how I feel about this yet. Let's give it a 3.5/5 and let it rest a bit, shall we?” Not helpful, Debby—not helpful. Still, 3.5 is a good rating from me. That's something! Anyway, Montimore's upcoming Acts of Violet also earns a fine rating from me, though not an extraordinary one.

This work is especially well-served by reading with one's ears because it varies in style from chapter to chapter, told as regular narrative, podcasts, interviews, and letters. The audio edition boasts 10 narrators, which also enhances the variety of chapter formats. I'm not a podcast follower or true-crime fan—if you are either/both, the audio edition of this book may be especially fun for you. Mystery is the predominant genre.

In addition to Violet, Sasha, Quinn, and Cameron, as mentioned in the publisher's summary, Sasha's husband/Quinn's dad is a key character, and there are several segments featuring an older magician who perhaps served as a mentor to Violet. Overall, my favorite chapters were those in the present day, primarily starring Sasha and her family.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected July 5.


22 June 2022

Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus 4.66
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth's unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo. [from the publisher]

I tend to read very few book reviews by others, beyond my bookish friends. My tastes don't mesh well with others frequently, so what's the point? I mostly rely on overall ratings and the publisher's description of a book, as well as any previous experience with the author. However, I read a few reviews for this book, mostly looking for reminders of some characters' names (because I read with my ears, and don't have a visual copy for reference). The few critical reader reviews I noticed suggested that because MC Elizabeth Zott's experiences in this work of fiction did not represent their personal experience in the 50s or 60s (or any other time), the book is unrealistic, and boy howdy were they offended that the author would dare to suggest that these hurdles ever existed. Wowza! Further, some thought Elizabeth couldn't possibly be so intelligent and still be so naïve and socially-inept (or, at least, socially-challenged). [Oh, yes—I know people like this, and I wouldn't be surprised if you do, too.] Some thought Mad Zott (Elizabeth's daughter) was impossibly precocious. [I've known littles very much like Mad.] Others thought there was too much man-bashing and criticism of churches/religion. [“Too much” is subjective, of course. Perhaps any amount would have been objectionable to them. There are some men and some aspects of religion/religious institutions that are truly problematic.] This is not the book for them. The representations in this novel will not resonate with or appeal to all. They will, undoubtedly, resonate with/appeal to many.

As long as I've started out with the bad . . . content warnings include beating, rape, domestic abuse, child neglect and abuse, death, and death threats.

Less bad than misleading: the book cover pictured above on the top is the American edition, which makes the book look like fluffy “chick lit” (a term for which I don't care, as you know). It's not that. The cover pictured on the bottom is the British edition. An exclusive Waterstones edition (with the British cover) also has the paper edges stamped with elements, periodic table–style. Like most of my bookish friends who have read the book, I find the American marketing choices curious at best.

Now that we've got the negatives out of the way, let's get down to the good stuff! Lessons In Chemistry very much appealed to and resonated with me. I saw myself, friends, and family in multiple parts of the story—good and bad.

In addition to Elizabeth and Mad Zott, several characters are prominent in and especially important to the story, including Elizabeth's neighbor, Harriet Sloane; Walter Pine, Elizabeth's TV boss and the father of one of Mad's classmates; and Elizabeth's rescue dog, Six-Thirty, who understands a phenomenal number of English words and uses his knowledge to great end. There's also a priest (whose name escapes me at the moment) who is helpful to Mad when she is searching for information about her late father, Calvin. The relationships between these characters are developed beautifully. I cared about them and their stories.

There were so many weighty and infuriating topics in the book, which made it a heavy read overall (again, not a book that deserves the cover pictured above top). There's also humor, vulnerability, hope, and love, rounding out the experience. It's rare that I enjoy a work of fiction quite this much—let alone one that includes so much injustice and violence.

I bookmarked 16 passages to revisit later (again, good and bad), including the following response from the author about the importance of rowing to the story—and life—in the bonus interview at the end of the audiobook.

In terms of rowing, I wanted it in there because . . . rowing is a metaphor for balance. It's a metaphor for collaboration and cooperation. It's the art of working together, of recognizing our commonalities. And, while those are strengths—for everyone they're strengths—but, in a boat, how well you cooperate with each other is the difference between winning and losing. It's not who's the biggest; it's who cooperates best with their teammates. Everyone rows as one, and that is hard. The author-cited statistic by Elizabeth that we're 99% the same happens to be true, and it's also part of rowing. Things like systemic racism and misogyny and religious zealotry are divisive elements, and they're not based in science. They're cultural constructs, and they're usually used to control people—to keep some in charge and others under their thumbs. Imbalance in a boat spells failure, and the same is true in everyday life. So, when we choose to create situations dominated by one race, one gender, one religion, one outlook, we create imbalance, and the result is havoc. —Interview with Bonnie Garmus, conducted by British journalist and speaker Pandora Sykes

21 June 2022

The Mutual Friend, Carter Bays 2
It's the summer of 2015, and Alice Quick needs to get to work. She's twenty-eight years old, grieving her mother, barely scraping by as a nanny, and freshly kicked out of her apartment. If she can just get her act together and sign up for the MCAT, she can start chasing her dream of becoming a doctor . . . but in the Age of Distraction, the distractions are so distracting. There's her tech millionaire brother's religious awakening. His picture-perfect wife's emotional breakdown. Her chaotic new roommate's thirst for adventure. And, of course, there's the biggest distraction of all: Love. [from the publisher]
In the six days between finishing The Mutual Friend and sitting down to review it, I have downgraded my rating from 2.5–2.66 stars to 2.0. My first impulse already put me in #UnpopularOpinion territory. My revised rating pretty much puts me in a different universe.

I had high expectations because of the overwhelmingly glowing reviews (granted, there aren't that many yet) and because the author is a co-creator of the TV series How I Met Your Mother. Several reviewers promised that it would all come together in a spectacular end. I'll grant that the ending is somewhat successful in terms of connecting the dots and bringing things to a satisfying close. However, it doesn't make up for the fact that it's too fluffin' long! If the story were a lot more engaging and the characters were significantly more appealing, the length might be warranted. But the vast majority of the characters are over-the-top: too superficial, self-absorbed, petty, and jealous. The story finally started getting mildly interesting at the 90% mark—roughly page 432 is a little long to wait for a reward, isn't it? [One of the worst characters performs an act of kindness only slightly before this point—again, it's too little too late in my book.] In the entire almost 500 pages, I only marked three passages for additional reflection. There are much shorter works in which I have wanted to remember much more.

If you use my less-stellar reviews as your marker for a promising book, you like taking the scenic route, or you have nothing but time to read, this one could be for you.


19 June 2022

I, Antigone, Carlo Gébler 3
The mythical Greek king, Oedipus, is no stranger to tragedy. As a baby, he is left to die on the mountainside of Thebes by his royal parents after the Oracle of Delphi prophesies that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Pitied by the shepherd tasked with leaving him, Oedipus is given to another royal family and grows up ignorant of his past as a foreign prince.

Returning to Thebes by chance many years later, he defeats the Sphinx terrorising the city by answering her riddle and becomes king. From here on a series of tragic events begin to unfurl. . . .

Many years later, his daughter Antigone takes on the role of biographer and is determined to set the record straight about her father's life and death.

In a beautiful retelling of the popular myth, Antigone meditates on the illusion of free will, the power of fate, and her powerful family's demise. An astonishing contribution to the reclaimed classics, "I, Antigone" is perfect for fans of Madeleine Miller, Jennifer Saint and Elodie Harper. [from the publisher]

Between having been a big fan of mythology since before I hit double-digits and the comparison made to Madeleine Miller's work, I expected I, Antigone to be a bit hit. I was sorely disappointed. That's the trouble with setting high expectations. . . . Notice that I haven't rated the story poorly—I'm just not wowed.

Antigone is barely more than the narrator. There is next-to-nothing relating to her personal actions or feelings. [Contrast this to Miller's Circe, the retelling of which I enjoyed and rated highly.]

Rape and murder abound. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who has read Greek mythology. Zeus abducts and rapes Europa, and Laius (Oedipus' father/Antigone's grandfather) rapes a young servant boy. Both are described graphically to no real “benefit” to this story, in my opinion. In the murder department: Laius orders that his infant son (later named Oedipus by his adoptive parents) be murdered (obviously, that doesn't happen); years later, Oedipus murders Laius (whom he doesn't know is his birth father), as prophesied; and there are other “less important” murders as well. Multiple suicides and maims are also described.

The most interesting and only possibly decent characters end up being the servants who care for Queen Jocasta (Oedipus' mother/later wife; Antigone's grandmother and mother) during her pregnancy and beyond, and who facilitate the rescue of the infant Oedipus. These servants are present throughout the story—they appear toward the end as Oedipus' true identity is discovered/revealed, bringing the story full-circle.

Thank you, NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected July 1.


17 June 2022

The Fifth Witness (Mickey Haller #4), Michael Connelly 3.5
Mickey Haller has fallen on tough times. He expands his business into foreclosure defense, only to see one of his clients accused of killing the banker she blames for trying to take away her home.

Mickey puts his team into high gear to exonerate Lisa Trammel, even though the evidence and his own suspicions tell him his client is guilty. Soon after he learns that the victim had black market dealings of his own, Haller is assaulted, too—and he's certain he's on the right trail.

Despite the danger and uncertainty, Haller mounts the best defense of his career in a trial where the last surprise comes after the verdict is in. [from the publisher]

This is installment four (of six) in the Lincoln Lawyer series. I felt like this one dragged on something fierce, but then he surprised me at the very last minute, so all is not lost. There are too many especially unpleasant characters in this one, including the main client, the prosecuting attorney, and an assortment of detectives, witnesses, and others. Also in this installment, Mickey takes on an associate—an inexperienced young woman who thought she would be handling foreclosures, but gets thrown into the murder trial as well. The audio edition includes a short interview with the author, which I enjoyed. I'm going to take a several-book break from the series, but I'm still on the case. [See what I did there? I crack myself up!]

16 June 2022

Things to Look Forward To: 52 Large and Small Joys for Today and Every Day, Sophie Blackall 3.5
Everyone needs things to look forward to: big things and small things, on good days and on bad days, whether we actively create delight for ourselves or simply allow it to enter our lives.

In these pages, beloved author and illustrator Sophie Blackall has gathered a collection of joys for all of us—reminders that every day the sun comes up and new babies are born. She includes suggestions that you bake muffins for a friend, or draw a face on an egg and put it in the fridge where it will smile at you each time you open the door. With wisdom, whimsy, and compassion, the 52 illustrated ideas in this book offer moments of uplift and serendipity for yourself and your loved ones.

A message of hope and solace in hard times and of joyful anticipation at times of new beginnings—whether you're grieving a loss or starting a new chapter—and for all the days in between—Things to Look Forward To is full of gentle reminders of the objects, occasions, gestures, and ideas that warm our hearts. There is always something bright on the horizon, and sometimes that horizon can be a lot closer than we think. [from the publisher]

The author's late ex-husband and father of her children, now-adult children, mother, grandmother, father, stepmother, and partner-whom-she-plans-to-marry all factor into a good number of the essays. She writes thoughtfully, of course, but also exhibits a healthy amount of humor and silliness. Not all of her ideas of anticipatory joy work for me: Doing your taxes? Really?! Being relieved that they're done does not a joy make, in my book at least. But, her book is inspirational—helping us slow down and think, and appreciate, and enjoy.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

No. 27: Collecting Pebbles: But I live with someone who, much as he appreciates pebbles, believes that there is a limit to the number of pebbles you can keep in a home. That number is 288, apparently. So, if you have more than 288 pebbles, you can give them away. But first you can paint whales and comets and rabbits and moons on them. [62]

No. 31: Moving the Furniture Around: My grandmother, who never went on vacation, used to say, “A change is as good as a holiday.” [72]


15 June 2022

The Sisters Sputnik, Terri Favro 3
The Sisters Sputnik are a time-traveling trio of storytellers-for-hire who are much in demand throughout the multiverse of 2,052 alternate worlds. Each world was created by the detonation of a nuclear bomb in Earth Standard Time, home of the Sisters’ leader, aging comic book creator Debbie Reynolds Biondi, her 20-something apprentice Unicorn Girl, and their pop culture–loving AI, Cassandra. Tales of Earth Standard Time-That-Was, from World Wars to the space race to Hollywood celebrities, have turned the Sisters into storytelling rock stars.

In a distant reality where books and music have disappeared, Debbie finds herself in bed with an old Earth Standard Time lover who begs her to tell him a story. Over one long, eventful night, she spins the epic of the Sisters’ adventures in alternate realities, starting with the theft of a book of evil comic strips in a post-pandemic Toronto full of ghost kitchens and robot-worshipping lost children known as junksters, to a disco-era purgatory where synthetic people are sending humans into the past through a reverse-engineered Statue of Liberty, to a version of the 1950s where the Sisters meet a rising star named Frank Sinatra and his girlfriend, the once-and-future Queen of England. [from the publisher]

This is a fairly hefty science fiction/fantasy dystopian multiverse written by a Canadian author. I didn't know it was a sequel until after I finished the book, nor, of course, can I know whether I would have been more appreciative had I read its predecessor.

At the start, I thought it was going to be great fun—perhaps in a similar vein to John Scalzi, Douglas Adams, or Dennis E. Taylor's Bobiverse series—science fiction with a little social commentary and a lot of humor. Well before the end, I felt like it was too heavy on the social commentary and trauma (however accurate and well-deserved) and far lighter on the humor. Most likely, it's just not the book for me at this time—though it is a fine book for this time. The acknowledgments indicate that the author started building one of the dystopian storylines before it became a reality in which we are currently living. While I have read heavily in the areas of politics and social and racial justice, I find myself currently needing more entertainment for entertainment's sake. That is, while I'm not ignoring that we are living in a tenuous time socially, politically, and historically (I read news every day), I need to have a break from that each day, too. Recreational reading needs to be my break time for now.

Cons: drags on; doesn't seem to trust that we'll get references unless we're hit over the head with them

Pros: many strong, clever, creative, daring, loyal, task- and team-oriented female characters; diversity in humans and other species (imagined or real—who am I to say?); quest to save life in multiple universes and times; interesting connections made between the times/universes

Thank you, NetGalley and ECW Press Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected June 30.


13 June 2022

The Reversal (Mickey Haller #3), Michael Connelly 3.66
Longtime defense attorney Mickey Haller finds himself recruited to change stripes and prosecute the high-profile retrial of a brutal child murder.

After 24 years in prison, new DNA evidence means convicted killer Jason Jessup has been granted another trial. Haller takes the case on the condition that he gets to choose his investigator, LAPD Detective Harry Bosch.

Haller becomes convinced Jessup is guilty. Together, Bosch and Haller set off on a case fraught with political and personal danger. Opposing them is Jessup, now out on bail, his defense attorney who excels at manipulating the media, and a runaway eyewitness reluctant to testify after so many years.

With the odds and the evidence against them, Bosch and Haller must nail a sadistic killer once and for all. What does Bosch think? If he's sure of anything, it's that Jason Jessup plans to kill again. [from the publisher]

This is the third installment in Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer series. In addition to the return of Detective Harry Bosch, serving in this book as Mickey's investigator, Haller's first ex-wife, Maggie “McFierce” McPherson, serves as his second chair as he takes on a prosecution case instead of his usual defense.

As in all the series installments so far, this one exposes some of the challenges of the criminal justice system. Everyone is entitled to a defense, and the defense attorney must defend their client even if they know the client is guilty. In the series so far, we've met clients who were found guilty but were actually innocent and clients who were found innocent but were actually guilty. In each book, we read about the investigators' searches, Mickey's thought process and courtroom performance, and the goings-on inside the courtroom and in the community. [Fun fact: As a tween, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, and I thought quite a bit, with ambivalence, about these very things. Sadly, I didn't have particularly good advisors/guidance on the vocations to which I might have been best-suited.]

I'm rating this installment ever-so-slightly lower. It was more gruesome and threatening overall. Content warnings include child abduction, murder of a child, sexual assault of children, drug abuse and addiction, and mass murder.


11 June 2022

Book Lovers, Emily Henry 4
One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming. . . .

Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.

If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves. [from the publisher]

This is the third Emily Henry book I've read, and definitely my favorite. One of hers started out strong and then royally ticked me off toward the end. While the second one I read was predictable [not atypical for the (misclassified) genre], it didn't irritate me like the first I read. Book Lovers beats both of them by a landslide. While you know how it's going to end, there were a few interesting little twists along the way. Too, I think the main couple in this one might be a little bit older and more mature than the others I read. I'll come back to the merits of this book after an intermission. . . .

At the risk of beating a dead horse, I want to talk about the romance genre and books about books/libraries/bookshops. Both of these tend to disappoint me, but I keep on reading them because I'm determined in my belief that some author is capable of doing them right (for me).

First, let's talk about romance as a genre. I am of an age that thinks of the romance genre in terms of Harlequin romances and the like—the paperbacks with racy pictures on the cover, churned out to titillate bored housewives. The whole point of those is the sex. There's not a lot of plot required, and I imagine that they're quite formulaic (which isn't always a bad thing, of course—when one finds what they like, why not have more?). If that's your bag, cool—enjoy! Fast forward some decades, and now it seems that anything that includes a romantic relationship is considered part of the romance genre. Really?! That's so disappointing to me. I hope that romantic relationships are part of all adults' lives, if they so desire. I like to read about romantic relationships . . . as part of an interesting, well-rounded work of fiction. That is, I need more than the sex—I want to know about the whole lives. Incidentally, I looked up some much older works of fiction that include romantic relationships (e.g. Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and Pride and Prejudice), and while there are a shocking number of readers who classify those as romance, there are significantly more who classify them both as classics and fiction. That's what I'm talking about! From now on, I'm not going to classify what I read as belonging to the romance genre unless it's just about sex. Instead, I will classify more fully-plotted books as fiction . . . and occasionally, if the shoe fits, also as a rom-com.

Now, on to books about books/libraries/bookshops. Don't tease a bookdragon with a bookish title or location if it's not pertinent to the plot. That is all.

Back to Book Lovers, there was a slightly irritating and angsty section of the book that dragged for me. Luckily, it's not the greatest portion of the book. I'm not a huge fan of the “we just can't make this relationship work for ridiculous and superficial reasons, so we mustn't ever see each other again” trope. Then again, if the characters were completely mature and secure, I guess it would be too easy? I don't know.

On a brighter and stronger note, here are some of the things that satisfied me in terms of “fiction that doesn't belong in the romance genre, but includes romantic relationship(s) as an element of the story” as well as book-themed books:

  • As I've mentioned in reviews of other misclassified books that I've enjoyed (however rare), the characters don't fall into bed instantaneously—a relationship develops.
  • It's funny! Really funny! Sometimes punny. Sometimes dark. Sometimes snarky. Lots of humor! Who doesn't need more of that right now?
  • Books, bookish locations, and bookish people are prominent and believable. Nora is a book agent. Charlie is a book editor. Nora and Libby are lifelong readers. Charlie's mom owns a bookstore. One of Nora's clients (a writer) figures into several aspects of the story.

The bottom line is that Book Lovers was a winner for me. It was definitely worth the hold spot it hogged.


9 June 2022

The Brass Verdict (Mickey Haller #2), Michael Connelly 4
Things are finally looking up for defense attorney Mickey Haller. After two years of wrong turns, Haller is back in the courtroom. When Hollywood lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller inherits his biggest case yet: the defense of Walter Elliott, a prominent studio executive accused of murdering his wife and her lover. But as Haller prepares for the case that could launch him into the big time, he learns that Vincent's killer may be coming for him next.

Enter Harry Bosch. Determined to find Vincent's killer, he is not opposed to using Haller as bait. But as danger mounts and the stakes rise, these two loners realize their only choice is to work together. [from the publisher]

As I mentioned in my review of the first book, there are mostly minor differences between the Netflix series—which I now believe to be based on both the first and second books (though the main case is from the second book)—and (now) the second book itself. However, there are a couple of differences that are more significant—and much more interesting in the book. The level of detail in the book series is delicious. For instance, the origin of a taxidermied fish in Haller's inherited offices relates to a new client of Mickey's who becomes his driver (different driver than in the Netflix series, and while we saw the fish in the Netflix series, I'm not sure it was fully explained). Too, the relationship between the detective in the second book (also different than in the Netflix series) and Haller is important, and this detective appears again in book three.

For those who are living vicariously through my dive into all things Lincoln Lawyer, here are the updates since my review of book one:

  • I read two unrelated books between LL books one and two. I read one unrelated book between book two (that I am reviewing now) and book three (my current read, as I'm writing).
  • I was able to borrow books two through six—hooray! Now the challenge is to read them all before they're due, while keeping up with my NetGalley list and my other library holds coming available. It's a good challenge!
  • We rewatched the 2011 movie—based on the first book—on date night this week. Overall, I think the movie was more true to the book than the Netflix series was. There was one point toward the end of the movie in which I was disappointed with a plot point adaptation. I didn't think the tension in the movie was as high as in the first book—also a slight disappointment. Still, rewatching the movie was a treat—no regrets.
  • The temptation is high to discuss the differences between the visual adaptations and the original books. I think I did pretty well resisting sharing with my partner this week, but he might beg to differ. He doesn't read as voraciously as I do—he has other responsibilities and interests—so it will be a while before he catches up with me in the book series. Please wish us both luck.

I'll see you again in a couple/few days to talk about book three!


7 June 2022

Counterfeit, Kirstin Chen 2.66
Money can't buy happiness... but it can buy a decent fake.

Ava Wong has always played it safe. As a strait-laced, rule-abiding Chinese American lawyer with a successful surgeon as a husband, a young son, and a beautiful home—she's built the perfect life. But beneath this façade, Ava's world is crumbling: her marriage is falling apart, her expensive law degree hasn't been used in years, and her toddler's tantrums are pushing her to the breaking point.

Enter Winnie Fang, Ava's enigmatic college roommate from Mainland China, who abruptly dropped out under mysterious circumstances. Now, twenty years later, Winnie is looking to reconnect with her old friend. But the shy, awkward girl Ava once knew has been replaced with a confident woman of the world, dripping in luxury goods, including a coveted Birkin in classic orange. The secret to her success? Winnie has developed an ingenious counterfeit scheme that involves importing near-exact replicas of luxury handbags and now she needs someone with a U.S. passport to help manage her business—someone who'd never be suspected of wrongdoing, someone like Ava. But when their spectacular success is threatened and Winnie vanishes once again, Ava is left to face the consequences. [from the publisher]

Counterfeit is a quick, short—but maybe not short enough—read. There are no good, root-worthy characters. Just as it's hard to tell which bag is fake and which is legitimate, people and situations in the storytelling aren't always as they seem. The author makes a case for the serious harm that comes from counterfeiting products, but it almost seems like an afterthought.

5 June 2022

A Mirror Mended (Fractured Fables #2), Alix E. Harrow 3
Zinnia Gray, professional fairy-tale fixer and lapsed Sleeping Beauty is over rescuing snoring princesses. Once you’ve rescued a dozen damsels and burned fifty spindles, once you’ve gotten drunk with twenty good fairies and made out with one too many members of the royal family, you start to wish some of these girls would just get a grip and try solving their own narrative issues.

Just when Zinnia’s beginning to think she can't handle one more princess, she glances into a mirror and sees another face looking back at her: the shockingly gorgeous face of evil, asking for her help. Because there’s more than one person trapped in a story they didn’t choose. Snow White's Evil Queen has found out how her story ends and she's desperate for a better ending. She wants Zinnia to help her before it’s too late for everyone. Will Zinnia accept the Queen's poisonous request, and save them both from the hot iron shoes that wait for them, or will she try another path? [from the publisher]

I was over the moon to be granted early access to this sequel to Harrow's A Spindle Splintered, to which I also received early access, and reviewed last October. [That review can be found here.] This time, present-day Ohioan Zinnia finds herself in Snow White's story, but from the Evil Queen's perspective. With this reboot, not only do we get a feminist viewpoint of the fairy tale, but the story also addresses the frequent villainization of older women in fairy tales and folklore. These interesting aspects aside, I didn't like the sequel nearly as much as the first installment, which was funnier and more exciting and did a better job of character development (which is impressive considering the short length of the work).

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected June 14.


4 June 2022

The Lincoln Lawyer (Mickey Haller #1), Michael Connelly 4
Mickey Haller has spent all his professional life afraid that he wouldn’t recognize innocence if it stood right in front of him. But what he should have been on the watch for was evil.

Haller is a Lincoln Lawyer, a criminal defense attorney who operates out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, traveling between the far-flung courthouses of Los Angeles to defend clients of every kind. Bikers, con artists, drunk drivers, drug dealers—they’re all on Mickey Haller’s client list. For him, the law is rarely about guilt or innocence—it’s about negotiation and manipulation. Sometimes it’s even about justice.

A Beverly Hills playboy arrested for attacking a woman he picked up in a bar chooses Haller to defend him, and Mickey has his first high-paying client in years. It is a defense attorney’s dream, what they call a franchise case. And as the evidence stacks up, Haller comes to believe this may be the easiest case of his career.

Then someone close to him is murdered and Haller discovers that his search for innocence has brought him face-to-face with evil as pure as a flame. To escape without being burned, he must deploy every tactic, feint, and instinct in his arsenal—this time to save his own life. [from the publisher]

What's a mystery-loving bookdragon to do when Netflix drops a Lincoln Lawyer series (based on the second book, The Brass Verdict) mid–May? Well, this one binge-watched the whole enchilada over Memorial Day weekend (instead of Stranger Things season 4, which my partner doesn't dig—I'll have to manufacture time to watch that on my own). As a result, I've gone down a rabbit hole for the series, from which comes the following plan:

  • Read the entire book series in order. A more patient person might have waited three-or-so months in the library line for the audiobook. I just couldn't—I used one of my precious Audible credits on the first installment. [In all honesty, I hoard those—I still had three-quarters of my annual credits remaining to spend in the one-quarter of my membership year remaining, so it wasn't exactly a crisis that I parted with a credit.] I'm hoping to be able to read the rest of them on loan, but that's going to mean a breakneck pace. Hold on, folks! [I read Gods of Guilt, which is the fifth book, in May of 2014. I will reread it when its turn comes up.]
  • Rewatch the 2011 movie The Lincoln Lawyer. I can't tell you how long it's been since I watched it, and I can hardly wait to watch it again. I typically either read the book or watch the movie, but some things are cool enough to consume both and appreciate on their own merits.
  • Risk irritating my loved ones by dissecting miniscule to ginormous variations in plot points between the books and the TV series and movie.

On to the book. . . . Despite my understanding that the Netflix series is based on the second book, there was a storyline that was drawn from the first book. The details are not identical, but they're fairly close. I enjoyed meeting the characters in Mickey's inner circle. I was on the edge of my seat several times during the story, as exciting, tense, sad, or scary events played out. I enjoyed watching Mickey (and select other characters) put the puzzle pieces together. I'm a fan, so far. Bring on book two!


2 June 2022

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches, Kate Scelsa 2.66
Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is the least likely person in Salem to believe in witchcraft—or think that her life could be transformed by mysterious forces. Ostracized by her classmates after losing her best friend and first love, Chloe, Eleanor has spent the past year in a haze, vowing to stay away from anything resembling romance.

But when a handwritten guide to tarot arrives in the mail at the witchy souvenir store where Eleanor works, it seems to bring with it the message that magic is about to enter her life. Cynical Eleanor is quick to dismiss this promise, until real-life witch Pix shows up with an unusual invitation. Inspired by the magic and mystery of the tarot, Eleanor decides to open herself up to making friends with Pix and her coven of witches, and even to the possibility of a new romance.

But Eleanor’s complicated history in Salem continues to haunt her, and she is desperate to keep Pix from finding out the truth. Eleanor will have to reckon with the old ghosts that threaten to destroy everything, even her chance at new love. [from the publisher]

It seems like books written by LGBTQ authors and/or in which major and/or minor characters are LGBTQ are increasingly more plentiful in my pipeline in recent months and years. I hope that means that the publishing world is becoming more inclusive. This book is about a lesbian teen skeptic who falls in love with a bisexual teen who is a witch. The story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, and shares some history of the area, though it focuses a little too heavily on the exploitation of the history for purposes of tourism.

The Favorite Funny Quote of the Book Award goes to: “She must spend half her day rolling her eyes at him.” [refers to minor characters Jillian and Simon (a couple) in Chapter Nineteen]

Pros: Eleanor's mom and boss (mom's friend) are supportive of Eleanor; other supportive adults include chef and artist parents of a minor character; Pix is (mostly) appealing—sweet, tender, and sincere; a little bit of history; a smidge of social justice

Cons: Eleanor is whiny and self-pitying throughout; too many slow and repetitive flashback scenes

Content warnings include bullying; teenage alcohol and marijuana abuse; violence (mild to moderate); homophobia; stalking


1 June 2022

Book of Night, Holly Black 2.0
In Charlie Hall’s world, shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences—but also to increase power and influence. You can alter someone’s feelings—and memories—but manipulating shadows has a cost, with the potential to take hours or days from your life. Your shadow holds all the parts of you that you want to keep hidden—a second self, standing just to your left, walking behind you into lit rooms. And sometimes, it has a life of its own.

Charlie is a low-level con artist, working as a bartender while trying to distance herself from the powerful and dangerous underground world of shadow trading. She gets by doing odd jobs for her patrons and the naive new money in her town at the edge of the Berkshires. But when a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie’s present life is thrown into chaos, and her future seems at best, unclear—and at worst, non-existent. Determined to survive, Charlie throws herself into a maelstrom of secrets and murder, setting her against a cast of doppelgängers, mercurial billionaires, shadow thieves, and her own sister—all desperate to control the magic of the shadows. [from the publisher]

There is so much wasted potential in Book of Night. The characters, magic, and con games all seemed like they could develop into an exciting fantasy tale. Instead, there's just a constant level of unpleasantness—shady characters, violence and gore, and stagnant situations. The frequent insertion of flashbacks seemed repetitive and disruptive without being especially interesting. I started the book excited to see where Charlie's story was going—the answer is nowhere. Content warnings are too numerous to list—if you're sensitive to pretty much anything, this is likely not the book for you.

31 May 2022

May reading recap: 17 books finished (4 bailed)

4-star reads

  • Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt
  • The Marlow Murder Club, Robert Thorogood
  • Yerba Buena, Nina LaCour
  • The Agathas, Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson
  • Bellweather Rhapsody, Kate Racculia

honorable mention

  • Let's Dance, David Bowie (original lyrics) & Hannah Marks (Illustrator) (3.5)
  • The Murder Rule, Dervla McTiernan (3.5)
  • The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, Matt Cain (3.5)
  • The Gatekeeper, James Byrne (3.66)

30 May 2022

Meet Me in the Margins, Melissa Ferguson 2
Savannah Cade is a low-level editor at Pennington Publishing, a prestigious publisher producing only the highest of highbrow titles. And while editing the latest edition of The Anthology of Medieval Didactic Poetry may be her day job, she has two secrets she’s hiding.

One: She’s writing a romance novel.

Two: She’s discovered the Book Nook—a secret room in the publishing house where she finds inspiration for her “lowbrow” hobby.

After leaving her manuscript behind one afternoon, she returns to the nook only to discover someone has written notes in the margins. Savannah’s first response to the criticism is defensive, but events transpire that force her to admit that she needs the help of this shadowy editor after all. As the notes take a turn for the romantic, and as Savannah’s madcap life gets more complicated than ever, she uses the process of elimination to identify her mysterious editor—only to discover that what she truly wants and what she should want just might not be the same. [from the publisher]

If ever there were a rom-com that should be perfect for me, this should have been it. I can't tell you what a letdown it was.

Pro: the tiniest smattering of humor; a secret room; a loyal friend; a bar called Oxford Commas

Con: Savannah's supposedly loyal family that is actually totally toxic, including her nasty, selfish, narcissistic sister/roommate who is engaged to Savannah's ex of eight years, and their completely insensitive parents; Savannah's incredible and irritating lack of self-esteem and maturity; general tediousness


28 May 2022

The Gatekeeper, James Byrne 3.66
A highly trained team of mercenaries launches a well-planned, coordinated attack on a well-guarded military contractor—but they didn't count on one thing, the right man being in the wrong place at the right time.

Desmond Aloysius Limerick (“Dez” to all) is a retired mercenary, and enthusiastic amateur musician, currently in Southern California, enjoying the sun and sitting in on the occasional gig, when the hotel he's at falls under attack. A skilled team attempts to kidnap the Chief legal counsel of Triton Expeditors, a major military contractor—in fact, Petra Alexandris is the daughter of the CEO—but their meticulously-planned, seamlessly executed scheme runs into the figurative 'spanner-in-the-works,' Dez himself.

After foiling the attack, and with nothing better to do, Dez agrees to help Alexandris with another problem she’s having—someone has embezzled more than a billion dollars from her company and left very few tracks behind. But Dez is a gatekeeper—one who opens doors and keeps them open—and this is just a door of another kind. And the door he opens leads to a dangerous conspiracy involving media manipulation, militias, an armed coup, and an attempt to fracture the United States themselves. There’s only one obstacle between the conspirators and success—and that is Dez, The Gatekeeper. [from the publisher]

This mystery/thriller debut—unfortunately and plausibly pulling from the current sociopolitical climate and events in the US—is more engaging (and better-written) than the publisher's summary suggests. Main character Dez might be characterized as a British Jack Reacher, except that Dez is more personable and often uses humor to diffuse or enhance a situation . . . or at least to entertain himself (and the reader). If you're a fellow fan of Lee Child's Reacher series, I'd guess you'll like this book.

The book is action-packed and fast-paced. There are new and old relationships that come into play for Dez and other characters, which makes things more interesting. There are numerous characters representing women and people of color in powerful positions, which is more refreshing than it should be. There's a fair amount of teamwork involved, even though Dez is star of the show.

There is explicit and graphic violence, blood, and gore at a level common to contemporary thrillers. It's gross while it's happening, but it doesn't comprise the bulk of the book.

I hope that Byrne continues writing. I would read another novel from him.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected June 7.


26 May 2022

Bellweather Rhapsody, Kate Racculia 4
Fifteen years ago, a murder-suicide in room 712 rocked the grand old Bellweather Hotel and the young bridesmaid who witnessed it, Minnie Graves. Now hundreds of high school musicians have gathered at the Bellweather for the annual Statewide festival; Minnie has returned to face her demons; and a blizzard is threatening to trap them all inside. When a young prodigy disappears from infamous room 712, the search for her entwines an eccentric cast of conductors and caretakers, teenagers on the verge and adults haunted by memories. This is a genre-bending page-turner, full of playful nods to pop-culture classics from The Shining to Agatha Christie to Glee. [from the publisher]
Bellweather Rhapsody is layered, making the unfolding along the way so fun and rewarding. It's got some pop culture; familial, social, and collegial relationships; humor; a hint of paranormal; and mystery. More than one plot twist surprised me, which is rare and greatly appreciated. I was interested in the characters and their stories.

I don't remember how long the book was on my TBR list, nor who recommended it to me. I found it so much more enjoyable than Racculia's Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts, which I read immediately after its publication (as opposed to eight years after publication as is the case here).

I marked five passages, but won't share them for fear of ruining your fun. If you read it, let's chat!


24 May 2022

The Cactus League, Emily Nemens 3
Jason Goodyear is the star outfielder for the Los Angeles Lions, stationed with the rest of his team in the punishingly hot Arizona desert for their annual spring training. Handsome, famous, and talented, Goodyear is nonetheless coming apart at the seams. And the coaches, writers, wives, girlfriends, petty criminals, and diehard fans following his every move are eager to find out why—as they hide secrets of their own.

Humming with the energy of a ballpark before the first pitch, Emily Nemens' The Cactus League unravels the tightly connected web of people behind a seemingly linear game. Narrated by a sportscaster, Goodyear's story is interspersed with tales of Michael Taylor, a batting coach trying to stay relevant; Tamara Rowland, a resourceful spring-training paramour, looking for one last catch; Herb Allison, a legendary sports agent grappling with his decline; and a plethora of other richly drawn characters, all striving to be seen as the season approaches. It's a journey that, like the Arizona desert, brims with both possibility and destruction. [from the publisher]

If memory serves, The Cactus League was a Daniel Pink recommendation. Accordingly, I probably set my expectations too high.

Liking baseball (as I do) is not a prerequisite for reading this book. There are so many different characters beyond the team members. Does one have to be interested in Texas oil to enjoy the TV series Dallas, or in forensic anthropology to enjoy Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan book series (or the resultant TV series)? The baseball team just provides a framework.

Overall, the feel is vaguely soap opera–ish. Every character or situation is extreme or overly dramatic. Few, if any, of the characters are especially appealing or sympathy-inducing. There was one character of whom I might have liked to have seen more, though there is a related storyline with different characters.

I was adequately entertained. But this is definitely an audiobook I wish I could have borrowed.


22 May 2022

An Island, Karen Jennings 2.66
Samuel has lived alone on a small island off the coast of an unnamed African country for more than two decades. He tends to his garden, his lighthouse, and his chickens, content with a solitary life. Routinely, the nameless bodies of refugees wash ashore, but Samuel—who understands that the government only values certain lives, certain deaths—always buries them himself.

One day, though, he finds that one of these bodies is still breathing. As he nurses the stranger back to life, Samuel—feeling strangely threatened—is soon swept up in memories of his former life as a political prisoner on the mainland. This was a life that saw his country exploited under colonial rule, followed by a period of revolution and a brief, hard-won independence—only for the cycle of suffering to continue under a cruel dictator. And he can't help but recall his own shameful role in that history. In this stranger's presence, he begins to consider, as he did in his youth: What does it mean to own land, or to belong to it? And what does it cost to have, and lose, a home? [from the publisher]

Neither bad nor great, I think that An Island is simply not a novel for me at this particular point in time. The most notable quote of the book for me is this:
Did they not care about those who had put them in power with blood and sweat? Did they care nothing for their people? Power made men hateful. Power made men forget everyone but themselves. [The Third Day]

21 May 2022

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, Matt Cain 3.5
Every day, Albert Entwistle makes his way through the streets of his small English town, delivering letters and parcels and returning greetings with a quick wave and a “how do?” Everyone on his route knows Albert, or thinks they do—a man of quiet routines, content to live alone with his cat, Gracie.

Three months before his sixty-fifth birthday, Albert receives a letter from the Royal Mail thanking him for decades of service and stating that he is being forced into retirement. At once, Albert’s simple life unravels. Without the work that fills his days, what will he do? He has no friends, family, or hobbies—just a past he never speaks of, and a lost love that fills him with regret. And so, rather than continue his lonely existence, Albert forms a brave plan to start truly living, to be honest about who he is . . . and to find George, the man with whom he spent one perfect spring and summer long ago.

One painful yet exhilarating step at a time, Albert begins searching for George and revealing his story to those around him. As he does, something extraordinary happens. Albert finds unlikely allies, new friends, and the courage to help others—even as he seeks the happiness he’s always denied himself. [from the publisher]

Albert has kept to himself his entire adult life for fear that he won't be accepted (or worse, that he'll be attacked) because he is gay, even though social norms have changed significantly. He's incredibly lonely—with no friends or family. With his forced retirement looming, he's at a loss as to what he'll do with himself, and he decides to finally experience life. Albert starts to take an interest in his coworkers and neighbors, and he embarks on a search for the boy he lost 50 years prior, when they were teens.

The story is quite predictable and somewhat formulaic, but the journey is pleasant. When Albert shows the least bit of attention to others—asking after their loved ones, sometimes sharing advice, and delivering treats—they feel good, he feels good, and relationships blossom. Especially notable supporting characters include Nicole—a black, teenage, single mom to toddler daughter Rini; and neighbor Edith—in her 80s—who used to design costumes for the local theatre. Also appearing are Nicole's boyfriend and his parents, various of Albert's coworkers, a new (and gay) couple in the neighborhood, someone from Edith's past, and a motley crew of people who aid in Albert's quest to find George.

There is an excessive amount of internal dialogue on the part of several characters, which is somewhat awkward and disconcerting. The book is occasionally repetitive, giving an almost-verbatim description of certain characters or situations several times. Simon Vance—who has narrated an incredible number and variety of books—does a fine job on this work (better with male voices than female, but not horrid even with the latter).

Content warnings include homophobia, violence, racism, isolation, emotional abuse from a parent, and death of a beloved pet.

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected May 31.


18 May 2022

Assembly, Natasha Brown 3
Come of age in the credit crunch. Be civil in a hostile environment. Go to college, get an education, start a career. Do all the right things. Buy an apartment. Buy art. Buy a sort of happiness. But above all, keep your head down. Keep quiet. And keep going.

The narrator of Assembly is a black British woman. She is preparing to attend a lavish garden party at her boyfriend’s family estate, set deep in the English countryside. At the same time, she is considering the carefully assembled pieces of herself. As the minutes tick down and the future beckons, she can’t escape the question: is it time to take it all apart?

Assembly is a story about the stories we live within—those of race and class, safety and freedom, winners and losers. And it is about one woman daring to take control of her own story, even at the cost of her life. [from the publisher]

I don't have much to say about this novella. It's a spare look at racism and misogyny—in this case toward a British woman of Jamaican descent, but applicable to other countries and backgrounds as well. The main character has done everything as expected and demanded, but will never be “enough” to earn respect and status. It's a quick read—not “easy” because of the subject matter, but important.

17 May 2022

The Agathas, Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson 4
Last summer, Alice Ogilve’s basketball-star boyfriend Steve dumped her. Then she disappeared for five days. Where she went and what happened to her is the biggest mystery in Castle Cove, because she’s not talking. Or it was, at least. But now, another one of Steve’s girlfriends has vanished: Brooke Donovan, Alice’s ex–best friend. And it doesn’t look like Brooke will be coming back. . . .

Enter Iris Adams, Alice’s tutor. Iris has her own reasons for wanting to disappear, though unlike Alice, she doesn’t have the money or the means. That could be changed by the hefty reward Brooke’s grandmother is offering to anyone who can share information about her granddaughter’s whereabouts. The police are convinced Steve is the culprit, but Alice isn’t so sure, and with Iris on her side, she just might be able to prove her theory.

In order to get the reward and prove Steve’s innocence, they need to figure out who killed Brooke Donovan. And luckily Alice has exactly what they need—the complete works of Agatha Christie. If there’s anyone that can teach the girls how to solve a mystery it’s the master herself. But the town of Castle Cove holds many secrets, and Alice and Iris have no idea how much danger they're about to walk into. [from the publisher]

There's a lot going on in this YA mystery (beyond the mystery—which has elements of both Agatha Christie and Scooby-Doo—of course): mean girls/high school cliques, improbable buddies in the making, teamwork, corruption, family drama, and a large cast of characters/potential suspects. It's all intricately woven and nonstop action.

Alice and Iris are from wildly different backgrounds and social groups. While neither is thrilled with their forced tutoring arrangement, they find their way to working well together and, eventually, caring for each other. The broad collection of characters all contribute something. Nothing/no one is presented without cause. It makes for a more interesting search for clues in the case.

While the book is targeted at teens, and the tone of the book isn't particularly intense as murder mysteries go, the subject matter (main and subplots) is quite serious, including underage drinking, drug use, and sex; murder; domestic abuse; neglect; poverty; gambling addiction; and corruption. This is noted at the end of the book, and resources for handling some of these issues is provided.


15 May 2022

Yerba Buena, Nina LaCour 4
When Sara Foster runs away from home at sixteen, she leaves behind not only the losses that have shattered her world but the girl she once was, capable of trust and intimacy. Years later, in Los Angeles, she is a sought-after bartender, renowned as much for her brilliant cocktails as for the mystery that clings to her. Across the city, Emilie Dubois is in a holding pattern. In her sixth year and fifth major as an undergraduate, she yearns for the beauty and community her Creole grandparents cultivated but is unable to commit. On a whim, she takes a job arranging flowers at the glamorous restaurant Yerba Buena and embarks on an affair with the married owner.

When Sara catches sight of Emilie one morning at Yerba Buena, their connection is immediate. But the damage both women carry, and the choices they have made, pulls them apart again and again. When Sara's old life catches up to her, upending everything she thought she wanted just as Emilie has finally gained her own sense of purpose, they must decide if their love is more powerful than their pasts. [from the publisher]

The book opens with a shocking and tragic experience for one of the main characters during her teen years. The traumatic intensity is maintained throughout the book—it's not a happy, light story by any stretch of the imagination. While some good things happen to the main characters eventually, the overwhelming feel of the book is heavy, difficult, and emotional.

Upon completion, I unexpectedly went breathless and sobbed. I'm not quite sure how much of that strong reaction can be assigned to the book and how much credit is due to the current state of our world on top of a week of woefully insufficient sleep. Either way, I was deeply moved by the story, and tentatively awarded it an even higher rating than the one on which I have settled after some days removed from the experience. The bottom line is that if you are interested and emotionally resilient enough to be immersed in a deeply emotional and powerful story, I would recommend this one. If you aren't up to it (or just plain aren't interested in the plot description), you won't get any shade from me.

Pro: I was cheering for Emilie and Sara throughout the story, hopeful that they would find their way to happiness and fulfillment, individually and together. Rich language, intricate backstories, and adequate character development are present. I was interested in various characters' creativity and skills. Representation includes biracial, lesbian, and bisexual main characters, as well as LGBTQ and multicultural supporting characters. The audio edition is narrated by Julia Whelan.

Con: Content warnings include (but are not necessarily limited to) drug abuse and addiction, including overdose; prostitution, including minors; child neglect (at least); and infidelity.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected May 31.


13 May 2022

The Murder Rule, Dervla McTiernan 3.5
First Rule: Make them like you.

Second Rule: Make them need you.

Third Rule: Make them pay.

They think I’m a young, idealistic law student, that I’m passionate about reforming a corrupt and brutal system.

They think I’m working hard to impress them.

They think I’m here to save an innocent man on death row.

They're wrong. I’m going to bury him.

[from the publisher]

I liked this mystery/thriller quite a bit at the start; my pleasure waned a bit as it went on. It's paced well enough, with us discovering information as main character Hannah Rokeby does.

Law student Hannah joins the Innocence Project at the University of Virginia in order to sabotage the case of a client with whom her alcoholic mother has a bad past—a fact that Hannah learns by reading her mom's secret diary. There is plenty of action propelling the story.

I'm having a hard time deciding how to rate this, as I'm torn between appreciating how well the story kept my attention and being irritated at some of the writing tactics leading to the reveal.

Content warnings include brutal beatings and multiple sexual assaults.


12 May 2022

Jameela Green Ruins Everything, Zarqa Nawaz 2.5
Jameela Green only has one wish.

To see her memoir on the New York Times bestseller list. When her dream doesn’t come true, she seeks spiritual guidance at her local mosque. New imam and recent immigrant Ibrahim Sultan is appalled by Jameela’s shallowness, but agrees to assist her on one condition: that she perform a good deed.

Jameela reluctantly accepts his terms, kicking off a chain of absurd and unfortunate events. When the person the two do-gooders try to help is recruited by a terrorist group called D.I.C.K.—Dominion of the Islamic Caliphate and Kingdoms—the federal authorities become suspicious of Ibrahim, and soon after, the imam mysteriously disappears.

Certain that the CIA have captured Ibrahim for interrogation via torture, Jameela decides to set off on a one-woman operation to rescue him. Her quixotic quest soon finds her entangled in an international plan targeting the egomaniacal leader of the terrorist organization—a scheme that puts Jameela, and countless others, including her hapless husband and clever but disapproving daughter, at risk. [from the publisher]

I was attracted to this book because it is billed as a satire taking a “biting look at what has gone wrong with American foreign policy in the Middle East,” and the author is a Pakistani Muslim Canadian woman. This satire didn't cut it for me. It was so over-the-top—much more ridiculous than clever.

I probably should have bailed fairly early on. When I got to about the 70% mark [Chapter 32, in which Jameela is talking to a leader in the terrorist organization she has tried to infiltrate/been captured by about the (unarguable) harms caused by the American government], I figured I might as well finish it and see if it redeemed itself. It didn't. In Chapter 47 (93%), Jameela meets a social media influencer who tells her “You don't have to be rich or powerful or white to mobilize people and create massive global awareness.” These two examples are about as deep as the narrative gets.

The characters are, generally, horribly unappealing. Jameela is immature and narcissistic (as is a former classmate/rival of Jameela's who is brought into the story multiple times at no benefit to the story or reader). Her husband is portrayed as completely ineffectual. There are a bunch of government agency–types and terrorists who, of course, aren't meant to be positive characters. The closest we get to someone for whom a reader could root are Ibrahim (though he comes off as so very naive that I question his position as a religious leader—where are the wisdom and experience needed to counsel his congregants?) and Jameela's teenage daughter, who is a talented food preparer and caretaker of others (especially those who should be caring for her). Even these two get caught up in/tainted by the ridiculous plot.

For others who like to read with their ears: The narrator has possibly the worst-ever British accent. In terms of how the narrator used her voice to differentiate characters, it was sometimes difficult to understand which character was speaking.


10 May 2022

The Marlow Murder Club, Robert Thorogood 4
Judith Potts is seventy-seven years old and blissfully happy. She lives on her own in a faded mansion just outside Marlow, there’s no man in her life to tell her what to do or how much whisky to drink, and to keep herself busy she sets crosswords for The Times newspaper.

One evening, while out swimming in the Thames, Judith witnesses a brutal murder. The local police don’t believe her story, so she decides to investigate for herself, and is soon joined in her quest by Suzie, a salt-of-the-earth dog-walker, and Becks, the prim and proper wife of the local Vicar.

Together, they are the Marlow Murder Club.

When another body turns up, they realise they have a real-life serial killer on their hands. And the puzzle they set out to solve has become a trap from which they might never escape. . . . [from the publisher]

I was waffling a bit on the rating of this fun cozy mystery, but have decided that life is too short for that, so I'm rating it a tiny step up.

All the heroes of the book are female. The friendships formed between the three members of the Marlow Murder Club—all from different backgrounds—are the main attraction. Tanika, the police detective (I can't remember her exact title) in charge of the case has her work cut out for her—not only leading the investigation and being away from her family extra hours, but also trying to manage the civilians who keep trying to insert themselves. Emma the dog becomes a character of some import.

During the course of the story, among the amateur sleuthing trio, there are secrets revealed, untapped or unrecognized talents emerging, and a fair amount of whiskey drinking.

My favorite quote of the book is in Chapter 8: “If we only did what was wise, nothing would ever get done, would it?” —Judith to Tanika


8 May 2022

I Kissed Shara Wheeler, Casey McQuiston 3
Chloe Green is so close to winning. After her moms moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, she’s spent the past four years dodging gossipy classmates and a puritanical administration at Willowgrove Christian Academy. The thing that’s kept her going: winning valedictorian. Her only rival: prom queen Shara Wheeler, the principal’s perfect progeny.

But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and vanishes.

On a furious hunt for answers, Chloe discovers she’s not the only one Shara kissed. There’s also Smith, Shara’s longtime quarterback sweetheart, and Rory, Shara’s bad boy neighbor with a crush. The three have nothing in common except Shara and the annoyingly cryptic notes she left behind, but together they must untangle Shara’s trail of clues and find her. It’ll be worth it, if Chloe can drag Shara back before graduation to beat her fair-and-square.

Thrown into an unlikely alliance, chasing a ghost through parties, break-ins, puzzles, and secrets revealed on monogrammed stationery, Chloe starts to suspect there might be more to this small town than she thought. And maybe—probably not, but maybe—more to Shara, too. [from the publisher]

I so enjoyed McQuiston's debut—Red, White & Royal Blue—but keep being disappointed by her subsequent works. It's not that I disliked the latest book; it just wasn't notable. This one has the youngest main characters—high-schoolers—and the greatest LGBTQ representation.

I liked the mystery of Shara's clues left behind for Chloe, Smith, and Rory, but didn't find Chloe's obsession to the point of risking her academic record plausible. Smith was probably my favorite character in the book, but he could have been developed more. Chloe's best friend, Georgia, could have been better developed, as well.

There is some humor, which helps. In Chapter 10, when Rory and Chloe are on the hunt for clues, Chloe says about Principal Wheeler (Shara's dad), “There’s no way his job is that hard. All he does is cut the arts budget and misinterpret the Bible. How many hours can that possibly take?” The most feel-good part of the book comes at the end in the forms of a reveal about/potential comeuppance for one character and a group grand event.


6 May 2022

True Biz, Sara Nović 3
True biz (adj/exclamation; American Sign Language): really, seriously, definitely, real-talk

True biz? The students at the River Valley School for the Deaf just want to hook up, pass their history final, and have doctors, politicians, and their parents stop telling them what to do with their bodies. This revelatory novel plunges readers into the halls of a residential school for the deaf, where they'll meet Charlie, a rebellious transfer student who's never met another deaf person before; Austin, the school's golden boy, whose world is rocked when his baby sister is born hearing; and February, the headmistress, who is fighting to keep her school open and her marriage intact, but might not be able to do both. As a series of crises both personal and political threaten to unravel each of them, Charlie, Austin, and February find their lives inextricable from one another—and changed forever.

This is a story of sign language and lip-reading, cochlear implants and civil rights, isolation and injustice, first love and loss, and, above all, great persistence, daring, and joy. [from the publisher]

The best parts of this work of fiction are the illuminating and instructive nonfiction snippets about cochlear implants, American Sign Language (with tidbits thrown in about BASL—Black American Sign Language—and BSL—British Sign Language), and Deaf culture.

The fictional story was less compelling. There is little progress made throughout the book, and there's a fair amount of repetition. Some of the side storylines were distracting at worst and unnecessary at best.

Still, I'm glad I read True Biz. I appreciate being given the opportunity to learn about this history and present.


4 May 2022

Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt 4
After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she's been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late. [from the publisher]

In Remarkably Bright Creatures, the reader knows what's happening long before the characters. The characters and their interactions are (for the most part, at least) pleasant and interesting, so it's not a hardship for the reader to go along for the ride as the characters slowly figure things out. Besides Tova and Marcellus, the local shopkeeper, Ethan, and a young man looking for the father he never knew, Cameron, are substantial characters. A host of townspeople—including Tova's boss at the aquarium, Terry, and Tova's once knitting/now social group, the Knit Wits—along with Cameron's aunt and two childhood best friends are supporting characters.

I would have liked more Marcellus. I was slightly frustrated a couple of times when Tova did something counter to achieving the appropriate ending, or Cameron was especially petulant (not attractive on a 30-something). Occasionally I wanted to urge a character to “Get there faster!” Overall, though, it was a charming, warm story.

The audiobook is skillfully narrated by actors Marin Ireland (Sissy in 10 episodes of The Umbrella Academy, among other credits; also a prolific narrator of such books as Hoffman's The Rules of Magic, Wilson's Nothing to See Here, and Backman's Anxious People) and the adorable and fantastic Michael Urie (Marc St. James in 85 episodes of Ugly Betty, among other credits; also narrator of such books as Rowley's Lily and the Octopus and The Editor).


3 May 2022

Let's Dance, David Bowie (original lyrics) & Hannah Marks (Illustrator) 3.5
I have fantastic memories of seeing David Bowie live at the Rosemont Horizon (now Allstate Arena) during his 1983 The Serious Moonlight Tour supporting the Let's Dance album. Reading this children's picture book using some of the lyrics from the album's title hit was a necessity.

I can see what non-Bowie-fan reviewers are saying about not understanding the appeal of the book. I couldn't read the book without singing the text in my head. Sadly, I can also relate to what Bowie-fan reviewers are saying about the lyrics not translating well to this platform.

So, let's focus on the absolutely delightful and joyous illustrations. People (and quite a few animals) of different ages, skin tones, religions, and cultures move their bodies in a variety of environments. The drawings are so colorful and vivid that one can see and feel the energy and emotion.


2 May 2022

Birds of California, Katie Cotugno 3.35
Former child actor Fiona St. James dropped out of the spotlight after a spectacularly public crash and burn. The tabloids called her crazy and self-destructive and said she'd lost her mind. Now in her late twenties, Fiona believes her humiliating past is firmly behind her. She's finally regained a modicum of privacy, and she won't let anything—or anyone—mess it up.

Unlike Fiona, Sam Fox, who played her older brother on the popular television show Birds of California, loves the perks that come with being a successful Hollywood actor: fame, women, parties, money. When his current show gets cancelled and his agent starts to avoid his calls, the desperate actor enthusiastically signs on for a Birds of California revival. But to make it happen, he needs Fiona St. James.

Against her better judgment, Fiona agrees to have lunch with Sam. What happens next takes them both by surprise. Sam is enthralled by Fiona's take-no-prisoners attitude, and Fiona discovers a lovable goofball behind Sam's close-up-ready face. Long drives to the beach, late nights at dive bars . . . theirs is the kind of kitschy romance Hollywood sells. But just like in the rom-coms Fiona despises, there's a twist that threatens her new love. Sam doesn't know the full story behind her breakdown. What happens when she reveals the truth? [from the publisher]

Y'all know that I have an ever-so-rarely-surprisingly-like-a-smidge/hate relationship with romance books, right? But, I keep trying. . . .

There are several reasons Birds of California makes it into the former category.

  • There isn't the ridiculous enemies to lovers trope. While Fiona and Sam played siblings on their television show, there was a clear off-screen attraction that wasn't realized fully at the time. That doesn't mean that it's clear sailing for their romance during the course of the story—from the outset, it's clear that Fiona has experienced trauma that stands in the way of getting romantically involved with Sam in the present. [We'll come back to this.]
  • The main characters don't fall straight into bed—their romantic relationship is slow to develop. In the meantime, instead of hopping into bed at the drop of a hat, they go to the beach, go out to eat, or talk about books.
  • It's funny! In Chapter 4, something is described as being “. . . so long and eclectic it makes the menu at The Cheesecake Factory look like an exercise in restraint.” There's a lot of witty banter, as well (when it doesn't disintegrate into insults).
  • There are several appealing supporting characters, including Sam's friend/former roommate, Erin, and Fiona's sister and their elderly next-door neighbor, Estelle. There's also a community theatre troupe that plays a small, but not insignificant role. These characters add interest to the story, and there are substantive interactions between them and the main characters

As for Fiona's trauma, there is more than one source that could have led to her public meltdowns. One is obvious from the beginning. The other—the one that's most to blame for getting in the way of her developing relationship with Sam—is drawn out until the very last few pages of the book. On the one hand, after a while, this made the story drag something fierce. On the other hand, in real life, it legitimately takes a long time to process and deal with trauma. I'm glad I stuck with the story when I started getting impatient with the pace. For some reviewers, that was a deal-breaker.


30 April 2022

April reading recap: 20 books finished (4 bailed)

5-star read

  • Everywhere Babies, Susan Meyers & Marla Frazee (Illustrator)

4-star reads

  • My Evil Mother, Margaret Atwood
  • Pay Dirt Road, Samantha Jayne Allen (4.35)
  • One Potato, Tyler Mcmahon
  • We Are Better Together, Bill McKibben & Stevie Lewis (Illustrator)
  • Playing with Myself, Randy Rainbow (4.35)
  • One of Us Is Dead, Jeneva Rose (4.35)

honorable mention (3.5)

  • From Hollywood with Love: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of the Romantic Comedy, Scott Meslow
  • Suburban Dicks, Fabian Nicieza
  • Like a Sister, Kellye Garrett

30 April 2022

One of Us Is Dead, Jeneva Rose 4.35
Opulence. Sex. Betrayal. Sometimes friendship can be deadly.

Meet the women of Buckhead—a place of expensive cars, huge houses, and competitive friendships.

Shannon was once the queen bee of Buckhead. But she’s been unceremoniously dumped by Bryce, her politician husband. When Bryce replaces her with a much younger woman, Shannon sets out to take revenge. . . .

Crystal has stepped into Shannon’s old shoes. A young, innocent Texan girl, she simply has no idea what she’s up against. . . .

Olivia has waited years to take Shannon’s crown as the unofficial queen of Buckhead. Finally, her moment has come. But to take her rightful place, she will need to use every backstabbing, manipulative, underhand trick in the book. . . .

Jenny owns Glow, the most exclusive salon in town. Jenny knows all her clients’ secrets and darkest desires. But will she ever tell?

Who amongst these women will be clever enough to survive Buckhead—and who will wind up dead? They say that friendships can be complex, but no one said it could ever be this deadly. [from the publisher]

Based on the publisher's description, I was expecting to dislike this book. I generally prefer a more likeable cast. I don't watch any of the Real Housewives shows. I have, however, enjoyed the movies Mean Girls and Clueless, both of which are referenced in One of Us Is Dead.

It's true that the characters are almost all completely despicable. Yet, I was glued to the story. I got to the end and said “Wow!” out loud. I really can't share anything about the plot without spoiling it. So, if you are game for a quick, nasty, trashy drama with a bit of mystery, give this a try.

Content warning: Beyond the expected murder found in most mysteries, there are other acts of violence—including human trafficking—briefly depicted.


28 April 2022

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone, Tae Keller 2.66
Sometimes middle school can make you feel like you're totally alone in the universe . . . but what if we aren't alone at all?

Thanks to her best friend, Reagan, Mallory Moss knows the rules of middle school. The most important one? You have to fit in to survive. But then Jennifer Chan moves in across the street, and that rule doesn't seem to apply. Jennifer doesn't care about the laws of middle school, or the laws of the universe. She believes in aliens—and she thinks she can find them.

Then Jennifer goes missing. Using clues from Jennifer's journals, Mallory goes searching. But the closer she gets, the more Mallory has to confront why Jennifer might have run . . . and face the truth within herself. [from the publisher]

I wanted—and expected—to like this middle school book about bullying more. Unfortunately, I found it too repetitive, too preachy (not getting the anti-bullying message across effectively), and too superficial. The book is fairly short, but started to feel like it was going on forever. The storytelling jumps around in chapters entitled “Then,” “Now,” and “Jennifer Chan's Guide to the Universe Volume . . . ” (Jennifer's journal entries). There were moments of tenderness, connection, humor, and action. I especially liked the use of walkie-talkies and a short action scene late in the book. I liked Jennifer's individuality and (sometimes-)confidence.

The long author's note at the end reveals her personal experience of being bullied when she was 12 years old. Her experience sounds extremely frightening—so violent that she couldn't share all of her experience in this book targeted at middle-schoolers.

Obviously, I am not in the target audience. As always, I'm interested in hearing what you thought of the book, whether or not you're in the target audience, though I'm especially interested in hearing from some tweens about their reading experiences.


26 April 2022

Two Nights in Lisbon, Chris Pavone 3
You think you know a person. . . .

Ariel Price wakes up in Lisbon, alone. Her husband is gone—no warning, no note, not answering his phone. Something is wrong.

She starts with hotel security, then the police, then the American embassy, at each confronting questions she can’t fully answer: What exactly is John doing in Lisbon? Why would he drag her along on his business trip? Who would want to harm him? And why does Ariel know so little about her new—much younger—husband?

The clock is ticking. Ariel is increasingly frustrated and desperate, running out of time, and the one person in the world who can help is the one person she least wants to ask. [from the publisher]

This tense mystery built its way to a high rating from me and then tore itself down.

The good:

There are moments of comic relief.

There's some timely political and social commentary.

The plot kept me engaged and uncertain for much of the book (though the ending was not a complete surprise to me).

The in-between:

Characters, location, and timeline change frequently. This may be intended to portray things happening simultaneously or in real-time. It was sometimes confusing.

There are several unreliable narrators.

I am left questioning the author's motives on several plot points. He'll make a bold comment on the status quo, and then write a character or situation that seems to invalidate that point.

The bad:

Sexual assault is alluded to many times from early on in the book. Ariel thwarts an attempted attack fairly early on (not the first attack on her), but the violence against women is so pervasive in the book that it's hardly a victory. There is one rape that is so brutally and graphically depicted that it truly gave me pause. What is the value of presenting this extreme violence in such detail? Are readers going to change their viewpoint or understanding of rape because of this description? If so, will they change their behaviors or act in some way to change our culture and legislation? Is this entertainment? Does this add to or distract from the main plotline of John's kidnapping and Ariel's quest to gain his release?

So, I am faced with a rating conundrum. . . . Much of the story would put my rating at at least 4 stars, but the gratuitously graphic rape scenes and the excessive length (leading to some repetition or unnecessary filler material—somewhat surprising in light of one character's well-deserved dig at Charles Dickens early in the book) significantly diminished my overall enjoyment.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected May 24.


24 April 2022

Start Without Me (I'll Be There in a Minute), Gary Janetti 3.35
Gary Janetti is bothered. By a lot of things. And thank God he's here to tell us.

In Start Without Me, Gary returns with his acid tongue firmly in cheek to the moments and times that defined him. He takes us by the hand as we follow him through the summers he spends in his twenties, pursuing both the perfect tan and the perfect man to no avail and much regret. At his Catholic high school, he strikes up an unlikely friendship with a nun who shares Gary's love of soap operas, which becomes a salvation to them both. And don't get him started on how a bad hotel room can ruin even the best vacation. This laugh-out-loud collection of true-life stories from the man “behind his generation's greatest comedy” (The New York Times) is for anyone who has felt the joy in holding a decade-long grudge. [from the publisher]

This is the second memoir I've read this week written by a gay man born in New York. This time, the author/narrator is American TV writer, producer, and actor Gary Janetti, whose credits include being an executive producer on Will and Grace and co-creator and writer of the British sitcom Vicious. I read his previous book—Do You Mind If I Cancel? (Things That Still Annoy Me)—soon after it was published in October of 2019.

Early in this volume, Janetti talks about the importance of The Carol Burnett Show to his childhood (as did Randy Rainbow in his memoir released this week; I loved it as a child, too—I often watched with Granny). Other topics include piano lessons, his sneaky method of getting out of gym class during the football unit, how we contacted friends before texting was a thing, and differences in childrearing between the 1970s and now. A few times, I laughed out loud . . . loud enough for my partner to hear from another room and check on me.

Janetti's narration was inconsistent—sometimes spirited and conversational; often dull, almost robotic. Regardless, the memoir is a quick, fun read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected April 26.


23 April 2022

Hope and Glory, Jendella Benson 3.35
Glory Akindele returns to London from her seemingly glamorous life in LA to mourn the sudden death of her father, only to find her previously close family has fallen apart in her absence. Her brother, Victor, is in jail and won't speak to her because she didn't come home for his trial. Her older sister, Faith, once a busy career woman, appears to have lost her independence and ambition, and is instead channeling her energies into holding together a perfect suburban family. Worst of all, their mother, Celeste, is headed toward a breakdown after the death of her husband and the shame of her son's incarceration.

Rather than returning to America, Glory decides to stay and try to bring them all together again. It's a tall order given that Glory's life isn't exactly working out according to plan either, and she's acutely aware that she's not so sure who she is and what she wants.

A chance reunion with a man she'd known in her teens—the perceptive but elusive Julian—gives her the courage to start questioning why her respectable but obsessively private Nigerian immigrant family is the way it is. But then Glory's questioning unearths a massive secret that shatters the family's fragile peace—and she risks losing everyone she deeply cares about in her pursuit of the truth and a reunited family. [from the publisher]

My interest rose and fell several times during this debut novel by British-Nigerian author Jendella Benson. The family drama gets somewhat repetitive, but the story ends well enough. I especially liked the search for Hope and some of the scenes including Victor.

For what it's worth, I very much liked the narrator. The debut was engaging enough that I expect to read Benson's future work.


23 April 2022

[photo by Polina Zimmerman from Pexels]

On World Book and Copyright Day, especially in uncertain times, we must cherish and defend books as symbols of hope and dialogue.

Books have long embodied the human capacity to conjure up worlds, both real and imagined, giving voice to the diversity of human experience. They help us share ideas, obtain information, and inspire admiration for different cultures, enabling far-reaching forms of dialogue between people across space and time.

In 2022, the Mexican city of Guadalajara is taking up the mantle of World Book Capital, with a year-long programme that focuses on the role of books and reading in triggering social change, combating violence, and building a culture of peace.

On World Book and Copyright Day, UNESCO calls on its partners to share the message that books are a force to address contemporary challenges, to understand political and economic realities, and to combat inequalities and misinformation.

Storytelling is an incredibly effective tool when it comes to educating younger generations. Indeed, books are vital vehicles to access, transmit and promote education, science, culture, and information worldwide. For this reason, every year, on 23 April—a date that marks the departure of three great authors of universal literature, Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega—we celebrate their captivating power to spark innovation, generate knowledge and change minds.

—https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldbookday

Happy World Book Day, my friends! I started my celebration off strong, reading in bed before facing a day of household projects. I'm currently reading Hope and Glory, a debut by British-Nigerian author Jendella Benson. What are you reading and how are you celebrating?

#WorldBookDay #23April #EveryDayIsDebbyBookDay


22 April 2022

Everywhere Babies, Susan Meyers & Marla Frazee (Illustrator) 5
Every day, everywhere, babies are born. They're kissed and dressed and rocked and fed—and completely adored by the families who love them. With an irresistible rhyming text and delightfully endearing illustrations, here is an exuberant celebration of playing, sleeping, crawling, and of course, very noisy babies doing all the wonderful things babies do best. [from the publisher]
This delightful little book (made more delightful for me by the voice of YouTube user “a father reads”) portrays bunches of adorable babies growing, learning, and interacting with their families and communities. I have friends who have read this book many times, whether professionally or personally, and it is highly rated on multiple bookish sites.

Why did I read this book today? Because Florida's Walton County School Superintendent Russell Hughesit banned it recently, saying it was “necessary in this moment for me to make that decision and I did it for just a welfare of all involved, including our constituents, our teachers, and our students.”

So, what's the fuss about? You should read it—or have it read to you online—and decide for yourself. To those who ban this (and other) book(s): your ignorance and intolerance are showing—shame on you!


20 April 2022

Playing with Myself, Randy Rainbow 4.35
Randy Rainbow, the man who conquered the Internet with a stylish pair of pink glasses, an inexhaustible knowledge of Broadway musicals, and the most gimlet-eyed view of American politics this side of Mark Twain finally tells all in Playing with Myself, a memoir sure to cause more than a few readers to begin singing one of his greatest hits like “A Spoonful of Clorox” or “Cover Your Freakin' Face.”

As Randy has said, “There's so much fake news out there about me. I can't wait to set the record straight and finally give people a peek behind the green screen.” And set the record straight he does. Playing with Myself is a first-hand account of the journey that led Randy Rainbow from his childhood as the over-imaginative, often misunderstood little boy who carried a purse in the second grade to his first job on Broadway as the host at Hooters and on to the creation of his trademark comedy character. In chapters titled “Pajama Bottoms” (a look back at the days when he wore pajama bottoms on his head to pretend he was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz), “Yes, It's My Real Name, Shut Up!” (no explanation necessary . . . ) and “Pink Glasses” (a rose-colored homage to his favorite accessory), Playing with Myself is a memoir that answers the question “Can an introverted musical theatre nerd with a MacBook and a dream save the world, one show tune at a time?” [from the publisher]

Tuesday 3/8: We made the tough decision not to get tickets to the book tour. Randy Rainbow is fabulous, but we're not interested in sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers during the Pandemic That Never Ends. [We did, happily, see him on tour June of 2019.]

Wednesday 3/9: I recommended the audiobook to my library's Overdrive, subsequently becoming the first one on the hold list. Sweet!

Monday 4/11: I preordered the signed hardcover. [I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival. I can hardly wait to tag (nondestructively, natch!) my audio bookmarks in the hardcover and enjoy them again.]

Monday 4/18: I attended the live virtual book signing that was a benefit of preordering—approximately 45 minutes of RR goodness.

Tuesday 4/19—publication day: My audiobook hold was fulfilled and I started reading.

Wednesday 4/20: I continued to revel in all things RR. The party was over all-too-soon.

Randy Rainbow and I are kindred spirits. Just a few of our similarities include being super-introverted only children of Jewish mothers; our especially close relationships with our maternal grandmothers; and our love of musical theatre, Carol Burnett, color-coded index cards, cats, coffee ice cream, and certain swear words (not necessarily in that order).

Rainbow's memoir is everything this fan expected—funny, warm, self-deprecating, and sincere. His chapter about losing his cat, Mushi, was delivered with emotion. I cried along with him. He does a lot of name-dropping, but one can hardly fault him, considering his meteoric rise to fame. Too, in each case, Rainbow is sharing his delight in meeting and developing relationships with so many people he has admired.

Reading this memoir felt much like hanging out together over coffee, mango margaritas, or martinis. It was comfortable and fun.


19 April 2022

The Left-Handed Booksellers of London, Garth Nix 2.66
In a slightly alternate London in 1983, Susan Arkshaw is looking for her father, a man she has never met. Crime boss Frank Thringley might be able to help her, but Susan doesn’t get time to ask Frank any questions before he is turned to dust by the prick of a silver hatpin in the hands of the outrageously attractive Merlin.

Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller (one of the fighting ones), who with the right-handed booksellers (the intellectual ones), are an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world, in addition to running several bookshops.

Susan’s search for her father begins with her mother’s possibly misremembered or misspelt surnames, a reading room ticket, and a silver cigarette case engraved with something that might be a coat of arms.

Merlin has a quest of his own, to find the Old World entity who used ordinary criminals to kill his mother. As he and his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, tread in the path of a botched or covered-up police investigation from years past, they find this quest strangely overlaps with Susan’s. Who or what was her father? Susan, Merlin, and Vivien must find out, as the Old World erupts dangerously into the New. [from the publisher]

Here's another book—this time a fantasy—that should have pushed all my happy buttons, but didn't. This is my second Nix book—the first was Frogkisser!, read in late March. The Left-Handed Booksellers of London doesn't have any of the charm of Frogkisser! It does have considerably more violence and a weird bit of antisemitism (out of nowhere and adding nothing whatsoever to the plot). Susan is wishy-washy—I just can't bring myself to like her. All in all, the book is overly long considering how uninspiring it is. The magical people could have been any profession. That is, the bookshops/books have nothing substantive to do with the story.


18 April 2022

We Are Better Together, Bill McKibben & Stevie Lewis (Illustrator) 4
When we work together, we humans can do incredible things.

We share the responsibility to address climate change and our changing planet. It is critical that we act collectively to protect our beautiful, fragile world. [from the publisher]

This nonfiction children's picture book, targeted at 4- to 8-year-olds, is written by an environmentalist and prolific author. It's both a love letter to our planet and a call to action about our collective responsibility and ability to protect and care for the planet. It delivers its message concisely and effectively.

I've placed a hold on the print edition from my library so I'll be able to enjoy the illustrations accompanying the text.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio (from Henry Holt and Company), for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected April 19.


17 April 2022

Unlikely Animals, Annie Hartnett 2.66
Natural-born healer Emma Starling once had big plans for her life, but she's lost her way. A med school dropout, she's come back to small-town Everton, New Hampshire to care for her father, dying from a mysterious brain disease. Clive Starling has been hallucinating small animals, as well as visions of the ghost of a long-dead naturalist, Ernest Harold Baynes, once known for letting wild animals live in his house. This ghost has been giving Clive some ideas on how to spend his final days.

Emma arrives home knowing she must face her dad's illness, her mom's judgement, and her younger brother's recent stint in rehab, but she's unprepared to find that her former best friend from high school is missing, with no one bothering to look for her. The police say they don't spend much time looking for drug addicts. Emma's dad is the only one convinced the young woman might still be alive, and Emma is hopeful he could be right. Someone should look for her, at least. Emma isn't really trying to be a hero—but somehow she and her father set in motion just the kind of miracle the town needs.

Set against the backdrop of a small town in the throes of a very real opioid crisis, Unlikely Animals is a tragicomic novel about familial expectations, imperfect friendships, and the possibility of resurrecting that which had been thought irrevocably lost. [from the publisher]

I expected to really like this book—quirky, a little bit dark, heavy on magical realism and relationships. It didn't live up to my expectations. The ghost chorus was less endearing and more irritating to me, including its identification of everyone by full name and birth and death years. The story doesn't really take off until about the 87% mark. That's a long time to wait for a reward. In fact, I considered bailing more than once well before that point. To its merit, I suppose, there is a line in the last 10% that so caught me off-guard and amused me that I almost choked because I snorted so hard.

15 April 2022

One Potato, Tyler Mcmahon 4
Eddie Morales finds his lowly R&D life completely upended when his Boise-based biotech firm dispatches him to Puerto Malogrado, a tiny but tumultuous country in South America where the international media is accusing their experimental potatoes of causing a bizarre medical crisis. Eddie unwillingly arrives in South America only to find his plans for a quick resolution thwarted when he gets caught between the two sides of an impending revolution, each hoping to capitalize on the potato scandal in order to seize power.

Eddie stumbles into a conspiracy that reveals just how far his company will go to advance its potato empire. He is forced to make a choice. What―and who―will he sacrifice to preserve his own future in this brave new world of biotechnology? [from the publisher]

I might have requested this ARC primarily because of its cover. I didn't know what to expect from the story itself.

What I got was a little bit of a lot of things: political and social commentary, GMO debate from both sides, relationships galore (family, friends, enemies, colleagues, romantic, community), tenderness, lots of humor, a little mystery, intrigue, action, war, and suspense.

When the story opens, Eddie is working in his corporate lab on a French fry vending machine. The president of the company demands that he go manage the company's crisis in South America purportedly because he speaks Spanish. Eddie doesn't realize until departure that a journalist/blogger, Raven, is accompanying him. Through the course of the story, we meet a big cast of characters, each contributing something to the adventure.

The book was a nonstop comedy of errors—never dull. I greatly enjoyed the ride.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book—even after publication day of April 12—in exchange for an honest review.


14 April 2022

Fifty-Four Pigs, Philipp Schott 3.35
A swine barn explodes near a lakeside Manitoba town, putting veterinarian Dr. Peter Bannerman on a collision course with murder and a startling conspiracy. Peter is an odd duck, obsessed with logic and measurable facts, an obsession he puts to good use in his veterinary practice. When a murder is connected to the swine barn explosion and his friend Tom becomes the prime suspect, Peter feels compelled to put his reasoning skills, and his dog Pippin's remarkable nose, to use to help clear him. The situation darkens with a second murder and a series of break-ins, including at Peter's house and clinic, but Peter has a hard time knowing when he is out of his depth, despite warnings from his brother-in-law Kevin, an RCMP officer. It becomes increasingly clear that something extraordinary is behind all this, possibly international in scope. Ultimately Peter finds himself out in the middle of frozen Lake Winnipeg during a blizzard, fighting for his life and confronting a horrifying realization he had been blind to all along. [from the publisher]
This cozy mystery series-starter is written by a veterinarian living and working in Winnipeg about a veterinarian living and working in Winnipeg. The fictional veterinarian and amateur sleuth, Peter, is introverted, a bit nerdy, logical, kind, and perhaps a bit too trusting.

The set-up progressed slowly. Much of the book was low-key. The action and excitement are limited to quite a short time near the story's conclusion. When the pace finally picks up, it's a big escalation.

I especially liked Peter's relationship with his dog, Pippin; the fact that Peter and his wife, Laura, are introverts (noting that she is a more social introvert than he); that Laura is a professional knitter; and that there are LGBTQ representation, discussion of nonbinary pronouns, and characters from multiple countries/cultures. It's not important to the story, but the fact that Peter and Laura play the cooperative board game Pandemic tickled me. We were introduced to it by Number One Son and Darling-In-Law, who received it from dear friends as a creative wedding gift.

Thank you, NetGalley and ECW Press Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected April 19.


12 April 2022

Pay Dirt Road, Samantha Jayne Allen 4.35
Annie McIntyre has a love/hate relationship with Garnett, Texas.

Recently graduated from college and home waitressing, lacking not in ambition but certainly in direction, Annie is lured into the family business—a private investigation firm—by her supposed-to-be-retired grandfather, Leroy, despite the rest of the clan’s misgivings.

When a waitress at the café goes missing, Annie and Leroy begin an investigation that leads them down rural routes and haunted byways, to noxious-smelling oil fields and to the glowing neon of local honky-tonks. As Annie works to uncover the truth she finds herself identifying with the victim in increasing, unsettling ways, and realizes she must confront her own past—failed romances, a disturbing experience she’d rather forget, and the trick mirror of nostalgia itself—if she wants to survive this homecoming. [from the publisher]

Pay Dirt Road is Allen's debut and winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest.

Right out of the gate, the story is told with rich, descriptive language. The author didn't waste a minute starting to develop the characters and their relationships, without being longwinded, boring, or tedious. Family (close and extended), friends, coworkers, and townsfolk are all fully created and interconnected in both expected and surprising ways. Story elements were well-conceived as well, leading to a satisfying and comprehensive ending.

The violence level wasn't exceedingly graphic or unrelenting for the genre. However, content warnings include murder; alcohol abuse, including by minors; use of date-rape drugs; sexual assault, including involving minors.

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected April 19.


11 April 2022

My Evil Mother, Margaret Atwood 4
Life is hard enough for a teenage girl in 1950s suburbia without having a mother who may—or may not—be a witch. A single mother at that. Sure, she fits in with her starched dresses, string of pearls, and floral aprons. Then there are the hushed and mystical consultations with neighborhood women in distress. The unsavory, mysterious plants in the flower beds. The divined warning to steer clear of a boyfriend whose fate is certainly doomed. But as the daughter of this bewitching homemaker comes of age and her mother’s claims become more and more outlandish, she begins to question everything she once took for granted. [from the publisher]
Often, I don't find short stories satisfying—there never seems to be enough time to develop characters or story. This short story packs a lot into a little. It's a practically-perfect-in-every-way little package of humor and interesting (if a bit bizarre) characters.

10 April 2022

Like a Sister, Kellye Garrett 3.5
When the body of disgraced reality TV star Desiree Pierce is found on a playground in the Bronx the morning after her 25th birthday party, the police and the media are quick to declare her death an overdose. It’s a tragedy, certainly, but not a crime.

But Desiree’s half-sister Lena Scott knows that can’t be the case. A graduate student at Columbia, Lena has spent the past decade forging her own path far from the spotlight, but some facts about Desiree just couldn’t have changed since their childhood. And Desiree would never travel above 125th Street. So why is no one listening to her?

Despite the bitter truth that the two haven’t spoken in two years, torn apart by Desiree’s partying and by their father, Mel, a wealthy and influential hip-hop mogul, Lena becomes determined to find justice for her sister, even if it means untangling her family’s darkest secrets—or ending up dead herself. [from the publisher]

I didn't flag a single passage in Like a Sister, which isn't terribly unusual in my fiction reading. There were no huge revelations. This mystery does drag occasionally, especially with Lena's frequent rehashing of her estrangement with her father and half-sister.

There are many secondary and lower level characters, including Lena's elderly aunt with whom she lives, Desiree's best friend/social media influencer buddy, a reporter, a former partner/current rival of Lena's dad's, a classmate of Lena's, hotel staff, and so many more. Similarly, there are also quite a few candidates for Desiree's murderer. It was interesting to follow Lena's thought-process during her investigation.


8 April 2022

The Sugar Queen, Sarah Addison Allen 3.35
Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night. . . . Until she finds her closet harboring Della Lee Baker, a local waitress who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey’s narrow existence quickly expands. She even bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who is hounded by books that inexplicably appear when she needs them—and who has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush. Soon Josey is living in a world where the color red has startling powers, and passion can make eggs fry in their cartons. And that’s just for starters.

Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love—and the enchanting possibilities of every new day. [from the publisher]

I very much liked Sarah Addison Allen's debut, Garden Spells. The Sugar Queen was written the following year. Overall I found this effort not enchanting, but quite slow . . . until practically the very end, when I boosted my rating a step. The best part of the story for me was the interactions and connections between the three young women: Josey, Della Lee Baker, and Chloe.

6 April 2022

The Wise Women, Gina Sorell 3
Popular advice columnist Wendy Wise has been skillfully advising the women who write to her seeking help for four decades, so why are her own daughters’ lives such a mess? Clementine, the working mother of a six-year-old boy, has just discovered that she is actually renting the Queens home that she thought she owned, because her husband Steve secretly funneled their money into his flailing start-up. Meanwhile, her sister Barb has overextended herself at her architecture firm and reunited semi-unhappily with her cheating girlfriend.

When Steve goes MIA and Clementine receives an eviction notice, Wendy swoops in to save the day, even though her daughters, who are holding onto some resentments from childhood, haven’t asked for her help. But as soon as Wendy sets her sights on hunting down her rogue son-in-law, Barb and Clementine quickly discover that their mother has been hiding more than a few problems of her own.

As the three women confront the disappointments and heartaches that have accumulated between them over the years, they discover that while the future may look entirely different from the one that they’ve expected, it may be even brighter than they’d hoped. [from the publisher]

Almost halfway in to this family drama, I made a note to myself, starting with “NOPE!”—one of Clementine's choices was just so ridiculous that I just couldn't entertain it. In fact, I found most of the story completely irritating and unrealistic. There are few, if any, appealing characters—most are some assortment of selfish, greedy, dishonest, vapid, shallow, controlling, or incompetent. Imagine my surprise that I found the ending satisfying . . . which I grudgingly admit. While this wasn't a winner for me, I wouldn't discourage anyone for whom the publisher teaser appeals from reading.

5 April 2022

I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star, Judy Greer 3.35
In her first book of essays, I Don’t Know What You Know Me From, Greer writes about everything you would hope to hear from your best friend: how a midnight shopping trip to Walgreens can cure all; what it’s like to wake up one day with stepchildren; and how she really feels about fans telling her that she’s prettier in person. Yes, it’s all here—from the hilarious moments to the intimate confessions.

But Judy Greer isn’t just a regular friend—she’s a celebrity friend. Want to know which celebs she’s peed next to? Or what the Academy Awards are actually like? Or which hot actor gave her father a Harley-Davidson? Don’t worry; Greer reveals all of that, too. You’ll love her because, besides being laugh-out-loud funny, she makes us genuinely feel like she’s one of us. Because even though she sometimes has a stylist and a makeup artist, she still wears (and hates!) Spanx. Because even after almost twenty years in Hollywood, she still hasn’t figured everything out—except that you should always wash your face before bed. Always. [from the publisher]

Even if you don't recognize her name, chances are that you've seen Judy Greer playing the best friend in a romantic comedy (or maybe the mom in something more recent). In this memoir/collection of essays, Greer shares some of her personal history and lots of Hollywood insider tidbits. She really is funny. . . . One of my favorite bits is “My perfume will be called 'Intolerance,' for the woman who just can’t take it anymore.”

I picked up this book because Greer comes up in From Hollywood with Love.


4 April 2022

Suburban Dicks, Fabian Nicieza 3.5
Andie Stern thought she’d solved her final homicide. Once a budding FBI profiler, she gave up her career to raise her four (soon to be five) children in West Windsor, New Jersey. But one day, between soccer games and trips to the local pool, Andie pulls into a gas station—and stumbles across a murder scene. An attendant has been killed, and the bumbling local cops are in way over their heads. Suddenly, Andie is obsessed with the case, and back on the trail of a killer, this time with kids in tow.

She soon crosses paths with disgraced local journalist Kenny Lee, who also has everything to prove in solving the case. A string of unusual occurrences—and, eventually, body parts—surfaces around town, and Andie and Kenny uncover simmering racial tensions and a decades-old conspiracy. [from the publisher]

I liked the main character(s), for the most part. I didn't like Andie's husband or Kenny's mom (I don't think the reader is supposed to). I felt for Andie missing her personal development, activities, and feelings of self-worth. There was quite a bit of humor. Much attention was paid to racial justice, and there was some gender inclusion. The storytelling did get a little repetitive after a while, which is the main reason I didn't rate this higher, despite all the positives.


2 April 2022

From Hollywood with Love: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of the Romantic Comedy, Scott Meslow 3.5
No Hollywood genre has been more misunderstood—or more unfairly under-appreciated—than the romantic comedy. Funny, charming, and reliably crowd-pleasing, rom-coms were the essential backbone of the Hollywood landscape, launching the careers of many of Hollywood's most talented actors and filmmakers, such as Julia Roberts and Matthew McConaughey, and providing many of the yet limited creative opportunities women had in Hollywood. But despite—or perhaps because of—all that, the rom-com has routinely been overlooked by the Academy Awards or snobbishly dismissed by critics. In From Hollywood with Love, culture writer and GQ contributor Scott Meslow seeks to right this wrong, celebrating and analyzing rom-coms with the appreciative, insightful critical lens they've always deserved.

Beginning with the golden era of the romantic comedy—spanning from the late '80s to the mid-'00s with the breakthrough of films such as When Harry Met Sally—to the rise of streaming and the long-overdue push for diversity setting the course for films such as the groundbreaking, franchise-spawning Crazy Rich Asians, Meslow examines the evolution of the genre through its many iterations, from its establishment of new tropes, the Austen and Shakespeare rewrites, the many love triangles, and even the occasional brave decision to do away with the happily ever after. [from the publisher]

I came across this book, by chance, on a Litsy friend's feed. I hadn't heard of it previously, and I was excited to find that I could borrow it on the spot from the library. Much of it is just delightful, and it made me want to rewatch a bunch of movies (even if I've already seen most of them multiple times).

In addition to so many romantic comedies that readily come to mind, Meslow brings up a few that I wouldn't have placed in the genre. Even better—and more importantly—there are several essays that discuss institutional racism in Hollywood and the unequal treatment of women actors.


31 March 2022

March reading recap: 20 books finished (2 bailed)

4 (or more)-star reads

  • Being Mortal, Atul Gawande (reread)
  • The Book of Cold Cases, Simone St. James
  • Good Night, Good Night, Sandra Boynton (4.66)
  • The Recovery Agent, Janet Evanovich

honorable mention

  • Citizen K-9 (The K Team #3), David Rosenfelt (3.5)
  • The Night Shift, Alex Finlay (3.5)
  • The Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osman (3.5)
  • Frogkisser!, Garth Nix (3.5)

31 March 2022

A Matter of Will, Adam Mitzner 3.35
Will Matthews came to Wall Street with hopes and dreams of hitting it big. But things have not been going as expected. He’s on the verge of being fired when he meets the devilishly mysterious and fabulously wealthy Sam Abaddon.

Winning Sam’s business answers Will’s prayers, catapulting the young stockbroker into the privileged world of money and luxury. Not only that, but Will also has met his dream girl, ambitious attorney Gwen Lipton.

All at once, it seems as if Will’s life couldn’t get any better.

And it doesn’t.

When Will witnesses a shocking act of violence, his charmed new existence is revealed to be a waking nightmare as the truth about his benefactor—and his own complicity in criminal conduct—becomes devastatingly clear. As the noose draws tighter, Will faces an impossible choice: feast upon the poisonous fruit of his bloody business or defy his patron and face dire consequences.

Then again, maybe there’s a third option. . . . [from the publisher]

Going in, I expected a thriller. It's also a mystery. The story is unrelenting from start to finish—you know that everything is going wrong all the way through, but I was surprised by a couple of bits. I was on the hook early on, and stayed alert throughout. Sadly, there isn't good relationship development, which flattened and diminished the story. Too, there were no characters to really like. Even Will and Gwen aren't particularly appealing.

29 March 2022

Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words, Tara Sivec & Andi Arndt 3.35
Nothing good ever comes from drinking a box of wine alone. So when I decided to entertain my drunken self by setting up some hand-me-down podcasting equipment and reading the steamy parts from romance novels, I never thought anyone would actually listen. The fact that I admitted my huge crush on my sexy next door neighbor made the whole thing even more mortifying. But sometimes life surprises you, and that’s how my podcast, Heidi’s Discount Erotica, was born.

Now I, Heidi Larsen, a sweet former kindergarten teacher in Waconia, Minnesota, lead a scandalous double life reading erotic novels to the listening world. And with each episode, I find myself embracing my new alter ego more and more. Now I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin and do things I never would have dreamed of—like kissing my neighbor. [from the publisher]

I know I really pushed my luck by reading three romances in one month—I'm probably good for the next year or three. In chapter 6, Heidi—a 25-year-old Lutheran ex-kindergarten teacher—expresses my general feelings about romance novels:

Where’s the dinner? Where’s the dancing? Where’s the freaking romance? They’re just going to get right down to it in chapter one?
Heidi's mom gives every little detail on the way to her point in conversation—which is a little tedious. On the plus side, I enjoyed the Minnesota accent and expressions.

I'm giving Heidi a slight rating boost because of the abundance of humor, including reference to the four seasons in Minnesota: winter, more winter, still more winter, and that one day of summer. That sounds a lot like the Chicago area, doesn't it?

As expected, content warnings include explicit sex and mature language.


28 March 2022

The Bookshop, Penelope Fitzgerald 2.66
In 1959 Florence Green, a kindhearted widow with a small inheritance, risks everything to open a bookshop - the only bookshop - in the seaside town of Hardborough. By making a success of a business so impractical, she invites the hostility of the town's less prosperous shopkeepers. By daring to enlarge her neighbors' lives, she crosses Mrs. Gamart, the local arts doyenne. Florence's warehouse leaks, her cellar seeps, and the shop is apparently haunted. Only too late does she begin to suspect the truth: a town that lacks a bookshop isn't always a town that wants one. [from the publisher]
It is rare that I rate a movie based on a book higher than the book itself. In 2017, I left the theater thinking the movie was so charming and endearing (no small thanks to Emily Mortimer and Bill Nighy, I'm sure) that the book would surely be even more of the same. Instead, the book was pretty dull, especially considering how very short it is.

27 March 2022

Frogkisser!, Garth Nix 3.5
Poor Princess Anya. Forced to live with her evil stepmother’s new husband, her evil stepstepfather. Plagued with an unfortunate ability to break curses with a magic-assisted kiss. And forced to go on the run when her stepstepfather decides to make the kingdom entirely his own.

Aided by a loyal talking dog, a boy thief trapped in the body of a newt, and some extraordinarily mischievous wizards, Anya sets off on a Quest that, if she plays it right, will ultimately free her land—and teach her a thing or two about the use of power, the effectiveness of a well-placed pucker, and the finding of friends in places both high and low. [from the publisher]

There's a lot to like in this middle-grade/YA fantasy, including a princess-led quest, respect (for self and others), cooperation, justice, wizards and knights of any gender, talking animals, royal dogs who have serious responsibilities, and humor. I think this is my first exposure to Garth Nix. I'm open to reading more of his work.

26 March 2022

The Ex Hex, Erin Sterling 2.66
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths . . . and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late. [from the publisher]

Two witchy romances read in less than a month?! What has come over me? This time, both members of the couple are witches, ghosts and a talking cat appear, and the aunt and cousin of the main character play a part. This doesn't make me want to read more romances; but it's not the worst romance I've read either.

Content warnings: explicit sex; swearing


24 March 2022

The Recovery Agent, Janet Evanovich 4
Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets of any kind. She’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela’s latest job isn’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can’t come up with a lot of money fast.

Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Cortez. But this particular job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela’s ex-husband, Rafer. It’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him.

Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime’s experience getting under his ex-wife’s skin. But when they aren’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it. [from the publisher]

Y'all know how much I enjoy Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Yes, it's formulaic; but, after so many years, the characters are like family, and the antics and humor are balms for a weary soul.

Enter Evanovich's new series, with protagonist Gabriela Rose. There are some similarities and parallels to the Plum series: Gabriela's mom and grandmother are characters; Gabriela has an assistant in place of Stephanie's sidekick, Lula; Gabriela's sizzle is with ex-husband, Rafer, with whom she grew up (and has a long history, like Stephanie has with boyfriend, Morelli); both Gabriela and Stephanie come from working-class families.

I enjoyed the gear—it's not James Bond–level (which she mentions), but it's still cool and useful—and the travel aspect of the story.

I will gladly read the next installment.


23 March 2022

The Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osman 3.5
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves The Thursday Murder Club. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph left next to the body, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly find themselves in the middle of their first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it’s too late? [from the publisher]

While the storytelling is a little slow at times, it's also satisfyingly twisty. Ringleader Elizabeth is a major manipulator, and yet she's also often clever, funny, and charming, so she is forgiven. Quite the body count is racked up during the course of the story. There is tremendous character- and relationship-development. Put it all together, and I will likely read the sequel.

This book puts me in the mood to rewatch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which isn't a mystery, but features a cast of retirees.

The audio edition I read included author Marian Keyes interviewing author Richard Osman. Keyes notes that while there are the four main characters, she counted 20 meaningful characters in the book. Later in the interview Osman commented that he wants the world to be a better place. He also mentioned his writing philosophy of “Show, don't tell.”


19 March 2022

Small Steps (Holes #2), Louis Sachar 3
Two years after being released from Camp Green Lake, Armpit is home in Austin, Texas, trying to turn his life around. But it’s hard when you have a record, and everyone expects the worst from you. The only person who believes in him is Ginny, his 10-year old disabled neighbor. Together, they are learning to take small steps. And he seems to be on the right path, until X-Ray, a buddy from Camp Green Lake, comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme. This leads to a chance encounter with teen pop sensation, Kaira DeLeon, and suddenly his life spins out of control, with only one thing for certain. He’ll never be the same again. [from the publisher]
The relationship between Armpit and his neighbor, Ginny, was the highlight of the book. Otherwise, this sequel to Holes has little going for it. While there is some adventure, and Armpit seems like a good guy, Small Steps pales in comparison to the character-building, excitement, fantasy, and engagement of its predecessor. Still, it's not a bad book, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it as long as expectations are kept in check.


19 March 2022

Good Night, Good Night, Sandra Boynton 4.66
The Going to Bed Book was first published in 1982 and has been a cherished part of many millions of bedtimes ever since.

Good Night, Good Night is the larger and longer version, now redrawn by the author for a fabulous new generation. Every copy comes with a free pair of imaginary singing rabbits. [from the publisher]

Boynton's board books were favorites in our household when the kids were little. I still enjoy Boynton's art nearly daily—yes, I follow her on social media. So, when Parnassus Books in Nashville advertised that Boynton was coming into the bookstore to sign copies of this “new” (the longer original story, but with new illustrations) book, I jumped at the chance to preorder.

Despite the weirdness of post-bath and clean pajamas exercising, this expanded story is still a delightful bedtime story. From memory (that is, it's been at least a couple decades since I read the board book regularly), additions include a spread in which the animals all pile into their gigantic bed and a spread in which a lullaby is sung by the rabbits.


18 March 2022

Secret Identity, Alex Segura 3
It’s 1975 and the comic book industry is struggling, but Carmen Valdez doesn’t care. She’s an assistant at Triumph Comics, which doesn’t have the creative zeal of Marvel nor the buttoned-up efficiency of DC, but it doesn’t matter. Carmen is tantalizingly close to fulfilling her dream of writing a superhero book.

That dream is nearly a reality when one of the Triumph writers enlists her help to create a new character, which they call “The Lethal Lynx,” Triumph's first female hero. But her colleague is acting strangely and asking to keep her involvement a secret. And then he’s found dead, with all of their scripts turned into the publisher without her name. Carmen is desperate to piece together what happened to him, to hang on to her piece of the Lynx, which turns out to be a runaway hit. But that’s complicated by a surprise visitor from her home in Miami, a tenacious cop who is piecing everything together too quickly for Carmen, and the tangled web of secrets and resentments among the passionate eccentrics who write comics for a living. [from the publisher]

I liked the premise of the book and that the main character is a woman—and an LGBTQ woman of color, at that—trying to get her due in a male-dominated field. I also enjoyed the mystery aspects of the book.

I was disappointed at Carmen's reluctance to stand up for herself and her justification of certain men's actions.

On the whole, the book is somewhat drawn-out, slow, and tedious. The writing was occasionally awkward. Still, I'm not sorry that I read it—it was a nice taste of something a little bit different.


17 March 2022

The Book of Cold Cases, Simone St. James 4
In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect—a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.

Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases—a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea's surprise, Beth says yes.

They meet regularly at Beth's mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she's not looking, and she could swear she's seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn't right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house? [from the publisher]

This is the third St. James book I've read that is a mystery set in two timelines and includes a ghost element (usually my least favorite aspect). It seems to be a good formula for St. James—I've rated all three a whopping 4 stars.

I like that so many of the characters from the 1970s played a part in the present. That may have been the case in the other two books, as well; but, I perceive that there was more cross-timeline participation in this book.

As in the other books, St. James didn't surprise me with the major twists. Again, the storytelling was engaging enough that I didn't mind terribly. Also like the others, relationship-building is strong in this book.

If you like a mystery that spans generations—and are willing to tolerate a limited amount of ghost story, even if you're not a big fan—give this one a try. I'll keep reading this author, including going into the backlist.


15 March 2022

Animal Instinct (The K Team #2), David Rosenfelt 3.35
The K Team’s latest case—a recent unsolved murder—gives Corey a chance to solve “the one that got away.” Corey knew the murder victim from his time on the force, when he was unable to protect her in a domestic dispute. Now, he is convinced the same abusive boyfriend is responsible for her murder. With some help from Laurie’s lawyer husband, Andy Carpenter, the K Team is determined to prove what the police could not, no matter the cost. What they uncover is much more sinister than they could have imagined. [from the publisher]
Each installment in this series is slightly better than the one before it. This is the second book of three so far, though I read it last. All the same main and secondary characters appear. I liked the greater participation of Simon (the dog partner) and Laurie's lawyer husband Andy taking on Corey's case. It makes me want to read the series in which Andy is the main character. I wouldn't rate this series toward the top of my mystery lineup, but it's not half bad. I'll keep reading them, assuming there are more to come.

14 March 2022

Bad Actors, Mick Herron 3
A governmental think-tank, whose remit is to curb the independence of the intelligence service, has lost one of its key members, and Claude Whelan—one-time head of MI5's Regent’s Park—is tasked with tracking her down. But the trail leads straight back to the Park itself, with Diana Taverner as chief suspect. Has Diana overplayed her hand at last? What’s her counterpart, Moscow’s First Desk, doing in London? And does Jackson Lamb know more than he’s telling?

Over at Slough House, with Shirley Dander in rehab, Roddy Ho in dress rehearsal, and new recruit Ashley Khan turning up the heat, the slow horses are doing what they do best, and adding a little bit of chaos to an already unstable situation. . . .

There are bad actors everywhere, and they usually get their comeuppance before the credits roll. But politics is a dirty business, and in a world where lying, cheating and backstabbing are the norm, sometimes the good guys can find themselves outgunned. [from the publisher]

This is the eighth in a series of which I previously read only the first book. Some series book plots are independent enough—or give enough background review in each subsequent installment—that each installment can stand alone. This isn't one of those series. I rated the first installment 3+/4- (which may have meant something different when I read it, before I was sharing my book reviews). I didn't get as much enjoyment out of the latest installment.

Bad Actors is occasionally funny (I didn't find it as all-out hilarious as did the series' true fans). It takes place post-Brexit and post–COVID-19. The level of description was tedious to read—the book was really a trudge until the short, exciting scene at the end. It might translate well to a TV serial, so I plan to watch the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses starring Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb (streaming starting this coming Friday!). The preview made me laugh out loud and looks potentially exciting.

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected May 10.


12 March 2022

The Unsinkable Greta James, Jennifer E Smith 3
Greta James's meteoric rise to indie stardom was hard-won. Before she graced magazine covers and sold out venues, she spent her girlhood strumming her guitar in the family garage. Her first fan was her mother, Helen, whose face shone bright in the dusty downtown bars where she got her start—but not everyone encouraged Greta to follow her dreams. While many daydream about a crowd chanting their name, her father, Conrad, saw only a precarious life ahead for his daughter.

Greta has spent her life trying to prove him wrong, but three months after Helen's sudden death, and weeks before the launch of her high-stakes sophomore album, Greta has an onstage meltdown that goes viral. Attempting to outrun the humiliation and heartbreak, she reluctantly agrees to accompany her father on a week-long Alaskan cruise, the very one that her parents had booked to celebrate their fortieth anniversary.

This could be the James family's last chance to heal old wounds and will prove to be a voyage of discovery for them, as well as for Ben Wilder, a historian also struggling with a major upheaval in his life. Ben is on board to lecture about Jack London's The Call of the Wild, the adventure story Greta's mother adored, and he captures Greta's attention after her streak of dating hanger-ons. As Greta works to build up her confidence and heal, and Ben confronts his uncertain future, they must rely on one another to make sense of life’s difficult choices. In the end, Greta must make the most challenging decision of all: to listen to the song within her or make peace with those who love her. [from the publisher]

Some are recommending this for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six. Both are about female musicians. I found both fine, but not spectacular.

I didn’t love any of the major characters. The story felt slow and tedious. Both Greta and her dad are resistant to healing individually or collectively.

My favorite part of the story, by far, was Prithi, whose name means “love” or “satisfaction”—a tween girl who captures Greta's attention on the cruise. If only she had been a greater part of the story. . . .


10 March 2022

The Night Shift, Alex Finlay 3.5
It’s New Year’s Eve 1999. Y2K is expected to end in chaos: planes falling from the sky, elevators plunging to earth, world markets collapsing. A digital apocalypse. None of that happens. But at a Blockbuster Video in Linden, New Jersey, four teenage girls working the night shift are attacked. Only one survives. Police quickly identify a suspect who flees and is never seen again.

Fifteen years later, in the same town, four teenage employees working late at an ice cream store are attacked, and again only one makes it out alive.

Both surviving victims recall the killer speaking only a few final words . . . “Goodnight, pretty girl.”

In the aftermath, three lives intersect: the survivor of the Blockbuster massacre who’s forced to relive her tragedy; the brother of the original suspect, who’s convinced the police have it wrong; and the FBI agent, who’s determined to solve both cases. On a collision course toward the truth, all three lives will forever be changed, and not everyone will make it out alive. [from the publisher]

This mystery is told from several points of view and in two timelines. Most of the connections or twists are pretty basic, but there was one that I didn’t predict. It kept my attention—I wanted to keep reading at the expense of other activities. [Of course, we all know I'm predisposed to this, don't we?]

9 March 2022

Witch Please, Ann Aguirre 3
Danica Waterhouse is a fully modern witch—daughter, granddaughter, cousin, and co-owner of the Fix-It Witches, a magical tech repair shop. After a messy breakup that included way too much family “feedback,” Danica made a pact with her cousin: they’ll keep their hearts protected and have fun, without involving any of the overly opinionated Waterhouse matriarchs. Danica is more than a little exhausted navigating a long-standing family feud where Gram thinks the only good mundane is a dead one and Danica’s mother weaves floral crowns for anyone who crosses her path.

Three blocks down from the Fix-It Witches, Titus Winnaker, owner of Sugar Daddy’s bakery, has family trouble of his own. After a tragic loss, all he’s got left is his sister, the bakery, and a lifetime of terrible luck in love. Sure, business is sweet, but he can’t seem to shake the romantic curse that’s left him past thirty and still a virgin. He’s decided he’s doomed to be forever alone.

Until he meets Danica Waterhouse. The sparks are instant, their attraction irresistible. For him, she’s the one. To her, he’s a firebomb thrown in the middle of a family war. Can a modern witch find love with an old-fashioned mundane who refuses to settle for anything less than forever? [from the publisher]

This romance is often funny, which is probably the best thing about it. Another plus is relationship-building—both main characters do some truly thoughtful things for each other and for other characters. There are characters across generations, as well as several lesbian and bisexual characters. On the down side, there's too much family drama.

Content warnings: multiple explicit sex scenes; drug use


7 March 2022

To Tell You the Truth, Gilly Macmillan 2.66
When Dan suddenly goes missing, his disappearance evokes dark memories that take Lucy back more than thirty years—to the day her brother vanished without a trace. That’s when Lucy began conjuring stories. The police investigation revealed few confirmed details, so she created tales to fill in the gaps, to explain what happened that day her brother disappeared—and young Lucy was the only witness.

Now decades later, with the whole world watching, Lucy’s past and present are colliding, and this bestselling author skilled in telling stories is losing control of her own narrative.

Where is Dan? What happened to Lucy's brother? And is the brilliant mystery writer—an expert in devising red herrings and hidden clues—revealing all she knows about both disappearances? [from the publisher]

This was a lackluster recommendation made by a new friend. That is, my friend didn't love the book, but she knew it was classified as a mystery—my favorite genre—so she recommended it with reservations. I appreciate her effort . . . and her warning.

While Dan's gaslighting of his wife is clear from the outset, it takes a while for Lucy to recognize it (after which she brings it up at every narrative opportunity). With Lucy being the breadwinner of the relationship, some of the plot points were completely implausible. As Lucy is purportedly a bestselling mystery writer, I didn't buy most of her behaviors and reactions, either. I suppose the reader is expected to chalk up the unexpected behaviors to Lucy's childhood trauma being summoned by Dan's gaslighting.

There isn't a single likeable character. Everybody gets to be a suspect. The conclusion was mildly interesting, but seemed like a cheap surprise tactic, as opposed to a well-developed plot point that the reader could have intuited by the clues revealed throughout the story.

So, my bookish friends, if you just can't resist a gaslighting romantic partner, give this book a try. To most mystery lovers, I'd say you could skip this one.


6 March 2022

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, Atul Gawande 4
Medicine has triumphed in modern times, transforming birth, injury, and infectious disease from harrowing to manageable. But in the inevitable condition of aging and death, the goals of medicine seem too frequently to run counter to the interest of the human spirit. Nursing homes, preoccupied with safety, pin patients into railed beds and wheelchairs. Hospitals isolate the dying, checking for vital signs long after the goals of cure have become moot. Doctors, committed to extending life, continue to carry out devastating procedures that in the end extend suffering.

Gawande, a practicing surgeon, addresses his profession's ultimate limitation, arguing that quality of life is the desired goal for patients and families. Gawande offers examples of freer, more socially fulfilling models for assisting the infirm and dependent elderly, and he explores the varieties of hospice care to demonstrate that a person's last weeks or months may be rich and dignified. [from the publisher]

I first read Being Mortal in May 2015, at the request of dear friends who were dealing with one partner's impending death from cancer. Less than a month later, my friend died. [Incidentally, though our reading tastes were generally quite different, he was probably my closest bookish friend. We talked about what we were reading every time we were together.]

My review then was as follows:

Sometimes difficult, fascinating, thoughtful discussion about facing our mortality and making each day of life its best (whatever that means). I think this is a must-read. Tom and I have been discussing it as I've read. We have lots to think about (individually and collectively).

I chose to reread the book in order to serve as moderator of two discussion groups for my League of Women Voters chapter. Other members seemed appreciative of the book choice. Most were reading for the first time.

Rereading the book nearly seven years later (having added life experiences), and discussing it with others, brought serious concerns and questions to my mind. I've worked on and thought about this review multiple times over several days, laboring over how to express these concerns. Maybe I'll boil it down to this for now: In the USA, being able to take advantage of many (maybe even most) of the end-of-life care choices in this book is reserved for a privileged few. Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities are extremely expensive, across the quality spectrum. The same goes for being hospitalized, needing prescription medicines, and needing outpatient procedures, of course. Despite these extreme costs to the consumer (all of us), many healthcare workers are paid woefully little. Until health and welfare outcomes are more important to our society than corporate profit, the tremendous disparities in our systems will never be repaired. [The same goes for all of our social issues: housing, education, etc.]

My rating of the book remains unchanged.


5 March 2022

Citizen K-9 (The K Team #3), David Rosenfelt 3.5
The Paterson Police Department has created a cold case division, and they want to hire the private investigators known as the K Team to look into the crimes. After all, Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, German shepherd Simon Garfunkel, recently retired from the force. Plus, another K Team member, Laurie Collins, used to be a cop as well.

Their first cold case hits home for the K Team. A decade ago, at Laurie's tenth high school reunion, two of their friends simply . . . vanished. At the time Laurie had just left the force, and Corey was in a different department, so they had no choice but to watch from the sidelines. With no leads, the case went cold.

As the team starts to delve deeper into the events leading up to that night—reopening old wounds along the way—the pieces start to come together. But someone wants to stop them from uncovering the truth behind the disappearance, by any means necessary. [from the publisher]

In preparation for reading this third installment in a series, I read the first installment just two weeks before. The second installment wasn't available for me to borrow in advance of reading this one. It doesn't matter—Rosenfelt gives enough background information to allow this book to stand alone.

I liked this installment more than the first. It's funnier, more sarcastic (if memory serves), has a more interesting mystery, and includes more appearances by Simon. There are quite a few characters, making it fun to guess who is really involved and who is a red herring. I like the relationships among the team members (Corey, Laurie, and Marcus), and with their extended colleagues and their respective romantic partners.

Based on this book, I am considering not only reading the second installment in this series, but also reading more of Rosenfelt's work (including a series in which Laurie's husband—a lawyer—is the main character).

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected March 15.


3 March 2022

The Paris Apartment, Lucy Foley 3.35
Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up—to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this?—he’s not there.

The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.

The socialite—The nice guy—The alcoholic—The girl on the verge—The concierge

Everyone’s a neighbor. Everyone’s a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling. [from the publisher]

If the two Lucy Foley books I've read are representative, Foley only writes unpleasant characters. I couldn't root for any of them, really, including Jess. I suppose I might be able to root for the missing brother, Ben.

As I did for Foley's The Guest List, I'm giving The Paris Apartment a tiny rating bump for being somewhat twisty. However, I thought these twists were easier to anticipate. I may continue to read Foley's mysteries if they come to my attention, but not to be in a mad rush to get my hands on them, especially if it means hogging a precious spot on my severely limited digital audio hold list.


28 February 2022

February reading recap: 20 books finished (4 bailed)

4 (or more)-star reads

  • Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead (Finlay Donovan #2), Elle Cosimano
  • Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings, Yossy Arefi
  • Made In Scotland: My Grand Adventures in a Wee Country, Billy Connolly
  • We Were Kings, Court Stevens (4.66)

honorable mention

  • The Book of Magic (Practical Magic #2), Alice Hoffman (3.66)
  • The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward, Daniel H. Pink (3.5)
  • When You Get the Chance, Emma Lord (3.66)
  • Mr. Watson's Chickens, Jarrett Dapier, Andrea Tsurumi (Illustrator) (3.5)
  • Dear Librarian, Lydia M. Sigwarth, Romina Galotta (Illustrator) (3.5)
  • Stargazer, Anne Hillerman (3.5)
  • The June Boys, Court Stevens (3.5)

28 February 2022

The June Boys, Court Stevens 3.5
The Gemini Thief could be anyone. Your father, your mother, your best friend’s crazy uncle. Some country music star’s deranged sister. Anyone.

The Gemini Thief is a serial kidnapper, who takes three boys and holds them captive from June 1st to June 30th of the following year. The June Boys endure thirteen months of being stolen, hidden, observed, and fed before they are released, unharmed, by their masked captor. The Thief is a pro, having eluded authorities for nearly a decade and taken at least twelve boys.

Now Thea Delacroix has reason to believe the Gemini Thief took a thirteenth victim: her cousin, Aulus McClaghen.

But the game changes when one of the kidnapped boys turns up dead. Together with her boyfriend Nick and her best friends, Thea is determined to find the Gemini Thief and the remaining boys before it’s too late. Only she’s beginning to wonder something sinister, something repulsive, something unbelievable, and yet, not impossible:

What if her father is the Gemini Thief? [from the publisher]

I started and finished The June Boys exactly two weeks after starting and finishing Stevens' We Were Kings, about which I raved (uncharacteristically). So, I have a feeling that my reaction to this might be muted simply because of my outsized reaction to WWK. I notice, though, that Goodreads users, on average, rate TJB 3.51 and WWK 4.10, so it seems I'm not the only one who prefers Stevens' most recent book.

This story is also quite twisty, which I enjoy. Thea has a lot of emotional and physical support from friends and family members. While they offer a window to his state of mind during captivity, I haven't decided how I feel about the Elizabeth Letters written by Aulus and interspersed in the storytelling.

If my glowing review of We Were Kings didn't result in you dropping everything to read it immediately, I'd recommend reading The June Boys first and enjoying it on its own merits.


24 February 2022

Everything's Trash, But It's Okay, Phoebe Robinson 3.35
Robinson's [second] essay collection is a call to arms. She tackles a wide range of topics, such as giving feminism a tough-love talk in hopes it can become more intersectional; telling society's beauty standards to kick rocks; and demanding that toxic masculinity close its mouth and legs (enough with the manspreading already!), and get out of the way so true progress can happen. [from the publisher]
I didn't like this second book of essays quite as much as the first or, especially, the third. Robinson “abbreviates” (but actually lengthens) so many words and phrases that it becomes tedious. In the audio edition, there is too much giggling.

Still, Robinson has a lot to say, much of which I appreciate or admire. Here are a couple sections that were particularly impactful or interesting to me:

Show us it bothers you by behaving differently. Act as if you understand that inclusiveness is what feminism should have been about since day one, and not because you're hoping you're going to get a pat on the back for doing what you should have done in the first place. OK? [31%]

130 million girls are not in school, and it has been proven that a lack of education is directly linked to the worldwide extreme poverty crisis. So, Poverty Is Sexist was created to not only raise awareness, but to encourage people to be active in eradicating gender inequality and put pressure on world leaders to fully invest in women and girls. [59%]


21 February 2022

The Fields, Erin Young 2.66
Some things don't stay buried.

It starts with a body—a young woman found dead in an Iowa cornfield, on one of the few family farms still managing to compete with the giants of Big Agriculture.

When Sergeant Riley Fisher, newly promoted to head of investigations for the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, arrives on the scene, an already horrific crime becomes personal when she discovers the victim was a childhood friend, connected to a dark past she thought she’d left behind.

The investigation grows complicated as more victims are found. Drawn deeper in, Riley soon discovers implications far beyond her Midwest town. [from the publisher]

The Fields has strong pros and cons. Ultimately, my overall feelings about it put the book in the con column.

Pro: woman in position of power in male-dominated field; varied family and friend relationships however challenging; interesting tidbits and discussion about farming and GMO; lots of storyline connections

Con: above-noted powerful woman not being treated with respect; brutally graphic descriptions of corpses and cannibalism; rape in present and in flashback

The unrelenting over-concentration on rape and murder detracted from the main plot severely. It would have been a much more interesting and manageable book without the extreme level of brutality.


18 February 2022

The K Team, David Rosenfelt 3
This series is a spinoff of Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter mysteries, which I haven't read. The premise is that Carpenter's wife, Laurie, has left the force to raise their son. She is approached by another ex-cop (actually the main character of this new series, it seems), Corey—along with his retired canine partner, Simon—to form a private detective agency.

The dog wasn’t really a prominent character in this book, which seems odd given the book and series titles and covers. Nothing stuck with me about the story, even just a few days later. The general feel is of an old-time gumshoe mystery. The narrator of the audio edition gives Corey an appropriately hard-boiled/tough voice. There is some friction—or at least ribbing—among the characters who contribute to the team's work, but they still band together to get the job done.

I read this knowing that I had a NetGalley advance reader copy of the third series installment upcoming. See that review on 5 March 2022.


17 February 2022

You Can't Be Serious, Kal Penn 3.35
You Can’t Be Serious is a series of funny, consequential, awkward, and ridiculous stories from Kal’s idiosyncratic life. It’s about being the grandson of Gandhian freedom fighters, and the son of immigrant parents: people who came to this country with very little and went very far—and whose vision of the American dream probably never included their son sliding off an oiled-up naked woman in a raunchy Ryan Reynolds movie . . . or getting a phone call from Air Force One as Kal flew with the country’s first Black president.

With intelligence, humor, and charm on every page, Kal reflects on the most exasperating and rewarding moments from his journey so far. He pulls back the curtain on the nuances of opportunity and racism in the entertainment industry and recounts how he built allies, found encouragement, and dealt with early reminders that he might never fit in. And of course, he reveals how, after a decade and a half of fighting for and enjoying successes in Hollywood, he made the terrifying but rewarding decision to take a sabbatical from a fulfilling acting career for an opportunity to serve his country as a White House aide.

Above all, You Can’t Be Serious shows that everyone can have more than one life story. Kal demonstrates by example that no matter who you are and where you come from, you have many more choices than those presented to you. It’s a story about struggle, triumph, and learning how to keep your head up. And okay, yes, it’s also about how he accidentally (and very stupidly) accepted an invitation to take the entire White House Office of Public Engagement to a strip club—because, let’s be honest, that’s the kind of stuff you really want to hear about. [from the publisher]

Penn offers a pretty decent mix of his childhood experiences, schooling, acting career, and political career. I liked the childhood anecdotes the most, especially those noting similarities between his religious/cultural experiences and those of his (often Jewish) classmates.

16 February 2022

Stargazer, Anne Hillerman 3.5
What begins as a typical day for Officer Bernadette Manuelito—serving a bench warrant, dealing with a herd of cattle obstructing traffic, and stumbling across a crime scene—takes an unexpected twist when she’s called to help find an old friend. Years ago, Bernie and Maya were roommates, but time and Maya’s struggles with addiction drove them apart. Now Maya’s brother asks Bernie to find out what happened to his sister.

Tracing Maya’s whereabouts, Bernie learns that her old friend had confessed to the murder of her estranged husband, a prominent astronomer. But the details don’t align. Suspicious, Bernie takes a closer look at the case only to find that nothing is as it seems. Uncovering new information about the astronomer’s work leads Bernie to a remote spot on the Navajo Nation and a calculating killer.

The investigation causes an unexpected rift with her husband and new acting boss, Jim Chee, who’s sure Bernie’s headed for trouble. While she’s caught between present and past, Chee is at a crossroads of his own. Burdened with new responsibilities he didn’t ask for and doesn’t want, he must decide what the future holds for him and act accordingly.

Can their mentor Joe Leaphorn—a man also looking at the past for answers to the future—provide the guidance both Bernie and Chee need? And will the Navajo heroes that stud the starry sky help them find justice—and the truth they seek? [from the publisher]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as previous installments. The mystery was adequate, but fairly predictable. Worse, Bernie got herself into several situations that made her look inexperienced and naïve. I didn't feel the same depth and warmth from any of the regular characters (Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito). It didn't seem consistent with the rest of the series.

15 February 2022

Dear Librarian, Lydia M. Sigwarth, Romina Galotta (Illustrator) 3.5
When Lydia was five years old, she and her family had to leave their home. They hopped from Grandma's house to Aunt Linda's house to Cousin Alice's house, but no place was permanent. Then one day, everything changed. Lydia's mom took her to a new place—not a house, but a big building with stone columns, and tall, tall steps. The library.

In the library, Lydia found her special spot across from the sunny window, at a round desk. For behind that desk was her new friend, the librarian. Together, Lydia and the librarian discovered a world beyond their walls, one that sparkled with spectacular joy.

Dear Librarian is a thank you to anyone who has offered a child love and support during a difficult time. [from the publisher]

The Foreword of this children's book is written by Ira Glass, host and executive producer of radio and television show This American Life. The show helped reunite Lydia (author) and Debra (librarian) in 2018. The author became a librarian herself; she is now working in Wisconsin.

I especially loved the illustrations on the spread about the librarian reading a book about princesses to the author. In it, Lydia, wearing a princess cap, is protecting a dragon from Debra's sword.

The author's letter at the end talks about homelessness affecting around 2.5 million children every year. The care given by the librarian to the author when she was experiencing homelessness as a child is just one example of the many ways that librarians and libraries materially support their communities.


14 February 2022

We Were Kings, Court Stevens 4.66
Twenty years ago, eighteen-year-old Francis Quick was convicted of murdering her best friend Cora King and sentenced to death. Now the highly debated Accelerated Death Penalty Act passes and gives Frankie thirty final days to live. From the Kings’ own family rises up the one who will challenge the woefully inadequate evidence and potential innocence of Francis Quick.

The at-first reluctant and soon-fiery Nyla and her sidekick (and handsome country island boy), Sam Stack, bring Frankie’s case to the international stage through her YouTube channel Death Daze. They step into fame and a hometown battle that someone’s still willing to kill over. The senator? The philanthropist? The pawn shop owner? Nyla’s own mother?

Best advice: Don’t go to family dinner with the Kings. More people will leave the dining room in body bags than on their own two feet. And as for Francis Quick, she’s a gem . . . even if she’s guilty. [from the publisher]

I learned about this YA mystery from Parnassus Books in Nashville, where the author formerly worked. I couldn't put it down—it's the best mystery I've read in a while! I cared about the characters, and there were interesting connections and twists.

As soon as I finished reading, I ordered a signed hardcover from Parnassus (one of my favorite sources of signed books). I will definitely look for more by this author.


11 February 2022

Made In Scotland: My Grand Adventures in a Wee Country, Billy Connolly 4
A significant portion of the book is about how proud Connolly is to have come from the working class of Glasgow. Connolly generally has a positive attitude and good philosophy. I enjoyed hearing about his path in life so far.

The audiobook wasn't in Billy's delightful Scottish voice, but was delivered in the delightful Scottish voice of Gordon Gilbert Kennedy, a Scottish actor, presenter, and narrator.


10 February 2022

Mr. Watson's Chickens, Jarrett Dapier, Andrea Tsurumi (Illustrator) 3.5
Mr. Watson has 456 chickens in the sink, on the bed, in the bread box. When his partner, Mr. Nelson, threatens to leave, Mr. Watson takes his chickens to town to sell only for them to escape! Young readers will follow Mr. Watson all around town as he gathers up his chickens. But, when they're all rounded up, does he have the heart to sell them? Does a different fate await these chickens? [from the publisher]
My partner brought this children's book to my attention because the author is a fellow alum of the University of Illinois. Now Dapier is a librarian at the Skokie Public Library.

10 February 2022

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good, Helene Tursten, Marlaine Delargy (Translator) 3
Maud is an irascible 88-year-old Swedish woman with no family, no friends, and . . . no qualms about a little murder. This funny, irreverent story collection by Helene Tursten, author of the Irene Huss investigations, features two-never-before translated stories that will keep you laughing all the way to the retirement home.

Ever since her darling father’s untimely death when she was only eighteen, Maud has lived in the family’s spacious apartment in downtown Gothenburg rent-free, thanks to a minor clause in a hastily negotiated contract. That was how Maud learned that good things can come from tragedy. Now in her late eighties, Maud contents herself with traveling the world and surfing the net from the comfort of her father’s ancient armchair. It’s a solitary existence, but she likes it that way.

Over the course of her adventures—or misadventures—this little bold lady will handle a crisis with a local celebrity who has her eyes on Maud’s apartment, foil the engagement of her long-ago lover, and dispose of some pesky neighbors. But when the local authorities are called to investigate a murder in her apartment complex, will Maud be able to avoid suspicion, or will Detective Inspector Irene Huss see through her charade? [from the publisher]

I'll say she's up to no good! This short story collection about a murderous old lady is a quick, sometimes funny read.

9 February 2022

The Maid, Nita Prose 3
Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late? [from the publisher]

At about 40%, I made a note “Oh, so tedious!” I stuck with it because my pipeline was down to a trickle. Luckily, the pace picked up toward the end.

Pro: Molly's true friends, the conclusion

Con: Molly's complete inability to read social cues and her constant Gran-isms


8 February 2022

Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings: A Baking Book, Yossy Arefi 4
I heard about this cookbook from artist/author Austin Kleon in his weekly newsletter. I believe what he said was “Believe the hype.” Indeed, several of my Litsy friends have made several recipes each and raved about the results. I also read the extremely complimentary New Yorker article that Kleon linked in his newsletter. Luckily, I was able to borrow the e-book instantly.

The recipes are meant to be so easy to make that you can have cake every day, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, a single bowl (no mixer required), and a square pan (though options are given for some cakes).

My first (and only thus far) attempt was the Chocolate-Almond Olive Oil Cake with Raspberries. We didn't have almond flour in the house (we do now; we could have substituted additional all-purpose flour) and we bought fresh raspberries, as they don't last long. The cake was much less sweet than what we're accustomed to, but that's not a bad thing. It's the first cake I've made with olive oil—at first it tasted a little bit strange/different, but it wasn't unpleasant and we adjusted to it quickly. It's also my first time baking with a bit of almond flour.

I baked on Tuesday, February 8. We taste-tested that night before bed, froze a couple of pieces for Valentine's Day (we ended up not pulling them out because we baked a giant carrot layer cake days later for my birthday), and stuck the rest in the fridge to pick at during the week. The cake tasted good cold from the fridge. We'll have to see how the frozen pieces turn out. Hopefully we won't forget about them.

I absolutely love that measurements are listed both in cups (volume) and grams (weight). For everything except tiny measurements (spoons), I prefer measuring by weight.

Don't believe the author's assertion that you'll have the batter mixed before the oven preheats—she must either have an assistant or gather and measure all the ingredients before starting. Still, it was easy to make and quite tasty. I'm looking forward to trying more of the recipes. To that end, I ended up buying the e-book for myself. The notes I had made in my borrowed book transferred to my purchased book automatically.


8 February 2022

When You Get the Chance, Emma Lord 3.66
Nothing will get in the way of Millie Price’s dream to become a Broadway star. Not her lovable but super-introverted dad, who after raising Millie alone, doesn’t want to watch her leave home to pursue her dream. Not her pesky and ongoing drama club rival, Oliver, who is the very definition of Simmering Romantic Tension. And not the “Millie Moods,” the feelings of intense emotion that threaten to overwhelm, always at maddeningly inconvenient times. Millie needs an ally. And when a left-open browser brings Millie to her dad’s embarrassingly moody LiveJournal from 2003, Millie knows just what to do. She’s going to find her mom.

There’s Steph, a still-aspiring stage actress and receptionist at a talent agency. There’s Farrah, ethereal dance teacher who clearly doesn’t have the two left feet Millie has. And Beth, the chipper and sweet stage enthusiast with an equally exuberant fifteen-year-old daughter (A possible sister?! This is getting out of hand). But how can you find a new part of your life and expect it to fit into your old one, without leaving any marks? And why is it that when you go looking for the past, it somehow keeps bringing you back to what you’ve had all along? [from the publisher]

Here we have theatre teens, best friends, and a touch of mystery and adventure—a good combo!

The battle-of-the-summer-interns and rival-turned-romantic-partner aspects were predictable, of course. Millie was too much for some reviewers: she's a bit loud, dramatic, and immature. I thought it fitting for her character type and age. The end was a little too “happily ever after,” but who doesn't need that occasionally?

Content warnings include child abandonment; little, if any, bad language; nothing steamier than kissing.

Representation includes an Asian family and LGBTQ family members and friends.


7 February 2022

The Windsor Knot, S.J. Bennett 3.35
It is the early spring of 2016 and Queen Elizabeth is at Windsor Castle in advance of her 90th birthday celebrations. But the preparations are interrupted when a guest is found dead in one of the Castle bedrooms. The scene suggests the young Russian pianist strangled himself, but a badly tied knot leads MI5 to suspect foul play was involved. The Queen leaves the investigation to the professionals—until their suspicions point them in the wrong direction.

Unhappy at the mishandling of the case and concerned for her staff’s morale, the monarch decides to discreetly take matters into her own hands. With help from her Assistant Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi, a British Nigerian and recent officer in the Royal Horse Artillery, the Queen secretly begins making inquiries. As she carries out her royal duties with her usual aplomb, no one in the Royal Household, the government, or the public knows that the resolute Elizabeth will use her keen eye, quick mind, and steady nerve to bring a murderer to justice. [from the publisher]

This was a fine cozy mystery in which the amateur detective is Queen Elizabeth. There are possibly too many characters and/or the events are conveyed too disjointedly; but the story was followable, and the reveal wasn't difficult to understand.

5 February 2022

Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns: A Pardoned Man's Escape from the School-to-Prison Pipeline and What We Can Do to Dismantle It, Michael Phillips 2.5
Michael Phillips would never become anything. At least, that's what he was told. It seemed like everyone was waiting for him to just fall through the cracks. After losing his father, suffering a life-altering car accident, and losing his college scholarship, Michael turned to selling drugs to make ends meet. But when his house was raided, he was arrested and thrown into a living nightmare.

When it looked like he would be sentenced to spend years behind bars, the judge gave him a choice—go to a special college program for adjudicated youth or face the possibility of a thirty-year prison sentence. It wasn't hard to pick. From that choice, a mission was born—to help change the system that shuffles so many young Black men like Michael straight from school to prison. Today, Michael is the pastor of a thriving church, a local leader in Baltimore, and a member of the Maryland State Board of Education. He discovered that education was the path to becoming who he was created to be.

Armed with research, statistics, and his powerful story, Michael tackles the embedded privilege of the education system and introduces ideas for change that could level the playing field and reduce negative impacts on vulnerable youth. He explores ways in which the readers can help advocate and provide resources for students, and points us to the one thing anyone can start doing, no matter who we are or what our role is: speak into young kids' lives. Tell them of their inherent worth and purpose. [from the publisher]

I was hooked by the book's subtitle, but found the text light on facts and stats/heavy on personal anecdote, especially pertaining to faith and religion. I'm not bashing Phillips' memoir—I was just more interested in a book about dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline.

5 February 2022

What the Fireflies Knew, Kai Harris 1.66
In the vein of Jesmyn Ward's Salvage the Bones and Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, a coming-of-age novel told from the perspective of eleven-year-old KB, as she and her sister try, over the course of a summer, to make sense of their new life with their estranged grandfather after the death of their father and disappearance of their mother.

After her father dies of an overdose and the debts incurred from his addiction cause the loss of the family home in Detroit, almost-eleven-year-old Kenyatta Bernice (KB) and her teenage sister, Nia, are sent by their overwhelmed mother to live with their estranged grandfather in Lansing.

Over the course of a single, sweltering summer, KB attempts to get her bearings in a world that has turned upside down—a father who is labeled a fiend; a mother whose smile no longer reaches her eyes; a sister, once her best friend, who has crossed the threshold of adolescence and suddenly wants nothing to do with her; a grandfather who is grumpy and silent; the white kids across the street who are friendly, but only sometimes. And all of them are keeping secrets.

Pinballing between resentment, abandonment, and loneliness, KB is forced to carve out a different identity for herself and find her own voice. As she examines the jagged pieces of her recently shattered world, she learns that while some truths cut deep, a new life—and a new KB—can be built from the shards. [from the publisher]

I found this book too repetitive and depressing. There was some good relationship development, but it wasn't enough to make up for the pain of the rest.

Content warnings include sexual assault of minors; drug abuse, including suicide by overdose; and child abandonment.

This is an example of how dangerous it is for publishers and others to constantly compare new books to other books (in this case, The Secret Life of Bees). I so often find that when such comparisons are made—especially to a really popular and well-received book—I am disappointed.


3 February 2022

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead (Finlay Donovan #2), Elle Cosimano 4
Finlay Donovan is―once again―struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like.

Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes . . . and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it. . . . [from the publisher]

I liked that this sequel's storyline picked up immediately after the conclusion of the first book. As in the first book, the story is far-fetched. It's also engaging, creative, and fun (as much as a murder mystery can be). There are two sets of ride-or-die girlfriends in this installment. There are twisty connections for at least two characters.

I wish there were more installments ready to read.


2 February 2022

The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward, Daniel H. Pink 3.5
So strong is my admiration for Daniel Pink that I didn't hesitate to preorder his new book, even though I wasn't terribly interested in the subject matter. I just knew that it would be interesting. As I mentioned in my review for Bird by Bird, I attended a live virtual event at the end of January hosted by Pink to thank readers who preordered. That live event was a treat—totally a bonus! I also subscribe to the author's newsletter, which always includes a short video and often includes book recommendations and more.

I purchased the Kindle version of the book and borrowed the audio edition from the library—this is definitely a type of book that I like to read with my ears and eyes concurrently. I highlighted 34 bookmarks from the audio into my e-book.

In typical Pink fashion, the different types of regret are described [“Nearly all regrets fall into four core categories—foundation regrets, boldness regrets, moral regrets, and connections regrets.” (14)], and he discusses whether/how regrets can be fixed (or if they can serve, at least, to improve future decision-making).

To me, the most interesting part was a discussion of what can be gleaned from the results of the American Regret Project survey based on age, gender, race, or education level of the respondents.


1 February 2022

The Book of Magic (Practical Magic #2), Alice Hoffman 3.66
The Owens family has been cursed in matters of love for over three-hundred years but all of that is about to change. The novel begins in a library, the best place for a story to be conjured, when beloved aunt Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle and knows she has only seven days to live. Jet is not the only one in danger—the curse is already at work.

A frantic attempt to save a young man’s life spurs three generations of the Owens women, and one long-lost brother, to use their unusual gifts to break the curse as they travel from Paris to London to the English countryside where their ancestor Maria Owens first practiced the Unnamed Art. The younger generation discovers secrets that have been hidden from them in matters of both magic and love by Sally, their fiercely protective mother. As Kylie Owens uncovers the truth about who she is and what her own dark powers are, her aunt Franny comes to understand that she is ready to sacrifice everything for her family, and Sally Owens realizes that she is willing to give up everything for love. [from the publisher]

Hoffman was all over the place with the publication of installments in this series.

  • Book 1 published in 1995—I read in 2007 [no star rating available (bookish app I was using at the time suddenly went belly-up), but I recollect liking it a lot]
  • Book 0.2 published in 2017—I read in 2019 [4 stars]
  • Book 0.1 published in 2020—I haven't read yet
  • Book 2 published in 2021—I read in 2022 (current review)

So, I read the series, with the exception of one installment, in publication order.

In this (apparently final) installment, I was frustrated trying to keep up with the family connections—there are too many generations and/or it's been too long since the last chronological installment to keep everyone straight. By the end of the book, I had either caught up or didn't care that much.

The importance of reading and libraries is a running theme throughout the book.

I liked that the family came together to save one member. Too, the various relationships—within and outside of the family—were well-developed.

Obviously, I enjoyed the book quite a bit. Still, I don't perceive that I liked it as much as the two other installments I've read. However, that could just be a gut feeling. Sometime that I have a chunk time to devote and I'm in the mood, I hope to (re)read the entire series in chronological order. I'll be interested to see what my feelings are after that experience.

If you like fantasy, magical realism, magic, witches and/or love stories, you might enjoy this series, including this finale.


31 January 2022

January reading recap: 25 books finished (5 bailed)

4-star reads

  • Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, Elle Cosimano
  • An Abolitionist's Handbook: 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World, Patrisse Khan-Cullors
  • Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
  • Blackout, Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon
  • Devil's Chew Toy, Rob Osler (4.35)
  • The Chase, Candice Fox
  • Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become an American, Wajahat Ali (4.35)

honorable mention

  • Minimum Wage Magic, Rachel Aaron (3.66)
  • Here's to Us (What If It's Us #2), Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera (3.5)
  • The Last Chance Library, Freya Sampson (3.5)
  • Love in the Library, Maggie Tokuda-Hall & Yas Imamura (Illustrator) (3.5)
  • How We Can Win: Race, History and Changing the Money Game That's Rigged, Kimberly Jones (3.5)
  • Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott (reread; 3.5)

31 January 2022

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott 3.5
For a quarter century, more than a million readers—scribes and scribblers of all ages and abilities—have been inspired by Anne Lamott’s hilarious, big-hearted, homespun advice. Advice that begins with the simple words of wisdom passed down from Anne’s father—also a writer—in the iconic passage that gives the book its title:

“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’” [from the publisher]

On Sunday, January 30, I was among the attendees at a live virtual event hosted by author Daniel H. Pink to thank readers who preordered his new book: The Power of Regret [which I started reading on its release date—my review will be two reviews later than this one]. Bird by Bird is one of the books Pink recommended, and author Anne Lamott was one of his guests (in a prerecorded interview) during Sunday's presentation. I often read Pink recommendations—in this case, it was a reread for me. My first reading concluded on April 1, 2008—14 years ago. Apparently, at that time I didn't have qualms about using a highlighter in my softcover book. Now, I prefer to use sticky flags. There is some overlap in my bookmarked passages between the two readings, but a fair amount exclusive to each reading. Interesting!

If one is not an aspiring writer (I, most often, am not), one might wonder if there is benefit to reading Bird by Bird. I'd say, “Maybe.” That's where the subtitle and memoir portions come in—some instructions on life. Lamott has some ideas and preferences that will be off-putting to some. I will remind you and myself that we can take what works for us and leave the rest.

The book (nearly) ends on this note:

Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul. [237]

The audio edition is superbly narrated by Susan C. Bennett, the original voice of SIRI.


30 January 2022

Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become an American, Wajahat Ali 4.35
This is just one of the many warm, lovely, and helpful tips that Wajahat Ali and other children of immigrants receive on a daily basis. Go back where, exactly? Fremont, California, where he grew up, but is now an unaffordable place to live? Or Pakistan, the country his parents left behind a half-century ago?

Growing up living the suburban American dream, young Wajahat devoured comic books (devoid of brown superheroes) and fielded well-intentioned advice from uncles and aunties. (“Become a doctor!”) He had turmeric stains under his fingernails, was accident-prone, suffered from OCD, and wore Husky pants, but he was as American as his neighbors, with roots all over the world. Then, while Ali was studying at University of California, Berkeley, 9/11 happened. Muslims replaced communists as America’s enemy #1, and he became an accidental spokesman and ambassador of all ordinary, unthreatening things Muslim-y.

Now a middle-aged dad, Ali has become one of the foremost and funniest public intellectuals in America. In Go Back to Where You Came From, he tackles the dangers of Islamophobia, white supremacy, and chocolate hummus, peppering personal stories with astute insights into national security, immigration, and pop culture. In this refreshingly bold, hopeful, and uproarious memoir, Ali offers indispensable lessons for cultivating a more compassionate, inclusive, and delicious America. [from the publisher]

According to the author's website, Ali is a “columnist, public speaker, recovering attorney, and tired dad of three cute kids.” As this book is my first exposure, I didn't know what to expect. I started reading it (with my ears) when my partner fell asleep while we were watching television. He usually sleeps through such transitions in entertainment. Not this time! His eyes snapped open; he asked what in the world I was listening to; he listened with me for a few minutes; then he told me I was going to have to stop reading it without him. I gently suggested that he get himself on the hold list so he could listen at his leisure after I finished and returned the loan—no one's gonna slow me down!

The book opens with several examples of racist comments strangers have hurled at the author, along with his responses (often attempting to diffuse the situation with humor). Here's an example:

“You are just a parasite!”

“Thank you! Parasites get a bad rep. But, did you know that some of us actually help protect the host from infection, diseases, and ailments? In the case of America, we protect this country from eating bland food, doing manual labor, competing in spelling competitions, driving around New York City, engineering, performing their own surgeries, economic collapse, and making fools out of themselves when they attempt to wear a sari without guidance.” [Introduction]

I flagged quite a few sections for later review and reflection, right through the Acknowledgments at the end. I don't want to share additional quotes here, though—I want you to discover them on your own.

The book is a funny, warm, savvy, sad, smart combination of memoir and social/political commentary. I hope and trust that this won't be my last exposure to Mr. Ali.


27 January 2022

Everywhere You Don't Belong, Gabriel Bump 3.35
Claude just wants a place where he can fit. As a young black man born on the South Side of Chicago, he is raised by his civil rights–era grandmother, who tries to shape him into a principled actor for change; yet when riots consume his neighborhood, he hesitates to take sides, unwilling to let race define his life. He decides to escape Chicago for another place, to go to college, to find a new identity, to leave the pressure cooker of his hometown behind. But as he discovers, he cannot; there is no safe haven for a young black man in this time and place called America. [from the publisher]
This debut novel has been on my radar and my TBR list for more than two years. I won a print ARC from Goodreads before its 2020 publication, started reading it immediately, but set it aside for a reason I've forgotten, even though I was engaged by the story. I bought the audio version in February of 2021. Finally, it made it to the top of the “heap” again.

Claude is an appealing character. He has strong relationships with his guardians—his grandmother and her longtime live-in friend Paul (who is gay)—and his friends. Very early in the story, Paul's romantic partner has the following touching interchange with Claude.

“What are you going to do when you're married?” Teeth asked me.

“Go on adventures,” I said.

The bulk of the book is, unsurprisingly, less sweet and more heartbreaking: systemic racism, violence, and the continuing battle for civil rights. Even after Claude leaves the South Side for university, he can't escape. The conclusion feels somewhat sudden, but is moving.


27 January 2022

The Chase, Candice Fox 4
“Are you listening, Warden?”

“What do you want?”

“I want you to let them out.”

“Which inmates are we talking about?”

“All of them.”

When 650 of the world’s most violent human beings pour out of the Pronghorn Correctional Facility into the Nevada Desert, the biggest manhunt in US history begins.

For John Kradle, this is his chance to prove his innocence, twenty-six years after the murder of his wife and child. He just needs to stay one step ahead of the law enforcement officers he knows will be chasing down the escapees.

Death Row Supervisor turned fugitive-hunter Celine Osbourne is single-minded in her mission to catch Kradle. She has very personal reasons for hating him—and she knows exactly where he’s heading. . . . [from the publisher]

From the publisher's description, we know that the Kradle storyline is the primary one. However, there are several subplots, causing me to engage in a bit of internal debate. Were these other storylines necessary? Maybe the book could have been shorter—and somewhat less confusing—but, would it seem plausible? I think including several other storylines adds to the whole. If this happened in real life, they wouldn't be looking for only one escaped prisoner. Public service announcement: If I had known how busy the action was going to be, I would have set up a chart to keep track of the characters and timeline in each subplot.

The audio edition has two narrators: Lisa Negron and David de Vries. Negron's reading was almost entirely monotonous, which made it harder to enjoy and follow the story. I don't tend to look for particular narrators' work—that is, my reading choices are based on topic and author, generally. An excellent or poor narrator will sometimes color my purchase choices or even my borrowing choices, if my choices are plentiful. David de Vries' narration was quite good, for both male and female voices.

This is my first experience with this author. I will gladly read her work again. The story was engaging. Once I was involved, I didn't want to stop reading.

Content warnings include violence, racism, homophobia, and misogyny. The book didn't strike me as gratuitously violent—it's probably in line with what most mystery and thriller readers encounter regularly.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Forge Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected March 8.


24 January 2022

Hope Never Dies (Obama Biden Mysteries #1), Andrew Shaffer 3
It's been several months since the 2016 presidential election, and “Uncle Joe” Biden is puttering around his house, grouting the tile in his master bathroom, feeling lost and adrift in an America that doesn't make sense anymore.

But when his favorite Amtrak conductor dies in a suspicious accident, Joe feels a familiar desire to serve - and he leap into the role of amateur sleuth, with a little help from his old friend President Barack Obama (code name: Renegade). Together they'll plumb the darkest depths of Delaware, traveling from cheap motels to biker bars and beyond, as they uncover the sinister forces advancing America's opioid epidemic. [from the publisher]

This was a mildly amusing cozy-meets-noir mashup to occupy me while my pipeline is at a trickle. I bought the series pair on sale, so I'll read the other eventually, too . . . probably when I'm equally desperate.

23 January 2022

Devil's Chew Toy, Rob Osler 4.35
Seattle teacher and part-time blogger Hayden McCall wakes up sporting one hell of a shiner, with the police knocking at his door. It seems that his new crush, dancer Camilo Rodriguez, has gone missing, and they suspect foul play. What happened the night before? And where is Camilo?

Determined to find answers, pint-sized, good-hearted Hayden seeks out two of Camilo’s friends—Hollister and Burley—both lesbians and both fiercely devoted to their friend. From them, Hayden learns that Camilo is a “Dreamer” whose parents had been deported years earlier and whose sister is presumed to have returned to Venezuela with them. Convinced that the cops won’t take a brown boy’s disappearance seriously, the girls join Hayden’s hunt for Camilo.

The first clues turn up at Barkingham Palace, a pet store where Camilo had taken a part-time job. The store’s owner, Della Rupert, claims ignorance, but Hayden knows something is up. And then there’s Camilo’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan, who’s suddenly grown inexplicably wealthy. When Hayden and Hollister follow Ryan to a secure airport warehouse, they make a shocking connection between him and Della—and uncover the twisted scheme that’s made both of them rich.

The trail of clues leads them to the grounds of a magnificent estate on an island in Puget Sound, where they’ll finally learn the truth about Camilo’s disappearance—and the fate of his family. [from the publisher]

This is not a typical cozy mystery (I think it's better!). It qualifies in that the main character is (becomes) an amateur sleuth and there is minimal violence (and no graphic violence). But, it's atypical in that it's not set in a small village.

There is excellent diversity in the cast, including characters who are LGBTQ, of color, and of varying generations and walks of life. In addition to the characters mentioned in the publisher blurb, Hayden's neighbor, Sarah Lee; Hayden's Aunt Sally; Sally's elderly neighbor, Jerry; and Camilo's bull terrier, Commando; make notable appearances.

There's considerable character development, without getting tedious, and significant relationships are formed. Several social and racial justice issues are also important to the story. There's a lot of humor. There's a terrific twist at the end.

My reading experience was so thoroughly enjoyable that I hope this will be the first of a long series!

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected February 8.


21 January 2022

Dark Horse (Orphan X #7), Gregg Andrew Hurwitz 3
Evan Smoak is a man with many identities and a challenging past. As Orphan X, he was a government assassin for the off-the-books Orphan Program. After he broke with the Program, he adopted a new name and a new mission—The Nowhere Man, helping the most desperate in their times of trouble. Having just survived an attack on his life, and the complete devastation of his base of operations, as well as his complicated (and deepening) relationship with his neighbor Mia Hall, Evan isn't interested in taking on a new mission. But one finds him anyway.

Aragon Urrea is a kingpin of a major drug-dealing operation in South Texas. He's also the patron of the local area—supplying employment in legitimate operations, providing help to the helpless, a rough justice to the downtrodden, and a future to a people normally with little hope. He's complicated—a not completely good man, who does bad things for often good reasons. However, for all his money and power, he is helpless when one of the most vicious cartels kidnaps his innocent eighteen year old daughter, spiriting her away into the armored complex that is their headquarters in Mexico. With no other way to rescue his daughter, he turns to The Nowhere Man.

Now not only must Evan figure out how to get into the impregnable fortress of a heavily armed, deeply paranoid cartel leader, but he must decide if he should help a very bad man—no matter how just the cause. [from the publisher]

I read Orphan X—the first book in this series—just shy of a year ago. At the time, my only comment was “Yes, sort of Jack Reacher-ish.” I rated it 3 stars. I rate some installments of the Jack Reacher series (by Lee Child) 3 stars as well; but I just as (if not more) often rate them 4 stars. Why? I'll get to that in a moment.

This is the seventh installment of the Orphan X series. It looks like Hurwitz is cranking out roughly one per year. I haven't read the second through sixth books yet in no small part because my library only has book six in audio format (I purchased the audio edition of book one, and didn't like it enough to purchase subsequent installments). When the opportunity to read Dark Horse—book seven—came up on NetGalley, I jumped on it. I think there's enough background given in this installment that one won't be confused if they haven't read the series in order.

Barely into the story (in the first 10–20 pages), we're already dealing with the rape of one teenage girl and the kidnapping of another. Ugh! I almost reconsidered reading the book; but I haven't bailed on a NetGalley book yet and I really don't want to break my streak if I can help it. So, I kept reading. After a bit, there are scenes with an appealing character—16-year-old computer whiz, Joey (and her dog, Dog), whom I don't remember from the first book. Maybe she first appears in one of the installments I didn't read—it didn't seem like this was her debut. More Joey, please! Also, we learn that main character Evan Smoak made an exciting personal discovery in book six. At this point, I thought I might want to go back and read at least the previous book. That feeling didn't last long. Most of this 432-page book is brutally and gratuitously violent. [Not too far in, there are also appearances by Smoak's love interest, Mia, and her kid—both of whom I met in the first book. All three of these characters from Evan's personal life pop up again at the end of this book, but it's not enough to salvage it.]

So, I did a little thinking today about why I don't hesitate to keep reading the Jack Reacher series—which also includes some extreme violence—while I am so much less interested in reading more of the Orphan X series. The obvious difference is the level and use of violence. In the Reacher series, violence may happen along the way as part of advancing the plot, but it's not the main event. In contrast, Dark Horse was unrelentingly violent. The violence is so prevalent that it completely drowns the plot. [There was also extreme violence in the first installment—including sexual violence. The first book has some cool parts involving Smoak's home/headquarters. Again, that doesn't sufficiently offset the extreme violence.] Part of the difference in my perceptions of the two series may also be that the Reacher series leans toward mystery and the Orphan X series seems to lean toward thriller. Reacher has to figure out who is behind The Bad Thing; Smoak knows who it is (if not immediately, quite soon) and just goes off to “handle it.”

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected February 8.


19 January 2022

Enter the Aardvark, Jessica Anthony 3.35
A young congressman discovers a mysterious stuffed aardvark on his doorstep and sets out on a rip-roaring journey to find out what it means.

It's early one morning on a hot day in August, and millennial congressman Alexander Paine Wilson (R), planning his first reelection campaign and in deep denial about his sexuality, receives a mysterious, over-sized FedEx delivery on his front stoop. Inside is a gigantic taxidermied aardvark.

This outrageous, edge-of-your-seat novel hurtles between contemporary Washington, DC, where Wilson tries to get rid of the unsightly beast before it destroys his career, and Victorian England—where we meet Titus Downing, the taxidermist who stuffed the aardvark, and Richard Ostlet, the naturalist who hunted her. Our present world, we begin to see, has been shaped in profound and disturbing ways by the secret that binds these men. [from the publisher]

The publisher's blurb tells all you need to know before starting this novella. I first started reading this in an airport, but quickly found I couldn't focus on it. The story is chaotic enough on its own—it's probably best not to add personal chaos to your reading. I'm glad I gave it another shot—sometimes a short farce is needed.


18 January 2022

Blackout, Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon 4
Blackout—written by six popular contemporary YA authors, in interlocking stories—immediately brought to mind Let It Snow—written by three YA authors, also in connected stories. Blackout is not quite three-quarters the length of LIS, but somehow seemed meatier to me. The events in Blackout, take place during an extended power outage in New York City during a summer heatwave. Each story involves Black teen love—lifelong friends, exes, romantic partners, and budding relationships. In addition to the main characters in each story, there's a considerable cast of supporting characters from their families and neighbors—some of these are especially charming.

I've read and enjoyed books written by Angie Thomas and Nic Stone in the past. This collection exposed me to other authors I may want to read in the future.


17 January 2022

Mouth to Mouth, Antoine Wilson 3.35
In this novella, two college acquaintances run into each other at the airport. When their plane is delayed, they go to the first-class lounge to catch up over drinks. One of them tells the story of how he saved a man from drowning, became obsessed with the man, and ended up working for him. The story is revealed slowly . . . and it feels slow. After the acquaintances have gone their separate ways, an additional piece of the story is discovered. None of the characters are especially likeable, but the story is told in such a way that my curiosity was piqued and I was drawn in.

16 January 2022

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski 4
I've typically been lukewarm-to-negative about the self-help genre. At best, I've been indifferent to these books; at worst, I've blasted them for being superficial or overly simplistic. This book gave me pause. As I was reading and taking notes, I realized that those books I disliked and dismissed in the past weren't written for me. Mea culpa. I'll probably continue to avoid the genre overall—I've reached an age and level of experience that (hopefully) make targeted and intense instruction and change less necessary. Of course, I will continue to learn—I am an eternal student. So, now, I'm going to take a different approach to assessing and reviewing self-help books: I will remember to “take what works for me, and leave the rest.” [This was something my fellow La Leche League leaders and I said at every meeting. I'm glad to have it back in mind.]

Before I go on, I have to share that one of my Goodreads friends labeled this a self care book. I like it! It gives me the sense that it's a more continuous process instead of a “one and done.”

Right out of the gate, the authors note that “Dealing with your stress is a separate process from dealing with the things that cause your stress. To deal with your stress, you have to complete the cycle.” [4] While physical activity is the most effective way to complete the stress response cycle, the authors offer several other viable options for those who won't or can't engage in strenuous physical activity. The content of the book goes well beyond this list—I pretty heavily tagged up the print edition. A section that particularly stood out to me was the importance of rest and sleep (Chapter 7: What Makes You Stronger). First, according to this book, science says that 42 percent of our time is what is required to achieve “adequate” rest (including but not limited to sleep, which requires eight hours, give or take an hour)—that's roughly 10 hours a day. Further, toward the end of the chapter, they state,

Sleep is a racial justice issue as well as a gender issue, a class issue, and a basic public health issue. [184]

Detractors of the book (like the Old Me may have been) complain that men also experience toxic stress and that the book bashes The Patriarchy excessively. The authors acknowledge that men experience some of the things addressed in the book, but the book is clearly targeted at/marketed to women. When The Patriarchy is mentioned in the book, it is followed by “Ugh.” This was amusing in the audio edition. I didn't read the entire print edition with my eyes (just the sections I needed to tag to correspond to my audio bookmarks), so I can't say how often it appeared or how others would react to it in print (obviously). The book is written conversationally, which clearly irritated some readers. I, for one, can say that because I'm burned-out, I appreciated a bit of levity and straight talk. Take what works for you; leave the rest.


15 January 2022

Shit Cassandra Saw: Stories, Gwen E. Kirby 3
Margaret Atwood meets Buffy in these funny, warm, and furious stories of women at their breaking points, from Hellenic times to today. [from the publisher]
I'm not usually a fan of short stories—they're usually too short to be satisfying to me (not enough character or plot development). In this collection, I didn't mind the brevity. The stories ranged from mildly irreverent to slightly strange to downright bizarre. The humor ranged from low to chuckle—I don't remember any out-loud laughing or snorting. My favorite stories were “Midwestern Girl Is Tired of Appearing in Your Short Stories” and “How to Retile Your Bathroom in 6 Easy Steps!”

14 January 2022

The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova, Ruth Hogan 3
After inheriting her mother’s fortune-telling business as a young woman, Imelda Burova has spent her life on the Brighton pier practicing her trade. She and her trusty pack of Tarot cards have seen the lovers and the liars, the angels and the devils, the dreamers and the fools. Now, after a lifetime of keeping other people’s secrets, Madam Burova is ready to have a little piece of life for herself. But she still has one last thing to do—to fulfill a promise made in the 1970s, when she and her girlfriends were carefree, with their whole lives still before them.

In London, it is time for another woman to make a fresh start. Billie has lost her university job, her marriage, and her place in the world when a sudden and unlikely discovery leaves her very identity in question. Determined to find answers, she must follow a trail . . . which leads to Brighton, the pier, and directly to Madame Burova’s door.

In a story spanning over fifty years, Ruth Hogan has conjured a magical world of 1970s holiday camps and seaside entertainers, eccentrics, heroes and villains, the lost and the found. [from the publisher]

When Billie's father dies (predeceased by her mother), she finds out that she was adopted. Chapters set in the 1970s and in the present are used to bring the story together.

Strangely, a couple of plot points were repeated almost verbatim at different times in the book (but in the same part of the story—that is, either in the 1970s or the present). I had to check where I was to make sure I hadn't accidentally gone considerably backwards in the book. Too, it seems like the progress is quite slow. In the 1970s chapters, we know who is the object of Burova's romantic desire and what challenges the couple faces. We hear pretty much the same thing in every 1970s chapter. In the present-day chapters, we know that Billie is anxious to discover the truth about her birth parents; but the steps she takes to discover the truth seem to be drawn out painfully. There are a couple of storylines that were probably inserted to draw out the suspense of Billie's parentage. Unfortunately, some of the additional characters/their stories are boring and don't add anything positive to the story—it just seems like padding.

After an entire book of Burova repeating constantly that she promised she wouldn't reveal Billie's mother's identity to anyone, another character shows up at the very end and spills the beans off-page to someone other than Billie—we don't even get to experience firsthand Billie's reaction to this news we've collectively awaited. It was anticlimactic and unsatisfying. Similarly, there's a closure of sorts for Burova's love story that is sudden and pat.

Overall, the story was uninspiring. The desirable characters need more development and page-time, the plot needs more movement, and there shouldn't be so much repetition. I'm in the minority with this title and author (I've read one other book of hers). I find her on the dull side.


14 January 2022

How We Can Win: Race, History and Changing the Money Game That's Rigged, Kimberly Jones 3.5
“So if I played four hundred rounds of Monopoly with you and I had to play and give you every dime that I made, and then for fifty years, every time that I played, if you didn't like what I did, you got to burn it like they did in Tulsa and like they did in Rosewood, how can you win? How can you win?”

When Kimberly Jones declared these words amid the protests spurred by the murder of George Floyd, she gave a history lesson that in just over six minutes captured the economic struggles of Black people in America. Within days the video had been viewed by millions of people around the world, riveted by Jones’s damning—and stunningly succinct—analysis of the enduring disparities Black Americans face.

In How We Can Win, Jones delves into the impacts of systemic racism and reveals how her formative years in Chicago gave birth to a lifelong devotion to justice. Here, in a vital expansion of her declaration, she calls for Reconstruction 2.0, a multilayered plan to reclaim economic and social restitutions—those restitutions promised with emancipation but blocked, again and again, for more than 150 years. And, most of all, Jones delivers strategies for how we can effect change as citizens and allies while nurturing ourselves—the most valuable asset we have—in the fight against a system that is still rigged. [from the publisher]

I've read two (mostly) how-to activist handbooks in a row now. This one focuses on the economic impacts of slavery and policies that created and entrenched systemic racism in the United States. The book is part history, part commentary, and part guidebook.

Jones shares economic history that all of us should know but likely haven't been taught during our formal education: the impact of the free labor of enslaved people on agriculture in the South and textiles in the North, inherited wealth in white families, the Freedman's Savings Bank, the War on Drugs, the GI Bill, redlining, the prison industrial complex/criminalization of poverty, and more. She uses the game of Monopoly to illustrate how Blacks have been excluded repeatedly from opportunities to thrive and build wealth and how they can't possibly catch up under current conditions. Toward the end of the book, the author gives some guidelines on how to make improvements, individually and collectively: time use, banking/spending/saving, getting help (including through taxpayer-supported agencies), and education. Perhaps most compelling are her thoughts on Reconstruction 2.0, restitution, and the need for a truth and reconciliation process.

The book is somewhat repetitive and occasionally anecdotal, neither of which should deter anyone from reading and absorbing the otherwise quality content.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Henry Holt and Company, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 18.

[I read and rated highly Jones' YA novel coauthored with Gilly Segal—I'm Not Dying with You Tonight—in November 2019.]


12 January 2022

An Abolitionist's Handbook: 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World, Patrisse Khan-Cullors 4
In An Abolitionist's Handbook, Cullors charts a framework for how everyday activists can effectively fight for an abolitionist present and future. Filled with relatable pedagogy on the history of abolition, a reimagining of what reparations look like for Black lives and real-life anecdotes from Cullors An Abolitionist's Handbook, offers a bold, innovative, and humanistic approach to how to be a modern-day abolitionist. Cullors asks us to lead with love, fierce compassion, and precision.

In An Abolitionist's Handbook listeners will learn how to:

  • have courageous conversations
  • move away from reaction and towards response
  • take care of oneself while fighting for others
  • turn inter-community conflict into a transformative action
  • expand one’s imagination, think creatively, and find the courage to experiment
  • make justice joyful
  • practice active forgiveness
  • make space for difficult feelings and honor mental health
  • practice non-harm and cultivate compassion
  • organize local and national governments to work towards abolition
  • move away from cancel culture

An Abolitionist's Handbook is for those who are looking to reimagine a world where communities are treated with dignity, care and respect. It gives us permission to move away from cancel culture and into visioning change and healing. [from the publisher]

The handbook covers a lot in a little space. In some ways, this might seem like it's doing a disservice to the subject matter. On the other hand, it could be seen as a good overview of what's involved in this kind of movement work. I'm leaning toward the latter.

As the author writes early in the book, it isn't intended to be a one-time read. I'd add that while I appreciated being able to read with my ears initially (a format that I find especially effective and manageable for most books), this is a book that I would like to consume both in audio and in print (and more than once for both formats).

In each section, Cullors offers questions to consider and suggestions for additional resources—extremely helpful.

The narrator—Ariel Blake—was excellent. The audio ARC included a bonus interview between the author and fellow activist and writer adrienne maree brown.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 25.

[I read, enjoyed, appreciated, and rated highly Cullors' memoir—When They Call You a Terrorist—in 2018.]


11 January 2022

Anthem, Noah Hawley 3
Something is happening to teenagers across America, spreading through memes only they can parse.

At the Float Anxiety Abatement Center, in a suburb of Chicago, Simon Oliver is trying to recover from his sister’s tragic passing. He breaks out to join a woman named Louise and a man called The Prophet on a quest as urgent as it is enigmatic. Who lies at the end of the road? A man known as The Wizard, whose past encounter with Louise sparked her own collapse. Their quest becomes a rescue mission when they join up with a man whose sister is being held captive by the Wizard, impregnated and imprisoned in a tower. [from the publisher]

After rating Hawley's Before the Fall (published in 2016) 4 stars in 2019, I was anxious to read his latest novel as soon as possible. I thought several times during my reading that I should bail—not because it's dark, disturbing, and brutally violent (which it is), but because it's too close to our reality. The novel's action takes place very shortly after the pandemic (I'm glad the author thinks we'll be through with this in the near future—ha!), and makes frequent mentions to the Party of Truth and the Party of Lies (both parties think they're the Truth and their opponents are the Lies), the isolation of the pandemic, anti-maskers, anti-vaxxers, the Capitol insurrection, the opioid crisis (and a company/owner who profited), human trafficking, and so on. If all that isn't enough, a major thread involves a rash of suicides among young people. So, if you're sensitive to pretty much any topic whatsoever, this is not a book for your entertainment.

When I finished reading, I admitted to my partner that I sort of wanted him to read it, too. It's not that I want him to suffer—I just want someone to share the experience . . . and maybe discuss it with me. If you read it, please chat with me afterward.

The book is running the gamut on ratings. I don't think I'm alone in not being sure how to rate it. On its literary merit? On the reader's enjoyment? Something else?


10 January 2022

Death in Cornwall (St. Just Mystery #4), G.M. Malliet 3
To celebrate their engagement, DCI Arthur St. Just and Portia De’Ath visit the quiet village of Maidsfell in Cornwall. Upon arriving they find the villagers in an uproar over plans to redevelop the local seafront.

The fishermen want to build a new slipway to aid their business, but many residents worry it will spoil the view for the tourists who help drive the economy. After a heated village meeting on the issue, St. Just overhears an argument involving Lord Bodwally—an unpopular aristocrat staunchly opposed to the plans. Later, Bodwally’s lifeless body is discovered. It’s murder.

Although Bodwally was disliked, who’d go so far as to kill him? St. Just, although an outsider from Cambridge, feels compelled to help local authorities investigate. Is Bodwally’s death linked to the seafront, his suspect business dealings, or a secret from the past? One thing is certain, the fallout threatens to change Maidsfell forever. . . . [from the publisher]

While this is my first, it is the fourth in a series. As far as I can tell, I was not at a disadvantage in not having read the first three. The story is a typical cozy mystery, with plenty of local color and red herrings. I learned a few interesting tidbits, but I won't share them with you for fear of spoiling the story.

The female narrator's male voices made those characters sound angry most of the time, which was off-putting and confusing. This gave me a different sense of DCI St. Just's character and relationships than what I had gleaned/expected from other reviewers.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 18.


9 January 2022

Love in the Library, Maggie Tokuda-Hall & Yas Imamura (Illustrator) 3.5
To fall in love is already a gift. But to fall in love in a place like Minidoka, a place built to make people feel like they weren’t human—that was miraculous

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama is sent to live in a War Relocation Center in the desert. All Japanese Americans from the West Coast—elderly people, children, babies—now live in prison camps like Minidoka. To be who she is has become a crime, it seems, and Tama doesn’t know when or if she will ever leave. Trying not to think of the life she once had, she works in the camp’s tiny library, taking solace in pages bursting with color and light, love and fairness. And she isn’t the only one. George waits each morning by the door, his arms piled with books checked out the day before. As their friendship grows, Tama wonders: Can anyone possibly read so much? Is she the reason George comes to the library every day? Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s elegant and true love story about her grandparents for listeners of all ages sheds light on a shameful chapter of American history. [from the publisher]

From my initial reading, the author's note at the end is more compelling than the story itself. I'm looking forward to reading it again—with my eyes—and I've already placed a hold at the library for the print edition. In any event, the subject matter is important. I hope books like this will continue to be written and read . . . and gain a wider audience.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 11.


8 January 2022

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, Elle Cosimano 4
Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. A stressed-out single mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay’s life is in chaos: The new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written; her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her; and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.

When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet. She soon discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation. [from the publisher]

If I had been wearing pearls when I start reading this book, I would have clutched them. I'm pretty sure I uttered, “Oh, my!” once or twice. Ultimately, I thoroughly enjoyed this wacky, action-packed comedy of errors. There's a full cast of contributing characters, including Finlay's cop sister (and a colleague of hers), Finlay's ex-husband (and his bitchy real-estate-agent fiancée), Russian mobsters, a hot young law student/bartender, a nosy neighbor, and nanny Vero (who becomes Finlay's partner-in-crime).

I wish this had crossed my radar sooner so I would have been better prepared for the sequel, which comes out early in February—the hold list is so long already that I might have to buy the second installment.


7 January 2022

Stuck, Oliver Jeffers 3
Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree and tries to dislodge it with other increasingly more dramatic items. It's funny in a ridiculous way, I suppose. I prefer my funny combined with clever or sweet.

6 January 2022

Better Luck Next Time, Julia Claiborne Johnson 3
I thought I had finally found an extra-fun historical fiction that would break my overall distaste for/disinterest in the genre. Before I was halfway through, my bubble was burst. Oh, well. It's not a bad book; it's just not great. [Claiborne's debut novel, Be Frank With Me, was better, in my opinion.]

At least I learned something: In the 1930s, the state of Nevada dropped its residency requirements to qualify for divorce to only six weeks, and women flocked to ranches in Reno (especially) to get pampered while they waited. This tourism helped bolster the state's economy during and after the Great Depression.

That's the setting of this story, which is told, in retrospect, in a conversational manner by Ward, a handsome, young ranch hand. Most of the story revolves around two ranch guests: Nina, a third-time guest, and Emily, who has a teenaged daughter and a cheating husband. Early on, there are a few sassy quips from some of the guests, which is why I was hopeful that this book would break my HF curse.


5 January 2022

The Last Chance Library, Freya Sampson 3.5
Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she's determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too. [from the publisher]

To save their beloved library, dedicated patrons start a group called FOCL (Friends of Chalcot Library; pronounced like an obscene phrase), which June has been forbidden to join by the local council. June tries to help on the sly, in hopes of avoiding getting fired.

I always promise myself that I'm not going to read more books set in bookshops and libraries, because they're so often disappointing. Apparently, though, I can't help myself. This one was pleasantly surprising—there was a nice mix of social justice and community-building/character development. The problem of public library funding cuts is real and severe, worldwide. Not everyone understands or appreciates how critical public libraries are to the health/welfare of individuals and the strength of communities.


4 January 2022

Smoke and Mirrors (The Brighton Mysteries #2), Elly Griffiths 3.35
Pantomime season is in full swing on the pier with Max Mephisto starring in Aladdin, but Max’s headlines have been stolen by the disappearance of two local children. When they are found dead in the snow, surrounded by sweets, it’s not long before the press nickname them “Hansel and Gretel.”

DI Edgar Stephens has plenty of leads to investigate. The girl, Annie, used to write gruesome plays based on the Grimms’ fairy tales. Does the clue lie in Annie’s unfinished—and rather disturbing—last script? Or might it lie with the eccentric theatricals who have assembled for the pantomime?

For Stan (aka the Great Diablo), who’s also appearing in Aladdin, the case raises more personal memories. Back before the Great War, he witnessed the murder of a young girl while he was starring in another show, an event which has eerie parallels to the current case.

Once again Edgar enlists Max’s help in penetrating the shadowy theatrical world that seems to hold the key. But with both distracted by their own personal problems, neither can afford to miss a trick. For Annie and her friend, time is running out. . . . [from the publisher]

This is the second in a series. I read the first—The Zig Zag Girl—in 2018. I liked this second installment a bit more than the first, which is the opposite of the other two series of Griffiths' of which I've read the first two books: Ruth Galloway and Harbinder Kaur.

This Brighton series feels much the same as Agatha Christie and other standard murder mystery series of Christie's time. I'm finding these to be serviceable—entertaining enough, but not particularly thrilling.


3 January 2022

Here's to Us (What If It's Us #2), Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera 3.5
Exes Ben and Arthur are thrown back together in New York when Arthur returns to town for an Off-Broadway internship. Both are in new relationships, but they clearly have unresolved feelings for one another.

I rated the first installment 3 stars in fall 2018—that's a pretty basic “it was decent/I'm not mad I read it” rating. I thought this one (excepting a truly irritating section around/just beyond the middle in which everybody was whiny and waffly) was better. It had some funny bits, especially from Arthur. The romance was over-the-top sappy, but I'll allow it . . . this time. The book would have been improved by not being so long. Supporting characters Dylan (Ben's best friend) and Samantha have a big storyline that's rushed at the end.

It has been pointed out by other readers that the characters aren't terribly more mature than they were in the two-years-earlier installment. Maybe . . . and they're still teenagers—I don't think it's unreasonable to think that they have a lot of maturing to do still.

I'm uncertain about my rating on this one. I suspect I'm rating it higher than I would usually because my weary self appreciates being entertained without having to provide brainpower. If you're up for a sometimes-funny, schmaltzy, gay YA love story, give it a try. I think it would work as a standalone, if you haven't (and don't want to) read the first book.


2 January 2022

Minimum Wage Magic, Rachel Aaron 3.66
Making a living is hard. In a lawless city where gods are real, dragons are traffic hazards, and buildings move around on their own, it can feel downright impossible.

Good thing freelance mage Opal Yong-ae has never let little things like impossibility stop her. She’s found a way to put her overpriced magical art history degree to use as a Cleaner: a contract municipal employee who empties out abandoned apartments and resells the unusual treasures she finds inside for a profit. It’s not a pretty job, or a safe one—there’s a reason she wears bite-proof gloves—but when you’re neck-deep in debt to a very magical, very nasty individual, you can’t be picky about where the money comes from.

But even Opal’s low standards are put to the test when the only thing of value in her latest apartment is the body of the previous tenant. Dealing with the dead isn’t technically part of her job, but this mage died hiding a secret that could be worth a lot of money, and Opal’s the only one who knows. With debts she can’t pay due at the end of the week, this could be the big break she’s been waiting for, but in a city of runaway magic where getting in over your head generally means losing it, the cost of chasing this opportunity might be more than Opal can survive. [from the publisher]

This urban fantasy was a good pick for my first read of 2022. There's an aspiring independent and determined female lead, action, urgency, mystery, magic, and dragons. There's not a great amount of violence or grossness.

I enjoyed this enough that I've added the first in a different series set in the same universe to my TBR list.


31 December 2021

December reading recap: 29 books finished (1 bailed)

5-star reads

  • Change Sings: A Children's Anthem, Amanda Gorman, Loren Long (Illustrator)
  • A Child of Books, Oliver Jeffers, Sam Winston (Illustrator)
  • The Phantom Tollbooth, Norton Juster (reread; first time reading with Rainn Wilson narration)
  • Hope Was Here, Joan Bauer (reread)
  • The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renée Watson, Nikkolas Smith (Illustrator)

4-star reads

  • How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America, Clint Smith
  • Olga Dies Dreaming, Xóchitl González
  • Wish You Were Here, Jodi Picoult
  • The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, William Joyce, Joe Bluhm (Illustrator) (4.35)

honorable mention

  • Is This Anything? Jerry Seinfeld (3.66)
  • A Snake Falls to Earth, Darcie Little Badger (3.5)
  • Let It Snow, John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle (3.5)
  • Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls, Kaela Rivera (3.66)
  • Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity, Iliza Shlesinger (3.66)

31 December 2021

Several People Are Typing, Calvin Kasulke 3

31 December 2021

This Moose Belongs to Me, Oliver Jeffers 3.35

31 December 2021

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renée Watson, Nikkolas Smith (Illustrator) 5

31 December 2021

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, William Joyce, Joe Bluhm (Illustrator) 4.35

30 December 2021

Wish You Were Here, Jodi Picoult 4

29 December 2021

A Thousand Ships, Natalie Haynes 2.66

28 December 2021

Winter Reading is underway!

I took a much-needed break from blogging (and other responsibilities, real and self-imposed), but not from reading (of course)! Pictured is this year's adults & teens Winter Reading Program completion prize—a nifty mug. Children from birth through 6th grade get a toy upon completion. Register any time during the program—which runs through Monday, January 31, 2022—if you haven't already.

I haven't quite figured out how or when I'll catch up with posting reviews of books I read during my break. Reviews will likely be posted out of order, but will show up on the website under the date I finished each book. So, until I catch up, look for entries from December 9 to the "present" (which will go on for some weeks, I imagine). I'll post links on social media, individually or as a group, as I’m able.

I hope your winter reading has been fulfilling and fun so far, and that you have/had warm and meaningful family time during the holidays.


27 December 2021

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House, Alyssa Mastromonaco 3

26 December 2021

Olga Dies Dreaming, Xóchitl González 4
It’s 2017, and Olga and her brother, Pedro “Prieto” Acevedo are bold faced names in their hometown of New York. Prieto is a popular Congressman representing their gentrifying, Latinx neighborhood in Brooklyn while Olga is the tony wedding planner for Manhattan’s powerbrokers.

Despite their alluring public lives, behind closed doors things are far less rosy. Sure, Olga can orchestrate the love stories of the 1%, but she can’t seem to find her own . . . until she meets Matteo, who forces her to confront the effects of long held family secrets. . . .

Twenty-seven years ago, their mother Blanca, a Young Lord-turned-radical, abandoned her children to advance a militant political cause, leaving them to be raised by their grandmother. Now, with the winds of hurricane season, Blanca has come barreling back into their lives.

Set against the backdrop of New York City in the months surrounding the most devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico’s history, Xochitl Gonzalez's Olga Dies Dreaming is a story that examines political corruption, familial strife and the very notion of the American Dream—all while asking what it really means to weather a storm. [from the publisher]

This debut novel grabbed me early on and kept me hooked. Olga isn't a warm fuzzy character, which sometimes makes her unlikeable. However, she has some pretty impressive skills, works hard (if not always above-board), and has loving relationships with family and friends. There is a lot of social and political commentary, which I personally enjoy. There are some especially funny scenes involving Olga's love/hate/passive-aggressive relationship with one of her cousins, along with more tender familial relationships with her brother, niece, grandmother, and at least one aunt. Olga and eventual love-interest Matteo are both emotionally fragile and flawed, but end up bringing out the best in each other. I noticed that another early reader felt the handling of an aspect of brother Pedro's story was outdated. I wonder if the anxiety Pedro experienced was appropriate to his cultural experience and age. Gonzalez did a good job of interlocking storylines between characters and over time.

Sensitive issues include mental health, drug addiction, suicide, racism, parental abandonment, and rape. Corporate and political corruption, misogyny, and the US government's mistreatment/mishandling of Puerto Rico also play significant roles.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 4.


26 December 2021

Sleepless Over You, Sydney Smyth 3

22 December 2021

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America, Clint Smith 4

20 December 2021

Poison for Breakfast, Lemony Snicket 3

20 December 2021

The Cat Who Saved Books, Sōsuke Natsukawa [Louise Heal Kawai, Translator] 2.66

19 December 2021

Hope Was Here, Joan Bauer 5

19 December 2021

The Pleasure of My Company, Steve Martin 2.5

18 December 2021

Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America, Firoozeh Dumas 3.35

17 December 2021

Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity, Iliza Shlesinger 3.66

16 December 2021

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls, Kaela Rivera 3.66

15 December 2021

Let It Snow, John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle 3.5

14 December 2021

Apparently There Were Complaints , Sharon Gless 2.66

12 December 2021

A Snake Falls to Earth, Darcie Little Badger 3.5

10 December 2021

The Phantom Tollbooth, Norton Juster (Rainn Wilson narration) 5

9 December 2021

Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies, J.B. West 2.66

8 December 2021

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin Alire Sáenz 2.66
Aristotle (who prefers to go by Ari) and Dante become best friends (gradually) after the outgoing Dante offers to teach Ari to swim the very minute they meet in this YA/coming of age/LGBT series opener.

Both high-schoolers live in households with two parents and are of Mexican-American heritage. Aristotle has siblings (one of whom is a brother who is incarcerated).

I didn't like the book as much as I expected. I wasn't wowed—as so many are—by the characters or the writing. I didn't feel like the progression of the relationship was authentically organic. The story drags along until, all of a sudden, a switch goes off at the end and there's a happy-ish ending. Obviously, I'm not the target audience, but I read a fair amount of YA. Like my immediately previous read, I doubt that I'll continue reading the series.


7 December 2021

The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart 2.5
In this first installment of a series, four gifted children are chosen from a plethora of candidates answering a newspaper advertisement for “special opportunities.” They become part of an undercover team infiltrating the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened in order to stop its evil plan to subvert the world's population via mind control.

While the set-up of the story was promising, the cleverness of the children wasn't developed sufficiently. The bulk of the story concentrated on the behaviors and actions of various bad guys. There are some positive relationships, and the children are recognized for their unique gifts—they need each other to get the job done.

As middle-grade mysteries go, I greatly prefer Laura Ruby's York series.


5 December 2021

Black-Eyed Susans, Julia Heaberlin 3.35
As a sixteen-year-old, Tessa Cartwright was found in a Texas field, barely alive amid a scattering of bones, with only fragments of memory as to how she got there. Ever since, the press has pursued her as the lone surviving “Black-Eyed Susan,” the nickname given to the murder victims because of the yellow carpet of wildflowers that flourished above their shared grave. Tessa’s testimony about those tragic hours put a man on death row.

Now, almost two decades later, Tessa is an artist and single mother. In the desolate cold of February, she is shocked to discover a freshly planted patch of black-eyed susans—a summertime bloom—just outside her bedroom window. Terrified at the implications—that she sent the wrong man to prison and the real killer remains at large—Tessa turns to the lawyers working to exonerate the man awaiting execution. But the flowers alone are not proof enough, and the forensic investigation of the still-unidentified bones is progressing too slowly. An innocent life hangs in the balance. The legal team appeals to Tessa to undergo hypnosis to retrieve lost memories—and to share the drawings she produced as part of an experimental therapy shortly after her rescue.

What they don’t know is that Tessa and the scared, fragile girl she was have built a fortress of secrets. As the clock ticks toward the execution, Tessa fears for her sanity, but even more for the safety of her teenaged daughter. Is a serial killer still roaming free, taunting Tessa with a trail of clues? She has no choice but to confront old ghosts and lingering nightmares to finally discover what really happened that night. [from the publisher]

I was on-board with the premise. The story is told primarily from the points of view of past- and present-Tessa. There are multiple supporting characters in both timelines. The overall pace is painfully slow—there isn't much action or advancement. I correctly guessed the killer's identity quite early, but I was surprised by a small twist at the end. Because of this, I gave the book a tiny ratings boost.


4 December 2021

A Child of Books, Oliver Jeffers & Sam Winston (Illustrator) 5
A little girl, a child of books, sails her raft across a sea of words and arrives at the house of a young boy. She invites him to go away with her on an adventure into the world of stories . . . where, with only a little imagination, anything at all can happen.

Irresistibly engaging characters by Oliver Jeffers set sail and chart their way through Sam Winston's fascinating typographical landscapes in this extraordinary ode to the power and promise of storytelling. Forty treasured children's classics and lullabies are featured in the pictures, providing endless opportunities for discovery, memories, and sharing. [from the front cover flap]

The title called out to me, which is why I picked it to read the minute I got home from the library today. As I expected, this book spoke to my core. I was a child of books, and their import to me has never diminished.

An online bookish friend of mine said this in her review of the book: “My kids thought it was pretty good, but as an adult who feels created by the books I've read, it was a work of art.” I get it! I hope I'll be able to share this book with littles of my acquaintance or family in the future.

On my Oliver Jeffers quest, I have now read a book written by someone else/illustrated by Jeffers, a book written and illustrated by Jeffers, and a book written by Jeffers/illustrated by someone else. I picked up two more of his books (besides this one) today.


3 December 2021

Is This Anything?, Jerry Seinfeld 3.66
The first book in twenty-five years from Jerry Seinfeld features his best work across five decades in comedy.

Since his first performance at the legendary New York nightclub “Catch a Rising Star” as a twenty-one-year-old college student in fall of 1975, Jerry Seinfeld has written his own material and saved everything. “Whenever I came up with a funny bit, whether it happened on a stage, in a conversation, or working it out on my preferred canvas, the big yellow legal pad, I kept it in one of those old school accordion folders,” Seinfeld writes. “So I have everything I thought was worth saving from forty-five years of hacking away at this for all I was worth.”

For this book, Jerry Seinfeld has selected his favorite material, organized decade by decade. In page after hilarious page, one brilliantly crafted observation after another, readers will witness the evolution of one of the great comedians of our time and gain new insights into the thrilling but unforgiving art of writing stand-up comedy. [from the publisher]

The audio edition is narrated by Seinfeld himself, and the book is just as promised by the publisher's description. It was a quick, fun read, especially while knitting to my heart's content at the end of a long week (though, what week doesn't feel long at this point?). I liked his discussion of the trends in comedy writing—talking about comedians having writers vs. writing all their own material. I think this book is a good bet for fans of comedy, whether or not you're a particular fan of Seinfeld's.


2 December 2021

Dava Shastri's Last Day, Kirthana Ramisetti 3
In this debut novel, Dava Shastri is a billionaire philanthropist and matriarch of a multicultural and far-flung family. At age 70, she gets a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, and she decides to leak news of her death before it happens so she can observe the world's reactions. She invites her children, along with their partners and children, to her private island and confiscates their phones and other devices. Unfortunately, one of her family members sees the news before Dava can explain what's going on. Even worse (at least in Dava's mind) is that instead of focusing on her philanthropy, the press reveals two secrets that she has spent decades hiding. Now Dava has to make peace with her family. Lots of family baggage involving various other combinations of relationships comes into play, as well.

While Dava is portrayed as a generous philanthropist, she is not written particularly positively overall. Too, her children are entitled and not fully competent, independent adults (with the possible exception of one). Because I don't enjoy that kind of character, gossipy celebrity watching, or family drama, much of the book was slow and tedious to me. As Dava really approaches her end, she finally has some substantive conversations with her grandchildren, collectively, and their parents, individually. These conversations result in mending some relationships and calming some hurts.


1 December 2021

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem, Amanda Gorman 5
You may have noticed that I tend to rate children's picture books—particularly those with stellar illustration—highly. Change Sings has not only absolutely gorgeous illustrations—bursting with color and representing a diverse community—but also has Amanda Gorman's (activist and youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history) beautiful words with an amazing call to action. The books as a whole (words and pictures) conveys a message of changemaking, community, tolerance, and generosity.

This book gave me chills and made me cry. It's so simple . . . or, at least, it should be.


30 November 2021

November reading recap: 29 books finished (3 bailed)

4-star reads

  • Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life, Alan Cumming (4.35)
  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams (4.35)
  • All The Lonely People, Mike Gayle (4.35)
  • Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, Oliver Jeffers (4.35)
  • Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight, Janet Evanovich
  • You Can Run, Karen Cleveland
  • The Day the Crayons Quit, Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator)
  • We Are Water Protectors, Carole Lindstrom & Michaela Goade (Illustrator)

honorable mention

  • All Her Little Secrets, Wanda M. Morris (3.66)
  • Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid (3.66)
  • The Book of Delights, Ross Gay (3.66)
  • Taste: My Life through Food, Stanley Tucci (3.66)
  • The Bone Cay, Eliza Nellums (3.66)
  • An Ambush of Widows, Jeff Abbott (3.66)
  • The Happy Ever After Playlist (The Friend Zone #2), Abby Jimenez (3.5)
  • These Silent Woods, Kimi Cunningham Grant (3.5)
  • Renegades: Born In the USA, Barack Obama & Bruce Springsteen (3.5)

30 November 2021

An Ambush of Widows, Jeff Abbott 3.66
Henry North is a down-on-his-luck cybersecurity expert from New Orleans. Adam Zhang is the cofounder of one of Austin’s most successful venture capitalist firms. These two men didn’t know each other. They had never met. Yet they died together, violently, in a place neither had any business being.

When Henry doesn’t return from a business trip, his wife, Kirsten, panics—and then gets an anonymous phone call: “Your husband is dead in Austin.”

Flora Zhang knew her husband was keeping secrets. She suspected an affair, but she had decided she could forgive him for his weakness—until her husband ended up dead. And with no explanation for her husband’s murder, the police begin to suspect her.

Together, these two widows will face a powerful foe determined to write a false narrative about the murders. In doing so, neither Flora nor Kirsten will remain the women the world thought they were. [from the publisher]

An “ambush” is the collective noun for a group of widows (the same goes for tigers); and, of course, there's a reason for this choice of title, as well as a discussion of other interesting collective nouns.

My interest in the story ebbed and flowed. Sometimes it felt either just too far-fetched or slow and dull. Other times, I enjoyed the characters' interchanges or the twists in/connectedness of the story. There's a large cast of supporting characters, including Adam's business partner and his wife (a close friend of Flora's); the Zhangs' neighbors; Kirsten's foster brother, who was also a friend of Henry's (who lived next door to Kirsten's foster family when they were in high school); Kirsten's foster parents; a female detective in Austin; a homeless man; a hit man and his family; and Adam's live-in cousin/protégé.

I was surprised by Kirsten's quickly expressed—and persisting—need for/talk of revenge. It didn't seem like a normal reaction. That is, I would expect someone in her position to want some sort of justice served, but not for her to want to institute revenge personally.

I was amused by this statement:

“I don't trust someone who reads so much. I like people who live in the real world.” —Mr. Fortunato to Kirsten, about Larry [Chapter 38]

The very end of the book creates the opportunity for a sequel, also with a revenge story.


29 November 2021

Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery, Brom 1.5
A spirited young Englishwoman, Abitha, arrives at a Puritan colony betrothed to a stranger – only to become quickly widowed when her husband dies under mysterious circumstances. All alone in this pious and patriarchal society, Abitha fights for what little freedom she can grasp onto, while trying to stay true to herself and her past.

Enter Slewfoot, a powerful spirit of antiquity newly woken… and trying to find his own role in the world. Healer or destroyer? Protector or predator? But as the shadows walk and villagers start dying, a new rumor is whispered: Witch.

Both Abitha and Slewfoot must swiftly decide who they are, and what they must do to survive in a world intent on hanging any who meddle in the dark arts. [from the publisher]

I had high hopes for Slewfoot—from the start, I indeed found Abitha to be spirited in her determination and efforts to help her husband fend off his evil brother's attempts to essentially steal their farm to pay off his own debts, thus subjecting them to poverty and servitude. After her husband's death, the stakes were even higher, as a woman alone had no standing. Even the beginning of Abitha's association with Slewfoot was interesting, with them navigating what each needed or wanted and how they might choose to help each other. Unfortunately, between the evil brother-in-law's treachery and the interference from other supernatural beings around Slewfoot, it devolved into a gratuitously hyperviolent mess. I was no longer interested by the story, let alone inclined to root for Abitha.


28 November 2021

The Hawthorne School, Sylvie Perry 2
Claudia Morgan is overwhelmed. She's a single parent trying the best that she can, but her four-year-old son, Henry, is a handful—for her and for his preschool. When Claudia hears about a school with an atypical teaching style near her Chicagoland home, she has to visit. The Hawthorne School is beautiful and has everything she dreams of for Henry: time to play outside, music, and art. The head of the school, Zelma, will even let Claudia volunteer to cover the cost of tuition.

The school is good for Henry: his “behavioral problems” disappear, and he comes home subdued instead of rageful. But there's something a bit off about the school, its cold halls, and its enigmatic headmistress. When Henry brings home stories of ceremonies in the woods and odd rules, Claudia's instincts tell her that something isn't quite right, and she begins to realize she's caught in a web of manipulations and power.

This exploration of what a mother will do for her child is guided by the author's work with narcissistic manipulation and addictive power dynamics in her role as a psychotherapist. [from the publisher]

The book is classified under mystery and thrillers. Mystery? Not at all. The reader knows all along what's going on. Thriller? Maybe, but not really. There's no real tension around whether the bad guy will get caught or whether the day will be saved. Throughout the story, so very little happens . . . there is little advancement. It is creepy (in an icky—not scary—way).

I disliked virtually all of the characters. Worst of all, contrary to the publisher's description of Claudia's “instincts,” she seems downright clueless and ineffectual.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected December 7.


27 November 2021

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, Oliver Jeffers 4.35
My introduction to Oliver Jeffers came a week ago, with his illustrations in The Day the Crayons Quit. Those were adorable—very convincing as a young artist's drawings.

Here We Are is both written and illustrated by Jeffers. It was written for his infant son about some things he needs to know about living on Earth. Again, the illustrations—this time in a more developed style—are colorful and fun. As far as the words are concerned, the overall message is about where we live, how diverse nature and animal life is, and the fact that we're never alone.

I thought this tidbit was cute.

You are a person. You have a body.

Look after it, as most bits don't grow back.

There is a two-page spread showing many shapes, sizes, and colors of people, followed by another two-page spread for an array of animals.

Jeffers tells his son the staggering number of us who live here on Earth, with an admonition to “. . . be kind. There is enough for everyone.”

I wish I had discovered Jeffers sooner. Now that I have, I'm enjoying the simple pleasures of his children's picture books during the hustle of the holiday season.


26 November 2021

All The Lonely People, Mike Gayle 4.35
In weekly phone calls to his daughter in Australia, widower Hubert Bird paints a picture of the perfect retirement, packed with fun, friendship and fulfilment.

But Hubert Bird is lying.

Now Hubert faces a seemingly impossible task: to make his real life resemble his fake life before the truth comes out.

Along the way Hubert stumbles across a second chance at love, renews a cherished friendship and finds himself roped into an audacious community scheme that seeks to end loneliness once and for all. . . . [from the publisher]

As a young man, Hubert moves from Jamaica to England, where he meets his future wife, a white native of England. Joyce and Hubert experience horrible racist disapproval of their relationship, causing challenges to employment, housing, child care, familial relationships, and friendships. Quite a bit of the back story is delivered to us via Hubert's memories. In the present, Joyce is dead, their daughter is a professor at an Australian university, and their son is estranged.

For me, All The Lonely People was reminiscent of Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove, which I read just over 10 years ago. [Where does the time go?!] Hubert isn't curmudgeonly like Ove—he's actually quite sweet and positive (at least in his reminiscences). Where they are similar is that they are widowed elderly men whose lives are positively impacted by new neighbors who are young mothers.

There are several well-realized supporting characters in this story, each with their own personality and relationship with Hubert. The result is a charming story.

It's unusual for me to get misty over books. Perhaps it's because I read a lot of nonfiction, mysteries, and thrillers—books that evoke different emotions. At various stages, this story had me verklempt (overcome with emotion)—sometimes happy; sometimes sad.


25 November 2021

We Are Water Protectors, Carole Lindstrom & Michaela Goade (Illustrator) 4
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption. [from front cover flap]

This beautifully illustrated children's picture book has an environmental justice message coming from Native American culture and tradition. It is recommend for ages three to six years, but I think it could be enjoyed by thoughtful people of all ages.


24 November 2021

Tell Me How to Be, Neel Patel 3
Renu Amin always seemed perfect: doting husband, beautiful house, healthy sons. But as the one-year anniversary of her husband’s death approaches, Renu is binge-watching soap operas and simmering with old resentments. She can’t stop wondering if, thirty-five years ago, she chose the wrong life. In Los Angeles, her son, Akash, has everything he ever wanted, but as he tries to kickstart his songwriting career and commit to his boyfriend, he is haunted by the painful memories he fled a decade ago. When his mother tells him she is selling the family home, Akash returns to Illinois, hoping to finally say goodbye and move on.

Together, Renu and Akash pack up the house, retreating further into the secrets that stand between them. Renu sends an innocent Facebook message to the man she almost married, sparking an emotional affair that calls into question everything she thought she knew about herself. Akash slips back into bad habits as he confronts his darkest secrets—including what really happened between him and the first boy who broke his heart. When their pasts catch up to them, Renu and Akash must decide between the lives they left behind and the ones they’ve since created, between making each other happy and setting themselves free. [from the publisher]

If you're in the mood for a dark and emotional story, this may be for you. It felt longer than 336 pages to me, with essentially no comic relief, a bunch of unhappy—and fairly unpleasant—characters, and family drama to the hilt.

While the book was overwhelmingly dark and brooding, there were small moments of humor. Most of these had to do with Renu's negative attitudes toward American women (not entirely without merit; I was especially amused by her commentary on use of hot peppers). There was also a moment of mirth (and only this one moment in the whole book—they argue and physically fight throughout) between Akash and his older brother in which they make fun of the (in this case) Indian “uncles'” head wobble (if you've seen it, you understand).

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Flatiron Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected December 7.


23 November 2021

The Every, Dave Eggers 3
When the world’s largest search engine/social media company, the Circle, merges with the planet’s dominant e-commerce site, it creates the richest and most dangerous—and, oddly enough, most beloved—monopoly ever known: the Every.

Delaney Wells is an unlikely new hire. A former forest ranger and unwavering tech skeptic, she charms her way into an entry-level job with one goal in mind: to take down the company from within. With her compatriot, the not-at-all-ambitious Wes Makazian, they look for the company’s weaknesses, hoping to free humanity from all-encompassing surveillance and the emoji-driven infantilization of the species. But does anyone want what Delaney is fighting to save? Does humanity truly want to be free? [from the publisher]

When The Circle first came out, I couldn't stop talking about it. [If you were the object of my enthusiastic recommendations of it in the early post-publication months, I apologize.] When I reread it just over four years later, I downgraded my rating a full star. It was even more disturbing to me in the second reading. I also noticed how repetitive the writing was.

The Every is more of the same—disturbing, but also obvious and repetitive. This time, beyond attacking the ills of social media behemoths (completely valid), the e-commerce behemoth becomes the focus (also completely valid). [Yes, of course, Eggers is talking about Amazon.] Delaney wants to destroy The Every because it cost her parents their independent store (and swallowed them up to work for The Every).

Five of the six bookmarks I placed came in the final 10% of the book. In Chapter XLI (90%), Mae (from the first book) completely gives away what happens in Chapter XLIV (99%). My comment for the first tag was “OMG! Seriously, Mae?”; for the second, “where Mae does what I knew she'd do back at OMG note.”

Dion Graham has become one of my favorite narrators. The exception in this book is a shockingly monotonous overemphasis of “she said” and the like. The greatest blame lies with the author, of course, for his overuse/lack of imagination. I would hope, though, that the narrator could deemphasize the excess during the delivery.

If you absolutely loved The Circle, you'll probably want to read The Every to see what happens next. If you need a break from the sorry state of our affairs, you might want to skip this.


22 November 2021

I Am "Why Do I Need Venmo?" Years Old: Adventures in Aging, Janine Annett & Ali Solomon (Illustrator) 3.35
I am not yet many of these things years old. Dodged a bullet there! On the other hand, I have always been a few of these things (regardless of age). Once I eliminate those two categories, I am eight of these things years old, including “two types of glasses” and “I remember life before the internet” years old. Anyway, this is a short, cute picture book for grown-ups of (or approaching) a certain age.

21 November 2021

The Bone Cay, Eliza Nellums 3.66
Magda Trudell is the present-day caretaker of Whimbrel Estate, the Key West home of the famous poet Isobel Reyes. Isobel's suicide at the residence in 1918 has nearly overshadowed her creative legacy, but Magda, a botanist and avid historian, is determined to protect it. Over the past decade, Magda has lovingly restored the house to the exact condition Isobel would have known. And even though a fierce October hurricane is headed straight for the Keys, she isn't about to abandon her life's work to evacuate.

As the mighty storm makes landfall, the dangers mount. First, a fire and flood threaten to destroy the house. Then the storm claims most of Magda's supplies. When part of the house collapses, she unearths an old steamer trunk in the rubble that contains a woman's remains. Is there more to Isobel's story than Magda knows?

The unexpected appearance of a teenage girl and her father seeking shelter from the storm poses unnerving new questions: Are they really who they seem? And could they have a connection to the house's shadowy past? As the storm rages, Magda desperately tries to solve the real mystery of Isobel's death—and keep the living in one piece. [from the publisher]

Pro: the narrator; I felt like I was on the house tour at the beginning of the book; Magda's determination/persistence; Magda's relationship with the teen girl during the storm

Con: not much really happens/limited action (it is a short book, so I guess it's understandable); the paranormal aspect seems sort of tossed in, but

MILD SPOILER ALERT—click to revealmaybe it works because it could be explained as effects of her physical condition during the storm

I liked the writing well enough that I've added the author's previous book to my TBR list. I appreciate that—I have a hard time keeping my pipeline full.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected December 7.


20 November 2021

The Day the Crayons Quit, Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator) 4.0
I think I saw this children's picture book recommended by author Clint Smith. Daywalt is a debut author, and the story reflects that—it's cute, but not extraordinary. The illustrations by Oliver Jeffers are absolutely adorable—they elevate the book, in my opinion. [I learned that Jeffers is an award-winning artist who uses more than one medium, and he also writes children's books.]

The premise is that Duncan's crayons are full of complaints—they get used too much and need a break; they get used too little and want more work; they argue over which of them is best suited for a particular use; and so on—which they deliver to Duncan in the form of letters. My favorite letter is from Purple. Which is yours?


20 November 2021

Renegades: Born In the USA, Barack Obama & Bruce Springsteen 3.5
This gorgeous coffee-table book came out of the two friends' Higher Ground podcast. So, the text of their conversations—about their fathers, marriage, race, politics, patriotism, music, and more—is written as it was spoken (in magazine interview style, introduced by the speaker's name—with so much text, it becomes tiresome after a while). The book also includes a selection of President Obama's annotated speeches and several of Springsteen's handwritten song lyrics spanning the 50-year course of his career.

As interesting as their conversations are, the photos from their private archives are the best.

I binged the entire book in one sitting, in lieu of the better part of a weekend day's chores. Knowing that the book is in demand, it was worth it. But, I wish I had spread it out over my loan period instead of waiting until the last minute. Maybe you'll be more disciplined in that regard.


19 November 2021

Taste: My Life through Food, Stanley Tucci 3.66
Before Stanley Tucci became a household name with The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games, and the perfect Negroni, he grew up in an Italian American family that spent every night around the table. He shared the magic of those meals with us in The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table, and now he takes us beyond the recipes and into the stories behind them.

Taste is a reflection on the intersection of food and life, filled with anecdotes about growing up in Westchester, New York, preparing for and filming the foodie films Big Night and Julie & Julia, falling in love over dinner, and teaming up with his wife to create conversation-starting meals for their children. Each morsel of this gastronomic journey through good times and bad, five-star meals and burnt dishes, is as heartfelt and delicious as the last. [from the publisher]

Counter to the publisher's description, there are several recipes included in Taste. The focus, however, is on Tucci's memories and experiences and how food factored in to them. Just as I've appreciated the acting roles I've seen Tucci play, I found his narration and story charming. I learned, among other things, that his second wife, Felicity, is fellow actor Emily Blunt's older sister.

I found this passage especially entertaining. [That's an understatement—it made me laugh out loud!]

I know what you're thinking: "My God, what a fascinating conundrum of a man is that Stanley Tucci." Whereas my wife was thinking: "My God, how many neuroses can one man have? I wonder if there's an app that can help him." [Chapter 18]

18 November 2021

Roommaid, Sariah Wilson 3.35
Poor little rich girl gets disowned because she wants to be a teacher. Now, without any life skills, she has to find a place to live and figure out how to live within her meager paycheck. Her aunt gets her a gig as a "roommaid"—she gets free room and board in exchange for keeping emotionally unavailable rich guy's penthouse clean and keeping his dog company. What could go wrong?

I found the premise—and a bunch of silly events early in her side hustle—ridiculous (of course) and annoying. However, unlike most "chick lit," Madison (formerly spoiled rich girl) and Tyler (successful rich guy) form a friendship first and come to care for each other in a pretty organic fashion. [I don't care for "chick lit" as a name for a genre—why not just call it "fiction"? However, I think this is a better classification than "romance," which seems nowadays to be assigned to any book that includes a romantic relationship. I think that's nothing short of obnoxious.] This book also doesn't employ the hate-to-love trope, thank goodness! Madison has a couple of ride-or-die girlfriends, who are also teachers. Madison's family members are stereotypical snobs, narcissists, and spoiled princesses.


17 November 2021

These Silent Woods, Kimi Cunningham Grant 3.5
No electricity, no family, no connection to the outside world. For eight years, Cooper and his young daughter, Finch, have lived in isolation in a remote cabin in the northern Appalachian woods. And that's exactly the way Cooper wants it, because he's got a lot to hide. Finch has been raised on the books filling the cabin’s shelves and the beautiful but brutal code of life in the wilderness. But she’s starting to push back against the sheltered life Cooper has created for her—and he’s still haunted by the painful truth of what it took to get them there.

The only people who know they exist are a mysterious local hermit named Scotland, and Cooper's old friend, Jake, who visits each winter to bring them food and supplies. But this year, Jake doesn't show up, setting off an irreversible chain of events that reveals just how precarious their situation really is. Suddenly, the boundaries of their safe haven have blurred—and when a stranger wanders into their woods, Finch’s growing obsession with her could put them all in danger. After a shocking disappearance threatens to upend the only life Finch has ever known, Cooper is forced to decide whether to keep hiding—or finally face the sins of his past. [from the publisher]

I didn't feel like the book quite lived up to the hype of the publisher description. Nonetheless, this was a slightly more interesting than average read. I think the underlying issue that caused what Cooper has to hide was done a disservice.

Pro: Cooper & Finch's relationship (for the most part); Scotland's grand gesture; Jake and his substitute (when he doesn't show up for his annual visit)

Con: handling of Cooper's condition; Scotland (for most of the book)

This statement is true, in my experience:

That's the nice thing about books. You can experience all different people and all sorts of places through them, all in the safety and comfort of your own home. —Cooper to Finch [Chapter 11]

16 November 2021

You Can Run, Karen Cleveland 4
Jill Bailey is a CIA analyst responsible for vetting new sources. When her infant son is kidnapped from his daycare center, Jill clears a source—endangering her country—to save him. Using her training, she changes her name, moves her family to a different state, and starts over. A few years and another kid later, she has been found. Now a journalist wants Jill's help following up on an anonymous tip about that last source Jill approved before she disappeared. Jill's family is again in danger.

As one of my colleagues noted this week, I've been having a hard time finding truly satisfying mysteries lately. When I finished this one (actually just hours after our conversation), I texted to let her know that I had a winner. While I was mildly annoyed at several points during the book, the very end redeemed it for me. I'd love to have someone to talk to about this. You know where to find me when you've finished.


15 November 2021

The Book of Delights, Ross Gay 3.66
This is my first exposure to Ross Gay. Each day—from one birthday to the next—the author wrote about one thing in which he found delight. As promised, it was largely delightful! Even for the toughest subjects, Gay found a positive perspective.

A few passages especially stuck with me. The first is not delightful, but is important.

. . . innocence is an impossible state for black people in America who are, by virtue of this country's fundamental beliefs, always presumed guilty. [Chapter 8]

This interchange cracked me up.

Real conversation I had with my father at age seven or so: "What happens when you die, Dad?" "The worms eat you. Now go play." [Chapter 31]

This seems like a good philosophy.

"The more stuff you love the happier you will be." —an acquaintance of the author's speaking to his own daughter [Chapter 97]

I devoured the book in a day. Others have suggested reading one a day for maximum enjoyment. I think it works either way.


14 November 2021

The Party Crasher, Sophie Kinsella 3.35
In The Party Crasher, Effie is the youngest of three adult children whose dad and much younger/presumed gold-digger girlfriend are selling the family home. Effie hatches a plan to break into the house during the grand final party (to which she was disinvited) in order to find a precious childhood keepsake that she had hidden previously. The result is part rom-com and part family dramedy.

Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic was published in 2001, but I didn't read it until 2004 (still, almost 20 years ago—proving, I suppose, that time flies when you're having fun . . . reading). I must have liked it, because I read Can You Keep a Secret? (published in 2003) three books/less than a week later. The Party Crasher is probably my tenth Kinsella book. As I remember it, none of them were bad reads; but, few, if any, were extraordinary reads. If I'm in the mood for something fluffy, Kinsella is a good enough bet.


13 November 2021

If This Gets Out, Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich 3
Eighteen-year-olds Ruben Montez and Zach Knight are two members of the boy-band Saturday, one of the biggest acts in America. Along with their bandmates, Angel Phan and Jon Braxton, the four are teen heartbreakers in front of the cameras and best friends backstage. But privately, cracks are starting to form: their once-easy rapport is straining under the pressures of fame, and Ruben confides in Zach that he’s feeling smothered by management’s pressure to stay in the closet.

On a whirlwind tour through Europe, with both an unrelenting schedule and minimal supervision, Ruben and Zach come to rely on each other more and more, and their already close friendship evolves into a romance. But when they decide they’re ready to tell their fans and live freely, Zach and Ruben start to truly realize that they will never have the support of their management. How can they hold tight to each other when the whole world seems to want to come between them? [from the publisher]

I'm wildly outside of the target audience for this story, both in terms of age and interests (that is, I was never a boy-band fangirl). Even so, the story was entertaining, if a little long and repetitive.

As one can probably guess from the summary, many heavy issues are covered, including sexuality in relation to social norms and religion (Catholicism, in this case), as well as drug and alcohol abuse. The demands of the management company, lack of privacy, and Zach's personal journey of coming to terms with his sexuality are covered in-depth.

I'd recommend this book for boy-band fans and readers of YA and/or LGBTQIA representation (gay and bi in this book).

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Wednesday Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected December 7.


12 November 2021

Find Her Alive (Detective Josie Quinn #8), Lisa Regan 3
Detective Josie Quinn hasn’t heard from her sister since Trinity stormed out of the house in the heat of an argument three weeks ago. So, when human remains are found at the remote hunting cabin where Trinity was last seen, Josie can only assume the worst. [from the publisher]

This is the eighth in a series; the first I've read. Maybe starting from the beginning would have been helpful, at least in terms of building some brand loyalty. But, the author does a pretty good job of letting us newbies know the background of the major characters. A particularly important piece of background in this installment is that Josie and Trinity are twins. Josie was kidnapped as a baby, and was reunited with her birth family only in her thirties. Beyond Trinity, the birth parents and younger brother appear in this book. Also, Josie's adopted grandmother, who played a role in her upbringing, appears. She's fantastic.

The story is told in chapters voiced by Josie and the serial killer, who creates sculptures with his victim’s bones. I disliked the prominence of the serial killer's story—it was largely unnecessary and gave away a key piece of the mystery early on. I did like Josie using her dual family connections to help solve the mystery. There were some interlocking storylines that were mildly interesting.

All in all, it was a lackluster mystery. I probably won't actively seek out other installments, but I won't necessarily shy away from them either.


11 November 2021

The Girl I Was, Jeneva Rose 3
Alexis Spencer thinks she has it all figured out. Even when life gets her down, she’s never too far away from another inspirational quote to rationalize her failures and ignore all her problems. Her boyfriend breaks it off, she loses her job, her closest friends are a distant memory, and her college debt is still as high as the day she left. In typical fashion, she blames the world for her problems, including her eighteen-year-old self who should have just tried harder and put their life on a better track.

After feeling sorry for herself, she goes on a bender to forget her problems and ends up blacking out. But this time she doesn't wake up at home; she isn't even in the right city; in fact, she isn't even in the right year. She’s back in her college town in the year 2002, and she thinks she's been given a second chance to do things over—that is, until she comes face-to-face with her unruly eighteen-year-old self, who goes by the name of Lexi because it's "sexier."

Right from the get-go, she has to get acclimated to life in the early 2000s again, which has its ups (no Kardashians) and downs (no cell phone). Once she meets Lexi though, the hard part truly begins. First, Alexis must convince her that she is, in fact, from the future. Then she has to convince Lexi to let her live in the dorm with her. Finally, they must learn to get along and come to terms with the fact that, alone, they will never make things right but, together, they could change their life for the better. [from the publisher]

As far as I can tell, I'm the first early reviewer not to rave about this book (expected publication date November 30). Here's why I'm not crazy about the story: Lexi/Alexis—then as a college student and now in her mid–30s—isn't a nice or pleasant character. The first half, at least, is painfully slow and unpleasant—it takes a long time for Alexis to grow up, and I didn't have the patience to enjoy that ride. The ending is pretty satisfying, but it didn't erase the bad taste of the rest of the book for me.

This is a good example of the subjective and personal nature of our reading. For the reviewers who especially related to the time setting or Alexis' delayed maturation, this book was more enjoyable. As always, if the premise sounds interesting to you, give it a try!

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


10 November 2021

The Happy Ever After Playlist (The Friend Zone #2), Abby Jimenez 3.5
I've now completed The The Friend Zone series, having read them out of order (1, 3, 2). I'm rating the second the same as the first, with the third only slightly below.

In at least the second and third (the first was pre-blogging, and I just don't remember this level of detail), I was really enjoying the whirlwind romances until the author decided to throw some tension into the relationships. In both cases, I found the manufactured tension to be tedious and ridiculous—not at all in keeping with the relationships as they had been developing. However unrealistic (and, let's face it—the stories are completely unrealistic and that's why people like them so much), occasionally I'm OK with there not being a monkey wrench thrown into the relationship. Sometimes, it's OK to have not only the happy ending, but the happy beginning and middle, too!

In this installment, the meet-cute happens when Sloan ("Girl") thinks she hits a dog that has bounded in front of her car, but instead, Tucker ("Boy's Dog"), jumps excitedly into Sloan's car and adores her forevermore. Sloan tries to track down Tucker's person, but gets no response to her calls/texts. Eventually, Jason ("Boy") emerges from whatever no-cell-signal zone he's been in and calls Sloan back; but he's still out of the country, and Sloan is furious that he hasn't arranged appropriate care for his dog while he's away. They start flirting on the phone, daily, and fall madly in love, even though Sloan has been mourning her fiancé for two years, completely removing herself from daily life.

Because relationships and character development are high on my list of requirements in fiction, I'll mention that there is a good cast of secondary and tertiary characters, including Kristen (Sloan's best friend and heroine of the series' first book) and rock star Jason's agent, staff, and parents.

For what it's worth, there is one very explicit sex scene, quite a bit of mature language (swearing and sexual), and alcohol and drug abuse.


9 November 2021

Don't Panic: Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Neil Gaiman 3
I'm glad I reread The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy before reading this. I could have reread the rest of the "six-part trilogy" as well, but it wasn't critical to reading this.

Don't Panic was first published in 1986, when Neil Gaiman was a young journalist who gained access to Adams and his files. We end up with a volume that is part biography, part history, part interviews, part analysis—it's really a mish-mash of all things Hitchhiker's (in its radio, book, television, and movie forms), Dirk Gently, and Douglas Adams (including a fair amount of Doctor Who and Monty Python).

I had heard many of the stories in this work before. I was particularly interested by a discussion about whether American audiences understand and like English humor [Chapter 15]. According to Adams, American audience members say "yes," while the entertainment industry says "no." [I've always said "yes," but I grew up in a household with one British expat parent, so I figured I came by it naturally.] In Chapter 34, an assertion is made that ". . . Hitchhiker's just doesn’t work well in a visual medium. Certainly the BBC TV series was Douglas’s least favourite incarnation of the work. Film places different demands on its source material and in doing so it played to Hitchhiker’s weaknesses rather than its strengths." I've always felt that the books were the best delivery method for the series.

I wasn't a fan of the narration of the audio edition by Simon Jones, which is odd, as he portrayed Hitchhiker's protagonist, Arthur Dent, on radio (1978) and on television (1981), as well as having a cameo in the later movie. I wish Gaiman had just narrated the entire thing himself (he only narrates the intro). I reread sections in the e-book edition afterward.

I'd recommend this book for Douglas Adams superfans and sci-fi trivia folks.


8 November 2021

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams 4.5
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out of work actor. [from Goodreads summary]

The first time I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy almost had to have been quite close to its original publication. I watched the 1981 television series with my parents and the 2005 movie with my partner (and maybe my kids). I may be compelled to rewatch both in the near future. I chose now to reread it so I could refresh my memory before reading Neil Gaiman's Don't Panic: Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

The middle-aged me is still every bit as delighted by this science fiction comedy as the teen me was. It's sometimes clever, often ridiculous, and pretty much always over-the-top; but it's exactly the brand of silly fun I love—and, frankly, need.


7 November 2021

Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life, Alan Cumming 4.35
When I read it a couple of years ago, I rated Cumming's first memoir—Not My Father's Son—four stars. It was a heavy read, but well-done. His latest—Baggage—is, overall, much lighter in tone, though he references the first (the focus of which was the abuse he experienced from his father) and is upfront about his struggles with mental health and risky behaviors. For the increase in funny or inspirational content, I have to rate this one at least a little higher.

This reading was with ears—Cumming narrates in his wonderful Scottish accent, as he did for the first. I have placed a hold on a print copy so I may enjoy his photos and reread several sections that were especially funny, thoughtful, inspirational, or interesting.

I recommend this for fans of Alan Cumming or acting in general (TV, movies, and stage), along with those who are interested in current affairs.


6 November 2021

Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid 3.66
Unlike most of the bookish world, I was not a superfan of Daisy Jones & The Six. [I rated it a respectable 3 stars. It was fine.] I definitely preferred Malibu Rising for sheer entertainment value. I'm not sure how much of a compliment that is—it's reminiscent of a nighttime soap opera, especially in the second half which is devoted to the blowout bash at Nina Riva's cliffside mansion.

The book is about the four children of Mick (a famous singer) and June (heir to an oft-struggling seafood restaurant) Riva: Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit. The first half is part the 12 hours preceding the annual end-of-summer party, with a lot of flashbacks to early Mick and June and the childhoods of the kids. The second half (roughly 12 hours of the party and aftermath) brings in hundreds of new characters—the party attendees—with explosive results.

The family characters were well-developed, and I think the ending was satisfying. The party part may have been a bit long and over-the-top, but not enough to mar the story overall.


5 November 2021

All Her Little Secrets, Wanda M. Morris 3.66
Ellice Littlejohn is an Ivy League–educated corporate attorney in Atlanta. When she discovers the body of her married boss/lover in his office one morning, she doesn't report it because their affair isn't the only secret she's hiding. Now she has to figure out who killed him—and why—before she gets arrested or killed herself.

After her boss's death, Ellice gets promoted to his position. As the only Black member of the executive team, she does not feel welcomed by her colleagues. Is it a boys' club situation or something more sinister? [You know it's something more sinister.] Ellice has few allies at work, and a couple of family members get pulled into the mess.

The tension remains high throughout the book. In addition to the present-day mystery, the story includes flashbacks to Ellice's childhood, revealing other critical secrets.


3 November 2021

Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight, Janet Evanovich 4
I especially look forward to two events each November: Thanksgiving—my favorite holiday not for its own sake, but because of its proximity to Granny the Great's birthday—and the next installment of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum rom-com action series.

If you're not familiar with the latter, it's a formulaic, frivolous romp. Stephanie is a Jersey girl bounty hunter, working for her weasel of a cousin Vinnie the bail bondsman. A wacky cast of recurring characters includes sidekick Lula (an ex-hooker), longtime on-again/off-again boyfriend Morelli (a cop), former mentor/often lover Ranger, long-suffering parents, Grandma Mazur (an unstoppable bundle of energy), and more, along with a rotating cast of bail-skippers.

Over the years, the installments rise and fall slightly in their entertainment value, but they're never terrible, and they're occasionally really good. In the early years, I would crack up so often while I was reading in the car that my partner ended up reading several installments, too (FOMO at its finest). All I expect from these books is to be entertained, usually humorously.

So, what's to say about the latest installment in a long-running series?

SPOILER ALERT—If you really want to know, click to reveal.One complaint of many who have bailed on the series (Ha! See what I did there? I crack myself up.) is that Stephanie is wishy-washy between Ranger and Morelli. They tire of her failure to commit. This installment finds Stephanie's love-life more stable. There's still a nod to the smoldering chemistry with (two) others. But, for better or for worse, there's much less steam. In this episode, Stephanie has a more cooperative arrangement with a competing bounty hunter (in this case, the returning Diesel). Grandma Mazur still wants to go to every visitation at the funeral home, but she also gets productively distracted by her tutelage from a local computer hacker. Said hacker forms several relationships in the story and contributes well to the outcome. Stephanie's mom—whose main purpose is to be the dependable domestic of the family—gives up on ironing to reclaim her calm and takes up knitting with a process-over-product mentality.

If you're a fan of the series, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this one. There's plenty of what you'd expect, plus a couple of new treats. If you're new to the series, they're really standalone stories—you can pick up anywhere. If you're open to some silly fun, I don't think you'll be disappointed either. For me, this was the perfect one-day distraction on my worst sick day this week. Now, the year-long wait for the next one!


2 November 2021

The Lighthouse Witches, CJ Cooke 1.66
I've been sick this week, so this review is being written several days after completion and while I'm still exhausted and a bit foggy. However, I finished the book before all that happened, so I feel confident in my unpopular rating.

The most exciting part of The Lighthouse Witches is . . . the publisher's description. There. I said it. About a woman who suddenly relocates with her three daughters to a lighthouse on a Scottish island to accept a mural painting assignment, this Gothic fiction is overly long and downright dull. It's so repetitive that it drags down any hope for surprise and excitement. The story is told from several characters' points of view—in the 1990s, some 20-plus years later, and during the Scottish witch trials in the 1590s. There was only one character I sort of liked, and he was minor to the story—a lost opportunity, in my mind.

I am in the slim minority who really didn't like the book, for what it's worth. Please let me know what you think of the story, if you read it.


31 October 2021

October reading recap: 16 books finished (3 bailed)

4-star reads

  • A Spindle Splintered, Alix E. Harrow
  • Music Is History, Questlove

honorable mention (3+ or 4-)

  • Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes: Essays, Phoebe Robinson (4-)
  • State of Terror, Louise Penny & Hillary Rodham Clinton (4-)
  • Grave Reservations (The Booking Agents #1), Cherie Priest (4-)
  • A Line to Kill (Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery #3), Anthony Horowitz (3+/4-)
  • Shelf Life: Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller, Nadia Wassef (3+)
  • My Monticello, Jocelyn Nicole Johnson (3+)
  • The Last Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave (3+)
  • Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside, Nick Offerman (3+)

31 October 2021

As the Wicked Watch (Jordan Manning #1), Tamron Hall 3
Television crime reporter Jordan Manning moves from Texas to Chicago with an eye on becoming a national anchor. She gets heavily involved in a particular case on which she has reported: the murder of 15-year-old Masey James—a smart, young black woman.

Good things:

  • mystery
  • set in Chicago
  • addresses systemic racism in terms of lack of investment in Black and brown communities and racial stereotypes
  • accomplished and driven female main character
  • familial ties—blood and chosen

Not-so-good things:

  • graphic violence (comes with the territory of the genre)
  • main character not as good at relationships as she thinks she is
  • implausible behaviors from characters who supposedly know better
  • so much repetition

The author is a TV journalist of some renown, which I didn't discover until after finishing this debut novel.


27 October 2021

Grave Reservations (The Booking Agents #1), Cherie Priest 3.66
Meet Leda Foley: devoted friend, struggling travel agent, and inconsistent psychic. When Leda, sole proprietor of Foley's Flights of Fancy, impulsively re-books Seattle PD detective Grady Merritt’s flight, her life changes in ways she couldn’t have predicted.

After watching his original plane blow up from the safety of the airport, Grady realizes that Leda’s special abilities could help him with a cold case he just can’t crack.

Despite her scattershot premonitions, she agrees for a secret reason: her fiancé’s murder remains unsolved. Leda’s psychic abilities couldn’t help the case several years before, but she’s been honing her skills and drawing a crowd at her favorite bar’s open-mic nights, where she performs Klairvoyant Karaoke—singing whatever song comes to mind when she holds people’s personal effects. Now joined by a rag-tag group of bar patrons and pals alike, Leda and Grady set out to catch a killer—and learn how the two cases that haunt them have more in common than they ever suspected. [from the publisher]

I went into Grave Reservations with, well, slightly-less-than-grave reservations. I'm not usually a fan of reading cozy or light mysteries—Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series excepted—though I like watching some cozy mysteries, including Pie in the Sky and Agatha Raisin.

So, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which has a bunch of appealing characters, some with especially big personalities. It also has humor, relationships (romantic, platonic friends, parent/child, coworkers, people/animal), and a surprisingly decent mystery plot. If you could use a light mystery pick-me-up, give it a try!


26 October 2021

A Line to Kill (Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery #3), Anthony Horowitz 3.5
This is the third installment in a mystery series. I perceive that I liked this one ever-so-slightly more than the first two, and yet I don't feel it deserves a 4+ rating. So, I'll rate it the same as the others and guess that I was overly generous in rating them. The point is, this isn't one of my favorite series, but it's adequately entertaining. Neither of the main characters (a presumably fictionalized version of the author himself and the fictional ex-detective about whom he writes in the series) is appealing, yet their mysterious adventures are of at least average interest.

In this installment, the pair is appearing at a literary festival on an island off the southern coast of England. We meet other authors, along with locals; murder happens; and Hawthorne solves the case.


24 October 2021

Entertaining Race: Performing Blackness in America, Michael Eric Dyson 2
For more than thirty years, Michael Eric Dyson has played a prominent role in the nation as a public intellectual, university professor, cultural critic, social activist and ordained Baptist minister. He has presented a rich and resourceful set of ideas about American history and culture. Now for the first time he brings together the various components of his multihued identity and eclectic pursuits.

Entertaining Race is a testament to Dyson’s consistent celebration of the outsized impact of African American culture and politics on this country. Black people were forced to entertain white people in slavery, have been forced to entertain the idea of race from the start, and must find entertaining ways to make race an object of national conversation. Dyson’s career embodies these and other ways of performing Blackness, and in these pages, he entertains race with his pen, voice and body, and occasionally, alongside luminaries like Cornel West, David Blight, Ibram X. Kendi, Master P, MC Lyte, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Alicia Garza, John McWhorter, and Jordan Peterson.

Most of this work will be new to listeners, a fresh light for many of his long-time fans and an inspiring introduction for newcomers. Entertaining Race offers a compelling vision from the mind and heart of one of America’s most important and enduring voices. [from the publisher]

This is a long—544 pages or 21 hours of audio narrated by the author—collection of speeches and essays that were given or published previously. As such, there is quite a bit of repetition, especially in terms of Mr. Dyson introducing himself and giving his substantial qualifications. There's also some content repetition between and within the pieces. His topics include Michael Jackson/Beyonce/Prince, Nas, the Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, hip hop, the blues, Joe Biden, identity politics, Al Sharpton, and several basketball players (individually and in comparison to each other). This isn't a complete list.

Early in the collection, Dyson refers to an enslaved young woman who can't perform for her enslaver's entertainment any more and is tortured and killed because of it. He then mentions tennis player Naomi Osaka putting her self care ahead of her performance for others. [Dyson might have mentioned gymnast Simone Biles instead of or in addition to Osaka, but I'm not going to go back and try to find the reference.] This is what I was expecting more of throughout the book. I guess I took the description and early content too literally.

Instead, many of the chapters about musicians and athletes sound more like fan gushing. I admire several of these musicians and athletes, but I didn't care for the extended "so & so is the greatest of all time" essays. Even the segments that were less subjective were minimally instructive or valuable. I wasn't familiar with Nas before this book, so I was somewhat interested in learning that Nas and Dyson share the experience of having a loved one incarcerated. That piece did talk a bit about the heinous inequities in policing, incarceration, and the after-effects on the incarcerated, their families, and their communities. [This, of course, is handled much more comprehensively in other works, including Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow.]

Some of the chapters/pieces were downright sesquipedalian [See what I did there?!]—reading like an especially tedious textbook. As alluded to in the publisher's description, race needs to be an object of national conversation. We shouldn't need to be entertained to enter such critical discussions. Regardless, I was not entertained, engaged, inspired, or fired up by Dyson's essays, as I am often by other authors/professors/ministers/historians/cultural critics.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


21 October 2021

Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside, Nick Offerman 3.35
The day I started reading, I texted to Number One Son "Nick Offerman's new book is good so far." My first impressions were that he was delivering hard truths and food for thought, mostly in mildly amusing ways, with some snort-worthy snippets. As the book progresses, it increasingly turns to hard truths (even having to admit his own hypocrisy in a couple of areas), with less humor. Topics include but are not limited to Americans' reputation in other countries (it's not good); the environment; woodworking; racism (including a list of suggested inoffensive team names, the best of which might be the Minooka bacon-wrapped shrimp); hiking through Glacier National Park with a couple of friends; visiting/working with another friend (English) on his sheep farm; traveling across the country in an Airstream trailer with his wife (Megan Mullally) and poodle to visit family during the COVID-19 pandemic (including commentary on how poorly the pandemic was handled from the start); American consumerism; American farming/food raising and processing; and the difference between patriotism and nationalism. At the end, I still thought it was good (and accurate), but it was much heavier than I expected/needed.


19 October 2021

At tonight's meeting, Board President Hal Snyder proclaimed October 17–23, 2021, as Library Friends and Foundation Week. We acknowledge and appreciate the considerable support of The Friends of the Palatine Library and The Palatine Public Library District Foundation throughout the year, year after year.

18 October 2021

State of Terror, Louise Penny & Hillary Rodham Clinton 3.66
Let's get some comparisons out of the way first thing. I read both of Bill Clinton's collaborations with James Patterson and rated them 3+. [Now that I'm blogging, that equates to 3.35 stars; but I read the first one pre-blogging, and I perceive that I liked it slightly more than the second.] Separate from his collaborations with Bill Clinton, I've read several Patterson books—sometimes with other collaborators—with a reaction ranging from bailed to 3/3+ (including points between; but no straight 3+, meaning that I was waffling as to whether to award more than 3 stars). I have not read any Louise Penny books prior to this, so I have no basis for comparison with her other fiction. I have read/rated highly one of Hillary Rodham Clinton's nonfiction books and two of Chelsea Clinton's nonfiction books for children, but none of Bill Clinton's.

Now, on to the book at hand. . . .

State of Terror follows a novice Secretary of State who has joined the administration of her rival, a president inaugurated after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage. A series of terrorist attacks throws the global order into disarray, and the secretary is tasked with assembling a team to unravel the deadly conspiracy, a scheme carefully designed to take advantage of an American government dangerously out of touch and out of power in the places where it counts the most. [from the publisher]

This story takes place in the present, including references to the "near-criminal incompetence of the former administration . . . a delusional American President and his flying monkeys in the cabinet”—a clear reference to the USA's 2017–2020 administration.

While Hillary Rodham Clinton's term as Secretary of State was prior to that administration, the fictional Ellen Adams' term is following that administration. [In the book, the immediate past president is named Eric Dunn, nicknamed "Eric the Dumb."] I don't know how closely the experiences of fictional Ellen Adams match HRC's experiences as Secretary of State; but it's fun to wonder which events might be true or close to it.

There are certainly differences between Ellen and HRC, including but not limited to different marriages and children. Ellen's closest advisor is a lifelong friend, Betsy, apparently modeled after a close friend of HRC's. Apparently, Louise Penny and HRC are friends in real life. I haven't read or viewed any interviews of them as coauthors, but would like to.

Despite a very few mild irritations in the text and a couple of slightly slow parts, this was a pretty good mystery/thriller. It's got intrigue, suspense, deep and interlocking relationships, and even humor.


15 October 2021

The Last Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave 3.35
I wouldn't normally read two books from the same author in such close proximity to each other (starting both within the same seven-day period!), especially when I didn't particularly like the first one. In this case, I was a prisoner to my Overdrive hold and recommendation lists. Luckily, I liked Laura Dave's latest release (May 2021) more than the previous one (published July 2017).

In The Last Thing He Told Me, Hannah's newish husband Owen disappears suddenly when the company for which he works comes under investigation. He has a teenage neighbor deliver a note to Hannah saying "Protect her." The "her" is Owen's 16-year-old daughter Bailey, who doesn't like her stepmom.

We don't know where Owen is or whether he's done anything wrong. Quickly, a US Marshal arrives at Hannah's home, followed closely by FBI agents. Not trusting anyone, Hannah takes Bailey and starts her own investigation, which leads to a deeper mystery around Owen and Bailey's identities. Hannah's best friend plays a very small role, as does Hannah's ex-fiancé, who's a lawyer. Hannah is a likeable character, which Sunshine (in my other recent Dave experience) was not.

I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending. The majority of the book is pretty slow-paced; really close to the end things sort of explode; then there's a short epilogue. It seemed a bit rushed and anticlimactic to me. Overall, I was entertained.


13 October 2021

Music Is History, Questlove 4
In Music Is History, bestselling author and Sundance award-winning director Questlove harnesses his encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and his deep curiosity about history to examine America over the past fifty years. Choosing one essential track from each year, Questlove unpacks each song’s significance, revealing the pivotal role that American music plays around issues of race, gender, politics, and identity.

Music Is History focuses on the years 1971 to the present, not only the country’s most complex and rewarding half-century when it comes to the ways that pop culture and culturally diverse history intersect and interact, but also the years that overlap with Questlove’s own life. Music Is History moves fluidly from the personal to the political, examining events closely and critically, to unpeel and uncover previously unseen dimensions, and encouraging readers to do the same. Whether he is exploring how Black identity reshaped itself during the blaxploitation era, analyzing the assembly-line nature of disco and its hostility to Black genius, or remembering his own youth as a pop fan and what it taught him about America, Questlove finds the hidden connections in the American tapestry.

Complete with playlists organized around personal, playful themes that touch on everything from the relationship of hip-hop to music’s past to the secret ingredient in all funk songs, Music Is History is filled with and informed by Questlove’s preferences, perspectives, and particularities. It feels like both a popular history of contemporary America and a conversation with one of music's most influential and unique voices. [from the publisher]

If you're not familiar with Questlove (you probably are), he's worth an online search. I am especially glad to have previewed this book via audio narrated by the author, as there is a heavy personal component to the text—best to hear directly from the source. There were also some musical moments (typically fun) and some sound effects (sometimes jarring and usually silly, but OK).

As a music lover myself—and being only a few years older than the author—I was interested in both the historical connections and Questlove's personal commentary. Each chapter starts with a list of some of the year's notable events. Overall, the content was fascinating and the presentation was impactful, somber, delightful, or funny, as warranted by the subject at hand.

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


12 October 2021

[Clint Smith session screenshot from Illinois Library Association]

The first day of the 2021 Illinois Library Association Conference is in the bag. It couldn't have gotten off to a better start than to have Clint Smith as the opening general session speaker. He was absolutely captivating and personable. Check out his personal library, which is truly deserving of shelf envy. He pulled a bunch of books off the shelves, one by one, to recommend to us.

Toward the end of this morning's session, Mr. Smith mentioned that signed copies of his latest book (published June 1) are available from a Black-owned bookstore in DC. As soon as the conference day ended, I made my order (including a tiny piece of bookstore swag). Here's the link, if you're going to buy vs. borrow.

#ILAAC21


11 October 2021

The People We Keep, Allison Larkin 2.5
April (who was born in May) is a 16-year-old living in small-town New York in the early- to mid-1990s. Her mother deserted her and her father years before. Her father has essentially deserted her, as well. So, April steals a car and takes off with few skills and no prospects in search of a loving family, picking up waitressing and singing/guitar playing gigs along the way.

I almost bailed in the first half (I don't remember the exact spot), but the story started to pick up and seem more promising toward the middle. Shortly thereafter, all hope is yanked away and we start on another painful downturn for April. Overall, the story is unsettling, depressing, and, frankly, sort of boring. One can understand how April would have relationship issues; but, many people have had poor childhood experiences yet manage not to repeatedly self-destruct, leaving collateral damage in their wake.

While I'm usually all about the relationships, April's propensity for making ridiculously poor life choices without regard for the few people who are her true allies was infuriating to me. There are several characters who care deeply for April along the way. My favorites were Margo, Carly, and Ethan.


9 October 2021

Hello, Sunshine, Laura Dave 2.66
Internet chef sensation Sunshine behaves badly and loses everything. The best character in the book is a six-year-old. There’s one good twist and bunches of predictability.

7 October 2021

Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes: Essays, Phoebe Robinson 3.66
New York Times bestselling author, comedian, actress, and producer Phoebe Robinson is back with a new essay collection that is equal parts thoughtful, hilarious, and sharp about human connection, race, hair, travel, dating, Black excellence, and more. [from the publisher]

I liked (not super-liked) and own in print Robinson's first book—You Can't Touch My Hair. I missed her second, but will pick up that one another time. This—her third book—is funny (sometimes laugh-out-loud level) and honest (sometimes rightfully sharply). The only passages I flagged for later reflection pertained to allyship. My lack of bookmarking doesn't reflect on my enjoyment of the book.

Robinson has her own publishing imprint, which is pretty cool. I'll be interested to see how that grows beyond her own books.

If you like commentary by comedians (live, on TV, in books, or via podcasts), check out Robinson's work.


5 October 2021

The Marginalized Majority, Onnesha Roychoudhuri 2.66
Ever since the 2016 election, pundits have been saying our country has never been more divided—that if progressives want to reclaim power, we need to be “pragmatic,” reach across the aisle, and look past identity politics.

But what if we’re getting the story all wrong?

In The Marginalized Majority, Onnesha Roychoudhuri makes the galvanizing case that our voices are already the majority—and that our plurality of identities is not only our greatest strength, but is also at the indisputable core of successful progressive change throughout history.

From the Civil Rights Movement to the Women’s March, Saturday Night Live to the mainstream media, Roychoudhuri holds the myths about our disenfranchisement up to the light, illuminating narratives from history that reveal we have far more power than we’re often led to believe. With both clear-eyed hope and electrifying power, she examines our ideas about what’s possible, and what’s necessary—opening up space for action, new realities, and, ultimately, survival.

Now, Roychoudhuri urges us, is the time to fight like the majority we already are. [from the publisher]

I flagged 14 passages in this short book. Seven of them appear in the Introduction. This leads me to believe that the piece could have been better as a substantial article, instead of a weak book. Still, it's a quick read—if you're intrigued by the publisher's summary, give the book a try.


4 October 2021

The New Mother [original title: Mother's Helper], Julia Crouch 1.5
Who would you trust with your precious family?

Wanted: full-time, live-in help for expectant mother. Must be organised, friendly and willing to do anything.

Rachel is determined to be the perfect mother. She has a birth plan, with a playlist and a bag ready by the door. She’s chosen a lovely light cream paint for the nursery, and in wide-eyed, innocent Abbie she’s found the perfect person to help her with her baby.

After all, every mother needs a bit of help, don’t they?

But Rachel needs a little more than most.

She still makes sure her bedroom door is locked before she goes to sleep. She still checks the cameras that are dotted throughout the house.

Rachel trusts Abbie. Even if Abbie’s smiles don’t always reach her eyes, and the stories she tells about her past don’t always add up, it doesn’t matter.

Because Rachel knows better than to trust herself. . . . [from the publisher]

Had the publisher's description included the fact that Rachel is a social media influencer, I likely would not have requested this book for early reading and review. I don't follow unboxing videos and paid endorsements. So, I didn't enjoy the frequent social media posts, including "like" counts and excessive hashtags. If you do enjoy social media influencers, you might have a completely different—and better—reading experience.

Both Rachel and Abbie are horrid characters, and they're not the only ones. I don't typically enjoy books that have no appealing characters. I need at least one person about whom to care/for whom to root.

This book was unrelentingly vicious, chock-full of trolling/online bullying, brutal torture, rape, domestic abuse, murder, child abuse and neglect, and emotional cruelty.

The author did a fine job, I suppose, of stringing the reader along, slowly revealing tiny bits of information. There were several connecting storylines. My rating in this case is based solely on my connection to the book, regardless of the writer's technical skill level. That is, I'm not awarding brownie points for her deftness in being consistently brutal, nor for tying all the ugliness together.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


2 October 2021

My Monticello, Jocelyn Nicole Johnson 3.35
Tough-minded, vulnerable, and brave, Jocelyn Nicole Johnson’s precisely imagined debut explores burdened inheritances and extraordinary pursuits of belonging. Set in the near future, the eponymous novella, “My Monticello,” tells of a diverse group of Charlottesville neighbors fleeing violent white supremacists. Led by Da’Naisha, a young Black descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, they seek refuge in Jefferson’s historic plantation home in a desperate attempt to outlive the long-foretold racial and environmental unravelling within the nation.

In “Control Negro,” hailed by Roxane Gay as “one hell of story,” a university professor devotes himself to the study of racism and the development of ACMs (average American Caucasian males) by clinically observing his own son from birth in order to “painstakingly mark the route of this Black child too, one whom I could prove was so strikingly decent and true that America could not find fault in him unless we as a nation had projected it there.” Johnson’s characters all seek out home as a place and an internal state, whether in the form of a Nigerian widower who immigrates to a meager existence in the city of Alexandria, finding himself adrift; a young mixed-race woman who adopts a new tongue and name to escape the landscapes of rural Virginia and her family; or a single mother who seeks salvation through “Buying a House Ahead of the Apocalypse.” [from the publisher]

The publisher's blurb sufficiently describes this short story collection. I'll add a few personal impressions. All the stories were fine-to-good, as short stories go. Of course, one of the limitations of the short story is that it can be hard to imbue enough depth and commitment to characters and action. Johnson uses rich language to give heft and emotion to each story.

"Control Negro" is narrated by Levar Burton, and might be my favorite in the collection. "My Monticello"—the longest story—is also in the running. [Early in that story, I thought it was my favorite; but, by the end I wasn't sure.] I didn't care for the narrator of this piece—her performance was flat and monotonous. The topic was timely and jarring, given our country's resurgence of violent white supremacist demonstrations and attacks.

I definitely recommend the collection, and I'll be interested in reading more work from Johnson.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


1 October 2021

A Spindle Splintered, Alix E. Harrow 4
It's Zinnia Gray's twenty-first birthday, which is extra-special because it's the last birthday she'll ever have. When she was young, an industrial accident left Zinnia with a rare condition. Not much is known about her illness, just that no-one has lived past twenty-one.

Her best friend Charm is intent on making Zinnia's last birthday special with a full sleeping beauty experience, complete with a tower and a spinning wheel. But when Zinnia pricks her finger, something strange and unexpected happens, and she finds herself falling through worlds, with another sleeping beauty, just as desperate to escape her fate. [from the publisher]

In A Spindle Splintered, the sleeping beauties take charge of their own fates. The story is told by Zin, a woman from present-day Ohio. The wicked witch who cursed Princess Primrose makes an appearance and important contribution to the story.

This is a short, feminist reboot of the Sleeping Beauty tale. This is a novella, so don't expect fully fleshed characters or multiverses. Just enjoy it for what it is. To me, it was a fun romp with a little food for thought. I'll read it again when the print book is published (expected October 5) in order to view the illustrations.

There are some themes that may be difficult for sensitive readers. If you are one or are choosing for one, you may want to dig a little deeper (or ask your librarian) to determine if it's a good fit for you.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tor, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


1 October 2021

Shelf Life: Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller, Nadia Wassef 3.35
In 2002, with her sister, Hind, and their friend, Nihal, [Nadia Wassef] founded Diwan, a fiercely independent bookstore. They were three young women with no business degrees, no formal training, and nothing to lose. At the time, nothing like Diwan existed in Egypt. Culture was languishing under government mismanagement, and books were considered a luxury, not a necessity. Ten years later, Diwan had become a rousing success, with ten locations, 150 employees, and a fervent fan base.

Frank, fresh, and very funny, Nadia Wassef’s memoir tells the story of this journey. Its eclectic cast of characters features Diwan’s impassioned regulars, like the demanding Dr. Medhat; Samir, the driver with CEO aspirations; meditative and mythical Nihal; silent but deadly Hind; dictatorial and exacting Nadia, a self-proclaimed bitch to work with; and the many people, mostly men, who said Diwan would never work.

Shelf Life is a portrait of a country hurtling toward revolution, a feminist rallying cry, and an unapologetic crash course in running a business under the law of entropy. Above all, it is a celebration of the power of words to bring us home. [from the publisher]

From the moment I heard this book was coming (expected publication date October 5), I was ever-so-anxious to read it. Learning about three women building a successful business in a religiously conservative patriarchy—and including the Arab Spring protests/rebellions starting in 2011—was fascinating.

The book is loosely organized by chapters relating to the genre sections of the bookshop. This didn't prove as effective or interesting a tool as it might have been.

Aspects I especially liked: history of the area; description of the particular challenges women business owners face in Egypt; the bookstore as a third place (community-building); discussion about what makes a book a classic; some of the anecdotes involving individual people in her life; anecdote of her visit to the censorship office; the author's personal empowerment.

Aspects I didn't like as much: repetition of certain themes [how tough she is to work with/for; marriage failure (or divorce success)]; excessive/gratuitous swearing; the rest/bulk of the anecdotes about individuals.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


30 September 2021

September reading recap: 14 books finished (1 bailed)

5-star read

  • Harlem Shuffle, Colson Whitehead

4-star reads

  • An Ordinary Wonder, Buki Papillon
  • 33 Women, Isabel Ashdown (4+)
  • Under the Whispering Door, TJ Klune (4+)

honorable mention (3+ or 4-)

  • The Orphan Witch, Paige Crutcher (3+/4-)
  • The Final Girl Support Group, Grady Hendrix (3+/4-)

30 September 2021

Light From Uncommon Stars, Ryka Aoki 2.66
Good Omens meets The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet in this defiantly joyful adventure set in California's San Gabriel Valley, with cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien courtship over fresh-made donuts.

Shizuka Satomi made a deal with the devil: to escape damnation, she must entice seven other violin prodigies to trade their souls for success. She has already delivered six.

When Katrina Nguyen, a young transgender runaway, catches Shizuka's ear with her wild talent, Shizuka can almost feel the curse lifting. She's found her final candidate.

But in a donut shop off a bustling highway in the San Gabriel Valley, Shizuka meets Lan Tran, retired starship captain, interstellar refugee, and mother of four. Shizuka doesn't have time for crushes or coffee dates, what with her very soul on the line, but Lan's kind smile and eyes like stars might just redefine a soul's worth. And maybe something as small as a warm donut is powerful enough to break a curse as vast as the California coastline.

As the lives of these three women become entangled by chance and fate, a story of magic, identity, curses, and hope begins, and a family worth crossing the universe for is found. [from the publisher]

The only comparison I see between Good Omens (which I've read twice so far) and Light From Uncommon Stars is that there are demon characters in both—several (and more prominent) in the former; one (of minimal importance, overall) in the latter. As for Light From Uncommon Stars being a "defiantly joyful adventure," I'm afraid I have to take exception to that, too. There is little humor or happiness in the book (put a pin in this statement for a moment). Instead, there is racism, oppression, misogyny, and abuse. This is particularly true for Katrina, who is misgendered, deadnamed, assaulted, and more.

The book jumps willy-nilly from one character and topic to another. At the same time, there isn't a lot of movement in the story. It felt particularly and painfully long in that very little actually happens.

Light From Uncommon Stars is not without merit. There's a heavily female cast of characters—in addition to those highlighted in the publisher's summary, there's a female assistant/housekeeper to Ms. Satomi who is a real gem; a violin master builder/repairer from a line of (male) masters; and two of Ms. Tran's children, who are smart and warm. Several close/warm relationships form during the story, across generations and backgrounds. The book celebrates music (particularly but not exclusively violin) and food. It is in the relationships, music, and food that satisfaction and happiness can be found.

While this wasn't a stunner for me, it might be for you.

Content warnings (incomplete): racism, transphobia, sexual assault, violence.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tor Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


28 September 2021

The Very Nice Box, Laura Blackett & Eve Gleichman 3.0
Ava Simon designs storage boxes for STÄDA, a slick Brooklyn-based furniture company. She’s hard-working, obsessive, and heartbroken from a tragedy that killed her girlfriend and upended her life. It’s been years since she’s let anyone in.

But when Ava’s new boss—the young and magnetic Mat Putnam—offers Ava a ride home one afternoon, an unlikely relationship blossoms. Ava remembers how rewarding it can be to open up—and, despite her instincts, she becomes enamored. But Mat isn’t who he claims to be, and the romance takes a sharp turn.

The Very Nice Box is a funny, suspenseful debut—with a shocking twist. It’s at once a send-up of male entitlement and a big-hearted account of grief, friendship, and trust. [from the publisher]

This has been recommended for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, which I am not. Let's start there. There are, no doubt, plenty of strong introverts who are smart, good at their jobs, and socially anxious (or outright socially inept). I am sensitive to their feelings, and in no way disparaging. It's just that—as an extremely introverted, smart, competent person who can be, actually, quite social (with appropriate periods of solitude to replenish my energy)—I'd like to see more books with main characters like me. That is, it would be nice if the extroverts of the world understood that not all introverts are shy and/or antisocial. See The Bookish Life of Nina Hill as a decent example.

In The Very Nice Box, Ava is on (or at least quite near) the Eleanor Oliphant end of the social spectrum, though she does stretch far outside her norm as the story progresses. We understand her hesitancy to trust and care for others, considering the loss of both her girlfriend/fiancé and her parents in a horrific auto accident of which she was the only survivor. Ava is devoted to her dog, and has one friend at work, with whom she has regular, weekly lunches . . . until she gets involved with Mat.

The company is clearly meant to resemble IKEA, with product names like "alert percolator," "peaceful headphones," "polite hamper," "studious backpack," and so many more (including the titular "very nice box"). I didn't catch on right away that this was going to be such a big deal, so I was late to capturing these product names. Still, I recorded 32 names. Some of the products are cited multiple times each. It was funny at first, but eventually contributed to the company's somewhat cultish feel. I'm sure that was purposeful.

The publisher's description refers to a "shocking twist," which isn't revealed until beyond the 90% mark. It's pretty good, though I don't think most thriller readers will be entirely surprised. I thought the bulk of the story/build-up was slow and tedious, but enjoyed the excitement of the climax and conclusion.

Pro: diverse characters (age, race, sexuality); women in STEM roles; relationships, including outside of the main and secondary characters; humor (light); twistiness (minimal, eventually).


26 September 2021

The Final Girl Support Group, Grady Hendrix 3.5
In horror movies, the final girl is the one who's left standing when the credits roll. The one who fought back, defeated the killer, and avenged her friends. The one who emerges bloodied but victorious. But after the sirens fade and the audience moves on, what happens to her? [from the publisher]

I've never been a horror movie fan. I begrudgingly admit that I might be approaching fan-adjacent in horror literature. The Final Girl Support Group piqued my morbid curiosity.

Lynnette Tarkington is one of six real-life final girls in a support group led by a therapist. Lyn is the narrator of this book, which was sloooooooooooow to capture my interest. My inertia (or maybe it was my concentration on my art project) yesterday afternoon (don't judge—it was Saturday) worked in the book's favor—I couldn't be bothered to flip back to my Libby shelf to start the next book on-deck. As it turns out, I'm glad I didn't bail. The book finally gets interesting when the action and mystery ramp up. It automatically gets points for keeping me guessing on the bad guy's identity, offsetting my early inclination to bail.

I marked only one passage, which summarizes my longstanding thoughts about "entertainment."

But, what does it say about us that so much of the entertainment we consume is about killing women? I want you to think about that. How is the murder of women fun? [Chapter XXII]

24 September 2021

Harlem Shuffle, Colson Whitehead 5
Harlem Shuffle’s ingenious story plays out in a beautifully recreated New York City of the early 1960s. It’s a family saga masquerading as a crime novel, a hilarious morality play, a social novel about race and power, and ultimately a love letter to Harlem. [from the publisher]

Ray Carney is a furniture salesman and family man. After his cousin Freddie volunteers him to serve as fence for the loot from a hotel heist, Ray gains a side hustle with a new, shady clientele, and the internal battle between his "striver" and "crook" selves begins.

I'm a tiny bit embarrassed to admit that this is my first Whitehead read. I'm going to try not to be too hard on myself, though, as there is limited time to read and stiff competition for his books from the library immediately after publication. I only got my hands on this one so quickly because I was determined not to miss out again. [The cost was a many months–long slot on my Overdrive hold list. Worth it!]

This is the second book in just over a month that is getting a rare 5-star rating from me. The language, story, humor, action, relationships, characters, and commentary were exquisitely done. I was so involved that I blew off most of yesterday in favor of reading. [That was worth it, too!]


23 September 2021

The Orphan Witch, Paige Crutcher 3.5
A deeper magic. A stronger curse. A family lost . . . and found.

Persephone May has been alone her entire life. Abandoned as an infant and dragged through the foster care system, she wants nothing more than to belong somewhere. To someone. However, Persephone is as strange as she is lonely. Unexplainable things happen when she’s around—changes in weather, inanimate objects taking flight—and those who seek to bring her into their family quickly cast her out. To cope, she never gets attached, never makes friends. And she certainly never dates. Working odd jobs and always keeping her suitcases half-packed, Persephone is used to moving around, leaving one town for another when curiosity over her eccentric behavior inevitably draws unwanted attention.

After an accidental and very public display of power, Persephone knows it’s time to move on once again. It’s lucky, then, when she receives an email from the one friend she’s managed to keep, inviting her to the elusive Wile Isle. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. However, upon arrival, Persephone quickly discovers that Wile is no ordinary island. In fact, it just might hold the very things she’s been searching for her entire life.

Answers. Family. Home

And some things she did not want. Like 100-year-old curses and an even older family feud. With the clock running out, love might be the magic that saves them all. [from the publisher]

One of the pieces of author praise for The Orphan Witch relates this author to Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic series) and Sara Addison Allen (Garden Spells/Waverley Family series). I get it, but those are awfully big shoes with which to saddle a newish novel writer. [The blurb in question says it's Crutcher's debut, but she had a book published in 2014 and has contributed to a couple of anthologies.] When I started reading, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought finally a comparison had been made that wouldn't end up disappointing me. This held for most of the book. I was all in for the premise, the now-32-year-old Persephone going to Wile Isle, the magic/witchcraft, and the family feud. I wasn't keen on the romance aspect, but it was a relatively small portion of the story. Really, I was engaged for most of the book. Then we got to the climax and it all fell apart. While I'm not completely alone in my mild disappointment, the majority of advance readers seem to really love it. So, don't be discouraged to read.

Thank you, NetGalley and MacmillanAudio/St. Martin's Griffin, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


20 September 2021


20 September 2021

The Stolen Hours, Allen Eskens 3
Lila Nash is on the verge of landing her dream job—working as a prosecutor under the Hennepin County Attorney—and has settled into a happy life with her boyfriend, Joe Talbert. But when a woman is pulled from the Mississippi River, barely alive, things in the office take a personal turn.

The police believe the woman’s assailant is local photographer Gavin Spenser, but the case quickly flounders as the evidence wears thin. It seems Gavin saw this investigation coming—and no one can imagine how carefully he has prepared.

The more determined Lila is to put Gavin behind bars, the more elusive justice becomes. Battling a vindictive new boss and haunted by the ghosts of her own unspeakable attack, which she’s kept a dark secret for eight long years, Lila knows the clock is ticking down. In a race against an evil mastermind, it will take everything Lila’s got to outsmart a killer—and to escape the dark hold of her own past. [from the publisher]

I have been so impressed with everything I've read of Eskens' . . . until now. I was really looking forward to reading The Stolen Hours, in which Lila Nash—who was a secondary character in The Life We Bury—is now the lead. I like how Eskens connects his books by shifting the lead character (and the point on their timeline). Unfortunately, where his books I've read previously concentrate on relationships and intricate storytelling, this one focused far too heavily on two things: the rape perpetrated by two men against Lila years before (admittedly pertinent to the modus operandi of the main case of this story) and Gavin's speech impediment. These two items are brought up so constantly that there's significantly less story crafting than I'm used to from Eskens. There are other threads in the story—but my overall sense as I was reading was that these two themes were overemphasized to the detriment of the story.

Content warnings include rape, murder, date rape drug, and attempted suicide.


16 September 2021

The Bookbinder's Daughter, Jessica Thorne 3
The song surrounded her now, the murmuring of the library insistent, and her foot took the first step on the winding stairs. She knew it wasn’t entirely a dream. It was the library calling her, its magic driving her.

When Sophie is offered a job at the Ayredale Library—the finest collection of rare books in the world, and the last place her bookbinder mother was seen when Sophie was just a teenager—she leaps at the chance. Will she finally discover what happened to the woman she’s always believed abandoned her?

Taking in the endless shelves of antique books, the soaring stained-glass windows, and the grand sweeping staircase, usually shy Sophie feels strangely at home, and is welcomed by her eccentric fellow binders. But why is the Keeper of the Library so reluctant to speak about Sophie’s mother? And why is Sophie the only person who can read the strange spells in the oldest books on display, written in a forgotten language nobody else understands?

The mysteries of the library only deepen when Sophie stumbles upon an elaborately carved door. The pattern exactly matches the pendant her mother left behind years ago, engraved with a delicate leaf. As the door swings open at her touch, Sophie gasps at the incredible sight: an enormous tree, impossibly growing higher than the library itself, its gently falling golden leaves somehow resembling the pages of a book. Amidst their rustling, Sophie hears a familiar whisper . . .

‘There you are, my Sophie. I knew you’d come back for me.’ [from the publisher]

As a super-fan of everything books and libraries, and typically enjoying fantasy stories, I was immediately attracted by the title and premise of The Bookbinder's Daughter. I couldn't wait to dig in. It was . . . okay. It has enticing elements: magic, books, a cat named Titivillus (patron demon of scribes), and secrets (mystery). It's also painfully repetitive, especially for a work so short—we hear the same things, in the same exact words, over and over, sometimes from different characters (which doesn't make it more interesting). In the opening, there's a work friend of Sophie's whose character I would have liked to have stayed in play—their friendship might have been the best/healthiest relationship in the book (this is very sad). There's a particularly unhealthy relationship that made me like and respect Sophie much less as the story went on. The reveal toward the end wasn't bad, but it doesn't make up for the bulk of the book. Titivillus the cat was probably my favorite character (also sad).

The book is advertised as being perfect for fans of The Night Circus, which I awarded 4- stars (3.66 in my current rating system). I think a better magical book about books is Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, which I awarded 4+ stars (4.35).

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


14 September 2021

The Last House on Needless Street, Catriona Ward 2.5
In a boarded-up house on a dead-end street at the edge of the wild Washington woods lives a family of three.

A teenage girl who isn’t allowed outside, not after last time.

A man who drinks alone in front of his TV, trying to ignore the gaps in his memory.

And a house cat who loves napping and reading the Bible.

An unspeakable secret binds them together, but when a new neighbor moves in next door, what is buried out among the birch trees may come back to haunt them all. [from the publisher]

If you're a fan of nonstop creepiness, you'll want to go into this horror book without having read summaries or reviews. There's really not a lot that can be said without ruining the story. If you read it (or absolutely must know before reading) and want to email to ask me why I didn't rate this higher, I'll be happy to tell you. [It's a writing mechanism, not a story-specific thing.] Regardless of rating, the story kept my attention, and I was piecing together the clues.

There is so much creepiness in the story (from so many directions) that there's next to no relief. There were occasional tiny breaks in the tension, notably one each from Ted (the adult resident of the titular house) and Olivia (the feline resident of the titular house), that I hope make it to publication.

Most of the story is told by Ted and Olivia, with occasional chapters by Lauren (Ted's daughter) and Dee.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Tor Nightfire, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


13 September 2021

At the End of the World, Turn Left, Zhanna Slor 1.5
Masha remembers her childhood in the former USSR but found her life and heart in Israel. Anna was just an infant when her family fled but yearns to find her roots. When Anna is contacted by a stranger from their homeland and then disappears, Masha is called home to Milwaukee to find her.

In 2008, college student Anna feels stuck in Milwaukee, with no real connections and parents who stifle her artistic talents. She is eager to have a life beyond the heartland. When she’s contacted online by a stranger from their homeland—a girl claiming to be her long-lost sister—Anna suspects a ruse or an attempt at extortion. But her desperate need to connect with her homeland convinces her to pursue the connection. At the same time, a handsome grifter comes into her life, luring her with the prospect of a nomadic lifestyle.

Masha lives in Israel, where she went on Birthright and unexpectedly found home. When Anna disappears without a trace, Masha’s father calls her back to Milwaukee to help find Anna. In her former home, Masha immerses herself in her sister’s life—which forces her to recall the life she, too, left behind and to confront her own demons. What she finds in her search for Anna will change her life, and her family, forever. [from the publisher]

This is being billed as both general adult fiction and a mystery/thriller. I disagree heartily with the mystery/thriller designation. In a nutshell, two sisters feel pulled to different places that seem like home to them. The book feels so much longer than its 299 pages because it is tediously detailed (about the wrong things, in my opinion), repetitious, and slow. Not one of the characters is appealing. There are a couple of potentially interesting scenes with the paternal grandparents, but they are basically the same scene repeated for both sisters. The ending is anticlimactic.

For sensitive viewers, the book includes illicit drug use/abuse, alcohol abuse, swearing, violence, personal endangerment, suicide, and theft/burglary.

I probably should have bailed at first sign of boredom and disgust. I kept reading because I was hopeful that it was going to redeem itself. Alas, I found nothing good or satisfying.

Nonetheless, I am grateful to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


12 September 2021

Under the Whispering Door, TJ Klune 4.35
When a reaper comes to collect Wallace Price from his own funeral, Wallace suspects he really might be dead.

Instead of leading him directly to the afterlife, the reaper takes him to a small village. On the outskirts, off the path through the woods, tucked between mountains, is a particular tea shop, run by a man named Hugo. Hugo is the tea shop's owner to locals and the ferryman to souls who need to cross over.

But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived. With Hugo’s help he finally starts to learn about all the things he missed in life.

When the Manager, a curious and powerful being, arrives at the tea shop and gives Wallace one week to cross over, Wallace sets about living a lifetime in seven days. [from the publisher]

I really liked Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea—published March 2020/read May 2020—so, I was thrilled to be granted the opportunity to read his new book before publication.

This book has two of my absolute favorite ingredients: lots of humor and relationships. It also has diversity, inclusion, heartbreak, and grief. Not many books make me cry. This one made me cry several times, particularly near the end, and out of sadness, rage, and joy. That's quite the trick!

There's a lot going on in the story, with several interlocking storylines. One storyline was particularly unpleasant, and I think the book would have been at least as good without it. I can't say that I enjoyed the aforementioned emotional rollercoaster, but it was incredibly effective. Even though Wallace was an unlikeable so-and-so in life, we're really rooting for him from very early on. Perhaps that's due to the tea shop residents: Mae (the reaper), Hugo (the ferryman), Nelson (Hugo's grandfather), and Apollo (the dog), who are all fantastic from the outset.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tor Books, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


8 September 2021

33 Women, Isabel Ashdown 4.35
When sisters Celine and Pip get a call telling them their reclusive mother has died, the women are reunited at her riverside home in Arundel to pick up the pieces. But someone is missing—their middle sister, Vanessa, brutally murdered years ago and the victim of an unsolved case. As the sisters confront ghosts from the past, the discovery of another body in similar circumstances throws new light on Vanessa's death. Could there be more to her case than the police first thought? And what do the mysterious residents of Two Cross Farm, the neighboring women's commune, have to do with it? What secrets are lurking behind their locked gates? And what is the significance of the number 33? [from the publisher]

The publisher's teaser is as much as one needs before diving in to the book—for me to share more would ruin the surprises, of which there are several. The story is told in alternating chapters from the points of view of Celine, the oldest sister, and Bramble, a member of the women's commune. It was challenging, at first, to keep track of the speaker and the time [past (back to the 1970s) or present (2019)] at the start. Many other characters—predominantly but not exclusively women—come in to play, both from the world at large and the membership of the commune.

This appears to be Ashdown's ninth book (with another expected for publication next summer), but my first exposure to her work; so I wasn't sure what to expect. I'll definitely seek out more. My biggest compliment to this book is that I didn't want to stop reading it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


6 September 2021

The Book of Lost Things, John Connolly 3.0
Last summer, I read Connolly's The Gates, which I described as "Good Omens for the junior set. So much fun!" While both books are classified as fantasy and horror (among other genres—people see a lot of things in these books), I didn't have the same positive reaction to The Book of Lost Things.

One possible explanation is the fairy tale aspect to TBoLT—I've never been a fan of fairy tales, generally, because so many of them are downright creepy and gross. But how is that different from so much of the fantasy I really enjoy? I'm not entirely sure.

David is a young preteen/teen who has lost his mother to illness. His father remarries and has a second son. David's books whisper to him. One day, he goes exploring and finds himself in another world, full of dangers. There is a lot of loss, trickery, and gore in this book.

If you like dark, mysterious fantasy with a side of reimagined fairy tales, give it a try.


3 September 2021

The Second Season, Emily Adrian 2.5
Ruth Devon starred for Georgetown Basketball back in college—until she injured her knee, married her coach, and found a new career calling games on the radio. Twenty years later, Ruth and her now-ex-husband, Lester, are two of the most famous faces in sports media. When Lester decides to retire from the announcers’ booth, Ruth goes after his job. If she gets it, she will be the first woman to call NBA games on national television.

For now, Ruth is reporting from the sideline of the NBA finals, immersed in the high-pressure spectacle of the post-season. But in a deserted locker room at halftime, Ruth makes a discovery that shatters her vision of her future. Instantly, she is torn between the two things she has always wanted most: the game and motherhood. [from the publisher]

I'm a sucker for sports stories. Weekends growing up (except during the Midwest's relatively short sailing season) were spent in front of the TV watching hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, (less) football, boxing, and even bowling—not to mention every sport in the summer or winter Olympics—with my dad. [Even better was getting to go to live games—that was a special (and occasional) treat.] Watching so much televised sports really does make a person feel like they know the commentators who visited our living rooms multiple times a week. So, I jumped at the chance to read The Second Season, which offered the bonus of a woman commentator (not common in the 1970s—I'm not sure I could name one from that time).

The book presents the difficulties of women in traditionally male-dominated fields, the challenges of juggling work and motherhood, and the crushing disappointment of career-ending injuries. The book is largely consumed by Ruth's regrets about being frequently absent from her daughter's childhood (the daughter is a high-school senior during the story) and her frustration and worry over whether she'll get the announcing job her ex-husband is vacating.

The action really didn't pick up until around the 80% mark, and then it jumps around strangely between present and future. I wish more attention had been given to some of the relationships, particularly between Ruth and a couple of other women sports reporters. There's also a plot point that seemed incongruous with her supposed strong desire for motherhood.

Thank you, NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


2 September 2021

An Ordinary Wonder, Buki Papillon 4
Richly imagined with art, proverbs and folk tales, this moving and modern novel follows Oto through life at home and at boarding school in Nigeria, through the heartbreak of living as a boy despite their profound belief they are a girl, and through a hunger for freedom that only a new life in the United States can offer.

An Ordinary Wonder is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores complex desires as well as challenges of family, identity, gender and culture, and what it means to feel whole. [from the publisher]

Oto is an intersex twin being raised as a boy. Oto's unclear genitalia is considered shameful by their family and efforts are made to hide Oto's condition from the greater community because of the expected stigma. Oto's father left the family because of it; Oto's mother blames Oto and abuses them throughout their life. Oto's grandmothers appear unsympathetic as well. Oto's twin sister is their champion in early life, but eventually even she turns her back on Oto.

Once Oto escapes home for boarding school, some aspects of daily life are better; but there are still serious threats to their safety, including violent bullies. Two relationships at school are quite positive: roommate and fast friend Derin and art teacher Mr. Dickson. [There is a helpful school nurse, who plays a pivotal, though minor, role.] The story takes place "before" (mostly in the late 1980s, when Oto is 12–13, at home, also some brief references to Oto's birth) and "now" (in the early 1990s, when Oto is 14–16, at boarding school and beyond).

The heartbreaking violence and abuse Oto experiences make up the lion's share of the story—it's not a light read. Thankfully, there's also some fantastic humor, especially around family relationships. Other positive themes include chosen family and self-understanding. So, while the overall tone is very dark, ultimately, I was rooting for Oto throughout and eventually handsomely rewarded with happier events. This debut novel had me pretty hooked.

The audio edition is narrated by British film, television, stage, and radio actress Adjoa Andoh, of whom some Americans may know from Netflix's Bridgerton. Andoh's voice has quite an effective range, easily differentiating between male and female characters and between calm/melodic and shrill personalities/voices.

Content warnings include child abuse, rape, violence, bullying, homophobia, suicidal ideation/suicide attempts.

Thank you, NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.


31 August 2021

August reading recap: 22 books finished (9 bailed)

5-star reads

  • The Monster at the End of this Book, Jon Stone (reread)
  • The Guncle,Steven Rowley

4-star reads

  • Garden Spells (Waverley Family #1), Sarah Addison (reread, 4+/5-)
  • How Y'all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived, Leslie Jordan

honorable mention (3+ or 4-)

  • Company Town, Madeline Ashby (3+)
  • Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1), Neal Shusterman (3+/4-)
  • Have You Seen Luis Velez?, Catherine Ryan Hyde (4-)
  • You're Going to Mars!, Rob Dircks (4-)
  • Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's #1), Jodi Taylor (3+/4-)
  • Sunny Days: The Children's Television Revolution That Changed America, David Kamp (3+)
  • The Girl Beneath the Sea (Underwater Investigation Unit #1), Andrew Mayne (3+)
  • Lethal Bayou Beauty (Miss Fortune Mystery #2), Jana Deleon (3+/4-)

31 August 2021

The Taking of Jake Livingston, Ryan Douglass 2.5
Jake is a closeted gay Black teen attending an Atlanta-area prep school. He sees and communicates with ghosts, one of whom—Sawyer, a white teen who killed six other kids at his school before killing himself—has decided to use Jake to continue to fulfill his evil plans.

There's a lot going on thematically: coming of age/teen angst, mental health, bullying, incest, rape, racism, suicide, murder, gun violence, and homophobia. I don't think the horror vehicle was necessarily the best choice—all the real issues were overshadowed by the paranormal activity.

The story is told in alternating chapters/voices of Jake and Sawyer.


30 August 2021

Lethal Bayou Beauty (Miss Fortune Mystery #2), Jana Deleon 3.5
When aspiring actress Pansy Arceneaux returns to Sinful, Louisiana, to head up the beauty pageant portion of the Summer Festival, CIA assassin Fortune Redding knows she’s in for trouble. Her undercover identity as a former beauty queen makes Fortune the perfect choice to chair the event with Pansy, but Pansy’s abrasive personality makes it impossible to get through a single rehearsal without a fight.

When Pansy turns up dead, Fortune is the prime suspect. [from marketing description]

This is the second in a 20-book (thus far) series. Like the first installment, it's a romp! Fortune is joined again by her best biddies . . . I mean, buddies . . . Gertie and Ida Belle, along with some help from Marie (the prime suspect in the first book). Hot Deputy Carter LeBlanc is back, along with a supporting cast of townspeople.

If you're unwilling to suspend disbelief, this isn't the book/series for you. But, if you need some silly fun that requires no thought or effort, enjoy away! I already have the third book locked and loaded for the near future.


29 August 2021

One Last Stop, Casey McQuiston 2.66
I didn't like One Last Stop nearly as much as McQuiston's first book—Red, White & Royal Blue—which I read just over two years ago (before I consistently wrote reviews, sadly) and awarded four stars. Why? OLS really drags (despite being almost 40 pages shorter); I couldn't get into the time pocket framework; and, frankly, I didn't like main characters August or Jane especially, individually or as a couple. [I do recollect liking Alex and Henry from RW&RB, at least as a couple and maybe individually, as well.]

Not all is lost. I did like several of August's roommates, neighbors, and coworkers at Billy's diner. That hardly carries the story, though. Too, there was interesting contrast between 1970s and current attitudes around gender and sexuality.

I wouldn't say that I actively disliked OLS—it just didn't light me up, as it seems to do for so many readers. So, I wouldn't discourage you from reading this book, if it sounds appealing. I would definitely recommend McQuiston's first book instead or in addition.

Content warning: explicit sex scenes, excessive alcohol use/abuse, drug use.


26 August 2021

Silent Scream (D.I. Kim Stone #1), Angela Marsons 3
D.I. Kim Stone hunts for a murderer at/near a children's home. Multiple killings took place over the span of decades.

This book was highly rated by a couple of my bookish friends who generally seem to like things that I like, and the series seems to be highly regarded by a good number of readers. I thought this book was worth a shot. I'm guessing that I picked it up in an Audible sale. Sadly, the series doesn't seem to be available from our library, and I didn't love this one enough to invest in further purchases.

Pro: strong female lead; interlocking storylines; character with physical and communication challenges

Con: downright gruesome; disappointing/foreseeable plot twist


24 August 2021

Gateway (Heechee Saga #1), Frederik Pohl 2
The "star" of the story is Robinette Broadhead. The narrative switches between his past experiences, mostly related to Gateway—"a spaceport full of working interstellar ships left behind by the mysterious, vanished Heechee"—and his current counseling sessions with a computerized therapist. It seemed like a much longer book than it was because not much happens. Basically, Broadhead whines (both in the flashbacks and to his therapist), drinks, smokes pot, and has sex with many people . . . lather, rinse, repeat.

I wanted to love this book, both because of Pohl's incredible renown in the science fiction world and because I enjoyed the friendship of his wife, Betty Hull (who just recently died—she was a writer, professor, activist, and all-around smart and funny person). There were definitely aspects of this book whose influence I can see in the sci-fi writers who followed Pohl. I'll give him credit for that.


23 August 2021

A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Becky Chambers 2
This book (which could be classified as self-help meets light science fiction) wasn't offensive or horrible—it just didn't do a thing for me. Thankfully, it's incredibly short and I didn't buy it. Enough said.

22 August 2021

Billy Summers, Stephen King 2.5
If you know me well (or have been following my book blogging for long enough), you know about my complicated relationship with Stephen King. I'm sad to say that this is probably my least favorite of his works I've read since I finally decided to be a fan.

The premise: hired killer wants to retire. Given my enjoyment of TV/films of a similar premise—including Barry and Wild Target—I expected to really like this as well. Unfortunately, Billy Summers has little to none of the charm and humor of those.

There are some brief relationships between Billy and others (including neighbor children) that were pleasant enough, but it hardly makes up for the rest, especially as the book draws out so long.

Beyond the obvious violence expected in a murder story, content warnings include rape, retaliatory rape, and child rape. Ugh (to put it mildly)!


19 August 2021

The Girl Beneath the Sea (Underwater Investigation Unit #1), Andrew Mayne 3.35
Sloan McPherson is an evidence-recovery diver for the Lauderdale Shores PD. She's a single mom on good terms with her sometimes romantic partner/always daughter's dad. She comes from a family of treasure hunters and drug smugglers. In order to get herself out of a fix when she finds a body on one of her dives, she ends up working with the DEA agent—George Solar—who put her uncle behind bars when she was young.

This first installment in a new series (published May 2020; second published early this year; third expected March 2022), this was interesting and engaging enough that I snagged the ebook and audiobook editions of the second installment in an excellent combo deal while the getting was good. I won't be in a mad rush to read the second one—there are plenty of things that need to come off the TBR list sooner—but, I'll look forward to reading it when the moment feels right.

There isn't typically much room for levity in a mystery/thriller, but there was a tiny bit of banter between Sloan and George:

“How come you have a kid but you’re not married?”

“Because it’s not 1905. Women can vote now too.”


18 August 2021

Mary Jane, Jessica Anya Blau 2
I almost don't want to rate this fresh off my reading experience—I'm so incredibly irritated and disappointed. It started out great—I was totally on-board and engaged. Then it slowed down to a tedious pace and threw in some truly questionable events. By the time we got to the end, I was thinking:

click here for G-rated thought"You've got to be kidding me!"

click here for my true/naughty thought"Bitch, please!"
I'm not sure I've ever read a book so short that so quickly and completely changed my impression/enjoyment while simultaneously making it feel like the book was actually three times as long as it was.

Pro: the premise of 14-year-old Mary Jane's summer of caring for five-year-old Izzy [I was between their ages at the time of the story]; the idea of music uniting people

Con: Mary Jane's completely implausible level of naïveté; the utter neglect and endangerment on the part of four adults in Izzy's household; the very end (talk to me if/when you get there)


16 August 2021

The Guncle, Steven Rowley 5
I very rarely award five stars, but I truly enjoyed The Guncle start to finish, so I don't see how I can deny it any credit. [For reference, I gave Rowley's Lily and the Octopus three stars, and The Editor three plus (3.35) stars.]

Patrick is a possibly-retired 40-ish sitcom actor who has been secluded for several years after the end of his hit series and the death of his life partner. After his college best friend/sister-in-law dies of cancer, his brother admits that he needs to enter rehab—could Patrick take care of his niece Maisie (age 9) and nephew Grant (age 6) for the summer in his Palm Springs home? As one would expect, everyone involved manages their grief and new circumstances differently and over time. There are a few additional characters who join the mix, including old and new agents, an older sister, a gay throuple next door, a dog, and a possible new love interest.

Fairly early in the book, Patrick and Maisie have this interchange in a restaurant:

Bacon is pigs and pigs are our friends. Do you want to eat our friends?

If they taste like bacon!


15 August 2021

How Y'all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived, Leslie Jordan 4
This was a delightful, quick read—the perfect companion to knitting on National Relaxation Day (after I got the pesky household necessities, like laundry, out of the way). Written and published after Jordan went viral on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic, this collection of personal stories is largely funny and sweet. While he has a long list of television and movie credits, his most familiar role to many may be as the acerbic Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace.

I flagged several quotes. Here's my favorite:

Aren't dreams the best? I think our dreams are what sustain us in hard times. Dreams are what keep us childlike. I love that they can grow and expand as we grow and expand.

14 August 2021

Some Girls Do, Jennifer Dugan 2.67
In this YA contemporary queer romance from the author of Hot Dog Girl, an openly gay track star falls for a closeted, bisexual teen beauty queen with a penchant for fixing up old cars. [from publisher website]

Morgan (the athlete) and Ruby (the beauty queen/mechanic) didn't capture my heart or attention. There's too much relationship nonsense and game-playing in the story and too little of the good things. Pros: realistic portrayal of wide range of family and community support (none to high) around gender and sexuality issues; "pretty" girls who are also smart and talented; community volunteerism of members of the LGBTQ and allies student group.


13 August 2021

Sunny Days: The Children's Television Revolution That Changed America, David Kamp 3.35
In Sunny Days, bestselling author David Kamp captures the unique political and social moment that gave us not only Sesame Street, but also Fred Rogers’s gentle yet brave Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; Marlo Thomas’s unabashed gender politics primer Free to Be . . . You and Me; Schoolhouse Rock!, an infectious series of educational shorts dreamed up by Madison Ave admen; and more, including The Electric Company and ZOOM. It was a unique time when an uncommon number of media professionals and thought leaders leveraged their influence to help children learn—and, just as notably, a time of unprecedented buy-in from American parents. [from publisher website]

While evoking nostalgia, Sunny Days reads a fair amount like a textbook—that is, Kamp's research and interviews are interesting, but often dry. The author and I are the same age, so we shared this children's educational television journey. Much of the Sesame Street and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood coverage was familiar to me from my previous reading. It's not often, though, that Free to Be . . . You and Me, The Electric Company, and ZOOM come up now—that was a special treat. Toward the end of the book, Kamp brings up later children's television that didn't make the quality grade of these shows from our childhood (including/particularly offerings that were really just promotional tie-ins), and good children's educational television of my kids' generation, including Bear In the Big Blue House, and Blue's Clues, among others.


12 August 2021

The Very First Damned Thing (The Chronicles of St Mary's #1.5), Jodi Taylor 3
This short story relays how Dr. Bairstow started and staffed St. Mary's. The author recommends reading it after the first book in the series, and so I did. At first I thought it would have been better at the start of book one; but I quickly thought back to how that would have diminished the mystery and excitement of book one's opening. I'm satisfied to have read this now, and especially appreciative that it was included in my Audible membership at no extra charge.

11 August 2021

Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's #1), Jodi Taylor 3.5
This series starter very much has the tone of Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series, of which I am a fan.

In this series, protagonist Dr. Madeleine "Max" Maxwell gets recruited to a secret society in which historians time travel to observe and record history in its own time. The story was moving right along, with excitement and witty banter, and I was having a grand time until a scene that I'm guessing was supposed to be hot/sexy/passionate was decidedly rapey instead. That, along with a rush-job toward the end when the historians were visiting the Library of Alexandria, cost the book a couple of rating dings.

If you're looking for some (mostly) silly, sci-fi/time travel fun, and you're willing not to think too hard about it, this could be a book for you. I'm very possibly going to keep going with the series, at least for a bit.


10 August 2021

Trail of Lightning (The Sixth World #1), Rebecca Roanhorse 2.66
Take a Hillerman (Tony or Anne) story, add a Dinétah monster hunter in a post-apocalyptic future setting, and crank up the gratuitous violence to 11. Now you have Trail of Lightning.

Maggie Hoskie is the monster hunter main character. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? She's depended on when a town needs her help, but generally vilified by others and herself.

Some of the language and themes—including an elder medicine man; the tradition of introducing oneself in relation to one's family origins/skills/blessings; and a pivotal role for Coyote—will be familiar to readers of the Hillermans. The post-apocalyptic and monster hunter aspects dominate the story and make it much less interesting. The book becomes less mythology and mystery and more extreme violence and dull repetition. There is a cliffhanger ending that made me wonder whether I might read the second installment out of morbid curiosity. I think blogging my reading impressions has effectively quashed that curiosity.


9 August 2021

You're Going to Mars!, Rob Dircks 3.66
Paper Forest (one of triplets—her sisters are Rock and Scissors) is a Filler—someone who lives and works in the Fill—essentially garbage dump communities around the world owned by a corporation/mob family holding multigenerational indentured servitude contracts. In the vein of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Paper (Charlie) is a lucky holder of a red scarab (golden ticket), which qualifies her to compete on the game show You’re Going To Mars, sponsored by filthy rich entrepreneur Zach Larson (Willie Wonka). Once on the game show, Paper (also known during the book as Pepper and Robin) must compete against 25 other contestants through months of grueling tests. The last person standing gets to go to Mars with Larson.

If, like I, you occasionally enjoy very silly science fiction with a side of social commentary and/or pop culture references, this might be a pick for you. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as Redshirts (John Scalzi) or We Are Legion (We Are Bob) (Dennis E. Taylor), but it's along the same lines.


8 August 2021

Have You Seen Luis Velez?, Catherine Ryan Hyde 3.66
Raymond is a biracial New York City teen who doesn't fit in. He's not popular in school; he lives primarily with his white mom, white stepdad, and half-sisters; he spends every other weekend with his Black dad and stepmom (if her race was mentioned, I didn't register it). No one seems to listen to or really care about him. The book opens on his best (only?) friend's last day before moving across the country, when Raymond meets his 92-year-old blind neighbor, Mildred "Millie" Gutermann. Millie is calling out for Luis Velez, who has been her caretaker, but has been missing for days. Raymond takes over Millie caretaking duties and launches a search for Luis Velez—more than a few of whom live in NYC.

The story develops slowly and with some whiny awkwardness. Some reviewers took exception with the racial and social justice themes; I thought those themes were handled appropriately. While the friendship Raymond forms with Millie is one of the main focuses of the story, other notable/important/sweet relationships stem from his search for Luis.


7 August 2021

The Monster at the End of this Book, Jon Stone (illustrated by Michael J. Smollin) 5
This afternoon, it was my great honor and joy to read the inaugural story in the new Jeanette Spillman Westhoff storyroom.

Super Grover—a thoughtful and perfect gift from Number One Son—was my social media cover photo at the time that I first met Jeff and Jeanette. Since then, we've discovered many other shared affinities.

May Jeanette's memory be a blessing. I know that countless children and families will experience delight in the beautiful storyroom dedicated to her for years to come.


7 August 2021

Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1), Neal Shusterman 3.5
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own. [from publisher website]

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about—or how to rate—Scythe, which is a YA science fiction/fantasy/dystopia. It's a fine contribution to its genre. I wanted to know what was going to happen next, and I've already decided to read the second installment. There were some predictable turns; there were a couple of fun twists. I have reservations about extreme violence (and other human ills) being considered entertainment.

Fun fact: Author Neal Shusterman solicits fans to name his characters, picking one fan's first name and matching it with another's last name. One of the main characters in Scythe—Rowan Damisch—got his last name from a family friend of ours, Bridie (we're friends with the entire Damisch family, but Bridie is the Shusterman fan). Sadly, the correct pronunciation of the family name wasn't verified (it's a long "a," as in "dame"). I know this because I read the book with my ears. But even those who read it with their eyes can tell because of one of the chapter names: "Damisch Control" (meant to sound like "damage control"—cute, no?). Oh, well—if Rowan appears in the next installment, I'll just continue to translate in my head.


3 August 2021

Company Town, Madeline Ashby 3.35
What the heck was that?! I can't begin to imagine/remember what path led me to buy this Canadian science fiction/dystopian/cyberpunk/time travel book a year ago, but here we are.

Hwa is the last organic (not bioengineered/enhanced) woman in her community. As the story opens, Hwa works as a bodyguard and physical/personal safety trainer for sex workers, but quits to protect and train the young, male, future head of the community's wealthiest and most powerful family/corporation.

It took a while to get into the story, and it wasn't all smooth sailing once I got there. The book seems choppy—it can't make up its mind what it wants to be. There are some ultraviolent sequences, including fighting and serial murder. There are a couple of affectionate relationships late in the story, some parts of which work better than others. Overall, it's not all bad. I'm glad I stuck with it.


1 August 2021

Garden Spells (Waverley Family #1), Sarah Addison Allen 4.5
I read Practical Magic (written by Alice Hoffman and published in June of 1995) in April of 2007. I first read Garden Spells in November of 2007 (it was published in August of 2007). I don't remember whether I registered their similarities at the time. If memory serves, they have so many similarities that I think I must have noticed. I haven't reread Practical Magic since—now I'm anxious to move it up the reread list. So many books; so many things getting in the way of my natural calling to read all day, every day.

Back to Garden Spells. . . . The Waverley women—Aunt Evanelle, Claire (older sister), Sydney (younger sister), and Bay (Sydney's young daughter)—have magical powers, each one a particular gift unique to herself. Claire can probably be considered the main character of this installment, though most characters figure prominently in the story. Beyond the Waverleys, strong players include Claire's neighbor, Tyler; gay shopkeeper, Fred; Sydney's childhood friend, Henry, who is now a dairy farmer with his grandfather; Sydney's childhood frenemy, Emma, who ended up marrying Sydney's high school sweetheart; and more.

I have no record of my original rating or impressions of the book, as 2007 predates any of my lasting bookish apps/sites. I thoroughly enjoyed this reading—some magical realism, a bit of mystery, interconnected characters with and without history—it was purely entertaining (though not all happy—content warnings include child abandonment and spousal abuse). Maybe Aunt Evanelle is to thank for bringing me this book again at this time.


31 July 2021

July reading recap: 14 books finished (3 bailed)

5-star reads

  • The Sum of Us, Heather McGhee (reread; 5-)
  • The Colors We Share, Angélica Dass

honorable mention (3+ or 4-)

  • Rabbits, Terry Miles (4-)
  • The Wee Free Men, Terry Pratchett (3+)
  • The Ugly Cry: A Memoir, Danielle Henderson (3+)
  • Wings of Ebony, J. Elle (3+)
  • The Advocate, Teresa Burrell (3+/4-)

31 July 2021

Dimension of Miracles, Robert Sheckley 3
Thomas Carmody wins a prize in the Galactic Sweepstakes, and goes to collect it. Once he has accepted his prize, though, he finds out that he won't be returned to Earth. He has to find his own way back through space and time, all while eluding his predator, who shapeshifts in order to tempt and trick Thomas into being captured.

The book was first published in 1968. It's among favorite books of Neil Gaiman's to which he is trying to bring new/more attention by hand-choosing narrators and producing audiobook editions. I'm a fan of Gaiman's (even though I don't love everything he writes—I adore so much of it), and there have been many comparisons made between this book and Douglas Adam's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series (written later than DoM), which I have read and enjoyed multiple times. It seemed like a no-brainer that I would love Dimension of Miracles. Not so much. While there were a few funny or thoughtful bits, I just didn't find it either engaging or silly enough for my tastes. Maybe I prefer British silliness to American silliness. The book is quite short, so I didn't have to make a huge investment of time.


30 July 2021

The Advocate (The Advocate, #1), Teresa Burrell 3.5
Main character Sabre Orin Brown is a juvenile court attorney, as is her platonic bestie, the married Bob. Author Teresa Burrell is a semiretired juvenile court attorney. Sabre finds herself in a mess of trouble on her current case, representing the young Alexis Murdock and Jamie Smith when their parents—her father, and his mother, who is now pregnant with Alexis' dad's daughter—end up in court after a violent domestic event.

I found much of the language awkward or stilted, and didn't find the Bob relationship particularly plausible. Hopefully, both become better as the series progresses.

I liked several of the relationships formed during the course of the story. The tension and action were paced well. There were lots of moving pieces that came together interestingly, if not completely plausibly.

I went in without expectations, and was pretty well-entertained. I would consider reading another installment.


29 July 2021

Together We Will Go, J. Michael Straczynski 3
I went into reading this with my guard up. Let's get some content warnings out of the way first: suicide, assisted suicide, depression, self harm, rape, alcohol and drug use.

The premise of the book is that a young (late–20s) failed writer buys an old bus, hires a driver, and places an ad to solicit others who want to commit suicide to join his cross-country journey to drive off a beautiful California cliff at sunset. The only cost to participate (beyond personal food and incidentals) is journaling along the way—by voice recording, text messages, and emails—uploaded to a private server. A motley crew of participants join. We get to know them individually and collectively.

The book starts with some commentary on the state of the union (USA)—notably how poorly the country serves its people in terms of education, jobs, wealth, health, and so on. Certainly, the health care issue pops up throughout.

I marked four passages: two serious and two humorous. Despite the occasional inclusion of humor and tenderness, the bulk of the book is decidedly dark and painful. I can't say that I would actually recommend it to anyone.


28 July 2021

The Colors We Share, Angélica Dass 5
Angélica Dass is a Brazilian artist of African, European, and Native American descent who lives in Spain. She was happy growing up in a family full of colors. Outside her home, however, things were different. Her skin color had many other meanings: "I remember my first art classes were exciting, but I never understood that one 'flesh'-colored pencil," she says. "I was made of flesh, but I'm not pink. My skin is brown, yet people said I was black. I had a mess of colors in my head." Inspired by her family tree, she created the Humanae project to question the concept of race and show that skin color is much more complex than the categories we use. The project now includes over 4,500 portraits of volunteers from all over the world and is still ongoing, inviting us all to reflect on how we see each other and ourselves. [ABOUT THE AUTHOR]

I first learned of the Humanae project via the Smithsonian's The Bias Inside Us exhibit, which was at the Schaumburg Library earlier in the summer, and an online version of which is available here. Subsequently, I attended a Let's Talk program about the exhibit through my League of Women Voters chapter. The now-infamous Cammy brought her own copy of Dass' book to the program. I quickly placed a hold on the book through PPLD; received a copy via one of our consortium member libraries; and have ordered my own copy to enjoy for years to come. Libraries rock!

You've probably gathered that I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit, the project, and the book. The book is geared to children ages 5–8, according to the publisher. The ratio of texts to photographs in the book is appropriate for the target age range, as is the content. I think people of all ages could enjoy the book.

One of my favorite spreads has a three-by-three grid of photographs, with each row including three people of different "races" who share the same skin color. The text on the facing page says,

Every person is unique, even if they share the same skin color.

To know a person's story, you need to get to know them.

This is my 100th book read in 2021 and completes my fifth summer reading log. [Insert celebration dance here.]


27 July 2021

Wings of Ebony (Wings of Ebony #1), J. Elle 3.35
When Rue's mother is killed on her East Row (Houston) doorstep, Rue is taken away from her younger sister—and everyone/everything else she knows—by her father who abandoned her and her mother, to his home on Ghizon—a hidden island of magical people. A year after her mom's murder, Rue goes back to Houston to visit her sister, and learns more about herself and her ancestors than she ever could have imagined. Danger and adventure ensue.

Ultimately, the story is about racism, bigotry, and power (personal, stolen, abused). Will the fantasy vehicle help the message be received by those who need to hear it?

I marked 10 passages, of which I'll share just one, as a taste.

Around truth, some people act like roaches when the lights come on—they scatter, trying to not hear it. [Chapter 29, 72%]

Wings of Ebony, the first of a series, is a YA urban fantasy. I was occasionally mildly annoyed by it (that's OK—I'm not the target audience), but it was a decent read, overall. If subsequent installments come onto my radar at a convenient time, I might consider reading them; though I doubt I'll seek them out.


25 July 2021

For Your Own Good, Samantha Downing 2.66
For Your Own Good focuses primarily on the faculty, staff, and students of an elite prep school. There is a fair amount of narrative around entitlement and haves vs. have-nots. It is classified by many readers as a mystery, thriller, or mystery thriller. That's my jam, so I didn't hesitate to read the book. Unfortunately, we know every step of the way (and in detail) who the bad guy is—and why—as well as everyone else who has done something wrong—and why. No one in the book is completely blameless, it seems. There is no mystery. There is no thrill. What we're left with is a dark and disturbing portrayal of at least one psychopath, with a light sprinkling of humor (though, I may be being generous on this point). So, let's call it fiction. The story is told from multiple points of view.

This is my first Downing book. I might try one or two of her previous books if I'm really at a loss for what to read next/something to borrow. My reaction to even making that statement tells me that it's unlikely to happen. I prefer that authors in these genres at least try to stump me (in mysteries) and to create tension slowly and rising throughout (in thrillers).


22 July 2021

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, Heather McGhee 4.66
It's not often that I reread a book within months of the initial reading. It's probably even more unusual that I increase my rating of a book after a second or subsequent reading—often the rating stays the same or declines.

I was so touched by The Sum of Us when I read it in early April that I reached out to my friend Cammy—Co-Director of Programs for our League of Women Voters chapter—to see if the book was on her radar for discussion. It was, but she hadn't read it yet. She asked me if I'd be willing to moderate discussion for the group. Yes, I certainly would! So, this week, I reread and moderated two discussions. [Rounding out the Programs team is Gayle. The team does a spectacular job keeping us enlightened and productively entertained.]

During my rereading, I couldn't stop noticing and thinking about pretty much everything McGhee wrote showing up in our daily lives. Being able to talk about the book/share thoughts in the two groups was interesting. We come from a range of ages, backgrounds, and philosophies, so we had the opportunity to look at things from different perspectives.

One of the examples McGhee uses to illustrate how racism has caused people to destroy a public good is public pools. When I asked the discussion group members what other public goods we're missing out on because of racism, they came up with so many responses, including health care, child care, education, infrastructure, environment, and banking.

Undoubtedly, I think everyone should read this book. And, if you want to talk about it, you know where to find me.


20 July 2021

The Ugly Cry: A Memoir, Danielle Henderson 3.35
The Ugly Cry came to my attention via author Jenny Lawson. I'm not familiar with Danielle Henderson's other work, but that didn't diminish the effect of her personal story.

Henderson was raised largely by her maternal grandparents (with the greatest influence being her grandmother) because of her mother's neglect and other poor choices, including her relationship with a drug-addicted, abusive boyfriend. At one point, Danielle recalls her younger self thinking,

We could have gotten away from him forever and she brought him back. [Chapter 10, 42%]
Throughout the memoir, Henderson reflects on her complicated relationship with her mother, whom she missed despite the traumas endured when living with her.

Danielle describes her upbringing frankly, with all its fear, frustration, sadness, stigma (for being poor, especially, but also for being Black, for not knowing her father, and for living with her grandparents), and violence (her mother's boyfriend hit not only her mother, but also Danielle, her brother, and the boyfriend's son from another relationship; and he sexually abused Danielle, which she kept secret from everyone for a very long time).

Henderson also uses a lot of humor, often by describing her grandmother's eye-rolling, sassy attitude, and foul mouth. Sometimes the humor comes from her own experiences (that is, separate from her relationship with her grandmother), as in the description of her thought process when forced to participate in confession as a seven-year-old parochial school student (though she didn't attend church). At some point, she has a realization.

It slowly dawned on me: if I could lie and be quickly forgiven, there was nothing to stop me from actually doing some of the stuff I was making up. Catholicism flipped a switch and turned me on to a life of crime. [Chapter 5, 24%]
There are also amusing anecdotes about a surreptitious trip into New York City with a teenage friend and Danielle's first car purchase.

This is not a light read, but it was a quick read.


18 July 2021

The Startup Wife, Tahmima Anam 2.66
Newlyweds Asha and Cyrus build an app that replaces religious rituals and soon find themselves running one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. [from the publisher website]

Asha is the coding genius—she's the one really making the magic of the platform, but she isn't given power or credit. Cyrus is the charismatic front man who becomes worshipped as a messiah by the platform's users. Best friend Jules rounds out the tech startup trio, but doesn't end up being a significant figure in the story. Most of the story is commentary on social media and the diminishment of women—both in the tech industry and in general. In addition to gender, culture and religion make appearances.

There are two quotes that encapsulate the story, both spoken by Asha.

Because somewhere inside my little immigrant heart, I'm not interested in telling the truth. I just aim to please. [Chapter 8, 42%]
You diminished me, and I allowed it to happen. [Chapter 15, 90%]

I didn't find the story or characters engaging, even though the timing, setting, and some of the experiences are familiar. I am glad to have read it, especially so soon after publication.


15 July 2021

Girl One, Sara Flannery Murphy 2.66
Girl One is about nine mother/daughter pairs brought about by parthenogenesis (noun—reproduction by development of an unfertilized usually female gamete that occurs especially among lower plants and invertebrate animals). The births took place in the 1970s, under the supervision of a male doctor on premises called the Homestead. After a fire results in two deaths, the remaining members of the commune scatter. Fast forward roughly a couple of decades to main character Josie (Girl One)—now studying biology at the University of Chicago—finding out that her mother has disappeared after a mysterious fire at her home. Josie rushes to her mother's home, and finds mom's keys/purse/car, but no mom. She searches mom's old hiding places and finds the name and number of a reporter. Josie and reporter go on a cross-country road trip collecting other girls (and, sometimes, information from other mothers) along the way, ultimately in search of Mother One.

Obvious comparisons have been made between this book and the television series Orphan Black, of which I was a fan. Sadly, while Orphan Black kept up the creepy tension throughout five seasons totaling 37.5 viewing hours, Girl One couldn't sustain it for just shy of 16 reading hours (if one reads at the rate provided in the audio edition, which I did not). While something tiny is learned at each step of the journey, there is so much repetition and extraneous (and boring) conversation that the pace is painfully slow. Honestly, by the time we actually got to any even remotely substantial reveal, I just didn't care that much. It was anticlimactic. Still, it wasn't a terrible read. I certainly wouldn't warn anyone away from reading it if it sounds appealing.


12 July 2021

The Wee Free Men (Discworld, #30; Tiffany Aching, #1), Terry Pratchett 3.35
Armed only with a frying pan and her common sense, Tiffany Aching, a young witch-to-be, is all that stands between the monsters of Fairyland and the warm, green Chalk country that is her home. Forced into Fairyland to seek her kidnapped brother, Tiffany allies herself with the Chalk's local Nac Mac Feegle—aka the Wee Free Men—a clan of sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men who are as fierce as they are funny. [from dustcover front flap]

This is the palate cleanser to which I referred a few blog entries ago. It's 30th in Pratchett's Discworld series, first in the Tiffany Aching subset, and my first Discworld experience. Reading the audio edition added to the fun (while providing a bit of a challenge in understanding the dialect). I tagged several passages in my print edition, including this nugget:

Ordinary fortune-tellers tell you what you want to happen; witches tell you what's going to happen whether you want it to or not. Strangely enough, witches tend to be more accurate but less popular. [p. 2]
and this, about fairy godmothers:
Never cross a woman with a star on a stick, young lady. They've got a mean streak. [p. 62]

As a purely pleasurable read, this definitely fit the bill, with lots of laughs and silliness, a bit of inspiration, and not too much drag.


9 July 2021

Dear Miss Metropolitan, Carolyn Ferrell
I'm bailing at 22%. Content warnings (so far/already): abduction, torture, sexual assault.

8 July 2021

In the Quick, Kate Hope Day 2.66
The premise of In the Quick was enticing to me. My interest dwindled quickly. The book opens with 12-year-old June—an exceedingly bright and precocious girl who adores her rocket scientist uncle. The rest of the book relays her awkward early entrance to an astronaut candidate school and an early mission once she reaches adulthood.

Early in the book, June relays this conversation with her uncle:

"Only one way to find out how it works," my uncle's voice said. "Take it apart," I said.
That really sums up the best of the book: times that June's uncle's nurturing and teaching are recalled.

A portion of the book may bring to mind The Martian. Overall, though, I found the book dull. Luckily, it wasn't terribly long.


6 July 2021

Rabbits, Terry Miles 3.66
Real life is getting in the way of my recreational reading destiny—the horror! I'm writing about Rabbits three days after finishing the book. In the meantime, I've finished another book (review above on the blog), read almost a quarter of another book and decided to bail (comments above on the blog), and started yet another book that I expect to serve as a palate cleanser. Still with me?

Rabbits is a secretive multiplayer alternate reality game that has gone through 10 iterations when the book begins. It's so mysterious that no one knows for certain the identities of the winners or what they've won. Our protagonist, K, is obsessed with game, even presenting regular talks on the subject for other followers.

[Neither here nor there: K's gender seems to be unknown or disputed. I read the character as female. It wasn't until I had finished the book and started reading other readers' reviews that it became evident that the character has been interpreted as male and female (I wasn't the only one to read K as female). Like I said, it really doesn't matter. I was just surprised when I read others' reviews.]

Early in the book, K is approached by billionaire Alan Scarpio, who is rumored to have won the sixth challenge. Scarpio tells K that something is terribly wrong with the game—if it's not fixed before round 11 begins, there will be dire consequences worldwide. Indeed, within days, people are going missing (including Scarpio) and getting killed. The rest of the book follows K trying to solve the mystery and fix the game, sometimes accompanied by gaming friend/budding love interest Chloe.

I've never been a serious role-playing or video game player, myself, but that doesn't dampen my enthusiasm for books heavily relying on that culture (like this, Ready Player One, and the like). Genres listed on Goodreads for Rabbits include science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, and more. There are definitely elements of each.

I waffled over my rating. Overall, I was completely hooked on the story. However, there were several parts that I found clunky or laughable, when they were supposed to be tension-creating. So, I dinged my rating a bit. Ultimately, I quite enjoyed reading this.

Content warning: There are multiple instances of extreme violence (to which I tend to be sensitive). I don't remember any of them being prolonged—that is, it's really gross for a moment and then the story moves on pretty quickly.

Apparently, there is a related podcast, but this book is considered a standalone story, with no podcast knowledge required. [I didn't learn this until I finished the book, either.]


2 July 2021

No One Is Talking About This, Patricia Lockwood 2.66
Based on reviews I read, I was expecting much more from this . . . shame on me. The first part seems to focus on the main character's social media influence, interaction with fans, and social commentary. The balance switches to a sad extended family crisis. Throughout, characters are referred to mostly by pronouns, making the reader work to figure out which "she" or "they" is the subject. I was ever-so-briefly amused several times in the first section. There were touching moments in the second section. The entire work is so short that I didn't feel strongly involved at any point.

Several reviewers compare this book's writing style to that of Jenny Offill's. There may be something to that. I've only read one of Offill's books—Dept. of Speculation—to which I had a similar reaction. That is, I was underwhelmed, but I'm not sorry I read it. My bookish friends who have read these books rate them highly.


1 July 2021

The Overstory, Richard Powers
I'm at least putting a pin in this (but, maybe bailing—we'll see) at 18%. The stories so far are pretty interesting, but every one is such a downer. I need to be happy (or excited, or informed) right now.

30 June 2021

June reading recap: 14 books finished (1 bailed)

4-star reads

  • Indivisible, Daniel Aleman
  • You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism, Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar (4+)
  • One Two Three, Laurie Frankel (4+/5-)
  • #1960Now: Photographs of Civil Rights Activists and Black Lives Matter Protests, Sheila Pree Bright (4+)
  • The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin

honorable mention (3+ or 4-)

  • Jim Henson: The Biography, Brian Jay Jones
  • Tilt-a-Whirl (John Ceepak #1),Chris Grabenstein
  • The Elementals, Michael McDowell
  • The Box in the Woods (Truly Devious #4), Maureen Johnson
  • The President's Daughter, Bill Clinton & James Patterson

30 June 2021

The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin 4
Here's a funny story: I log my reading in a number of places—a number I won't admit because it's very possibly pathetic. The reason for this excessive recordkeeping is that I was an early adopter of a digital platform that went belly up with no notice. I lost pretty much all of my records. I still had titles and years that I read works, but not detailed date information, ratings, or reviews. Now I'm afraid of putting all of my eggs in one basket, so to speak. Anyway, when I started reading this title—borrowed from the library—I entered it into my various locations, including LibraryThing, which is the only app in which I designate which books are in my personal library. I got a "duplicate edition" notification. I own the digital audio—hooray! So, I stopped reading the borrowed copy, transferred my bookmarks so far, and started reading my own copy (which, in my defense, I purchased several years ago—I'm not surprised I didn't remember).

This is a slim volume, including a letter to his nephew and an essay. It's powerful and thoughtful. After giving myself some time to digest, I definitely expect to read it again. I may suggest it to one or two of my book discussion groups. That's all I've got for you. Go! Read!


29 June 2021

Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving, Celeste Headlee 3
While I'm not typically a fan of self-help books, I was intrigued by the subtitle: "How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving" (which is so much better than the title, in my humble opinion).

Part I: The Cult of Efficiency gave an interesting history of work (going waaaaay back), and talks about industrialization, changes in productivity, social interaction, leisure time, open office plans, studies on most effective work hours/day, and more. If you're a history or data geek, you might get into this section. At the very least, it got me thinking—and talking—about how many things are wrong about the labor mindset in the USA and possible solutions.

Part II: Leaving the Cult—How to Go from Life Hack to Life Back gives six "Life-Back" ideas, but (again, in my humble opinion) falls short of offering anything really fantastic, fresh, original, or, frankly, doable for the masses. Without a huge change in mindset in the country (the background and fallibilities of which are mentioned in the book), there's little that can be done to improve the plight of the vast majority of the working population. That is, the huge corporations (and the politicians in their back-scratching circles) aren't likely to want to change the wealth distribution—the greater good be damned.


28 June 2021

The President's Daughter, Bill Clinton & James Patterson 3.35
This is the second collaboration between Clinton and Patterson, with a different ex-military POTUS as main character. The story is told from the point of view of (likely too) many characters. Like the first collaboration, I'm rating it slightly above average. As one would expect from both a thriller and Patterson, there is lots of action, which kept me turning the pages. However, I doubt it will stick with me—I think the entertainment value is fleeting.

Pros: political strategy, action, loyalty, talented or powerful women

Cons: graphic violence, went on too long (could have been written and edited more tightly)


26 June 2021

Sippin' Safari, Jeff Berry 4
guest blog post by Tom
First, let me say there are 84 drink recipes scattered across its 315 pages. I haven't read any of them, though that was the original intent. More than a drink recipe book, it's an amazing journey of one man's quest to discover, decode, and publish the secretive combination of ingredients of the great exotic cocktails of the TIki bar. From the beginning of the craze in 1934 Hollywood to the importation of the Polynesian concept to Hawaii (yes, you read that right) and spreading to Las Vegas, Chicago, Florida, and the Caribbean; we are passengers on this fantastic voyage. We meet the many colorful men and women who architected, designed, and sculpted the ambiance; along with the front-line and back-bar workers of the hotels and restaurants that made the Tiki craze what it was (and is). Jeff treats us to their backstories of tragedies, heartbreaks, and successes. We also meet the Hollywood and financial elite that followed their favorite bartenders as they moved to and from various locations, for it is the bartenders (and the secrets they maintained) that are the true heroes of the Tiki bar and of this book.

25 June 2021

#1960Now: Photographs of Civil Rights Activists and Black Lives Matter Protests, Sheila Pree Bright 4.35
"Combining portraits of past and present social justice activists with documentary images from recent protests throughout the country, #1960Now sheds light on the parallels between the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and the Black Lives Matter movement of today." [from back cover]
Mid–April, I attended a virtual program entitled "Documenting Contemporary Social Justice Movements," in which photographer Bright led University of Illinois student staffers of the Daily Illini in conversation about the role of photography in capturing moments of civil unrest. I was able to borrow this book from the Evanston Public Library, which is part of our library consortium. It's wonderful, and I've ordered a copy to add to my personal library.

The introduction was written by Alicia Garza, Cocreator of Black Lives Matter Global Network, and brief essays from others are interspersed between the sections of photography, largely organized by the cities in which they were taken. [The exceptions are the initial "Faces of a Movement" and final "Black Lives Matter Meetings" sections.]

The initial set of photographs are close-up portraits of 1960s and current activists, generally created between 2013 and 2015. The photographs of marches are compelling, heartbreaking, powerful, and beautiful (this may seem an incongruent descriptor—I think you'll recognize the beauty when you see the images yourself).


25 June 2021

The Maidens, Alex Michaelides 2
I had some warning that I wouldn't be as enamored as many by this book, thanks to a friend's review, beginning with "Oh boy, was that silly." This friend is often steps ahead of me in reading the latest releases; and, while our tastes are often quite different, his reviews are thorough, thoughtful, and often amusing. I can usually guess whether I'll like something that he doesn't—or vice versa. Sometimes I just can't resist trying something I don't expect to like, because his review has piqued my curiosity. Anyway, given the genre classification of thriller/mystery (my lifelong favorite), I was anxious to read The Maidens, and—you guessed it—it had been on my Overdrive hold list for months.

Not surprisingly, red herrings abound. That's fine. It didn't take me terribly long, however, to guess the identity of the real killer, who is revealed during a ridiculous monologue at the second-to-last moment of the book. [I don't want to say more about how I identified the real killer for fear of spoiling it for you.] I really became irritated with the epilogue, in which the main character reacts to the reveal so outrageously that I don't buy her very being. Her reaction seemed illogical and uncharacteristic to me.

As always, because reading preferences are so very subjective and personal, you shouldn't be dissuaded from reading this or any other book I review. Maybe—like I have with my friend—you've already figured out pretty well how to gauge your expected enjoyment based on my enjoyment (or lack thereof). It's a handy metric to have.


23 June 2021

The Box in the Woods (Truly Devious #4), Maureen Johnson 3.66
Strictly speaking, this is a spinoff of the YA Truly Devious series—Stevie Bell and her friends are in this book, but it doesn't take place at Ellingham Academy, and it's a "new" mystery (still a cold case, but only going back to the 1970s instead of the 1930s) for Stevie to solve. I might have rated this slightly higher if it were truly a standalone book; but because it refers frequently to the circumstances of the original trilogy, I just can't rate it the same as those books. Note that a single mystery was solved over the course of the original three books. So, this mystery, solved in one book, seems a little rushed by comparison.

Still, it's a pretty good story—good character development, teamwork, and plot twists. In this one, Stevie is approached by the new owner of a summer camp (now operating under a different name) at which four teenage counselors were murdered in the late 1970s. He has heard of Stevie, of course, because she solved the Ellingham mystery; and he wants her to come solve this mystery as fodder for a true crime podcast. As an enticement, she's allowed to bring friends (Nate and Janelle) to "work" at the camp with her as a cover. [David also makes an appearance, but isn't as immediately involved.] Stevie searches for clues on the camp premises, but also within the small nearby community from which the victims came, including interviewing family members and friends of the victims.

If there are more Stevie Bell books coming, I'll happily read them.


21 June 2021

One Two Three, Laurie Frankel 4.5
I don't remember, offhand, the last time I was so very enthralled by a work of fiction. Maybe this was just the right book for me at this moment.

Sixteen-year-old triplets Mab (One), Monday (Two), and Mirabel (Three) Mitchell (the syllables in their names match their birth order) live in a small town whose water was poisoned by a chemical company before their births. Pets, plant life, and wild animals all died. People contracted cancers and other maladies. Many children were born with congenital anomalies (including Mirabel). Their dad, who worked in the plant, died weeks before the triplets were born. Their mom, Nora, has been fighting ever since to get justice for her family and town. After the damage is done, the chemical company deserts the plant and leaves town, never taking any responsibility for the devastation it left in its wake.

The story is narrated by the three girls, each in their own chapters labeled by their number (so, don't lose your place—how would you know which Chapter 1, Chapter 2, or Chapter 3 you were reading?!). The audiobook was fantastically done, including sections of Mirabel's voice simulated to resemble use of an AAC device. [The bulk of Mirabel's chapters are voiced as her thoughts.] Their very different personalities come through.

During the course of the story, we get to know present and past townspeople fairly well. There's lots of heartache/death/illness, but also a fair amount of humor and mystery.


18 June 2021

The Other Black Girl, Zakiya Dalila Harris 2
Get ready for an unpopular opinion. . . . I do not get the buzz around The Other Black Girl in the least. I believe we're supposed to be rooting for main character Nella, but she's spineless, insecure, and indecisive. I'm sure I could come up with more negative descriptors. She never rises to meet what challenges her.

I haven't experienced Get Out, so I can't speak to that comparison. I see why some people are comparing this to Stepford Wives, though I'm not sure that's the best comparison either.

From both the genres and subjects described, this book should have been a major hit with me. Instead, I thought it was tedious, repetitive, overly long, and anticlimactic. I saw coming what I think some are thinking was a twist from the outset of the story. The reasoning behind/end goal of what was happening to Nella is patently ridiculous. There are some alternate points of view thrown in occasionally that seem unnecessary and distracting. Then, suddenly, the author decides we're done, and tacks on an epilogue that does nothing to either make sense of the long, tedious journey or offer any excitement.

This is one of those times that I'm sorry a seemingly promising upcoming book hogged a precious hold slot in Overdrive. At least I didn't buy this one.


15 June 2021

You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism, Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar 4.35
This is not my usual antiracist/racial justice fare. Maybe the atypical delivery system will reach a broader audience? We can certainly hope so.

Amber Ruffin, a writer and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, lives in New York City. Her older sister, Lacey Lamar, still lives and works in Nebraska, where they were raised. So, while Amber is not immune to racial microaggressions, it's Lacey who is subjected daily to both overt and unintentional racist words and acts. Most of the book is a series of retellings of Lacey's experiences from childhood to the present. You'll probably laugh; you might also cry (or wince, or fume, or all of the above).

I read the text with my ears (narrated by the sisters), though I previously borrowed a print edition so I wouldn't miss out on the photos. I recommend both.


14 June 2021

My first five books of Summer Reading are in the bag!

#readingcolorsyourworld #bookdragon #everydayisreadingday


14 June 2021

Indivisible, Daniel Aleman 4
Mexican American high-schooler Mateo lives in New York City with his parents—who have lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years, but are undocumented—and 7-year-old sister, Sophie. The parents own a bodega, at which Mateo works part time, and are pillars of their community—not only selling wholesome, affordable food (sometimes on account or heavily discounted), but also mentoring at least one young man and pulling him out of gang life. One day, Mateo arrives at the bodega after to school to discover that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken both parents into custody (to separate facilities—there is stark description of both), leaving Mateo and Sophie alone to fend for themselves.

Supporting characters include Mateo's best friends Kimmie (Asian American and white—her boyfriend, Darryl, is Black) and Adam (Italian American), and "uncle" Jorge (the young man mentored by Mateo's parents) and his wife Amy.

In addition to Mateo's family's story, bodega employee Erica eventually shares

SPOILER ALERT—click to reveal that her dad was deported to El Salvador when she was 3 years old, but that there were people there ready to kill him if he returned. So, he sought asylum in Canada.

Indivisible is a work of realistic fiction. This happens to people in our own communities. Several young men whose families were in this position were close personal friends/running "brothers" of my Number Two Son.

Pro: diversity, LGBTQ representation, deep relationships, frank description of the devastation caused by deportation.


12 June 2021

The Break-Up Book Club, Wendy Wax 3
The Break-Up Book Club is told in four alternating voices. Several other women's stories are also told, via one of the main four. If you're in the mood for a soap opera-ish read (and have few expectations), this might fit the bill. Pro: book club, friendships, a little twist at the end.

9 June 2021

The Elementals, Michael McDowell 3.66
Horror is not in my preferred genres box, generally. I don't remember why I gave this one a chance, but I'm glad I did. I suppose it's not my first southern gothic. The Elementals is on slow-simmer creepy for most of the book, leading up to a horrific free-for-all at the end.

Outside of the supernatural aspects, the relationships are key: between friends, between parents and children (of all ages) and grandchildren, between adult siblings, between the families and the maid.

One thing that confused and irritated me is that seemingly every time maid Odessa Red pops up in the story (which is a lot), the author refers to her as "the Black woman." Why? It was distracting and weird.


6 June 2021

Tilt-a-Whirl (John Ceepak #1), Chris Grabenstein 3.35
Tilt-a-Whirl is the first in an occasionally humorous adult mystery series by the author of the Mr. Lemoncello's Library mystery series for middle-graders (for which a movie adaptation also exists). Main character John Ceepak is a former MP (Military Police) member just back from Iraq and working for a buddy at a small seaside police department.

At least this first installment is told from the viewpoint of Ceepak's 24-year-old partner, Danny Boyle, who isn't actually a police officer (doesn't carry a gun and works limited hours)—he seems mostly to serve as Ceepak's chauffeur and assistant. I have the second and third installments in my personal library as well. The first was entertaining enough that I'll keep reading the series.


3 June 2021

Jim Henson: The Biography, Brian Jay Jones 3.35
This biography came highly recommended by several people near and dear to me. I wanted—and expected—to like it just as much as they did.

I was three when Sesame Street started, and 10 when The Muppet Show hit the airwaves, so I grew up loving the Muppets (and I've never stopped). I shared that love with my kids when they were growing up. The mother–son dance song at Number One Son's wedding was "Fuzzy and Blue." All this is to show that I have great affection for/admiration of Henson's work.

The book includes plenty of interesting personal and professional details. I learned interesting nuggets about Henson's growth and methods as a puppeteer, artist, and businessperson. Getting a feel for his relationships with family and colleagues was interesting, as well.

It's tough being human, and tougher still, I imagine, to be in the public eye. This is where my enjoyment of the bio fell. I wouldn't want the author to be exceedingly harsh in his portrayal—that is, I'm not interested in scandal or sensationalism. But, neither did I feel comfortable with the way that the author seemed to sugarcoat Henson's interpersonal challenges: extramarital affairs, months at a time living away from his wife and children, and many mentions of bad feelings within the Henson organization—situations the person in charge should have handled.

In a nutshell, I'm pro Henson's artistic vision and talent. I'll try to leave the rest behind.


1 June 2021

Hooray—the summer reading program has officially begun! Get all the details (and a coloring page) here. Register and get logging. I have!

31 May 2021

May reading recap: 16 books finished

4-star reads

  • Superior Donuts, Tracy Letts
  • Half Empty, David Rakoff
  • Dear Martin (Dear Martin #1), Nic Stone
  • The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation, Natalie Y. Moore (4+)
  • Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson
  • Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon, Patty Lovell

honorable mention (3+)

  • Jungle Night, Sandra Boynton
  • People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry
  • While Justice Sleeps,Stacey Abrams
  • The Upside of Unrequited, Becky Albertalli


27 May 2021

Version Zero, David Yoon 2.5
You may remember that I read Yoon's Frankly in Love earlier in the month. My initial thought early in my reading of his latest, Version Zero, was "Maybe David Yoon is not the author for me." In the two of Yoon's books I've now read, both main characters are characterized as very smart young men. Whatever their supposed intellectual gifts, neither character reads as particularly smart in other ways, nor is either of them tremendously interesting or appealing.

In Version Zero, main character Max is fired from his job as a data expert at a social media giant after he questions why the company's data-mining practices are so intrusive and how they're using the data. He recruits his best friend/long-time crush, Akiko (who still works for the company), and her boyfriend, Shane, to set things right for humanity—not just in terms of data mining, but also taking aim at how social media gives people a convenient platform for spreading their evil racist and violent attitudes that they wouldn't dare discuss in public. The original three are joined on their quest by another social media giant's reclusive ex-leader and that man's teen neighbor.

The message of the evils of social media—from the corporate operations/operators, to its addictive qualities as a source from which to garner attention and validation, to its use by delusional racists and conspiracy theorists to rally their "causes"—is obvious and a bit repetive. This theme, of course, was central to Dave Eggers' The Circle, published in 2013.

The book takes a bizarre (and exceedingly violent) turn toward the end. Consider yourself warned.


25 May 2021

The Janus Stone (Ruth Galloway #2), Elly Griffiths 3
I didn't like this installment nearly as much as the first Ruth Galloway book. I think it's less complex—less mystery and more extraneous, less-interesting narrative.

Content warnings: murdered child (also decapitated), infidelity.


23 May 2021

The Upside of Unrequited, Becky Albertalli 3.35
This is the second book in the Simonverse (though not part of the Creekwood Series—how confusing is that?!), and it's mostly pretty cute (though not as cute as Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda). Really, its only relationship to Simon is that main character Molly's cousin Abby moved to Creekwood and joined Simon's squad, so Simon and Abby have a couple of cameos in this book.

As is typical in Albertalli's books, there are relationships galore: teen romances, friendships, and extended family relationships (siblings, parents, aunts, grandmothers, cousins).

Not much happens in the book, and you know going in how things are going to land (at least if you read the book summary). But it was a nice, easy read to break up my tendency toward heavy and/or tense book content.

If you're sensitive to swearing (or are picking books for someone who is), this is probably not a book for you.


22 May 2021

Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon, Patty Lovell 4
This sequel (second book of three to date) is adorable! Molly is once again inspired by her grandma's wisdom. In this book, the focus is on creative play.

20 May 2021

While Justice Sleeps, Stacey Abrams 3.35
While I have read Stacey Abrams' two solo nonfiction/political books (she has contributed to several others), this is the first of her fiction I've read (her previous fiction, written under the name Selina Montgomery, has been in the romance genre—enough said).

In a nutshell: Main character Avery Keene is a law clerk for a U.S. Supreme Court Justice who sets her up to solve a mystery and save the day when he names her his guardian before ending up in a coma.

Pro: thriller; set in Washington DC [one of my favorite places to visit, and specifically naming Kramerbooks (now called Kramer's), among other sites]; political insiders; mystery/puzzle solving; strong, smart female characters, including Avery, her doctor friend/roommate, and the Chief Justice

Con: multiple complete implausibilties (e.g. Avery signing something her boss hands her without reading it, and Avery escaping from the watchful eye of one or another security/law enforcement members on several occasions); over-explaining


19 May 2021

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson 4
Caste is being discussed at the first in-person event for my League of Women Voters chapter in over a year. Somehow, it makes the event feel more momentous.

I flagged the heck out of this book. There were so many passages I wanted to have handy for sharing during discussion. I won't share all of the flagged topics here; but they included comparisons between the caste systems in the U.S., India, and Nazi Germany; lynching in the U.S.; discussions of medical and wealth disparities between castes; personal experiences of the author being subjected to racist attacks; and much more. I've read so many books on the subject in recent years that I'm seeing quite a bit of overlap, which might account for me not rating this one even higher (not that I'm rating it poorly, to be sure).

The text—not counting the notes—comes to almost 400 pages, but it was interesting enough that I got carried away with reading in long sessions, to the detriment of all other activities. [This was actually lucky in that I waited quite late to start because I was hoping to be able to borrow it from the library. Eventually I had to pony up and purchase it because I didn't make it to the top of the hold list in time.] There are a few topics that Wilkerson repeats almost verbatim in multiple chapters, which I found only mildly annoying (not enough to discourage reading or recommending).


19 May 2021

We’ve been yarn bombed!

Among former PPLD Trustee Valerie Sherman’s many talents are knitting, crocheting, and yarn bombing. She has appeared on several newscasts and in newspapers for her fantastic installations in Chicago. Today, I visited with her while she installed her latest creation on our library bike racks east of the main entrance. I’ll have to check out the finished project next time I visit the library.

Can you guess what the project is? [click to reveal] It’s the Very Hungry Caterpillar! You guessed right, didn’t you?

Thanks, Valerie, for bringing some extra sunshine to Palatine Public Library!


19 May 2021

[images by PPLD]

Hey, neighbors: check out this year's super-cute and fun summer reading T-shirt! There will be events at which you can decorate your T during the course of the program. As always, you can register and start logging as of June 1.


16 May 2021

The Making of Asian America: A History, Erika Lee 3
My regular book discussion group chose this in honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. We'll be discussing selected chapters, though I ended up reading the entire book because Hoopla's audiobook interface leaves a lot to be desired. [In this case, I was most hampered by the lack of chapter markings. It also bothers me that I can't make notes on my bookmarks like I can in any other digital audiobook app].

Given that only the most cursory mention was made during my formal education about the Chinese immigrants who built the Transcontinental Railroad and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II—and no mention at all of the vast majority of Asian immigration to the United States of America—this volume is necessary. The bottom line is that the U.S. has always been willing to exploit others' work for its gain, without extending the benefit of basic human rights, let alone welcome and care.

I don't know if the narrator or the writing is to blame for the overall tediousness of the audiobook. Maybe it's a combination. Perhaps when I skim the print edition to review a few notes I took (manually, because Hoopla), I'll feel a greater admiration for the book.


13 May 2021

People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry 3.35
Just by virtue of not irritating the heck out of me at the last minute (as Henry's Beach Read did), I'm going to nudge People We Meet on Vacation's rating up a smidge.

Henry gets a nod for starting the book with Poppy and Alex meeting at a party as they begin their freshman year at the University of Chicago, even though it really has nothing to do with anything. The main characters hail from the same area, but have never met (implausible). Their friendship doesn't begin that first night, but at the end of the school year. Subsequently, they take annual vacations together—even though Alex has returned to their hometown and Poppy has settled in New York City, and regardless of their romantic relationship status with others at any given time—until two summers ago when something went terribly wrong on their trip. The storyline hops from vacation to vacation, out of order, multiple times.

The story is entirely predictable, as books of its ilk tend to be, but the ride is adequately entertaining. I'm not disappointed that I spent time on it.


11 May 2021

The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation, Natalie Y. Moore 4.35
Natalie Moore and I both grew up on the South Side of Chicago, but had wildly different experiences. Was it because I'm a few years older than she (less than a decade, if I figured correctly)? Nope. It's because of the city's history of segregation. Even though Chicago's population is fairly evenly divided between Black, white, and Latino, each group has been—and continues to be—effectively restricted to their own fairly homogenous neighborhoods. [I was raised in one of the few more-diverse neighborhoods—Hyde Park—where the author now lives.]

Moore packs a lot into this book, covering racist policies around housing and education, lack of development/investment in Black neighborhoods, crime stats and perceptions of criminality, and discussion of race vs. class issues, to name a few. She also shares some possible solutions.


9 May 2021

Frankly in Love, David Yoon 2.66
In honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, I chose this YA novel about Korean-American high school senior Frank Li, who hides his relationship with a white girl (who uses the term "European-American" to describe herself) by pretending to date a Korean-American girl, Joy Song, who is actually dating a boy unsuitable in her parents' eyes. Frank and Joy's parents are longtime friends, which makes the (fake) pairing even better in the eyes of the parents . . . until it doesn't.

I wasn't as engaged by this story as many of the YA books I read (especially those that have a racial justice theme). It was fairly repetitive—or maybe it just wasn't as well-crafted and cohesive as similar books. Also, I find it hard to believe (and gratingly impossible to overlook) that a Stanford-bound AP student wouldn't have better grammar skills than Frank.

On the plus side, there was an interesting bit about code-switching, and bits throughout about the Korean and American names for people and the cultural importance of them both having either seven or nine characters (lucky numbers).


6 May 2021

Arsenic and Adobo (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #1), Mia P. Manansala 3.0
Lila moves from Chicago back to her hometown to escape a bad break-up and help save her aunt's restaurant. Instead, she becomes a murder suspect and her aunt's restaurant is shut down because it's the murder scene.

The author's note at the start of the book includes some content warnings. There are recipes at the end of the book. In the body, there's all the usual cozy mystery fare. I'm not typically a cozy mystery reader. This one—the first in a new series—entertained me well enough. I might choose to read the next installment if it crosses my path at the right time.


4 May 2021

Dear Martin (Dear Martin #1), Nic Stone 4
This YA book about present-day race relations in and around a predominantly white prep school in Atlanta centers on Black, Ivy League–bound Justyce McAllister. Jus takes to journaling letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a way of working through his feelings and experiences.

While the end is somewhat clipped, the brevity of the book (224 pages) is welcome—overall, the story is well-rounded and deep enough. I'd rather be mostly satisfied/left wanting little more than to be dragged along endlessly without sufficient additional material, as is too-often the case.

YA readers and readers interested in social justice shouldn't hesitate to read Dear Martin.


4 May 2021

[images and text by PPLD]

Simple acts of kindness can change the world! Participate in our Be Kind Challenge this Spring: May 1–22. Complete 10 or more squares to be entered to win a prize!

Fill out our entry form (You can participate as an individual or work together as a family. Please print legibly.) Return your completed sheet through email: tpadal@palatinelibrary.org or bring it in-person to both Palatine Library Locations.

Get all the details here.


3 May 2021

[images and text by PPLD]

Need Volunteer Hours this Summer?

We are on the hunt for Teen Volunteers! Book Buddies, Craft Crews, Instagrammers, Letter Makers, Seed Squad Members, and Teen Renovation Ambassadors.

We can't wait to hear from you! Applications Available May 1–15. Follow this link to find the application online.


3 May 2021

Half Empty, David Rakoff 4
Years ago, I saw a list of the supposedly funniest books written by Canadians (I am half Canadian). Actually, it might have listed books that weren't humorous as well; but I'm always up for a good laugh, so that's what I took from the list. I can't find the original article anymore, which isn't really a problem, because I added the books I wanted to my own list and I started my quest to obtain them. Some have been pretty easy to get, including one by Samantha Bee, as she has become a resident of the USA quite popular in certain circles. This one was among those that was not so easy to obtain. I was eventually rewarded for my relentless search with a previously loved (used) hardcover edition in excellent condition for a song. It has been sitting on my shelves since August of 2019.

It is funny. It's also sharp, dark, snarky, heartbreaking . . . all this in a modest 224 pages.

David Rakoff spent a good portion of his adult life (sadly cut short by cancer) living in the USA, so don't shy away from the essays if you don't have a personal connection to Canada (unless, of course, if you also have no connection to the USA, in which case you may not relate much to his experiences). He wrote for a number of periodicals, including The New York Times Magazine, GQ, and Vogue, and acted Off-Broadway and in film.


1 May 2021

Superior Donuts, Tracy Letts 4
We recently rewatched the television comedy series based on this play, so it seemed like a good time to finally read the play. There are strong similarities, of course, but the tone of the play is darker—more drama than comedy (although there is some humor).

Both play and TV series take place in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. Anything set anywhere in Chicago already has my attention. The cast of both is racially diverse, which is also a plus. The two leads are Arthur Przbyszewski (pronounced Shub-er-shef-ski)—a 59-year-old Polish-American donut shop owner in the play; older in the TV series—and Franco Wicks—a 21-year-old African-American (in the play—I don't remember if his age was mentioned specifically in the series, but clearly meant to be in his 20s; he's an aspiring writer in the play, but an artist in the series)—who works for Arthur. The meat of both play and series is Arthur's and Franco's developing friendship.

Reader reviews of the play run the gamut. I'm glad to have read it and wouldn't hesitate to see it performed on stage.


Jungle Night, Sandra Boynton 3.35
Sandra Boynton's new board book has jungle animal friends and a zinger of an ending. It also has two downloadable companion audio tracks—one of her son, Keith Boynton, narrating the story; the other, music by Yo-Yo Ma. It's fun for the whole family.

Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon, Patty Lovell 2.66
I may be unfairly comparing this to the first MLM book: Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon; but this third MLM appearance just didn't excite me. [I've put a hold on the second book, whose existence I just discovered today.] Still, it includes little lessons about self esteem, creativity, taking responsibility, and friendship. The illustrations are colorful and active.

30 April 2021

April reading recap: 17 books finished (not including 2 bailed)

4-star reads (unless otherwise noted)

  • The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, Heather McGhee (4+/5-)

  • Broken (in the best possible way), Jenny Lawson
  • Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution, Vashon Jordan Jr.
  • Nothing More Dangerous, Allen Eskens (4+)

honorable mention (3+ to 4- stars)

  • The Clockwork Ghost (York #2), Laura Ruby (3+/4-)

  • The Map of Stars (York #3), Laura Ruby (4-)
  • Life's Too Short (The Friend Zone #3), Abby Jimenez (3+)
  • Orlando People, Alexander C. Kane (4-)
  • Kate in Waiting, Becky Albertalli (3+)
  • The Chicken Sisters, K.J. Dell'Antonia (4-)
  • The Wizards of Once (The Wizards of Once #1), Cressida Cowell (4-)

30 April 2021

The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken (Vish Puri #3), Tarquin Hall
This is the third full-length installment in a series of which I gave the first two a middle-of-the-road 3 stars (I actually gave the first a 3-; my notes on the second say "cute"). I picked this one up out of desperation because my Overdrive pipeline is dry as a bone. The series isn't horrible—it just doesn't do anything for me. I need more than meh—moving on. [bailed at 50%]

29 April 2021

Dial A for Aunties, Jesse Q. Sutanto 2.5
If my Overdrive pipeline wasn't dry, I might not have finished Dial A for Aunties. There were aspects of the story that were well done—some funny bits and little twists that became interesting toward the end. However, the writing, in general, was a bit tedious.

The author's note "Dear Reader" was interesting. Sutanto talks about how all of her grandparents moved from China to Indonesia between 1920 and 1930, and changed their Chinese names to Indonesian names to protect themselves from xenophobia. She also talked about how many languages are spoken by everyone in the family.

If you're in need of a quick and silly diversion, this may fit the bill.


28 April 2021

The Sellout, Paul Beatty 2.66
What this Booker Prize–winner does well, it does very, very well. Sadly, the rest detracts from the moments of brilliance so greatly that I was eager for the book to end. This is part of my personal library, so I'll be able to revisit the handful of inspired snippets I bookmarked.

Pro: descriptive language, clever satire, truth-telling. Con: so much repetition, taking the satire too far.


26 April 2021

The Wizards of Once (The Wizards of Once #1), Cressida Cowell 3.66
The Wizards of Once is my third consecutive light read, providing much-needed relief to my weary soul.

This is a middle-school fantasy read, so it's far less dark than much of my reading, and there are moral lessons sprinkled throughout. There's also quite a bit of humor. Narration by David Tennant was rich and delightful—a real bonus to reading with one's ears.

Cowell opens with this Albert Einstein quote:

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world.

Wizard Xar (son of head wizard Encanzo) and warrior Wish (daughter of Queen Sychorax) are raised to hate each other, but end up working together to get themselves out of trouble they created for themselves.

This nugget of humorous wisdom should resonate with kids and their parents alike:

"Well, I wouldn't say lovely, exactly," said Bodkin gloomily. "SCARY. That's what she is. SCARY. She is one scary mother."

"She's a queen and a mother and it's a mother's job to be scary," said Wish.

This may be a mild spoiler, appearing late in the story, so I'll give you the option of skipping it. It shows that lessons can be learned by parents as well as children.

SPOILER ALERT—click to reveal"It is far, far better to have a son who has no Magic than to have no son at all." —Encanzo

I'll definitely consider reading the next installment (there are four) . . . maybe even soon.


24 April 2021

[photo by Dominika Roseclay from Pexels; text by PPLD]

2021 Poetry Contest Wrap-Up and Winners

In celebration of National Poetry Month, we hosted our 12th annual poetry contest. We received over 150 poems from poets of all ages.

Winners were selected by professional local poets who served as contest judges. Nancy Heggem donated prizes for the award named in her honor. Nonresident awards were selected by poets Kate Hutchinson and Terry Loncaric.

Winners of the Nancy J. Heggem Awards received a certificate and $25 cash prize. Winners of the Write On! Awards received a certificate and $25 Barnes and Noble gift card. Prizes were announced at an open mic hosted via Zoom on Saturday, April 24.

2021 Nancy J. Heggem Awards

Adult—Winner: “At the Soul Factory” by Lynda Appino

Adult—Honorable Mention: “Where Do the Dandelion Seeds Go” by Deborah Di Verde

Teen—Winner: “They Told Me My Name Was” by Hannah Labonar

Teen—Honorable Mention: “Towards the North Star” by Debdutta Mandal

Youth (Upper Elementary)—Winner: “What is a Poem” by Gabe Lee

Youth (Upper Elementary)—Honorable Mention: “United” by Caleb Medina

Youth (Lower Elementary)—Winner: “Seasons” by Sophia Lee

Youth (Lower Elementary)—Honorable Mention: “Familia" (Acrostic) by Danna Rodriguez

2021 Write On! Poetry Awards

Adult/Teen—Winner: “Copenhagen” by Toni Diol

Adult/Teen—Honorable Mention: “Conduct Becoming an Officer” by Nancy Claassen

Youth—Winner: “A Howl” by Alisha Kuehner

Links to the winning poems may be found here.


24 April 2021

The Chicken Sisters, K.J. Dell'Antonia 3.66
The Chicken Sisters was a nice (and much-needed) break—it didn't demand anything, intellectually. Two family-owned fried chicken joints in Kansas—started by sisters in the 1800s and passed through several generations—battle for title and cash prize on a TV reality show. Generations of family misunderstandings are, obviously, the bulk of the book. But, wait, there's more! [You have to discover the more for yourself.]

I dinged the rating a bit over a couple/few mildly/moderately unpleasant characters. I raised the rating a bit to recognize and appreciate the depth and breadth of multi-generational relationships, a bit of mystery, and the aforementioned easy reading.

If you like family drama and/or food TV, this might be for you. And, yes, I was craving fried chicken through much of the story!


23 April 2021

Happy World Book Day—proposed by The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a day of celebrating the joy of reading for enjoyment!

I’m currently reading The Chicken Sisters, by K.J. Dell'Antonia, and Superior Donuts, by Tracy Letts. What are you reading now?

#WorldBookDay #23April #EveryDayIsDebbyBookDay


22 April 2021

Kate in Waiting, Becky Albertalli 3.35
This is my fifth Albertalli book, landing sort of middle of the pack—neither my favorite (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) nor my least favorite (Leah on the Offbeat).

Kate and her squad are theatre kids, which is just plain fun. During the course of the story, they're working on Once Upon a Mattress—one of the most fun musicals ever.

Glows: gay and trans characters treated as the friends/family members they are in our real lives, and relationships (romantic, platonic, familial) with normal ups and downs. Grows: there was a really slow, sort of painful chunk—maybe it could have been edited down a bit to eliminate the lull.


20 April 2021

Nothing More Dangerous, Allen Eskens 4.35
This is my third Eskens book, and I've put three more on my TBR list.

Nothing More Dangerous is a prequel to The Life We Bury. In this book, Boady Sanden is 15 (and the main character).

The Life We Bury and The Shadows We Hide both impressed me with their twistiness and character relationships. The mystery in Nothing More Dangerous didn't surprise me. I'll forgive that because Eskens was absolutely on-fire with the overall storytelling and relationships in this book. I rated the other two 4 stars; I'm giving this one 4.35 (4+).


19 April 2021

The Souvenir Museum, Elizabeth McCracken 2
If you're looking for fun, sunny, or sweet, these are not the stories you're looking for (no, really—this isn't a Star Wars reference). However, if you're looking for lots of family drama and sorrow, with very little humor or happiness, have at it. There are several stories that follow one or both of the same couple at different times in their lives.

17 April 2021

The Queen's Road, R.S. Belcher 2.66
What started out as a fun, engaging sci-fi/multiple-worlds quest with a Men In Black feel turned into an epic battle snore. [After reading, I learned that Belcher did a novelization of Men In Black, so I guess my feeling was justified.]

15 April 2021

Hard Rain (Rogue Book 1), Irma Venter 2.66
I had such high hopes for Hard Rain, which appeared to be right up my alley—mystery/thriller, about a journalist and a photographer, set in Africa (where I've never been, so it offered an interesting locale).

Alex (journalist) could have been/started as a likeable character, but was quickly diminished by his association with Ranna (beautiful photographer with a shady past), who is not the least bit likeable (nor was I sympathetic to her). Some peripheral characters were marginally interesting, but they weren't developed or used sufficiently to carry the show.

This is the first in a series that I am unlikely to continue reading, even though the author doesn't even try to wrap up anything at the end of the installment, surely expecting us to be anxious for the next installment.


15 April 2021

The Atomic Weight of Love, Elizabeth J. Church
Wildly popular (with others) books like this are why I'm so jaded about the historical fiction genre. I had hoped—and maybe even dared to expect—to join the bandwagon of love for this book. Instead, I was thoroughly frustrated and annoyed throughout the portion I read.

Meridian attends the University of Chicago (where I grew up) and was about the age of my grandmother (who attended U of C, like Meri). Sadly, none of the characters I met in the first nearly-quarter of the story were even a tiny bit appealing, and I was bored to tears with their drama.

If you love historical fiction, give it a try. Me not liking it means more for you . . . or at least less competition on the holds list.


13 April 2021

Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution, Vashon Jordan Jr. 4
There are stark contrasts in this collection of images: the anguish of the social injustice spurring the protests vs. demonstrators dancing together at the conclusion of an event; the threatening presence of armed, riot gear–clad police (and a few counterprotestors) vs. children playing or observing and musicians performing. Throughout the collection, it's made clear that Chicagoans of all shades and backgrounds joined together, during a pandemic, to stand for racial and social justice.

The photographs included in the book were culled from over 17,000 photographs this young photographer took to chronicle dozens of demonstrations taking place between May and September 2020. I'm hoping to attend a virtual program this week about the role of photography in capturing moments of civil unrest. That event was the perfect impetus for getting this book off my TBR pile where it sat taunting me for weeks.


13 April 2021

Orlando People, Alexander C. Kane 3.66
Having enjoyed Kane's first two Andrea Vernon books (a third is, apparently, in the works), I happily took the risk of buying the unrelated Orlando People on sale last year.

I was rewarded! All of Kane's books are science fiction on the goofy side. This one, I thought had a more intricate plot than the Andrea Vernon books, with more relationships weaving together over the course of the story. Main character Gretch is described as a dud, but makes good with courage, sensitivity, and humor.

I needed this romp this week.


12 April 2021

The Bookshop at Water's End, Patti Callahan Henry 1.66
I'm so very disappointed in this that I wonder if I'm being overly generous with my rating. Maybe I'm trying to console myself over the fact that I bought instead of borrowed it (audio not available from our library). Rats!

The bulk of the book is repetitive—the same scenes, present and past, told essentially the same way. There is lots of angst. It's supposed to be oh-so-mysterious—what happened way back when Bonny and Lainey were "summer sisters" at Bonny's parents' beach house? The story alternates between past and present, starting with their introduction when the girls are 11 through their early 50s, when they return to the beach house as Bonny prepares it for sale.

First of all, don't get excited about the bookshop in the title. Its relationship to the story is minimal.

The main characters are unlikeable. The few fairly-appealing supporting characters don't get nearly enough attention. [There are some completely unlikeable supporting characters, too.]

Bonny's resolution is totally predictable. Lainey's is almost as predictable. Bonny's naughty young-adult daughter, Piper, is predictable—and boring—throughout, though she does warm to Lainey's young children and has tiny moments of redemption when she kidsits for them.

All in all, I think I'm done with novels that use books and bookstores in the title. What teases!


12 April 2021

[photo by cottonbro from Pexels]

Happy National Drop Everything and Read Day! You don't have to ask me twice!


11 April 2021

Life's Too Short (The Friend Zone #3), Abby Jimenez 3.35
You know that I'm not a fan of the romance genre, as a rule. Apparently, Abby Jimenez is one of the very few romance authors I actually enjoy. Life's Too Short is the third in a series. I liked the first book slightly more (according to my records more than my memory). I haven't read the second installment yet. Oops! [Actually, it sounds like it's not critical to read them in order—yay!]

I was still mildly disappointed at the lack of communication between Vanessa and Adrian that results in a delay in launching their romantic relationship. I was seriously annoyed by the poor communication between them after they become a couple. I think that's the entirety of my cons list.

On the postive side, there are some fun secondary and tertiary characters (including an adorable baby), there is lots of humor, and I like Vanessa and Adrian (individually and collectively).


10 April 2021

Broken (in the best possible way), Jenny Lawson 4
Anyone who has read and enjoyed Lawson in the past should grab this book as soon as humanly possible. As in her earlier books, she's frank about her mental health challenges, and those parts are sad, poignant, and/or infuriating, as would be expected. Also as expected, however, is how incredibly hilarious she is! The ever-patient Victor is back, of course, along with a collection of creatively named animals (whether pets or in the wild; my favorite is Hisstopher Columbus). I especially enjoyed the chapters devoted to introverts and editors (I am both). Behold this glorious moment, with the caveat that I read with my ears, and can't confirm who won this battle (nor how it is punctuated—I'll be interested to see how it appears in print):

Editor: "There is no hyphen in the word 'douchecanoe.'"

Me: "Nope. You are wrong and I am willing to die on this hill. Do not make me flip this table!"

While the book was written prepandemic, it was recorded nine months into quarantine, with Jenny narrating from her closet.

Overall this was a delightful read. I've already put it on my wish list for my personal library—I expect to enjoy it again in the future.


8 April 2021

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, Heather McGhee 4.5
I read a lot of books about racism and social justice, and they typically merit high marks. This one is even a step or two above most.

The Sum of Us is a meaty, thorough look at how racism hurts all of us in terms of the economy, employment, housing, health, safety, education, climate change, relationships, and community—it's all here. McGhee is thorough and persistent, but nonthreatening. She makes a compelling case for a transformation—not a reconciliation—being needed in the US.

The book doesn't qualify for a 5-star rating in part because of how many times "zero-sum game" is used. Even so, it's an excellent and important read.


4 April 2021

The Map of Stars (York #3), Laura Ruby 3.66
The final installment was slightly more satisfying than the second and slightly less satisfying than the first.

Ruby does a good job both of foreshadowing throughout the series and of bringing back elements and themes from earlier in the series. [These are two different—though related—things, in my mind. I'm having a hard time figuring out how to express that better.] I have no way of knowing whether I would have noticed/appreciated each/every instance if I had done my reading only at the time of their respective publication (2017, 2019, 2020), instead of rereading the first not quite a month before reading (for the first time) the second and third parts. I didn't feel blindsided by any plot point—that is, nothing came completely out of nowhere.

As in the other books, there are nods to racial and social justice. Ruby handled these sections well—not in an overhanded way, but presenting things in a very natural way (just part of the characters' lives). Sometimes, she gave useful historical background.

I was ever-so-slightly disappointed with the book/series ending. That disappointment might be fading already, and it may just be that I don't want to say goodbye to the characters or the story quite yet.


2 April 2021

The Clockwork Ghost (York #2), Laura Ruby 3.5
The second installment of the middle-school steampunk mystery adventure York trilogy picks up immediately after the events of the first, and is much slower and less exciting. It isn't until almost 90% in that things really start shakin'! The tail end of the book has several exciting cliffhangers. I'm glad that I have the final installment on-deck. [In truth, I'm already 36% in to the final book as I write this, the afternoon after finishing part two. That's how anxious I am to find out what happens next.]

One of Tess, Theo, and Jaime's findings seems like a time capsule full of societal ills that have been solved by the time of their story. That is, the items inside are confusing to the children, who don't understand why these things or circumstances would have existed. The series includes diverse characters, racially and religiously.

I can't share much without spoilers, so I'll just say that you should read the books in order. Ready? Go!


31 March 2021

March reading recap: 13 books finished (not including 2 bailed)

4-star reads

  • The Shadow Cipher (York #1), Laura Ruby

  • This Is My America, Kim Johnson
  • Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, Beverly Daniel
  • Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago's South Side, Lee Bey (4.5)

honorable mention (3+ to 4- stars)

  • Hench, Natalie Zina (3+/4-)

  • We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders, Linda Sarsour (3+)
  • Later, Stephen King (4-)
  • How to Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide, Crystal Marie Fleming (3+)

30 March 2021

Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago's South Side, Lee Bey 4.5
I was introduced to Southern Exposure by a friend who now lives in Chicago and is using the book as a tour guide. Her posts about her personal visits to the highlighted sites have been just as enjoyable as the book itself.

I grew up in the South Side neighborhood of Hyde Park, and have always had an interest in architecture. I'm also an age-mate of the author's, though we went to different high schools and have never met. We have personal connections, which warms me.

The book is full of gorgeous photographs of architecturally and socially important buildings. In addition to text describing the buildings and their significance, the author highlights the gross inequities in treatment of the South Side people, neighborhoods, and structures. For instance, Bey talks about two nearly identical school buildings—one on the North Side and one on the South Side. The former is a landmark—protected and maintained—the latter is not. This is just one of many examples given of ways that the South Side is left to rot. It's unconscionable.

I recommend this for anyone interested in Chicago, architecture, photography, racial and social justice, urban planning . . . pretty much anyone.


30 March 2021

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, Beverly Daniel Tatum 4
I've just finished, so I haven't had time to absorb or to review and reconsider sections I bookmarked. That may happen closer to my book club meeting.

This book is more academic in tone than some of the antiracist books I've been reading. That works for me, overall. The author uses examples from her personal experience (including in raising her children) and from her teaching and lecturing experience. While the focus is on Black experiences, there are also Native, Asian, Latinx, and Muslim perspectives.


25 March 2021

[graphic and text by PPLD]

The staff and Board of Palatine Library District stand in support of Asian and Pacific Islanders who are experiencing an increase in hate crime, violence, and harassment. Palatine Library District does this in solidarity with the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), Illinois Library Association (ILA), American Library Association (ALA) and the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), recognizing and strongly condemning the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States.

Asian and Pacific Islanders should feel safe and free from racial discrimination in all public spaces. At Palatine Library District, it is our mission to welcome everyone to access diverse materials, collaborative spaces, technology, programs, and services. To find out more about our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion please visit this page.


25 March 2021

[photos by PPLD]

Construction update! Renovations are well under way and we are getting excited seeing it all come together.

Pictured: new carpeting in the Marketplace area and Teen Room, and rubber flooring in our new Workshop Lab.

Phase 1 renovation is expected to be complete around mid-April.


24 March 2021

The Postscript Murders (Harbinder Kaur #2), Elly Griffiths 3
Harbinder Kaur seems even more incidental in her second book than her first (The Stranger Diaries, which I reviewed in February). Instead, a trio of new characters dominate the search for the killer.

The most interesting character to me was 90-year-old Peggy—alas, the first person murdered, right out of the gate. We learn that she had served as a "murder consultant" of sorts to several mystery writers. How fun is that?!

All in all, I think this series might be a bit too cozy for me. It's being pitched to Agatha Christie fans, which I was when I was eight (and a bit beyond)—a mighty long time ago. I may still follow the series, with hopes of Harbinder becoming a more whole and interesting person. I also like some of Griffiths' other work.


23 March 2021

Come join the Palatine Public Library District team!

We currently have several job openings including a Human Resources Manager, Communications Coordinator, and several part-time positions.

Get all the details here.


20 March 2021

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab 3
I can't get on the Addie rave train. Yes, some of the descriptive language is beautiful. Yes, I cared what happened to Henry (and maybe—less so and occasionally—to Addie). There was just so much repetition—so many missed opportunities to go deep.

[Full disclosure: I'm on the (hopefully) final "vacation" of this pandemic—time off without the freedom to explore—so I'm not going to put more effort into my review at this point. However, if anyone wants to discuss the book, I'm open—hit me up!]


17 March 2021

How to Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide, Crystal Marie Fleming 3.35
My first impulse was to rate this three stars because, while the book started out very promising, somewhere around/shortly after the midway point, it goes off the rails for a while, including ranting and repetition. Noting that I have 21 bookmarks to review in this relatively short book, I decided that I needed to give it a little more credit.

Pros: frank and factual presentation of the USA's history of white supremacy, resource distribution, wealth gap, affirmative action, intersectionality, Black women's roles (and why we should all be listening to them), slavery, sexual violence, mass media, and misrepresentation of criminality by race.


16 March 2021

Later, Stephen King 3.66
Reading King's The Shining as a young teen led me to refuse to read any more of his work for decades. Finally, a friend (or maybe it was two different friends) coerced me into reading Joyland and The Eyes of the Dragon, effectively ending my personal boycott (and—dare I say it?—making me a fan).

Later, like Joyland, is a "Hard Case Crime Novel." Both are still pegged as horror genre by some. I would consider them "horror lite," at best. I wish I had known to count every time Jamie says something to the effect of "Like I said, this is a horror story." If you read it, please count from the beginning and report back. I'm not sure why this comes up so often (Who is he trying to convince?) or whether I find it more irritating or amusing (probably irritating). I'm a little surprised that King would make such a big deal of this. Maybe it's a dig at those who pigeonhole all of his work into the horror genre.

I so appreciated King's/Jamie's humor throughout the book, including the following:

Do not trespass. We are tired of hiding the bodies. —sign on the gate at Cobblestone Cottage

“Ewww!" I said this in a way that meant “Gross! Tell me more.” —Jamie, age 9

"Books are a uniquely portable magic. I read that somewhere." —Jamie [It's an oft-used Stephen King quote]

I might like to discuss the issue of Jamie's parentage—and its place in the story—with others. You know where to find me if you also want to discuss that.

I'm rating this 4- (3.66) because there's something not sitting quite right with me. I may bump it up later, for what it's worth (absolutely nothing, I know).


14 March 2021

Happily Ever Afters (Happily Ever Afters #1), Elise Bryant 2.66
I almost bailed on this. I'm glad-adjacent that I stuck with it.

Main character Tessa is an inexperienced teenager, so her clumsy relationships and major missteps are understandable and appropriate for this YA romance.

Pro: diversity; disability issues; friendships


12 March 2021

Shit, Actually, Lindy West 2.66
TIL that Lindy West was once the in-house movie critic for Seattle's alternative newsweekly The Stranger. In Shit, Actually, she summarizes, comments on (including consideration of how well the film holds up over time), and rates movies on a 10-point scale of "The Fugitive stars." [I can't claim to have a lot of experience with Drunk History, but this seems to have a similar feel.]

This is—at least at first—pretty funny. After a while it's a bit tiresome. So, perhaps it's not a read-through-in-one-sitting book so much as a leave-it-on-the-coffee-table-for-occasional-installments kind of book.

I very much appreciated West's The Witches Are Coming. Her social commentary style and intelligence are evident in this book, as well.


10 March 2021

What's Mine and Yours, Naima Coster
Just as I sometimes choose not to read books labeled as romance, I often choose not to read books labeled as historical fiction. In most cases, I'd rather just read the history, finding it so much more interesting than poorly executed fictional retelling. After reading 42% of What’s Mine and Yours, I wish I had trusted my genre judgment in this case. Maybe I should be more strict in avoiding both romance and historical fiction—my eternal optimism is frustrating me.

My dislike of this book surprises me, as I generally feel that relationship-building is critically important in real life and in fiction—this book is chock-full. However, I find almost all of the characters so unpleasant and uninteresting, that both the relationships and the character-building are actually liabililties.

SPOILER ALERT—click to reveal There is one exception to my dislike of the characters—Gee's de facto stepfather, who is shot and killed so very early on in the story. Some other readers have mentioned Gee as an appealing character—I didn't get much of a chance to evaluate him.

In addition to the overall ick factor of the characters, the story jumps all over the place from chapter to chapter, between families and timelines. That can be done well, but hasn't been in this case.

Given that my Overdrive pipeline is quite full at the moment (it tends to be feast or famine), I'm cutting my losses and moving on.


10 March 2021

Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston 3
While I finished the book quickly (it's short), I'm not ready to review it. As I prepare for my book club meeting, I'll revisit a handful of sections.

The language is sometimes beautiful and rich. It took a bit to become accustomed to the dialect.

I think I liked Hurston's posthumously-published short story collection Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick more, which is unusual for me.

[This rating is, possibly, a placeholder.]


9 March 2021

Anyone who knows me personally (well and/or for a long time) knows that The Phantom Tollbooth is my favorite children's book (and one of my favorite books, period) of all time. I recommend it to anyone who will listen and for readers of all ages.

While it was published before I was born, I first read it when I was around six, having been introduced by one of the students who lived in the University of Chicago men's dormitory in which my parents were resident heads—one of my ~40 big brothers/year.

I have read it countless times: to relax and get to sleep (never too old for a bedtime story), to my own children, over the phone to a friend recovering from surgery—no matter how many times I read it, I love it.

I own multiple copies, and I won't give up any of them. In addition to those pictured, I own two audio editions: one narrated by David Hyde Pierce and the other by Rainn Wilson.

I have a T-shirt that has seen better days, which is OK, because I have a couple back-ups to wear when this one is done.

I probably should have named one of my children Milo—I might have floated the idea and been overruled, but I don't remember. [I was definitely overruled for suggesting Linus and Geoffrey, but that matters not.]

Because I didn't name one of my children Milo, I did name my beloved ball python Milo. Like his namesake, he's sort of uninspired at times, but very curious when offered the opportunity for adventure.

I was delighted to read today that Berkeley Breathed was so influenced by The Phantom Tollbooth that his first Bloom County character was named Milo, his son is named Milo, and the first chapter book he gave to his son was The Phantom Tollbooth. [This is true for me, as well. I bought a copy of The Phantom Tollbooth for my first-born while he was in utero. He's had more than one copy since.]

So, farewell and hearty thanks to Norton Juster who died yesterday at the age of 91. Read his obituary here.


8 March 2021

This Is My America, Kim Johnson 4
Wow—there is a lot to unpack in this YA fiction debut that includes multiple mysteries and addresses systemic racism, social justice, interracial dating, and criminal justice.

MC Tracy is a Black teenager living in Texas, whose father has less than a year remaining on his (false) death penalty conviction of murder. Soon after the story opens, her brother goes on the run because he has been accused of murdering a white girl. Tracy has been writing for seven years to Innocence X—an organization that sounds like Bryan Stevenson's Equal Justice Initiative—begging for help with her dad's case. [Read Stevenson's Just Mercy, if you haven't already.]

This story has multigenerational family and community relationships and stories feeding into the mysteries.

I definitely recommend this for readers of most ages, with the caveat that parents might like to read first and make a determination of suitability for their younger readers, or, read with children, taking discussion breaks (the latter being a favorite method of mine when my kids were young).


8 March 2021

[graphic and text by PPLD]

Our 12th Annual Poetry Contest starts March 15! Submit one original poem on any topic for a chance to win cash or a gift card. Open to all ages.

Need inspiration? Writing prompts are available on our website.


6 March 2021

We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders, Linda Sarsour 3.35
There was some repetition in this memoir, and, perhaps some sections that were overly detailed. But, it's Sarsour's memoir, and her vehicle. Overall, her story is inspirational and positive. I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in social justice advocacy.

5 March 2021

The Shadow Cipher (York #1), Laura Ruby 4
This was my second reading of this middle-school steampunk mystery adventure—the first was almost two years ago. I'm rereading in happy anticipation of my holds on the second and third books in the series becoming available soon.

I still very much enjoyed this story about three almost-eighth-graders—twins Tess and Theo, along with their neighbor Jaime—who are racing against the clock of their impending eviction to solve the mystery of their apartment building, architected decades before by another set of twins.

The story is not so tame as to be boring to those of us well outside the target audience. I'm glad I reread it, and I'm looking forward to the next installments!


2 March 2021

Hench, Natalie Zina Walschots 3.5
This was a mostly-fun and cheeky romp about support staff to supervillains. Main character Anna starts as a general low-level staffer, but ends up having a knack for data analysis that fuels her rise and an eventual project asserting that superheroes are not the benefit to society that everyone believes.

What started as a potential 4-star read became somewhat tedious toward the end.

SPOILER ALERT—click to revealI found the end unsatisfying, as if the author has already started (or at least promised) a sequel.


28 February 2021

February reading recap: 14 books finished (not including 3 bailed)

4-star reads

  • How We Fight For Our Lives, Saeed Jones

  • Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619–2019, Ibram X. Kendi & Keisha N. Blain, editors

honorable mention (3+ to 4- stars)

  • For We Are Many (Bobiverse #2), Dennis E. Taylor (3+)

  • The Stranger Diaries, Elly Griffiths (4-)


27 February 2021

Quiet in Her Bones, Nalini Singh 3
Aarav Rai is both an unreliable narrator and a pretty much wholly unpleasant character. That combination makes Quiet in Her Bones feel painfully too long. Because I like to find at least a little good in everything, here are a couple of pros: New Zealand setting and lots of different (ethnic backgrounds, occupations, ages, etc., in addition to number) characters in the mix over the course of more than 10 years.

25 February 2021

Murder Games, James Patterson & Howard Roughan 2.75
You get to be a suspect! You get to be a suspect! Everyone gets to be a suspect!

It wasn't until I started the TV series "Instinct" for the second time (to be companionable with my partner during our pandemic-increased media consumption) that I realized the series was based on this book. [In all honesty, watching is not always what I do with TV—often, I am mostly listening while I knit.] The pilot episode corresponds to Murder Games. In a perfect world, we'd get delivery of a tight, thrilling mystery product lasting somewhere between 43 minutes (granted, a little rushed for introduction to the recurring characters) and 340 pages (too long for the limited amount of valuable content—possibly even less character- and relationship-building in the book than in the TV pilot!).

I might still read the second book . . . if I'm really desperate for a new read. It won't be high on my wish list.


25 February 2021

Look what arrived in my mailbox yesterday! If you haven't gotten yours yet, you can download a copy from here.


24 February 2021

Bruno, Chief of Police, Martin Walker 2.66
Others' reviews really span the gamut, with the lovers getting a little fierce toward those who sway the other way. I land slightly below average in my rating.

Bruno is an ex-soldier who lands in a small French countryside community in which he is the only police officer (and part-time youth soccer coach), and spends a lot of time playing, cooking, and romancing.

Pro: picturesque France, (minor) relationship-building, portraying nuances in law/justice (I may be stretching here—trying to appreciate the book more)

Con: trying to cover too many bases (travel, food, history, mystery, romance), and ending up short on all


22 February 2021

Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619–2019, Ibram X. Kendi & Keisha N. Blain, editors 4
It's shameful that there was so little in this collection that wasn't brand new to me, and that the few items I had heard of previously were learned during personal study in the past 5–10 years—none at all during my formal schooling years. We have a lot of work to do in the US to bring our education system up to snuff in the history department, at least. Of course, the even bigger problem—and project—is becoming the country we like to tell ourselves we are, in terms of human rights and social justice.

The essays and poems are written by 90 Black American writers. I read with my ears, and will read again (at least the 11 chapters that I bookmarked for specific reexamination) when my hold spot for a print copy comes up. I often read nonfiction with both my ears and eyes. Audio and print are excellent ways to read and absorb individually—together, one gets a deeper experience. This will be especially true, I think, in a collection such as this, written and narrated by so many powerful voices.


20 February 2021

The Stranger Diaries, Elly Griffiths 3.66
I had a tough time rating this mystery. I didn’t want to stop reading. I thought Clare, especially, was funny/clever, though her appeal diminished slightly as the book progressed. As is often the case, I knew the killer's identity before it was revealed—not so early, though, as to diminish my overall enjoyment. I didn't like the repeat of the book-within-a-book, The Stranger, by R.M. Holland, at the end (or, for that matter, the bits of it interspersed in the main story).

Of the six tidbits I highlighted, two are Clare's, one is Georgie & Clare's, one is Georgie's alone, and two are Harbinder's. I wasn't enthralled with Harbinder—I'm willing to see if I warm up to her in book two (due out in March).


18 February 2021

Do No Harm, Christina McDonald
I bailed 30% in. From the start, Emma was pretty awful. I didn't find her actions to be believable—as a moral, law-abiding adult or, especially, as a doctor.

17 February 2021

Real Men Knit, Kwana Jackson 3
Pro: romantic couple had been friends much of their lives; racially diverse, cohesive community; families—adopted, biological, and of the heart; knitting; range of relationship types; patient and supportive teachers/role models; challenge of stereotypical gender roles

Despite all of these positives, the book wasn't particularly satisfying. It was a fine, light read, but not exciting or reread-worthy.


16 February 2021

Game Changer, Neal Shusterman 1.66
In trying to solve all of the country’s social ills in one YA science fiction story, Game Changer falls short, mostly achieving annoyance and eye-rolling. Main character Ash (white cis male) is a high school football player who jumps into alternate universes every time he experiences a blow/ends up with a concussion. By using Ash’s thought monologues to advance the issue(s) at hand in each alternate universe, the tone of the entire book is preachy and oh-so-forced. I’m sure Shusterman’s intentions were good, but. . . .

Pro: relationships with Ash’s brother, Hunter, and original-universe best friend Leo and school friend Katie

Con: preachy thought monologues; white cis male MC who doesn’t see his privilege until it is taken away from him; the Edwards; shallow, ineffective exposure of/commentary on most of the main issues (racism, homophobia, domestic abuse)


14 February 2021

The Gilded Ones, Namina Forna
I bailed at 8%. That's less of a chance than I usually give. There are too many good books (more than I can likely read in my lifetime) to give more of a chance to something I found objectionable right out of the gate. I imagine that the story eventually portrays main character Deka to be a strong and powerful woman. However, the book starts with religious, patriarchal, and misogynistic ridiculousness, so it lost me right out of the gate.

14 February 2021

Orphan X, Greg Hurwitz 3
Yes, sort of Jack Reacher-ish.

13 February 2021

Feel Free, Zadie Smith
I bailed officially at 24% (a fairly substantial investment of time), but also read selected essays after that. This isn't the first time I've borrowed this collection, so I read—and liked—at least three chapters twice. Sadly, the rest that I read (either in order or by choosing random essays) was completely uninteresting.

11 February 2021

Shipped, Angie Hockman 3
It's no secret that I am not a romance genre fan. I love love. I love romance. I love good, healthy relationships. I can't stand how all of those things are generally diminished in the romance genre. Why do I keep reading romances, you ask? I guess I keep holding out hope that someone is going to write a more mature, interesting, believable romance, including—but not solely depending on—hot, steamy sex.

One of the big problems with the genre, IMHO, is the "girl meets boy; girl is irritated by/hates/seriously resists boy; girl ends up madly in love with boy" plot. It's rare that the man has to be brought around. Oh, boy—it was touch and go there for a while with Shipped.

SPOILER ALERT—click to revealFinally, after a great deal of the above nonsense, Henley ("girl") amasses enough information that she decides to trust Graeme ("boy"), and she claims her own power in her career, along with—and acknowledging—the significant help of several other women. Boom—happy ending, all the way around!

There was precious little humor in Shipped. In Chapter 10 (30% through the book), there's this moment of relief:

Pushing up the brim of her floppy sunhat, Sharon clucks, "I hope you don’t mind me saying, but that man is a whole treat, or is it a meal? What do kids say these days?" "Snack, he’s a whole snack." . . . When it comes to looks, she's right. Graeme is, objectively speaking, a total snack.

I'll give a tiny bit of relationship credit for Henley's cat and sister, and Graeme's dog and mom. There are a couple of healthy-looking relationships between supporting characters.


10 February 2021

Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory, Raphel Bob-Waksberg 3
I didn't plan to read this short story collection about love during Valentine's Day week—it's just when my hold turn came up. Yay, me!

While I'm not generally a short story fan, I enjoyed this collection more than most. My particular favorites were:

  • "A Most Blessed and Auspicious Occasion," in which a young couple planning their wedding faces interfering relatives and friends chiming in on the appropriate number of ritual goat sacrifices to be made (among other things)

  • "We Men of Science," in which a professor visits another version of himself and his wife in a parallel universe

  • "Rufus," about a dog who is frustrated with the poor communication skills of his owner

10 February 2021

[photo by PPLD]

Way to go, PPLD winter readers!

This news from PPLD:

With your help, we read a total of 7,101 books read and smashed our goal of 6,000 for this year’s Winter Reading Challenge! Palatine Bank & Trust, Warehouse Direct, and Andigo, a division of Consumers Credit Union, presented their donations to WINGS Program, Inc.

We are so proud of our community of readers to achieve the goal this year. Despite Covid-19, you stepped up and joined our effort to support the WINGS Program, which serves families affected by domestic violence.

Photo Left to Right:

  • Julie Selof—Andigo Credit Union

  • Kathy Burns—Palatine Library

  • Neil Bruns—Warehouse Direct

  • David Kahan—WINGS Program

  • Bridget Witt—Palatine Bank & Trust

Thank you to our generous partners for their donations!

  • Palatine Bank & Trust—$1,000

  • Warehouse Direct—$500

  • Andigo Credit Union: andigo.org and myconsumers.org—$500

9 February 2021

How We Fight for Our Lives, Saeed Jones 4
For a memoir to rate so highly from me is unusual. Maybe the fact that it's short helped. [Most people's lives aren't so interesting to others that they merit more than 200–300 pages.]

Pro: relationships with his mother and grandmother; candid portrayal of his feelings of self-worth, how he treated himself, and how he allowed others to treat him and change him/how he interacted with them; moments of humor; commentary on systemic racism's role in his family's lives; an experience shared with an unrelated woman he met while traveling.

Content warning: There were scenes including explicit sex, violence, and sexual violence. [This made me pause in deciding whether to continue/how to rate. Ultimately, I didn't factor it into my rating. That is, the book would not have been a five-star book if those scenes were omitted.]


7 February 2021

Adequate Yearly Progress, Roxanna Elden 2.66
Glancing at other readers' reviews of Adequate Yearly Progress gives me the idea that the humor/satire is best appreciated by educators. I'm not in that field. Not only did I not find much humor in the book, I physically cringed at much of the story. [I was fairly bored throughout, as well.] My favorite part of the entire book was the closing—not only because it was finally the end, but because the very last tidbit was finally actually funny. I won't spoil it for you.

4 February 2021

Lock In, John Scalzi 3
It's a bit eerie reading this story—published in 2014 and set in the "near future" about "a new, highly contagious virus"—during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Lock In is billed as science fiction and mystery. It's markedly different in tone from Scalzi's other books (i.e. no humor or silliness, which is generally what I seek when I turn to Scalzi). The mystery is not at all challenging. [Mystery has long been my favorite genre, so this is mildly disappointing.]

As I mention often, character- and relationship-development figure prominently in my ratings. This has enough of both that I'll read the sequel. [It doesn't hurt that I already own both books.]


2 February 2021

For We Are Many (Bobiverse #2), Dennis E. Taylor 3.35

The second installment isn't quite as good as the first, but it still made me laugh out loud (more than once). Funny/silly sci-fi is a guilty pleasure that is exactly what is needed right now to take the edge off pandemic life.


2021

[photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels]

Happy New Year! Did you miss me as much as I missed you?

While this site was sleeping, the rest of the Trustees and I have continued improving PPLD for the community. [I have been posting on my Trustee Facebook page, so feel free to catch up on things there, too.]

In addition to all of our typical favorite features, there have been a couple of big changes in the last couple of years.

PPLD has added an interesting and varied collection called the Library of Things, including board games, craft kits, STEAM kits, telescopes, ukuleles, cameras, and more. Check out the Library of Things.

As you probably know, PPLD has started its major renovation project (the first major changes since this building opened 28 years ago). It's moving along nicely, and I know we're all going to appreciate the improvements, including The Workshop (a makerspace). Check out details and photos.

Finally, I'm going to try something new this year, just for fun. I'm going to add reviews of my personal reading to the blog. Some reviews may be more comprehensive than others. I'm hoping to be able to spark conversation with you. [My in-house tech department hasn't given me the green light on this yet, but I've submitted my request. Stay tuned!]


February 16, 2018 at 2:51pm
You never know what treasure you'll find at a Friends of the Palatine Library sale. See you there!

February 9, 2018 at 11:38am
Due to the inclement weather, the Library and all Branches are CLOSED today.

But, have no fear! If you didn't make it to the library yesterday, you can still stock up on materials from the comfort of home. PPLD Andrea reminds us, “On days like today when you don't want to go outside, it's really great to be able to access so much from our digital services. Download ebooks, music, movies, and magazines from hoopla, MyMediaMall, or RbDigital.” Click on my lunch photo above to access PPLD’s digital media information page.

I plan to enjoy a combination of physical and digital library loans—and a lunch much like this one—any minute now.

February 8, 2018 at 1:17pm
February is African American History Month. Next time you visit, check out our book displays dedicated to African American history, culture, and authors.

[photos and text credit to Kiel via Palatine Public Library’s Facebook page.]

January 29, 2018 at 10:05am
Way to go, Palatine Public Library readers! Together, we reached our goal of 5,000 books during the Winter Reading Challenge, with more than a week to spare!

You still have until Wednesday to log your books. If you’ve read at least two, you’ll be entered into the gift basket raffle.

Happy winter reading, neighbors!

Update: Click on the photo to read the Winter Reading wrap-up news.

January 20, 2018 at 5:13pm
Have you used Palatine Public Library’s Book Club In a Bag service (for adults and children)? My friend Mary’s book club has been using it for years. Today, I picked up my neighborhood book club’s first BCIaB!

The kit includes the books, discussion questions, and the handy tote. Extended lending period can be arranged. It’s so easy! Complete the form here.

Thanks, Palatine Public Library!

December 20, 2017 at 4:30pm
Imagine my excitement today when a friend posted this video. This project resulted in a book that is currently in my possession—I borrowed it from the PPLD collection! Thanks, Palatine Public Library, for your excellent and comprehensive collection management skills!

P.S. I was able to borrow this book so quickly after it entered the collection because I have an alert set for new additions in portrait photography. Try setting an alert for something that floats your boat!


December 15 at 5:00pm
Happy Winter Reading Challenge launch day! Register online or in-person at any branch. Don’t dawdle picking up your registration prize (penguin plush for kids/soup mug for adults)—they’re going like hotcakes! Don’t forget to pick up some fresh reads, too. I am ready for the weekend!


December 11 at 9:07pm
Are you ready for the Winter Reading Challenge? Let’s read 5,000 books together to benefit Little City! The fun begins this Friday, December 15.


November 29 at 10:59am
The Palatine Public Library District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce our new Executive Director. Please welcome Jeannie Dilger to our community!

November 16 at 8:29pm
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is still on my daunting to-be-read list. Its appearance on the attached list reminded me of Alexie’s Reservation Blues, which I read in the fall/winter of 2000 for a book discussion group at Palatine Public Library, led by Gwenyth Udd. Check out these interesting stats about Native American Heritage Month.

November 9 at 11:09am
Among our visitors to last night’s Palatine Public Library board meeting were three members of the Palatine Historical Society’s board: Joe Petykowski, Sue Minott, and Linni Pesch. In honor of our organizations’ longstanding close relationship, Historical Society board president Petykowski (right) presented “Celebrating Palatine”—consisting of 117 of the articles that appeared last year in the Daily Herald in celebration of Palatine’s 150th anniversary—to Library board president Bruce Jefferson. Ms. Minott thanked the library trustees and staff for service to the community; Ms. Pesch added warm thoughts and extended a Clayson House tour invitation. Thank you, Palatine Historical Society, for your gift, kind words, and continuing collaboration!


October 12 at 8:30pm
Illinois Library Association Trustee Day was inspiring and informative. I enjoyed meeting and learning with trustee and staff colleagues from across the state. Thanks, Illinois Library Association, for putting on a well-organized program with excellent content! #ILAAC17 #librariesrock


September 25 at 4:03pm
Check it out—as a community, we enjoyed Palatine Public Library to the tune of almost $30,000 last week alone! I enjoyed adding my stickers to the display during two visits last week. [Truth be told: I had to stand on my tippy-toes to apply my red stickers!]

There’s always a lot going on at PPLD. Here’s just a taste of the week ahead, which happens to be National Banned Books Week:

Throughout the week, there are storytimes. Fun! In case you missed it last week, PPLD launched the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Sign up at any branch.

9/28 History of Harper College program 7 pm, including a brand new book celebrating Harper’s 50th anniversary [book available for purchase].

9/29 Staff Development Day—LIBRARY CLOSED. While we’ll miss visiting that day, we’ll all enjoy the fruits of the staff’s development program.

9/30 Visit from Palatine Fire Department 10:30 am, weather permitting.

As always, see the calendar. You can register for many programs online.

Have a great week, all!


September 24 at 1:01pm
We had yummy lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and saved by showing my Palatine Public Library card. Where have you shown your card? There's still time to save. See details here.

September 8 at 3:04pm
From UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization): “September 8 is International Literacy Day! Let’s break the barriers of illiteracy and empower people’s lives!” Learn more here.

September 1 at 2:57pm
Happy September! Show your Palatine Public Library card for sweet savings throughout the month. See the list of participating businesses here.

August 21 at 3:29pm
Do you relate? What book/books has/have caused a bookclipse in your life? Did you safely view the eclipse today?

August 9 at 10:19am
Isn’t every day Book Lovers Day? From one book lover to another, I hope your day’s reading replenishes you!

August 5 at 8:12pm
Tom has been ribbing me lately because of the state of my beloved Friends of PPLD tote bag (left)—the one I use every time I visit the library. I won it I-don’t-know-how-many years ago, during a winter family reading program. It’s a little holey, at least one seam is starting to rip, and it’s not the same hunter green as when it was new. In other words, it has served me well! So, today, I started using my summer reading tote from last year. I have to admit, it’s going to take a while to get used to it. 😉

July 31 at 7:20pm
One of my current loans from our library is the subject of this recent Washington Post piece. Both the article and the book may be of special interest to those of you who are, like I, “of a certain age.” Even if you aren't, you may be interested in how cataloging of collections developed—and, how the card catalog's structure relates to the Internet.

July 25 at 3:25pm
Palatine Public Library’s Vending Café has been updated and improved. Get refueled while you work, study, or visit.

July 18 at 7:29pm
Palatine Public Library has you covered in all five of these library power-user areas! Here’s just a sample:

  1. summer reading, classes (art, cooking, and more), lectures/performances (film, author visits, music)
  2. museum passes (and local discounts in September for National Library Card Sign-up Month)
  3. borrow how-to books for repairs, hobbies, cooking, and travel
  4. our "library of things" includes Go-Pro cameras for loan
  5. borrow a Roku or e-reader for streaming, or use one of two PS4 units in the library
Check the quarterly newsletter and the library’s website for details. [And read the Book Riot post for more ideas, including a link to a previous set of power-user tips.]

July 1 at 10:30am
We’re assembling and ready to rock! Don’t the teen volunteers and the new van from Friends of the Library look fantastic?

June 30 at 9:10am
I’ll be among the trustees in the PPLD parade contingent. Make some noise when we get to you on the route! Most of all, have a safe and fun holiday weekend.

June 15 at 10:04pm
Last night, the five newly elected (and re-elected, in Trustee Jefferson’s case) trustees were installed and conducted our first meeting. Thank you, again, for electing me to serve you. Please visit me here often, email me with your questions, and invite your friends and neighbors to do the same.

The summer reading program is underway. The attached article has some ideas for making the most of summer reading. The Friends of the Library are having their summer book sale this weekend. Friday 6/16, 6-9 pm, admittance is $5/person, free for Friends members (you may join at the door). Saturday 9:30-3:00 and Sunday 12:30-3:00 are free admittance.

6 Summer Reading Challenges to Hook Kids on Books over the Break

Motivate your family to hit the books this summer with some friendly competition, and take on one of these reading challenges for kids.

June 1 at 10:14am
It’s Summer Reading sign-up day—one of my favorite days of the year (no kidding)!

Sign up in-person at any branch, or online.

What counts as reading? Anything! Books, newspapers, magazines, audiobooks, ebooks, non-fiction, work reports, online articles, and more all count toward the program.

In answer to librarian Kiel’s question on Tuesday, I wrote this: “Kiel: That 2011 dragon is pretty fantastic! My first year participating was 1997. I’ll always be a little sad, I think, that I didn’t participate in 1996 (when I was exhausted with a brand-new baby). Our only household member to have that Olympic T-shirt is Number One Son, who was a preschooler at the time. Other favorite designs: 1999 stained-glass castle, 2001 Egyptian theme, 2008 read . . . naturally, and 2009 read on the wild side. I can hardly wait for Thursday . . . or this year’s T-shirt!”

Please comment on my Facebook post with *your* favorite Summer Reading designs. Inquiring minds want to know!

May 29 at 7:43pm
According to the ALA, “The average student loses a month’s worth of learning over the summer. Libraries offer summer learning opportunities that stop the summer slide.” Be sure to visit Palatine Public Library throughout the summer, for the summer reading program and special STEAM-themed programming.

May 18 at 12:41pm
T minus 2 weeks until summer reading sign-up starts at Palatine Public Library. It’s the kickoff event of the summer (IMHO)! Who’s with me?

May 15 at 12:00pm
Jackpot in my mailbox today! What programs look good to you? Let me know—maybe I’ll join you.

May 12 at 2:00pm
Got my Friday afternoon Zen on. [mandala stone painting program at PPLD]

May 9 at 3:28pm
Carla Hayden—the first woman and first African-American librarian of Congress—threw out the first pitch at yesterday’s game between the Baltimore Orioles (her hometown team) and the Washington Nationals.

May 8 at 4:53pm
Tom and I attended this informative and delicious demonstration yesterday. We’re looking forward to increasing the number of Indian recipes in our repertoire. Thanks Anupy!

Connect with Indian as Apple Pie on Facebook or their website.

April 30 at 8:08pm
It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve attended to the cat/library combo fans out there. This seems like a truly cat-like request to me.

April 23 at 8:22pm
Thank you to Ensemble of Ragas with Saraswathi Ranganathan at Cutting Hall for entertaining us beautifully tonight, and to Palatine Public Library, The Friends of Palatine Public Library, and Palatine Park District for making it possible. This was a delightful way to finish the weekend. See/hear a short excerpt here.

April 23 at 1:53pm
Books, check! Music, check! Movies, check! Newspapers, check! Programs, check! Knowledgeable librarians, check! Palatine Public Library has so many of our education and entertainment needs covered!

April 21 at 10:04am
Get hungry! This coming Wednesday, please eat at Photo’s in Palatine and mention the Palatine Public Library District Foundation. Your lunch and/or dinner will help support the library.

April 19 at 2:50pm
The library is an arena for lifelong learning!

April 13 at 9:09am
Why am I sharing a cat video?

I posted this last night, to Dear Husband’s attention. We are unlikely, ever, to have a cat—we’re both terribly allergic. But I love cats, and we both love hockey.

I promised a new PPLD acquaintance I’d keep my eyes open for cat/library combo images. [She beat me to the punch last week, with a more direct item. I’ll keep working on it.]

The video made me wonder if PPLD has any cat training books in its collection. A search of the catalog reveals at least 4 such books, 3 of which are currently checked out. I’d be interested to hear how the patron’s (or patrons’; but, I suspect it’s just one patron, based on the due dates) training is going. I’ve never considered cats to be good candidates for compliant behavior.

Voila—cats and libraries mix! Thanks to Jeannie for the inspiration, and to our Palatine Library for having our cat training needs covered.

Today is the first-ever Take Action for Libraries Day, part of #NationalLibraryWeek. Learn more, and take action, here.

[As difficult as it is for some of us, please ignore the video title’s grammatical error for the sake of viewing enjoyment.]

April 11 at 2:57pm
Happy National Library Workers Day to the Palatine Public Library staff and library workers everywhere!

April 10 at 3:12pm
Teen Vogue offers 6 Ways to Support Public Libraries.

April 9 at 5:33pm
I’m looking forward to watching the live stream. In the meantime, I certainly agree with this pull-out quote. If you’re interested, watch part 1 of the live stream here (skip to the 14:50 mark) and part 2 here (both on Facebook).

April 4 at 10:17pm
I am happy to report that I am one of the new Palatine Library Trustees! I am very much looking forward to joining the continuing (Hal Snyder and Tracy Boland), reelected (Andrea Vanderhoek and Bruce Jefferson), and other new trustees (Jeffrey Westhoff and Valerie Sherman) in doing good work for the library and the community.

I am thankful to all of you who have joined me on this journey: family, friends old and new (and their friends, too), and neighbors throughout the district. I had lots of physical help: people collecting signatures, passing out bookmarks, and hosting events. I also had lots of emotional support: encouragement and brainstorming sessions. Thanks for being enthusiastic with me!

Now, the real work (and FUN) begins! Please continue to join me here on the page and in the community. I’m looking forward to serving you!

April 4 at 5:50am
It’s election day, folks! You know what to do.

April 3 at 12:03pm
We’re coming down the homestretch to election day! This morning, I played a little while eating breakfast. Pictured is my message for today.

Early voting concludes today (until 5 pm or 7 pm, depending on location).

Tomorrow, vote at your regular polling place from 6 am until 7 pm (find it by entering your voter information here).

If you haven’t "met" me yet, read my Daily Herald candidate profile here and my Cook County Clerk candidate statement here.

I would be honored to have your vote, and to serve our library as trustee. Thank you for taking an active role in your community!

April 1 at 8:44pm
This is one of the community benefits of having a strong public library that I mentioned in my candidates forum opening statement.

How public libraries help build healthy communities


March 30 at 7:59am
Good morning, neighbors! I was glad to start my Thursday sharing bookmarks and conversation with some of you at the Palatine Metra station, including a gentleman who told me that the library’s online reference resources were invaluable to him during his job search.

Early voting (and registration) continues today through Monday (except Sunday) at any suburban Cook County early voting location. Find one right for you here.

Tuesday, April 4, is Election Day. Find your regular polling place and hours here.

I’m first on the ballot for library trustee. I’d love your vote and the opportunity to serve you.

This is definitely a "bring your own sunshine" kind of day. Let’s do this!

March 29 at 12:50pm
We’re lucky to have a fantastic public library anchoring our community. As you’ll see in this short video, some areas aren’t so lucky—they have no library at all. [That’s not exclusive to Columbia. It’s the case in the US, as well.]

Please vote for me April 4 (or sooner) to be one of your library trustees. I’m first on the ballot. As library trustee, I will contribute creative problem-solving and sound resource management, and balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of the community, so our library can continue its strong performance and adapt to the community’s needs as they change.

March 27 at 5:07pm
I can’t say that I remember ever being bored. That is, I always have a long list of fun and/or interesting things I want to do or learn or read. In any event, if someone you know *does* claim boredom this week, the Palatine Public Library will fix that for them (and you). Have a great spring break!

See the event schedule here.

March 25 at 4:38pm
I voted today! No lines, just in and out. Afterward, we went to the library (where else?), not only to return and borrow, but to read the Wall Street Journal front page article that one of last week’s forum attendees brought to my attention. I had mentioned that some libraries have nontraditional collections (including useful items like sewing machines, baking pans, and bicycles). Good timing!

Here’s the article link, for the WSJ subscribers among you.

March 23 at 1:05pm
This is one of the articles to which I referred during the LoWV candidates forum. It’s important for the library to have a range of media formats, to facilitate both abilities and preferences.

Children prefer to read books on paper rather than screens


March 22 at 3:14pm
Early voting is underway! I’ve heard from friends that it’s been a breeze. Click here to check your voter registration status and see a sample ballot (including candidate statements for those who chose to submit).

Then, click "Early Voting" in the left-side menu for information about registering and voting, along with locations. You may register and/or vote at any of the early voting locations.

Please vote #DebbyForPPLD, first on the ballot for Palatine Library Trustee (Ballot #151). Thank you for your support!

March 22 at 2:38pm
Didn’t have a chance to attend the League of Women Voters candidate forum on Saturday, but are interested in hearing from the candidates? Check out the event video (<45 minutes).

If you have any questions or thoughts, please contact me via e-mail or Facebook message (click Connect in my site menu). I’m happy to connect with you!

March 20 at 9:24pm
I’ve been a fan of Neil Gaiman’s fiction for years. Last May, when he published The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction, I devoured it. The first essay in the book (below) is a fantastic discussion of the value of books, reading for pleasure, libraries, and imagination. Enjoy!

Neil Gaiman: Why our future depends on libraries, reading and daydreaming

A lecture explaining why using our imaginations, and providing for others to use theirs, is an obligation for all citizens

March 16 at 10:30am
Is this what happens at PPLD after hours? I’m on a mission to find out! Please vote for me April 4.

March 14 at 1:57pm
Happy Pi Day, PPLD residents! The Toronto Public Library says, "On Pi Day 3/14, take the opportunity to choose books about math to read with your kids. Here's 5 to get you started."

PPLD has three of these in its collection. While it doesn't have "Teddy Bear Patterns," it does have "Teddy Bear Counting" and "Teddy Bear Subtraction." I’m looking forward to reading "Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi." "Math Curse" was in our home library when the boys were younger.

March 13 at 11:48am
Avoid this problem in your home by utilizing your public library. You get many more choices for much less money, and *you* don’t have to dust the books! ;-)

March 8 at 2:18pm
My happiness today *will* include a visit to my local library to return a DVD and attend the Palatine Public Library board of trustees meeting. Please vote for me on (or before) April 4, so I can have the pleasure of serving you from the other side of the trustee table.

March 2 at 9:06pm
Bookmarks are here! Get yours (and maybe a few to share with friends and neighbors) by emailing me. We deliver!

February 28 at 5:14pm
The library as travel aid: 1. Borrow books in advance of a trip, to help in planning. 2. I like to borrow related books when I get back from a trip, so I can learn more about the places and things that especially piqued my interest (which is why I make a trip wish list while we’re away). These books are souvenirs from our recent road trip. I’m especially excited about The Soul of Baseball.

February 27 at 11:12am
We’ve returned from a terrific road trip, during which I was *not* deprived of library use. We stopped in the Kansas City, Kansas main library near closing time, when there were still patrons flowing in and out. I picked up a copy of the KCKPL newsletter, showing a schedule chock-full of art exhibits and programs for all ages: salsa lessons, jazz performances, speakers & forums (including an appearance by internationally known teacher/lecturer Jane Elliot, presenting "The Anatomy of Prejudice"), book clubs galore, college & career workshops, writer’s group, arts & crafts, movies, language learning, tech classes, storytimes, and more—much like our wonderful library! In addition to this local library, we visited three presidential libraries—Clinton, Truman, and Lincoln—and we perused (and purchased from) the Central Arkansas Library System’s River Market Books & Gift store in Little Rock. I was happy to see vibrant libraries in other states, *and* I’m ever-so-happy to be back home to our PPLD, which we visited yesterday (our first day home).

February 8 at 11:34am
I don’t want to jinx anything; but, I *think* we might be past this particular danger. Of course, I think this is a good rule year-round! You never know what could pop up. Palatine Public Library can keep you stocked.

About

I got my first library card at age 4, at the Blackstone Branch of the Chicago Public Library, and have been a regular user of public and university libraries ever since. I am a trustee of the Palatine [Illinois] Public Library District in my second term, currently serving as board president.

I read books for all age groups, from all time periods, and from practically all genres, though my all-time favorite genre is mystery. I love to talk about books with others, so please join me in conversation about a book we both read or tell me about a book you think I'd like.

I'm never not reading.

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