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What are you reading?
Dorothy Must Die – Danielle Paige – 3***
This is an imaginative retelling … or perhaps sequel … to Frank L Baum’s The Wizard of Oz books. The characters are all here, but they aren’t as they were portrayed in Baum’s classic books, or the much beloved movie. Amy Gumm was a decent heroine – self-reliant, principled, tenacious, willing to sacrifice for the greater good. However, the “mean girl” theme was a little heavy-handed for my tastes (and my stage of life). So my final verdict is average.
LINK to my review
The Two Faces of January – Patricia Highsmith – 3***
Highsmith manages to give us unlikeable characters that behave in ways that just keep this reader enthralled and interested, turning pages to find out what twists, turns and surprises the plot has in store. It’s set in Athens, in 1962, and you have two con men trying to out-con one another. Add a femme fatale (who is married to one of the men, but attracted to the other), and you have a recipe for disaster.
LINK to my review
Fruit Of the Drunken Treee – Ingrid Rojas Contreras – 4****
Based on the author’s own life experiences, this novel tells the story of a family “safely” ensconced within their gated community in Bogotá, Columbia in the early to mid 1990s. I loved that Contreras used two different young women (girls, really) to narrate this story. The viewpoint alternates between seven-year-old Chula and Petrona, who is the family’s teen-aged maid. Each has a limited viewpoint due to their life experiences. I was completely immersed and engaged in their story from beginning to end. It’s a strong debut for Contreras and I look forward to reading her future works.
LINK to my review
My review for: Mischief Afoot at the Bingleys by Margaret Lynette Sharp
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Clockmakers Daughter by Kate Morton.
Jesus Land – Julia Scheeres – 3.5***
This is a memoir of growing up with parents who adhered to a religious fundamentalism but who were abusive to their children – particularly to their two adopted African American boys. The love that Julia and her adopted brother David share, as well as the unbreakable bond of brother and sister shine through, and help them endure.
LINK to my review
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin – Josh Berk – 3***
This is a humorous coming-of-age story with a bit of a mystery thrown in and featuring an unlikely hero. Will Halpin is deaf, overweight and struggling to make friends in his new school. I’m glad to see a YA book that features a main character with a disability, who finds ways to deal effectively in a world that doesn’t always made accommodations for him. It's a fast read, and I loved Will & Devon's humor.
LINK to my review
Wicked – Gregory Maguire – 2.5**
This is a re-telling of The Wizard of Oz, told from the viewpoint of Elphaba, the “Wicked” Witch of the West. I thought Maguire’s book went just too far afield in directions I never expected. Some of the scenes were downright disturbing. Still, it’s definitely imaginative, and there are some scenes that really forced me to think about assumptions, first impressions, and entrenched behaviors. So, while I can’t say I particularly enjoyed the book, I am glad to have finally read it.
LINK to my review
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Miss Julia Renews Her Vows – Ann B Ross – 3***
Book # 11 in the Miss Julia series, featuring a Southern lady of a certain age, who is prone to jumping to conclusions but always takes action to help those in need. Miss Julia is just a hoot, and she’s most entertaining when she’s in a dither about something. Her read on things may be completely wrong, but she always manages to arrive at the right conclusion, or at least to help the authorities find the real culprit. Visiting with Miss Julia and her friends is a pure joy.
LINK to my review
Summer Rental – Mary Kay Andrews – 3***
Three women who’ve been besties since kindergarten are each at a crossroads when they rent a beach house for a month. They take in another woman who’s running from a dangerous man. Throw in a sexy landlord, some romance and a few twists and turns to keep things interesting and you have a good formula for a perfect beach read. Grab a beach chair, some iced tea (or a mojito), and some sunscreen and enjoy.
LINK to my review
A Stardance Summer – Emily March – 3***
Book # 13 in the “Eternity Springs” series. A young woman running from trouble; her former high school crush now a successful businessman; a group of seniors intent on living life to the fullest. Mix together with a spiritual guru who will help everyone find their inner happiness. A fast, easy summer read.
LINK to my review
The Wrath and the Dawn – Renée Ahdieh – 3***
This is a YA romance novel which takes its inspiration from A Thousand and One Arabian Nights . I was somewhat disappointed that the stories ended so soon in this retelling, and instead the novel focused on Shahrzad’s efforts to discover Khalid’s "secret" vulnerability. Like the original Scheherazade, Ahdieh ends this story with a cliffhanger, hoping to ensure that the reader will return for the next installment. I can see why it’s popular with the intended YA audience, but my reaction was just ‘meh.’
LINK to my review
The Summer Wives – Beatriz Williams – 3***
Williams sets this historical novel on the fictional Winthrop Island, where the year-round residents are the families of Portuguese fishermen, but whose governing group consists of the upper-class families who summer here. I love how Williams weaves the stories and intrigues of these characters together. There are plenty of secrets to go around and enough twists and turn to keep things interesting. It’s a delicious soap-opera beach read.
LINK to my review
Mockingjay – Suzanne Collins – 3***
Book 3 in the Hunger Games Trilogy. I’m not a great fan of dystopian / post-apocalyptic novels in general, and have only tolerated this series. I’m glad that Collins chose to make the central figure a strong female, but in this episode, I find Katniss a bit whiny at times. It is a fast read, though.
LINK to my review
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Bound – Donna Jo Napoli – 4****
This YA novel is a retelling of the Cinderella story, set in the Ming dynasty era of China. I loved the way this story unfolded. I particularly appreciated the occasional poem which so eloquently expressed Xing Xing’s feelings. I’m a great fan of magical realism; Napoli incorporates this literary technique seamlessly.
LINK to my review
The Brilliant Light of Amber Sunrise – Matthew Crow – 3***
There are some scenes that had me rolling my eyes, but in general, as “teens-with-cancer-romance” genre books go, this is pretty entertaining. It held my attention and was a fairly fast read. And yes, I did tear up.
LINK to my review
Capital Gaines – Chip Gaines – 2**
I’m a great fan of the HGTV show Fixer Upper. One thing that has struck me in the TV show is how immaturely Chip behaves at times. And this book is FULL of his immaturity. I don’t find his antics funny. I find them irritating. On the other hand, his sincere belief in “Go for it,” in taking life by the horns and going all out clearly comes through. I think he’d probably do well on the motivational speaking circuit.
LINK to my review
In the Distance – Hernán Díaz – 5*****
A 14-year-old Swedish immigrant tries to make his own way in the mid-19th-century American West. This is a Western unlike any other I’ve ever read. The “romance” of the West is nowhere to be found here. This is often a barren, dangerous place with few allies and many enemies. The novel covers decades, taking Håkan from age fourteen to “white-haired” old age. In places the novel takes a philosophical turn as Håkan ponders his fate and occasionally despairs of every achieving his goal. I loved the poetic writing. I think fans of Jose Saramago would like this. Final verdict: Marvelous writing and a fascinating character.
LINK to my review
Fat Cat At Large – Janet Cantrell – 1*
Great premise, set in a city I love, with a lovely cat. But this amateur sleuth is just too stupid to live. My stars but Chase got on my nerves. She is whiny and a terrible businesswoman. Oh, well, it was a fast read and it satisfied a challenge, but I’m not likely to continue to series.
LINK to my review
The Devil and Winnie Flynn – Micol Ostow – 1*
I read this only because I needed to fulfill a challenge for a paranormal read, and this YA novel was readily available at the library. Basically it’s a “woo-woo” teen horror flick book. I rolled my eyes so often I made myself dizzy. Didn’t find anything scary about it. Dialogue was stilted. And basic premise was terrible.
LINK to my review
Just starting The Basic Eight. I've seen quite a few comparisons to The Secret History, which I read a couple of years ago and really enjoyed.
The Marseille Caper – Peter Mayle – 3***
This is book two in the Sam Levitt crime caper series. Think James Bond with less danger and more emphasis on enjoying life. Beautiful (and smart) girls, fantastic yachts, private jets, mansions with gorgeous sea views, political intrigue, sumptuous repasts, and good wine. A fast, fun, romp of a comedy crime caper that reminds me how much I will miss Peter Mayle.
LINK to my review
Blind Justice – Bruce Alexander – 4****
Alexander has written a mystery featuring a real historical figure: Sir John Fielding. I loved the characters in this book and found myself looking up various references to real people to get more back story. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. I’ll keep reading this series.
LINK to my review
I’ll Give You the Sun – Jandy Nelson – 2**
It’s been nominated for a slew of YA awards and I can see the attraction for the target YA audience, but not my cup of tea. I found it over-written and melodramatic. Not a fan of the dual timelines/dual narrators device either, which, in this case, just served to confuse and drag out the story line.
LINK to my review
Evicted – Matthew Desmond – 5*****
Subtitle: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Fascinating. Frustrating. Horrifying. Compassionate. Informative. Distressing. Enlightening. Desmond thoroughly explores the effects on impoverished residents of being repeatedly evicted and contrasts the plight of the poor with the profits made at their expense.
LINK to my review
The Disappearing Spoon – Sam Kean – 3***
Subtitle: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements. Who could have imagined such a volume written about that chart that hangs in every high school chemistry classroom? Kean’s enthusiasm and fascination for the periodic table comes through. But, it was just too much even for this admitted science geek. Some parts were far more interesting to me than others.
LINK to my review
My review for: Charlotte's Lance and the Round Fable by Margaret Lynette Sharp
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just starting Geek Love. I'm only about 47 pages in, but I'm hooked right away and looking forward to the surreal journey it promises!
My review for: Tiny Prisoners: Two siblings trapped in a world of abuse. One woman determined to free them. by Maggie Hartley
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Map of Salt and Stars – Zeyn Joukhadar – 4****
Joukhadar uses dual story lines (2011 and 12th-century Syria) and two young heroines to tell this story of family, loss, perseverance, grief, love and success. I liked both Nour and Rawiya, and loved some of the supporting characters. I preferred Nour’s modern-day story, probably because I’m less inclined towards “fairytales” at this stage of my life. Still, Joukhadar gave me a compelling read with well-drawn characters and some interesting parallels. At one point Nour reflects on a scar left on her leg: Life draws blood and leaves its jewelry in our skin. This novel doesn’t draw any blood, but will definitely leave its mark on the reader.
LINK to my review
The Heist Society – Ally Carter – 3***
First in a series featuring Katarina Bishop, born into a family of art thieves, but desperate to get out of the family business. Or is she? This is a fun, fast, young adult novel with a likeable main character and a totally implausible plot. I did like the intricate plotting, and was glad that the romance was kept somewhat on the back burner.
LINK to my review
I see life through ro’se colored glasses by Lisa Scottoline and her daughter. I love all the books they write together
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street – Helene Hanff – 4****
In a follow-up to her hugely popular 84 Charing Cross Road Helene Hanff takes us to London. Written as diary/journal entries on her first (and last) trip to the city she had dreamed of visiting. Definitely read 84 CCR first, but you’ll want to read this one as well … especially if you’re planning a trip to London.
LINK to my review
The Arrangement – Sarah Dunn – 4****
Somehow, I had the impression that this was going to be a fun, farcical comedy of manners type book. It isn’t. There are some scenes that are quite entertaining, but by and large this is a pretty serious look at modern marriage and the work of commitment – to your partner, to your child, to your values. I thought it was interesting that Dunn gave the couple the added responsibility / stress of an autistic child. My sympathies changed through the book as a result of how they interacted with their son and each other.
LINK to my review
Cooking For Ghosts – Patricia V Davis – 2**
I expected a chick-lit light story with some ghosts and recipes to add flavor. The basic premise might be good, but it failed in execution for me. I did like some of the history / background of the RMS Queen Mary, though.
LINK to my review
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Mrs Jeffries and the Silent Knight – Emily Brightwell – 2.5**
In general, I like this cozy series set in Victorian London and featuring the somewhat clueless Inspector Witherspoon and his house staff, who do much of the investigative work, while giving him the credit. However, I’m noticing how repetitious it is – not only from book to book, but within one book. Well, at least they did sometimes talk about Christmas decorations and shopping for presents. And it was a Christmas carol that gave Mrs Jeffries the “clue” she needed to solve the case!
LINK to my review
Picture Miss Seeton – Heron Carvic – 3***
What a fun romp of a cozy mystery! Miss Seeton is a retired art teacher who has just inherited a cottage in the village of Plummergen, Kent. Whether she’s in London or Plummergen, she and her trusty umbrella do manage to wind up in the middle of all sorts of altercations. A bit slow to start, but once I got used to the style, I was hooked. Miss Seeton is a hoot, and I want to keep reading this series.
LINK to my review
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Books mentioned in this topic
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The House in the Pines (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Jennifer Snow (other topics)
Carol Cassella (other topics)
Ana Reyes (other topics)
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The House of the Spirits – Isabel Allende – 4****
Allende covers three generations of the Trueba family in her native Chile. The novel weaves together personal and political triumphs and tragedies into an epic story of love and history. I love Allende’s luminous writing, and the way that she seamlessly introduces elements of magical realism into her stories. Her gift for vivid description had me feeling cold drafts, luxuriating in sumptuous fabrics, hearing the cacophony of a busy marketplace or a student riot, cringing at the stench of human waste in a prison cell. She makes me believe that a woman can have bright green hair, or be clairvoyant and commune with ghosts.
LINK to my review