Coffee & Books discussion
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What are you reading?
I just finished Daisy Jones and the Six, by Taylor Jenkins-Reid. I wasn’t going to read it, thought it was probably just a hyped glorification of the 70’s Rock Scene. Thought it would be shallow. I ended up really enjoying this book. Listening on Spotify now, they made a list of songs for the book. Best, idea for this book came from two in a group Civil Wars who sing as though they are together, but were with other people and said never together. That was where Taylor Jenkins-Reid said she got the idea for the dynamic between Daisy and Billy. Beautiful Song.
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground – Rita Williams-Garcia – 4.5****
This was wonderful on so many levels, from the history of the blues to the serious work of grieving over the loss of a family member to the need to face our troubles and talk about problems so that we can understand and forgive one another. Appropriate for middle-school readers and adults.
My full review HERE
My review for The Beauty of Broken Things by Victoria Connelly
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Doña Barbara – Rómulo Gallegos – 3.5***
This classic of South American literature was first published in 1929. It is an epic tale of two cousins who are fighting for control of a vast estate / ranch in Venezuela. The novel is an early example of magical realism and Gallegos weaves together adventure, fantasy, and romance, using vivid description and outlandish storytelling. The various outdoor scenes were particularly exciting – I could practically taste the grit and feel the dust in my nostrils. If there was any element that made me downgrade the rating, it was the tendency towards melodramatic soap opera.
My full review HERE
The Lions of Fifth Avenue, by Fiona Davis. Just started it, but love that her books are historical novels set in famous places in Manhattan. This one starts in 1913 and then has another narrator from 1993. Was really excited my library had the Hardcover. Love e-books, but reading so much, watching the screen so much can bother my eyes. Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone in the US. Please be careful and stay safe.
The War of the Worlds – H G Wells – 4****
Classic science-fiction horror. I knew the basic premise going in and had heard snippets of the famous radio broadcast by Orson Welles, but had never read the original. The first-person narrative lends a sense of urgency and immediacy to the narrative. The reader feels completely immersed in the story. Wells includes significant tension; while there are a few moments of respite, I found it a very anxiety-producing read.
My full review HERE
It Takes a Witch – Heather Blake – 2**
The premise of this cozy mystery is pretty lame. The murder plot (main reason to read a cozy mystery in my humble opinion) was moderately interesting. I also thought the romantic interest was handled fairly well, with a nice promise of more to come. But I’ll probably never know what happens between Darcy and Nick, because I have no plans to continue this series.
My full review HERE
I’m 1/2 done with The Lions of Fifth Avenue, it’s really good so far. Also, reading, Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover and Me. Usually, don’t read 2 at same time, but finishing GR book from last year for a Nov Challenge. Raining out, so going to finish out these books today. Happy Reading Everyone 📚❣️
Caroline: Little House Revisited – Sarah Miller – 3.5***
Readers familiar with Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, will find this very familiar. Miller chooses to retell Wilder’s stories for an adult audience, focusing on Laura’s mother, Caroline. I really enjoyed this work of historical fiction, though I cringed at the lead character’s attitudes towards the Native American population. Miller does not gloss over the very real challenges of pioneer life – the lack of supplies, or routine comforts we take for granted.
My full review HERE
Les femmes qui lisent sont dangereuses - Laure Adler - 4****
This would probably be classified as a "coffee table book". But it is much more than that. Laure Adler introduces the book by writing about the power women gained for their independance by reading. The book is full of paintings and a few photographs of women reading, starting with a painting of the Virgin Mary receiving the visit of the Archangelo Gabriel who "obviously" interrupted her reading, and goes on until contemporary works.
I loved the theme and the paintings but my "problem" is with the interpretation of the paintings. I am not saying they are not right, only that I don't see those things in paintings. I see only the subject, the colours, the style.
But I enjoyed the book.
Margot wrote: "Les femmes qui lisent sont dangereuses - Laure Adler - 4****
This would probably be classified as a "coffee table book". Bu..."
Margot, I am so jealous that you know how to speak French. I can maybe make out a few words. Does the title mean. Women that read are dangerous? Glad you can read it and enjoyed 📖
Fraternity – Diane Brady – 3***
In 1968, a visionary priest recruited 20 black men to the College of the Holy Cross and changed their lives and the course of history. This was a very interesting look at how their experience influenced these young men. Brady focuses on seven of the recruits, but the person who really stands out in this tale is Rev. John Brooks, the priest who recruited the students, fought for funds, mentored them, and championed their causes.
My full review HERE
Next Year in Havana – Chanel Cleeton – 3***
Another work of historical fiction that relies on the bifurcated story line. Basically you have two romances each featuring a privileged young woman with a man who is not in her class, one in the 1950s and the other in 2017. It held my attention, and had some interesting historical elements.
My full review HERE
Kristine wrote: "Margot wrote: "Les femmes qui lisent sont dangereuses - Laure Adler - 4****
This would probably be classified as a "coffee ..."
Hi Kristine,
Actually the title would be more "Women who read" rather than "can read". Women who can read but don't, are far less dangerous! What you pick up in books when you read is knowledge and knowledge is empowering.
Laure Adler is a French journalist and writer. She has a Masters in Philosophy and a PhD in History. Her thesis was on feminists of the 19th century. She published biographies and essays, she is also quite present on French television. The few pages she wrote at the beginning of this book were a joy to read.
The book is also available in English translation.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
French is my first language, English came in later, that's why my English is not so great... I am sorry for my mistakes.
Christmas Cow Bells – Mollie Cox Bryan – 3***
First in a new cozy mystery series set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and featuring artisanal cheese maker Brynn MacAllister. This was just delightful. I love the basic premise of a micro-dairy farmer who is trying to make her way in a new community, but facing difficulties from traditionalists who do not want any change. I’m not really an animal lover, but I did really love the animal characters: Petunia, Buttermilk, Marigold and Freckles. I look forward to reading more of this series.
My full review HERE
Kiss Of Pride – Sandra Hill – 2.5**
Oh my stars! This is so bad it’s good. I had no idea that Vampire Viking Angels are a thing, but I think I’m glad they are. Despite the dreadfully awful writing and the ridiculous plot, this was still fun. It was a fast-paced, quick read that entertained.
My full review HERE
The Boston Girl – Anita Diamant – 5*****
85-year-old Addie Baum is interviewed by her “favorite” granddaughter for a project. She focuses on her youth in the early 20th century, from age 15 to about age 30. I just loved this book. I loved Addie – feisty, intelligent, curious, determined, adventurous, compassionate. She’s a loyal friend and confidante. She’s also practical about her decisions, but still willing to take a risk. I was completely mesmerized by her storytelling.
My full review HERE
A Minute to Midnight – David Baldacci – 3***
Book 2 in the Atlee Pine mystery series has the FBI agent forced to take a “vacation” which she elects to spend back in her childhood hometown of Andersonville, Georgia. Fast-paced and with plenty of twists and action to keep the reader turning pages. It’s almost too much action, especially when Baldacci combines the cold case with a new serial killer in town.
My full review HERE
Dumplin’ – Julie Murphy – 3.5***
I grew up in Texas and am very familiar with the small-town beauty pageant hysteria. I really liked the story arc about Will’s efforts regarding the pageant and how she inspires other girls who don’t fit the standard “beauty-queen” stereotype to step up as well. I also liked how Murphy explored the mother/daughter and friend relationships. I was a somewhat unhappy with the romance aspect; I was really disappointed in how Dumplin’ managed her conflict, but then she’s a teenager.
My full review HERE
Ella Minnow Pea – Mark Dunn – 5***** and a ❤
A novel told in letters about an island nation off the coast of South Carolina where the residents pride themselves on their literacy. And then a tile falls off a monument and their exalted leaders declare that letter is no longer to be used. What’s one little letter? There are 25 others. But as more letter tiles fall, restrictions – and penalties – become more onerous. And the citizens of Nollop realize their nation is being ruined by those in charge.
My full review HERE
The Island of Sea Women – Lisa See – 4****
See’s work of historical fiction is set on the Korean island of Jeju, and follows Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls from different backgrounds who become friends. Both begin to apprentice to the women of the island in their unique all-female diving collective. I really liked this work, both for what I learned about this culture, and for the exploration of female relationships – jealousies, secrets, confidences shared, and misunderstanding that cause seemingly irreparable rifts.
My full review HERE
Craigslist Confessional. Thought this was going to be a light read, but not, it’s sad, not sure I will finish. See Book Concierge you are reading The Island old Sea Women, I liked that one. Let me know if you do.
My review for Flirtatious: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Variation Vignette by Margaret Lynette Sharp
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished The Zookeeper's Wife which was interesting. 3 out of 5 stars.At the moment switching between At the Water's Edge and Long Voyage Back.
Coffee & Books
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The Girl Who Drank the Moon – Kelly Barnhill – 4.5****
This is a delightful fantasy / fairy tale that deals with prejudice, fear, the importance of family, and the courage to do the right thing. I loved these characters (a witch, a swamp monster, a tiny dragon, and a magical child) and their “family dynamic.” While it’s aimed at the middle-school crowd, it is easily enjoyed by adults.
My full review HERE