Coffee & Books discussion

Just finished Everything, Everything which made me feel like 17 again. Not many books can do that. It also left me speechless and utterly stunned. 5 stars!

Currently listening to Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. I really enjoyed his books about 20 years ago but now they seem a bit predictable.

Still reading A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers. The story is fine but the writing's a bit shallow.

I finished my book called The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March

I finished my book called Falling for the Rebel Princess by Ellie Darkins

Walk Two Moons – Sharon Creech – 5*****
I was completely drawn into the book from the beginning, as I learned that Sal was forced to move from her beloved Kentucky farm some 300 miles north to a town where there wasn’t even a tree in her yard. I liked the multi-generational aspect of the novel, as well as the story-within-a-story way Creech revealed what had happened. As Sal told the story of Phoebe and the lunatic, she was peeling back the layers of her own story, and finding ways to process her loss. Though I cried at the ending, I was left with a feeling hope. A marvelous book.
My full review HERE


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The Unteachables – Gordon Korman – 4****
This was a fun, enjoyable middle-grade book about kids – and at least one teacher – who need a little extra help and a hefty dose of understanding and empathy. I loved how the kids came to understand one another, and how they came to understand their teacher and his struggles. I think that young teens and middle-grade students will particularly like the focus on what the kids CAN do. Put down and bullied, they are clearly NOT helpless victims. Bravo!
My full review HERE

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Amazing so far. Magical

I finished my book called Standoff by Patricia Bradley

I finished A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers which earned 3 stars in the end.

I started Seabiscuit: An American Legend which seems okay so far but is a very slow read.

Also finished the German audio version of Nowhere in Africa: An Autobiographical Novel and am now listening to Somewhere in Germany. Both quite interesting.

Beneath the Bonfire – Nickolas Butler – 4****
In this collection of short stories Butler explores relationships: men and women; male bonding; fathers and children; people and the land. The ten stories are dark and mesmerizing, Butler’s characters are lonely and yet reaching out for connection. I recognize the landscape which can be brutally unforgiving for the person not experienced or equipped to survive the dangers of the north woods.
My full review HERE

I finished my book called What You Don't See by Tracy Clark

Put away Seabiscuit: An American Legend for the time being. It's not gripping enough to go on reading right now :(

Started My Cousin Rachel which is hmm, meh or rather okay.

Currently listening to The Widow which is also okay.

I finished my book called Shiver by Allie Reynolds

I just finished by Jess Lourey. This was a well written thriller and also family saga told by the 13 year old protagonist, but has a lot of child abuse in it. So, it is not a light read at all.

My favorite recent book I’ve read is , V.E. Schwab. I agree with Kelani who says it’s magical. I loved the story.

Just over half way through A Discovery of Witches. Going well at the moment...

My review for Cherish Me, Cowboy by Alissa Callen

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Rabbits! Which is a strange choice for me. It's not about actual rabbits, but a sci-fi gamer book about a game called Rabbits! It's all about connecting the dots and puzzles and the darknet, and multidimensional universes. So definitely not in my wheelhouse, but a page turner, for sure and I enjoyed it weirdly enough!

I finished my book called Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson

Home – Nnedi Okorafor – 4****
Book 2 in the marvelous “Binti” science fiction trilogy. Okorafor is a wonderful storyteller! I love the way she crafts her tale, combining science fiction and traditional mysticism. I also like how she weaves in a message of social justice and against racism. Binti is one strong female lead. I’m looking forward to Book 3, to see how (I’m not even wondering whether) Binti manages to bring peace between warring factions and ensure the future of her people.
My full review HERE

I finished my book called What's Not to Love by Emily Wibberley

My review for Her Last Words by Kim Kelly

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I finished my book called Jackson by Emily March

Finished I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World which was okay.

Currently reading The White Queen.

Put My Cousin Rachel on hold.

I finished my book called The Vacation by T.M. Logan

Am reading the Harry Potter series with my granddaughter. What fun books to enjoy together ❤️❤️

I finished my book called The Plea by Steve Cavanagh

I finished my book called Closer To You by Adam Croft

Currently reading “where the crawdads sing” by Delia Owens. Cannot express how good of a writer she is, and how amazing this story is so far.

Am reading The Song Book of Benny Lament

I finished my book called Paranoid by Lisa Jackson

Sun Down Motel

I finished my book called Hush Little Girl by Lisa Regan

I finished my book called Taming a Texas Charmer by Katie Lane

I am reading Down a Dark Hall which was a favorite of mine in grade school. It’s still great!

Quite a Year For Plums – Bailey White – 3***
A charming look at the eccentric people who inhabit a small town in Georgia. I had a hard time getting into the book. That was my problem, I think, rather than the book’s. I usually enjoy these slower, meandering, character-driven works, but it just didn’t quite work for me at this time. It was okay. There was nothing really wrong with it. But I barely remember it just a day after finishing it.
My full review HERE

Seriously … I’m Kidding – Ellen DeGeneres – 3***
I like Ellen DeGeneres. She’s a talented comedian and I’ve been a fan of hers for years. But watching a talented performer give a 5-minute monologue that is funny and entertaining is not the same as reading a book … or, in my case, listening to it. It wasn’t great literature, but it was fine. I doubt I’ll remember it tomorrow.
My full review HERE

I just finished The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See. Excellent.

1. Secrets of Millionaire Mind
2. The 5 Second Rule
3. Atomic Habits
4. Siri Guru Grant Sahib
5. The Great Influenza
6. I Like You Just The Way I Am
7. Innercise
8. Tiny Habits
9. Limitless
10. You Are The Placebo
... amoung others