You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Report your finished books in the reporting thread using your WoF name. Also tell us:
- what task you chose and how it relates to the rose colour you picked
- link to the book
- tell us what your think of the book.

Please be analytical in your presentation, and not just that you liked it or didn't. We want to know details.)

Wof Anna M

💛Yellow
The cover is 88,5 % yellow💛

Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket is short story collection. Only one story was written in 2020, the rest were first published in 60s-70s. Most of the stories were connected as their featured the same couple Paula and Howard. And there is a book In the Flesh about them that I'll definitely read.

I enjoyed these stories a lot, most of them were about marriage and womanhood. A slice of life stories well written and entertaining.
Would recommend.

WoF - Lilisa

I chose:

1 - Red and opted to go with the word “red” in the title. I read/listened to Red Island House.

I enjoyed the book, which was set on the island in Madagascar - I felt I was on the island with the main character experiencing life there with its ups and downs. More thoughts here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

RED




The Maid by Nita Prose
Completed ~ 6.2.22
Paperback, 304


Review ~
So the autistic community is pretty much up in arms about this book and giving it some seriously negative reviews, which I feel are undeserved. The general feeling I get is that they are unhappy because of the way that author pigeon holed her and made her appear goofy. I have a hard time sympathizing with them for the simple reason that the book is classified as a cozy mystery, which means all the things they found annoying about it are part of its overall charm (or supposed to be). All cozy mystery characters are stereotyped. They are what defines the genre and are at the heart of what makes these mysteries work. When you pick one up, you just expect to find goofy, predictable characters, not a deep existential multi-faceted novel that puts the world's axis on a different tilt. I found it kind of sweet to have a neurodivergent character put in the center of a cozy mystery - much like Monk of television. In my opinion, it gave a fresh approach to a genre that has needed a new viewpoint for a long time. I loved Molly and I hope the author writes a sequel because I'll be in line for it too.
4☆

WoFSharonBiskit

For this challenge, I read Willa's Grove. I originally though I was reading it for all pale color roses for friendship and it turns out that this book is all about friendship. It is about the power of friendship and women who come together and support each other in a time of need. While some of the on going dialogues seemed a bit forced at times, in truth, many of the conversations are those that I have shared with my closest group of friends. At this point in our lives, we have been friends longer than we haven’t. Two of our group are widows, one has an ill husband, one is unmarried and all of us face challenges: caring for elderly parents, guilt, children who have left, infertility, loneliness and concerns about the future. But we also celebrate together: who we are, what we have done and what we will do. So, many of the conversations in this book are steeped in caring and the love of friendship.

This book also could represent the red rose. Love, courage and respect are all elements that shine from the pages of this book and also from those who enjoy a tight and blessed circle of friends. This book isn’t for everyone. At times, it was a bit sappy and some of the experiences were way exaggerated for those of us who don’t live on a ranch in Montana. However, if you can overlook some of that, it has a strong message for those who have lived a bit.

WoF Jayme

I read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus for this month's challenge. I chose it because the cover is 79% Orange according to tineye.

An orange rose also represents desire and this book is filled with the "chemistry" of love and desire.
I really enjoyed this book. It is so much more than the MPG listings of romance or chic-lit though. In fact I wouldn't even label it as such and think that the cover design and "laugh out loud funny" blurb is misleading and frankly wrong. There are some heavy topics in this book: rape, suicide, and sexism. Set in the 1950s and 1960s this book looks at the treatment of women specifically a brilliant female chemist in a male-dominated field. This is an intense feminist manifesto layered with quirky characters, a love story, and a dog that understands 987 English words. The author is able to pull it off by making the story a little over the top and then zinging the reader with little nuggets of wisdom. Worth the read.

WoF Gunit

1 - I choose Orange and I decided to read You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty because the cover 58.2% orange.



Feyi and Alim's desire for each other is evident throughout the plot and through their actions. That's another reason this book fits for Orange which also represents desire.

Unfortunately I did not enjoy the book. I found the plot to be ridiculous, shallow and pointless. It felt like the story is all about making excuses for the mistakes you've made and justify them by your grief.

WoF - Janice

I chose the orange rose which signifies Desire. Seduction is a big part of desire, so I read Seduction in Death. The paperback edition had a bit orange flower on it, but I could use that.
The person doing the seduction used pink roses and pink rose petals because according to the book, pink roses signify romance. However, that's not included in the definitions we used, so I couldn't use it either. I went with seduction to indicate desire.

I really enjoyed the story. I love the bantering and play between Rourke and Eve, and I love Peabody. I think audiobook is the only way to consume this series. There's a lot of differing emotions between the characters.

WoF Shirley

I chose a pale-coloured rose signifying friendship.
I listened to From Where I Fell. The paperback has 338 pages.

The book is written as a series of emails depicting the developing friendship between Pamela in Australia, struggling as a newly-separated mother of three boys, and Chrisanthi, a teacher in New York. They met online as the result of a mistakenly addressed email.
The structure worked well, but I think I might have enjoyed the book more if I had read the print version. I found the American accent jarring - just a bit too “put on”.
Initially I was surprised by the ending, but after thinking about it I believe it was realistic, though sad because (view spoiler)[ Chrisanthi just stopped responding, even though Pamela kept up a one-sided conversation. She was devastated at losing the friendship. (hide spoiler)]

Jayme wrote: "WoF Jayme

I read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus for this month's challenge. I chose it because the cover is 79% Or..."Thanks for your review. This book is on my TBR, so I’m glad you recommend it.

WoF Aya

I chose red and read (90.1% red).

Though I've watched the movie back then and already knew the plot, it still is enjoyable to read. I think it's pretty unique where they revealed the perpetrator in the beginning, and the detective had to seek help from a physicist. This is my very first time witnessing a crime solved from a physics perspective. Though the adaptations are more hilarious where the physicist literally uses physic formulas.

WoF Stacy SP

I chose red, as I love red roses.
Love Me Anyway = 89% Tineye.


To be completely honest I wasn't overly impressed with this book, it was okay. There was a serial killer at large and the author couldn't seem to decide whether this was supposed to be a mystery or a romance. I found some of the characters to be a bit unlikeable, the male MC was quite chauvinistic really. I gave it 3 stars, as the crime plot was kinda interesting.

WoF - Jenn

I chose the Orange Rose, and listened to Scorpica whose cover is 88.9% Orange.


It was an interesting Fantasy book where the entire society is based in Matriarchs, and has been divided into five Queendoms. And, each of these groups has their own focus Diplomacy, Warrior, All-Magic, Scholar, and Chaos, makes for some very interesting interactions as the groups move about the world. Quite good, but wished that I had realized that it was the only part of the series that was published yet :(

WoF Katrisa
I chose red and chose the book Red Azalea (has red in title).
This book takes place during the Cultural Revolution under Mao in China. It was really interesting to see the ways where a population is forced into submission to a ruler. There is hardcore propaganda happening all the time and it is hard to know who is a "true believer" and who is not. How many cracks in the belief does it take for new ideas to creep in? I gave it 4 stars.

WoF Lynn

Rose Colour: Pink
Book: Waiting for Sunshine
Link: The cover is 94.5% pink (tineye)


The story focuses around a couple trying to adopt. The very real and extreme range of emotions from the adoption process were handled so well and felt incredibly authentic. I very quickly felt attached to both the couple and especially their daughter Sunshine.

Unfortunately my connection to those characters were lost when the story veered off into what I felt was unrealistic territory. So many twists and turns; foster parents understandable but extreme reaction, Sunshine's birth family mystery plotline, the collection of adoption workers and their actions, and the unnecessary secondary storyline.

It was still a readable and interesting story but somewhat jarring. What I thought was going to be a serious exploration of the complexities of adoption turned into a fantastical, somewhat farcical, mystery. It was a weird choice by the author to mix the two different styles.

I read Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman.
Word 'red' is in title

Lana Hitchcock receives a message from her estranged father Jack Spalding that he is unwell. She leaves immediately to go and see him, but is too late. She flies from the island of Oahu to the big island of Hawaii, and then makes her way to his house close to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The next day Pearl Harbour is attacked.

I enjoyed this book, especially the style of writing with its heartwarming feel. The characters are very likeable and easy to relate to. There are issues with some suspense involved which are all resolved. This book was quite absorbing for me with romance, historical fiction and suspense all thrown in.

The setting was great with the volcanoes as a back drop. As I visited this area a few years ago, the setting was familiar and brought back memories.

I will be looking out for another Sara Ackerman book to read.

Jayme wrote: "WoF Jayme

I read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus for this month's challenge. I chose it because the cover is 79% Or..."
I agree. I read it last week, and I loved it.

Odette wrote: "I read Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman.
Word 'red' is in title

Lana Hitchcock receives a message from her estranged father Jack Spalding that he is unwell. S..."
This book would fit the Road Trip Challenge task for a book set in Hawaii. I’ve been struggling to find one that interests me,so if The Color of Air doesn’t work out, I might try this one.

Shirley wrote: "Odette wrote: "I read Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman.
Word 'red' is in title

Lana Hitchcock receives a message from her estranged father Jack Spalding that ..."

Red Sky Over Hawaii would certainly fit the task with descriptions of the big island, Hawaii and the culture of its residents.
I borrowed the e-book version on Borrowbox, which I have access to through the local library.

WoF: Kristie

I chose to read for the red rose. 🌹 Red roses represent love ❤️, so I chose to read a book with a main page genre of romance.

I read Mug Shot. I thought it was cute, but nothing really special. It had too many tropes that I don't care for - a redheaded MC that's a spitfire and not one, not two, but three super gorgeous men that are all interested in her because she just 'isn't like other women'. What a lucky gal... Overall, it was an ok story and if you're a love triangle (rectangle?) kind of person, then go for it. It just wasn't my favorite.

WoF: Kira"s Treasures

I read for Red rose - a book with a red cover, respect and courage.

The book started off slow and a bit confusing because I couldn't understand MC's feelings at all, his attachment with the violin seemed absurd and outright freaky NGL but then the writing of the book took such an amazing turn that I was left mindblown. Everything was explained beautifully and the best part was it wasn't just a simple mystery/ thriller. There were other amazing elements as well such as - Ray's relationship with Janice. I am a bit angry at myself for even thinking there might be something wrong there. Also, the way author touches the topic of racism every now and then but just enough to not sway away from the main theme of the book was pretty excellent. I ended up rating this a 5 star despite the slow start.

The MC faces several hurdles in his music career, his mom being the biggest but he never loses hope and ends up making a name for himself despite all odds. He doesn't get scared easily while facing discrimination, keeps focusing on his own practice and has the courage to stand up for himself in front of his family.

This was an unexpectedly awesome read.

WoF Anusha

White rose - a book with white cover.

It was a touching memoir detailing his childhood, life as a doctor, and a patient. His pursuit of the meaning of life and death led him from literature to medicine, peppered with philosophical musings, where he questions life, death, and its meaning.

The foreword was a little boring and the epilogue by his widow was emotional, detailing his last days and the love they shared with their family.

Almost forgot to report this!

WoF Almeta

3. YELLOW - Celebrates life and joy, perfect for a new mom.

The Ardent Swarm 13 Jun

Sid is obviously the main character, but the book was written in a third person point of view. This allowed access to his friends', villagers' and others' thought and actions.

I enjoyed what I believe was the symbolism of the bees and hornets, as a harmonious society versus violent invaders.

(Oh look...yellow is the perfect symbol for "Sidi's and the bees' harmonious life.)

WoF Peggy

I picked the yellow rose and read
Besides the cover being yellow, it also fits the rose's description: Celebrates life and joy, perfect for a new mom. It's not about a new mom, but it is about a very lonely man who makes new friends and finds joy in life again.

I really enjoyed this book. The audio was great, and the story itself was sweet and uplifting, despite it covering also sad themes like loneliness, death, homelessness and addiction. It makes you feel better and hopeful about the world :)

WoF Pragya

-Pink. The cover is more than 75% pink


- The book started off so well and then didn't keep up my interest. I loved the main character for her creativity but the whole cliche not knowing someone is into her for such a smart girl didn't go down too well with me, along with the side stories. It was 2 stars for me.

Badges are posted. Please let me know if I've missed anyone.