I’ll Be Right Here: A Novel by Amy Bloom
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I didn’t finish this book. I found it confusing and dry. I didn’t feel connected to the characters and especially when it started hopping in time.
Mozhan Navabi (Narrator), didn’t help make me feel I knew who’s point of view I was listening to.
I’m sorry. I really wanted to like this book. But don’t take my word for it. The comments show quite a few people loved it. I was glad I could pick this up on Libby.
Overgrowth by Mira Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is going to go down as one of my favorite books, ever. I am sad to have to let it go, but I’m promising myself to read it again soon.
I loved the whole story. I thought at first that it was another cozy mystery, just as it starts with the mother and family. But get ready, this is a roller coaster of fun, adventure, and, yes, nail-biting fear.
I listened to the Libby audio version, narrated by Caitlin Kelly, whose voice, acting, and enthusiasm make this so enticing to read that I picked it up at every chance. But I think this would hold up without a reader. The snark and love would show through, no matter how you decide to dive into it.
Thank you to whoever recommended it to me. I’m sorry, I don’t remember who it was.
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There is so much to this book, I am having a hard time pinning it all down. But I found a review on GoodReads that says it all. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show…
This is a book about three generations of a family in Chile. All the characters are well-developed and complex, with both strengths and flaws. Ultimately, there may be a cautionary note for all of us.
Ana Navarro recommended this book on The View during the “Ladies Got Lit” segment. It is worth jumping into.
As I was browsing through the reviews, I realized this is actually book three, so I put book one on hold, Daughter of Fortune. I may have to read this book again after a deep dive into the first two. It held up well as a stand-alone for me. The writing is great, with enough Spanish to make me pay attention. Javiera Gazitua (Narrator) and Senén Arancibia (Narrator) brought the book alive. I found this on Libby,
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The thing about reading is how many places you get to go. In this case Ecuador. Experience language, history, culture, foods, family interactions in a magical-yet realistic.
Ana Navarro recommended this book and I’m glad she did.
Don’t you love it when you can practice little bits of the Spanish language as you read. Meanwhile, I so enjoyed the far fecthed family adventures and immersed in magic.
This was a fun ride. Frankie Corzo (Narrator) reads Zoraida Córdova’s charactors so well you feel you are there with the characters going through some very crazy times.
I was so fortunate to pick this up from Libby.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This Time Next Year We’ll Be Laughing by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has to be my favorite memoir. I love how Jacqueline Winspear takes us through her life. It is perfect in that she does her own narration.
If you were lucky enough to read or listen to the Maisie Dobbs series, you are rewarded in this autobiography by the glimpses of a real life beneath the fictitious murder mysteries. Ms. Winspear leads us through her childhood in England and to adulthood in Ojai, CA. We meet her family and see how their lives blended with the events in history and how they survived.
If you get the chance, Libby has this audiobook. It is a great way to ease away from the mystery series. Her life’s story helps me look at my own life and how to bring in the bits I have left out of my story without hurting others. Just tell your story. Now, if only I had a wonderful English accent!
Conclave by Robert Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Pope died. It’s time for a new one. We’ve lived through a few of these. It is an interesting concept.
I’m not Catholic, but I have friends and family who are or have been. So I’ve always been curious. How does this work? How do they choose, especially since the church has a range of awesome and sinful? So when I saw the author on a talk show, I put the book on hold with Libby.
It was okay. For me, it was falling into a past of reading about men by men. Quite boring. But I’m glad I read it. Tiny bits of progress of thought seem to thread through this story. But I wonder if women are anything less than barefoot, pregnant witches to these self-important men. Sorry. Not sorry.
Still, these are my opinions that are changeable like the wind. Read it yourself and enjoy.
Every Moment Since by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I ran out of something to read too early in the night. Libby had this story available to borrow. I wasn’t sure about it. Murder mysteries are not my favorite. Especially in cases where a child is missing. But with the multiple narrators and character development, I was drawn in. Although it was a whodunit, it was more about family relationships, watching the characters grow up without their loved one.
It is undoubtedly sad at times, but one has to find equilibrium after loss. I think that was the main point of the story.
I loved Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s writing and the acting chops of Cassandra Campbell, George Newbern, Kirby Heyborne, Jane Oppenheimer, Macleod Andrews, and Renata Friedman.
Don’t Call It a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs, and Started Chasing Happiness by Keira D’Amato
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At 75, with bad knees, I find myself pulled to read books about running and jogging. Go figure. But no matter what condition you find yourself in, stories like Keira D’Amato’s are uplifting and help you discover your healthier self.
Listening to Ms. D’Amato recount her wins and trials while pursuing her passion was not only inspiring, but she also has a great sense of humor, which will have you laughing out loud. That’s not ideal if you’re reading this as a bedtime book, as the giggling may wake your partner. It might be more fun to listen to this book while riding the stationary bike. At least, that doesn’t hurt my knees. Who knows, maybe the peddling will make me strong enough to jog?
I was very happy to receive this book from NetGalley.
Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Thank you, Libby, for having this audiobook to listen to. I might not have read this otherwise. I’m not into reading political books. I do. I try to stay current, but a good sci-fi book will always take precedence. More than anything, I hate a preachy book that leans heavily toward one party or the other. I want things to be neutral. I’ll suss out what I want to know. I’ll form my own conclusions.
That said, I feel Barbara McQuade provided valuable information and offered ideas on how to address issues we’ve all encountered recently. Ms. McQuade narrates her book with an exciting voice. Despite my reluctance to listen to yet another nonfiction, I found it intriguing.
Do I believe all her ideas are the best? No. But there were some I think I’d like to see tried. I believe everyone’s voice and vote should count, but finding the truth should be something we all wish were more accessible.
The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was no Maisie Dobbs. However, it did seem like a lot of plot ideas wanted to be included in the series, but these were leftovers. So, by thinking of the story bits in ziplock bags, I had fun reading (listening) to this non-Maisie.
This probably stands on its own, but I almost wish I had read it before the series rather than after. Still, once again, we inhabit an England during wartime. As only Jacqueline Winspear can, you are transported to layers of the populace amid crimes and courageous efforts by ordinary people. And women get their due in history, even if this is fiction, I’m sure situations like this existed.
Orlagh Cassidy’s great narrating talent makes the reader feel a part of the story.
Congrats! You have completed your goal of reading 100 books for the 2013 Reading Challenge! 115 of 100 (115%)
Congrats! You have completed your goal of reading 225 books for the 2012 Reading Challenge! 225 of 225 (100%)
Congrats! You have completed your goal of reading 200 books for the 2011 Reading Challenge! 204 of 200 (102%)
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