Category: Reviews



Coming HomeComing Home by Brittney Griner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Autobiographical books offer a chance to walk in someone else’s shoes. Sometimes, those shoes are uncomfortable, but they enlarge our lives by allowing us to understand another person’s pain or achievements.

There has been a lot of news about Brittney Griner’s life for a while. The newsfeeds seem confused; for one minute, they are putting her on a pedestal, and for another, she’s the worst. I prefer seeing what people say about themselves. See how they see life day by day. Sure, there are autobiographies full of self-delusions, but one can learn the truth in sincerity. Research will help if you aren’t convinced by the end.

I feel Ms. Griner did the best she could. Her writing is easy to follow. I don’t know if I could have lived through what she did.

By the way, Andia Winslow narrates most of the book. I think her voice contributes emotional context to the story. But it is nice to hear Brittney’s voice at the beginning and end of the book.

I hope you try this book. I think you will feel a new level of understanding.

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The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family MemoirThe Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir by Griffin Dunne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can’t remember where I learned of this book. I had no idea who it was about, and it took me forever to figure that out. For those of you who are clueless like I was, this is the guy who played Uncle Nick on This is Us. My husband knew who he was and a lot more about his life. This was a learn-as-you-go reading for me.

If you are knowledgeable about Hollywood, this book will reap deeper rewards. Mr. Dunne name-drops every page. I would only know who was being referred to occasionally. I’m sure my husband would have known everyone. I’ve never been that impressed with famous people.

Still, as an autobiography, I was able to wander through someone else’s life and experience the depth and heart of the man and his family. It was worth the journey. He read his own, so he knew what it was all about. It made a great audiobook. Libby loaned it to me.

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The Art of Power: My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the HouseThe Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House by Nancy Pelosi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was more interesting than I thought it would be. I like autobiographies, but I don’t like history or politics much. But the history was of my lifetime, and the issues presented were clearer in the book than it was living through all the news and drama presented every night.

And I didn’t think I would like to hear Nancy’s voice, but she did a good job keeping her voice interesting and I wanted to learn her secret for reading and being kind to her throat.

I realize this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I hadn’t thought it would be mine, but I am glad I read it. I felt I learned a lot in the process.

Libby was the way I was able to listen to this book.

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Salt to the SeaSalt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading Lily’s Promise about World War Two atrocities, I wasn’t sure I could get through another. But this seemed to be a different take. And it was written as a Young Adult novel. So, I was curious. Then I was surprised.

Jorjeana Marie (Narrator), Will Damron (Narrator), Cassandra Morris (Narrator), and Michael Crouch (Narrator) all brought Ruta Sepetys’ book to life. I’m not a historian, so when others start to spout names and facts of the time leaves me drowsy and mind-numb. But right off, Ms. Sepetys presents characters that seem plausible. I found I cared for all of them, even the not-so-loveable ones. Well, there was one I couldn’t stand, but he wasn’t a very good person. The rest were flawed humans just trying to survive.

I had never heard of the Wilhelm Gustloff ship, which proved to be in existence. When I mentioned it to my husband, he had never heard of it either, and he’s a bit more of a history buff, so that added something that rang true to the story.

Being a Young Adult book doesn’t make this immature but helps readers like me gentle into the story.

Again, this was a Libby Audiobook, which made it even better. I hope you get the chance to read it. It’s worth it.

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A Man Called OveA Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Man Called Otto is the movie with Tom Hanks. I hope you got to watch it. As grumpy as the main character, I must admit that this man warms your heart. I had watched the movie and then learned the book it was based on. There was the Audible available for one credit, and now it’s mine to read whenever I want. It is bittersweet and often funny but with wonderful truths woven right in.

J.K. Simmons does the narration, which sounds like Tom Hanks. Same sourpuss grumpiness as in the movie.

I enjoyed the book so much that I needed more, so I looked up the movie, and I had to watch it. I think it was on Netflix.

I highly recommend both ways to enjoy the story.

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Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life InterruptedBetween Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I ran out of things to read a couple of nights ago and found this available. I had to give it another listen. I love it so much that I may try to find this book on Audible and paperback. There is so much wisdom in this book. It offers ideas for anyone or anytime one needs to take their mind off worries and find something creative to do, such as the 100-day challenge. Once again, I highly recommend this book!

Below is my previous review.
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For the depressing diagnosis, this book turned out to be quite positive. And a very interesting read. The author was quite the narrator, too.

What started as itching feet and legs became leukemia. Readers go with Suleika Jaouad as she learns the cause of her discomfort and how to navigate medical issues while only in her twenties.

I highly recommend this read. Ms. Jaouad not only writes well but does quite the podcast. Oh, and I feel quite silly. I didn’t realize that the Jon she talks about towards the end was none other than Jon Batiste.

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Sea of TranquilitySea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will re-read this one in the future. As with many time-travel audiobooks, I found myself confused—until I didn’t. There came a time when it all started gelling.

As a writer, I was stunned by the most boring first chapter ever. I get it. I know now why the author did it this way, but wow, I nearly quit reading/listening from the very beginning. What drew me on? The blurb of what was supposed to happen in this book. There was to be time travel and time to be on the moon. Stick it out as it all circles back and makes sense.

Emily St. John Mandel’s book is brought to life by a host of narrators. Because of these people, I think the audiobook is the way to read it: John Lee, Dylan Moore, Arthur Morey, and Kirsten Potter.

It’s interesting, if nothing else. And, like all time-travel books, it makes you think.

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The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara WaltersThe Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters by Susan Page
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Susan Page wrote and narrated this book. As much as I enjoy learning the process of an autobiography, a biography seems less personal and often feels a bit of a betrayal to the person, even if it wasn’t meant to be. I guess that’s why folks say, “It wasn’t my tale to tell.” Sure, it might tell unflattering things that may actually be more honest, but often, the motivation of why a person did this or that, even if in self-delusion, is still more honest than hearsay. The ‘why’ is important.

Barbara Walters has passed, so sadly, she couldn’t put her two cents in on this book. Still, I did learn a few things that happened within my history that I didn’t realize. So I don’t cross off this book. It just wasn’t a favorite. You may like it better. Besides, I wasn’t feeling well when I read it. I know life and health can color how you feel about books.

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The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin OlympicsThe Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading the book by Katie Ledecky, I thought another Olympic story would be fun.

While not as positive as Katie’s book, this one was full of conquering spirits during a bad time in history. I learned a lot about rowing, but I have to admit this isn’t my kind of sport. I’d rather be in a clean pool than out on the ocean or a lake.

I think this book is one others may like better than I did. If I had to rate it more accurately, it would be three and a half stars. I rounded up. But maybe it was more the fever of COVID than the book itself. Edward Hermann narrated Daniel James Brown’s book with gusto.

Try it! You might like it.

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The Lost BookshopThe Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The blurb pulled me into a wonderful, amazing world. Here’s the one from GoodReads:

‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

I love a book about books and bookstores and the magic that can occur. It can get confusing if you have to listen and not read the words. I would get lost as to whose point of view I was looking through. But after a while, I got it and was charmed.

Avena Mansergh-Wallace (Narrator), Olivia Mace (Narrator), and Nick Biadon (Narrator) made Evie Woods’ story come to life.

If you get the chance, read or listen to this one. It is charming!

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