Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Okay, I didn’t love this as much as the first one, but it kept me wanting to read more of the series.
Kevin R. Free (Narrator) reads the story with enthusiasm.
Sorry this is so short, but I want to go find the next one and read it soon! I read it on Libby!
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well, this was clever and different. And a very short read. But Kevin R. Free (Narrator) keeps the story moving and interesting.
Who knew that Murderbots kept diaries? Well, that represents the humor of this science fiction. My friend, Yvensong, raved about it. She was right. It was a lot of fun.
I was lucky to find this on Libby, but I may buy the whole series soon.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cassandra Campbell (Narrator) did a great job bringing this story to life. The funny thing is I read this long ago and gave it five stars. It was a Kindle version. It was way back when I didn’t bother writing a review, so I don’t know what I fell in love with.
The writing was excellent. And it did keep me guessing as to who might have done it or didn’t do it. But it is more about controversial issues for the parents and the children. And how a lack of 0f communication between family members can cause many problems. And maybe the feeling I had heard this story before makes me less in love with it now? I don’t know. It is a heartbreaker.
I finished reading this a few days ago and am just now writing this review. So, decide for yourself. This may be a great read for you!
If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
John Stamos was on a talk show promoting this book. Immediately, I put it in the search area on Libby. And there it was!
This is an honest account of Mr. Stamos’s life. In that, I feel I can’t really be a judge. It feels like he wrote it in his own voice, and as he narrated, it sounded quite real.
In a sense, I found myself a bit bored. But a great life well lived isn’t always full of action, adventure, and conflict. It was good for bedtime, and it didn’t keep me up worrying or stressed. I cared about what he was talking about and felt his feelings about it all.
Some ratings are very high. Others are quite low. Judge for yourself. It was interesting. And I am glad he is finding success in his life.
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Though Patrick Lawlor (Narrator) did a good job telling the story, I felt it would have been better with a female narrator. Still, it wasn’t about the narrator or the author. This book was dedicated to Grandma Gatewood, her life and times, and the many hikes she walked just because.
Regardless of the way the story is told, I felt inspired by Grandma Gatewood. Granted, I find a walk of a couple of miles more than enough. I think maybe because I have other things planned for the rest of the day. I wonder, if I told myself that this day is for walking if I would find it more enjoyable than trying to get back on time for this or that appointment. On the other hand, this is winter and the wind is horrid. And I might melt if it rained, excuses, excuses.
Anyway, I was lucky to find this on Libby You might like it too.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Now I can’t wait to see the movie! This was a good book! Anthony Doerr wrote beautifully, and Zach Appelman could do all the characters very well. In fact, when he did the female voices, I didn’t hear the belittling tone I usually hear when a male portrays a female.
This was a scary step to take after the heavy historical facts of Rachel’s book. I was so worried that I couldn’t handle what happened to the beloved characters in the book. It doesn’t end with a happily ever after, but it felt real yet enlightening and full of love.
To show how captivating this story was, I didn’t get to sleep until 4:30 this morning, and I had a long drive to stay awake for today. So far, the strength of the characters in the book sustained me. Maybe by this weekend, I can watch the show.
Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been finished with this book for a few days. It is so heavy in history that I couldn’t bring it all in. I may have to buy it and reread it. Luckily, I could read it by Libby audio.
Rachel does her own narrating. That made it better. She can take you back in historical situations so that you know more than names and dates (the things taught to me in history classes of my youth). She can almost take you back to the time the first dinosaur thought of the inconvenience of that leaf and how it led to the conflict of World War II. Her deep research is evident.
There were far more people involved in that war than we were taught in school. And much of what we got had to be taught cleaned up in a way that not just kids but everyone could take it in. There was a reason most veterans of that war said nothing about what happened. They only knew the bit of the war they were in. It was truly a World War, and many people were involved in many aspects. This book covers a lot of them. And how people in many countries, even ours, were placated to or induced into beliefs they might not readily have fallen for otherwise.
I highly suggest everyone read this. I think it could be a textbook for a true history class. I know many won’t want to read it. That’s okay. For those open to try, please do so.
As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Susan Dalian (Narrator) did a good job of reading this, but I would have liked it better had Tamron Hall used her own voice.
Still, it was too real for me. I really don’t like murder mysteries. Why can’t mysteries be more than that? Why make murder an everyday occurrence when, if you think about it, there are a lot of mysteries to look into that could save lives rather than seeing it from the deadly point of view?
Mostly, it was a difficult read at bedtime. That’s on me, I suppose.
I did like that Ms. Hall presented facts about racial inequalities and those inequalities that women go through. I liked the parts of the book about a struggling professional woman trying to make her way in the business Tamron knows well.
I will probably not read the rest of the series. But I am sure there are those who will love it, so don’t take my word for it. Try it. I was lucky to pick up my copy for Libby.
Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond by Henry Winkler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was okay. I do like that someone talks about how it feels to be dyslexic and how it can go with you your entire life. Even if you can somehow learn tricks to help you through some situations, it can mess with your self-esteem for your whole life. Just wait until all the systems start going down; those tricks that got you by when you were young now leave your grasp.
What Henry Winkler teaches us is to find new ways to work your life. He writes books now and does a lot to help others, including kids. Even if we can’t do things others can, it doesn’t mean there isn’t something we CAN do that others might find difficult. Teach each other well, and help each other.
I listened to the audiobook with Mr. Winkler reading. It is hard to read at bedtime as he has a lot of energy in his voice that wouldn’t let me relax and go to sleep. So I suggest reading in the car, on the way to work, or while out on a walk. There are a lot of gems worth hearing in this book.
Enough by Cassidy Hutchinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This young woman has been through enough. Meanwhile, she has proven she is honorable and brave.
I can’t say I enjoyed this book. In fact, it was challenging to listen to. It isn’t fiction. And yet it pulled me like the best mystery or sci-fi adventure. Knowing it was true made me feel so afraid for Cassidy. I hope she can continue being strong and safe. I hope others learn how to stand up to the bullies with truth.
I highly recommend this read. I was lucky to read it on Libby.
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%)
Godinterest for Churches, Ministries, Businesses, Creators, and Believers Worldwide
๐๐ค๐ณ๐ข๐ฑ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ฆ๐ต๐ณ๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด
IYKYK
"Collect moments, not just destinations. Travel well."
Hi! my name is Sebastian (You can call me Seb!) ...welcome to my Blog. I'm a photographer from Worcester, Worcestershire, England. Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoy my work.
โLog your journey to success.โ โWhere goals turn into progress.โ
The Depth Behind The Ordinary
Books, games, music, and life โ filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.
"Words & Wonders - Where thoughts meet art
Poetry, Justice,Spiritual,Astrology,Tarot,Healing
Education, Information, Motivation
Exploring Portuguese Culture, Azorean Heritage, and Luso-Canadian Identity Through Writing
Inheritance. Narcissism. Turf. Welcome to the family.
You must be logged in to post a comment.