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 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.
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.
Cables and Conjurers by Nancy Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Why is it over so soon? It was such a welcome relief when Libby shared with me that they are now carrying Nancy Warren’s books, including this latest addition to the Vampire Knitting Club. These books are so much fun! With all that is going on in the world, one needs a good escape.
No, you don’t need to know anything about knitting. After all, the yarn store owner, Lucy Swift, knows only enough to get in trouble. Nor do many vampire rules apply in these books. Hence, the fun of the club that meets after the store closes.
I think my only issue with any of these books is the murder that must be solved. But somehow, we’ve grown cozy with folks being killed. Besides, it does keep the story going.
Nancy Warren’s writing, including her fantastic sense of humor make these stories perfect. Sarah Zimmerman (Narrator) knows how to relate the scenes flawlessly.
Sadly, I’m finished with the series. I must seek out more of Nancy Warren books! Please, if you need a lightweight read, look for this Vampire Knitting series.
My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
That’s different! Coral Peña and Johnathan McClain, narrators, help make this story feel real. I’m not so sure parts, if not all, are autobiographical for the author, Isabel Allende, even if it seems impossible.
One of my favorite parts of reading fiction is taking voyages to places I’ve never been and living the point of view I don’t inhabit. This book did both for me.
The blurb on Goodreads or Amazon will give you a hint about what to expect, but it would be too lengthy to copy and paste here. Still, maybe you don’t need to, trust me, this is a fun adventure. And guess what? Libby has it to lend! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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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