Tag Archive: Fiction



Prelude to Foundation (Foundation, #6)Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After bingeing Foundation on Prime, I was determined to relive my teen romp in Asimov land. At 76, I can remember the library, the shelf, and checking out each of his books, I, Robot and Foundation series. But I couldn’t remember anything about the Foundation series. So I decided to reread them all. Instead of starting with the original three, I started with the more recently written, Prelude.

I have always loved Isaac Asimov’s writing, but they were a slow slog to get through, with the science taking precedence over the fantasy-leaning of other sci-fi novels by other authors. I found that, back in the day, his work was far less misogynistic. I think that it was that he just didn’t have many women in his books. And at least they didn’t fall into the arm-candy, bimbo, or crone categories.

Prelude gives us an intro to Hari. I found it as hard to get through as I loved the no-nonsense writing. So I will continue the series. Maybe I’ll finish before the next season streams. I was so happy to find the Kindle version of the book with text-to-speech on Libby.

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ArtemisArtemis by Andy Weir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sadly, Artemis wasn’t nearly as fun and exciting as Andy Weir’s other space books. Still, it was a bit of a romp on the moon. Since the main character in this book was a feisty female, the narrator was Rosario Dawson. I think she did an excellent job acting out the parts.

We have a lot of books about naughty women. Let’s have serious women! None of Mr. Weir’s male characters would have acted like that. Sure, they had faults, but they were about the science. I am glad we are a step up from the madonna-whore-naive-giggling girl, but not much.

So, no. You tried. But still don’t get it. In fact, I doubt men would want a woman who got into that much trouble in their lives, much less protecting the moon people. WHY?!

By the way, I read/listened to this on Audible.

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The Night Swim (Rachel Krall, #1)The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A podcast gets too real. Megan Goldin has written quite the thriller. With Bailey Carr, January LaVoy, and Samantha Desz reading, it kept me in the story awake.

I was fortunate to find this on Libby. As you can see on Amazon, the audio version is $500! Apparently, there is a second book, but I couldn’t find it in my Libby. It was only that I finished another book before I was ready to sleep that sent me looking for whatever interesting book was available at the moment. This one showed up on the list.

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Project Hail MaryProject Hail Mary by Andy Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! This one was so good that I had to start the reread immediately after I finished. I had checked out the book from Libby, but had to buy the Audible version, as I know I will want to relive this adventure often.

It didn’t hurt that the Artemis was flying as I read.

I can’t wait to watch the movie!

If you haven’t tried this yet, you have so much fun awaiting you. Get it and enjoy!

By the way, the narration by Ray Porter was such a pleasure!

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The Queens of CrimeThe Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun diversion. Favorite mystery writers come together to solve a crime. Bessie Carter narrated, changing accents and characters as needed to keep the story moving and the reader engaged.

I was lucky to pick this audiobook up on Libby. Those more into mysteries will love it.

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Seven Tears Into the SeaSeven Tears Into the Sea by Terri Farley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I don’t know if I was off or if text-to-speech couldn’t help me stay focused, but I kept getting lost. I still have an image clear as a portrait of a girl giving her nightgown as her skin? But later, I realized it was the male who was the selkie. Where did his fur go? I’m sorry. Bedtime grogginess? Life issues got in the way?

Terri Farley has written many horse stories. I have many on my TBR list. But the ones I did get to, I have enjoyed. And I did like the time on the beach and the time spent with the characters. I just found myself lost at times. Maybe I’ll read it again later.

Maybe this book isn’t meant for 76-year-olds, though I often still feel I am in touch with the inner teen. I don’t know. I hope others love it.

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Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “portrait.” Use it way you’d like. Have fun!

By Any Other NameBy Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Billie Fulford-Brown (Narrator), Laura Benanti (Narrator), Jodi Picoult (Narrator, Author), Jayne Entwistle (Narrator), Andrew Fallaize (Narrator), Joe Jameson (Narrator), John Lee (Narrator), Nicholas Guy Smith (Narrator), Simon Vance (Narrator), Steve West (Narrator),

With this cast of narrators and the beautiful writing and research of Jodi Picoult, I found this book so fascinating that I just bought the Audible version so I can read it again soon.

If you think you know Shakespeare, this gives a possible theory, with convincing evidence of what might have happened.

This is a historic work and a modern work featuring the female condition of the ages.

I highly recommend this book. This audiobook was borrowed from Libby.

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Two Reviews in One


Katie Beudert narrated this Nancy Warren mystery duo.

I have to admit to not being nearly as charmed as I was with the Vampire Knitting Club and other lighter, more humorous series. But in my time of need for distraction, it filled the bill quite well. For me, it felt a combination of Maisie Dobbs and Emily in Paris.

I was happy to find both on Libby.

Somehow, I started book two first, but I always felt I was missing something. I found book one and started it over.


The Outlandish Companion, Volume Two: The Companion to The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, An Echo in the Bone, and Written in My Own Heart's BloodThe Outlandish Companion, Volume Two: The Companion to The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, An Echo in the Bone, and Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Clearly, I love the Outlander series. But these Companions, One and Two, are the cherry on top. I listened to both companions on Audible. But I feel I would love to have the hardback copies for research purposes.

Having the “Cliff Notes” of the books summarized is helpful, though not as delightful as another reading of the actual books would be. Still, it was the author’s notes on writing about her life and philosophies of love and life that kept me awake, listening long past the time I should have forced myself to close my eyes and sleep.

As always, I highly recommend this series. Author Diana Gabaldon and narrator Davina Porter make the best storytelling combination.

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The Outlandish Companion: Companion to Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of AutumnThe Outlandish Companion: Companion to Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a bit of ‘Cliff Notes’ of the four books, that I think if you just need a reminder or a quick overall read.

My favorite part of this book was the author tells her side the tale and her writing methods.

I believe that if a person just wanted to step into the world and learn about writing this book could stand alone.

My Audible verson gave me the variety of voices offered by Diana Gabaldon, herself, and Davina Porter reading the book summaries. I loved getting the chance to revisit the places I have been three times before. I love the world of Outlander.

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