Tag Archive: Fiction



The Lightning Stenography DeviceThe Lightning Stenography Device by M.F. Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, that was a trip. And if it wasn’t interesting in some places, making me think about some ideas expressed, I’d say it was hours I’d never get back.

I want to thank NetGalley for letting me read this one. It was worth the thoughts.

The idea of a machine that could write for you without spell check and fumbling fingers seemed unique, until I realized that the paralyzed people already had that kind of thinking machine.

The Lightning Stenography Device, shortens to LSD. Drug use is implied often. And that kind of lucid writing, as if from an impaired writer, rambles forth. Many deep philosophical views are turned into sagas of gods and angst.

Mostly, this felt like an anthology of short stories tied loosely together. Just not my kind of book.

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ConclaveConclave 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.

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Every Moment SinceEvery 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.

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The White LadyThe 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.

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Escaping the TwilightEscaping the Twilight by Sigrid Weidenweber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kindle ASIN B0080XHDC2

I am not sure where I learned about this book, but it has been on my TBR shelf for a long time. Although it appears to be an autobiography, it is actually well-researched fiction.

Here, read the blurb from GoodReads:

In this coming-of-age story, Amina, a Sudanese girl experiences a traumatic event at age nine. Intensifying her struggle for identity in the silent world of women, she cannot erase the pain and humiliation of that experience. With steely determination, she vows to do whatever is necessary to prevent her daughter from suffering the same demoralizing fate–even if it means going against the wishes of her husband and the rules of her family. Will she succeed in helping her daughter rise above her own personal tragedy and humiliation? The detailed descriptions of customs and lifestyle give a deep, fascinating insight into the Sudanese culture, as well as entry into the cloaked world of Muslim women in a story about survival, tradition and triumph.

This was an intense story. I hope it is read a lot. I would have loved it in audio form, but text-to-speech on Kindle helped a lot.

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UncharmedUncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This makes a nice bedtime book. And in the fantasy world of witches, it was refreshingly from the older witch’s point of view rather than a Young Adult and flimsy story.

I picked this up from NetGalley and am grateful for that. However, I now realize that there are two books in this series, and this is the second one. And I wish I had read it in Audiobook form. So I may reread the book after listening to Book 1. I think it will be more fun in audio form rather than text-to-speech.

Audio, Kindle, or paper, I think this is a fun read that will keep you enchanted for hours.

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My Name Is Emilia del ValleMy 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.

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The President Is MissingThe President Is Missing by Bill Clinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don’t read this at bedtime! Perhaps a great read for jogging or biking? It is one of those thrillers that keeps the adrenaline pumping. I don’t often read books as exciting as this. However, I thought the combination of authorship and team of narrators (Mozhan Marnò, Jeremy Davidson, Peter Ganim, Dennis Quaid, January LaVoy) would make this feel like a radio show. Or a mental movie.

I wish there were an occasional random female voice. I find that a male voice imitating a female pulls me right out of the story. However, aside from that issue, this was quite the adventure. I’m eager to read the next book.

Libby had this book to lend. Yay!

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GoldilocksGoldilocks by L.R. Lam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Patricia Rodriguez (Narrator) told L.R. Lam’s story expertly. It was a fun ride from the very beginning. The reviews and blurbs seem to draw comparisons to other books of extremes. I think this is more of a cautionary tale proving fault can be found anywhere. True, the patriarchal society makes it seem the men were all wrong and the women were saints. However, what we ultimately see is a need for moderation, the scientific method, and a need to thoughtfully repair the planet, as well as a need to reconsider our rigid thinking.

Philosophy aside, this is fun science fiction with space travel and exploration as a possibility.

I didn’t like the ending. I wanted more exploration and experience elsewhere. That could have been a book two, or at least a nice second part, instead of rushing the ending like the author couldn’t wait to leave the book behind.

Still, it is an enjoyable ride. I found the audiobook on Libby. Thank you, Kay, for another great recommendation.

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The Comfort of Ghosts (Maisie Dobbs)The Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I put off writing this review because it is so hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful series. I lived with Maisie Dobbs through all her trials and good times. I don’t think it would be easy to write another chapter in this life, but it seemed a good finale.

Libby had all the books ready on audiobooks, so I listened to Orlagh Cassidy narrate all the books. I loved each and every one. I may have to get these on Audible so I can relive the whole story. Jacqueline Winspear’s writing is so compelling that you feel you are right there in Maisie’s head, experiencing everything she sees, feels, and hears.

I have my good friend, Kay, to thank for letting me experience this series. If you get the chance, you will find that truth that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Technology changes a little, but hearts and minds are complex and give each of us so much to learn and love.

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