Tag Archive: nonfiction


Review: Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle the John Muir Trail by Joan M. Griffin

Filed under: Audible, Health, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
December 30, 2024

Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle the John Muir TrailForce of Nature: Three Women Tackle the John Muir Trail by Joan M. Griffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anna Crowe narrated so well that I thought it had to be the author reading her own work. This was a nice hike with a few women on the John Muir Trail. I felt like I was right there without freezing or mosquito bites, vicariously eating a high-calorie diet to keep alive while moving up and down the mountains.

This was inspiring writing for sure. I want to do that kind of camping and climbing. I want to be able to write as well as the author. She felt old in her fifties. But here I am inspired by her and hoping I can find a way to do this kind of thing. It is time to start getting in shape. Maybe by summer, I can walk more than two miles a day. They managed 10 a day. I believe it can be done. I think these old bones would be happier with me if I tried.

If you can’t get into nature, maybe it’s too cold right now. But this book will help make you feel it is summer and you are making the JMT with friends. I recommend this read!

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: My Grape Paris by Laura Bradbury

Filed under: Kindle, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
December 26, 2024

My Grape Paris (The Grape Series, #4)My Grape Paris by Laura Bradbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this series. It is the only one I truly read. (I usually need audiobooks due to tracking and dyslexia issues). I keep it on my phone on my Kindle and just read it when I have a few quiet moments alone. Laura Bradbury writes in such a way that I never feel lost, even when I have to neglect the read for a while.

The other fun thing about the books is the use of French words or phrases, just occasionally, nothing overwhelming. But it is a great chance to practice my elementary concepts of that language. And don’t worry; it is all contextual and she adds the translation if needed.

The best part is how well you get to know Laura and her boyfriend, Franck, their friends and family. As life continues, you see them grow and learn.

In this episode, Laura needs to take a year of college in Paris to study her educational major. So you learn about her love of ancient French writings. Meanwhile, she and Franck get to visit all the wonders of Paris. I feel I am traveling with them. And Laura learns to stand up for herself and figure out how to do that while in a relationship.

I highly recommend this series. It isn’t too horribly mushy. In fact, I found a few things at 75 that Laura learned when she was still in her 20s.

If you wish you could travel to France, this series, this book is for you.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: Cher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
December 23, 2024

Cher: The Memoir, Part OneCher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

And the Beat Goes On for the best member of that team!

I loved, loved, loved this autobiography from one of my favorite singers from the 60s. It was a chance to relive my life. She kept me singing, dancing, or laughing during good or bad times.

Cher wrote an accessible story about part of her life. As she stated, dyslexia is one of those abilities many share, and can understand why she needed a part-time narrator. Stephanie J. Block took over the story seamlessly. Sometimes, it was hard to tell who was reading. But suddenly, there was a deep voice and accent that made you realize it was Cher. But I never could tell when Ms. Stephanie took over.

I can hardly wait for part two. But I may try to listen to this one again and add my musical playlist to bring it to life. I would love to see this as a movie or series. Cher has been through several lifetimes of good and bad times.

I highly recommend this autobiographical masterpiece. Please enjoy the audio version!

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: Finding Baby Holly: Lost to a Cult, Surviving My Parents’ Murders, and Saved by Prayer by Holly Marie

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 2 Comments
November 10, 2024

Finding Baby Holly: Lost to a Cult, Surviving My Parents' Murders, and Saved by PrayerFinding Baby Holly: Lost to a Cult, Surviving My Parents’ Murders, and Saved by Prayer by Holly Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was worried about reading this. I thought it would add to the stress of the day. But actually, I found it relaxing and positive. Thanks to Libby for making so many books available to the poor for free.

If you don’t mind a person expressing their religious points of view, this is a good book. But some might find it a bit heavy in the beliefs end of things. I always feel we see a unique person’s point of view in an autobiography. The best way to understand others is to start with their belief system.

The narrator, Stephanie Richardson, was easy to listen to and displayed humor and love throughout.

The end of the book is a bit of a cliffhanger. Since there is no answer to what happened to Holly’s parents, the ending that would be most satisfying would be someone out there who reads this and might get a spark of memory that they witnessed something they didn’t know might be a clue to solve the case.

So bear with or enjoy the book, but you may be the key to solving this mystery.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: America’s Deadliest Election: The Cautionary Tale of the Most Violent Election in American History by Dana Bash

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 6 Comments
November 7, 2024

America's Deadliest Election: The Cautionary Tale of the Most Violent Election in American HistoryAmerica’s Deadliest Election: The Cautionary Tale of the Most Violent Election in American History by Dana Bash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Libby is a wonderful way to read books, especially if you are financially challenged. I rarely find myself in this position. I didn’t finish before it was due. And there was a waiting list. So, I had to let the book go back. Today, I listened to it on Audible at the speed of 2.5. Dana Bash narrates quite well at normal speed and surprisingly well at chipmunk speed. Still, I only got to 75% before the book was pulled.

All that to say, this still was an interesting history lesson. Remember, I am not a history person. That and chemistry, or geometry, just bored me in school. But Ms. Bash did a fantastic job keeping my interest. I had no idea all that had happened. I probably would have done better at a different time reading this and still have come away with anxiety.

Anyway, I’m on the waiting list to finish the read later. I will update this review when I finally get the chance. Meanwhile, if you get the chance to read or listen to this book, I think you will find it quite educational yet engaging to the reader.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: Lovely One: A Memoir by Ketanji Brown Jackson

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 2 Comments
November 4, 2024

Lovely One: A MemoirLovely One: A Memoir by Ketanji Brown Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As soon as I can, I will buy this audiobook. I was charmed by Ms. Jackson’s way of telling a story. I love her ability to show her deep faith and fair justice. Oh, and her ability to sing hymns. If I weren’t supposed to be getting to sleep, if I weren’t supposed to be quiet so my husband could sleep, I would have been singing along. She has a beautiful voice both musically and in narration.

Autobiographies mean more to me now that I’ve written my own. And now, I look for different things in what I listen to. I have to admit that those who seemed to cause their problems without learning the lessons of that action are not as interesting as those who learn not just from their mistakes but take note of what happened to others. Ketanji is exceptionally intelligent. She loves learning.

This audiobook made me feel as if I were having coffee with her. She is so interesting. This is a book I highly recommend, especially the audio. I got this one through Libby.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: You Can’t Be Serious by Kal Penn

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
October 31, 2024

You Can’t Be SeriousYou Can’t Be Serious by Kal Penn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was fun. And educational. And laugh-out-loud-after-everyone-was-asleep funny. Sorry, dear.

I’m really sad that the book ended. It was the distraction I needed. As a humorist, Kal Penn sees serious matters that a lot of people do, but he can find the levity in it all.

I remembered Mr. Penn from House. I hadn’t seen the movies he was in, so for me, there was only the author and his voice. And I enjoyed both thoroughly.

I highly recommend this audible book.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: Walking in My Joy: In These Streets by Jenifer Lewis

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 2 Comments
October 27, 2024

Walking in My Joy: In These StreetsWalking in My Joy: In These Streets by Jenifer Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not a good bedtime book. Ms. Lewis is boisterous and loud. Occasionally, she is ‘laugh-out-loud’ funny; other times, she is angry and shows it. It’s okay. It’s her autobiography, her life, her experience. Who can judge that?

I picked this up from Audible a while ago and needed a book to finish my night reading time. It was too long to finish in one sitting, so I spent two nights trying to listen quietly on my headphones and not wake my husband with my laughing.

I’ve never watched Jenifer Lewis’s shows. I have seen her belt out a song. Quite the voice! I had never read her previous books, so a bit of this left me a bit lost. But not so much that I couldn’t enjoy her take on life and love.

I bet this would be a great commuting listen.

What is interesting in this book is she sings or recites poetry that is strong and lovely.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 2 Comments
October 25, 2024

The Woman in MeThe Woman in Me by Britney Spears
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was surprisingly intriguing. Ms. Spears writes eloquently. Michelle Williams narrates with heartfelt empathy.

I’m not star-driven, but since writing my memoir, I have read many of them. The mechanics of the writing and reading aside, we dive deeply into Britney’s well-known life. The crazy news surrounding her from the beginning always made me feel sorry for her and angry for her. Hearing her side of it, I feel even more compassion for her.

I was able to pick this up on Libby. If you get the chance, you might like the book, too. Memoirs give us a chance to walk in another’s shoes.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: Connie: A Memoir by Connie Chung

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 4 Comments
October 22, 2024

Connie: A MemoirConnie: A Memoir by Connie Chung
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun memoir! It was quite a surprise after some of the ones I’ve read recently. Connie Chung’s voice is surprisingly rich and personable. Somehow, I didn’t expect that. My impression of her is classic journalism and of the age of nearly regal news reporting. But even in telling her story, you feel that class and strength of character.

Equal to the class, there are parts that make her more human. As she brings up her husband, Maury, we feel her straight laces come undone to humor and that opposite attractiveness. She is not as she appears, not completely. Mischief and a sense of adventure come forth in her book. And her forever-feminist nature.

I highly recommend this book for a sense of history, at least. I was lucky to find the audiobook on Libby.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Comment
Exploring Timeless Blogs

THE AVOERIA ARCHIVE

The Depth Behind The Ordinary

Life of Chaz

Books, games, music, and life — 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.

Pieces Of My Heart

"Words & Wonders - Where thoughts meet art

💫The Afterlove Voice💫

Justice, Channeling,Spiritual,Astrology,Truth- Seeker.

Amin Academy

Education, Information, Motivation

AllMacWorld

Luso Loonie — Devin Meireles

Portuguese-Canadian Writing About This Portuguese Thing of Ours

UNDER THE WILL... OVER THE DRAMA...

Inheritance. Narcissism. Turf. Welcome to the family.

Adym Digital

Selma

Finding the extra in the ordinary

Sip, Snack, See

A Blog About Food and Travels

Golu lodhi

I upload photos & videos Golu lodhi village pairakhedi

Creative

Travel,Tourism, Life style "Now in hundreds of languages for you."

IsabellaJoshua.com

"VERO'S VERBIAGE & VISUALS"

intricate cantrips

twisted yarns, unraveled

Introverted Growth

The Introvert's Roadmap to Self Discovery and Growth

Blissfulbritt

Histopedia

story telling from history