My Year in Books - 2024!!

Apparently I have read 91 books so far this year, according to Goodreads.  I've got one more that I need to add and write a review, which will probably happen tomorrow.

You can see the details of my 2024 reading life -- https://www.myyearinbooks.com/user/1991998.

91 books
29,964 pages
50,939 minutes
Mystery was my top genre - 53 books (no surprise there!)
April was the month I read the least amount and December I read the most
I read 4 Louise Penny books this year (also not a surprise)

The website that generated this data was developed by Grace D. Li's younger brother.  She is the wonderful author of Portrait of a Thief - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57021127-portrait-of-a-thief.   From her recent newsletter -- "For the second year in a row, my younger brother has coded his own version of a Goodreads Wrapped (available to all!). I am delighted both as a reader and as his sister, obviously — you can check it out at myyearinbooks.com for some fun + personalized reading stats."

And here's the summary; click on this link to view additional information  -- 
https://www.myyearinbooks.com/user/1991998

Book Review: Persuader by Lee Child (Jack Reacher #7)

Persuader by Lee Child
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I originally read this Jack Reacher book (#7 in the series) back in 2016, and I gave it 5 stars.  I wanted to read it again just prior to Reacher Season 3 launching on Prime Video on February 20, 2025.  It's always interesting to compare how books transfer to the screen (either movies or TV) and I also wanted to familiarize myself with the story again.

Once again I'm giving this book 5 stars!  It is a heart-pounding, page-turning, whirlwind of a ride.  The publisher's dust jacket synopsis doesn't give the reader much to go on regarding the storyline.  And it's probably better if I don't try to describe the plot.  But this is Lee Child at the peak of his writing.  The book is written in the first person and I'm right there with Reacher, along for the ride and the non-stop action and violence.  

There are parallel plots -- the current one set in heavily guarded mansion on a remote peninsula in Maine.  The second one is Reacher remembering a time ten years ago when he was in the military and the utter disappointment and grief when a subordinate's case doesn't go as planned.  These two interspersed situations work to generate every more anticipation and suspense.  

I'm really looking forward to Reacher Season 3!  The good news is that it has already been renewed for Season 4.  The bad news is that we have to wait for it.  Be patient, Reacher fans; it's definitely worth the wait!

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Artisanal Kitchen: Holiday Cocktails: The Best Nogs, Punches, Sparklers, and Mixed Drinks for Every Festive Occasion by Nick Mautone

The Artisanal Kitchen: Holiday Cocktails: The Best Nogs, Punches, Sparklers, and Mixed Drinks for Every Festive Occasion by Nick Mautone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short book, but filled with wonderful holiday cocktail recipes.  I originally downloaded it because we were looking for a hot buttered rum recipe, but discovered quite a few others to try during this Christmas season!  Pictures are included for most of the recipes.  One really helpful thing is that each recipe indicates the glass that it should be served in.  My only quibble is that they indicate that champagne or prosecco should be refrigerated for 30 minutes prior to serving.  In my honest opinion, I think it should be refrigerated for at least 4-8 hours before serving!

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Barefoot in Paris by Ina Garten

Barefoot in Paris by Ina Garten
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was inspired to read this book after finishing Ina's recent memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens.  She described the time she spent camping in France during the summer 1972.  Her descriptions of the open air markets, fresh produce, and French wines wanted me to read more of her writing and French recipes.

I am very impressed with the ways that she modified traditional French recipes so that they are more approachable for the home cook with a limited amount of time.  Examples include an easy blender hollandaise sauce, brioche loaves, various soups and stews, a souffle, and creme brulee.   She also includes information on French wines, cheeses, cookware, how to set a table, and how to arrange flowers.  There are luscious color pictures of almost every recipe.  

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews

Book Review: How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny (Chief Inspector Armande Gamache #9)

How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christmas in Three Pines.  What a peaceful and truly wonderful setting at Christmas!  And all of our favorite Three Pines residents are front and center.  This is the 9th book in the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny, and I wanted to read it before Christmas. 

This is definitely one of her best books that I've read so far.  There's a lot of heartbreak, trauma and suspense -- ranging from the murder of an elderly woman with ties to Three Pines to the dismantling of Gamache's detective team.  Armand isn't sure who he can trust in the Surete de Quebec, which leads to new liaisons.  All of this is balanced with holiday preparations, food, friends, quiet contemplation and introspection.

Penny's writing is always a joy to read.  She has a wonderful mixture of literary descriptions, dialog, and humor.  This book references events from previous books, and I would recommend reading her books in order to fully appreciate the ongoing story lines.  

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fascinating "eco-thriller" / psychological thriller set in New Zealand which is difficult to describe. A rogue non-profit gardening group called Birnam Wood is busy planting crops on abandoned or uncultivated property. Their leader discovers a large abandoned farm and investigates it as a possible site for development. She meets an American billionaire who has plans of his own for the property. Neither of them is truly forthcoming about their goals, and their deceptions and hidden agendas propel the story forward.

I read this book for one of my book clubs. It's definitely not a book that I would have chosen, but I'm really glad that I read it. The description at the beginning of the book made it difficult for me to get into it, but once we get the back story on the main characters the story just pulled me in. The book is divided into three very large sections, similar to a 3-act play. Each section is not broken down into chapters which was a little unsettling at first, however reading the Kindle version seemed to alleviate this feeling of very LONG chapters. All in all, it was quite a page turner.

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose (Molly the Maid #2.5)

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another book in the Molly the Maid series by Nita Prose.  This is a charming novella just in time for Christmas reading.  It revolves around Molly Gray and her boyfriend Juan Manuel, who both work at the Regency Grand Hotel and are busy preparing for the holiday season and the employee Secret Santa Party.  Several events cause Molly to doubt some of the people in her life, but of course everything works out well in the end.

If you are looking for a quick read before the holidays (about 100 pages), this one is for you.  You don't need to have read either of the previous books in the series, but you'll fall in love with Molly and her world.

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.


View all my reviews

Book Review: Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over by Alison Roman

Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over by Alison Roman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I typically rate cookbooks based on the number of recipes that I absolutely must try myself. To be honest, there are not that many recipes in this book that I'm anxious to try. However, I absolutely love Alison Roman's approach to cooking for people. You can tell this by the book's sub-title - Unfussy Food for Having People Over! And the book starts out by her saying that "This is not a book about entertaining."

The book is divided into five sections: Snack Time (NOT appetizers!), Salads, Sides, Mains, and After Dinner (dessert or after-dinner drinks). I'm very intrigued to try her recipe for Overnight Focaccia, Tonight, which only requires a few hours! She also describes the Perfect Herby Salad, which seems so simply yet complex and delicious.

Both her recipes and her writing style just seem so approachable. I would love to be invited to some of her dinner get-togethers.

"Roasting a nice chicken for people is such a good way to say, 'I love you.'"

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews

Book Review: What I Ate in One Year [and related thoughts] by Stanley Tucci

What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely wonderful food memoir and the title tells you everything you need to know.  It's basically Stanley Tucci's journal throughout 2023, chronicling what he cooked, what restaurant he went to, where he traveled, who he was with, and what he ate.  A fascinating individual and an enviable life!

Full disclosure, I love Stanley Tucci - both his writing and his films.  He has such an interesting life and a very dry wit which really comes through in his writing.  I read the print book, but I also have the audiobook on hold at the library and have been waiting very patiently for several months.  

Stanley, I keep waiting for my invitation to your London house for Thanksgiving dinner with your wonderful family and in-laws (Emily Blunt and John Krasinski).  I would love for you to make me one of your wonderful martinis!

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Does This Taste Funny?: Recipes Our Family Loves by Sephen Colbert and Evie McGee Colbert

Does This Taste Funny?: Recipes Our Family Loves by Stephen Colbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An absolutely hilarious cookbook, created by Stephen Colbert and his wife, Evie. If you have seen them do their 'bit' together on his show (First Draft Greeting Cards!), you will enjoy this book even more.

They are both from Charleston, South Carolina and the majority of the recipes are traditional or updated ones from this area of the country. They have created (or adapted) some of the recipes, and the rest are favorites from their family and friends. Each of the recipes is introduced by both of them and Stephen's brand of humor consistently comes shining through. Beautiful photographs of both the food as well as Stephen and Evie are included for virtually every recipe. Highly recommended!

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (The Housemaid #1)

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I've read by Freida McFadden, and her books were recommended to me by a friend.  I have to say that I'm HOOKED!  What a chilling, unsettling page-turner.  I finished it in less than three days.  I read late into the night last night and finally put it down.  But I shouldn't have because my heart was pounding for the next two hours!  I couldn't get to sleep -- I should have just stayed up WAY too late and finished it last night!  Needless to say, I picked it up first thing this morning and read it until the wonderful end.  I needed to find out what happened to all the characters!

The plot is about Millie, a young girl who is trying to find a job after being in prison for ten years since she was 17.  She ends up working for Nina, a rich wife on Long Island with an extremely handsome husband and a 9-year-old daughter.  The story is told from two different points of view, and there are red herrings and plot twists galore along the way.  Just when you think you know what's happening and what will happen next, there's a pivot and the reader is surprised!  None of the characters are exactly who the reader things they are; the author keeps us guessing all the way through.

I am definitely planning on reading more by Freida McFadden in the very near future.  Absolutely love her writing and story lines!

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

View all my reviews