Book Review: Happy Place by Emily Henry

Happy Place by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(3 1/2 stars) - I read this book several weeks ago, and purposely held off writing the review in order to have my feelings about it 'simmer.'  I'm definitely an Emily Henry fan and have read three of her books in the past couple of months (People we meet on vacation, Beach read, and Book lovers).  I was really looking forward to her latest book, but was a little disappointed.

The premise is very compelling - Harriet and Wyn have been together for ten years and are engaged.  Every year they meet two other couples and spend a week in a beach house mansion in Maine.  These are long-term friends who met in college and have an incredible closeness.  However, Harriet has not told them that she and Wyn have broken up. 

Once again there is a non-linear timeline, with chapters alternating between the past ("Real Life" back story) and present ("Happy Place").  And Emily Henry is a master of writing excellent dialog.  This was a very emotional read for me, and the book is full of grief, trauma and missed opportunities.   I was hoping for something a little lighter and more uplifting for this summer read.

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Book Review: The Searcher by Tana French

The Searcher by Tana French
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of Tana French's two stand-alone books.  I read all six of her Dublin Murder Squad books and thoroughly enjoyed them.  This book is very different in pace, tone, character, and plot from that series.  Cal Hooper is a retired Chicago police officer who wants to get a fresh start -- he is recently divorced and his adult daughter lives in Seattle.  He buys a run-down cottage and moves to a very small village on the western coast of Ireland.  A local 12-year old whose brother has gone missing befriends Cal and asks for his assistance in finding out what happened to him.  The plot and characters build very slowly but before I knew it I was invested in Cal and the village life.  The writing is exactly what I would expect of Tana French -- very descriptive with a strong sense of place. 

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Book Review: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow - this book was incredible and I'm still thinking about it several days after finishing it.  Definitely five stars!!  Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in a man's world in the 1950s and 1960s.  After being fired for being pregnant without being married, she stumbles upon a job hosting a cooking show on the local TV channel.  The show becomes wildly successful due to the way she approach cooking (like a chemistry experiment) and the support that she gives her audience of housewives.  She has a very precocious 4-year daughter and a dog named Six-Thirty (the time he followed her home from the market).  In my opinion, if you take Dr. Temperance Brennan from the Bones TV show, make her a chemist in the 1960s, and throw in Wes Anderson along with some quirky characters, and you've got Lessons in Chemistry.  This is the author's debut novel, and I didn't want it to end.  Looking forward to more from Bonnie Garmus in the future.  

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance reader copy of this book!!

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Book Review: Gratitude by Oliver Sacks

Gratitude by Oliver Sacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very quick read - just four short essays written towards the very end of his life.  However, it gave me a lot to think about.  The essays talk about aging, terminal illness, facing death, and embracing life.  Overall, very inspirational.  It was recommended in Julianna Margulies' memoir, Sunshine Girl, as an inspiration for her to practice gratitude. 

“My predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved. I have been given much and I have given something in return. Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and adventure.”
—Oliver Sacks

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Book Review: Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life by Julianna Margulies

Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life by Julianna Margulies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Julianna Margulies had a very unstable childhood due to her parents' divorce when she was quite young.  She and her older sister had to become self-sufficient very early in life.  Her mother was quite a free spirit, whereas her father was more traditional and conventional.  The family lived in England while her father was still in the U.S., making it difficult to shuttle back and forth.  She always wanted to spend more time with her father and get to know him better.  She was very driven, always striving to do well in school, and starting to take jobs when she was just 14.  This helped to develop her incredible work ethic.  I'm a real fan of her work on both ER and The Good Wife.  I was anxious to read more backstory about her work on these two shows, but there were just two chapters devoted to this part of her life.  Overall, this was a very interesting story about her life. 

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Book Review: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trisha McFarland is a nine year old girl who goes for a day hike on the Appalachian Trail with her mother and older brother.  Early on, she gets separated from them and spends days alone in the woods trying to find them, trying to find a trail, and trying to find civilization.  Trisha is an incredibly intelligent, self-reliant, and resourceful girl which is why she is able to survive for so long.  She has a Walkman and listens to Red Sox baseball games when she gets tired or sacred.  She idolizes Tom Gordon, their relief pitcher, and has imaginary conversations with him in the woods, making her feel safe.  It is her conversations with the pitcher that gives her hope and keeps her going.  This book was a real page-turner, but I literally had to set it aside each day about 5:00; I'm a big scaredy cat when it comes to reading thrillers, and this genre has the tendency to keep me awake at night.  

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Book Review: Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin

Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm a big fan of Gretchen Rubin -- both her podcast and her books.  I re-read this book (yet again) starting on January 1st of 2023...to become better than before...again.  It's packed full with ideas, suggestions, examples and motivations on how to change your personal habits.  As an Obliger (one of her four tendencies described in the book), I'm all about fulfilling obligations to others.  I gained a lot of great information on this second reading, and it reminded me of many things that I have read previously but forgotten.  All in all, a good start-of-the-year exercise in self-improvement.  More to follow.

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Book Review: Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp #3)

Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another page-turning political thriller in the Mitch Rapp series of books.  A group of terrorists have accessed the interior of the White House, murdered many of those working there, and taken the rest as hostages.  The President, along some of his staff and secret service personnel made it safely to his White House bunker in the nick of time.  Mitch is state-side and is immediately summoned by the Joint Chief of Staff, along with the head of the CIA to stealthily infiltrate the White House.  I didn't want to put it down; the suspense kept me going until the end.  My only quibble with the book is a minor one -- the main character is Mitch; his side-kick in the White House is Milt; and there is also a Mick and Mike among the minor characters.  

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Book Review: My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Julia Whelan writes fantastic dialogue, plus creates an incredible sense of place (Oxford).  Ella Durran arrives in Oxford to spend a year as a Rhodes scholar studying English Literature from 1830-1914.  We immediately fall in love with her as she struggles with her luggage, tries to find her room, and locate something to eat - all while being very jet-lagged.  She immediately makes several friends who provide comedic fodder and support throughout the book.  She starts dating one of her professors who is extremely charming and good looking - a "friends with benefits" only situation.  Their relationship is going swimmingly until they encounter a serious challenge.  Together they work to overcome it but Ella has to decide whether she stays in England or returns to the States at the end of her Oxford year.  Julia Whelan may be best known for her audio narrations, and I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to listen to her narration of her own book.

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Book Review: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow -- an incredible debut novel!  It has everything I love:  classical music, mystery, intrigue, family drama, edge-of-your-seat-what-will-happen-next page turning excitement!  It starts out with Ray McMillan preparing for an upcoming violin competition when his extremely valuable Stradivarius violin is stolen.  The story immediately goes back several years to focus on Ray's his family life, his early love of the violin, his musical talent, and his journey approaching the iconic Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow.  We also learn how a Black boy from a poor family in North Carolina acquires a Stradivarius, along with all of the many setbacks and challenges  he encounters along the way.  Luckily he meets a college music professor when he is auditioning for a regional orchestra who immediately offers him a full scholarship and becomes his mentor, guiding him throughout his early career.  Be sure to listen to one of the Spotify playlists which have been created to accompany this book with tracks of all the music Ray plays during his performances.  Highly recommended!  I'm looking forward to the author's second book, "Symphony of Secrets" which is due to be published this month (April 2023).  

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Review: North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both

North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both by Cea Sunrise Person
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another very difficult book to read. To be honest, I would not have read it past page 20 except that this is our next book club selection. Cea's memoir starts out when she is 2 1/2 years old. She lived with her extended family in California and Canadian wilderness. There was no running water, electricity or heat in the tipi, and no regular income for the family. Her mother had a series of different boyfriends, and Cea saw everything going on in the family -- drug use/abuse/addiction, mental illness, nudity, neglect, child sexual assault, and emotional/psychological abuse. Somehow she escaped from this downward spiral and made a modeling career for herself. Overall, it was a shocking and somewhat depressing memoir, but I'm glad that she was able to pull herself out of her family's grips and find happiness and success in her life. 

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Book Review: The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis

The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An incredibly compelling book, even though I'm not a chess play and know very little about the game.  I just finished watching the Netflix series and turned to the book.  I have to admit that the series and the book are the most closely alike than any other book and movie I've read and viewed.  We follow Beth Harmon from age 8 when her mother dies and she is placed in an orphanage.  The janitor in the basement teaches her how to play chess, and she quickly becomes obsessed, reading everything she can about the game.  Her eidetic memory along with her skills in math soon propel her to master the game and become a child prodigy, competing against all members of the local high school chess team simultaneously...and winning!  We follow her to the local, regional and national competitions, then to Paris and Moscow to play against the elite players.  I was at the edge of my seat reading this book, and would highly recommend it.  Content warnings:  alcoholism, prescription drug addiction, suicide.  

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Book Review: Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't think that it's a spoiler to say that 12-year old Edward is the sole survivor of a plane traveling from Newark to Los Angeles with his family.  The story follows Edward from the crash in June 2013 until June 2019 when he is 18 years old.  The story gently unfolds with the author carefully bringing the reader into Edward's life and recovery (both physically and emotionally).  Edward forms a quick and lasting friendship with the girl next door who helps him through his trauma.  In return, he realizes that he has helped her throughout the years as well.  They are like "two lost souls together," as one of my book club members so aptly put it.  We meet other people in Edward's life who are helping him through:  his aunt and uncle, his principal and teachers, his therapist.  The format of the book alternates chapters between what is happening during the flight, and how Edward is handling 'life' after the crash.  Although there is a lot of grief and sadness in the story, overall it is a very poignant and hopeful book.

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Book Review: NetGalley's Book Advocate Toolkit

NetGalley's Book Advocate Toolkit by We Are Bookish
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic, very practical advice for readers using NetGalley for advanced reader copies.  Everything you need to know, regardless of where you review the books (Facebook, Instagram, Blogs, YouTube, TicTok, etc.).  Helpful hints on: how to create your profile, how to request books, what to include in your review, and much more!  I would highly recommend this for anyone who is getting started with NetGalley.

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Book Review: Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie (Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James #11)

Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#11 in the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series.  They have loaded the family (two children and two dogs) into the car and are heading to the English countryside to spend the Christmas week with Duncan's parents.  Two separate murders interrupt their restful holiday celebration, and they both join the hunt to solve the cases.  I was enthralled to learn about the narrow boats which populate the canals throughout England, serving a houseboats for entire families.  I definitely felt a 'sense of place' of small town country English - delightful!  It was also nice to get the back story of Duncan's parents, sister, niece and nephew.  Deborah Crombie is an excellent storyteller!

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Book Review: The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie (Miss Marple)

The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miss Marple is at it again, solving crimes in the English countryside.  This time the dead body shows up in the library of a neighboring estate.  Who is the girl?  How did she get there?  Who murdered her?  Miss Marple gets to the bottom of the crimes (2!) in short order.  I love the British setting and sense of place and entitlement.  Who wouldn't want to live during this era?  I have read quite a few of Agatha Christie's books, but have yet to solve one of them before the answer is divulged.  That won't keep me from trying in the future though.

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Book Review: Sundays with Sophie: Flay Family Recipes for Any Day of the Week: A Bobby Flay Cookbook

Sundays with Sophie: Flay Family Recipes for Any Day of the Week: A Bobby Flay Cookbook by Bobby Flay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If anyone has watched Food Network, they realize that Bobby Flay and his daughter Sophie share an intense love of food -- cooking, eating, dining at restaurants, shopping at markets, etc.  This book is an extension of that shared love.  These recipes are more designed for the home cook than many of his previous cookbooks.  Don't shy away from the recipes because of the number of ingredients.  He makes the instructions very approachable.  Plus they provide a 'deep dive' into several favorite dishes, showing the key steps in making them -- Scrambled Eggs, Paella, Spatchcock Chicken, Piccatta Anything, etc.  Lots of beautiful color photos too.

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Book Review: Dead Lions by Mick Herron (Slough House #2)

Dead Lions by Mick Herron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book #2 in the Slough House / Slow Horses series.  Jackson Lamb and his team of the Slow Horses is pulled into solving the murder of one of their own.  The book is fast paced, and moves from team to team, following them during the 24 hours of the novel.  Pay attention, reader -- there are lots twists and turns in the plot, plus many characters to keep track of.  And of course the dark humor which runs throughout the book.  It helped that I was reading the Kindle version so I could look up the many British slang terms that were used.  Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.  

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Book Review: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a very difficult book to read.  And I'm sure that Matthew Perry found that it was a very difficult book to write as well.  The thought that kept running through my mind was "How can he still be alive?!?"  He candidly talks about his repeated stays at rehab facilities, detoxing, his alcoholism, his dependence upon pain killers and prescriptions drugs, health problems, surgeries, his repeated recoveries, and more stays in rehab.  The book is not told in linear fashion; he jumps around in time and events, and I kept getting confused.  To be honest, it's almost like he started talking and recording the story of his life in a stream-of-consciousness fashion, and no one bothered to edit it during the transcription to print.  I have to give him credit for pulling through all his hardships, and wish him the best in the future hoping that he will ultimately find what he is searching for in life.  

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Book Review: Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs #2)

Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book #2 in the Maisie Dobbs series.  Maisie Dobbs is a no-nonsense, hard-working psychologist and private investigator in London during the 1930's.  She and her assistant are tasked with finding a missing heiress, but during the investigation she stumbles upon several other related murders.  I would classify this book as a 'cozy', and everything turns out fine in the end.  There's even a little romance thrown in and some growth in Maisie's character.  Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

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Book Review: All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriott

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first in the James Herriot series of books.  An absolutely charming story about a large animal veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930's.  This is Dr. Herriot's first job after veterinary college, and he pairs up with an established vet.  They live together with a housekeeper and are on-call 24/7.  Each chapter is a vignette in his daily life, ranging from the smallest dog or cat up to horses and cattle.  His writing pulls you in so you feel that you are driving through the hills of York with him.  I was glad to read this book on my Kindle to assist me with both the veterinary terms and the British colloquialisms.  Highly recommended, especially if you have enjoyed the TV series.  I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series while enjoying a cuppa tea!

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Book Review: Experiencing Olmstead: The Enduring Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted's North American Landscapes by The Cultural Landscape Foundation

Experiencing Olmstead: The Enduring Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted's North American Landscapes The Cultural Landscape Foundation by The Cultural Landscape Foundation
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An absolutely lusciously photographed coffee table book.  This hefty tome is arranged by state, and covers just a small fraction of the Olmsted projects throughout the United States and Canada.  It shows original Olmsted blueprints and plans, along with early and current photographs.  Each project is given a brief description, the historical context, and the present day scenario.  It's amazing to see that Olmsted was involved in so many different projects -- parks, landscapes, planned communities, individual private gardens, colleges/universities, and parkway drives.  The extent of his impact on landscape gardening is immense and unparalleled!  Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advance reader copy.  That was enough to spark me actually obtaining the book after it was published. 

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Book Review: Triple Cross (Alex Cross series) by James Patterson (Alex Cross #30)

Triple Cross by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is #30 in James Patterson's Alex Cross series, and once again he provides the reader with non-stop, page-turning action.  Let's suspend our disbelief as the primary case (the Family Man serial killer) intersects with Brie's investigation into the fashion industry in NYC.  You know that with Alex Cross, John Sampson, and Brie Stone on the job, they will get the bad guys in the end.  But of course it's a roller coaster ride until the last page.  We also get updates on the Cross family - Nana Mama, Jannie and Ali.  I have to admit that I have abandoned many of my favorite long-running mystery series because the writing and the characters just got stale, in my opinion.  That is definitely not the case with the Alex Cross series, and I'll look forward to the next book under my Christmas tree in December!

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Book Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very compelling book, based on a true story of a young man who met his true love in the concentration camps of World War II. Lale is assigned to be a tattooist because of his knowledge of so many languages. They end up spending more than two years there but finally are able to escape and find each other. It's a difficult book to read but I wanted to be aware of the horrors that the individuals experienced and their massive loss of families and friends.

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Book Review: A Guidebook to Newport Mansions of the Preservation Society of Newport County

A Guidebook to Newport Mansions of the Preservation Society of Newport County by Preservation Society of Newport County
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a lovely book and brought back memories of the houses I visited.  It contained a lot of historical information, background about the people who lived there, and info about the architectural styles.  However, I would have enjoyed more photos.

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Book Review: Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos by Lucy Knisley

Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos by Lucy Knisley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful book by the talented artist Lucy Knisley. This one chronicles the ups and downs of her pregnancy and delivery. It is so much more than a comic book, discussing serious subjects such as contraception, miscarriages, pregnancy complications, labor complications, and more. We follow along with her ups and downs as she honestly portrays what it was really like for her. Parts of this book are difficult to read, and it's not a memoir for all pregnant women, but instead a peak into reality through Lucy's drawings, humor and point of view.

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Book Review: Go to Sleep (I Miss You): Cartoons from the Fog of New Parenthood by Lucy Knisley

Go to Sleep (I Miss You): Cartoons from the Fog of New Parenthood by Lucy Knisley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read much of what Lucy Knisley has written/drawn and absolutely love all of her books. This is a endearing book about being a new mother. Each page (or two) is a snapshot of her life with her husband and infant son. Wow, does this bring back memories. My sons are 31 and 25 years old, but reading this book makes it all seem like yesterday. I recommend this book for parents with children of all ages. Guaranteed to make you laugh and tear up.

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Book Review: The Cloisters by Katy Hays

The Cloisters by Katy Hays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!  I'm still thinking about this book a month after I've finished it.  Anne moves across the country to become a summer intern at the Met.  Due to a last-minute snafu, that position is not available but instead she works at The Cloisters, a branch of the Met near Harlem which deals with medieval antiquities, art and architecture.  Ann becomes fast friends with her co-worker Rachel, but how much can she trust her?  Mysterious things happen at work, and the dark side of academia is uncovered.  This novel definitely gives you a sense of place, transporting you to a stifling hot NYC summer and the cool interiors of The Cloisters.  There's a lot in this novel that is in my wheelhouse:  art, art history, NYC, The Cloisters, museums, mysteries, friendship.  There's even a touch of magical realism and tarot cards thrown in.  This book grabs you and pulls you in, and I was turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next.  Looking forward to Katy Hays' next book!

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Book Review: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club #1)

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Meet Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim and Joyce, four residents of a senior living community in Kent, England.  They meet every Thursday afternoon to discuss cold cases, but everything changes when there is a murder...and then another murder in their midst.  This is a delightful character study combined with several mysteries.  Take care reader -- there are a lot of characters and backstories in this book,  along with many twists and turns.  You may need to go back and re-read sections to clarify things after you finish the book.  I'm looking forward to the second book in this series. 

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Book Review: A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book focuses on three generations of Arab American women living in Brooklyn over the past 30 years.  The story is told by these three alternating points of view in different chapters.  The story is simultaneously compelling, yet heartbreaking and very difficult to read.  Life as an Arab American immigrant woman is not at all easy, especially in a culture which values the men of the family.  However, I loved the fact that three women in this family were able to escape their daily lives through their love of books and reading.  

"Life was nothing more than a bad joke for women.  One she didn't find funny."  Isra, Fall 1992

"Books were my armor.  Everything I'd ever learned growing up, all my thoughts, dreams, goals, experiences, it all came from the books I read.  It was like I went around collecting knowledge, plucking it from pages and storing it up, waiting for a chance to use it."  Deya, Winter 2008

"Books have always kept me company when I felt most alone." Sarah, Winter 2008

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Book Review: Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story is alternately told from the two main characters' points of view - Olivia and Lily.  Olivia and her high school son Asher have moved to New Hampshire to leave an abusive marriage.  Lily meets Asher soon after she moves and starts in her new school, and they quickly start dating.    One of the stories goes forward in time, while the other goes backwards in time.  I usually don't like non-linear storytelling, but this one worked for me.  This book drew me in to the point that I couldn't put it down.  This book was enlightening and informative on so many different levels.  This is the second of Jodi Picoult's books that I've read, but I'll definitely be exploring her backlist in the near future.  Note:  Readers should be aware that there are plenty of story lines in this book which should come with content warnings. 

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Book Review: Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The 4th and final installment in Elin Hilderbrand's Winter Street series.  Once again we follow the Quinn family, but this book differs from the other three in the series.  Rather than just spotlighting the Christmas season, we see the various family members throughout the year.  There are ups and downs, laughter and sorrow, but as we have come to expect, the family saga ends on a hopeful note.  It's always great to read a Christmas book in December and I was pleasantly surprised to discover this series.  I finished all four books during this holiday season, and would highly recommend them. 

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Book Review: Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten

Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful cookbook by Food Network favorite Ina Garten!  She developed these recipes during the pandemic, and her focus is on easier and more comforting meals.  The majority of these recipes can be made ahead of time, are easy to prepare, and often are made in just one pan (the person who washes the dishes thanks you, Ina!).  As usual, she makes it all look so easy and delicious.  There are quite a few recipes in this collection that I would like to try.  Unfortunately I had to return the book to the library, but will be purchasing my own copy very soon. 

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Book Review: Home is Where the Eggs Are by Molly Yeh

Home is Where the Eggs Are by Molly Yeh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a delightful cookbook to read.  Molly Yeh's recipe notes are much more lengthy than any other cookbook, and her writing is charming and familiar.  She has a way of transporting you to her kitchen with her food descriptions.  I love the way that she involves her daughter Bernie in all the food prep and cooking.  I also appreciate the fact that she occasionally can't find the necessary ingredients at her local Midwestern grocery and gives the reader alternatives.  I'm not sure that I will be making any of the recipes, but that didn't stop me from the enjoyment of reading her cookbook. 

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Book Review - Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life by Anne Bogel

Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life by Anne Bogel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been reading Anne Bogel's blog entries and listening to her podcast for years.  I ordered this book even before it was published.  I felt that the topic spoke to me and some of my worrying and overthinking tendencies.  Why, why, why did I wait so long to read it?  It languished on my bookshelf for more than two years.  i finally picked it up this week and finished it quickly.  Anne writes in a very approachable and understandable way.  She also provides MANY excellent concrete examples of how to stop the overthinking cycle.  I feel like she is one of my neighbors or friends, and we can share our books and overthinking problems over a cuppa tea.  I have already suggested this book to one of my friends, and would highly recommend it to others. 


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Book Review - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fascinating non-fiction account of two separate events in Chicago during the 1890s:  the Chicago World's Fair (the Columbian Exposition) and the macabre account of the physician (Dr. H. H. Holmes) who was killing young women alone in the city.  The backstory about the planning and building everything needed for the fair is fascinating.  They encountered delays, personnel changes, building problems, weather situations, and more which made it a miracle that the White City was ready in time.  The author intersperses the chapters so we read about the White City (the fair) and then quickly switch to the Devil (the killer).  I started reading the book three other times, but each time set it aside.  I picked it up before Christmas and devoted all of my reading time to this book.  I was immediately engrossed and finished it quickly. 

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Book Review - Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm continuing to read about the Quinn family on Nantucket this Christmas; this is the third in the series but I just found out that there is a fourth entry as well. The family continues to experience a LOT of drama, and this book differs from the other two in that it isn't just set in December. We read about the Quinns throughout the year. I love the feeling of Christmas that the book imparts, and have to laugh at some of the predicaments that the family members get into. Come join the Quinns on Nantucket with this series -- you will laugh, you will cry, and they will draw you in to their lives. All in all, a wonderful Christmas series.

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Book Review: Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been a long-time fan of everything that Nora Ephron creates (books, blogs, movies) and am reading my way through the compilation of her work, The Most of Nora Ephron.  As I read her words, I can hear her voice in my head -- a rare occurrence which happens with only a couple of authors (Anthony Bourdain being another one).  This is the fictionalized novella of the breakup of her marriage to Carl Bernstein.  Somehow she makes it laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.  Because the main character is a food writer, she intersperses humorous recipes which are so vague that the reader wonders how they would ever turn out edible.  The book reads more like a monologue than a novel, but still...it's a Nora Ephron monologue.  Oh, Nora, we miss you so!

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Book Review: The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a tough book to read, to describe, and to categorize.  I was trying to decide between 4 and 5 stars, but when I realized that it's been three weeks since I finished reading it and I'm STILL thinking about it, that bumped it up to 5 stars.  I have to admire the construction of the book and to be honest, it would be interesting to re-read it knowing the story line.  I tend to like linear storytelling, which this definitely is not.  The plot jumps from person to person at the beginning, characters come and go, only to reappear later in the book, and the reader isn't sure exactly who the main character is or what the plot is supposed to be.  I read this for book club, and the discussion was lively and varied.  It's a perfect book club selection since you'll definitely want to talk about this book after you finish it.

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Book Review - Desert Star by Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch #24 / Renee Ballard #5)

Desert Star by Michael Connelly

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Renee Ballard and Harry Bosch are working together again, in the 24th book in the Bosch series and 5th book in the Ballard/Bosch series.  Renee is now the team leader for the newly reopened Open Unsolved Unit, and asks Harry to join her.  Once again, they work well together as a team.  The book follows two cold cases:  the first is the murder of a councilman's sister, and the second is one of Harry's last cases on the job -- the murder of an entire family.  Michael Connelly is a skilled writer, and his books just seem to get better as the years go by.  It's very rare that I stay with a book series as long as I have with Harry, which is a huge testament to Connelly's expertise.  A page turner, which I would highly recommend.  However, if you haven't read the previous Bosch books in the series, do yourself  a favor and start with the first one!

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Book Review: Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book #2 in the Winter Series by Elin Hilderband. It's been a year since we spent time with the Quinn family on Nantucket (Book #1 - Winter Street), and it's Christmas again. Some things have changed, while others remain the same. I enjoyed reading about the family's ups and downs, with a lot of humor interspersed. Overall, a quick read and an enjoyable holiday family drama.

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Book Review: Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a messy family drama, set on Nantucket at Christmas, and is the first in Elin Hildebrand's Winter Street series. The Quinn family owns the Winter Street Inn, and three of the four adult children are visiting for the holiday. Nothing seems to be going as expected, and all the family members seem to have their own challenges. But having your family surround and support you at the holidays always helps take the sting off your own personal drama. I always enjoy reading a light holiday-themed novel, and am really glad I found this one. It was fast-paced and a wonderful beginning to the Christmas season. Brew a cuppa tea and sit down to enjoy your time with the Quinns. Now onto the next book in the series, Winter Stroll!

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Book Review: Float Plan by Trish Doller

Float Plan by Trish Doller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful romance novel set on a sailboat in the Caribbean. Anne’s fiancé committed suicide a year ago, and she has been grieving ever since. On the spur of the moment, she decides to take the sailboat trip that they had planned together - 6 months sailing around the Caribbean, stopping at various islands with the final destination of Puerto Rico. This trip is just what Anna needs to pull herself together and focus on something outside of herself. She is not an experienced sailor though, and after the first day she decides that she needs some assistance. She hires Keane, an Irish sailor who is between sailing gigs. They get to know each other quickly since they are together on a sailboat 24/7. Friendship turns to love, although they experience a couple of hiccups along the way. Suspend your disbelief and it will be smooth sailing. All ends well, as you know it should which makes this book so compelling.

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Book Review - Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don’t Want to Forget to Remember by Lauren Graham

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don’t Want to Forget to Remember by Lauren Graham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full disclosure, I have read all of Lauren Graham's other books and am a huge Gilmore Girls fan. Therefore, I was very excited to receive an advanced reader copy through NetGalley, and am thankful for the opportunity to read and review this excellent book. This memoir is a series of essays about Ms. Graham's life -- as a struggling actor, her time in Hollywood, suggestions for directing, aging in Hollywood, and many other hilarious topics. I would definitely like to listen to her read the audiobook, but to be honest I could actually hear her voice as I was reading her words on the page. The book is full of humor, honesty, entertainment, and definitely feels like chatting with your best friend.


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Book Review - Rough Draft: A Memoir by Katy Tur

 

A fascinating follow-up memoir to Katy Tur's first book, Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History, about her time on the Trump campaign trail. This book starts with her tumultuous childhood, riding along with both her parents as helicopter reporters in Los Angeles in the 1980s. She and her younger brother viewed the news stories as they were happening. She goes on to write about the start of her own career as a journalist, meeting her husband, and starting their family. It is a very honest and personal account, and a very inspirational read. Highly recommended. I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and am very thankful to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4716852760

Book Review - The Sentinel by Lee Child & Andrew Child (Jack Reacher #25)

Jack Reacher #25 - The Sentinel by Lee Child & Andrew Child

#25 in the Jack Reacher series, and the first book which brothers Lee and Andrew Child collaborate together. The setting is a small town in Tennessee and the plot involves the IT Manager who was set up as a fall guy for a ransomware attack. This book has a slightly different feel to it, and Reacher actually has a cell phone to use (temporarily). The pace is quick and it kept my interest throughout, but there are quite a few different characters and plot strings to follow. That won't stop me from reading the next entry this series, though.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50537351-the-sentinel

Book Review: Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories by Kelly Ripa

Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories by Kelly Ripa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A funny and quick read; guaranteed to entertain you. If you have watched Kelly Ripa at all on Live!, you will probably be familiar with some of the stories; she has told many of them during the host chat over the years. She shares tales of her family, from the time she met her husband all the way up to taking her younger son to college (University of Michigan!). And she must be one of the hardest working women in television, especially when her children were younger. I'm not sure if the audiobook is available, but I would love to be able to listen to her narrate the book.

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Book Review: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another edge-of-your-seat page-turner; I couldn't wait until I got to the end of this novel. I read it for book club and am anxious to discuss it tomorrow. The story is told from two points of view: the psychotherapist treating a woman who killed her husband six years ago and has not spoken a word since then, and through the woman's journal entries. Lots of different characters and sub-plots, many twists and turns. Overall, thoroughly enjoyable! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Book Review: I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time by Laura Vanderkam

I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time by Laura Vanderkam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The focus of Vanderkam's book is her research with 'successful women' -- who make more than $100,000 and have at least one child. I was expecting more practical advice about prioritizing my time and getting more accomplished, but it was focused quite a bit on analyzing the various time logs submitted by these various women. As a semi-retired empty-nester, most of this doesn't apply to me. The last chapter does give some excellent tips about finding more leisure time for yourself. I should probably try to read one of her other books instead.

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