Book Review: The Editor by Steven Rowley

The Editor by Steven Rowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting historical fiction novel about a struggling writer in NYC in the 1990's. The author sells his semi-autobiographical book about his dysfunctional family, and at the first meeting with his editor discovers that it is non other than Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Half of the book deals with the author and his editorial meetings with Mrs. Onassis; she needs him to re-write the ending. Interspersed are his interactions with his various family members, but current and past. Secrets are revealed, clashes are described, memories are told from different points of view. All in all a very compelling novel.

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Book Review: Better: How I Let Go of Control, Held On to Hope, and Found Joy in My Darkest Hour by Amy Robach

Better: How I Let Go of Control, Held On to Hope, and Found Joy in My Darkest Hour by Amy Robach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amy Robach's memoir is an honest and revealing account of her breast cancer journey: from initial mammogram, diagnosis, bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction. She has always been a self-motivated, hard-working and driven individual, and these traits helped her work through all that breast cancer entailed. I was amazed to find out that she didn't miss one day of work during the entire 8 months of her treatments. She continued on-air with Good Morning America and even traveled during her chemotherapy to report from the Sochi Olympics. Woven throughout is her message about the importance of having a support group of family and friends to help her through this difficult time.

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Book Review: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fascinating historical fiction book about the compilation of The Oxford English Dictionary. It follows Esme, a young girl whose father is one of the Dictionary's lexicographers. The book covers the period of 1886 (when Esme was just 4 years old) to 1928 when the last volume as finally published. This book appeals to the librarian is me, particularly the detailed descriptions of how the words are selected, researched and finally approved for inclusion.

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Book Review: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A thrilling and utterly fascinating story of five college students who are hired to reclaim five sculptures originally stolen from the Beijing Summer Palace years ago. These sculptures are now housed in five separate art museums throughout the world. The story is told from each of the five participant's points of view in different chapters, so we get insight into each of the characters, their backgrounds, and their motivations. It brings together many different facets: the heist, the Chinese American experience and what it means to different people, parental expectations, and art history. The writing and imagery are beautiful, almost bordering on literary fiction, juxtaposed with page-turning, edge-of-your seat reading about the actual heist!

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Book Review: The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer

The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey became close friends during season one of The Office, and their friendship continued over the nine seasons of the show and beyond. This book details the humor, the highs and lows of the show, the cast, behind-the-scenes peeks, their personal lives, but most importantly focuses on their friendship over the years. I would highly recommend reading the book on Kindle so you can expand all of the pictures to see the details. Overall this is just a FUN book to read!

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Book Review: The Social Graces by Renee Rosen

The Social Graces by Renée Rosen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Immerse yourself and be transported to the lavishly wonderful Gilded Age in New York City. This historical fiction follows the high society families and runs from 1876 through 1908. The story focuses on Caroline Astor ("Knickerbocker" Old Money) and Alva Vanderbilt (Nouveau Riche), and includes details of extravagant balls, summers at their Newport "cottages", and life in society. This is the first book that I've ready by Renee Rosen, and it came highly recommended. I will definitely be reading more in the near future!

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Book Review: The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischwili

The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischwili
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book with a summer book club over the course of 2 months. We divided the book into four sections and met every 2-3 weeks to discuss each section. It's not an easy book to read, but the story of five generations of a Russian / Georgian family is very compelling. It is told from the viewpoint of one of the younger family members to the youngest. We learn about their ancestors and much about Russian / Georgian history along the way. Typically I shy away from books more than 500 pages, but I'm glad that I met this challenge and had the book club camaraderie to discuss it along the way.

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Book Review: Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life by Matt Paxton

Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life by Matt Paxton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very practical, step-by-step guide for decluttering and getting rid of the decades of accumulated 'stuff.' The advice is based on the author's years in the business of decluttering and assisting others in moving. He includes extensive lists of resources: where to donate; who to contact, etc. It is still very difficult to part with many of the sentimental items and memories, but helps to know that many of us are in the same situation. The end result is definitely worth it, and I'm slowly moving forward and working towards it.

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Book Review: Slow Horses by Mick Herron (Slough House #1)

Slow Horses by Mick Herron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first in a series of books about British espionage, set during one day in present-day London. We follow River Cartwright and his fellow "Slow Horses," those in MI5 who make a career-altering mistake and were sent to Slough House. The action is fast-paced and the story is compelling, but at times difficult to follow the entire cast of characters. I am definitely looking forward to reading the second in this series.

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Book Review: Blue Moon by Lee Child (Jack Reacher #24)

Blue Moon by Lee Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is #24 in the Jack Reacher series, and I am reading them in order. I'll give this one 3.5 stars. A little more violence than I would like, and a little less story / suspense than typical in a Reacher book. That didn't stop me from quickly turning the pages, but the Albanian / Ukranian fighting factions got old and tired quickly. However, I'll be looking forward to #25 in the near future.

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Book Review: The Paris Diversion by Chris Pavone

The Paris Diversion by Chris Pavone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This page turner had me on the edge of my seat, and guessing all of the way through it! I had read the first book in the series quite a few years ago, so didn't remember the details of the story line or characters, but was able to catch on quickly enough. The story is told through multiple characters, and multiple points of view, all taking place in one 12-hour period. It is very fast-paced and I really got a sense of place (Paris) from the writing. All in all, a very enjoyable, thrilling novel!

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Book Review: Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great summer book -- right in the middle of Wimbledon 2022! We follow Carrie Soto from when she first picks up a tennis racket through her winning career and finally her retirement. Her father is her tennis coach, and they develop a very close relationship as a result of it. Carrie is not the darling of the tennis world, but instead very driven to win at all costs. A great inside look at the tennis circuit, and another fantastic book by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

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Book Review: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fascinating historical novel about Belle da Costa Greene, the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan. It describes the beginning of her career working at the Princeton Library, her interview with J.P. to get the job, and her extraordinary experiences building his library collection of priceless manuscripts, artwork, and books. She has a vast knowledge about the works she is collecting, and stands out as virtually the only female in a man's profession. Belle is African American, but in the early 20th century New York City she and her family are forced to pass as white due to the racist climate. This book has all the things I love to read about -- a strong female character, books, libraries, NYC, and history.

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Book Review: The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The quintessential summer book! Set on Nantucket during the busy summer season, at the recently elaborately renovated Hotel Nantucket. No expense spared; an exquisite guest experience. I got a behind-the-scenes view at what running a hotel entails. There's a historical aspect, with a ghost haunting the hotel due to a chambermaid being killed in a fire 100 years ago. I was a little skeptical about how the ghost would factor into the story, but I ended up liking the way that she was able to further each of the character's story line. I've never been to Nantucket, but I feel like I know the island after reading this wonderful 'sense of place' novel. Overall I highly recommend this book for a page turner summer book!

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Book Review: The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fascinating book about friendship between two unlikely people -- Lenni is a 17-year-old girl and Margot is an 83-year-old woman. Both are long-term patients in a hospital who join an art class. Together they work to create 100 paintings which represents their total lives. I read this for book club, and it generated wonderful discussions.

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Book Review: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A page-turner romance set in the publishing industry. Nora Stephens, a NYC book agent, is convinced by her sister to spend a month of her summer vacation in a rural North Carolina town. Almost immediately she runs into a NYC book editor, with whom she has not has not gotten along with in the past. You can predict what happens next. The relationship with the two sisters very special and makes the book worth reading. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you will turn the pages quickly to reach the end. Of course, since it was dealing with the book industry, it had my name written all over it. I loved every minute of it!

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Book Review: 22 Seconds by James Patterson (Women's Murder Club #22)

22 Seconds by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is #22 in the Women's Murder Club series, and I have read (and enjoyed) all of them. However, this particular story seemed particularly disjointed, and some of the sub-plots for the various murder club members seemed contrived and inserted after-the-fact. Several plot points differed throughout the book. The writing didn't even seem to be by the same authors. Overall, I was disappointed.

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Book Review: Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner

Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The setting is Bloomsbury Books in London, 5 years after the end of WWII. The story focuses on three strong, independent women who work in the shop and the many problems they encounter from the men they work with. The men are responsible for making all of the shop decisions, but our three heroines know how to make things happen behind the scenes! Once again this book brings together everything I love: books, bookstores, historical fiction and authors of that time period. All in all, a very charming read.

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Book Review: The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fast-paced suspense novel set in and around the Boston Public Library. Four strangers are in the library researching and writing when a scream is heard. The usually silent reading room buzzes with conversation about the scream, and these four quickly form a friendship. The story-within-a-story in epistolary format gives an additional, unique perspective. This is quite a page-turner and I finished the book in about 36-hours, anxious to find out who-dunit! It had everything I look for in a book - mystery, books, libraries, writers, readers, red herrings. Many thanks for NetGalley for the ARC! Highly recommended!

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Book Review: A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny (Three Pines #4)

A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book #4 in the Armand Gamache series finds he and his wife taking a relaxing week's vacation at a luxurious yet remote inn in rural Quebec, not far from Three Pines. Of course there is a murder, and he is called upon to run the investigation. Jean Guy Beauvoir and Isabelle Lacoste assist the Chief Inspector and of course everything is solved in the end. There is such a strong sense in place in Louse Penny's writing. I would love to be transported to the delightful Manoir Bellechasse and spend a week enjoying all of the wonderful food!

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Book Review: Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love by kim Fay

Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love by Kim Fay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This charming epistolary book revolves around "friendship, food, and love." Set in the 1960s, a young woman living in Los Angeles writes a letter of admiration to a journalist living in Seattle. This starts a years-long very close friendship between the two women, focusing primarily on recipes, ethnic food, ingredients, and taste sensations. It is a very quick read and a wonderful escape from reality.

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Book Review: Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste by Bianca Bosker

Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste by Bianca Bosker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a detailed, deep dive into wine and the lives of sommeliers. The author quit her job as a tech industry writer to spend a year learning about wine in order to take the sommelier certification exam. Reading the book helped me understand more about what goes into tasting and appreciating wine, and the role of the sommelier. After all of this, however, I still select my wines by the appeal of the label.

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Book Review: The Good Left Undone: A Novel by Adrianna Trigiani

The Good Left Undone: A Novel by Adriana Trigiani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adriana Trigiani never disappoints in transporting the reader to another time and place. Her newest book, The Good Left Undone, covers four generations of the Cabrelli family, beginning at the coast of Italy to World War II in Marseilles, France to Scotland, and back again to Italy. The story is told from the point of view of matriarch Matelda Cabrelli and she weaves the stories of the strong women in her family as she talks to her granddaughter. I felt immersed in the characters, wanted to be a member of this wonderful family, and never wanted the book to end!

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Book Review: Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds by Huma Abedin

Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds by Huma Abedin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fascinating, frank, and very compelling memoir by Huma Abedin. I saw her interviewed on MSNBC when the book was first published and immediately submitted a library hold. Many people are familiar with her because of her positions with Hillary Rodham Clinton, or her marriage/divorce with Anthony Weiner. But she is an incredibly strong, brilliant and dedicated woman in her own right, achieving so much in service to our government. I enjoyed learning about her parents' backgrounds, her childhood, and their faith and beliefs.

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Book Review: The New York Philharmonic Guide to the Symphony by Edward Downes

The New York Philharmonic Guide to the Symphony by Edward Downes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An incredibly comprehensive book, arranged by composer, which gives background information, historical perspective, and insight on all of their major compositions. An excellent reference book for any classical music lover!

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Book Review: Beach Read by Emily Henry

Beach Read by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

January and Gus are both writers experiencing writer's block, but are polar opposites in every way. January writes romantic comedy books and Gus writes literary fiction. January hopeful, optimistic, and overly friendly; Gus is moody, introverted and pessimistic. They are beach house neighbors who have both experienced personal heartbreak recently. They agree to swap genres and end up becoming friends, spending more time together over the summer. Emily Henry never disappoints with interesting characters and witty dialogue. I'm looking forward to her next book, which will be published in just a couple of weeks!

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Book Review: Ladies Who Drink: A Stylishly Spirited Guide to Mixed Drinks and Small Bites by Anne Keenan Higgins

Ladies Who Drink: A Stylishly Spirited Guide to Mixed Drinks and Small Bites by Anne Keenan Higgins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I saw this book in the bookstore and grabbed it immediately. It has a great selection of basic recipes, most of which have 4 or fewer ingredients. The author includes much-needed information on how to stock a basic bar, types of glasses, bar tools, and everything else you need to know to start serving cocktails. The book is organized by holidays and events, and each includes several cocktail recipes along with food accompaniments. The best part of this book is the author's delightful sketches!! I would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to get started with cocktails, or those who just want to learn more.

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Book Review: Beat Bobby Flay: Conquer the Kitchen with 100+ Battle-Tested Recipes: A Cookbook by Bobby Flay

Beat Bobby Flay: Conquer the Kitchen with 100+ Battle-Tested Recipes: A Cookbook by Bobby Flay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a long-time fan of the Beat Bobby Flay TV show, it was fun to re-live the episodes by reading the recipes. It's always amazing to me that these chefs can make these dishes in under 45 minutes. Obviously they have time management skills that this home chef just doesn't! Impressive!

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Book Review: Past Tense by Lee Child (Jack Reacher #23)

Past Tense by Lee Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#23 in the Jack Reacher series, and I'm working my way through them in order. This book has dual story lines - Reacher stopping in a small New Hampshire town to find out more about where his father grew up, and a young Canadian couple with car trouble who take refuge at a remote motel. The chapters alternate between the two story lines, eventually converging when Reacher comes to the rescue. It's a real page-turner, but I turned the pages quickly yet cautiously -- I didn't want to find out what the young couple was facing, but I couldn't wait to find out! Of course, Reacher ran into a few characters along the way who needed a lesson, as usual. All in all, another Reacher tale which doesn't disappoint.

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Book Review: The Tucci Cookbook by Stanley Tucci

The Tucci Cookbook by Stanley Tucci
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the cookbook that every family wishes that they compiled...all of the recipes from every relative! Stanley Tucci has recipes from his parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from Italy. In addition, he worked with Chef Gianni Scappin in preparation for the film he wrote/director/starred in, "The Big Night" and it contains many of his recipes. This book has more classic Italian family recipes than his later cookbook, "The Tucci Table." It includes memoirs from each of his parents, Stanley Tucci and Joan Tropiano Tucci. Overall, an excellent cookbook and tribute to an Italian family!

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Book Review: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes #1)

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book in the Sherlock Holmes / John Watson series! It was fascinating to find out how they initially met and started living / working together. The story jumps from London in the 1880s to the western United States several decades earlier in order to give the reader the necessary backstory. That portion of the novella was a little too detailed and dusty for me, and I was anxious to get back to the real mystery and action with Holmes and Watson. Overall, a fun read especially since I loved the British Sherlock TV series. Looking forward to reading more of their escapades.

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Book Review: The Trespasser by Tana French (Dublin Murder Squad #5)

The Trespasser by Tana French
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fantastic Tana French / Dublin Murder Squad book! I was immediately drawn into the characters -- detectives Antoinette Conway and Stephen Moran. They are partners on the midnight shift, and have a sixth sense about each other. We follow them as they investigate a murder, all while being pressured by the other detectives on the squad. French has a lovely way of setting a scene and making the reader feel like they are right there with the detectives. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she will continue to write Dublin Murder Squad books.

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Book Review: The Quick Fix Kitchen: Easy Recipes and Time-Saving Tips for a Healthier, Stress-Free Life: A Cookbook by Tia Mowry

The Quick Fix Kitchen: Easy Recipes and Time-Saving Tips for a Healthier, Stress-Free Life: A Cookbook by Tia Mowry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a great book for someone starting out cooking. LOTS of background information -- what tools/equipment to have, pantry basics to have on hand, meal planning techniques, how to store staples, etc. However, I wanted to see the recipes and they didn't kick in until page 128! Not as many recipes as I expected.

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Book Review: Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore by Patric Richardson

Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore by Patric Richardson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This books conveys a lot of fantastic information but needs to be presented in a much better, more useful format. I did not enjoy all of the memoir style vignettes and stories about all of his relatives.

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Book Review: Bobby at Home: Fearless Flavors from My Kitchen: A Cookbook by Bobby Flay

Bobby at Home: Fearless Flavors from My Kitchen: A Cookbook by Bobby Flay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A sneak peek at what Bobby Flay cooks at home. He often mentions dishes that are on the menus at his restaurants and re-makes the recipes to make at home. Everything is very approachable for the home cook. Lots of mouth-watering photos of the food.

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Book Review: The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis

The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A historical novel focusing on The Barbizon Hotel for Women in New York City. The story is told in two different times and by two different protagonists. Darby is a young woman from Ohio who moves to NYC in 1952 to attend the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School. Rose is a mid-career journalist in 2016 who is writing an investigative article on the history of the Barbizon and the women who lived there over the years. The reader gets a real feel for the 1950's in NYC: jazz clubs, heroin use, the role of women in society, dress codes, the Barbizon house mother, and most of all how the Barbizon provided a safe place to live for young single women who were new to the big city. The alternating chapters and storytellers (1952 and 2016) weave together very nicely and move toward a suspenseful conclusion.

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Book Review: Old-School Comfort Food: The Way I Learned to Cook by Alex Guaranschelli

Old-School Comfort Food: The Way I Learned to Cook by Alex Guarnaschelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great recipes of the classics, with classic tips and tricks. Part memoir, part cookbook, this is a tribute to her parents and chef mentors. I always enjoy reading her writing; she has a wonderful way of describing food and taste.

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Book Review: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An incredibly compelling novel set in the late 1970's in small town Ohio and focusing on a Chinese American family of five. In the first paragraph, we find out that Lydia, the ‘favorite’ middle child, is dead. As the story progresses, we learn about each family member and their role / relationship to Lydia. Secrets are concealed but also revealed. Conversations and behaviors are filtered, hidden, and uncovered. The truth slowly unfolds.

Many social issues are covered in this book: the role of women in the society of the 1970s, stereotyping of immigrants, how race impacts each of the Lee family members, and how each of the three Lee children have been raised vastly differently.

The story is non-linear, jumping around in time from when the parents first meet to the present day (1977). Typically I don’t like non-linear storytelling, but this novel had me riveted. I finished this book three weeks ago and I’m still thinking about the story and the characters – a true sign that a book has touched me.


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Book Review: The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan

The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A delightful historical novel which details the lives of four women in rural England during World War II. They are in the midst of food rationing, trying their best to make tasty food for their families with the limited resources they are allowed. The four women enter a contest on BBC radio to see who can create the tastiest appetizer, main dish and dessert. The winner will be the next presenter on the Kitchen Front radio show. The book encompasses laughter, heartbreak, love, disappointment, personal struggles, friendship, and every emotion in between. Recipes are also included after each chapter, and the author has done extensive research to make the story and recipes historically accurate. All-in-all, a feel-good novel.

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Book Review: With Love from London by Sarah Jio

With Love from London by Sarah Jio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With Love from London included many of my favorite things in a book: a librarian, a charming bookshop, the story set in London, and mother/daughter relationships. I love how the alternating chapters slowly unfold the individual stories of Eloise (the mother) and Valentina (the daughter). We gradually understand the events and rationale behind the choices that Eloise made. Even though Primrose Hill is a section of London, it has a delightful small-town, neighborhood feel to it. The book evokes a wide range of emotions, and is beautifully written. This is my first book by Sarah Jio, but you can be sure that I will be reading many more!!

I received an ARC from NetGalley -- thank you so much!!

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Book Review: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A charming, "meet-cute" story about two best friends (female/male) who take an annual vacation together. The book follows them over 12 years and 12 vacations. I'm usually not a fan of non-linear novels but I can see how it works in this case, interspersing the back story vacations with present day. Incredibly smart, witty dialogue. It should be made into a movie. Where is Nora Ephron when we need her?!?

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