My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Cute. Predictable. Easy read. She's got amnesia and has to remember who it is that she loves. She just can't remember so she has to redate the 3 men she was currently dating before she temporarily lost her memory. Luckily, she has two good friends from college to help her- one female stand up comedian and one white collar guy. Of course, you'll figure it out but it's worth it for a fun read.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a very cute book for the holidays. It took the place the typical summer read for the winter months. And who wouldn't want to have the cute Scotsman whose family was the town favorite fall in love with you? I mean, that's a no brainer. And for the hustle and bustle of Christmas with everything, this little short story was a perfect guilty pleasure to read in relaxation amongst the stress of the season. Very cute, very Scottish (with great humor I may add) that every reader who loves romance should read.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First off, type in Recursion in google and see what happens. I have to say, after reading the book and having a full-on discussion with the book club, it was funny in that none of knew what recursion meant. But after lots of reaching out to smart people (some even from MIT) to explain it to us like we were Michael Scott, we appreciated the book even more. It took a lot for me to understand. I usually am not a huge fan of time travel books- there are so many what-ifs when it comes to time messing up. But this one made sense. And it was crazy good. And even the part that could have super boring wasn't- it was fascinating. It was, just, wow. Read it. That's an order.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sweetness. I loved this book full of sweetness and showing kids that they are loved and that it's ok to trust people. A girl has been in foster care ever since she was born. She has gone place to place and in her small bag she has just a few things she carries that remind her of good times and bad. She is full of strength but rightfully so she is afraid to open up to trusting anyone. She is not mean spirited at all, and her short temper is rare to see but always justified. And her name is Muir for John Muir. She loves nature, is learning to be appreciative of her final foster care mother, and learning to accept friends and romance as a possibility. I LOVED this book.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'm not sure what I loved most about this book. I'm not a huge tennis fan after Pete Sampras left the circuit. And Carrie Soto was definitely the protagonist we all love to hate. And sometimes I felt like she would never, ever figure out how to be nice. But I couldn't stop reading it. I loved every minute of it and how she would come back from her glory days to do it all again for the titles in tennis. I loved how much the press was making or breaking someone's persona. I loved how retirement in sport figures really works. I loved Carrie's sweet dad. There was just so much in the book to enjoy, and despite how many Taylor Jenkins Reid books I read, I enjoy every one of them. They all have common elements but are somehow very different characters and I don't feel like I'm in the Dukes of Hazard time warp where the plot is the same every single time but with different people. She has fresh new people that I get introduced to each time. Well done, Taylor Jenkins Reid. Although you don't know me or probably care (I'm sure there are several people fanning over you, so who am I?), I appreciate you!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had heard so much about this book since it was first published. I wasn't sure what to expect and I will admit I thought it was a middle grade level book. Although any middle school student would enjoy this book, it's one for any age. It is like a book for those who connect with the Island of Misfit Toys from Rudolph, where you really just want to be a part of the group. In this particular house of misfit children, although all of them could be seen as dangerous (even a mini-Satan) in truth there is just a kid in each body, looking for belonging. And the man who is to determine if this house is fit to be a proper place for the kiddos to live is no different. I enjoyed this book very much and found it a fairy tale of great warm fuzzies.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Papers written by Lucille Ball were found by Lucy's and Desi's daughter and she published them. So in listening to this audible book, I think I have even more respect for Lucille Ball than I had every thought about. I love her in the classic TV shows, and a couple of movies. Learning about her relationship to Desi and how much she truly loved him makes it all the more amazing to watch. But I also understand why they divorced and while I never questioned it, I felt that they were good for each other at a point and then it was time to move on. Lucy never spoke from a bitter heart, and never was there complete blame on Desi. But it was just a great publication to get a glimpse into the life of Lucy a little more, and to see that she was a heart of gold with red hair.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Pretty cool criminal young adult book. A couple of kiddos about 18-20 years old are asked to talk to a criminal to get into his mind. The reason they are picked is because they have been on the other side of a similar crime of psychological torment. I think, as I write this review almost 6 months later, it was a good book with a lot of "wait, what?" moments that kept the pace going. But I can't remember the exact mystery or the exact purpose of a lot. Only that there was some supposed to be romance between the two characters, and who were we supposed to trust. And literally, that was all. But I do have some idea that I enjoyed it while reading it. Obviously, it didn't change my life, but it was a fun read and I may want to go to the second one to jog my memory.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read this book because I had to review certain books in the library for certain indiscretions. They were there. However, the problem with reading books for that purpose is that I get sucked into the plot and once I see what I need to see, I can't stop reading it. And so it goes with this one. It was kind of weird, but for the most part interesting enough to want to find out what it was all about. It's the "future" with the environment all wonky. There is an island that has the resources needed and so it is super rich, and a young girl there is enthralled with a superstar who has come to the island. I don't want to spoil it, but dang, it was NOT what I though it was. In fact, I'm not really sure what I read. Again, it wasn't bad, and let's just say there is some mental illness probably written about in the book, but never explicitly stated. At the end you get it, but it's a doozy.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I like mythology that is simple. And this one is probably simple, but still over my head. I understood a lot of the background of the characters but I truly had a hard time understanding the setting as I feel like it was also meant to be a character in itself. I also just didn't understand the basics of what was going on. I guess unless it is a marvel movie I can't truly appreciate it. But I am sure that if I were to reread it, I would catch on to more things and appreciate it more. Plus, it's Alexandra Bracken. I mean. the woman is amazing with her other books, so hence I am guessing that I am the one falling flat on the book- not her.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
At what point do you determine a 4 star book and a 5 star book? One that ultimately changes your view on life or the way you completely perceive something. And this is that book. If you could know how long your life is without any details, would you want to know? Would you want to know of someone else's? Would you change the way you think of other people such as who you vote for, who you would fall in love with, etc? Every story in this book was perfect not only in the possibilities but also in the way they all converged with almost no contrivances. It all made sense and caused you to really think about how we view the quality of life vs. the quantity of life.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is when Vanishing Half changes it's setting to the movie industry in the 50's. In the world of prestige and famous Hollywood glamour there are the secrets that now are not as shocking as back during that time. Many movie stars in the day were "passing"- talent that would be considered as black but looks and therefore "pass" as Caucasian. It was based in truth although a fictionalized story. I enjoyed the book thoroughly; more of the past timeline story than the present day story, but ultimately the two did mesh well. A good story if you enjoyed Vanishing Half or 7 1/2 husbands (I'm guessing on the last one as I haven't read it yet).
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
As far as fairy tales, this one is actually pretty interesting. I think there was just enough world building that I could follow along with vs. realistic drama to make it easy to read with the needing to know how things finished. I enjoyed probably the first have more with the reality part of what led to the fantasy land, between the boy and the old man. And then once we get to the fantasy world, I will say I was more concerned about the dog than anyone else. But with the fairy tale, which was not a Disney tale in any stretch of the word, there was also a depth of character that allowed us to see humanity in a non-human-as-we-know-it world. It is a good book, and I think most of the people in the book club enjoyed it as well, which says a lot considering the variety of opinions in our club.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This one packed quite the punch for a variety of reasons. First, to read it and find out that it was based on true facts. Unfortunately it's not a unique scenario where a group of people, particularly black citizens, are targeted medically either for experimentation or given procedures "for their good" (That felt cringy even to type). But what set this novel apart is the fight to right the wrong and most importantly, how involved the fighters get in the lives of who they are fighting for. In this story the young woman came from an affluent household and became a nurse to help the world. She finds out not only the injustice of what was being done to a family, but that she also unwittingly was a part. And then she decides herself what is best for the family. So that was interesting. A great book that is worth 4-5 stars.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am in a gracious mood with all my four stars. Ok, I love me a good cute summer read. A daughter and her dressd-up-like-Priscilla-Presley-firecracker-Asian mother travel across the country for a serious reason despite the hijinks of the journey to the famed Graceland. I actually lived in Memphis when Elvis "disappeared" (you can't prove otherwise). Anyway, although the reader can predict what is happening and what the mystery is, there were some amazing tender moments that reignited my tearducts. It was a lovely book, great for a summer read, or a fall read, or a spring read. And highly suggest you listen to some Elvis in the background.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book at the bequest of my brother. It was slow, and could have possibly decribed as dull. But here's the thing- it wasn't dull, and you wanted to savor every slow moment, as though you were a friend of Jayber Crow. It was almost like reading Gilmore Girls (I don't think it's a book) from Luke's point of view. And even though it's been almost a year that I've read it and just now reviewing it, here I am, still blissfully sighing in the hopes that Jayber will find his love. That he won't have to have running water for his hair cut business. That all the people who were given dirty blows from the world will be able to rise above it and get some sort of compensation. So although it took a while to get into the book, it was worth it. I will not read the rest of the series though, so don't ask, WBB.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Most books that become movies are usually overly hyped. I like the books, but a lot of times they are so talked up my expectations are unrealistic. It's not the book's fault, or even the people that tell me about the book, or even the movie writers. Basically- it's not you, it's me. It's a great book- it definitely made me want to find out the next twist or how the next person will play into the plot. I mean, come on, this was a great book about step mom and step daughter who have a stilted relationship trying to figure out what is going on with the dad/husband. Is he good? Is he bad? Ok, I think I'm actually convincing myself to go from a 3 star to a 4 star. And I love a good ending. I liked this ending because I didn't predict it (not that I normally do, but if I do, then it must be super predictable). Fine. 4 stars.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Helen Hoang, man you made a spicy read! It was a cute romance, and pleasantly dependeable. I say that in a positive manner in that to be honest, we all want some of the the predictability to know that all is right in the world. And in this little ditty, we all knew that Stella would get with her man. But what we didn't know was how much we wanted to actually be Stella. I wasn't prepared to analyze her and her neuro-divergent ways and maybe think I need to be a bit more like her. No games- just straight this is what I see and will actually communicate it straight forward. Huh. Who knew this would actually be a good way to have a relationship? So, amidst all the spice, there is also the variety of having a healthy relationship.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It's an interesting psychological thriller. Granted, I read this a little less than a year ago and can't remember a whole lot other than I couldn't ever figure out if I liked the protagonist or didn't. I think I wavered both ways a lot. I think the mystery was pretty good, too. Normal, and so nothing that made me suspend belief. I think. Like I said, it was ok. Nothing supremely memorable for me.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have loved anything Celeste Ng. I would fangirl if I saw her. But this one wasn't exactly like her others. It was intense, and I had to know what would happen next. And what's really going on with the father? And what will happen if people find out what is really going on? Where is the mom? Yikes, so much angst. I enjoyed the book, and it was thought provoking as far as what may come if we are not careful, but the truth is that I actually enjoyed her other two books more. They also had angst, but it was more of a familial angst that I could understand a bit more. This was a 4 star book, so don't take what I just said as it's not a good book. It actually was quite good.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
You know how Mash pretty much defined the Korean war when we think about it? Or China Beach for the Vietnam war? The truth is that my new definition of the Vietnamese War is from this book. I can't remember all the different scenarios, but I loved, loved, loved how it was written. A man giving advice to a teen/young man who is working for him based on his life experiences. The time in Vietnam choked me up, the car chase of the young drivers had me appreciative of being careful of how we treat others. I'm not sure how this book didn't get more acclaim, but it was perhaps one of my favorites of the year.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Blood Countess had a great beginning, but then it started to go very predictable. At first, I liked the heroine, but then I decided she was someone that would get lots of side-eye in this day. But to be honest, I didn't not like it. I also am not a fan of gross ickiness, like bathing in blood, etc. To be fair, it is based on a real person, a real countess. I would recommend the book to someone who just enjoys a good historical gorey book. Wouldn't call it a summer read- maybe a winter read? Is that a thing? I will make it a thing for this book.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Anything in the 1920's is a favorite of mine. And set in DC made it even more fun. I didn't know there was magical realism in the book, so that caught me off guard. It wasn't a horrible factor in the book, and in fact made it a bit different to figure out, which was enjoyable. I think I could re-read this book and find much more in the book that wasn't necessarily hidden, but probably more symbolic of stuff that I am slowly learning and realizing. But to avoid the risk of looking too deep into a book, just read the book and enjoy the ride for yourself.