tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48519403741061524812024-03-10T23:23:02.787-04:00BOOK KEEPING"recommending good reads since 2007"
Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.comBlogger874125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-75355695450667555952023-11-13T14:57:00.007-05:002023-11-13T14:57:28.309-05:00THE BONES OF THE STORY - 2023<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62983658-the-bones-of-the-story" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Bones of the Story" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668135301l/62983658._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62983658-the-bones-of-the-story">The Bones of the Story</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18130.Carol_Goodman">Carol Goodman</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5683182974">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Buried under books and not interested in reading? What to do? Read an author who has always been a comfort. I picked up Carol Goodman's new mystery/thriller "The Bones of the Story" and was swept away!<br /><br /><b>FIRST LINE:</b> "I'm just having trouble getting back on track."<br /><br /><b>THE STORY:</b> Briarwood College has not forgotten the disappearance of a female student twenty-five years ago and the distinguished Creative Writing professor who died while searching for her. Now, the college President is bringing together faculty, donors, and alumni to honor the victims from all those years ago. When the snow starts, people head home leaving the returning classmates at the college. Old rivalries are raised when they discuss the stories they had written about their greatest fears. And then there are more murders.<br /><br /><b>WHAT I THOUGHT:</b> All Ms. Goodman's books are what I would call Romantic Gothic Mysteries with similar motifs and designs. She sets her stories in the Hudson River Valley in small college towns. Past college friendships, youthful indiscretions, secret histories and suggestions of ghosts combine to cause suspense and a sense of dread. In "The Bones of the Story" alternate chapters are marked either NOW or THEN and the author makes it even clearer as you start each section.<br /><br /><b>BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED</b> by mystery readers who are interested in the puzzle of a story and interesting characters. <br /><br /><b>DISCLAIMER:</b> A copy of was provided to me by William Morrow / Net Galley for an honest review.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-41074173759778471312023-11-09T20:35:00.010-05:002023-11-11T18:34:36.549-05:00VERA WONG'S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS (2023) - Review<br /> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61070573-vera-wong-s-unsolicited-advice-for-murderers" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1655300138l/61070573._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61070573-vera-wong-s-unsolicited-advice-for-murderers">Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19278992.Jesse_Q_Sutanto">Jesse Q. Sutanto</a><p>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5895928524">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Jesse Q. Sutanto's "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" was a recent book group choice. I'll read a cozy once in a while but was quite surprised by this charming mystery of death and friendship. Everyone loved the book!</p><p><b>FIRST SENTENCE:</b> Vera Wong Zhuzhu, age sixty, is a pig, but she really should have been born a rooster."<br /><br /><b>THE STORY:</b> Vera Wong, who lives above her forgotten tea shop in the middle of San Francisco's Chinatown, enjoys sipping on a good cup of Wulong and doing some detective work on the Internet about what her Gen-Z son is up to. One morning, Vera trudges downstairs to find a dead man on the floor of her tea shop. In his outstretched hand, a flash drive. Vera takes the flash drive sure she would do a better job than the police. Vera knows the killer will be back for the flash drive; all she has to do is watch the increasing number of customers at her shop and figure out which one among them is the killer. What Vera doesn't expect is to form friendships with her customers and start to care for each and every one of them.<br /><br /><b>WHAT I THOUGHT:</b> One of the novel's standout features is its unique narrative voice. Vera Wong's character is a delightful blend of sass and vulnerability, making her not just a crime-solving force to be reckoned with, but also a relatable and endearing protagonist. All the characters add layers to the story, each contributing their quirks and secrets to the unfolding drama. From the grumpy police detective to the suspects, Sutanto weaves a web of personalities that adds depth to the story.<br /><br />While the novel primarily falls into the cozy mystery genre, Sutanto seamlessly incorporates social commentary into the narrative. Vera Wong's journey becomes a reflection of societal norms and expectations, challenging stereotypes about age, gender, and race. The author cleverly addresses serious issues with a light touch, ensuring that readers both enjoy the mystery and contemplate the underlying themes.<br /><br /><b>BOTTOM LINE:</b> Highly Recommended. "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" is a standout addition to the mystery genre, offering readers a refreshing take on the classic whodunit. Jesse Q. Sutanto's masterful storytelling, coupled with Vera Wong's irresistible charm, creates a novel that is both a lovely read and a laugh-out-loud experience. Fans of cozy mysteries will find themselves eagerly awaiting Vera Wong's next unsolicited adventure. This is the second title, after "Dial A For Aunties", in the series. <br /><br /><b>DISCLAIMER:</b> A copy of "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" was provided to me by Berkley/<a href="https://www.netgalley.com/" target="_blank">Net Galley</a> for an honest review. </p><p><br /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann">View all my reviews</a></p><p> </p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-89930075067996300292023-06-09T16:22:00.002-04:002023-06-09T16:46:09.159-04:00REHEARSED TO DEATH- Review 2023<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62334899-rehearsed-to-death" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Rehearsed to Death (Domestic Partners in Crime, #2)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684780320l/62334899._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62334899-rehearsed-to-death">Rehearsed to Death</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1272874.Frank_Anthony_Polito">Frank Anthony Polito</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5556804529">3 of 5 stars<br /></a>On Sale: May 23, 2023<br /><br />
Over the years my reading choices have often been books that surprise me, that teach me something new. I picked up "Rehearsed to Death", because it was about theatre, an HGTV hit reality show, and Detroit. It was a fun quozy mystery mixed with romance, rescued dogs, and Mini Coopers.<br /><br /><b>FIRST LINE:</b> "As cohost of a popular home renovation show, I had a few principles to which I prescribed:<br />If you're going to do something, do it right.<br />Don't pay someone to do a project you can do yourself.<br />Every project ultimately takes longer than you estimate it will."<br /><br /><b>THE STORY:</b> Partners JP and Peter created 'Domestic Partners' (think 'Bargain Block'). During a break between seasons, playwright Peter has an opportunity to see his play produced locally with JP starring and directed by a first rate (and terribly unpleasant) director, Xander Sherwood Deva. Shortly before the show is to open, Deva is found strangled by his own elaborate neck scarf. Was it an accident or murder? <br /><br /><b>WHAT I THOUGHT:</b> Frank Anthony Pollito has created a series that will be a favorite of many readers. Peter is the narrator and scattered throughout are mentions of special things (from Michigan and beyond) like Sanders Bumpy Cake, Creamora, and Carnegie Mellon University. It made the book lots of fun even though the plot construction was uneven. Some characters are more fully developed than others but the description of clothing especially on the well-dressed is great. <br /><br /><b>BOTTOM LINE:</b> This is the second title, after "Renovated to Death", in the <i>Domestic Partners in Crime Mystery</i> and has gathered a lot of interest from cozy/quozy readers. The author reads the audiobook version which has gotten some nice comments too.<br /><br /><b>DISCLAIMER:</b> A copy of "Rehearsed to Death" was provided to me by <a href="https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/kensingtoncozies" target="_blank">Kensington Books</a>/<a href="http://@netgalley.com" target="_blank">Net Galley</a> for an honest review.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann">View all my reviews</a></p><p> </p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-38594366883330113472023-05-15T21:20:00.006-04:002023-05-15T21:57:46.587-04:00EVERYTHING SHE FEARED (2023) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61155445-everything-she-feared" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Everything She Feared" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668022929l/61155445._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61155445-everything-she-feared">Everything She Feared</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93666.Rick_Mofina">Rick Mofina</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5534381474">3 of 5 stars<br /></a>On Sale: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5534381474">April 11, 2023 </a><br /><br />
FIRST LINE: "Seventeen-year-old Anna Shaw didn't want to die."<br /><br />THE STORY: A strong and ambiguous opening draws the reader into "Everything She Feared" and the pages keep turning. A teen falls taking a selfie at the edge of a cliff. The last thing she sees is nine year old Katie Harmon looking down at her.<br /><br />Using a variety of points of view, the story is a puzzle with bits and pieces carefully shared throughout. The worry is, "Was Katie involved?" This all turns out to be much more complicated and there are many characters to follow from detectives, therapists, true-crime podcasters, and a journalist researching the death of his sister.<br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: This was my first (and probably last) Rick Mofina. His writing style is repetitive which works for most readers, but some will find overdone. He did his research on police procedures in Washington State and beyond. My other comment is the ending seems to happen quickly although I was finally able to stop holding my breath. He does know how to touch his readers and I would give this book a 3.5<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: RECOMMENDED for mystery/thriller readers. If you find you enjoy Mofina, he has written many books in several series and has a devoted following.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: A copy of was provided to me by Harlequin Trade Publishing/Mira /<span style="color: black;">NetGalley</span> in exchange for an honest review.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann">View all my reviews</a> </p><p> </p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-69629084486338713362023-05-07T13:57:00.004-04:002023-05-18T13:51:41.088-04:00BUZZ BOOKS 2023: FALL/WINTER - Review<p><span id="freeTextreview4558803698"> </span></p><p><span id="freeTextreview4558803698"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="freeTextreview4558803698"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpuhwiZ8HsSxM-1yPjjKZTfM_uWfLKodAPDIYED7fVzN0oce4VXWxjbMWaAJCjs8hktVp6g7IFO516KTrTMfA-C-ioWHNB9z1ysKihQ3OlQC4DaRui-F9zZj7CKrSHgKTvAl6m-5udfwUw5f79QkoPOSMbsDK-VbguVhbzGnPtKHlLXwULKGpCQ/s382/Buzz%20Books%202023.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="255" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpuhwiZ8HsSxM-1yPjjKZTfM_uWfLKodAPDIYED7fVzN0oce4VXWxjbMWaAJCjs8hktVp6g7IFO516KTrTMfA-C-ioWHNB9z1ysKihQ3OlQC4DaRui-F9zZj7CKrSHgKTvAl6m-5udfwUw5f79QkoPOSMbsDK-VbguVhbzGnPtKHlLXwULKGpCQ/w134-h214/Buzz%20Books%202023.png" width="134" /></a></span></div><span id="freeTextreview4558803698"><br />Here's a preview of the best new books for the 2023 Fall/Winter season and it's FREE!</span><i> </i><p></p><p><i>Buzz Books 2023: Fall/Winter, </i>the 23nd volume in the popular sampler series<span style="font-size: small;">,</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> presents readers with an insider’s look at more than sixty books due out this season—the largest collection to date. <b>At the end of most excerpts, you will find a link to the full galley on NetGalley!</b></span></span></span></p><p>Such major bestselling authors as Kate Atkinson, Chuck Palahniuk, Zadie Smith, and Mona Awad are
featured, along with Stephen King, Mitch Albom, Nelson DeMille, and Janet Evanovich.<span id="freeTextreview4558803698"><br />Fiction
is broken down into categories such as Notables;
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categories are included as well as several Young Adult titles.<br /><br />First
introduced for the 2012 Book Expo America, the FREE digital Publishers
Lunch Buzz Books have become the place for both industry professionals
and book lovers in general to discover and read about the books expected
to spark high demand BEFORE they are published! After many selections, you have the option to follow a
link and request the complete galley copy from <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Net Galley</a> if you qualify
as a 'professional' reader.</span><br /><span id="freeTextreview4558803698"><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Buzz-Books-2023-Spring-Summer-ebook/dp/B0BRNN13P7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=buzz+books+2023&qid=1676153863&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Buzz Book</a>s 2023: Fall/Winter is available NOW on <a href="http://amazon.com" target="_blank">Amazon</a>! Did I mention it's FREE!</span></p><p><span id="freeTextreview4558803698"> </span> <br /></p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-14392339770014619212023-05-06T18:49:00.003-04:002023-05-07T13:19:10.071-04:00THE JOURNEY'S END (2023) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62143494-the-journey-s-end" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Journey's End: An Investigation of Death and Dying in Modern America" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671533455l/62143494._SY160_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62143494-the-journey-s-end">The Journey's End: An Investigation of Death and Dying in Modern America</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22738039.Michael_D_Connelly">Michael D Connelly</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5463003428">5 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: August 4, 2023<br /><br />
Most of us would prefer to die at home surrounded by those who love us, but these days we are more likely to die in the hospital or a long care treatment facility. <br /><br />"The Journey's End" is a well observed and researched description of changes in the medical world and how that impacts End-of-Life (EOL) care. In a clear but scholarly way, the author explains how the myriad parts impact each other and what would need to be done to make the difficult changes. The Bibliography is extensive and provides sources to consider that can improve EOL care. There are notes and an index.<br /><br />Beyond that, the book lists the important documents and processes that one must understand and complete to guide their own death. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.<br /><br />Author Michael Doring Connelly was CEO of one of the nation's largest health systems from 1994 to 2017. He is currently CEO emeritus of Mercy Health (now Bon Secours Mercy Health System).</p><p>Thanks to <a href="http://netgalley.com" target="_blank">NetGalley</a>, the author, and <a href="https://rowman.com/" target="_blank">Rowan & Littlefield</a> Publishers for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. </p><p><br /></p><p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann">View all my reviews</a></p><p>
</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-8373640622739821412023-04-04T14:15:00.001-04:002023-04-04T14:15:20.854-04:00BUT HAVE YOU READ THE BOOK? (2023) - Review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61398984-but-have-you-read-the-book" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660052285l/61398984._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61398984-but-have-you-read-the-book">But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22789557.Kristen_Lopez">Kristen Lopez</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5458786852">3 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: March 7, 2023<br /><br />
Author Kristen Lopez writes that she always reads the book before watching the movie. Movies sometimes are true to their book, but many times circumstances are ignored and/or changed. Presented by Turner Classic Movies, Lopez has chosen 52 screen adaptations and the books that inspired them. Beginning with a famous line from each entry, there are 3-4 page reviews, trivia facts, and suggestions about how to proceed.<br /><br />The movies cover from 1931 through 2021 and include REBECCA (1940), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962), BLADE RUNNER (1982), JURASSIC PARK (1993), THE HUNGER GAMES (2012) and so much more. There is an extensive bibliography and interesting illustrations. I've seen 16 movies but I've only read 10 of the books which surprised me. Having recently watched two versions of THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999), the discussion of the differences between various directors/countries putting their own slants on the original 1955 work by Patricia Highsmith was interesting.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: Seems like a perfect gift for both book readers and movie lovers. RECOMMENDED.</p><p><span class="Formatted">Thank you to <a href="http://netgalley.com" target="_blank">NetGalley</a> and <a href="http://runningpress.com" target="_blank">Running Press</a> for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.</span> <br /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann">View all my reviews</a>
</p><p><br /></p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-28894769054112483742023-04-01T15:00:00.002-04:002023-04-01T15:02:56.158-04:00THE QUIET TENANT (2023) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61897971-the-quiet-tenant" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Quiet Tenant" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678752685l/61897971._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61897971-the-quiet-tenant">The Quiet Tenant</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20737123.Cl_mence_Michallon">Clémence Michallon</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5453270538">5 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: June 20, 2023<br /><br />
Thinking it was time to read a thriller/suspense, I requested "The Quiet Tenant" when it was offered for review by NetGalley. Not being a fan of kidnapped women who are locked up for years, I was not sure I had made the right decision. <br /><br />FIRST LINE: "You like to think every woman has one, and he just happens to be yours."<br /><br />THE STORY: Who would believe that Aidan, the happily married man with the charming daughter, was sometimes someone else? Respected by the community, he was free to continue his activities undetected. The story belongs to 'Rachel', the name Aidan gave her, but is cleverly fleshed out with other female voices. The tension comes from how Rachel has managed to survive when others have not.<br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: I devoured Clémence Michallon's "The Quiet Tenant". The author writes so that you understand what is happening without using common language to describe the dreadful acts. The emphasis is on the thrill of survival with insight into psychological trauma.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for thriller/suspense lovers. It's going to be one of my top five favorites for the category in 2023.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "The Quiet Tenant" by Clémence Michallon from NetGalley/Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Knopf for an honest review.<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann"><br />View all my reviews</a></p><p>
</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-34341431588051614102023-03-31T13:18:00.001-04:002023-03-31T13:18:06.628-04:00Y/N (2023) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58523626-y-n" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Y/N" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660260327l/58523626._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58523626-y-n">Y/N</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18459169.Esther_Yi">Esther Yi</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5453209782">5 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: 21 March 2023 <br /><br />
Writing in the first person, Esther Yi has delivered an unusual debut novel with an unnamed protagonist.<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "The pack of boys had released their first album in Seoul two years ago, and now they were selling out corporate arenas and Olympic stadiums all over the world."<br /><br />THE STORY: She lives with her roommate in an ordinary life until she becomes fascinated by the boys lead singer Moon. He is everywhere and he is nowhere.<br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: A difficult, literary book, beautifully written, but like trying to move through a confusing maze. I chose this book because of curiosity about why fans become so attached to boy groups. There were quotes on which to linger and consider. And I learned what Y/N means. It's not Yes/No. It is Your/Name.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IF this sounds interesting to you. It has gotten many positive critical reviews.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "Y/N" by Esther Yi from NetGalley/Astra Publishing House, Astra House for my honest review.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-26043561498959507232023-02-22T11:11:00.004-05:002023-03-21T13:23:00.919-04:00HOW I'LL KILL YOU (2023) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61358659-how-i-ll-kill-you" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="How I'll Kill You" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660590047l/61358659._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61358659-how-i-ll-kill-you">How I'll Kill You</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21833627.Ren_DeStefano">Ren DeStefano</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5339685142">4 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: March 21, 2023<br /><br />
The idea of triplets choosing and killing men they have made love them was fascinating. This is the author's debut and early readers seem to like it. For me, it was disturbing, although I have to admit that I read it in just a couple of days curious to find out what would happen.<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "What about that one?" <br /><br />THE STORY: Raised in mostly unpleasant foster homes, identical sisters Iris, Moody, and Sissy now stay together to protect each other. They have rules. They choose vulnerable men, make their lives wonderful, kill them, and move on undetected. <br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: Tension is high throughout the story but new information keeps the action moving forward. Sentences are short and sometimes repetitive. Hoping for a good thriller, it was surprising how much of a love story it was. <br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: RECOMMENDED with reservations. <br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "How I'll Kill You" by Ren DeStefano from NetGalley/Berkley Publishing Group for an honest review. <br /><br />
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-12748215120599278222023-02-16T18:40:00.000-05:002023-02-16T18:40:02.817-05:00MAUREEN (2023) - Review<p><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60192876-maureen" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Maureen (Harold Fry #3)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1659180909l/60192876._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60192876-maureen">Maureen</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5309857.Rachel_Joyce">Rachel Joyce</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5057731403">4 of 5 stars<br />On sale: February 7, 2023</a><br /><br />
After reading and reviewing "The Devil You Know" by P.J. Tracy, which turned out to be #3 in a series, I was discouraged to realize that my next assignment was "Maureen" by Rachel Joyce, also a third book in a trilogy I had not read. Reviewers claimed that the book could stand alone. <br /><br />The first book was "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" and was continued in "The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy", and ends with "Maureen", in what each is now referred to as 'A Harold Fry Novel'.<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "It was too early for birdsong."<br /><br />THE STORY: There is a Preface where the author explains how readers who met Harold Fry in her first book kept insisting she continue the story. Eventually she wrote the second and thought once again that she was finished, but Maureen needed her own closure, her own journey, her own life.<br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: "Maureen" by Rachel Joyce is a beautifully written, emotionally charged novella that serves as the conclusion following the journey of Harold and Maureen as they come to terms with their past and present.<br /><br />Throughout the book, Joyce masterfully explores the complexities of love and loss, and the power of human connection. The author's writing is poignant and touching, capturing the deep emotions and relationships of the richly drawn characters, and their stories are interwoven in a way that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.<br /><br />One of the standout features of "Maureen" is its exploration of the themes of hope, resilience, and redemption. Despite the challenges that Harold and Maureen face, the book is ultimately a testament to the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity. The characters are relatable, and their journeys are both inspiring and heartwarming.<br /><br />In addition to its emotional impact, "Maureen" is also a well-written, engaging book. The writing is clear and concise, and the narrative is both compelling and easy to follow. The book is a quick read, but its themes and messages will stay with readers long after they have finished it.<br /><br />The descriptions of the English countryside are particularly evocative, and the book has a sense of timelessness that gives it a classic feel.<br /><br /> However, one of the weaknesses of the book is its brevity. The story feels somewhat rushed and underdeveloped in places. There are many intriguing characters and plot threads that are introduced but never fully explored, leaving the reader wanting more.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED While the brevity of the book may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied, it is nonetheless a beautifully written and deeply affecting story that is well worth reading. Rachel Joyce is a talented author who has created a character that will stay with the reader long after the book is finished.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "Maureen" by Rachel Joyce from <a href="http://netgalley.com">NetGalley</a>/<a href="http://randomhousebooks.com" target="_blank">Random House</a> Publishing Group for an honest review.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann">Vi</a>ew all my reviews</p><p> </p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-61813198199999557312023-02-09T21:20:00.004-05:002023-02-14T13:12:21.407-05:00LETTERS FROM THE EARTH (1919) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53601101-letters-from-the-earth" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Letters from the Earth" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590723683l/53601101._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53601101-letters-from-the-earth">Letters from the Earth</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1244.Mark_Twain">Mark Twain</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5314715324">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Thought-provoking and witty, Mark Twain's "Letters From the Earth" is a collection of satirical essays, posthumously published in 1919. The book is a departure from Twain's more well-known works such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."<br /><br />The book is a series of letters supposedly written by Satan who has come to earth and is sending reports back to heaven about the ways of humans. Through these letters, Twain critiques various aspects of society, including religion, politics, and human behavior. The angel's perspective is a fresh and often humorous one, and Twain uses it to shed light on some of the absurdities of human life.<br /><br />One of the most striking things about "Letters From the Earth" is how relevant it is today. Many of the issues that Twain addresses, such as the excesses of organized religion and the foibles of politics, are still very much with us. Twain's writing is so timeless that it is easy to forget that the book was written over 100 years ago.<br /><br />In terms of style, "Letters From the Earth" is a departure from Twain's more conventional works. The writing is more stream-of-consciousness and less structured than his other books, which gives the book a loose and informal feel. This style is well-suited to the content of the book, which is meant to be a series of informal letters rather than a formal treatise.<br /><br />Twain's commentary on society and human nature is insightful and often brutal. He pulls no punches in his critiques, and is not afraid to point out the flaws and foibles of humanity. This is what makes the book so compelling, as it forces readers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: Whether you are a fan of Twain's other works or or not, this book is sure to captivate and challenge you. The wit and humor that are so characteristic of Twain's writing are in full evidence in this book, and the satire is both biting and insightful. If you are looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read, "Letters From the Earth" is an excellent choice.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-81709610806443671082023-01-27T13:55:00.001-05:002023-02-05T13:55:50.787-05:00THE DEVIL YOU KNOW (2023) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60784629-the-devil-you-know" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Devil You Know (Detective Margaret Nolan, #3)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1652107139l/60784629._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60784629-the-devil-you-know">The Devil You Know</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25108.P_J_Tracy">P.J. Tracy</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5057732806">4 of 5 stars<br /></a>On Sale: January 17, 2023<br /><br />
P. J.Tracy's "The Devil You Know" introduces Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Detective Margaret Nolan to a death that threatens the foundation of Hollywood and its upper echelon. The book is #3 in The Detective Margaret Nolan Series ("Desolation Canyon" #1 and "Deep into the Dark" #2) It is recommended that you read the books in order. <br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "The ocean was singing in the hushed, undulating tones of low tide on this still, damp night."<br /><br />THE STORY: Well-known actor Evan Hobbes is found dead in the rubble of a Malibu rock slide a day after a fake video ruins his career. 'Is it an accident, a suicide; or a murder?' With more deaths, Detective Nolan has a difficult case to solve.<br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: P. J. Tracy is a good mystery writer with lots of readers, but don't start with "The Devil You Know" without reading the first two books. There are lots of characters to try to keep straight and bits and pieces of past stories revealed but not explained.<br /><br />Descriptive words accentuate every thought and every event, seeming too pretty for a police procedural. If you are more interested in a story than in the fancy writing and if you aren't comfortable with wordy writing, this might not be a book for you.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: RECOMMENDED If you are a fan of the Monkeewrench Series, you need to read copies of the first two books in The Detective Margaret Nolan Series and then read "The Devil You Know". P. J. Tracy is a pseudonym for the American mother-daughter writing team Patricia and Traci Lambrecht. They became New York Times bestselling authors in the process. Patricia died in 2016.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "The Devil You Know" by P. J. Tracy from NetGalley/St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for my honest review.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-87951509897536247732022-12-14T16:26:00.001-05:002022-12-14T16:33:48.624-05:00NOTABLE LITERARY DEATHS IN 2022 - Literary Hub<h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxku_XtfUBBYdTPS9Sd-4tjMC6oBpnkNCw3nS0j5o3UeclsPnMDlby6fMrvNT5AgScMVEOmxjTwDfQvtD3ZV4rDUnenZ5GQNT6lPdqtc5PjvJGXyGyf9aiCbm2Lu8mMkZmZ4trrHyhbcpdJIutR8psAEx_51l17SN76Akihud-m0CZZ-3p-_Rskg/s2400/evening-sky-clipart-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="2400" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxku_XtfUBBYdTPS9Sd-4tjMC6oBpnkNCw3nS0j5o3UeclsPnMDlby6fMrvNT5AgScMVEOmxjTwDfQvtD3ZV4rDUnenZ5GQNT6lPdqtc5PjvJGXyGyf9aiCbm2Lu8mMkZmZ4trrHyhbcpdJIutR8psAEx_51l17SN76Akihud-m0CZZ-3p-_Rskg/w320-h226/evening-sky-clipart-3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />An Incomplete List of the Writers, Editors, and Great Literary Minds We Lost This Year<br /></h2>
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<div class="author_info" itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<div class="author_name">By <a href="https://lithub.com/author/emily-temple/" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Emily Temple</span></a></div>
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<div class="publish_date">December 14, 2022</div>
</div><p><br /><a href="https://lithub.com/notable-literary-deaths-in-2022/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the list.</p><p><br /></p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-13985355956259509252022-11-11T16:49:00.001-05:002022-11-11T16:49:00.183-05:00GREAT SHORT BOOKS (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60321460-great-short-books" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Great Short Books: A Year of Reading—Briefly" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1648408920l/60321460._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60321460-great-short-books">Great Short Books: A Year of Reading—Briefly</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13264.Kenneth_C_Davis">Kenneth C. Davis</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4723868554">5 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: November 22, 2022<br /><br />
Great Short Stories" is an incredibly valuable tool for book clubs and readers everywhere! Some authors/titles are well-known and others will be new discoveries. Author Kenneth C. Davis made sure to include "a broad diversity of writers and voices" as well as a variety of genres. The guideline for length is roughly 100 - 200 pages with exceptions.<br /><br />I am a member of two book groups as well as reviewing for NetGalley so I was delighted to see "Great Short Stories", a guidebook for "A Year of Reading - Briefly". In his introduction the author discusses the issue of time for readers in our society and how the idea to curate short stories came to him. There actually are fifty-eight entries in alphabetical order listing the title, the author, and year of publication with basic information including the opening paragraph, overview, author's bio, why you should read the book, and what else to read from that author. There are lists of entries by the author's last name, dates of publication, additional lists of short stories, and more. <br /><br />A random sample of titles includes: Charlotte's Web (E.B. White); Evil Under the Sun (Agatha Christie); The Hour of the Star (Clarice Lispector); The Lathe of Heaven (Ursula K. LeGuin; Mrs. Dalloway (Virginia Woolf); Tokyo Ueno Station (Yu Miri); etc.<br /><br />HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any book group looking to find new titles or any reader who wants to know what to read next.<br /><br />Thank you to the author, publisher Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an early copy for an honest review.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann">View all my reviews</a></p><p> </p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-90639283510566361182022-09-18T20:53:00.002-04:002022-09-18T21:30:10.402-04:00FELLOWSHIP POINT (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58438505-fellowship-point" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Fellowship Point" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654704020l/58438505._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58438505-fellowship-point">Fellowship Point</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/210447.Alice_Elliott_Dark">Alice Elliott Dark</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4886863380">4 of 5 stars</a><br />On Sale: July 5, 2022 <br /><br />
Our lives today are filled with quantity, which perhaps explains why readers shun longer books demanding more of our time. Not bothering to check the number of pages (560), I was drawn to "Fellowship Point" because of the older characters. (Also I grew up in Philadelphia vacationing summers in Maine, locations where the book is set.) Before I got very far into the book, I debated whether to continue but I picked it up again. Alice Elliott Dark has changed how I will be selecting books in the future. Quality first. <br /><br /><b>FIRST SENTENCE:</b> "Such a perfect day for writing, gray and quiet."<br /><br /><b>THE STORY:</b> Two eighty year old life-long friends decide it's time to make arrangements for the beloved summer land their families have owned for generations on the Maine Coast. Should the land be saved or developed?<br /><br />Agnes is a famous children's author, who has never married, while her best friend Polly chose marriage and family. How is it that after all these years they end up on opposite sides of the proposed ownership of Fellowship Point?<br /><br /><b>WHAT I THOUGHT:</b> Scattered with literary illusions and some lovely and not so lovely thoughts about aging, this is an insightful examination of women's lives. Parts of the story are told through journals and letters moving back and forth in time slowly revealing the secrets of the past. There are life lessons to be learned from the complicated, beautifully drawn, layered characters. The author has great insight into these two women, who are still worthy of the lives they've lived and the people they've loved. The writing is gorgeous; the cover is beautiful; and the ending is perfect.<br /><br /><b>BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED</b> for those who still find time to savor elegant novels. The book is a little overlong for today's reader.<br /><br /><b>DISCLAIMER:</b> I received a free e-copy of "Fellowship Point" by Alice Elliott Dark from <a href="http://netgalley.com" target="_blank">NetGalley</a>/<a href="https://www.simonandschusterpublishing.com/scribner/" target="_blank">Scribner</a> for my honest review.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-74663926440680225872022-09-07T14:33:00.002-04:002022-09-07T17:08:24.977-04:00MAGIC TO DO (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60413637-magic-to-do" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Magic to Do: Pippin's Fantastic, Fraught Journey to Broadway and Beyond" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1658830412l/60413637._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60413637-magic-to-do">Magic to Do: Pippin's Fantastic, Fraught Journey to Broadway and Beyond</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22234611.Elysa_Gardner">Elysa Gardner</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4953143249">5 of 5 stars<br /></a>On Sale: November 1, 2022<br /><br />
Stephen Schwartz has won many awards for his musical theater creations including "Pippin", "Godspell", "Wicked" and many more.<br /><br />In 1964/5 Stephen Schwartz was a freshman and I was a sophomore in the Drama Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where he spent time in the practice rooms playing music while I was next door sewing in the costume shop for the next main stage production. <br /><br />My 'so-called' career skirted the edges of many of the memories in Elysa Gardner's fascinating insight into musical theater and the complexity of getting to what is hoped will be a successful Broadway run. There were so many recognizable names and places. I stayed at a famous old hotel in New York City that was mentioned. My drama teacher was quoted. I saw the production of "Godspell" at the Ford Theater. And on and on.<br /><br />Learning about the problems of a young Stephen Schwartz, who wanted to stress the singing, battling the legendary Bob Fosse's emphasis on dance, led to a discussion of how Broadway shows have changed over the years. Today we have triple threats: performers who can sing, dance, and act. "Pippin" and "Godspell" pointed the way to a less traditional musical theater eventually leading to the rock musicals offered today. <br /><br />A lot of information one might never seek, turns out to be surprisingly interesting. The author has included the people who work behind the scenes and how they create the magic eventually seen onstage.<br /><br />On YouTube you can check out some of the performances. My favorite is the original "Pippin" opening number with Ben Vereen, the black background, and the white gloved hands hanging in space.<br /><br />I have always felt a close connection to "Pippin" since a community production used my duck (a puppet) as THE duck. He has a place of honor in my office.<br /><br />One of my top ten books of 2022. <br /><br />"Pippin" includes an index, brief reading list, and photographs.<br /><br />Thank you, #NetGalley/#Rowman & Littlefield, Applause for an honest review! It was a pleasure to read and review!
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-72062195967313694202022-08-18T11:33:00.010-04:002022-09-07T17:09:53.640-04:00A HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59801785-a-history-of-present-illness" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A History of Present Illness" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1653943453l/59801785._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59801785-a-history-of-present-illness">A History of Present Illness</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22496939.Anna_DeForest">Anna DeForest</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4924564766">5 of 5 stars</a><br />On Sale: August 16, 2022<br /><br />
FIRST SENTENCE: "All this happened, more or less."<br /><br />Intending to read the first sentence or two, instead I continued on to the end. I'm still not sure what to make of Anna DeForest's first novel "A History of Present Illness". Who is the audience for this literate book composed of short, well-crafted sentences that reads like a memoir? (Descriptions and some discussions could be disturbing.)<br /><br />Someone suggested that only those involved in medicine would appreciate such a book, but my fascination was with how my life has changed since I was swept up in that world as a patient. Now I have the other side of the story. Now I have some insight. Now I can put together a history of my own present illness.<br /><br />Following an unnamed narrator through her first year as a medical student, her random thoughts are like listening to a friend tell you what defines life. The humor is macabre and subtle. I'm thinking I will need to read this again if only to revisit the many sections I highlighted. There is so much to think about, so much to absorb.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "A History of Present Illness" by Anna DeForest from NetGalley/Little, Brown & Company for my honest review.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-11370397663701704972022-08-03T16:49:00.003-04:002022-08-03T18:46:22.758-04:00THE GHOST WRITER (2005) - Brief Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50696.The_Ghost_Writer" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Ghost Writer" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1469036276l/50696._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50696.The_Ghost_Writer">The Ghost Writer</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/463.Philip_Roth">Philip Roth</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4882265002">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Not at all what I expected. The writing demanded attention. The story line demanded thought. Who knew I would discover Philip Roth this late in life. If you want to just get a taste for Roth, "The Ghost Writer", which is under 200 pages, is a quick but important read.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-5984721768608082292022-08-01T19:20:00.004-04:002022-08-01T20:56:18.573-04:00KEYA DAS'S SECOND ACT (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59366241-keya-das-s-second-act" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Keya Das's Second Act" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654704078l/59366241._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59366241-keya-das-s-second-act">Keya Das's Second Act</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19025770.Sopan_Deb">Sopan Deb</a><br />
My rating: 5 of 5 stars<br />On sale: July 5, 2022<br /></p><p><br />
Theatrical connections made me request this debut novel with a strange name in the title. I wasn't sure about the part concerning an Bengali American family dealing with the death of a teenage daughter. I didn't know a family like this one, but I knew Howell, New Jersey.<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "The wooden box was simple, elegant even."<br /><br />THE STORY: A touching, charmingly funny, story about what happens to a family shattered by the death of their daughter. Keya Das had just come out to her family and they were still struggling to understand. Shantanu discovers his daughter's unfinished script in the attic and that begins the family's journey to forgiveness and a staged production of "The Elm Tree".<br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: The unexpected twists and turns were surprising. Scattering Bengali words and beliefs added another level of understanding. Every character is so well drawn with failings and quirks and humanity. Clear and beautiful writing makes the book a joy to read. <br /><br />Touchstones that drew me in: Howell, New Jersey; the musical Rock of Ages; mounting a production of a script; George Street Theatre in New Brunswick; mentions of Linn Manual Miranda; improv classes; Carnegie Mellon University; drums and more. Deb admitted in an interview that he was a self-described 'theatre kid'. Me too. How could I not love this book? <br /><br />And the ending was exactly what it needed to be leaving the reader to consider how the world will go forward.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "Keya Das's Second Act" by Sopan Deb from NetGalley/Simon & Schuster for my honest review.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-65302956747933823762022-07-18T15:38:00.004-04:002022-07-18T15:39:18.424-04:00THE LIES I TELL (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59412817-the-lies-i-tell" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Lies I Tell" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1636552042l/59412817._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59412817-the-lies-i-tell">The Lies I Tell</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17323560.Julie_Clark">Julie Clark</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4856359238">5 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: June 21, 2022<br /><br />
As thrillers have become more violent, I've turned to 'puzzle mysteries' especially stories about imposters whether imagined or based on true events. Stumbling on Julie Clark's "The Lies I Tell" turned out to be just what I wanted to read next. Be prepared to stay up late!<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "She stands across the room from me, in a small cluster of donors, talking and laughing."<br /><br />THE STORY: Years ago con artist Meg and journalist Kat crossed paths. Since then Kat has been determined to find Meg and write the exposé that will put an end to her scams. When Meg returns to California with a new name and posing as a real estate agent the game is on. How the two women go about their separate plans, become 'friends', and move on weaves a spiderweb of suspense. <br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: Alternating between Meg's and Kat's voices, the author carries the story briskly along what seems like a predictable path. The characters are well drawn and the writing is articulate. The reader becomes vested in what happens to both women. You'll want to share "The Lies I Tell" with your friends. It would also make a great book club read.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "The Lies I Tell" by Julie Clark from NetGalley/Sourcebooks Landmark for my honest review.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-28233767226597306902022-07-04T14:44:00.000-04:002022-07-04T14:44:15.206-04:00THE MIDCOAST: A Novel (2022) - Review <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58988394-the-midcoast" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Midcoast" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1644884953l/58988394._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58988394-the-midcoast">The Midcoast</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22195238.Adam_White">Adam White</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4825144328">4 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: June 7, 2022<br /><br />
There's always a reason I pick a particular book to read next. In the case of "The Midcoast" what caught my attention was the setting. I have childhood memories of summer vacations near Damariscotta. It didn't hurt that The Washington Post noted that "The Midcoast" was one of the most anticipated books of 2022. The evocative cover was a plus.<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "Back when I lived out of state, people always used to get excited when they found out where I was from."<br /><br />QUOTE: "I don't know, but maybe, or definitely, it has something to do with storytelling. When we narrate the past, it helps to place ourselves as close as possible to the center of the action. But the problem is: The vast majority of humans, or maybe just well-to-do Americans, never get all that close to the center of anything."<br /><br />THE STORY: Andrew, a teacher, grew up with the goal of escaping his small seaside town. Eventually he returned with his family and was surprised to find his former boss Ed Thatch newly wealthy and powerful. Andrew starts watching and listening to figure out how this unexpected change in people he knew growing up had happened.<br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: "The Midcoast", Adam White's debut novel, is a sobering account of life choices with lots to think about. The author has done an excellent job of describing the setting, dialect, and prevailing class distinctions as well as exploring the curiosity we have about other people's lives and hopefully reconciliation with our own existence. Definitely a cautionary tale.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "The Midcoast" by Adam White from NetGalley/Random House Publishing Group - Random House Hogarth for my honest review.
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-47210174751425920252022-06-25T15:20:00.002-04:002022-06-25T15:48:20.998-04:00THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56803179-the-woman-in-the-library" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Woman in the Library" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631826249l/56803179._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56803179-the-woman-in-the-library">The Woman in the Library</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3856582.Sulari_Gentill">Sulari Gentill</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4780069991">4 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: June 7, 2022<br /><br />
And now for something completely different. Author Sulari Gentill has concocted an unexpected format for her mystery. It's a story within a story within a story. Similar to locked room puzzles, there seem to be only four possibilities for the murderer, but are there?<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "Dear Hannah, What are you writing?"<br /><br />QUOTE: "And so we go to the Map Room to found a friendship, and I have my first coffee with a killer."<br /><br />THE STORY: Hannah Tigone, an Australian author had planned to visit Boston to write her next book. When the pandemic puts a halt to her traveling, Leo, a colleague who lives there becomes her beta reader. Every chapter ends with a letter from Leo offering advice and details about Boston and American life.<br /><br />Then there's the story of the book itself. Winifred better known as "Freddie" is writing "The Woman in the Library". She has won a Marriot Scholarship to enable her to write her mystery set in Boston. Working in the Boston Public Library, she is attempting to decide the plot for her mystery when a woman screams. Four other people seated nearby begin to talk about what might have just happened and they quickly become friends. When they discover the woman has been killed, they become sleuths.<br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: The author has written a carefully written and plotted mystery adding humor as the story unfolds with its many twists and turns. Besides the puzzle the friends seek to solve, the story is about friendship and writing (every character is writing a book). It's always fun to recognize the current references to things we know that are scattered throughout. <br /><br />More than once, especially in the beginning, I found myself wondering what story I was reading, but it's worth the struggle. Although you can listen to the audio book, I would expect it could add another level of confusion.<br /><br />The book also includes A Reading Group Guide and ‘A Conversation with the Author’ about how she stumbled on her plot.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: RECOMMENDED<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill from NetGalley/Europa for my honest review.<br /><br /><br />
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Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-71645186635179128472022-06-15T16:57:00.007-04:002022-06-15T17:00:23.002-04:00ALL THE LOVERS IN THE NIGHT (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59336625-all-the-lovers-in-the-night" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="All the Lovers in the Night" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637059389l/59336625._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59336625-all-the-lovers-in-the-night">All the Lovers in the Night</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5559451.Mieko_Kawakami">Mieko Kawakami</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4751888074">5 of 5 stars<br /></a>On Sale: May 3, 2022<br /><br />
Not much happens and everything happens in "All the Lovers in the Night". Mieko Kawakami, the author of the internationally best-selling "Breasts and Eggs" has written an "unforgettable story about women, loneliness and relationships" beautifully translated from the Japanese by Sam Bett and David Boyd.<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "Why does the night have to be so beautiful?"<br /><br />QUOTE: "The job that I was doing, the place where I was living, the fact that I was all alone and had no one to talk to. Could these have been the result of some decision I had made? I heard a crow crying somewhere in the distance and turned to the window. It occurred to me that maybe I was where I was today because I hadn't chosen anything."<br /><br />THE STORY: There are long silences in Fuyuko Irie's day whether she is proof reading alone or is with another person. Small things in her quiet life loom large - light, darkness, weather. Two women befriend her and suggest ways she could interact with the world. Kyoko, an editor who owns her own business, has made sure Fuyuko has a way to support herself. Hijiri, Fuyuko's total opposite in temperament, shares opinions and her love of social life. <br /><br />The day Fuyuko sees her reflection in a store window she recognizes how drab she has become. She reaches out to make connections finding courage in beer and vodka. After she meets Mitsutsuka, an older high school physics teacher, she joins him weekly at a coffee shop to talk about music and light. <br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: A very intimate story, every reader will find something of themselves reflected as the author shares the differing choices women have made. Even though the men in Fuyuko's life are disappointments, exploring relationships with others helps her move forward with a sense of self-acceptance.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "All the Lovers in the Night" by Mieko Kawakami from NetGalley/Europa for my honest review.<br /><br /><br />
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</p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851940374106152481.post-26203103817412775282022-05-30T19:23:00.001-04:002022-05-30T19:31:02.330-04:00THE DISINVITED GUEST (2022) - Review<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59381519-the-disinvited-guest" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Disinvited Guest" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1651581250l/59381519._SX98_.jpg" /></a><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59381519-the-disinvited-guest">The Disinvited Guest</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18130.Carol_Goodman">Carol Goodman</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4744896450">4 of 5 stars<br /></a>On sale: July 12, 2022<br /><br />
A number of years back, I read "The Lake of Dead Languages" (2002), "The Seduction of Water" (2003), and "The Drowning Tree" (2004) all by the same author. When I got the chance to read "The Disinvited Guest", I was delighted. Remember the advice about writing the book you want to read? For me that would be a Carol Goodman story. Great escapist gothic, ghostly storytelling.<br /><br />FIRST SENTENCE: "We're here."*<br /><br />QUOTE: "But what if those of us who survived really were haunted by those who didn't?" <br /><br />THE STORY: Ten years after the first pandemic, with a second one expected, six friends plan to retreat to an island three miles off the coast of Maine. Fever Island was used as a way station for the sick arriving from Ireland in the 1800s before they could enter the mainland. Later the island became the property of the wealthy Harper family. The story is told by Lucy who plans to spend her time writing about its Celtic rituals, ghosts, and lives lost. Even though everything has been carefully accounted for, things quickly go astray or missing. <br /><br />WHAT I THOUGHT: There is so much tension and unpleasantness among the group that the reader knows there will be problems. Lucy is highly susceptible to suggestion. As she reads a journal left behind by a young doctor recounting his experiences on the island years ago, she becomes obsessed and begins imagining things. <br /><br />While one might not want to read about a pandemic while living through one, here it is merely used as a conceit to isolate the deftly drawn characters. Although some suspension of disbelief may be necessary, the roller coaster ride is worth it.<br /><br />Goodman's descriptions of the island and it's mysteries are alluring. It's a nice touch having a map of the island included.<br /><br />BOTTOM LINE: RECOMMENDED Past college friendships, youthful indiscretions, secret histories and suggestions of ghosts combine to cause suspense and a sense of dread.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of "The Disinvited Guest" by Carol Goodman from NetGalley/William Morrow Paperbacks for my honest review.<br /><br />*This is the shortest first sentence I can remember. Two books ago, "<a href="https://bkkp.blogspot.com/2022/05/lessons-in-chemistry-2022-review.html">Lessons in Chemistry</a>" by Bonnie Garmus, was the longest, a whole paragraph!
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2172091-ann">View all my reviews</a> <br /><br /> <br /></p>Ann Holthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00459740341175590670noreply@blogger.com0