Not So Different

 When I selected this book from my library I wasn't aware it was a children's book.   I picked it because I had previously read Laughing at My Nightmare (Blog review) by Shane and enjoyed it.  He definitely knows how to write frankly about his experiences in a way to help people understand his perspective.  This is a great book for sharing with children or to get a feeling for the type of books Shane Burcaw writes.  

Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

great perspective to share with kids

This is the second book by Shane I’ve read and his attitude is so inspiring. His struggles remind me to put difficult things in my life in perspective. They are ant hills compared to the things he deals with daily

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   99
2. 2022TBR  #2022ReadingChallenge  # 
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #121
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #90
5. Non Fiction Reader  #ReadNonFicChal   Book #9. Linked to a podcast
6. Humor  Book #2
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub  #40 A book with photographs inside
8. OWLS #22 Cheering Charm: A funny or happy book
9. Pick your Poison #52 a book wider than it is tall
10. Diversify your reading #DYRC22  non fiction
11. 52 books in 52 weeks  #10 Humor Me
12. Unruly Reader Bingo  #25 biography

Shotgun, Wedding, Bells

 Shotgun, Wedding, Bells is the next book in the Kiki Lowenstein series.  In this installment there are wedding bells as the name applies but there is definitely something more sinister afoot as well.  This is a heavier storyline than most of the series and definitely more than your typical cozy.  I cannot help but keep downloading the next book as I finish the previous one.  The books are capturing my attention and I cannot wait to see how the next one goes.  The books are set within weeks of one another and since Chad Detweiler is a police officer it makes more sense than some of the series where the amateur sleuths keep finding victims.  

All in all I really enjoy these books and enjoy reading about the different crafts as well.  

Shotgun, Wedding, Bells by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

another wonderful Kiki adventure

This was a detailed mystery that definitely included information on Topics most people are unfamiliar with. I enjoyed reading the author note at the end because it confirmed the deeper social issues that appear in the Kiki Lowenstein books are an intentional and conscious inclusion in each book. I would recommend reading the series in order as there are building relationships and past stories referenced in the books. I enjoyed this book but readers should know it didn’t have as much light hearted banter as many of the series do. It is definitely a heavier cozy mystery

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. AtoZ   #2022AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  S
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series:16  Book #2
3. What an Animal Book #16
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #32
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #22
6. Cozy Mysteries   #21 3 Books by Same Author
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #15
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #30
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #29
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scene-yard/street
• Weapon- knife/gun
• Detectives- kiki lowenstein
• Victims- norton
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 7 Shot #6
13. Around the Year in 52 Books #24. A book related to inclement weather
14. Pick your Poison #65 a book about women's issues

The Disney Monorail

 This was a wonderful read about the history of monorails throughout the world starting as far back as the 1800s.   The tome also included much Disney lore and background information including stories of Walt and the development of the parks.  The book reveals just how passionate Walt was about incorporating innovation and development in the parks but also as influences for the world at large.   He really wanted to see a Protoype Community of Tomorrow built.  

The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky by Jeff Kurtti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fascinating history of monorails in general and a look at the deep desire by Walt to progress society using technology and innovation. Some great history and photos within this book

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #134
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #144
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #159
4. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #11 inventions
5. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #18. A book about a subject you are passionate about 
6. Pick your Poison #18-4 An illustrated book 
7. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  That's History

The Christmas Swap

 This was an enjoyable Christmas story by Melody Carlson that I picked up by chance as a hoopla book.  In November there were hoopla freebies through my library- meaning you could borrow without it counting against your monthly allotment.  I picked this book by  because it sounded intriguing.  This isn't a genre I usually read but I did enjoy the light romance story.  Although some of it was predictable, the author did not always take the easy way out with the storyline.  The protagonist had to explain to his family why he wasn't joining them on their Christmas trip to AZ.  Instead of making everything perfectly happy go lucky there were definitely bumps in the road.  I definitely visualized this as a Hallmark Movie and then found out afterward that it was in fact made into a Hallmark movie.  I;ll have to be on the lookout when surfing through those movies.  

All in all a nice holiday story that makes you smile.

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very enjoyable heartwarming book. What’s not to love about Christmas in Breckenridge. The characters are very believable- shallow Gillian, puppy dog Grant, show off Harris and sweet Emma invade West’s home over Christmas. But West has trust issues and this doesn’t reveal his true identity. The ensuing story is somewhat formulaic but enjoyable nonetheless

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #
2. Pick your Poison #3-3 A book with a cabin on the cover 
3. Backpacking Bookworm  #bbReadingChallenge2021 character on a journey

Feng Shui Detective

 I selected this cozy to fulfill a prompt about reading book about feng shui.  This is the first in a series by Nury Vittachi.  I enjoyed the book but am not sure I would continue to read the series.  The plot didn't move quickly enough for me a lot of the time.  I also wanted to get to the solution more than I wanted to read the philosophical writings of CW.   The good parts were the interaction between Mr. Wong and his intern-   their exchanges and efforts to understand each other's different language and age dialects were often quite funny.  The story itself was interesting and allows the reader to learn about feng shui and more detailed aspects of Eastern belief systems. This story is mainly set in Singapore but does have a portion of the plot occurring in Sydney.  It was interesting to read about areas and streets I am familiar with from travels to both those cities. If you are looking for a cozy set in a foreign location other than the UK and you like a variety of protagonists- not just single women, this is a good choice.  

The Feng Shui Detective by Nury Vittachi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While an enjoyable book with a creative plot, it just did not grab me. I did like the humor in the communication between CW and his young intern. The generational and cultural differences are for some delightful exchanges. The feng shu information was fascinating as I learned much more about the belief system. If you are looking for a cozy set in a foreign country with different cultural aspects this is a good choice

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #128
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #139
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #154
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #94
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #131
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #112
8. Pick your Poison #9-1 A book about hygge, feng shui, or home harmony 
9. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  yes mystery
10. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge multiple continents
11. Backpacking Bookworm  #bbReadingChallenge2021  yes new culture
12. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags

Once Upon A Prince

 I am not generally a romance reader but I thoroughly enjoyed this Christian romance novel by Rachel Hauck.  The main characters Susannah and Nathaniel are very likeable characters who have had their hearts broken in the past.  They are both at points in their lives when they are faces decisions on how to move forward.  It is not at all convenient for them to fall in love with each other.   But the heart knows what it wants.  Their relationship is not without its bumps and interferences, but they way they handle the situations and the support they provide each other is wonderful to read.  So often books are full of flawed characters and relationships,  This is not a book where everything goes right all the time, in fact there are lots of impediments to them being together.  The reader is certainly cheering them on to succeed though.

I appreciated that the outcome was not the fairy tale ending that would have been so easy to write.  Rather, the Cinderella like story has some twists and the evil step mother and sister are well disguised.  All in all if you are looking for a book with a positive message and an underlying faith in God then you will enjoy this book.

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am not generally a romance reader but I enjoyed this book. I appreciated the depth of the principles of the main characters and their willingness to do what was the best for others rather than what would make them most happy. The growth Susannah experiences is apparent as is her relationship with God. Her conviction helps Nate reawaken his beliefs and trusts in God as well. I thought their spirituality felt authentic and not pushy or preachy as other reviewers have said. I also liked that the ending was not the predictable easy happily ever after that it so easily could have been.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #127
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #137
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #152
4. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #22 lost royalty 
5. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #9 A book with a family tree 
6. A Pretty Mess Challenge #9. Favorite book to movie 
7. Pick your Poison #6-1 A book about millennials 
8. Bookworm  #19.) Read a book with a form of royalty in the title
9. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  Yes Georgia

Where the Sidewalk Ends

 I sat down the other afternoon and reread a childhood favorite by Shel Silverstein.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading some of the funny poems I remember well from growing up.  There were also many I didn't remember at all but found so fun.  Who will ever forget Sarah Sylvia Stout who would not take the garbage out.

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Mount TBR   #MountTBR2021  Book #15
2. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #151
3. Humor  Book #7
4. The Unofficial Magnus Archives Challenge  #TMARC21  #29 Childhood favorite
5. BooklistQueen   #35 Childhood favorite
6. A Pretty Mess Challenge #13 Childhood favorite
7. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #45 purchased years ago
8. Bookworm  #3 Reread a book that makes you happy  
9. Magic in the Books 
• Book 3 #5  reread a favorite
10. Pick your Poison #8-4 A children's book about body parts 
11. 52 books in 52 weeks # 3-1starship 
12. Unruly Reader Bingo  #8 instant classic 

Vanilla Vendetta

 I finally started this series by Rosie A Point.  I have had it checked out in my Kindle Unlimited account for months now.  I'm not really sure what I think of the series yet.  I will finish the other 2 in the box set before deciding whether I will continue on with the series or not.  
The book was a quick and easy read that I finished within a day but I did find the main character a bit annoying.  Charlie is a spy in hiding and I found that concept to be a bit far fetched for some reason.  I think I found her character to be over the top and not very believable.  I guess I just have trouble visualizing James Bond/Mission Impossible being a character in a cozy mystery.   The series is titled Mission Inn Possible, playing on the surname of the owner of the B&B that is central to the story.  I guess that should be an indication that it is meant to be somewhat cheeky and a play on the theme.

As mentioned, I will continue to give the next 2 books a try before I make a final decision on the series.  Maybe the characters will grow on my as they develop in the series.  

Vanilla Vendetta by Rosie A. Point
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My verdict is still out on this series. While I ended up liking the mystery and the characters, the premise behind our main character's arrival in Gossip, TX seemed a bit fanciful. The spy in hiding felt a bit over the top for me but Ms. Point did a wonderful job of progressing Charlie from a high strung spy to settling into her role as a maid at a B&B. The guilty party was a bit of a surprise so that will keep the reader guessing. If you don't mind a cozy with a bit of a stretch on the back story of the main detective then this is a good series to try.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge   "V"
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #124
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #138
4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #81
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #118
6. Craving for Cozies  Book #99
7. Pick your Poison #19-1 A book about secret societies/clubs 
8. Backpacking Bookworm  #bbReadingChallenge2021 
9. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
10. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 3
Bar, store, restaurant

• Weapons
• Row 1 
• Poison, poisoned food
• Detectives- Charlie/ Gamma
• Victims- Pete 
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #76  Shot #1

   

I Survived Hurricane Katrina

 This is the 3rd book in the I Survived series for children.  I picked this book because I had a prompt to read a non fiction book about a weather disaster.  I mistakenly thought this was non fiction when I first checked it out from the library.  I think for the purposes of my challenge I may tweak the prompt to count this unless I can come up with another book for that prompt before year end.  

The book itself was very vivid and it was easy to imagine being caught up in the storm and the ensuing flooding.  The characters' emotions and experiences are well written without being too terrifying for a young reader.  The author hits her target audience well, providing facts that occurred in real life and combining it with a story they can relate to.   I am glad I read this book

Hurricane Katrina, 2005 by Lauren Tarshis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Moving story

This is a well told story. The emotions and descriptions were vivid and believable. It was easy to visualize the things Barry was experiencing. Although it is a children's book I enjoyed reading it and found it engaging

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #117
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  LA
3. Pick your Poison #23-2 A nonfiction* book about a weather related disaster 

The Picture of Dorian Gray

 Well  I must say that between my book club and the challenges I have read a number of books that I would not have chosen otherwise this year.  This book by Oscar Wilde certainly falls in that category.  There is a story that is captivating in itself but then there is a much deeper philosophical discussion going on within the book as well. You can definitely see the influence of Wilde's life and experiences in this work and it definitely feels like a great big stick it to the upper class of England  novel as well.  This is definitely a novel with layers and it feels like a gothic novel with some super natural elements as well.  If you are looking for a classic for the Halloween season this would be a good choice

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wow is this book a bit creepy and deep. Definitely not a quick read but it is engrossing. Makes you stop and think about who is good and evil in the world. Definitely need to remember the era it was written in when reading it. A good classic that isn't necessarily heavily read.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #114
2. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #16 banned book 
3. 2021TBR  #2021ReadingChallenge # 3 friend recommendation 
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #121
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #135
6. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #12. A book you have seen on someone’s bookshelf
7. BooklistQueen   #16. Published in the 1800s 
8. NJM Book Challenge  #NJMBookChallenge2021  #8 written pre 1900
9. While I was Reading  #1 A book published before 2000
10. Pick your Poison #11-4 A book with a monster on the cover 
11. Bloggers Bookshelf   #bloggersbookshelf #15 mentioned in a tv show or film 
12. Beyond the Bookends  mental health fiction

  

Death Gone A Rye

 The 6th book in the Bread Shop mysteries did not disappoint.  I actually think this might be the best one so far.  The dynamics of the investigation and the character developments and relationships were very well done.  I can highly recommend this book but would advise caution if you are trying to eat low carb as Winnie Archer includes many yummy descriptions of breads that may make your mouth water.  

Death Gone A-Rye by Winnie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this latest book in the series. Ivy was a strong detective and this book has her working with Miguel Baptista to determine what happened to school board member Nessa Renchrick. This mystery brings up people from both their past. The book introduces real life relationship and trust issues that felt realistic and unstaged. The animosity with the detective in charge was well written and a change for this series; giving it a more urgent and tension filled tone.
I look forward to reading more and building a greater sense of depth of the characters that recur in the series

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #99
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Bread Shop #6
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book # 107
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book # 121
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice # 69
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #102
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #87
9. Pick your Poison #2-3 A book with a pun in the title
10. Monthly Keyword #MonthlyKeyWordGXO  "Gone"
11. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
12. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5

Home or business office

• Weapons
• Row 5
• Household object
• Detectives- Ivy Culpepper
• Victims- Nessa Renchrick
13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #36  Shot #3

The Housewives: The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives

 Fans of the Bravo series Real Housewives will find this non fiction work interesting.  I will admit I enjoyed it but it wasn't quite the expose with lots of gory details I was hoping for when I placed it on hold at my library long before its publication.   It was an enjoyable read but I was looking for juicy details and backstage info.  While there was some of that it felt at times like it was trying to be a college thesis or was looking for a sociological tie to justify its writing.  

I think if you  watch the shows you enjoy their gossipy/ voyeuristic aspects and you are probably hoping to find that and details of behind the scenes info which this book did provide just not as much as I was expecting.  If you would like to find out some of the background info on the reality world and how it is made this is an interesting read you might find enjoyable

The Housewives: The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives by Brian Moylan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I will admit I have watched an episode or 2 of the housewives. The glamorous settings combined with the drama is a bit addicting. Perfect shows for binge watching and this book helps clarify the work that goes into that appeal and how they set up the cliffhanger in every episode. It gives a birds eye view of the process that goes into the making of a series and an episode. There is a bit of history into reality tv as well. While I found it well written and interesting I was hoping for me tidbits on the housewives and the show events. It was enjoyable but did not totally fill my need for inside information

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #96
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #103
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #117
4. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #12. Published in 2021 
5. Pick your Poison #26-1 A book with a crowded cover

Z Rex

 This book is definitely not in my usual genre choice for sure.  It is a middle grade reader that is definitely science fiction.   I also don't generally pick books about dinosaurs either.  This book just happened to cover to more difficult challenge prompts in one read though-  the letter Z and a book about dinosaurs.  So this is how I came to read it in 2021.

This book is a great book for young readers especially boys who may be reluctant readers.  The main character is a male who is trying to find his father all while encountering bad guys and real dinosaurs.  The book also incorporates video game features.  All the makings of a book that is interesting to young males.  Personally I found it a quick read once I got engaged in the book and finished it in one day.  I found it interesting if not exactly realistic.  It was a fun read.

I did enjoy it though so I guess the goal of reading things out of your norm by participating in challenges was achieved.  Who knows I might even pick the follow up next year to complete my alpha challenge again in 2022.  

Z. Rex by Steve Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable read and would be a great pick for any young reader who likes fantasy and dinosaurs. It is not my usual choice of genres but I selected for a reading challenge. It was an enjoyable read with drama and a bit of mystery thrown in. All in all a fun read that had a bit of deeper ethical questions underlying it that sparks thinking from more mature readers

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #94
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Scotland
3. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  "Z"
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #101
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #115
6. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #32. A book whose title starts with “Q,” “X,” or “Z”
7. The Unofficial Magnus Archives Challenge  #TMARC21  #30. Change: about/involving dinosaurs
8. Pick your Poison #17-2 A book with a shape-shifting character
9. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  magic/super powers
10. Monthly Keyword #MonthlyKeyWordGXO-  One
11. 52 books in 52 weeks  #22 fantasy creatures

Icebound

I had read a preview about this book in a literary magazine.  It had intrigued me and thus I was quite happy when my book club chose to read this book in July.  I had started it much later than several members and they had indicated it was a dry read, kind of like reading a text book.  Needless to say, expectations were not high when I started it.  Turns out I liked it better than most.

I just focused on the story and didn't worry about keeping track of characters or the overall history of expeditions to the pole that the author frequently referred to.  This was one of the issues as the book was written from the captain's logs and would be telling a narrative when suddenly the author would switch to talk about other explorers at other periods of time.  Which while interesting facts, lead to a less flowing narrative.  

All in all I enjoyed the book and could find myself visualizing the landscape and the ocean as they were described in the book.  It wasn't written quite in the voice that reads like a novel such as when I read Bad Blood.  But if you enjoy history or travel this is a fascinating non fiction read about William Barents and his polar expeditions.     

Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Andrea Pitzer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting non fiction work

While there were times this NF work read like a research paper and took a bit to get into, I did like it. I read it like a story and didn’t try to keep all the names straight. It is a factual account of a historical event and as such there is not a lot of emotions expressed by people in the book. It is still possible to envision their possible emotions during their struggles but they are not explicitly written as the account is sourced from a captains log. If you like reading about risk takers and areas of the world that you haven’t visited this book will appeal to those interests


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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #91
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #20 genre you never/rarely read
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #98
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #112
6. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #6. Oceanography
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #16 Set Before The 17th Century
8. Pick your Poison #16-4 A book with a map on the cover
9. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2021 July – Book Set On An Island
10. 52 books in 52 weeks  #26 mushing

There There

 This debut novel by Tommy Orange has been on my TBR list since 2020.  I am glad I finally read this book and really enjoyed the story told in the work.  My biggest problem was in style and my difficulty  following the storyline as it switched between the different characters narrating the story.  I think some of this struggle was due to the fact I was listening to the book rather than reading.  If I had been reading a written edition, I could have switched back and forth to keep the characters straight in my head.

The other reason I only gave it a 2 1/2 star review was the ending.  I finished the book feeling like I had been dropped off a cliff.  There were so many unanswered questions regarding the fates of the characters.  Maybe this is a reflection of me as a reader and a need to feel like things are resolved and complete.  I left the book feeling like there was parts of the story missing.   I do think this does indicate I had a real interest in the characters and their lives.  I just want to know what happened to them.  

There There by Tommy Orange
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book and would really have given it a 2 1/2 stars if possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their stories and emotions. I liked the entire premise of the different people of Native American descent coming to the PowWow in Oakland each with their own motivations. The characters definitely interested me and drew me into their worlds and I found myself wanting to learn more about them. I just had a hard time with the erratic nature of the story line at times and struggled to keep the characters straight especially their relationships and their histories. I do think the fact I was listening to the book probably exaggerated this confusion. Perhaps in a written copy there is a character chart with their relationships to each other that helps keep the reader on track.
The other aspect of the book I found troubling was the ending. I felt like I was left without any resolution and a lack of knowledge of what became of the characters. I definitely think this feeling of frustration does attest to the degree to which I became invested in the characters and their stories. If I had not been engaged I probably wouldn't care so much about feeling like I was left hanging to know what became of the characters and their lives.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #89
2. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  "O"
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #50 includes a 2nd person point of view
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #96
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #110
6. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #16. A book by an indigenous author
7. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #27. SAME FIRST INITIAL AS YOU
8. Pick your Poison #17-4 A book by an author whose name is a color
9. Diversify your reading #DYRC21  yes contemporary fiction
10. Backpacking Bookworm  #bbReadingChallenge2021  Indigenous author/characters
11. Audiobook  #2021AudiobookChallenge  book #10

All by Myself Alone

I selected this book for the challenge to read a book published by an author 65 years or older.  I forgot I had previously read the book but I still enjoyed reading it. Anyone who loves to take a cruise will enjoy reading this book.   MHC does a wonderful job of creating characters that are weak and others that are annoying.  It is always a pleasure to read stories involving Alvirah and Willy Meehan.  They just feel like a couple you would want to meet and get to know.

Although I had previously read the book I did not remember all the details and was still surprised by much of the story and the crimes.   I will miss reading MHC's books now that she has passed away but hopefully rereading others will be as enjoyable as this one. 

All By Myself, Alone by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alvirah and Willy so it again

This time the Meehans are on an inaugural cruise that seems as I’ll fated as the Titanic. The new ship was appointed on many of the ways of the famous ship. It also had many glamorous and famous passengers. But not all who traveled were as they appeared and some had very malicious intents. The book is full of descriptions of the glamorous ship as well as the lectures aboard. The main focus was the gemologist and the curse of the Cleopatra necklace. There were several potential candidates for the criminal and I appreciated how the story was wrapped up concluding all the sun stories.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #85
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #92
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #106
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #91
6. Around the Year in 52 Books #11. A book to celebrate The Grand Egyptian Museum
7. Pick your Poison #12-1 A book by your favorite author
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #10  Shot #3

Poisoned Pages

 

Poisoned Pages by Lorna Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful addition to the series. This installment has Tricia and Angelica facing some unfortunate nastiness from fellow Stoneham residents. This book introduces a new male into Tricia’s life that definitely fits the adage about not judging book by its cover. Old relationships spurn on nastiness during a Chamber of Commerce election. Not to mention Tricia’s run as town jinx continues. The guilty party came as quite a shock but all the pieces made sense. A great cozy once again

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #77
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Booktown #11
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #84
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #97
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #55
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #82
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #71
9. Pick your Poison #4-1 A book with "poison" in the title
10. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 3
• Free square  Living room
• Weapons
• Row 1 
• Poison, poisoned food
• Detectives- Tricia/Angie
• Victims- 
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #67  Shot #2

Sharp Objects

 It feels like I was one of the last people to read Sharp Objects or any book by Gillian Flynn for that matter.   Wow is her book intense.  I listened to the audiobook and it is definitely not for public consumption.  If you are offended by language or sexual content you will want to avoid this book.  

It is a psychological thriller that has a cast of very blunt characters.  Camille is sent home to Missouri to cover a missing person's case involving a 10 year old girl.  The second tragic crime to happen in this very southern Missouri small town in less than a year.   Camille's return home it quite startling and it opens many old memories and insecurities.  Flynn definitely captures the cruelty of teenage girls especially in a small town that is divided by the wealthy and the working class.  She creates characters that are complex and unlikeable.  

Witnessing Camille struggle to fit into her family which consists of a very passive aggressive mother- Adora, a timid step father, Allan, and a half sister, Amma, she doesn't know is intense and heartbreaking at times.  Her personal struggles to deal with the loss of her younger sister, Marian when she was a 13 yr old and the resulting spiral of grief is intense.  

The mystery of the crimes is intense and is wrapped into glimpses of Camille's past, Amma's current duality of life and Adora's terrifying mothering.  The mystery has plenty of twists and turns and pokes fun at the small town stereotypes that come up in the characters.  An attempt to relieve the intensity of the psychological topic I would imagine.  

I am not sure whether I want to watch the show based on this book or not.  It could be very engaging but also disturbing.  I may need to watch though since I have managed to survive watching Riverdale and it has some similarities in topics.  Maybe on a hot summer day when hiding in AC I will try it out.  

I think I am interested in reading Gone Girl at some point but I do need to retreat to cozy mysteries and the lighter presentation for a bit before doing so.  

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an intense psychological thriller. If you are easily offended by sexual lingo/scenes or foul language then do not read this book. It is definitely not for the faint of heart as it deals with the murder of children but it is an amazing ride that takes the reader through dealing with abuse, self injury and the consequences of it all. The ending is a twisty one although I had my suspicions about the guilty party at times while reading. It was still a shocking ending.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #65
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes MO
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #46 good book, bad cover
4. 2021TBR  #2021ReadingChallenge # 2 controversial book
5. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #72
6. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #85
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #69
8. Bookworm  #10.) Read a book that's been turned into a TV series or a Movie
9. Pick your Poison #11-3 A book about something that scares you
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 4 Toe Tags
11. Audiobook  #2021AudiobookChallenge  Book #7

Two Can Keep a Secret

 This is the second YA book by Karen McManus that I have read.  I really enjoy her fast paced writing style that develops drama amongst the characters and plotline without drawing the book out too long.  She is wonderful at capturing what it is like to be a teenager in high school.  It reminds adults of what life was like back when they went through school just as much as today's teens can relate to the different stereotypes of characters.  The book has  a thriller and suspense aspect to the story that covers multiple years and generations in a small town in Vermont.  

McManus does a wonderful job of casting suspicion on different characters and demonstrates how easily people jump to conclusions about people's guilt.  The role of social media and the media in general in this presumption of guilt is represented accurately as we often see in real life.  People are quick to cast judgement and slow to acknowledge the truth or the facts as they reveal themselves.   

This story has a buildup in intensity and you cannot help but want to keep reading late into the night to see how it ends.  The ending is definitely not something I saw coming.    

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

McManus continues to capture teens’ social and emotional characteristics well. Anyone who had any insecurities in high school or was the new kid can find a character they relate to in this book. In addition to the great characters there is a well written mystery in the novel too. The ending was not something I saw coming!

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #59
2. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021 #26 features a carnival or circus
3. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #63
4. Around the Year in 52 Books #23 A cross genre novel  
5. Pick your Poison #19-3 A book with the word "secret" in the title 
6. Medical Examiner Challenge  3 Toe Tags
7. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #72  Shot #2

First Comes Like

 This is the third installment in the Modern Love series by Alisha Rai.   Similar to the first 2 books Rai continues to write fun books with strong female characters.  I had to laugh there were even references to passing the Bechdel test in the book as just one example of the lighthearted humor the book contains.

Jia is an influencer who is struggling to manage her success and her family expectations.  She is a Muslim Pakistani American who is balancing her religious beliefs, her family's traditional expectations, and her more outspoken American personality.    Rai does a wonderful job of demonstrating the balance as well as the struggles Jia faces.  

There are some very comical scenes with her family of 4 sisters and traditional parents as well as the Bollywood famous family of Dev.  Underlying all the story though is a tale of desire for acceptance and happiness.  I appreciate how Rai intertwines this and other messages in an enjoyable romance with minimal graphic sexual detail.   There is some but it is an appropriately placed plot line rather than gratuitous lust as many books are keen to present.

I hope this series continues so readers have a chance to watch the relationships of Jia, Rhiannon, and Katarina grow.  I'd imagine the next book would have to be about Lakshimi or Luna if it keeps to the pattern focusing on a different MC in each book.  Only time will tell.

First Comes Like by Alisha Rai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable comedic tone with strong female leads

This 3rd installment in the series focuses on Jia. Her portrayal is a well balanced one showing struggles I'm imagine are real.especially for young women balancing 2 cultures. it is easy to see her inner struggles with keeping her Pakistani/Islamic upbringing at peace with who she wants to be in LA as a modern American woman. Rai represents the struggle between traditional and modern well and the reader cannot help but cheer for Jia to find happiness and success

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #55
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Modern Love #3 
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #62
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #74
5. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #3. A book that has a heart, diamond, club, or spade on the cover
6. Around the Year in 52 Books #13. A book written by an author of one of your best reads of 2020
7. BooklistQueen   # 18. Longer Than 400 Pages
8. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #7. PART OF A TRILOGY
9. Pick your Poison #9-4 A book about how radio, television, or the internet has changed us
10. Beyond the Bookends  faux celebrity protagonist