Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas. Read by Lorelei King.
8 hours, 24 minutes.
WWII is raging and the government sets up an internment in a small Colorado farming town. The introduction of the newcomers upsets the locals and causes many rifts. Told from the point of view of Renny, a young farm girl.
4.5 stars.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Book* #39 in 2015
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn.
At 62 pages, it's hard to call this a book, more of a novella. But I've read so many books that I've abandoned halfway, I figure it all evens out, so I'm counting it.
Told in the first person, I'm not sure the protagonist is even named, but this woman who makes her living on the fringes of legal activities (soft-core sex, palm reading, begging) finally falls victim to a con herself. Or does she?
4 stars.
At 62 pages, it's hard to call this a book, more of a novella. But I've read so many books that I've abandoned halfway, I figure it all evens out, so I'm counting it.
Told in the first person, I'm not sure the protagonist is even named, but this woman who makes her living on the fringes of legal activities (soft-core sex, palm reading, begging) finally falls victim to a con herself. Or does she?
4 stars.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Book #38 in 2015
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and RIchard DiLallo.
Ridiculous premise that matriarch Gaby will marry on Christmas Day, but will not reveal the identity of the groom until that time, even to the groom himself. She has three suitors eager to marry her and will apparently put up with this silly idea.
Book also introduces many characters in the form of Gaby's 4 children, their spouses, and children, as well as friends and townsfolk.
However, it was a quick, easy read. So, maybe like beach reading, but in the winter.
3 stars.
Ridiculous premise that matriarch Gaby will marry on Christmas Day, but will not reveal the identity of the groom until that time, even to the groom himself. She has three suitors eager to marry her and will apparently put up with this silly idea.
Book also introduces many characters in the form of Gaby's 4 children, their spouses, and children, as well as friends and townsfolk.
However, it was a quick, easy read. So, maybe like beach reading, but in the winter.
3 stars.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Book #37 in 2015 (Audio)
To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by Joshua Ferris. Read by Campbell Scott.
10 hours.
Some has stolen Paul O'Rourke, DDS's identity. Why?
I enjoyed the discussions Paul had with his staff and the impact his father's suicide had on him. I found the religious stuff kind of tedious. Maybe if it had been in written form, I could have just skimmed those passages and would have given the book an extra 1/2 star.
3.5 stars.
10 hours.
Some has stolen Paul O'Rourke, DDS's identity. Why?
I enjoyed the discussions Paul had with his staff and the impact his father's suicide had on him. I found the religious stuff kind of tedious. Maybe if it had been in written form, I could have just skimmed those passages and would have given the book an extra 1/2 star.
3.5 stars.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Book #36 in 2015
Here I Go Again by Jen Lancaster.
Another unlikable heroine, this time named Lissy Ryder, attends her 20th high school reunion only to realize that nobody there likes her, even though she was the queen bee in high school. Deva is featured again in this book, this time providing a time traveling elixir that lets Lissy go back to high school and "get it right" this time.
While I am not a fan of fantasy, I did enjoy the theme of one action creating ripples throughout the world (the butterfly effect) and the pondering Lissy does about does the butterfly still have a right to fly despite the devastation its wings may cause.
4 stars.
Another unlikable heroine, this time named Lissy Ryder, attends her 20th high school reunion only to realize that nobody there likes her, even though she was the queen bee in high school. Deva is featured again in this book, this time providing a time traveling elixir that lets Lissy go back to high school and "get it right" this time.
While I am not a fan of fantasy, I did enjoy the theme of one action creating ripples throughout the world (the butterfly effect) and the pondering Lissy does about does the butterfly still have a right to fly despite the devastation its wings may cause.
4 stars.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Book #35 in 2015 (Audio)
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Read by the author.
12 hours, 40 minutes.
The author spends a year in Italy, India, and finally Bali, trying to get her crumbling life in order. Told in 108 short stories, for lack of a better word.
4 stars.
12 hours, 40 minutes.
The author spends a year in Italy, India, and finally Bali, trying to get her crumbling life in order. Told in 108 short stories, for lack of a better word.
4 stars.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Book #34 in 2015
Twisted Sisters by Jen Lancaster.
Reagan Bishop can only find fault in her sisters and never herself, until she engages in a body swap with the help of her mystic friend, Deva.
At first, I really disliked the protagonist, but she kind of grew on me. The whole body swapping thing demands reality be overlooked, but after that, it was kind of fun.
4 stars.
Reagan Bishop can only find fault in her sisters and never herself, until she engages in a body swap with the help of her mystic friend, Deva.
At first, I really disliked the protagonist, but she kind of grew on me. The whole body swapping thing demands reality be overlooked, but after that, it was kind of fun.
4 stars.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Book #33 in 2015
After the Storm by Linda Castillo.
A tornado rips though the county and uncovers human bones that have been buried for 30 years. Evidence points to foul play. Police Chief Kate Burkholder must investigate while also dealing with the aftermath of the tornado, and a personal struggle of her own.
4 stars.
A tornado rips though the county and uncovers human bones that have been buried for 30 years. Evidence points to foul play. Police Chief Kate Burkholder must investigate while also dealing with the aftermath of the tornado, and a personal struggle of her own.
4 stars.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Book #32 in 2015
Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin.
I thought this was going to be a five star book until I got to the end, which I found a bit convoluted. Otherwise, excellent page-turner about a girl, left for dead in a mass grave, who returns to her Texas home and has a hard time coping for the rest of her life.
4 stars.
I thought this was going to be a five star book until I got to the end, which I found a bit convoluted. Otherwise, excellent page-turner about a girl, left for dead in a mass grave, who returns to her Texas home and has a hard time coping for the rest of her life.
4 stars.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Book #31 in 2015 (Audio)
The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Read by Ilyana Kadushin.
13.5 hours.
Boring story with characters I didn't care about. I only finished it because I had it in the car.
2 stars.
13.5 hours.
Boring story with characters I didn't care about. I only finished it because I had it in the car.
2 stars.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Book #30 in 2015
Invisible Ellen by Shari Shattuck.
Ellen spends her days trying to be invisible due to a scarred (literally and figuratively) childhood. Life changes when she accidentally meets and becomes friends with a plucky blind woman. I liked this much more than I expected to. It was sort of like an adult fairy tale.
4 stars.
Ellen spends her days trying to be invisible due to a scarred (literally and figuratively) childhood. Life changes when she accidentally meets and becomes friends with a plucky blind woman. I liked this much more than I expected to. It was sort of like an adult fairy tale.
4 stars.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Book #29 in 2015
Tail Gait by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown.
Harry Harristeen and company work to solve the murder of a local history professor and a homeless man. Are the two related? In tandem is another story about the Revolutionary War and the prisoners held in Albermarle county.
I was annoyed by the war story being inserted, mostly because there were so many characters to keep straight, but it was all nicely tied together at the end. Also, nice that Matilda got to be a hero.
3.5 stars, but add a half star if you're particularly interested in history, which I'm not.
Harry Harristeen and company work to solve the murder of a local history professor and a homeless man. Are the two related? In tandem is another story about the Revolutionary War and the prisoners held in Albermarle county.
I was annoyed by the war story being inserted, mostly because there were so many characters to keep straight, but it was all nicely tied together at the end. Also, nice that Matilda got to be a hero.
3.5 stars, but add a half star if you're particularly interested in history, which I'm not.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Book #28 in 2015
The Best of Enemies by Jen Lancaster.
Sworn enemies Jack and Kitty must work together on behalf of their mutual best friend.
I loved most of the book. I thought their quick reconciliation was a bit unbelievable. Maybe long car trips can do that for people. No wonder I don't like them. :)
4 stars.
Sworn enemies Jack and Kitty must work together on behalf of their mutual best friend.
I loved most of the book. I thought their quick reconciliation was a bit unbelievable. Maybe long car trips can do that for people. No wonder I don't like them. :)
4 stars.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Book #27 in 2015
This One is Mine by Maria Semple.
I loved the Bernadette book so much, I just had to read anything else written by Ms. Semple. While I didn't love this one, it was interesting and good characters.
Money can't buy happiness for Violet Parry, the wife of a music mogul. A chance encounter with small-time bass player leads Violet on a path toward abandoning her near-perfect life.
4 stars.
I loved the Bernadette book so much, I just had to read anything else written by Ms. Semple. While I didn't love this one, it was interesting and good characters.
Money can't buy happiness for Violet Parry, the wife of a music mogul. A chance encounter with small-time bass player leads Violet on a path toward abandoning her near-perfect life.
4 stars.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Book #26 in 2015 (Audio)
The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan. Read by Emily Woo Zeller.
5.5 hours.
Five days after graduating from Yale, Marina Keegan was killed in a car accident. She left a legacy of writing, both fiction and non-fiction. This is a collection of her stories, which are excellent.
5 stars.
5.5 hours.
Five days after graduating from Yale, Marina Keegan was killed in a car accident. She left a legacy of writing, both fiction and non-fiction. This is a collection of her stories, which are excellent.
5 stars.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Book #25 in 2015
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple.
Former rising star in the architectural field, now turned recluse, Bernadette Fox, disappears not once, but twice. Truly engaging story told in an interesting format (emails, invoices, news articles, etc). I have not been this engaged in a book in a long time. The ending was a bit convoluted, otherwise I would be giving it 5 stars.
4.5 stars
Former rising star in the architectural field, now turned recluse, Bernadette Fox, disappears not once, but twice. Truly engaging story told in an interesting format (emails, invoices, news articles, etc). I have not been this engaged in a book in a long time. The ending was a bit convoluted, otherwise I would be giving it 5 stars.
4.5 stars
Monday, August 3, 2015
Book #24 in 2015
Little Pretty Things by Lori Rader-Day.
The story of Juliet, who peaked as a runner in high school, and went on to do little else in her life. Ten years later, her friend and nemesis reappears and is murdered, and Juliet conducts her own investigation into her death, ultimately, of course, figuring out whodunit while the police come up empty handed.
The story was okay, but not much else.
3 stars.
The story of Juliet, who peaked as a runner in high school, and went on to do little else in her life. Ten years later, her friend and nemesis reappears and is murdered, and Juliet conducts her own investigation into her death, ultimately, of course, figuring out whodunit while the police come up empty handed.
The story was okay, but not much else.
3 stars.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Book #23 in 2015
True Sisters by Sandra Dallas. Read by Christina Moore.
10.25 hours.
Tells the story of 4 women making the Mormon trek from Iowa to Salt Lake City in 1856. Interesting to listen to the different stories, but depressing as hell sometimes as people die off during the 1,300 trip (by foot!).
4 stars.
10.25 hours.
Tells the story of 4 women making the Mormon trek from Iowa to Salt Lake City in 1856. Interesting to listen to the different stories, but depressing as hell sometimes as people die off during the 1,300 trip (by foot!).
4 stars.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Book #22 in 2015
The Wednesday Group by Sylvia True.
While this was an interesting look at the lives of the wives of sex addicts, I never connected with the characters. Except for Gail, I had to constantly flip back to remind myself of each woman's situation. The ending was very unsatisfying. The best I can figure is that this reflects the transient nature of group therapy?
2 stars.
While this was an interesting look at the lives of the wives of sex addicts, I never connected with the characters. Except for Gail, I had to constantly flip back to remind myself of each woman's situation. The ending was very unsatisfying. The best I can figure is that this reflects the transient nature of group therapy?
2 stars.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Book #21 in 2015
14th Deadly Sin by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.
Latest installment of the Women's Murder Club. I swear these continue to get worse. Another hodgepodge of ideas crammed into one "story". And it seems like the authors continue to bump up the word count with repetition of facts.
2 stars.
Latest installment of the Women's Murder Club. I swear these continue to get worse. Another hodgepodge of ideas crammed into one "story". And it seems like the authors continue to bump up the word count with repetition of facts.
2 stars.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Book #20 in 2015
Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight.
When a dead infant is found on the local college campus, a small town in New Jersey is thrown into turmoil. New-ish resident, Molly Sanderson, still suffering mentally from a late-term miscarriage ends up covering/uncovering the story for the local newspaper.
4 stars.
When a dead infant is found on the local college campus, a small town in New Jersey is thrown into turmoil. New-ish resident, Molly Sanderson, still suffering mentally from a late-term miscarriage ends up covering/uncovering the story for the local newspaper.
4 stars.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Book #19 in 2015 (Audio)
Where We Belong by Emily Giffin. Read by Orlagh Cassidy.
11 hours.
Simple story about an adoptee, Kirby, who sets out to find her birth mother, Marian. Kirby's arrival causes problems with her almost-fiancee when he learns of the secrets Marian has been keeping.
I applaud the author's restraint in not making the whole thing the happy ending I was expecting.
4 stars.
11 hours.
Simple story about an adoptee, Kirby, who sets out to find her birth mother, Marian. Kirby's arrival causes problems with her almost-fiancee when he learns of the secrets Marian has been keeping.
I applaud the author's restraint in not making the whole thing the happy ending I was expecting.
4 stars.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Book #18 in 2015
Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova.
A look at Huntington's Disease from the perspective of a suffer and his daughter. I learned about the disease, so I guess that's good. The story was interesting enough to finish, but not exactly a page turner.
3.5 stars.
A look at Huntington's Disease from the perspective of a suffer and his daughter. I learned about the disease, so I guess that's good. The story was interesting enough to finish, but not exactly a page turner.
3.5 stars.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Book #17 in 2015
The Stranger by Harlan Coben.
Page turner!
A mysterious stranger is coming into people's lives, revealing their secrets to loved ones, if they don't pay. Blackmail, betrayal, an murder (oh, my!).
5 stars.
Page turner!
A mysterious stranger is coming into people's lives, revealing their secrets to loved ones, if they don't pay. Blackmail, betrayal, an murder (oh, my!).
5 stars.
Book 16 in 2015 (Audio)
We Are Water by Wally Lamb. Read by an ensemble cast.
19 CDs. Sadly, I returned it to the library before writing this, so I don't know how many hours it was, but it was quite long.
Wonderful story about the Oh family and how they overcome the various tragedies in their lives.
5 stars.
19 CDs. Sadly, I returned it to the library before writing this, so I don't know how many hours it was, but it was quite long.
Wonderful story about the Oh family and how they overcome the various tragedies in their lives.
5 stars.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Book #15 in 2015
Normal by Graeme Cameron.
Told from the point of view of a witty, occasionally charming serial killer. Set in England.
It probably lost half a star for me because I don't prefer foreign settings. I found the ending fairly unbelievable, so another star gone.
3 stars.
Told from the point of view of a witty, occasionally charming serial killer. Set in England.
It probably lost half a star for me because I don't prefer foreign settings. I found the ending fairly unbelievable, so another star gone.
3 stars.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Book #14 in 2015
The Day We Met by Rowan Coleman.
Middle-aged mom develops early onset Alzheimers. I enjoyed the writing style, but I think the topic hit too close to home for me. I had some trouble making myself finish it.
4 stars.
Middle-aged mom develops early onset Alzheimers. I enjoyed the writing style, but I think the topic hit too close to home for me. I had some trouble making myself finish it.
4 stars.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Book #13 in 2015
Call Me Home by Megan Kruse.
Abusive marriage told from three points of view: wife, son, & daughter.
4 stars.
Abusive marriage told from three points of view: wife, son, & daughter.
4 stars.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Book #12 in 2015
Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin.
Dr. Nick Russo starts and affair with the mother of one of his pediatric patients. Story is told from the POV of his wife, Tessa, and the other woman, Valerie.
The characters were well developed, but I didn't like any of them. I was really disappointed because I normally enjoy the author's novels.
3 stars.
Dr. Nick Russo starts and affair with the mother of one of his pediatric patients. Story is told from the POV of his wife, Tessa, and the other woman, Valerie.
The characters were well developed, but I didn't like any of them. I was really disappointed because I normally enjoy the author's novels.
3 stars.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Book #11 in 2015
NYPD Red 3 by James Patterson and Marshall Karp.
Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald once again foil the crimes perpetrated on the rich and famous.
This time, the son of multi-billionaire Hunter Alden, Jr. is kidnapped.
3.5 stars.
Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald once again foil the crimes perpetrated on the rich and famous.
This time, the son of multi-billionaire Hunter Alden, Jr. is kidnapped.
3.5 stars.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Book #10 in 2015
Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner.
A one-person accident in rural New Hampshire leads the police to uncover a 30-year-old kidnapping. Or was it? Nicky, the driver, has recently suffered multiple concussions and is recovering memories from her past, but are they reliable?
The story was a bit convoluted.
3.5 stars.
A one-person accident in rural New Hampshire leads the police to uncover a 30-year-old kidnapping. Or was it? Nicky, the driver, has recently suffered multiple concussions and is recovering memories from her past, but are they reliable?
The story was a bit convoluted.
3.5 stars.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Book #9 in 2015 (Audio)
The One & Only by Emily Giffin. Read by Sofia Willingham.
15 hours.
Shea Rigsby, football lover from Walker, Texas, finds true love after several misses. A happy ending for all.
Ok, it was a little sappy, but I really loved it and was sorry when it ended.
5 stars
15 hours.
Shea Rigsby, football lover from Walker, Texas, finds true love after several misses. A happy ending for all.
Ok, it was a little sappy, but I really loved it and was sorry when it ended.
5 stars
Friday, March 13, 2015
Book #8 in 2015
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler.
Classic Anne Tyler: nothing happens and yet I couldn't stop reading. This novel is the story of the Whitshank family. I think the mail point is a rather Dr. House-esque "everyone lies".
5 stars.
Classic Anne Tyler: nothing happens and yet I couldn't stop reading. This novel is the story of the Whitshank family. I think the mail point is a rather Dr. House-esque "everyone lies".
5 stars.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Book #7 in 2015
10% Happier, How I tamed the Voice in my Head, Reduced Stress without Losing my Edge, and found self-help that actually works - a true story.
by Dan Harris. Read by the author.
7.75 hours
Mr. Harris discusses his mission to change his life to become more relaxed and happier. He made me want to read some of his source materials and start meditating.
4.5 stars.
by Dan Harris. Read by the author.
7.75 hours
Mr. Harris discusses his mission to change his life to become more relaxed and happier. He made me want to read some of his source materials and start meditating.
4.5 stars.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Book #6 in 2015
Woman with a Gun by Philip Margolin.
Intriguing photograph leads a would-be novelist to solve a decade old murder.
The story was okay, not great. I liked the format, going back in time to explain each current event, but I just didn't really care about any of the characters. And I found the idea of all these people involved opening up to a nobody would-be novelist to be far-fetched, at best. To someone famous, sure, but not to this character.
3 stars.
Intriguing photograph leads a would-be novelist to solve a decade old murder.
The story was okay, not great. I liked the format, going back in time to explain each current event, but I just didn't really care about any of the characters. And I found the idea of all these people involved opening up to a nobody would-be novelist to be far-fetched, at best. To someone famous, sure, but not to this character.
3 stars.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Book #5 in 2015 (Audio)
Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo. Read by Kathleen McInerney.
Police Chief Kate Burkholder investigates a series of hate crimes against Amish citizens. But is the death of three Amish adults part of the crime spree, or is it more personal?
The reader was adequate, but not great. Her voice for Tomisetti grated on my nerves.
3 stars.
Police Chief Kate Burkholder investigates a series of hate crimes against Amish citizens. But is the death of three Amish adults part of the crime spree, or is it more personal?
The reader was adequate, but not great. Her voice for Tomisetti grated on my nerves.
3 stars.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Book #4 in 2015
The Killer Next Door by Alex Marwood.
What do we really know about our neighbors, once they're behind closed doors. Interesting mystery set in contemporary London. I didn't know all the British English terms, but I don't think that detracted from the story.
4 stars.
What do we really know about our neighbors, once they're behind closed doors. Interesting mystery set in contemporary London. I didn't know all the British English terms, but I don't think that detracted from the story.
4 stars.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Book #3 in 2015 (Audio)
The Vacationers by Emma Straub. Read by Kristen Sieh.
6 hours, 40 minutes.
A family, along with some close friends, take a two-week vacation to Mallorca. So much togetherness, leads to conflict as secrets are exposed.
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it over a very extended period of time (2 months?), but was always taken right back into the story each time I returned. I assume this is due to good characterization, as well as the narration talents of the reader. Not fine literature, but great for easy reading/listening.
4 stars.
6 hours, 40 minutes.
A family, along with some close friends, take a two-week vacation to Mallorca. So much togetherness, leads to conflict as secrets are exposed.
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it over a very extended period of time (2 months?), but was always taken right back into the story each time I returned. I assume this is due to good characterization, as well as the narration talents of the reader. Not fine literature, but great for easy reading/listening.
4 stars.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Book #2 in 2015
The Fever by Megan Abbott.
A mysterious illness is affecting just the high-school girls in a small town. The perfect trifecta of boring plot, ridiculous red herrings, and uninteresting characters. Not sure why I even finished this. I guess I kept hoping it would improve.
1 star.
A mysterious illness is affecting just the high-school girls in a small town. The perfect trifecta of boring plot, ridiculous red herrings, and uninteresting characters. Not sure why I even finished this. I guess I kept hoping it would improve.
1 star.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Book #1 in 2015
A Quilt for Christmas by Sandra Dallas.
Set at the end of the Civil War. A quilt Eliza sends to her soldier husband Will is returned by another soldier, this one who fought on the opposite side.
4 stars.
I don't usually care for historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this one.
Set at the end of the Civil War. A quilt Eliza sends to her soldier husband Will is returned by another soldier, this one who fought on the opposite side.
4 stars.
I don't usually care for historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this one.
Result for 2014
Only managed to read 36 books this past year, which is 69.23% of my goal (of 52 books a year).
Better result in 2015, I hope.
Better result in 2015, I hope.
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