Started: 2/16/20
Finished: 4/27/20
Year: 2020
Pages: 328
Genre: mystery
Grade: B-
Reason for reading: review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from book jacket): "All Beth has to do is drive her son to his football game, watch him play, and then return home. Just because she knows her ex-best friend lives near the field doesn't mean she has to drive past her house and try to catch a glimpse of her.
"Why would Beth do that and risk dredging up painful memories? She hasn't seen Flora for twelve years. She doesn't want to see her today-or ever again. But she can't resist. She parks outside the open gates of Newnham House and watches from across the road as Flora arrives and calls to her children, Thomas and Emily, to get out of the car.
"Except...there's something terribly wrong. Flora looks the same, only older. Twelve years ago, Thomas and Emily were five and three. Today, they look precisely as they did then. They are no taller, no different from when Beth last saw them. They are Thomas and Emily without a doubt-Beth heard Flora call them by their names-but why haven't they grown? How is it possible that they are still the same two perfect little children Beth knew more than a decade ago?"
Opinion: Strange....just strange and the ending is more strange. A complete review will be posted on MyShelf.com in the upcoming months.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
Started: 2/9/20
Finished: 4/25/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 308
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "Separated from her mother at birth, Ruth is adopted by Japanese immigrants and grows up on a strawberry farm in California. During World War II she and her family suffer through the injustice of internment. Only later is she reunited with Rachel, the mother she never knew. Brennert powerfully evokes a lesser-known homefront war story as well as offering a richly emotional tale of two women who never expected to meet, much less come to love one another."
Opinion: Not as good as the first one but still a powerful story. Anyone who enjoyed Moloka'i will enjoy this story and see how Ruth turned out.
Finished: 4/25/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 308
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "Separated from her mother at birth, Ruth is adopted by Japanese immigrants and grows up on a strawberry farm in California. During World War II she and her family suffer through the injustice of internment. Only later is she reunited with Rachel, the mother she never knew. Brennert powerfully evokes a lesser-known homefront war story as well as offering a richly emotional tale of two women who never expected to meet, much less come to love one another."
Opinion: Not as good as the first one but still a powerful story. Anyone who enjoyed Moloka'i will enjoy this story and see how Ruth turned out.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Not Dead Yet by Phil Collins
Started: 2/2/20
Finished: 4/20/20
Year: 2016
Pages: 368
Genre: Memoir/autobiographical
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Phil Collins pulls no punches-about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that's inspired his music. In his celebrated memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines.
"A drummer since almost before he could walk, Collins received on-the-job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960s swinging London before finally landing the drum seat in Genesis. Soon he would step into the spotlight on vocals after the departure of Peter Gabriel and begin to stockpile the songs that would rocket him to international fame with the release of Face Value and 'In the Air Tonight.' Whether he's recalling jamming with Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, pulling together a big band fronted by Tony Bennett, or writing the music for Disney's animated smash hit Tarzan, Collins' storytelling chops never waver. And, of course, he answers the pressing question on everyone's mind: just what does 'Sussedio' mean?"
Opinion: I have been a huge Phil Collins fan-seeing him in concert solo several times and seeing him perform with Genesis. I had heard some of the tabloid stories about his personal life and rumors about his professional life. I'm glad that I finally read it from the horse's mouth about what happened with Genesis, his marriages and some of the inspiration of some of my favorite songs. Highly recommend if you enjoy Phil.
Finished: 4/20/20
Year: 2016
Pages: 368
Genre: Memoir/autobiographical
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Phil Collins pulls no punches-about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that's inspired his music. In his celebrated memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines.
"A drummer since almost before he could walk, Collins received on-the-job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960s swinging London before finally landing the drum seat in Genesis. Soon he would step into the spotlight on vocals after the departure of Peter Gabriel and begin to stockpile the songs that would rocket him to international fame with the release of Face Value and 'In the Air Tonight.' Whether he's recalling jamming with Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, pulling together a big band fronted by Tony Bennett, or writing the music for Disney's animated smash hit Tarzan, Collins' storytelling chops never waver. And, of course, he answers the pressing question on everyone's mind: just what does 'Sussedio' mean?"
Opinion: I have been a huge Phil Collins fan-seeing him in concert solo several times and seeing him perform with Genesis. I had heard some of the tabloid stories about his personal life and rumors about his professional life. I'm glad that I finally read it from the horse's mouth about what happened with Genesis, his marriages and some of the inspiration of some of my favorite songs. Highly recommend if you enjoy Phil.
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Last Stop Auschwitz by Eddy de Wind
Started: 4/12/20
Finished: 4/17/20
Year: 2020
Pages: 227
Genre: History
Grade: B
Reason for reading: goodreads.com giveaway win
Blurb (from book jacket): "In 1943, the height of German occupation of the Netherlands, Eddy de Wind volunteered to work at Westerbork, a transit camp for Jews where his mother had been taken by Nazis, in the ultimately fruitless hope of saving her. while there, he fell in love with and married a young nurse named Friedel. But not long after, they were transported to Auschwitz and separated-Eddy to work as a medical assistant in one barrack, Friedel at the mercy of Nazi experimentation in a nearby block. Sneaking moments with his beloved and communicating whenever they could, Eddy longed for the day he could be free with her..."
Opinion: A sad but decent read. First English translation edition. An interesting inside look at the medical side of the concentration camp.
Finished: 4/17/20
Year: 2020
Pages: 227
Genre: History
Grade: B
Reason for reading: goodreads.com giveaway win
Blurb (from book jacket): "In 1943, the height of German occupation of the Netherlands, Eddy de Wind volunteered to work at Westerbork, a transit camp for Jews where his mother had been taken by Nazis, in the ultimately fruitless hope of saving her. while there, he fell in love with and married a young nurse named Friedel. But not long after, they were transported to Auschwitz and separated-Eddy to work as a medical assistant in one barrack, Friedel at the mercy of Nazi experimentation in a nearby block. Sneaking moments with his beloved and communicating whenever they could, Eddy longed for the day he could be free with her..."
Opinion: A sad but decent read. First English translation edition. An interesting inside look at the medical side of the concentration camp.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Invisible Darkness by Stephen Williams
Started: 1/26/20
Finished: 4/11/20
Year: 1996
Pages: 532
Genre: True Crime
Grade: C
Reason for reading: booksfree.com book
Blurb (from back cover): "They were married in a picture-perfect wedding in Niagara-on-the-Lake and they rode off in a horse-drawn carriage. Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo were the very image of love and success. But they had blood-including the blood of Karla's own younger sister-on their hands.
"This is the definitive inside account of a serial murder case unparalleled in history. It is a story of a man and a woman joining together in torture and mutilation crimes that are virtually unspeakable. It is a story of sexual depravities videotaped by Bernardo and Homolka themselves-tapes so shocking that a trial judge ordered them destroyed, although they are rumored to have surfaced in New York and Tokyo. It is a story of authorities taking six years and twenty-three victims to stop the killings-even after Paul Bernardo's sister and best friend had both tried to turn him in.
"Investigative journalist Stephen Williams takes you inside this shocking case-into the motivation of a couple wed in blood, into the details of their crimes and motivations, to perhaps the worst outrage of all: the sweetheart deal that allowed Karla Homolka to escape punishment for her deeds."
Opinion: This isn't a bad true crime novel if you can get past the gore and porn in the first half of the book. The trial aspects are interesting and makes one question the legal system of how one person can really get away with murder.
Finished: 4/11/20
Year: 1996
Pages: 532
Genre: True Crime
Grade: C
Reason for reading: booksfree.com book
Blurb (from back cover): "They were married in a picture-perfect wedding in Niagara-on-the-Lake and they rode off in a horse-drawn carriage. Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo were the very image of love and success. But they had blood-including the blood of Karla's own younger sister-on their hands.
"This is the definitive inside account of a serial murder case unparalleled in history. It is a story of a man and a woman joining together in torture and mutilation crimes that are virtually unspeakable. It is a story of sexual depravities videotaped by Bernardo and Homolka themselves-tapes so shocking that a trial judge ordered them destroyed, although they are rumored to have surfaced in New York and Tokyo. It is a story of authorities taking six years and twenty-three victims to stop the killings-even after Paul Bernardo's sister and best friend had both tried to turn him in.
"Investigative journalist Stephen Williams takes you inside this shocking case-into the motivation of a couple wed in blood, into the details of their crimes and motivations, to perhaps the worst outrage of all: the sweetheart deal that allowed Karla Homolka to escape punishment for her deeds."
Opinion: This isn't a bad true crime novel if you can get past the gore and porn in the first half of the book. The trial aspects are interesting and makes one question the legal system of how one person can really get away with murder.
Sunday, April 05, 2020
Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler
Started: 8/1/20
Finished: 4/4/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 383
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "In turn-of-the-century Texas, The Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls is an unprecedented beacon of hope for young women consigned to the dangerous poverty of the streets by birth, circumstance, or personal tragedy. Built in 1903 on the dusty outskirts of Arlington, a remote dot between Dallas and Fort Worth's red-light districts, the progressive home bucks public opinion by offering faith, training and rehabilitation to prostitutes, addicts, unwed mothers, and 'ruined' girls without forcibly separating mothers from children. When Lizzie Bates and Mattie McBride meet there-one sick and abused but desperately clinging to her young daughter, the other jilted by the beau who fathered her ailing son-they form a friendship that will see them through unbearable loss, heartbreak, difficult choices, and, ultimately, diverting paths.
"A century later, Cate Sutton, a reclusive university librarian, uncovers the hidden histories of the two troubled women as she stumbles upon the cemetery on the home's former grounds and begins to comb through its archives in her library. Pulled by an indescribable connection, what Cate discovers about their stories leads her to confront her own heartbreaking past, and to reclaim the life she thought she'd let go forever."
Opinion: A decent read about a real-life place with characters based on real people. Makes me want to visit the cemetery and grounds of the home. One feels for Lizzie and Mattie and what they faced in their lives.
Finished: 4/4/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 383
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "In turn-of-the-century Texas, The Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls is an unprecedented beacon of hope for young women consigned to the dangerous poverty of the streets by birth, circumstance, or personal tragedy. Built in 1903 on the dusty outskirts of Arlington, a remote dot between Dallas and Fort Worth's red-light districts, the progressive home bucks public opinion by offering faith, training and rehabilitation to prostitutes, addicts, unwed mothers, and 'ruined' girls without forcibly separating mothers from children. When Lizzie Bates and Mattie McBride meet there-one sick and abused but desperately clinging to her young daughter, the other jilted by the beau who fathered her ailing son-they form a friendship that will see them through unbearable loss, heartbreak, difficult choices, and, ultimately, diverting paths.
"A century later, Cate Sutton, a reclusive university librarian, uncovers the hidden histories of the two troubled women as she stumbles upon the cemetery on the home's former grounds and begins to comb through its archives in her library. Pulled by an indescribable connection, what Cate discovers about their stories leads her to confront her own heartbreaking past, and to reclaim the life she thought she'd let go forever."
Opinion: A decent read about a real-life place with characters based on real people. Makes me want to visit the cemetery and grounds of the home. One feels for Lizzie and Mattie and what they faced in their lives.
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
The Christmas Boutique by Jennifer Chiaverini
Started: 12/30/19
Finished: 3/31/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 289
Genre: Literature
Grade: C-
Reason for reading: Librarything.com winner/review
Blurb (from back cover): "Just weeks before Christmas, sever wintry weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique-an annual sale of handcrafted gives and baked goods that supports the county food pantry. Determined to save the fundraiser, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson offers to hold the event at Elm Creek Manor, her ancestral family estate and summertime home to Elm Creek Quilt Camp.
"In the spirit of the season, Sylvia and the Elm Creek Quilters begin setting up market boots in the ballroom and decking the halls with beautiful handmade holiday quilts. Each of the quilters chooses a favorite quilt to display, a special creation evoking memories of holidays past and dreams of Christmases yet to come. Sarah, a first-time mother expecting twins, worries if she can handle raising two babies, especially with her husband so often away on business. Cheerful, white-haired Agnes reflects upon a beautiful applique quilt she made as a young bride and the mysterious, long-lost antique quilt that inspired it. Empty nesters and occasional rivals Gwen and Diane contemplate family heirlooms and unfinished projects as they look forward to having their children home again for the holidays.
"But whole the Elm Creek Quilters work tirelessly to make sure the Christmas Boutique happens, it may take a holiday miracle or two to make it the smashing success that they want it to be."
Opinion: This book didn't seem put together very well. This is the first book in the series that I've read so I do not know if all of the books follow the same format. I did not feel lost about the characters as there was a lot of background provided throughout the novel....almost too much. This is one of the few books that is solely based on characterization....plot is minimal.
Finished: 3/31/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 289
Genre: Literature
Grade: C-
Reason for reading: Librarything.com winner/review
Blurb (from back cover): "Just weeks before Christmas, sever wintry weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique-an annual sale of handcrafted gives and baked goods that supports the county food pantry. Determined to save the fundraiser, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson offers to hold the event at Elm Creek Manor, her ancestral family estate and summertime home to Elm Creek Quilt Camp.
"In the spirit of the season, Sylvia and the Elm Creek Quilters begin setting up market boots in the ballroom and decking the halls with beautiful handmade holiday quilts. Each of the quilters chooses a favorite quilt to display, a special creation evoking memories of holidays past and dreams of Christmases yet to come. Sarah, a first-time mother expecting twins, worries if she can handle raising two babies, especially with her husband so often away on business. Cheerful, white-haired Agnes reflects upon a beautiful applique quilt she made as a young bride and the mysterious, long-lost antique quilt that inspired it. Empty nesters and occasional rivals Gwen and Diane contemplate family heirlooms and unfinished projects as they look forward to having their children home again for the holidays.
"But whole the Elm Creek Quilters work tirelessly to make sure the Christmas Boutique happens, it may take a holiday miracle or two to make it the smashing success that they want it to be."
Opinion: This book didn't seem put together very well. This is the first book in the series that I've read so I do not know if all of the books follow the same format. I did not feel lost about the characters as there was a lot of background provided throughout the novel....almost too much. This is one of the few books that is solely based on characterization....plot is minimal.
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