Book Review - Happy-Go-Lucky; David Sedaris

 

Happy-Go-Lucky; David Sedaris

Little Brown - 2022

(audio read by author - 7 hours 20 min.)

Library loan

David Sedaris has always been my go-to source of entertainment when I need a good laugh. I love his sardonic wit and how open and honest he seems when he speaks about his life and family. In his latest collection he writes of pandemic madness, hurricanes, family, relationships, bad teeth, illness, aging and even death. His father, Lou, who he had a strained relationship with passed away during the pandemic at the age of 98 after a prolonged period in which his health deteriorated. 

The author always seems to strike a good balance between dry humor, absurdity and even warmth at times although the warmth seems brief and somewhat detached. Familial relationships are always a large part of what Sedaris writes about but, his stories about his five siblings never feel repetitive or boring. His observations about daily life and interactions with others while sometimes a tad absurd make for some splendid entertainment. and, this collection had me chuckling so often that I listened to some of the essays several times.  

If I had one minor complaint about Sedaris is that he seems to flaunt his wealth a bit too much at times.  Just in this collection the reader will learn that he owns more than (6) homes in the US and internationally - including (2) side by side NC beach front houses on Emerald Isle.   Back in NYC He bought the unit above his place on the upper East side in NYC so that he could go upstairs when his husband Hugh played the piano. He also tells of how much he missed shopping during the pandemic, where he shops and how much some of his clothes cost. Despite this minor complaint, I remain a devout Sedaris fan having read most everything he has written. 

At 65 Sedaris has written some (18) books, which have been translated into 25 languages.  He routinely travels far and wide in the US and internationally for live performances.

Readers who need a bit of humor in their lives should give an audiobook, always read by the author, a try.  This collection as well as Calypso are (2) favorites of mine.

RATING - 5/5 stars

Book Review - Small Things Like These; Claire Keegan

 

Small Things Like These; Claire Keegan

Grove Press - 2021

(library loan)

I borrow this book from the library before Christmas and although it's short, just a (114 pages), I returned it unread --Big Mistake as I  loved this book!

Set in the month approaching Christmas 1985, Bill Furlong a hardworking coal and wood merchant lives with his wife and (5) young, delightful daughters in New Ross, Ireland.

One day on a rare Sunday delivery at a local convent Bill witnesses something deeply troubling. The convent operates a laundry business (Magdalene Laundries - operated until 1996).  It was also a home for wayward girls.  Bill cannot stop thinking about this situation and, unfortunately, his wife doesn't seem as moved by the situation he describes to her.

Bill is a decent man who never knew who his father was. His mother gave birth to him at the age of sixteen and, she was lucky enough to be taken in by her kind employer, Mrs. Wilson and given a place to live with her infant son Bill.  I loved learning about Bill's early life and what a strong influence Mrs. Wilson seemed to play on his moral compass growing up. I thought his young daughters were delightful and bright as well.  I was less moved by his wife.

Small Things Like These is a powerful little gem with a strong message. It is beautifully written and although I loved the ending, I wanted the story to be longer, I just hated to see this one end.  I plan to now read other books by this author as well. READ IT!

Rating - 5/5 stars

QUOTES

• “The next year, when he’d won first prize for spelling and was given a wooden pencil-case whose sliding top doubled as a ruler, Mrs Wilson had rubbed the top of his head and praised him, as though he was one of her own. ‘You’re a credit to yourself,’ she’d told him. And for a whole day or more, Furlong had gone around feeling a foot taller, believing, in his heart, that he mattered as much as any other child.” 
• “He found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another?” 
• “He thought of Mrs Wilson, of her daily kindnesses, of how she had corrected and encouraged him, of the small things she had said and done and had refused to do and say and what she must have known, the things which, when added up, amounted to a life. Had it not been for her, his mother might very well have wound up in that place....” 
• “People could be good, Furlong reminded himself, as he drove back to town; it was a matter of learning how to manage and balance the give-and-take in a way that let you get on with others as well as your own. But as soon as the thought came to him, he knew the thought itself was privileged and wondered why he hadn’t given the sweets and other things he’d been gifted at some of the houses to the less well-off he had met in others. Always, Christmas brought out the best and the worst in people.” 

Book Review - a winner - Metropolis; B.A. Shapiro

Metropolis; B.A. Shapiro

Algonquin Books - 2022

(ARC sent to me by the publisher)

Metropolis, is a grand, five-level storage facility located in Cambridge, MA near MIT.  As the story opens we know that there has been a 911 call for an accident involving an individual who has fallen into the elevator shaft. The building is in foreclosure and the the young owner, Zach has a company auctioning the contents of the unclaimed units to recoup some money given the potential of a gigantic lawsuit.

As the story progresses the reader gets to know more about six of the individuals who have ties to the storage facility and who have been using the facility for purposes other than short/long term storage.  Most of the characters are dealing with difficult circumstances and I found some of their stories quite moving.  In addition to Zach, who attended Ivy league schools and dealt drugs, we have Rose, the manager of the facility who has several issues on the home front and, she has used her job as manager of the facility as a way to get extra cash by breaking a few of the rules and allowing renters to use their units for purposes other than storing things.  There is Marta, a grad student working on her dissertation who is also trying to stay under the radar and to avoid ICE agents finding her as she has outstayed her visa.  Liddy is a mother of twins who attend a boarding school in Switzerland. She is married to a wealthy, powerful man and is in an abusive situation but, he refuses to let her leave him.  Jason is an attorney who saw the wrong his law firm had done and ventured out on his own even if it meant an uncertain future for him.  Serge is another character who works in a restaurant but is a brilliant street photographer, he makes a deal with Rose to access other rented units for the purposes of taking pictures of the contents.

This is a story that I really enjoyed, it's a bit of mystery and the characters are ones I grew to care about.  I liked the unusual setting, a high end storage facility and learning about the motivations of the individuals using the facility. I liked the way the author had wrapped up this story as well - very satisfying. I loved the author's writing style and I now plan to read a a previous book by this author called: The Art Forger. If you are looking for something different and satisfying - try this book.

RATING - 4.5/5 stars

Book Review - Lessons in Chemistry ; Bonnie Garmus

 

Lessons in Chemistry ; Bonnie Garmus

Doubleday - 2022 - Random House Audio

Narrators - Miranda Ralson and Pandora Sykes  (very good)

(Combo - read/listen)

Set in CA in the early 1960s Elizabeth Zott is brilliant research chemist working at the Hastings Institute.  As the only female scientist in her work group, she has to fight harder to prove herself and to be taken seriously.  Why should be expected to make copies and fetch coffee for the men she works with? The only male who seems to recognize her brilliance is her fellow coworker - Calvin Evans, who has been nominated for the Nobel prize for his work. Together there is "chemistry" beyond the lab.  

When several years later Elizabeth finds herself unemployed and a single mother of a daughter, her friends Harriet and Walter help her out.  She finds herself in a new job, a cooking show called Supper at Six, with a live audience  - because cooking is chemistry.  While her wing-it style infuriates the producer and sponsors, the show becomes an instant success, not just because of her cooking tips but, because she also challenges her female viewers to question the way things have always been done and the importance of taking time for themselves and the things that they want out of life.

This book spoke to me in many ways, I loved the time period. Elizabeth was a wonderful, strong, quirky heroine and a champion for women.  Her no nonsense style and her matter-of-fact way made the men who hoped she would fail step back and take notice. Thanks to her mother, her daughter Mad (Madeline) was wise beyond her years and not afraid to question adults when things don't seem quite right.  There was also a stray dog named Six-Thirty who joined the family, the dog, a keen observer of character  understood hundreds of words despite having flunked out of his bomb sniffing training.  The story is heartwarming and infused with much dry wit. Readers who enjoy strong women characters will likely enjoy the debut gem. I can't wait to see what this talented new author will write next. DON'T MISS IT!

Rating - 5/5 stars

Book Review - Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Defender of Free Speech; Gattaldo

Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Defender of Free Speech

Author & Illustrator: Gattaldo  - Candlewick Press 2021

Daphne Caruana Galizia grew up on the Island of Malta. From an early age she dreamed of being a writer so she could share stories about her country.  She loved reading and through books she learned to be a free thinker. Daphne lived her dream; she grew up, spoke up and became a powerful, courageous journalist.  Daphne and her friends saw bad things happening in her country, she believed peaceful protest was important and was even arrested for it.  She married, had three children and encouraged her children to fight for justice as well.  She started writing for a newspaper and was not afraid to publish the truth. She was threatened, her dog was killed to send a message but, that just empowered her to spread the truth all the more.  

Daphne Caruana Galizia (1964-2017) was killed in 2017 when a bomb placed under her car exploded. She inspired and encouraged others to stand up for free speech by keeping others informed about the truth.  This book was written and illustrated by her good friend.

What a powerful book, another story I was not aware of, the message is powerful and the images are so well done as well.  I love how Candlewick Press through the books that they have decided to publish are spreading powerful messages to young children about the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.  This book is targeted at grades 2-4 (ages 7-9). Beautifully done.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Note: This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

 

Book Review - Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals; Laurie Zaleski

 

Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals; Laurie Zaleski

St. Martin's Press - 2022

Author Laurie Zaleski's love of animals began early in life.  Her mother Annie loved all kinds of animals and had a dream of rescuing the unwanted, abused and abandoned animals who needed a second chance.  First, her mother had to escape her abusive life at the hands of Laurie's father Richard, a wealthy professor with a mean streak.  She along with Laurie and her two siblings had fled the family home several times only to be coaxed back by Richard.  Finally they were able to escape for good but, they were never really rid of him.  It was the mid-1970s and a difficult situation for a mother to be in. With almost no money of her own and no alimony she made the best of a bad situation with multiple lower level jobs.  One of Annie's jobs was in animal control and she was forever bringing a soon to be put to death animal home. Her big heart planted her dream of having her own rescue. Unfortunately,  that didn't happen for her -- she passed away at 52.  Laurie, however,  was able to live her mother's dream. She bought a 15 acre parcel in New Jersey's Pine Barrens region and began taking in helpless creatures: horses, pigs, goats, calves, llamas, cats, wounded birds and many other varieties of unwanted or neglected animals. Today some 600 creatures call Funny Farm home.

I loved this memoir and the way it was written. The chapters alternate between the past Laurie's and her sibling's childhood and her mother's need to see that her children learned compassion by help animals.  The chapters that focus on the present - are about "funny farm" and how various animals that live on the farm found their way there. I loved the resilience of this family and how they didn't dwell on misfortune but picked themselves up and made it their mission to help the helpless.  Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary is open to the public and has many loyal volunteers and supporters today. I  highly recommend this memoir.

Rating - 5/5 stars

(NOTE: The eGalley was sent to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review)

Book Review - A Town Called Solace, Mary Lawson

 

A Town Called Solace, Mary Lawson

Alfred A Knopf Canada - 2021 

Set in 1972 in the small town of Solace in northern Ontario, Canada, A Town Called Solace, was one of those rare books that hit all the right notes with me.

Clara is a young girl (almost 8) who has a lot on her mind. She sits vigil by the front window ever since her 16 year old sister Rose, a somewhat rebellious teen, went missing 12 days earlier after  arguing with her mother.  As she sees her parents sick with worry Clara is lucky to have a bit of a distraction caring for her hospitalized elderly neighbor, Elizabeth Orchard's cat Moses.  One day while looking out of her window Clara notices a young man carrying heavy boxes into Mrs. Orchard's house. We learn that the man is Liam Kane, no relation to Mrs. Orchard, but, he has inherited her house.  

Why has a woman Liam barely remembers gifted him her house? What is the connection here and, can a young man like Liam separated from his wife find a future in small town Solace? What happened to Rose?

        

The story is a character driven novel that is told in (3) distinct voices by Clara, Liam and Elizabeth. The writing is beautiful and easy to follow even if you are feeling a bit distracted. It made me feel like I was there in the town of Solace. The characters felt genuine, they were everyday people that I really grew to care about. I was quickly engaged in the story which had a bit of mystery to it as well.  We learn about the connection between Elizabeth and Liam as she speaks about the past to her late husband from her hospital bed. There were a few somewhat sadder moments but they were very brief and, overall, I found the ending was ultimately hopeful.   A story about love, death, family and community. I loved the small town feel and, for me, this was mostly a real comfort type read and exactly what I needed.  Highly recommended.

Mary Lawson has become one of my favorite authors. This is her fourth book and, IMO, all were a pleasure to read. (I almost missed this one, so grateful I caught JoAnn's review on Gulfside Musing.)

Rating - 5/5 stars

Children's Book Review - Love; Robert Sabuda

 Love; Robert Sabuda

Candlewick Press - 2021

I've long been a fan of Robert Sabuda's Pop-Up books and have gifted many different ones in the past as well.  His 2021 release - LOVE was a real gem.

Each page begins with...I Love you and includes a 3-D pop up image

I Love you...

   and I always will

I Love You...

   and will keep you safe

I Love you

   and will encourage you to do great things

I Love you...

   exactly as you are

I Love you...

   and will share everything with you

And most of all, I love you...

   forever

This book is targeted for ages 5-8 but, come on, it also is a keeper for book lovers my age. This is one of those lovely books that would make a great gift not only for Valentine's Day but, as a gift to new moms, for Mother's Day or for the special someone in your life anytime.

(This book was sent to me by Candlewick Press in exchange for my unbiased review.)

(5 of the 6  images from this book)

Book Review - Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times; Katherine May

 

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times; Katherine May

Riverhead Books & Penguin Audio - 2020

(combo - read/listen - audio 6 hours 54 min. read by Rebecca Lee - very good)

Wintering is a memoir / inspirational kind of book that came out the end of 2020 and has been on my TBR list since then.  I finally decided to listen to the audio and there was so much that spoke to me that I had to download the eBook from the library and, I even ordered this print UK edition  (look at that pretty cover art) because there is so much I wanted to highlight.  This is one of those rather short books that just might become an annual winter read for me.

Katherine May's memoir begins in September when her husband fell ill and required an emergency appendectomy for a burst appendix; it almost ended his life.  Following his gradual recovery, the author also started to feel unwell, just a feeling that something wasn't right. To ease her depression and anxiety she took time off from her position as a writing director and what happened soon after was a kind of transformation or celebration.  It happened around the time on the winter solstice and a new way of thinking about and embracing winter evolved.  Just as nature needs time to slow down and regenerate, so do us humans. 

The author speaks of the new joy of cooking and creating, reading by candlelight on a cold winter evening wrapped in a favorite blanket or comforter.  Is it so terrible to stay home, prepare tasty comfort foods, work on projects that were long ago set aside or, how about just sitting still and reflecting or our lives past and present?

This was a most interesting  and reflective sort of book - the topics sometimes felt random or even scattered yet I found it to be very satisfying. I think many people could benefit by reading this book; it gives the reader much to think about and, may be even more important to individuals prone toward cold weather winter bouts of depression.  It's time to change how many of us think about winter and the darker and more difficult paths we must walk from time to time.

The audio was provided by Penguin Audio at no charge in exchange for my unbiased review. The eBook was downloaded from my library and I've purchased the print edition which should arrive soon.)

Quotes - (just a few - there were so many more that I liked)

--“Life meanders like a path through the woods. We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.” 

--“Winter is a season that invites me to rest well, and feel restored, when I am allowed to retreat to be quietly separate.” 

---“In our winter, a transformation happened. We read and worked and problem-solved and found new solutions. We changed our focus away from pushing through with normal life and towards making a new one. When everything is broken, everything is also up for grabs. That’s the gift of winter: it’s irresistible. Change will happen in its wake, whether we like it or not. We can come out of it wearing a different coat.” 

--“That is wintering. It is the active acceptance of sadness. It is the practice of allowing ourselves to feel it as a need. It is the courage to stare down the worst parts of our experience and to commit to healing them the best we can.” 

--“Once we stop wishing it were summer, winter can be a glorious season when the world takes on a sparse beauty and even the pavements sparkle. It’s a time for reflection and recuperation, for slow replenishment, for putting your house in order.” 

Rating - 5/5 stars

Book Review - Mala's Cat; A Memoir of Survival in World War II; Mala Kacenberg

 

Mala's Cat; A Memoir of Survival in World War II; Mala Kacenberg

Dreamscape Audio and Pegasus Books - 2022

(audio download provided at no cost by publisher and NetGalley)

Mala Szorer, a Jewish girl, grew up in quaint forested village in Poland.  Her family had a good life until WWII began and the German invasion changed everything.  She wasn't even 14 when she witnessed the killing of her older brother and her family by SS men.  

 Knowing she had to flee the area if she had any chance of surviving, Mala and her cat, Malach, who she truly believed was her guardian angel, fled to find safety. Mala was a strong, smart, blond blue-eyed girl and, the fact that she did not look Jewish worked to her advantage.  With the help of some kind-hearted people along the way she was provided with occasional food and clothing and, eventually she able to pose as a Christian, fake her identity and even find work and shelter. 

I loved listening to Mala's story and her nearly (6) year fight to survive.  This book, originally published in 1995 as, Alone in the Forest, was a wonderful and important story.  Unlike many other WWII, Holocaust stories, I did not find this one too dark and depressing despite the subject manner. Mala was a wonderful character, she was so determined with a nothing to lose kind of attitude that worked to her advantage. A beautiful story of survival despite the odds. The audio, narrated by Kristin Atherton, is highly recommended.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Book Review - Winter Solstice; Rosamunde Pilcher

 

Winter Solstice; Rosamunde Pilcher

St. Martins - (2015 edition)

Why did I wait 20 years to read this wonderful, comforting, gem of a book?  This will definitely be one of those books that will come out each December, if not to reread cover to cover, at least to look back at certain passages and quotes.

Winter Solstice follows the lives of (5) individuals who seem to have very little in common except for the fact that each is dealing with some recent turmoil in their lives.  There is Elfrida Phipps, a 62 year old who has suffered a loss and is leaving London to start a new life in a small country village. Oscar Blundell, his wife Gloria and young daughter Francesca are first to befriend Elfrida in the new village but, when something tragic happens the story moves to an old stately manor in Creagan.  Sam Howard, after a separation from his wife in NYC, leaves New York for Scotland for an executive position there.  Thirty-something Carrie and her 14 year old niece are both in need of a change of scenery for the holidays after dealing with their own issues.  None of these individuals has any idea that this December will begin to change their lives but, when their paths do cross a transformation and inner peace begins to take place.

There is everything to love about this story - people who care about other people (and don't we need more of this?) wonderfully detailed descriptions that were easy to visualize: the winter shore, newly fallen snow, roaring fires, good food and conversation, specialty shops and much much more.  There is a bit of sadness in the story yet, more often than not this was a comforting story that ends on a positive note.  I loved how easily I was drawn into the lives of these good people.  Sit back with a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate and savor this book. It's not a story to rush through (500+ pp), best read and savored.

I originally started the audiobook in December but, I wasn't enjoying the narrator so I purchased the trade print edition and was very happy I did.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Here are some of the quotes that seemed worth mentioning.

• “You never really got to know people properly until you had seen them within the ambiance of their own home. Seen their furniture and their books and the manner of their lifestyle.”

• “She had been impulsive all her life, made decisions without thought for the future, and regretted none of them, however dotty. Looking back, all she regretted were the opportunities missed, either because they had come along at the wrong time or because she had been too timid to grasp them.”

• “The windows of the church were tall, arched in gothic style. But from the outside, the colours and patterns of the stained-glass were dimmed. He knew that to appreciate their jewel-like beauty one had to view them from within, the light of day streaming through the colours and throwing lozenges of ruby and sapphire and emerald onto worn flagstones.
  
  
• "Perhaps this was symbolic. Perhaps, isolated from the church, there were other delights, pleasures, comforts, that, because of his present state of mind, he deliberately denied himself.”

• “As for God, I frankly admit that I find it easier to live with the age old questions about suffering than with many of the easy or pious explanations offered from time to time. Some of which seem to verge on blasphemy.”

• “To cheer herself up, Elfrida looked ahead, in positive fashion, which she had always found a reliable method of dealing with a sense of loss.”

• “Life is sweet. . . Beyond the pain, life continues to be sweet. The basics are still there. Beauty, food and friendship, reservoirs of love and understanding. Later, possibly not yet, you are going to need others who will encourage you to make new beginnings. Welcome them. They will help you move on, to cherish happy memories and confront the painful ones with more than bitterness and anger.”

2021 Reading Stats and My Favorite Reads

2021 - I am good at making plans and setting goals but not very good at follow through.  At the beginning of 2021 I set out to track all the places I visited through books and I did a great job for the first 3 or so months of the year but then that all fell apart when I got a bit lazy.  While I read a lot of wonderful books in 2021, I also had my share of disappointing reads and (13) DNF titles.  I also felt like I read too many lackluster psych thrillers and, that I struggled through some instead of adding to my DNF list..

In 2021, I think I got that hang of enjoying being home more as my reading went up by 57%.  I read 212 books in 2021.  I believe my increased stats resulted from reading more kids books (44) and lots of combo reads (eBooks/and/audios) - nearly half of my (75) audio books were combo read/listens.

One stat that surprised me was a similar percentage of print books read mostly off my physical shelves (adult & kids) (32%) and books off my Kindle (eBooks/eGalleys) (30%) Audio books accounted for (38%) of my reading/listening.  Library Books (32%) (print books and audio downloads)

                                       Now for My Favorites

 Top 10's 

 

In 2022, I plan to be more choosy and hoping to focus more on well-written books and more literary fiction from years gone by as well. I like books that make me think, after the final page has been turned and ones that stir up some emotion as I read. I may also have more DNF in 2022 as I no longer want to struggle through a book that is not working. I also plan to purge some unread books from my TBR shelves that no longer seem to call my name.  

I'm still planning on listening to a lot of audios and combo read/listens. The older I get the more tired my eyes seem in the evenings so audios have become a more frequent choice. I have paused my audio memberships for 2022 since I have 32 audios I paid for but haven't listened to.  There are also a lot of free library download options these days as well as free publisher downloads made available to me.

I need to focus on my unread (eGalleys) but, only those that still seem to appeal to me and, not the ones I impulsively requested. I hope to mark many of the oldest unread ones as "did not read" so that I can move forward toward a start fresh.

I'm not planning on joining any formal challenges as I want to be able to read whatever I feel like (exception - my library book group list.)

Have you made any plans for 2022?  I hope I don't miss your "2021 favorite reads posts."

Book Review - Crossroads, Jonathan Franzen

Crossroads, Jonathan Franzen

Farrar, Straus & Giroux - 10/2021

Crossroads, is the story of a mid-western family from New Prospect, Illinois.  As Christmas 1971 approaches we meet The Hilderbrant family: Russ is 47 and is the associate pastor of The First Reform Church, a liberal suburban church who is at odds with the Crossroads youth group minister, the younger and more popular, Rick Ambrose.  Russ also finds himself attracted to an attractive woman who is a recent widow. Marion feels the cracks in their marriage as well and has her own secrets.  Clem is the eldest son of the Hilderbrants, he is in college but the war in Vietnam is always on his mind. Becky is popular in high school and has a crush on Tanner Evans, a boy active in the Crossroads youth movement.  Perry Hilderbrant is 15 and probably the smartest of the siblings but he is involved in drugs.  The youngest child is nine year old Judson.

As the Vietnam war is still going on each of the characters seems to struggle with religion, morality issues and/or the concept of goodness.  I can't say I loved any of the characters but, I did feel invested in each and every one enough to care about what happened to them.

Crossroads, the 1st of a planned trilogy, was everything I love in a well written novel. It's a story about family with flawed, well-explored characters who grapple with real life dilemmas.  What was really satisfying for me was the dialogue. I also loved feeling like I knew these characters better than they seemed to know each other. 

The hardcover (which I purchased) was nearly 600 pages and the audio (downloaded from the library) was nearly 25 hours. The combo read/listen worked beautifully for me and the audio narration by David Pittu was excellent as well. Highly recommended.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Book Review - The Ugly Cry: A Memoir; Danielle Henderson

 

The Ugly Cry: A Memoir; Danielle Henderson

Penguin Audio - 2021

I was first attracted to this book by the catchy title and the cute little girl on the cover.   I felt an immediate urge to know more about Danielle's story.  So happy I read this memoir and, now my brief review.

Danielle Henderson's childhood was anything but normal. In the mid 80's at the age of 10 Danielle and her 11 year old brother Cory were dropped off at her grandparents house in upstate New York.  Her mother had no real plans to return for the children, choosing a life of drugs and multiple boyfriends over mothering.

The grandmother a hardworking, chain smoking, foul-mouthed woman with a penchant for horror movies thought that her child-rearing days were over yet, she did what she could in the only way she knew how and raised a second family.  

It is Danielle who narrates this audiobook and she does a wonderful job telling her story.  Yes, she was a deeply wounded girl who was abandoned by her mother and, yes, she suffered abuse in many forms early in life, yet she tells her story in a way that even has a way of lightening the painful moments of her life. There is also much humor infused in this story. I enjoyed all of the pop culture references from the 70s-90s, the time period that I raised my own two children.  I loved Danielle and enjoyed the way she described her challenges growing up  as a black girl in a white neighborhood.  I liked the ways she chose to stand out from the crowd in high school.  I wished the book gave even more information about the woman she became but I was, of course, able to Google it.  I also loved her spicy, foul-mouthed grandmother, the woman who stepped up to the plate, the woman who was not a role model for child rearing by any means but, she was a woman who raised Danielle with a sense of toughness and toward a greater sense of self-worth.

Readers who enjoy stories about dysfunctional childhood should add this to their reading/listening lists.  

Thanks go to Penguin Random House audio for allowing me access to the (7 hr. 33 min) audio download in exchange for my unbiased review.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

(About the Author)

Danielle Henderson is a TV writer (Maniac, Dare Me, Harper House), retired freelance writer, and a former editor for Rookie. She cohosts the film podcast I Saw What You Did, and a book based on her popular website, Feminist Ryan Gosling, was released by Running Press in August 2012. She has been published by The New York Times, The Guardian, AFAR magazine, BuzzFeed, and The Cut, among others. She likes to watch old episodes of Doctor Who when she is on deadline, one of her tattoos is based on the movie Rocky, and she will never stop using the Oxford comma. Danielle reluctantly lives in Los Angeles.

Book Review - Peril; Bob Woodward and Robert Costa

 Peril; Bob Woodward and Robert Costa

Simon & Schuster Audio - 9/21/2021

Peril is the third book by Bob Woodward about the Trump Administration; it follows Fear and Rage  (which I did not read.) I was particularly interested in this book as covers much of the final year of the Trump presidency as well as the first 100 days of the Biden presidency.  I also have a lot of respect for both Bob Woodward and Robert Costa as journalists who, in my opinion, speak the truth.

The book has 70+ chapters and is the result of some 200 interviews, transcripts, emails, secret orders and diary entries from individuals who were said to be inside sources.  Just a few of the eye opening chapters included Trumps admission to downplaying the seriousness of the coronavirus, General Milley's need to take action after irrational behavior by Trump. Paul Ryan's concerns about the amoral behaviors of a narcissistic president. Trumps continuous pressure on Mike Pence to overturn the free and fair election, as well as the Pence call to Dan Quale asking his opinion. Trumps unwillingness to accept the reality of a lost reelection bid and jeopardizing democracy in the process, and the Trump presidency culminating in the January 6th insurrection.  There is also to a lesser degree background information about information about Biden and his campaign as well as, Biden's first 100 days which includes lots of detail on the Rescue Act and what it took to get it passed.

A worthy read for readers interested in politics. I'm pretty sure regardless of your political preferences, there will be some eye opening moments and insight gained by reading this book.  The problem, I suspect, is whether some will choose to believe what they read in this much divided nation of ours.  

The audio book was narrated by Robert Pertroff who did a fantastic job. The audio is 13+ hours  and the download was provided at no cost to my by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Book Review - Oh, William! - Elizabeth Strout

Oh, Wiiliam; Elizabeth Strout

Random House - 10/2021

Oh, William! is the third book in the Amgash series which includes: My Name is Lucy Barton (2016), Anything is Possible (2017). Oh, William! can definitely be read as a standalone because much of the first (2) books is repeated in the form of flashbacks.

This story begins with Lucy 63 and William about to turn 70.  Lucy left William after 21 years of marriage and the couple have grown daughters Becka and Chrissy - now in their 30s.  Over the years Lucy and William have remained friendly.  Now Lucy is a successful author and she has just lost her second husband David.  William was a habitual womanizer and as the story begins he is married to his third wife. Estelle is a much younger woman and she and William have a 10 year old daughter together. William is now in crisis mode and seeks Lucy's help and companionship as he worries about being alone and experiencing night terrors.  I don't want to say too much and spoil the story for all my Strout fans out there.  I was happy to return and read more about Lucy and Wiiliam as seniors.

William who grew up in Newton, MA wealthy, was such an unsympathetic character. I understand why his wives grew tired of him.  He comes across as aloof and disengaged. His every issue and concern is about himself and yet he has the nerve to tell Lucy she is "self-absorbed and a "strange one."  

Lucy in contrast grew up in Amgash, Il in poverty. A therapist once told her she had full blown PTSD from her abusive childhood mostly at the hands of her cold, uncaring mother.  Unlike William, Lucy is overly concerned about how her actions might make others feel. She never felt like she knew William well enough to tell him when she was feeling anxious and he had no patience for her panic attacks. Lucy is overly sensitive and over thinks her every action but, yet she had the courage to leave William and focus on her writing career.

This story is character driven and told mostly through flashbacks where Strout fans will get a brief refresher on the earlier series books. There is a lot of introspection and some thought provoking moments but, also some funny stream of consciousness writing as well.   I'm happy I read all (3) books and, yes, I loved this one.  There is a reason Elizabeth Strout won the Pulitzer for Fiction in 2009.  She is so talented and is definitely a favorite author of mine.

Thanks go to Random House for allowing me access to an early release eGalley.

Rating - 5/5 stars

5 delightful books for kids that I read in September

The Summer We Found the Baby; Amy Hest

Candlewick Press - 2020 (ages 10-13)

This story takes place during the summer while WWII is going on.  A father and his (2) young daughters, Julie age 11 and Martha age 6 are spending time over the summer at Belle Beach in Long Island as the father works on his book; the mother of the girls has died.

As the story begins the sisters are looking forward to the opening and dedication of the children's library when a special invited guest, Eleanor Roosevelt, is expected shortly.  Then the unexpected happens:  Julie finds a basket with a baby on the steps.  Bruno Ben-Eli lives nearby and spots Julie carrying the basket away and thinks she and Martha have kidnapped someones baby but, he is on a mission for his brother who is fighting in the war and needs to find out what Julie is up to first.

Of course nothing is as it appears. The story is told in alternating POV's, I liked the way the story played out. With a brother at war and the death of a mother, the concerns of the children seemed genuine and appropriate. I thought the story provided a nice balance of the concerns of children during times of war as well as the simple joys and surprises found in childhood.  

Ivy Lost and Found; Cynthia Lord

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 (ages 6 - 9)

First of a new series - Ivy was once the beloved doll and companion of little Anne who received Ivy as a birthday gift. Like all children they eventually outgrow even beloved treasured play things.  Sadly, Ivy was packed away and long forgotten until one day the now adult Anne, a librarian finds her long forgotten friend and she comes up with an idea. Ivy comes to life once again as she becomes one of the library "book buddies" who can be checked out by other children. One child in particular child, a girl named Fern, finds Ivy to be just the friend she needs to share her thoughts and fears with as she eases into finding her place in a new blended mixed race family.

I loved that this story is told from Ivy's POV, and, the story seemed both sweet and realistic tin the way it showed the concerns of a young child finding herself in a new situation.  I was left with a warm feeling and think this series has the potential to be be a wonderful new readers series with its short chapters and charming black and white illustrations.

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat; David LaRochelle 

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 (ages 4 - 8)

This second book in a beginners reader series following: See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog.  In this offering there are (3) short stories: See the Dog, See the Lake and See the Sheep.  Max the Dog is sick so Baby Cakes the Cat is stepping up and ready to take over the dog duties. Unfortunately for Baby Cakes some of dog's daily duties like fetching sticks, digging holes and herding sheep just seem better suited to a dog.  Luckily for the cat, Max gets better and is soon able to resume his daily routines.

This book and series is perfect for new readers. The illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka are fun and creative as well. These books have just enough words on each page and just enough humor to show new readers  just how much fun reading can be without causing any frustration.  This is a series that provides lots of smiles and giggles reminds me a lot of Mo Willem's Pigeon series books which are so popular with new readers as well.

Ducks Overboard: A True Story of Plastic in Our Oceans;  Markus Motum

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 - Ages (7 - 10) 

This is a story of what happened when a cargo ship container from China that was carrying 28,000 yellow plastic ducks intended to be sold and provide bath time fun for children here in the US emptied into the Pacific Ocean. Just what happened to all those plastic ducks? This is one little yellow plastic duck's story and what he encountered while traveling his ocean journey.  The story shows the grave situation that garbage, fishing nets, plastics and other debris has caused to endanger marine life.  The ducks lost at sea is only part of the story the journey but, the book itself with its moving illustrations and seriousness of our environmental crisis.  Hopefully, our youngest generation will see the importance of doing something and encourage them to ask adults to join the campaign to become a change agent.

The book has fabulous illustrations, lots of facts about plastics and how children can help. This is definitely a good conversation starter for educators and parents alike. I loved that we also learn where some of the places other ducks from the cargo container were spotted. A great addition to libraries and personal collections.

Charlotte's Web; E.B. White

2019 - Listening Library Audio , Penguin Random House

The full cast of more than (20) audio book narrators led by Meryl Streep, January Lavoy, Kirby Heyborne and MacLeod Andrews to name a few, was incredible to listen to. I don't recall reading this book to my own children when they were young and, I had no idea it was so sad at times yet, hopeful in the end. Charlotte, Wilbur and even Templeton and Leonard will stay with me forever.

What a lovely story about loyalty and real friendship as well as the cycle of life. Just an amazing story and performance in this 2019 audio edition - highly recommended

Book Review - The Stolen Hours; Allen Eskens

The Stolen Hours; Allen Eskens

Mulholland Books - 2021

Lila Nash is a petite, young woman who has made a lot of progress with anxiety issues after she was drugged and attacked when she was eighteen years old. Both therapy and counting rituals have helped her succeed in law school and she now works in a Minnesota prosecutor's office. Her job isn't easy as Frank Dovey has an axe to grind and wants to see her fail. Lila is determined to succeed and when she is reassigned to work under Andi Fitch we see her confidence slowly building.

Gavin Spencer is a creepy, calculated psychopath and photographer. He has a distinct lisp and gets even with any woman who snubs him usually by doing away with the offender.  His most recent victim, Sadie Vauk, survived her attack and was able to identify him and,  the evidence is building against Gavin.  The more the evidence builds, the more Lila recalls similarities between her attack and the way Gavin operates.  This makes Lila more and more determined than ever to see him prosecuted for what he has done.

Without saying too much, I loved the way this story developed slowly, the details are so finely drawn and the pace was pitch-perfect.  The characters were expertly crafted. I especially loved that the women were so strong and determined. I enjoyed this one so much and did not want it to end so I read a few other books in between to make this story last.  The ending was both unexpected and thrilling.

Allen Eskens is a go-to author for for me.  One character, Joe Talbert who has been involved with Lila for six years has appeared in a few earlier offerings but, he played a minor role in this one so I feel this would work perfectly as a standalone novel.   If you haven't read this author previously, do yourself a favor an add him to your list. 

Thanks go to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for allowing me access to the pre-pub eGalley.

Rating - 5/5 stars

Book Review - Songbirds; Christy Lefteri

TITLE/AUTHOR:  Songbirds; Christy Lefteri

PUBLISHER:  Ballantine Books

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

GENRE: Fiction / Migrant workers / Mystery

FORMAT:  Hardcover

SOURCE:   (print - publisher)

SETTING(s):  Cyprus

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:  A young woman leaves her native country, Sri Lanka hoping to provide for a better future for the daughter she leaves behind.

BRIEF REVIEW:     Nisha works as a housekeeper and a nanny for a wealthy widow and her daughter in Cyprus.  She left her own two year old daughter, Kumari with her mother in Sri Lanka in hopes that someday she could return home and give her daughter a better life. By day Nisha works as a domestic worker for Petra and cares for Petra's nine year old daughter Aliki. Although Nisha chats with her daughter via an iPad in the evenings, she is, for the most part, treated like nothing more than a servant by Petra.

Yiannis is a poacher who makes a lot of money by trapping tiny songbirds and sells them on the black market where they are considered a delicacy.  He lives on Petra's property and is also Nisha's secret lover. He longs to marry her and give her a better life but, poaching is a tough job to get out of once you are part of the illegal operation. Nisha hates what he must do to the tiny birds.

When Nisha goes missing one evening, after preparing dinner, early in the story,  it's Petra who begins her own investigation with the help of Yiannis. She begins talking with other migrant workers as when a migrant, especially a woman, goes missing in Cyprus, the police are not helpful. 

I don't want to say too much more about the story except to say it is beautifully written, full of symbolism and imagery and just unforgettable, yet heartbreaking as well. The story in part was based on the true disappearances of other migrant women in Cyprus. There were some upsetting details involving how the poachers trap the tiny songbirds and what they do to them afterward.  Despite this, I'm so happy I had a chance to read this book. I now want to read the author's previous book: The Beekeeper of Aleppo which is supposed to be excellent as well.

Thanks go to Ballantine Books for sending me a finished copy of this thought-provoking book in exchange for my unbiased review.

RATING:  4.5/5

Memorable Quotes: 

“You see, when you clump people together and don’t understand their personal stories, you can make up any bullshit and convince yourself it’s the truth.”

“Now that I could hear this woman’s song—a melody that told a story I couldn’t understand—I hoped with all of my heart that it wasn’t too late.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brought up in London, Christy Lefteri is the child of Cypriot refugees. She holds a Ph.D. in creative writing from Brunel University, where she is now a lecturer. Her previous novel, the international bestseller The Beekeeper of Aleppo, won the Aspen Words Literary Prize and was the runner-up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. She is also the author of A Watermelon, a Fish and a Bible, which was longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.