I will preface this review by stating clearly that A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was one of the very first adult books I ever read as a young girl, highly I will preface this review by stating clearly that A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was one of the very first adult books I ever read as a young girl, highly recommended by my mom. I ended up rereading that book two more times, at different points in my adult life. It is definitely in my top 20 all-time favorite novels. I never realized that Betty Smith had written other books and so I was pleasantly surprised to listen to Maggie Now on Audible. For some reason Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ does not offer that as an addition. I liked Maggie-Now very much. It is an epic story set at the turn of the century (1890's). I loved all of the characters and how Betty Smith wove the plot from Maggie's father's beginnings in Ireland to her own adult life in Brooklyn. The one thing that I found so difficult and yet, so endearing was the fact that she put up with her Claude and was so selfless. It takes all kinds of women, I understand that, but Maggie- Now is a better woman than I could ever be. The story is warm and dear and aggravating all at the same time, but it gives you such a slice of what life was like back then. Smith even treats the Catholic Church with respect, thank goodness....more
I love when you read a book and learn about something you had not been aware of in history and in your own country. Mirielle West is a wife and motherI love when you read a book and learn about something you had not been aware of in history and in your own country. Mirielle West is a wife and mother in Los Angeles during the peak of the silent movie era. Her husband, Charlie is an actor, they have two children, and it appears that they are living the dream. Mirielle may drink a bit too much, but she is enduring a tragedy in her life, so who could blame her? After burning her hand and a trip to the family doctor, everything changes for Marielle. She is diagnosed with leprosy and is made to be incarcerated (in a way) in a hospital in rural Louisiana with other leprosy patients. Mirielle is not sweet or caring, or selfless. Rather, she is selfish and rude and totally self-pitying. At first she is repulsed by the conditions of many of the patients but gradually learns (a little) to think of others. This is a fascinating story, with some great characters, and it made me think about how I would have dealt with her situation. The ending was quite abrupt, not sure why the author did that....more
This is a very good story. For starters, I had no idea who this author was, but he sure told a tale that kept me turning the pages. Well, there may haThis is a very good story. For starters, I had no idea who this author was, but he sure told a tale that kept me turning the pages. Well, there may have been a bit too many details on the heart, and all the things that can go wrong, but all in all it is a "heart-warming" tale. The story of a little girl who sells lemonade to help defray the cost of her heart surgeries, and the story of a man who is hiding his own heart. The cast of characters all touched my heart. ...more
This was so delicious! I have seen a few Christie mysteries on screen, but this was the first one I have ever read (or listened to). It was delightfulThis was so delicious! I have seen a few Christie mysteries on screen, but this was the first one I have ever read (or listened to). It was delightful. Kenneth Branaugh was the reader, and he was marvelous. I actually burst out laughing as I walked or biked listening to this. I know I will be reading more of Ms. Christie's books in the future. By the way, it had me guessing until the end. ...more
This story was interesting, and it did keep me guessing. This is a true story based on a crime in California back in the 1980's. The marriage between This story was interesting, and it did keep me guessing. This is a true story based on a crime in California back in the 1980's. The marriage between Dan Montecalvo, an ex-con and his wife Carol, ends one night in murder. Carol is shot three times by an intruder and does not survive. Dan is shot too, but it's not as bad and he survives. The story is revealed to the reader as if you are reading newspaper reports, or watching a true crime show on TV. Evidence, witnesses, mistakes, dedicated detectives and dedicated lawyers are all presented in this story that keeps you guessing until the very end. ...more
I wasn't sure I wanted to read a book where an octopus is one of the main characters. My Corpus Christi Book club chose it, and so I "read" it as an aI wasn't sure I wanted to read a book where an octopus is one of the main characters. My Corpus Christi Book club chose it, and so I "read" it as an audiobook. I was pleasantly surprised because I really enjoyed the story. There is a cast of wonderful characters, including Marcellus the brainy octopus, his human friend Tova, and a few others that make a story that had me cheering the characters on, and even brought a tear to my eye. I totally believed in Marcellus, and actually felt that having an octopus narrate his chapters was quite normal. One thing did bother me, though. Tova is my age, but she acted like she was twenty years older than it. Mr. Van Pelt, I don't know how many 70- year- old women you know, but most of us have mobile phones, laptops, use apps, and can Zoom. A very good read. ...more
This book has won many awards, but I must say that I was a little disappointed in the storyline. It is the story of a famous racehorse from Kentucky, This book has won many awards, but I must say that I was a little disappointed in the storyline. It is the story of a famous racehorse from Kentucky, and the people who surrounded this horse. It also moves back and forth from the past to the 21st century. I enjoyed the historical chapters, but the modern chapters were very predictable. Yes, Jarret was the trainer of Lexington, the famous horse, and he was a slave. The racing scenes were well done and truly exciting. But as the story moves to Washington DC in 2019, what might have been very interesting becomes mired in political correctness and predictability. ...more
I haven't read a collection of short stories in a while, and I thought it would be a nice change. T.C. Boyle is advertised as the writer who can take I haven't read a collection of short stories in a while, and I thought it would be a nice change. T.C. Boyle is advertised as the writer who can take you anywhere, and he sure did. This was a crazy mix of stories, ranging in location from California to Venezuela, and even to France during the early 1800's. So, it was a novelty to get involved in a story, and have it end so abruptly. One of the funniest ones was called The Lie, and it had me saying, "Oh my God, he's not going there", as a millennial tries to make up reasons as to why he can't come in to work. The last story, "Wild Child", was actually one of my least favorites. All in all, I enjoyed this audio recording, and didn't realize until the end, that it was T.C. Boyle himself,reading the book....more
I listened to this book, and it was read by Megyn Kelly, herself. I'm quite ambivalent about Ms. Kelly, I don't think she is that compelling as a repoI listened to this book, and it was read by Megyn Kelly, herself. I'm quite ambivalent about Ms. Kelly, I don't think she is that compelling as a reporter, but I was curious about her flare-up with then candidate Trump. I followed the debates quite closely, so I thought this might be some good behind-the-scenes drama. The beginning of the book, Kelly's childhood, her family, were done in a straightforward manner. What I found tedious and boring were her unending descriptions of her children, and her wonderful husband. As a working mom, wife and professional myself, this was way too saccharine for me. It almost became painful to listen to. She gave lots of advice, and perhaps this book was geared for young women? Disappointing. ...more
I have read other DeMille books that have kept me on the edge of my seat, like The Lion's Game. This book is not quite up to that standard. We are oncI have read other DeMille books that have kept me on the edge of my seat, like The Lion's Game. This book is not quite up to that standard. We are once again involved with John Corey, and his wife Kate. This time, they are on their way to Yemen, which DeMille describes as being one of the worst places on the planet. They are after another terrorist, a home grown (from Perth Amboy) crazy who is supposed to be behind the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole, and is getting ready for a really big strike. Parts of this book were exciting, but, the sarcasm was way over done. It actually became annoying. DeMille is always very timely, and I learned all about hellfire missiles and drones. ...more
This is an interesting look into the prison system, as told from the perspective of a young, white, educated and affluent woman. Piper is not a very lThis is an interesting look into the prison system, as told from the perspective of a young, white, educated and affluent woman. Piper is not a very likable person, as she comes across as extremely selfish and self-centered, which are the exact traits that caused her to break the law. At times she rants about the seemingly meaningless reform system, and yet what would she have? No consequences for breaking the law? She stereotyped the women and men she came in contact with, and I found myself rolling my eyes. Piper was very lucky that she had a fiance and many friends and family that came to visit her, and supplied her with the things she needed. With her success from this venture through the penal system, (the popular series on TV,etc.), I see that she has gone back to help the women in these dire situations. And speaking as an educator, I hope she realizes that it is in school, beginning in middle school, that we need to stress the value of education, and the importance of each and every woman in our society....more
This story touched my heart, and almost made me get a ticket on Rt. 80! I was so engrossed in the gunfight that was going on, I blew past the state trThis story touched my heart, and almost made me get a ticket on Rt. 80! I was so engrossed in the gunfight that was going on, I blew past the state trooper. How would I explain that? This is the story of Captain Jefferson Kidd, an older gentleman, in 1870 Texas. He has fought in many wars, but now he reads the newspapers in different towns, and is highly respected for it. He is asked to return a ten year old girl, who had been captured by the Kiowa Indians after they murdered her parents four years earlier, to her family down around San Antonio. Kidd is reluctant at first, as Johanna no longer speaks English, and keeps trying to return to her Kiowa family. Texas was a pretty rough place back then, and they were still reeling from all the rules of the new Yankee government. All of this plays into a story with great dialogue and descriptions. I love the west, but I haven't been to Texas yet. I feel as if I was there now, after reading this wonderful story. I think this is the best yet, from Jiles....more
This is really 3 1/2 stars. I have loved this series, and I love listening to it, the narration is wonderful. This story starts out really good, as usThis is really 3 1/2 stars. I have loved this series, and I love listening to it, the narration is wonderful. This story starts out really good, as usual, and I love the descriptions of Louisiana and of course, New Orleans. Burke does a great job in creating suspense, but toward the end of the book, it all just seemed a bit over the top. Burke always throws in philosophy and spirituality with Detective Dave Robicheaux, and his best pal, Clete, and there was a lot of that this time. I just really did not buy the last 1/4 of the tale. I have not read all of these books, so I think I will try to find some of the older ones in the series....more
An interesting take on a segment of America that most of us only hear about through movies or songs- the hillbilly culture revealed through the eyes oAn interesting take on a segment of America that most of us only hear about through movies or songs- the hillbilly culture revealed through the eyes of a young man who beat the odds. J.D. Vance does not pull any punches as he describes the everyday life and problems of growing up a hillbilly. With statistics and his own family horror stories, (well, not all of them are bad) the reader sees how the world looks through the eyes of these mountain people, even when these "mountain people" have migrated to Ohio. It is an honest, discussion-provoking book. I listened to the audio, which was read by the author. Vance did a good job....more
It's good NOT to be queen, and in this case, three queens. I guess this is probably my 6th Phillipa Gregory book, and they all pretty much read the saIt's good NOT to be queen, and in this case, three queens. I guess this is probably my 6th Phillipa Gregory book, and they all pretty much read the same. The subject is very interesting, and yet she does use a lot of repetition, to the point that it does become slightly monotonous. I learned about the three sisters, but the story is told through Queen Margaret of Scotland's voice. She is the older sister to Henry VIII, and had to marry King James of Scotland. Katherine of Aragon comes to the throne of England, and Margaret is always comparing herself to her. Margaret's younger sister, Mary, also becomes a queen (of France), and they are always in touch through the letters they send to each other. The three sisters are all quite different, and I felt that Margaret was painted as a vain, envious, spoiled brat. I didn't like her at all. All of their fortunes take a turn for the worse, alas. Damn that Boleyn girl!...more
Wow, this book really took me on a journey, and introduced me to a character that I will not soon forget, Aminata Diallo. As a young girl, she is captWow, this book really took me on a journey, and introduced me to a character that I will not soon forget, Aminata Diallo. As a young girl, she is captured by slave traders, and ends up in South Carolina, just before the Revolutionary War. Aminata is smart, and has a strong will to survive. During the chaos of the war, she escapes in New York City, and becomes a scribe for the Brits. Her story takes her to Canada and beyond, as she endures heartbreak and loneliness, with the loss of family. This is an amazing story, and made me want to research some of the incidents in the book. This is an incredible story....more
I recently read The Kitchen House, and I did not think that the writing was remarkable or noteworthy. The premise of this book is similar to The KitchI recently read The Kitchen House, and I did not think that the writing was remarkable or noteworthy. The premise of this book is similar to The Kitchen House, with points of view by a slave, and an owner. One of the two main characters is Handful, a female slave in the Grimke household in Charleston, South Carolina. In the very early chapters, she is given to an 11-year-old Grimke daughter as a birthday present. Sarah Grimke, though, from a very early age, has acquired a strong distaste for slavery and what it truly means. She tries to emancipate Handful, and is promptly put in her place. We follow Sarah and Handful through the years, as Sarah feels the shackles of being a female with barely any rights, and Handful feels the full brunt of the brutal world of slavery. Sarah finally leaves Charleston for the north, where she becomes involved with the Abolitionist movement. Handful is never far from her thoughts. This is a beautifully written book, with characters that are very real. There is no melodrama in these pages, but the real grit and hardship of life in the 1820's-30's, for women, and for the slaves. I had to learn the true story of Sarah Grimke, and it was quite similar to this story. Well done, Ms. Kidd....more
This was a fascinating look at Beryl Markham's incredible life. I had to look her up to see if Paula McLain was making some of these adventures up--shThis was a fascinating look at Beryl Markham's incredible life. I had to look her up to see if Paula McLain was making some of these adventures up--she wasn't. Beryl grew up in colonial Kenya. She was abandoned by her mother at an early age, and pretty much raised herself on her father's horse farm. Perhaps because of this, she grew up fearless. She was close friends with a Kenyan native, and they shared many adventures. At the tender age of 17, she is forced into a marriage because her father is leaving Kenya for South Africa, and doesn't want her to come along. She meets some incredible people in her life, and becomes good friends with Isik Denison, though they become rivals for the same man. The descriptions of colonial Kenya are breathtaking, I truly felt that I was there. Beryl, though quite brave, was missing something--a soul?...more
I listened to this book on CD, and at first I thought, "No way, not my kind of story". Then I decided to listen to a few more chapters, and I was hookI listened to this book on CD, and at first I thought, "No way, not my kind of story". Then I decided to listen to a few more chapters, and I was hooked. Just like the people who judged Ove without really knowing him, I was judging this book. And, just like the characters who decided not to judge him, but get to know him better, we were all in for a pleasant surprise. I love the way this story unraveled, going back to the past and revealing the true essence of Ove's character. I really was touched by this story, although some of his neighbors were a little too good to be true. As an aside, the setting is Sweden, and boy, it paints a sorry picture of socialism. ...more
Well, another book about WWII, England, and a bookstore. The bookstore is actually part of the present day story, whereas the WWII part does not take Well, another book about WWII, England, and a bookstore. The bookstore is actually part of the present day story, whereas the WWII part does not take place in a bookstore, but on a farm. It's not confusing, the story line flashes back to WWII, when Roberta's grandmother was a young girl, and had a love affair with a Polish pilot. Roberta works in a bookstore, and loves her grandmother who is currently in a nursing home, suffering from dementia. Dorothy, (the grandmother) is not a character that I ever warmed up to. Yes, her story is compelling, and kept me interested, but she just was not likable to me. Roberta's character is a bit silly, and she too has a love interest, but, alas, the story was fine-not great....more
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