I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...and I'm glad I did, because if you're a dog lover, which I am, it's a goody. DI received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...and I'm glad I did, because if you're a dog lover, which I am, it's a goody. Doug, the author, was blessed to have the love of his life, his dog Shirelle, share his life with him for over a decade -- what a lucky man. She was a handful at times, but also a constant source of joy and enlightenment to him. This book could've been subtitled, "Zen and the Art of Learning to Fully Live Life, as Taught by Your Pet." Less a straightforward story about Shirelle, and more about how Doug's life was changed by Shirelle's sharing it with him, it is told chronologically, but there are many side stories to illustrate his points. It was as if Shirelle was his life coach in many ways. The reader will laugh, cry, smile frequently, and most of all wish for a pet like this sweet and feisty pound pup, unless you already are fortunate enough to have one -- in which case, looking into its eyes from now on might take on a whole new depth of meaning for you. Well done.
Merged review:
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...and I'm glad I did, because if you're a dog lover, which I am, it's a goody. Doug, the author, was blessed to have the love of his life, his dog Shirelle, share his life with him for over a decade -- what a lucky man. She was a handful at times, but also a constant source of joy and enlightenment to him. This book could've been subtitled, "Zen and the Art of Learning to Fully Live Life, as Taught by Your Pet." Less a straightforward story about Shirelle, and more about how Doug's life was changed by Shirelle's sharing it with him, it is told chronologically, but there are many side stories to illustrate his points. It was as if Shirelle was his life coach in many ways. The reader will laugh, cry, smile frequently, and most of all wish for a pet like this sweet and feisty pound pup, unless you already are fortunate enough to have one -- in which case, looking into its eyes from now on might take on a whole new depth of meaning for you. Well done....more
Admittedly, audio books are not my preferred way to "read", but they serve a useful purpose on long car trips, which was the case here. This story, seAdmittedly, audio books are not my preferred way to "read", but they serve a useful purpose on long car trips, which was the case here. This story, set in Australia and lauded by many reviewers, tells the tale of folk hero Ned Kelly, a Billy the Kid type of outlaw, through a series of letters he left behind for his daughter after his execution at age 25. He was a real person, not a fictional character, although the author apparently created/imagined most of his life story for this book. Ned's character held a certain allure -- he seemed to be a victim of his circumstances and upbringing, not a sociopath, and he came across quite innocent and charming -- but after finishing 8 of the 13 CD's during the course of my trip, I had had enough and didn't continue on with the story once I reached my destination. It was obvious that things were building from petty crimes and guilt-by association episodes to the big-time felonies that eventually caused his demise, but it was taking too long to get to that point. Maybe someday, on another car ride, I'll finish the story. I find no fault with either the writing, which was almost lyrical at times, or the reading performance by Mr. Negroponte, also quite good, and I realize that Mr. Carey is a Booker Prize winner, but I needed to be more intrigued, I suppose. I just didn't care enough about Ned's sad story to invest more time with him....more
I received this children's book in a First Reads giveaway. Since I'm not claiming to be a children's book expert, I asked two of my grandkids, aged 7 I received this children's book in a First Reads giveaway. Since I'm not claiming to be a children's book expert, I asked two of my grandkids, aged 7 and 13, to read it too, and while they deemed it cute, I don't think it is a book they'll remember. What is good about it was that it taught them the strange names assigned to groups of different animals (ex.: a clutter of spiders, scourge of mosquitoes, tower of giraffes, etc., including the title), but the rhymes were, in my opinion, awkward at times, and the illustrations kind of sloppy. Good concept, but a bit lacking in presentation. Three stars for encouragement to the author....more
The story itself that was told here, about a woman who spent most of her adult life disguised as a man so she could be a stagecoach driver (a "whip"),The story itself that was told here, about a woman who spent most of her adult life disguised as a man so she could be a stagecoach driver (a "whip"), was intriguing. But the author's frequent use of the f-word really irritated me, and it ended up making me downgrade the work a full star. It wasn't needed -- readers could fully understand how tough Charley was, and also how rough and crude life was back in the 19th century, without using that word so often. I seriously doubt that that's how everyone talked back then. But aside from that criticism, the story was a good one, based on a real woman's life that the author fleshed out from very scant details provided by people who knew Charley Parkhurst when she was alive. That Charley was able to keep her secret and live her life, undetected, as a man was truly amazing....more
Wow, for a first novel, Jon Harrison did a bang-up job here. I really enjoyed his tale about a high school teacher who becomes caught up in so much peWow, for a first novel, Jon Harrison did a bang-up job here. I really enjoyed his tale about a high school teacher who becomes caught up in so much personal drama, that a lesser person would crumble under the weight of it all, which he nearly does. To list all his crises and problems would spoil the impact for the reader, but the tipping point is when he is accused of assaulting a student, the act of which is captured on video. In this day and age, all that he goes through felt entirely plausible to me. The characters were well developed and sympathetic (although his son might have been a little too good to be true), and the writing was great. On the back cover, the book is described as "a powerful tale of family, loss, and the meaning of love," and I agree....more
By his own admission, Darin Strauss wrote this book as part of his healing process more than two decades after causing the death of one of his high scBy his own admission, Darin Strauss wrote this book as part of his healing process more than two decades after causing the death of one of his high school classmates in a car vs bicycle accident. Although Darin was cleared of any wrongdoing, it still became the defining moment in his life. Writing it all down for the world to read was his way of exorcizing the tremendous guilt and grief he had been holding inside for so long. His introspection and self-awareness were interesting, and I found myself pausing several times to consider whether I would have reacted in a similar fashion had it happened to me. This was one of my book club's selections, and it will undoubtedly give the group lots to discuss....more
Although this story takes place in the 1990s, it feels in its simplicity like the characters exist in a much older time. It tells of a traditional ChiAlthough this story takes place in the 1990s, it feels in its simplicity like the characters exist in a much older time. It tells of a traditional Chinese ginseng hunter who lives along a remote stretch of the the river separating China from North Korea, and his observances of and ultimate involvement with several Koreans who are escaping from the starvation and cruelty in their country into his. It is written in a spare, simple style that lacks emotion, but which in this case seems appropriate, since the horrors and cruelty exhibited require a certain amount of detachment. There are few if any happy tales coming from modern day North Korea, although this one is by no means the most horrific of the lot, since our protagonist's exposure is so limited. Interestingly, none of the characters are named, which accentuates the anonymity and detachment....more
This is a profound, deeply moving story about a poor, young black man in '40s-era Louisiana, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to die, and theThis is a profound, deeply moving story about a poor, young black man in '40s-era Louisiana, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to die, and the plantation schoolteacher who was given the task of mentally preparing the young man for his execution, and to help him die with dignity. My heart just ached for these characters and what their lives were like back then, but even now, over 70 years later, this novel is relevant. It really packed a wallop with me....more
Filled with lots of twists and turns, this psychological thriller is a real goodie! It starts slowly, gathering momentum as each chapter passes, untilFilled with lots of twists and turns, this psychological thriller is a real goodie! It starts slowly, gathering momentum as each chapter passes, until the exciting conclusion comes at you like an oncoming train. Once I got into the meat of it, all household tasks were put aside until I finished. Yes, I can see the comparisons to Gone Girl. If you like the one, you will undoubtedly enjoy the other. I sure did! Stylistically, I thought that using all three of the main female characters as unreliable narrators was a great way to set up the story....more
In this exciting police procedural/thriller, the body of Seattle PD detective Tracy Crosswhite's sister, who had disappeared and was presumed murdered In this exciting police procedural/thriller, the body of Seattle PD detective Tracy Crosswhite's sister, who had disappeared and was presumed murdered 20 years ago, had finally been discovered. Tracy was convinced that the man convicted of the brutal crime wasn't guilty, so with the help of her childhood friend Dan, now an attorney, she had the case reopened. What ensued was more than anyone bargained for. Along with the mayhem that one would expect in this type of novel, Tracy also learned some hard truths about her family and friends, and saw that things are often not what they seem at first glance. I throughly enjoyed this book, which pulled me in from the first page. The main characters, Tracy and Dan, were well developed, and it was an easy but gripping read. Recommended for all fans of this genre. Note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchanged for an honest review....more
I feel a little guilty not loving this book as much as everyone else did, but although it was gentle, cozy and sweet, it wasn't anything to rave aboutI feel a little guilty not loving this book as much as everyone else did, but although it was gentle, cozy and sweet, it wasn't anything to rave about. The first half follows the main character, Chicky, who returns to her Irish homeland from New York and opens a small rural hotel that specializes in providing winter getaways for its guests. The second half tells the stories of the individual guests who visit there during the hotel's opening week, with each guest given his or her own chapter. For loyal fans of the late Maeve Binchy, I'm sure this is right up their alley; for everyone else, it's a bit too predictable....more
This audio book was our choice for whiling away the hours during a long car ride, and my husband and I both enjoyed it. It's #15 in the J.P. Beaumont This audio book was our choice for whiling away the hours during a long car ride, and my husband and I both enjoyed it. It's #15 in the J.P. Beaumont mystery series, and takes place on an Alaskan cruise. Fun, diverting, a tad predictable....more
Wow, that was exciting! After hearing that it's best to read Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole series in order, I began with this one, #1, and it didn't disappoinWow, that was exciting! After hearing that it's best to read Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole series in order, I began with this one, #1, and it didn't disappoint. Harry is an emotionally damaged, alcoholic, Norwegian police detective, who in this first novel is on assignment from Oslo to Australia, helping to solve the murder of a young Norwegian woman. Between aborigines, strippers and prostitutes, a guillotine, man-eating fish and reptiles, professional fighters, a serial killer, skydiving and general mayhem, this book has it all -- even a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. I liked it!...more
This is the second book in Kent Haruf's chronicle of small-town Colorado life (Plainsong, Eventide, Benediction), and it's a good one, particularly ifThis is the second book in Kent Haruf's chronicle of small-town Colorado life (Plainsong, Eventide, Benediction), and it's a good one, particularly if character driven, small-moment, poignant but not very exciting plots are your thing. The main focus continues to be on the McPheron brothers and the young woman and baby who they've taken care of, but there are several other families whose lives are followed, too. The overriding mood/atmosphere is mostly one of quiet desperation and sadness, but there are occasional moments of happiness and love, which somewhat ease the tension. I can easily imagine that this slice of life represents the way things really play out in many small towns and for families who live there, but the lack of any instances of real joy or excitement was rather depressing. Very good writing, but be forewarned that this is not a feel-good, lighthearted novel. But what it does is make the reader feel something deep in his/her soul, and to think about the characters long after the story is done....more
Sweet, melancholy, but also at times funny, this companion book to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, which I loved, charmed me from beginning to Sweet, melancholy, but also at times funny, this companion book to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, which I loved, charmed me from beginning to end. Queenie and her fellow hospice companions were wonderful characters, and although the outcome was inevitable, the journey there was very touching and redemptive. Keeping in mind that the stories in the two books completely overlap (the first is from Harold's perspective, the latter from Queenie's), I would advise leaving some time between reading each of them, so that the plots don't feel repetitive. Recommended for readers who enjoy tender, poignant tales....more
I really enjoy the Inspector Rutledge mysteries, this one being no exception. Dark, atmospheric, complicated, oh-so-British seeming (although authoredI really enjoy the Inspector Rutledge mysteries, this one being no exception. Dark, atmospheric, complicated, oh-so-British seeming (although authored by Yanks, I'm told), and featuring such compelling lead characters. Just plain great....more
An engrossing but simplistic view of a cross-section of Hispanic immigrants who are neighbors in an apartment complex in Delaware. The author successfAn engrossing but simplistic view of a cross-section of Hispanic immigrants who are neighbors in an apartment complex in Delaware. The author successfully addresses some of the problems such families might encounter while trying to assimilate in a new country, but aside from the sympathy I felt over the hardships they experienced, the characters just never felt real to me. The subject matter is certainly relevant at this time, though....more
This book was a huge help in planning our upcoming holiday trip to WDW with the family (18 of us!). Lots of tips and strategies for maximizing time anThis book was a huge help in planning our upcoming holiday trip to WDW with the family (18 of us!). Lots of tips and strategies for maximizing time and reducing the waiting in long lines for rides, and great descriptions of all the resorts and park amenities. We have been to WDW several times over the years, but the new info gleaned from this book was invaluable....more
My friend and I listened to this book in my car while driving to and from the beach last week, and while there were a few interesting plot developmentMy friend and I listened to this book in my car while driving to and from the beach last week, and while there were a few interesting plot developments, we both agreed that this book wasn't our cup of tea. To begin with, it took until almost halfway through it (CD #4 out of 9) for anything at all dramatic to happen. We were bored silly up until then. And with the exception of just one of the character's reactions to a personal tragedy, which seemed to ring true, neither of the other plot lines seemed realistic. It helped us pass the time during our journey, but that's about all I can say about it. Maybe reading it, instead of listening to it, would've made a difference in our level of enjoyment, but I somehow doubt it. ...more
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