(Audio) This is a simple story following the lives of several people and their hopes and aspirations as they decide how people discover happiness and (Audio) This is a simple story following the lives of several people and their hopes and aspirations as they decide how people discover happiness and follow their dreams. Because I love books, I appreciated that it was set in a bookshop and I liked the small details about how to run a good business and bring reading suggestions to others. I don't drink coffee, so that part of it didn't enthrall me, but clearly people have a love of brewing an exception cup. I struggled a bit with the names. Why were two of them almost exactly the same. Perhaps to the trained ear they sound different, or maybe it was because they were Korean? I mean, I probably wouldn't mess up Betty and Bessy, but I'm be surprised that an author would include both. I will undoubtedly miss the spelling, but Minjon and Minchon? That is what they sounded like and it was driving me crazy. All in all, a bit boring. Not a lot of plot driving the story, but I do like to hear about individuals, so that was still enough to keep me going. And books. Always books....more
This just wasn't it. It was hard to pick up again each time I put it down. I liked the creatures and some of them were new to me. The Ratatoskas and KThis just wasn't it. It was hard to pick up again each time I put it down. I liked the creatures and some of them were new to me. The Ratatoskas and Karkadahns. Pretty cool. I liked the characters and the combo of people from our world and a magical one. But still, it was just a bit boring. And I have a hard time with the idea of an Immortal that keeps dying. Immortal soul, I guess. But that doesn't feel very immortal to me. And I didn't get the very end of the book. The last page was supposed to be a big reveal and I wasn't sure what it meant. So...not my favorite. But could be very cute for middle grade kids. ...more
**spoiler alert** I am guaranteed to forget this book within a month. It was a little weird and bland. The author seemed to try and throw some stuff i**spoiler alert** I am guaranteed to forget this book within a month. It was a little weird and bland. The author seemed to try and throw some stuff in there to make it spicier, but it didn't have the effect for me. I appreciated the older female main character who went out of her comfort zone to tackle her problems, but I just wasn't buying it. And then after hyping up Norm the entire book, she goes and sleeps with a random Romanian guy, who is 20+ years younger. What? I feel like that was just added to try and spice it up. There was no build up, no character or romantic development. And the car/motorcycle chase at the end. Too little too late. It wasn't a terrible book by any means, but it won't hit the top ten at any point in my opinion....more
(Audio) I really enjoyed this book. It has a mystery element to it while being very much about personal experience and growth, change, and acceptance.(Audio) I really enjoyed this book. It has a mystery element to it while being very much about personal experience and growth, change, and acceptance. It also had to do with the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. I know about the 1989 earthquake and have relatives that lived through that, but it was super interesting to learn more about the 1906 one. What a crazy place to live? Why do people live on fault lines. (And yes, I know I live near one) I guess we just assume it won't happen to us... The characters were good and I liked the flow of the story. Overall a good listen and I was always happy to come back and listen some more. Oddly enough, I read this for book group and I'm quite early. So I guess this one will count in my 2024 list. :)...more
This was a strange book. It gave Emperor Mollusk vibes, with a snarky 'evil' main character. I liked Eliasha. She had spunk and was the perfect plain This was a strange book. It gave Emperor Mollusk vibes, with a snarky 'evil' main character. I liked Eliasha. She had spunk and was the perfect plain princess. I liked that so many of the characters were not what they seemed to be. Only shows that it is worth getting to know someone to see what's on the inside. The idea of losing one's memories and starting over is not a new one, but it maybe hasn't been done quite this way, using a Dark wizard. Fun stuff. I wonder if I would like myself if I woke up and had no memories. Have I left a good legacy? Would people like me or wish I would change? Would I see my previous actions and want to do something different? Such interesting questions. And does that mean, that we are all inherently good and only previous experiences have pushed people in bad directions? Good stuff. It wasn't the best book by any means, but it was entertaining and quirky. ...more
I thought this book was so sweet. I liked the characters and enjoyed the journey as they figured out how to deal with grief and live their best lives.I thought this book was so sweet. I liked the characters and enjoyed the journey as they figured out how to deal with grief and live their best lives. It was a simple story, but I felt there were a lot of poignant moments and little bits of wisdom. Also, what the what? The heartbeat archive is real and now it is totally on my bucket list to go out there and record my heartbeat. That is such a cool thing. ...more
This book was full on weird. I mean, it's Terry Pratchett, so there are levels upon levels. I had a struggle keeping up with what was going on sometimThis book was full on weird. I mean, it's Terry Pratchett, so there are levels upon levels. I had a struggle keeping up with what was going on sometimes as the story jumped around. But the overall plot was interesting and I found myself laughing out loud several times. Death was such a likeable character and Teatime was crazy scary. Purely psychotic people are so unstable and disturbing. And Susan was great, with her poker :) This book seems to have a bit of a cult following, and I was surprised to learn there is a movie!? I'm definitely going to watch it this season. Seems like the right thing to do. I'm glad a friend chose this, because I would never have made it through if it hadn't been for her. Thanks Cindy. Overall, I'm glad I read it. ...more
3.5 This book was truly sad and such a bittersweet story of holding onto heritage despite loss and grief. It was well written and I was right there wi3.5 This book was truly sad and such a bittersweet story of holding onto heritage despite loss and grief. It was well written and I was right there with Michelle as she traveled through her memories. Although I don't think I love my mother as much as she does. She truly had a tight connection with her, whether it was food or otherwise. Maybe it was because she was an only child? Who knows? But I almost felt guilty thinking that I wouldn't feel that same devastation when my mother passes.
There was so much food in the book. I was amazed that Michelle could remember everything she ate in a meal years ago. That is an extreme love of food. Or a serious connection between trauma memories and food. Probably some of both. I haven't had a lot of Korean food, but it still doesn't seem that appetizing to me. The thought of kimchi makes me want to gag a little. But I don't doubt that people create serious bonds with food and memories. Even the smell of certain meals takes you back to a different place and time. I love how she used those dishes to stay connected to her heritage and mother. It was a very touching book and I'm glad I read it. ...more
(Audio) This book was quite riveting. I can see how this book started the genre of true crime and stories of the tragic and macabre have kept us enthr(Audio) This book was quite riveting. I can see how this book started the genre of true crime and stories of the tragic and macabre have kept us enthralled ever since. Especially when it is the family next door or a story you have heard about on the news. So crazy. I was super impressed with all the details in this book. Truman must have gotten some detailed interviews from the criminals, because it is like he was there with them throughout the story. Or maybe he filled in with what seemed appropriate for the story? Who knows exactly. It was a really tragic story that I had never heard about. It obviously happened a long time ago, but things like this are still occurring today. Murder is tragic and fascinating. Why do people do the things they do? Do we ever see ourselves in the stories, whether family, or victim, or even sometimes do we see ourselves in the culprit. The book seemed a bit long at times, but I was glad he took the story all the way to completion. *Interesting to note. I read somewhere that Capote originally wanted to write the story about York and Latham, but couldn't get permission for that. Instead, they are just mentioned at the end, on death row. ...more
Loved this book! I really liked Martha. She was such a strong character with such determination and soul. I didn't realize she was a historical figureLoved this book! I really liked Martha. She was such a strong character with such determination and soul. I didn't realize she was a historical figure until the end of the book, but I'm very happy with the way she was depicted, even if events weren't entirely accurate. I actually really hope Ephraim was a falconer cuz that is so boss. It was hard to read about the unbalanced position of women at the time. It always makes me scream inside when men are not convicted or punished for crimes like rape. How hopeless women must have felt during so much of history. I'm very happy to be where I am now. I liked the love stories and especially Martha and Ephraim. I liked that not everything turned out perfectly for her family. It felt more real and not contrived. And it's crazy that she never lost any women in childbirth! That's insane. Great book that kept me entertained and intrigued. A fantastic read!...more
**spoiler alert** 3.5 (Audio) Overall, I thought this book was good. It was a bit of a slow start and there was the natural slow build of the love int**spoiler alert** 3.5 (Audio) Overall, I thought this book was good. It was a bit of a slow start and there was the natural slow build of the love interest. For a while I couldn't see how they were ever going to get together.
Meanwhile, the main storyline of the photo and the kids was pretty interesting. I'm worried that it will be too forgettable, in that it didn't really capture my heart like I thought it would. There were too many variables and the story seemed to neatly play into a nice pre-made narrative.
Things a little too unbelieveable: * The mom sells her kids because she has an incurable illness. Nevermind, she's fine. Too bad she sold her kids. * One might think someone who sold their kids didn't want them. Never you fear. Lily is absolutely right that every mother definitely wants her kids and there are no bad original parents in the world. * The family who bought the kids seems nice enough. Nevermind, the wife is actually crazy and is recreating her dead daughter. * Another family buys the boy...maybe they will be nice. Nope, they are basically slavers and they chain the boy up, making it absolutely necessary for our heroes to take him away forcefully and illegally.
Although the scenes at the end were quite exciting compared to the first half of the book. Suddenly, there was theft, kidnapping/rescuing, and gun fights. Whew. Wild ride there at the end.
Still a fun listen and I enjoyed the reader's voice. I just think this one will blend into the background and be lost among the many random book plots. ...more
**spoiler alert** I really was not a fan of this book. Here's some of the reasons why: * It felt like such a rip off of the Lord of the Rings. Too many**spoiler alert** I really was not a fan of this book. Here's some of the reasons why: * It felt like such a rip off of the Lord of the Rings. Too many things were similar and it felt contrived * It felt too juvenile. Sure, it is a series for youth, but even so, the writing was dumbed down enough, that I didn't enjoy it as an adult. * All the weird politeness and honor stuff drove me crazy. It didn't feel genuine and every time I turned the page, someone was thanking someone else in flowery speech. Weird. * The timing was off. At one point, someone said it would take 5 months to travel to the dragon. Then they are in the forest for a super long time hanging out and when they leave, it takes them only 5 days to reach the dragon? * So much buildup to the dragon and he's defeated in three paragraphs. It was SUPER anticlimactic. And it bothered me so much how Alex could just tell things. He suddenly knows he will win, he suddenly knows he will come back to this place, he suddenly knows he will be a warrior and a wizard someday. Cheesy. * Also, it was just kind of boring. I fell asleep SO MANY TIMES reading this book. * The magic bags?? How they can hold unending amounts of treasure and everything they need for a journey. Isn't that handy.
I actually thought the end where Alex finds his father's magic bag was fun, but that was about it. I'm sorry to say I did not love this book and I won't be reading the others. Although Daisy loved them, so they must have some redeeming qualities. ...more
**spoiler alert** 3.5 I wasn't really in the mood for a WWII book. But the premise of this one seemed sweet. Nina is hidden in plain sight as the wife**spoiler alert** 3.5 I wasn't really in the mood for a WWII book. But the premise of this one seemed sweet. Nina is hidden in plain sight as the wife of Nico. They didn't need to convince anyone they were in love though. No one seemed to care that they didn't touch or were romantic in front of people for half the book. (I'm assuming it was propriety that kept PDA at a minimum when one lived with an entire family.) Regardless, the only one who suspects is the evil German guy, which is unlucky for them. He is a great villain, but sadly, the story is entirely believable because events like this happened to all too many people. I was actually quite mad at the point that Nina sees Nico hanging. I had a brief idea that maybe it wasn't him, but that seemed a little too optimistic. And yet, the author decided to go for the happy ending after all. Which I truly appreciate after all the work camps and the starving. The second half seemed to zoom through all the tragedy and you get back to the happy reunion with enough energy to not care how unrealistic it might be. In some ways, I only want to read the WWII stories that can give me some hope in the end. I'm not sure if I've read a book set in Italy before, but it's not like me to remember settings. I know I've read of Germany, Poland, Romania, France, and England. Italy seemed new, but the story is an old one. The persecution of the Jews was spiteful and tragic. It never fails to let me see my life in a brighter hue. I am blessed beyond measure....more
3.5 (audio) I have lots of thoughts about this book. In general I'm not a huge fan of Pearl S. Buck. I liked this book more than other books I've read3.5 (audio) I have lots of thoughts about this book. In general I'm not a huge fan of Pearl S. Buck. I liked this book more than other books I've read by her. This one was so interesting. The idea of retiring from married life is not one I've ever thought of, but I live in a culture that marries for love and not for the continuation of the human race, although that often happens as well. ;) I enjoyed watching Madame Wu's personal growth as she met the foreign priest and discovered that her actions affected those around her, even as she simply tried to gain personal freedom. Is there such a thing once you have a family? It was a little struggle keeping track of the brothers at first, on the audio book at least, but I got the hang of it. I was very impressed with Fengmo, who was able to put all his desires behind him for the greater good. I feel like there are very few people who would or could do that. Whoa, the names are so different looking in the book. Guaranteed I wouldn't have said them correctly if I had read the book. Well, I would have gotten Madame Wu. ;) I'm really excited to discuss this book with my book group. I'm interested to see their reactions to Chinese culture and this interpretation of it. Being written by a foreigner, do you think Pearl got it right? I sure don't know differently. But it gave me plenty to think about. ...more
I'm not sure why I ever doubted. I listened to all the Ranger's Apprentice books and loved them so much. Then I decided it was time to read other thinI'm not sure why I ever doubted. I listened to all the Ranger's Apprentice books and loved them so much. Then I decided it was time to read other things, so I ignored that there was a whole other series by Flanagan, the Brotherband. I figured they couldn't be as good and it was about boats and such, so I moved on. Daisy brought me back by choosing the first book of Brotherband for our family book group. And naturally, I'm hooked. The stories are always fun and engaging. I already adore the characters and can't pick a favorite. In this series, there are more to love I feel, since it is a group instead of one person training (although there were plenty of people to love in Ranger's). It ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm right into the second one. Flanagan has such a flare for writing these stories. I have no doubt I will be invested all the way through this series. Go Herons!!...more
This was a great Kate Morton book, although it felt a little long in the middle. But as usual, lots of twisty stuff, red herrings galore and a plot thThis was a great Kate Morton book, although it felt a little long in the middle. But as usual, lots of twisty stuff, red herrings galore and a plot that draws you further down the rabbit hole with each step. Nora ended up not being my favorite. She seems to be such a giving person, but under it all, I think she is rather manipulative and insecure. But we all have our issues, and being a mother is no walk in the park. It was interesting to see so many different versions of motherhood in this book. I caught on to some of the clues and drew some correct conclusions, but other things too me completely by surprise. Note to self, read the ENTIRE book before going to book group. I thought with 60 pages left to read, I had gotten all the big reveals. Nope. Surprises right to the end. Great book!!...more
Severely mid. I feel like it was trying so hard to tick all the mainstream romance novel boxes. Annoying main character. check Smattering of profanity.Severely mid. I feel like it was trying so hard to tick all the mainstream romance novel boxes. Annoying main character. check Smattering of profanity. check Random sexual references. check One character obsessed with sex. check Totally obvious plot line. check Broken engagement. check
It was just not great. All of it. The last chapter of the book was cute. (Not the actual book, but the book he was writing in the book. If that makes sense.) But it wasn't worth reading the whole thing to get to a few good paragraphs. The end. ...more
I really enjoyed this book quite a bit. It can't take the place of a Man Called Ove, but I would still highly recommend it to others. Some of the paraI really enjoyed this book quite a bit. It can't take the place of a Man Called Ove, but I would still highly recommend it to others. Some of the paragraphs were so real. It was like taking thoughts right out of my head. Life is hard people. There is lot going on. But I liked that when you get people to rub shoulders, they can't ignore each other. It is easy to dislike the mass, but when it comes down to one on one, it is easier to understand that we all have issues and we should help each other. There were a couple fun twists in the book. I didn't guess what was going on, but I was there for the ride, not the mystery. It made me think and smile and question and smile again. I liked that it was set in Sweden and that things were just a tad different. I'm not sure I would order a pizza there. What weird flavors. :) Take time to read this one. You'll like it....more
(Audio) This book was really good. I decided to make it my book that I could only listen to while out walking. (This was an attempt to walk more.) So (Audio) This book was really good. I decided to make it my book that I could only listen to while out walking. (This was an attempt to walk more.) So it was definitely broken up and read over a long while. But every time I picked it back up, I enjoyed the story. The characters were great and it was easy to love each one of them. The story was heartbreaking and hopeful all at once. I don't care how much I love books, I'm not sure I could have been a pack horse librarian. I just don't love the outdoors that much. I am truly impressed by these women. (And yes, I know it is a story, but there were real women out there doing that job.) I was very happy with the ending. Jojo Moyes isn't necessarily going to give you the ending you want, but in this book, she wrapped it up nicely with a bow. Thank you....more
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