Welcome!  It’s a brand-new decade.  My reading resolution for 2020 is to read 84 books (7 per month).  Fingers crossed it happens!,  Thank you for joining me here.    (Reminder: the page numbers I list here reflect the number of Kindle pages, not paper pages.  Thank you!)  I hope you enjoy this series.

Book #1: 

Beartown by Fredrik Bachman (Length: 433 pages).  This novel is the best book I’ve read in YEARS.  Set in a small hockey-obsessed town in northern Sweden, this book features absolutely gorgeous language and writing, fully-developed characters and a very descriptive sense of place (reminding me of Louise Penny’s town of Three Pines in a way).  The book is a bit slow to start, with the first quarter dragging  a bit, but don’t give up . . . keep reading!  The hockey theme is overarching but isn’t too detailed for those who don’t follow sports.  There is also one violent scene but there’s an excellent resolution of the plot that I found to be very realistic.  I enjoy seeing the redemption of characters too–so well done here.  A MUST READ!  

From the publisher:

The bestselling author of A Man Called Ove returns with a dazzling, profound novel about a small town with a big dream—and the price required to make it come true.

People say Beartown is finished. A tiny community nestled deep in the forest, it is slowly losing ground to the ever-encroaching trees. But down by the lake stands an old ice rink, built generations ago by the working men who founded this town. And in that ice rink is the reason people in Beartown believe tomorrow will be better than today. Their junior ice hockey team is about to compete in the national semi-finals, and they actually have a shot at winning. All the hopes and dreams of this place now rest on the shoulders of a handful of teenage boys.

Being responsible for the hopes of an entire town is a heavy burden, and the semi-final match is the catalyst for a violent act that will leave a young girl traumatized and a town in turmoil. Accusations are made and, like ripples on a pond, they travel through all of Beartown, leaving no resident unaffected.

Beartown explores the hopes that bring a small community together, the secrets that tear it apart, and the courage it takes for an individual to go against the grain. In this story of a small forest town, Fredrik Backman has found the entire world.

Book #2: 

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand (Length: 321 pages).  I was in the mood for a beach type read, and grabbed this at the library without reading any reviews beforehand.  A bit of a mistake as this isn’t my favorite Hilderbrand novel.  The best part of this book is the descriptive setting (the island of St. John instead of Hilderbrand’s standard Nantucket setting).  I adore how detailed the author is with the real-life names of the beaches, roads and even restaurants on this gorgeous island.  The plot is interesting enough, with the husband dying and the wife discovering he led a double life.  However, this book is the first of a series, and is NOT a standalone as it ends with a total cliffhanger and the mystery is STILL not resolved at the last page.  I found this to be a bit annoying, as the author is essentially forcing the reader to buy/borrow the next few books in the series to find out what really happened.   I did dislike a few of the characters very deeply (the adult sons are very shallow), and I found it odd how Hilderbrand mentions SO many other books by other authors throughout.  These book mentions aren’t really organic within the plot, so I’m not sure what her end game is here?  I’m totally going to have to read the next one in the series to find out what really happened, but I’m going to be annoyed about it the whole time.  😉

From the publisher:

A husband’s secret life, a wife’s new beginning: escape to the Caribbean with #1 New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand.

Irene Steele shares her idyllic life in a beautiful Iowa City Victorian house with a husband who loves her to sky-writing, sentimental extremes. But as she rings in the new year one cold and snowy night, everything she thought she knew falls to pieces with a shocking phone call: her beloved husband, away on business, has been killed in a helicopter crash. Before Irene can even process the news, she must first confront the perplexing details of her husband’s death on the distant Caribbean island of St. John.

After Irene and her sons arrive at this faraway paradise, they make yet another shocking discovery: her husband had been living a secret life. As Irene untangles a web of intrigue and deceit, and as she and her sons find themselves drawn into the vibrant island culture, they have to face the truth about their family, and about their own futures.

Rich with the lush beauty of the tropics and the drama, romance, and intrigue only Elin Hilderbrand can deliver, Winter in Paradise is a truly transporting novel, and the exciting start to a new series.

Book #3: 

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert (Length: 480 pages).  Just to start, I am NOT a fan of Gilbert’s more famous book, Eat Pray Love.  However, I had heard this fiction book was really good and I took a chance on it.  I heard correctly–this is such a good read!  This is a sweeping, character-based novel set in New York City, with the majority of the plot occurring in the 1940s and 1950s. The entertainment/theatre world is the main focus here, with a costume and sewing angle, and I found all of this fascinating.  I will say this is a bit racier than I expected as the narrator is very promiscuous, but I didn’t find these scenes to be gratuitous as all so I was fine with them.  I adore any novel set in New York City (I found this to be a bit similar to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in a weird way), and I could not put this one down.  This would be a fantastic airplane/vacation read as it’s total escapist fiction.  

From the publisher:

“Life is both fleeting and dangerous, and there is no point in denying yourself pleasure, or being anything other than what you are.”

Beloved author Elizabeth Gilbert returns to fiction with a unique love story set in the New York City theater world during the 1940s. Told from the perspective of an older woman as she looks back on her youth with both pleasure and regret (but mostly pleasure), City of Girls explores themes of female sexuality and promiscuity, as well as the idiosyncrasies of true love.

In 1940, nineteen-year-old Vivian Morris has just been kicked out of Vassar College, owing to her lackluster freshman-year performance. Her affluent parents send her to Manhattan to live with her Aunt Peg, who owns a flamboyant, crumbling midtown theater called the Lily Playhouse. There Vivian is introduced to an entire cosmos of unconventional and charismatic characters, from the fun-chasing showgirls to a sexy male actor, a grand-dame actress, a lady-killer writer, and no-nonsense stage manager. But when Vivian makes a personal mistake that results in professional scandal, it turns her new world upside down in ways that it will take her years to fully understand. Ultimately, though, it leads her to a new understanding of the kind of life she craves – and the kind of freedom it takes to pursue it. It will also lead to the love of her life, a love that stands out from all the rest.

Now eighty-nine years old and telling her story at last, Vivian recalls how the events of those years altered the course of her life – and the gusto and autonomy with which she approached it. “At some point in a woman’s life, she just gets tired of being ashamed all the time,” she muses. “After that, she is free to become whoever she truly is.” Written with a powerful wisdom about human desire and connection, City of Girls is a love story like no other.

 

Welcome!  I have large stacks of books TBR (To Be Read) on my nightstand, plus electronic stacks of books lined up in my Kindle, as well as books on hold at the library.  As I read these books, I love to share my thoughts and opinions of what I’ve read here in this space, because I enjoy sharing my passion for books with others.  I do have an eclectic taste in books, and will choose books based on my mood, or what’s going on in my life that week.  Finally, the page numbers I list here reflect the number of Kindle pages, not paper pages.  Thank you!)  I hope you enjoy this series.

Book #4: 

Reading with Oprah: the Book Club that Changed America by Kathleen Rooney (Length: 230 hardcover pages).  I don’t recall how I heard about this book, but any books about books always appeal to me.  This, with the exception of a few juicier sections, was entirely too dry and academic for me to really enjoy.  (Speed-reading is a useful skill to get through this book ;).  The author does cover a fascinating topic, however.  In the past, critics have taken exception to Oprah’s book choices, and this author explores the high brow/low brow literature distinction here, before concluding (with the exception of 5 truly awful book choices) that the Oprah Book Club book choices actually do have some redeeming literary value.  The chapter on the Jonathan Franzen (the author of “Corrections”) controversy is very interesting here.  As a lifelong reader of many of the OBC selections, I found this book to be an interesting (albeit too dry) analysis of the impact of the club on America.  

From the publisher:

Adored by its fans, deplored by its critics, the Oprah Book Club has been at the center of arguments about cultural authority and literary taste since its inception in 1996. Virtually everyone seems to have an opinion about this monumental institution with its revolutionary and controversial fusion of the literary, the televisual, and the commercial. Reading with Oprah by Kathleen Rooney is the first in-depth look at the phenomenon that is the OBC.

Rooney combines extensive research with a lively personal voice and engaging narrative style to untangle the myths and presuppositions surrounding the club, to reveal its complex and far-reaching cultural influence, confronting head-on how the club became a crucible for the heated clash between “high” and “low” literary taste. Comprehensive and up-to-date, the book features a wide survey of recent commentary, and describes why the club closed in 2002, as well as why it resumed almost a year later in 2003, with a new focus on “great books.” Rooney also provides the most extensive analysis yet of the Oprah Winfrey–Jonathan Franzen contretemps.

Book #5: 

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry (Length: 348 pages).  Yet another book about books that I ADORE!  Set in a bookstore in England, at first this seems like way too many random characters are introduced.  But then, the author somehow fleshes all of them out sufficiently for the reader to see how their relationships with one another have meaning.  I love the setting of the book (mostly in the bookshop) and how the store is fixed up (every book lover’s dream).  The plot is very cute, and the ending is satisfying.  This would make a very cute Netflix movie . . . I’d watch it.  

 

From the publisher:

Nightingale Books, nestled on the main street in an idyllic little village, is a dream come true for book lovers—a cozy haven and welcoming getaway for the literary-minded locals. But owner Emilia Nightingale is struggling to keep the shop open after her beloved father’s death, and the temptation to sell is getting stronger. The property developers are circling, yet Emilia’s loyal customers have become like family, and she can’t imagine breaking the promise she made to her father to keep the store alive.

There’s Sarah, owner of the stately Peasebrook Manor, who has used the bookshop as an escape in the past few years, but it now seems there’s a very specific reason for all those frequent visits. Next is roguish Jackson, who, after making a complete mess of his marriage, now looks to Emilia for advice on books for the son he misses so much. And the forever shy Thomasina, who runs a pop-up restaurant for two in her tiny cottage—she has a crush on a man she met in the cookbook section, but can hardly dream of working up the courage to admit her true feelings.

Enter the world of Nightingale Books for a serving of romance, long-held secrets, and unexpected hopes for the future—and not just within the pages on the shelves. How to Find Love in a Bookshop is the delightful story of Emilia, the unforgettable cast of customers whose lives she has touched, and the books they all cherish.

Book #6: 

A Quiet Life in the Country by TE Kinsey (Length: 257 pages).  If you are on the hunt for a fun, easy-to-read mystery series, look no further!  This is the first novel in a series featuring Lady Hardcastle and her lady’s maid Florence Armstrong.  Set in 1908, in a small village outside of London, the ladies both have a mysterious (and exciting!) past, which is revealed bit by bit.  Flo is the narrator, and she’s very quirky and smart, with snarky quips.  The relationship between the two protagonists is a lot of fun–teasing, but loving, and with a constant witty banter.  The mystery here is not violent, but is intelligent and not easy to solve.  Excellent writing, fantastic character development, and I absolutely want to read more (there are at least 6 books in this series thus far).  

From the publisher:

Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they’ve just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life.

But it is not long before Lady Hardcastle is forced out of her self-imposed retirement. There’s a dead body in the woods, and the police are on the wrong scent. Lady Hardcastle makes some enquiries of her own, and it seems she knows a surprising amount about crime investigation…

As Lady Hardcastle and Flo delve deeper into rural rivalries and resentment, they uncover a web of intrigue that extends far beyond the village. With almost no one free from suspicion, they can be certain of only one fact: there is no such thing as a quiet life in the country.

Book #7: 

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker-Bradley (Length: 322 pages).  This Newbery Honor middle-grade (4-7th grade) book has been on my radar for ages, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up!  This is such a sweet story of redemption by a disabled girl (Ada) who has a clubfoot in London at the beginning of World War 2.  Ada is abused (neglect and some physical abuse–not too graphic but is mentioned) by her mother because of her “deformity”, but when she and her younger brother are shipped out of the city due to the war (along with all of the other city children), she learns what it is to live.  The writing is excellent here, and the characters are very well-developed.  The plot pacing is perfect, as you’ll want to keep reading to see what happens next.  My one (small) complaint is that the transitions between the chapters are a bit odd, and are jarring at times–would love to edit this book.  Any child (9 years old and up), teen or adult will love this book!  Would be a cute parent/child book club pick as well as there’s a lot to discuss.  

From the publisher:

New York Public Library’s 100 Books for Reading and Sharing 

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War II, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.

Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.

So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?

This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.

Book #8: 

Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow (Length: 414 pages).  Whoa!  This book is amazing and is a MUST READ.  The author (Woody Allen and Mia Farrow’s son, Ronan) is a very skilled journalist and writer who essentially was the journalist who exposed the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the scandal which prompted the reintroduction of the #metoo movement (by Alyssa Milano in response to the NY Times article regarding Weinstein).  This book is a detailed, step-by-step account of how Farrow gathered the evidence from just a small fraction of the (more than 100) women who were victimized by this studio head.  Farrow skillfully, unemotionally and professionally describes how the culture of powerful men who victimize and silence their female victims has been perpetuated for decades, even as he, himself, is being followed by investigators paid by the powerful elite.  (He does touch on the Trump and Matt Lauer rapes, but the primary focus is on Weinstein here.)  The book is very detailed and a bit lengthy, but is a very fast read–it’s incredibly well-written, and is a must read.  

From the publisher:

In this instant New York Times bestselling account of violence and espionage, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Ronan Farrow exposes serial abusers and a cabal of powerful interests hell-bent on covering up the truth, at any cost.
In 2017, a routine network television investigation led Ronan Farrow to a story only whispered about: one of Hollywood’s most powerful producers was a predator, protected by fear, wealth, and a conspiracy of silence. As Farrow drew closer to the truth, shadowy operatives, from high-priced lawyers to elite war-hardened spies, mounted a secret campaign of intimidation, threatening his career, following his every move, and weaponizing an account of abuse in his own family.
All the while, Farrow and his producer faced a degree of resistance they could not explain — until now. And a trail of clues revealed corruption and cover-ups from Hollywood to Washington and beyond.
This is the untold story of the exotic tactics of surveillance and intimidation deployed by wealthy and connected men to threaten journalists, evade accountability, and silence victims of abuse. And it’s the story of the women who risked everything to expose the truth and spark a global movement.

Welcome!  I have large stacks of books TBR (To Be Read) on my nightstand, plus electronic stacks of books lined up in my Kindle, as well as books on hold at the library.  As I read these books, I love to share my thoughts and opinions of what I’ve read here in this space, because I enjoy sharing my passion for books with others.  I do have an eclectic taste in books, and will choose books based on my mood, or what’s going on in my life that week.  Finally, the page numbers I list here reflect the number of Kindle pages, not paper pages.  Thank you!)  I hope you enjoy this series.

Book #1: 

The Floating Feldmans by Elyssa Friedland (Length: 366 pages).  I ADORED this book!  This is such a fun, easy, FAST read that is set on a mega-cruise ship.  The unusual setting is a unique twist, but the author’s writing is excellent and I was impressed with her strong character development given how many characters she is juggling here.  All of the family members involved are developed sufficiently for the reader to care about what happens.  The plot IS predictable, as you know exactly how all of the issues will be resolved, but the journey to get there is very enjoyable!  This would be a fantastic vacation/travel read.  

From the publisher:

Sink or swim. Or at least that’s what Annette Feldman tells herself when she books a cruise for her entire family. It’s been over a decade since the Feldman clan has spent more than twenty-four hours under the same roof, but Annette is determined to celebrate her seventieth birthday the right way. Just this once, they are going to behave like an actual family.

Too bad her kids didn’t get the memo.

Between the troublesome family secrets, old sibling rivalries, and her two teenage grandkids, Annette’s birthday vacation is looking more and more like the perfect storm. Adrift together on the open seas, the Feldmans will each face the truths they’ve been ignoring—and learn that the people they once thought most likely to sink them are actually the ones who help them stay afloat.

Book #2: 

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (Length: 290 pages).  This is a very quick, sweet read, and reminded me of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (which I reviewed here in March of 2018).  The protagonist is a bookstore owner on an island off the East Coast,  He’s a grouchy middle-aged man who is changed (just a little) by some dramatic events in his life. The book covers a lot of his life, but my only (minor) complaint is that it seems to go slowly building up to the events, and then speeds by in the second half, much too quickly in my opinion.  However, this is a books-focused novel, which I adore!  It’s not too deep, but it’s deep enough not to feel like a junk-food read.  Definitely recommend!  

From the publisher:

A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over–and see everything anew.

Book #3 : 

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty (Length: 546 pages). This book has been on my Kindle for ages, and is one I could’ve sworn I had read but forgot to read (ironically, given the subject matter here).  I think it’s because I’ve already read a few of Moriarty’s other books.  I absolutely loved reading this book!  The plot is propelled along by the premise of a woman suffering temporary amnesia after a fall.  The past ten years of her life disappear and she finds herself not knowing her children, in the midst of a separation from her husband, and suffering strained relationships with friends and family.  The characters here are very multi-dimensional and complex (yet still likeable if that’s important to you), and I’m excited to see the motion picture that’s being developed for this.   This would be a really good book club book as there is so much to explore here. . . marriage, infertility, familial relationships.   Read this now if you haven’t yet–you won’t regret it! 

From the publisher:

Alice Love is twenty-nine, crazy about her husband, and pregnant with her first child. So imagine Alice’s surprise when she comes to on the floor of a gym (a gym! She HATES the gym) and is whisked off to the hospital where she discovers the honeymoon is truly over—she’s getting divorced, she has three kids, and she’s actually 39 years old. Alice must reconstruct the events of a lost decade, and find out whether it’s possible to reconstruct her life at the same time. She has to figure out why her sister hardly talks to her, and how is it that she’s become one of those super skinny moms with really expensive clothes. Ultimately, Alice must discover whether forgetting is a blessing or a curse, and whether it’s possible to start over…

Welcome!  I have large stacks of books TBR (To Be Read) on my nightstand, plus electronic stacks of books lined up in my Kindle, as well as books on hold at the library.  As I read these books, I love to share my thoughts and opinions of what I’ve read here in this space, because I enjoy sharing my passion for books with others.  I do have an eclectic taste in books, and will choose books based on my mood, or what’s going on in my life that week.  Finally, the page numbers I list here reflect the number of Kindle pages, not paper pages.  Thank you!)  I hope you enjoy this series.

Book #1: 

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (Length: 609 pages).  This is the third book in the Cormoran Strike series written by JK Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.   It’s a WHOPPER of a long book, so beware of this before starting, as once you start, you’ll want to finish it to find out whodunit.  There are some very violent scenes in this novel, about a serial killer.  But I will say that these scenes aren’t gratuitous and absolutely are necessary to the plot.  I have read that this book gave JK Rowling nightmares while she was writing it, and I get it.  The central mystery in this novel is VERY well-executed.  I never put the clues together while reading it, and in fact, had to go back and re-read certain passages after the killer was revealed to see what I missed.  I really enjoyed how the dynamic between Cormoran and Robin continues to change and grow.  I absolutely will continue reading more of this series–JK Rowling is a masterful writer in my humble opinion!

From the publisher:

When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman’s severed leg.
Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible–and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of sustained and unspeakable brutality.
With the police focusing on the one suspect Strike is increasingly sure is not the perpetrator, he and Robin take matters into their own hands, and delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them…
Career of Evil is the third in the highly acclaimed series featuring private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott. A fiendishly clever mystery with unexpected twists around every corner, it is also a gripping story of a man and a woman at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives.

Book #2: 

Do You Mind if I Cancel? by Gary Janetti (Length: 155 pages).  I am a HUGE fan of Gary Janetti’s Instagram account, where he pokes fun at the Royal Family via snarky captions on photos of Prince George.  This book is NOT that.  I found this memoir/book of essays to be self-serving, and the author comes across as arrogant and whiny.  He is a writer of several successful TV shows (Family Guy, Will & Grace among others) but this didn’t read as very funny.  (Or very well-written as I found a few syntax and grammatical errors throughout).  There are a few funny parts, and I do appreciate the author’s perspective as a gay man coming out in a tough era (70s/80s) but this, unfortunately, is not a book I’d recommend.  

From the publisher:

Fans of David Sedaris, Jenny Lawson, and Tina Fey… meet your new friend Gary Janetti.

Gary Janetti, the writer and producer for some of the most popular television comedies of all time, and creator of one of the most wickedly funny Instagram accounts there is, now turns his skills to the page in a hilarious, and poignant book chronicling the pains and indignities of everyday life.

Gary spends his twenties in New York, dreaming of starring on soap operas while in reality working at a hotel where he lusts after an unattainable colleague and battles a bellman who despises it when people actually use a bell to call him. He chronicles the torture of finding a job before the internet when you had to talk on the phone all the time, and fantasizes, as we all do, about who to tell off when he finally wins an Oscar. As Gary himself says, “These are essays from my childhood and young adulthood about things that still annoy me.”

Original, brazen, and laugh out loud funny, Do You Mind If I Cancel? is something not to be missed.

Book #3: 

Atomic Habits by James Clear (Length: 319 pages).  I LOVE this book!  The author discusses how to create good habits, using concrete tips (such as the “Two Minute Rule””), conveyed with an engaging and straightforward writing style.  This is a book I’m actually considering buying to add to my library, because I can see myself going back to re-read it again and again, as needed.   Here are some of the top tips that stood out to me: 

1)  Improving something  incrementally over time–just getting 1% better each day–will translate into huge changes in your life.   In other words, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” SO true! 

2)  Your outcomes are a lagging measure of your habits . . . for example, your weight is a lagging measure of your eating habits.  Little changes add up. 

3) This one is so key–change your identity to stick with a habit.  For example, “The goal is not to run a marathon, the goal is to become a runner.”  So if you believe in what you want to identify as, you’re more likely to act in accordance with that belief.  And sharing this identity with others is key to success–which is one of the many reasons I love the CrossFit community! 

4)  He also discusses how “the costs of your good habits are in the present.  The cost of your bad habits are in the future.”  An example of this is how it can be hard to get to gym and actually exercise because you’re not going to see results right away, and conversely, it’s easy to be sedentary when you won’t see the results of that lifestyle right away.  

There are so many different habits/lifestyle changes these apply to–I’m just using fitness as an example.  Definitely check out this amazing book!

From the publisher:

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you’ll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

Book #4: 

Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton (Length: 298 pages).    This was another motivational read for me!  It’s a VERY inspiring memoir by Olympic medal holder and American record holder of the marathon, Deena Kastor.  What I appreciated about this book is its very concrete tips about how positive thinking can really affect your running (and every day) life.  She also discusses how to banish negative self-talk during your runs, which is something I deal with during my CrossFit workouts.  I’ve implemented some of her little tips already and I’ve noticed they really work.  I also appreciate that she used a co-writer, which doesn’t always happen, but this translated into a very well-written book.  Definitely recommend to anyone who participates in any kind of athletic activity.  (This would make a fantastic holiday gift for any high school/college athlete as well!) 

From the publisher:

Deena Kastor was a star youth runner with tremendous promise, yet her career almost ended after college, when her competitive method—run as hard as possible, for fear of losing—fostered a frustration and negativity and brought her to the brink of burnout. On the verge of quitting, she took a chance and moved to the high altitudes of Alamosa, Colorado, where legendary coach Joe Vigil had started the first professional distance-running team. There she encountered the idea that would transform her running career: the notion that changing her thinking—shaping her mind to be more encouraging, kind, and resilient—could make her faster than she’d ever imagined possible. Building a mind so strong would take years of effort and discipline, but it would propel Kastor to the pinnacle of running—to American records in every distance from the 5K to the marathon—and to the accomplishment of earning America’s first Olympic medal in the marathon in twenty years.

Book #5: 

The Need by Helen Phillips (Length: 273 pages). Wow.  I am not sure what to say about this one.  Let me start with the positives:  this novel is the epitome of the unreliable narrator, which can be fun as it keeps the reader on his or her toes.  The writing is excellent, it’s fairly fast-paced, and the beginning of the book absolutely will have you hooked.  The author seems to be exploring motherhood, especially how it can emotionally impact mothers of very young children.  After the first few chapters, however,  you may wonder what the heck you’ve gotten yourself into.  The author seems to have a real obsession with lactation/nursing, which is odd and a bit off-putting in the context of the story.  The plot line is very strange, and if it’s not sci-fi, it’s a treatise on mental health, but the ambiguity is very annoying here because the reader can’t really empathize with the protagonist unless they know what’s really happening.  The surprise “twist” at the end is very ambiguous too.  I’d say this is a hard pass, but I can see how some readers (perhaps smarter than I?) would appreciate the themes of this novel.  Let me know in the comments what you think if you’ve read this one.  

From the publisher:

When Molly, home alone with her two young children, hears footsteps in the living room, she tries to convince herself it’s the sleep deprivation. She’s been hearing things these days. Startling at loud noises. Imagining the worst-case scenario. It’s what mothers do, she knows.

But then the footsteps come again, and she catches a glimpse of movement.

Suddenly Molly finds herself face-to-face with an intruder who knows far too much about her and her family. As she attempts to protect those she loves most, Molly must also acknowledge her own frailty. Molly slips down an existential rabbit hole where she must confront the dualities of motherhood: the ecstasy and the dread; the languor and the ferocity; the banality and the transcendence as the book hurtles toward a mind-bending conclusion.

In The Need, Helen Phillips has created a subversive, speculative thriller that comes to life through blazing, arresting prose and gorgeous, haunting imagery. Helen Phillips has been anointed as one of the most exciting fiction writers working today, and The Need is a glorious celebration of the bizarre and beautiful nature of our everyday lives.

 

Welcome!  I have large stacks of books TBR (To Be Read) on my nightstand, plus electronic stacks of books lined up in my Kindle, as well as books on hold at the library.  As I read these books, I love to share my thoughts and opinions of what I’ve read here in this space, because I enjoy sharing my passion for books with others.  I do have an eclectic taste in books, and will choose books based on my mood, or what’s going on in my life that week.  Finally, the page numbers I list here reflect the number of Kindle pages, not paper pages.  Thank you!)  I hope you enjoy this series.

Book #1: 

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe by Mary Simses (Length: 354 pages).  This was a cute little palate cleanser of a book that’s been sitting on my bookshelf for quite a while.  As palate cleansers go, it’s better written than most.  I found the plot to be VERY predictable, as most romance type books are, and there wasn’t sufficient depth to the characters and their backstories.  Specifically, I wanted to learn more about the protagonist’s grandmother’s story (which presumably forms the mystery at the center of this book).  However, I adore the Maine setting of this book. While I was reading I was picturing this as a cute little Hallmark Channel movie, and lo and behold, there is one based on this book (called “The Irresistible Blueberry Farm.”) 

From the publisher:

A high-powered Manhattan attorney finds love, purpose, and the promise of a simpler life in her grandmother’s hometown.
Ellen Branford is going to fulfill her grandmother’s dying wish–to find the hometown boy she once loved, and give him her last letter. Ellen leaves Manhattan and her Kennedy-esque fiance for Beacon, Maine. What should be a one-day trip is quickly complicated when she almost drowns in the chilly bay and is saved by a local carpenter. The rescue turns Ellen into something of a local celebrity, which may or may not help her unravel the past her grandmother labored to keep hidden. As she learns about her grandmother and herself, it becomes clear that a 24-hour visit to Beacon may never be enough. THE IRRESISTIBLE BLUEBERRY BAKESHOP & CAFE is a warm and delicious debut about the power of a simpler life.

Book #2: 

Unwritten by Charles Martin (Length: 331 pages).  I do love this author, and his books, even though they’re categorized as “Christian fiction”.  I don’t find them to be overly religious at all, instead they are non-offensive in terms of cursing and sex.  I find the plots to be satisfying in resolution, and I always learn something new when I read these novels (whether it’s about the setting or something intrinsic to the characters’ ways of life).  Here, the reader will receive an in-depth education about fishing and the 10,000 Islands off the coast of Florida.  The author’s skill is how he develops his characters enough to make you care about what happens to them, which propels you forward in your reading.  That absolutely occurs here as I couldn’t put this one down.  I will say that one issue I tend to have with Martin’s novels is that one character will have an unlimited source of TONS of money so they really don’t have to deal with the vagaries of real life.  That’s a bit annoying but again, it IS escapist fiction.  Definitely recommend this as a vacation book, or even a book to waste a Saturday afternoon reading.  

From the publisher:

An actress running from her past finds escape with a man hiding from his future.  When someone wants to be lost, a home tucked among the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast is a good place to live. A couple decent boats, and a deep knowledge of fishing and a man can get by without ever having to talk to another soul. It’s a nice enough existence, until the one person who ties him to the world of the living, the reason he’s still among them even if only on the fringes, asks him for help.
Father Steady Capri knows quite a bit about helping others. But he is afraid Katie Quinn’s problems may be beyond his abilities. Katie is a world-famous actress with an all too familiar story. Fame seems to have driven her to self-destruct. Steady knows the true cause of her desire to end her life is buried too deeply for him to reach. But there is one person who still may be able to save her from herself.
He will show her an alternate escape, a way to write a new life. But Katie still must confront her past before she can find peace. Ultimately, he will need to leave his secluded home and sacrifice the serenity he’s found to help her. From the Florida coast, they will travel to the French countryside where they will discover the unwritten story of both their pasts and their future.

Book #3: 

The Girl Who Reads on the Metro by Christine Feret-Fleury (Length: 168 pages).  This is a short little novel, translated from the original French, which I picked up because of the blurb about how it’s appealing to those who love the movie Amelie, which I do.  Very cute book about “passeurs” who match books to readers on the street or the Metro.  I adore the Paris setting, and found it’s a very quick read and beautifully written.  (I have a feeling it reads even better in its original language).  I wouldn’t go out of my way to read this, but it’s a fun little novel about books and the people who love them.  

From the publisher:

Juliette leads a perfectly ordinary life in Paris, working a slow office job, dating a string of not-quite-right men, and fighting off melancholy. The only bright spots in her day are her métro rides across the city and the stories she dreams up about the strangers reading books across from her: the old lady, the math student, the amateur ornithologist, the woman in love, the girl who always tears up at page 247.

One morning, avoiding the office for as long as she can, Juliette finds herself on a new block, in front of a rusty gate wedged open with a book. Unable to resist, Juliette walks through, into the bizarre and enchanting lives of Soliman and his young daughter, Zaide. Before she realizes entirely what is happening, Juliette agrees to become a passeur, Soliman’s name for the booksellers he hires to take stacks of used books out of his store and into the world, using their imagination and intuition to match books with readers. Suddenly, Juliette’s daydreaming becomes her reality, and when Soliman asks her to move in to their store to take care of Zaide while he goes away, she has to decide if she is ready to throw herself headfirst into this new life.

Big-hearted, funny, and gloriously zany, The Girl Who Reads on the Métro is a delayed coming-of-age story about a young woman who dares to change her life, and a celebration of the power of books to unite us all.

Book #4: 

The Dead Don’t Dance by Charles Martin (Length: 321 pages).  This blog is starting to read as a Charles Martin fan page, and it really isn’t, I promise!  This author happens to be pretty prolific, and my type-A personality doesn’t let many booklists go unread if I enjoy a particular author’s writing style.  Anyway, I wanted to read this particular selection as it is Martin’s first published novel.  Wonderful storytelling here, as usual.  There are a few difficult themes here, but mentioning what they are will give away the plot.  I will say that I am not a fan of how the African-American characters are portrayed here as I found they are too stereotypical in terms of their speech and their athletic talent, etc.  (However, I will say I find this author has grown quite a bit given his later novels.)  This is not my favorite novel of Martin’s (my favorite that I’ve read so far has to be Intercepted), but it is a satisfying, and fast read overall.  

From the publisher:

Experience Charles Martin’s debut novel, a story of loss and undying love written in his signature emotive and heartrending style. 

A sleepy rural town in South Carolina. The end of summer and a baby about to be born. But in the midst of hope and celebration comes unexpected tragedy, and Dylan Styles must come to terms with how much he’s lost. Will the music of his heart be stilled forever—or will he choose to dance with life once more, in spite of sorrow and heartbreak?

The Dead Don’t Dance is a bittersweet yet triumphant love story—a tale of one man’s journey through the darkness of despair and into the light of hope.

Book #5: 

Maggie by Charles Martin (Length: 321 pages).  This is a sequel of sorts to Martin’s The Dead Don’t Dance.  I didn’t think that book really needed a sequel while reading the first quarter of this book, because the major plot point of the previous book had been totally resolved.  But then, a new plot point started and the plot as well as the pace of the book picked up.  This was a really fun read and would recommend it for sure . . . but be aware of some potential triggers (violence, and violence against women).  I did appreciate how the ending of this novel wasn’t pat and perfect.  

From the publisher:

“When Maggie opened her eyes that New Year’s Day some seventeen months ago, I felt like I could see again. The fog lifted off my soul, and for the first time since our son had died and she had gone to sleep—some four months, sixteen days, eighteen hours, and nineteen minutes earlier—I took a breath deep enough to fill both my lungs.”

Life began again for Dylan Styles when his beloved wife Maggie awoke from a coma. A coma brought on by the intense two-day labor that resulted in heartbreaking loss. In this poignant love story that is redolent with Southern atmosphere, Dylan and Maggie must come to terms with their past before they can embrace their future.