Coming Home by Brittney Griner with Michelle Burford

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Duration: 10:36:00
Published: May 2024

I used my last Audible credit on my birthday, before I canceled my membership, to purchase Brittney Griner's Coming Home where she recounts the horrifying 10 months she was wrongfully detained in Russia for mistakenly bringing 0.7 grams of medically-prescribed hash oil on a flight from her home in Phoenix. She was returning to Russia to finish out the season playing for the Russia women's basketball team after recuperating from a COVID-19 diagnosis. 

This story is so maddening I don't know that I could have made it through the book if I didn't know the ending. The non-fictional story is presented in an engaging way and provides insight and details to Griner's horrifying ordeal that we, as a nation, did not hear about on the news. Griner narrates the prologue and epilogue, and Andia Winslow does a beautiful job narrating the story in between. I was also really was inspired by how much effort her wife, Cherelle, invested in keeping the campaign for her return alive in the midst of dealing with her own trauma and carrying out her daily responsibilities including passing the bar exam. 

From a personal level, what's even more infuriating than what happened to Griner is the lack of empathy from her fellow U.S. citizens, including some I know personally, who had such vitriol to share about her. It is disappointing that people can be so black and white and not give grace or space for others. I try not to dwell on the negativity but rather the community that came together and embodied the #WeAreBG movement. Whether you agree with the politics of her detainment and ultimate release is of little-to-no consequence. She is back on U.S. soil, thank God, and you will never be able to make me believe in the same situation, you wouldn't take whatever opportunity presented to you to get back home to your loved ones. My only hope is that one day the majority of people in the U.S. will have the same amount of compassion and energy for people who look like Griner as they do for people like Amber Guyger and Michael P. Fay.

For Griner to come out on the other side of this as a person who is not only healing from her trauma but also exhibiting a very positive mindset is commendable. What she is doing to help bring light to other wrongfully detained U.S. citizens across the globe is inspiring. I admire her courage and her strength to carry on, including her plans to represent the U.S. in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. 

Recommendation: I enjoyed getting to know more about Griner, her family, and how she is moving forward. I have nothing to send her but positive and healing energy for the future. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 327 pages
Published: August 2023

Whalefall by Daniel Kraus was more like a whaleFAIL for me. The cover is beautiful. The premise is intriguing, but the story simply fell flat for me. To be honest, this is not something I would normally read, but the synopsis and aforementioned cover just grabbed me. (So much for judging a book by its cover!). 

The arresting plot is about a young man, Jay, who is attempting to grieve and cope with the death (by suicide) of his father, Mitt. Mitt and Jay have been estranged for sometime, and even on Mitt's deathbed, Jay can't seem to bring himself to visit and reconcile with his father. And quite honestly, I understand the hesitation. Mitt was described as a narrow-minded, chauvinistic man's man who could not process that his only son had different aspirations and was a bit more nuanced as an individual. Mitt lived his life without much emotion, and he seemed to be embarrassed when Jay showed any. But I digress. 

The story opens, and Mitt has died. Jay is grieving, and has decided to go out to the ocean where his father died by suicide to find and collect his remains. What he sets out to do at the beginning of the book is so dangerous that he must do it in secret. As luck (or commonsense) would have it, he dives in with this scuba gear, encounters trouble with a squid and ends up swallowed by and in the stomach of a whale. The story is told as he travels through the four stomachs of said whale, and it claims to be scientifically accurate. I am not a scientist or a diver, but there was definitely an overabundance of technical details in the story, so yeah I guess it probably is technically accurate. But does that really matter? I would argue, no. The scientific minutiae made it difficult for me to accurately picture what was happening. Coupled with the overwrought descriptions are seemingly random flashbacks in Jay's mind of interactions with mainly his father but also his mother and sisters. 

Any adult reader can discern the main character is grappling with his father's death and the overbearing whale is serving as some sort of paternal metaphor. I think the overall premise is thoughtful; however, the execution just didn't do it for me. It was erratic and disjointed, and I didn't really enjoy the journey. I was just ready to take one big breath of fresh air when it was over. 

Recommendation: I always say not every book is for every one, and maybe this one wasn't for me. I don't know that I'd be running to the bookstore or library to read another book by this author. But to each his own. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 

Duration: 09:46:00
Published: January 2022

I snagged a copy of The Housemaid during on of Audible's annual 2-for-1 sales (along with The Guncle by Steven Rowley, but I haven't gotten to that one yet.). Because my work book club had chosen it for our monthly selection and I have a 50-mile commute to work, the Audible sale came in handy. A couple of coworkers had mentioned that the book was good ... but, oh boy, was it unputdownable good! 

The story centers around Millie, a young down-on-her luck ex-con living in her car, who takes a job as a housemaid and nanny for a family that, at the outset, seem too good to be true. As the story evolves, she finds that Nina, the woman of the house, seems to have some mental health issues. (As I was reading, I thought she might be suffering from biopolar personality disorder.) Her young daughter, Cecelia appears to still be struggling with her terrible twos several years late. And Nina's poor husband, Andrew resembles the perfect victim. However, all things aren't as a they seem and a mid-book plot twist flips the story on its head, propelling the reader to a captivating, albeit disturbing, conclusion. 

The author did a great job of creating a suspenseful tone that has the reader questioning the narration. The emotions evoked grip the reader into making an investment to finish the story. I enjoyed McFadden's writing style and the fast-paced nature of this mystery thriller. I wouldn't classify it as scary, but it is definitely creepy. 

There is a second and third book in the series, The Housemaid's Secret and The Housemaid is Watching, that I have yet to read. I'm not a fan of series as I like reading different types of books by a variety of authors, but if the second two are anything like the first, hold on to your seats! 

Recommendation: This was a fun listen, and I suspect reading an e-copy or hard copy would be just as compelling. Book club choice for the win with this one. Highly recommend for a fall, spooky story. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Duration: 9:03:00
Published: March 2019

I had been hearing about Daisy Jones and the Six for years … probably ever since it published … then again when the limited series aired on Amazon Prime Video. I kept thinking I should try reading it, but other books got top billing. Well, an Audible promotion and recommendation that Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel is best listened to prompted me to download an audio copy. And now, I am a fan girl of a totally fictional band. 

The story centers around Daisy Jones and a young band called The Six, led by the Dunne brothers. Both Daisy, as a solo artist, and The Six are trying to make a go of it in the music industry filled with underage sex and an overabundance of alcohol and drugs. Separate chance encounters with a successful producer provide the impetus for him to put the two together. There is a lot of conflict and sexual tension between Daisy and the older Dunne brother, Billy, that fuels the fire for creativity and catapults the group to stardom. Then, at the height of their success, the group disbands never to play together again and no one knows why. The present-day story is set up in documentary style, decades later, with each member sharing through flashbacks their respective memories and perspective on what happened. 

The audiobook is truly a treat to listen to. There’s a cast of characters, many of whom are well-known actors, who take on the personality traits of each character and really make the story come to life. While listening I kept wanting to hear the music. And that’s the bonus about Daisy Jones and the Six, Reese Witherspoon as producer with writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber bring the story to life. I am typically a person who always says the book was better. And the book was good, but the musical drama made the story so much better, allowing the characters to show us the chemistry among them just as well as Jenkins Reid told us. 

Recommendation: I highly recommend consuming this story via audio, and I equally recommend watching the TV series after you read the book. As with most adaptations, there were some liberties taken. And then, when you’re still jonesing (pun intended) for more, take a listen to the soundtrack on Spotify. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 355 pages
Published: May 2023

The Secret Book of Flora Lea was my first read by Patti Callahan Henry, and I must say her writing is as beautiful as that shimmery book cover. I snagged a hardback copy of this book from my local Barnes & Noble on recommendation of the Modern Mrs. Darcy's Book Club. Each year Anne Bogel puts out a Summer Reading List of recommendations, and this wonderful WWII-era novel was on it for 2023. To boot, the book club got to e-meet the author during an hourlong discussion! 

So, the story. This is a historical fiction novel about two sisters - Hazel, the older and Flora Lea, the younger and titular character, both whom get shipped off from war-torn London. In reality and in the novel, more than 800,000 children were evacuated during the most dangerous areas of the war under Operation Pied Piper. Together are with all the children from their community, the children and relocated, out of harms way, during World War II to live in a small idyllic town that was deemed safer. To help calm her younger sister's fears, Hazel creates stories in the magical world of Whisperwood. Because Hazel is several years older than Flora Lea and they are forced orphans during this time of evacuation, she takes on a mothering role despite the girls being temporarily "fostered" by a single mom living with her son. Everything is going as best it can, considering the circumstances, until it isn't and Flora Lea vanishes seemingly forever. This inciting action affects all parties involved for years to come. 

Fast forward a couple of decades later, and Hazel is working at an antique book shop where she comes across a rare book that features Whisperwood - the fictional world that she created for her younger sister. Certain this is proof Flora Lea is alive, Hazel goes on an investigative hunt, much to the dismay of her long-time boyfriend and his family, to find out more about the rare book, its author, and (she hopes) her sister. 

This was such an emotional read for me because I get so invested in these WWII-era stories. Henry did an excellent job of pulling the reader into the world of Hazel Mersey and Flora Lea. Her desciptions were vivid and the plot was engaging albeit hearwrenching at times. 

 
Recommendation: Prior to reading this book, I had no knowledge of the Operation Pied Piper program, which is a HORRIBLE name by the way, or how it has integrated itself into pop culture even today (see Paddington Bear). Learning this tidbit is one of the reasons I so enjoy reading and further proof that, yes, we do need another WWII story because there are just so many stories to tell, educate, and inform. I highly recommend this book and will be reading more by Patti Callahan Henry! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 337 pages
Published: March 2023

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley is not your usual humorous chick lit novel. Basically, the book is a fun telling of a female friendship between the unlikeliest of characters. Tanner, a 21-year old who is down on her luck after a horrible accident at college and Louise, an elderly woman living alone who has a fall and breaks her hip. Her adult children, who do not live nearby, hire Tanner to move in and help take care of their mother. Being pushed into the job by her mother, Tanner begrudgingly shows up to do the bare minimum. Similarly, Louise does not think she needs the help, so the two spend most of their time speaking as little as possible to one another. But when Louise shows in Tanner's room at 1 a.m., with a bag of cash, insisting they leave right away and offers to pay Tanner to drive, the two go on the trip of a lifetime. 

Through everything they encounter while they're traveling, to the text message exchanges between Louise's three adult children who are trying to find where Tanner and Louise have absconded, to its satisfying conclusion, the story is definitely a well-rounded one. The tone is mainly lighthearted, but there are some nuggets of wisdom that Louise offers in her dialogue with Tanner and that the author provides through her omniscient narration both give this lovely book some depth. This is my first book by Oakley, and I will certainly be reading more of her stories. 

Honestly, I didn't really like Tanner at first, but through witty prose and careful character development, Oakley was able to win me over to both ladies, and I absolutely adored their relationship in the end. 

Recommendation: This is a light, laugh out loud, fun summer read. I finished it in a couple of days - and enjoyed every page turned! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 341 pages
Published: June 2023

Listen. I slept on Razorblade Tears, and didn't pick up a copy until several years after publication. So, when I heard about S.A. Cosby's newest book, All the Sinners Bleed, I took myself right on up to Barnes & Noble and got a hardback copy. And, boy, am I glad I did! I love the way Cosby writes. I like the way he weaves themes of social justice, race relations and morality into his stories. I enjoyed the grittiness of the plot that sucks you in from chapter one and is hard pressed to let go upon completion. He is a storyteller in every sense of the word. So, let me try to tell you a little about this story. 

This novel features the first Black sheriff, Titus Crown, in a small Virginia town who finds he has a serial killer in the community a year into his tenure. The inciting event ocurrs early on in the novel and the bulk of the book surrounds Titus trying to unravel the mystery and locate the killer(s). Cosby definitely writes a thought-provoking, fast-paced, suspense-filled novel. My only critique is that the ending fell a little flat because I would have liked to know more about the antagonist and their motivations for doing what they did. Additionally, being a proponent of Black love, I was a little disappointed in what happened with the protagonist and his girlfriend. Having said that, it was totally realistic what happened and how it unfolded. I'm thankful for Cosby writing Darlene as the heroine of her own story. (Asking for a friend - Can we get a spinoff, Mr. Cosby?)

Recommendation: Overall, I enjoyed this story and found it to be a good read. I would rank Razorblade Tears above this one, but still a strong piece of fiction, indeed! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Duration: 08:15:00
Published: March 2022

I borrowed a copy of the audiobook version of The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith, narrated by one of my favorite actors - Mae Whitman - to listen to on a work road trip. As a military brat, taking road trips has always been a part of my life, and for work today, I often drive across this vast land we call Texas. Listening to a good book is the most fun way of multi-tasking, in my opinion. This fictional but realistic story is one of healing and redemption. It focuses on an indie rock star, the titular character, whose mother recently and unexpectedly passed away which results in her having a bit of an emotional breakdown in a very public way. To either deal with or avoid how this event has affected her career, she goes on a weeklong cruise trip with her father and some family friends as somewhat of a surrogate for her mother who had planned the trip before her death. 

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator does a great job of keeping the reader-listener engaged. The story is compelling, and the writing touches on a variety of emotions in a careful and respectful way. There were many points in this book where I laughed out loud, teared up and felt a soft tugging at my heart. I really enjoyed the challenging relationship between Greta and her father. He made me mad at times, but it was real, so real. Not all parent-child relationships are perfect and loving. There are disappointments and expectations unfulfilled. Overall, this was a nice and earnest book that I could personally relate to and I read at just the right time. 

Recommendation: This read was a predictable but lovely journey and teaches the reader that you can find love and forgiveness in the most unlikely places — even on a boat … er … a ship! I would highly recommend this book for someone looking to read a well-rounded fictional story. There are some heavy topics like death and grief, but there’s also lighthearted humor, friendship, forgiveness and a little romance that’s handled in a practical way. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 336 pages
Published: July 2021

In July 2021, S.A. Cosby’s Razorblade Tears was published. Sometime near its publication, the book must have been added to Book of the Month’s monthly selection. However, something else must have caught my eye that month because I did not choose this book. Then, in July of 2022, President Obama listed the book on his annual reading list, and I still did not snag a copy from any of my favorite places. Then, at the end of the month Amazon offered a $5 discount on digital books, and I guess that five bucks was the push that motivated me to grab a copy. But still, I didn’t start reading the novel until the end of August. Upon completing it, I am wondering: Why did I wait so long?! 

So, let me tell you about it. Razorblade Tears is a fictional story about a very real emotion - revenge. A black father’s, Ike, son and a white father’s, Buddy Lee, son fall in love and marry each other and then are mysteriously and gruesomely murdered. These two tough-enough fathers who also happen to be ex-convicts team up to solve the crime that the police are moving too slow on. Their love for their sons, regret for judging their sexual identity and experience on the other side of the law fuel their passion to seek, find and create justice for their loved ones. 

Tears ran from his eyes and stung his cheeks. Tears for his son. Tears for his wife. Tears for the little girl they had to raise. Tears for who they were and what they all had lost. Each drop felt like it was slicing his face open like a razorblade.

“Get that what’s normal ain’t up to me. That it don’t f*cking matter who he wanted to wake up next to as long as he was waking up,” Buddy Lee said.”

“No, hate. Folks like to talk about revenge like it’s a righteous thing but it’s just hate in a nicer suit,” Ike said.

A good father, a good man, loves the people that love his children.

This time they didn’t feel so much like razor blades. They felt like the long-awaited answer to a mournful prayer for rain. 

I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy this book because I felt I couldn’t really relate to the plot. However, I was completely wrong. This book evoked a myriad of emotions for me as we all have at least one person in our life we love like this. Additionally, Cosby wrote the story in such a way that the plot moved quickly and the descriptions came to life. I truly felt like I was reading an action movie. There really is no need for this to go to the big screen because the author did such a good job writing it, but I wouldn’t be mad if it was turned into a movie and Denzel Washington played Ike. I’m just sayin!  

Recommendation: This book is dark, but it is good. It is vivid. It is engaging. If you enjoyed The Equalizer movies, you might enjoy this book. It’s a quick read too. Don’t be like me. Don’t delay. Grab a copy for your favorite bookseller or library today! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Pages: 381 pages
Published: January 2021

I am disappointed to report that it took me a long two weeks to complete Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour. A debut novel about a young black man currently working at one of my favorite places but also searching for himself and striving for success as eventually finds himself in a sales role in bumbling New York City.  

The book opens with Darren Vender living in a Bed-Stuy brownstone with his widowed mother surrounded and supported by his close-knit community. A chance encounter with an exectuive from the top floor of the building where Darren works as a Starbucks barista lands him the opportunity of a lifetime at a start-up company run by that executive. From there Darren transforms into Buck, and the story quickly moves from one unrealistic scenario to another ultimately falling flat. 

While I did appreciate the nods to the culture and how music was incorporated in the first half of the book, I didn't really like the premise of a novel as a sales manual. If I wanted to read a sales manual or a motivational book on how to become a salesperson, I would have done just that - not purchased a novel disguised as one. I think the biggest issue for me was the treatment of women in general, but especially women of color, as characters in the book. They were grossly underdeveloped. And the cherry on top was Soraya being depicted as his ever-devoted girlfriend even though Buck treated her and her father so horribly. I'm all about forgiveness, but I just don't see how any real woman could have forgotten his behavior in the first half of the book to the point that she stuck with him in the end. (Note: This isn't a spoiler. If interested, you'd have to read the book to understand where Buck lands at the end to get my point.) 

Recommendation: I like giving debut authors a chance, especially often overlooked authors of color, and I'm glad I gave Askaripour a chance and read his book all the way through, even the acknowledgements. This book was not my cup of tea (or cup of joe), but he promises his next one won't be anything like this one. So, who knows, I might give his next novel a try.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pages: 384 pages
Published: July 2018

As of this writing, I am currently moderating a read-along with BOTM's Mystery/Thriller Discussion Group, which is the reason I downloaded a copy of The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager from my local library. 

The book centers around Emma Davis who, as a 13-year old, got the opportunity to spend the summer at the prestigious Camp Nightingale. While there, her three bunkmates go missing never to be seen again. Fast forward a decade and a half later, and Emma has been asked by the Camp's director, Franny, to return to the scene of the disappearance as one of the Camp's activity instructors. The goal is for the Camp to re-open with a new and fresh start. Emma agrees in hopes assuming the role of amateur detective and finding out what really happened to her bunkmates all those years ago. To her surprise, history seems to repeat itself, and Emma finds herself in the middle of another unexplainable disappearance of three young girls. 

Like most mysteries, this one included a large cast of characters that created an element of confusion and offered many theories of who could have done it. The story also see-sawed between present day and 15 years in the past, providing just enough details to keep the reader hooked. I was a little troubled by the extreme violence against women by this male author. Overall, I found this novel to be a formulaic modern-day mystery and fairly predictable; however, I did appreciate the little twist ending.  

Recommendation: While I enjoy reading mystery thrillers, this was my first read by this pseudonymous author. While I did finish this book so that I could fulfill my duties as moderator, the book neither struck me as exceptionally bad or outrageously entertaining. However, it did keep me engaged over an exceptionally cold winter weekend in north Texas. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 368 pages
Published: October 2020

My last October read for this year was Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell. Although a prolific author, this was my first Jewell read, and it did not disappoint. The story is told from three perspectives - Owen, a bit of a socially awkward teacher, his neighbor, Cate, a stay-at-home mom who might be letting her imagination get the best of her and Saffyre, a young girl who mysteriously disappears. 

The bulk of the book takes us back and forth in time with each of these main characters giving us a glimpse into their world to solve the mystery of the missing teenager. The book flowed at a good pace and provided enough clues along the way to keep the reader intrigued and guessing. There was good character development. I think Saffyre was probably my favorite character. There was some darkness to her that made me, as the reader, sad but there was also an element of hope. The book also broached some difficult topics like molestation and violence against women. I would be mindful of those triggers should you choose to pick up this book. 

Overall, this was a thrilling read with a satisfying ending. I did rather enjoy the little twist at the end that left me thinking for days after. I would definitely read another book by this author. 

Recommendation: If you're looking for a twisty mystery thriller, you might consider putting Invisible Girl on your to-be-read list! Thank you to the Fort Worth Library for this digital loan. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Rating: 5+ of 5 stars
Pages: 352 pages
Published: September 2020

I love, love Fredrik Backman. I've read all of his novels (just search his name on this blog), and I think he is one of the most gifted writers in modern literature. He is able to compose sentences in a way that evoke a myriad of emotions. So, it was no surprise that as I read, I found myself pondering then laughing and then tearing up throughout Anxious People. So, what is this book about? If you read it (and please do read it), you will see that even the narrator even has a hard time pinpointing the exact subject matter. But I think overall it's about life and how we deal with it. It's written in a unique way, and in my opinion, it almost reads like a stage play. The best part of the book are the little nuggets of truth Backman hides within this dramedy. Here are some of my favorites - 

Our hearts are bars of soap that we keep losing hold of; the moment we relax, they drift off and fall in love and get broken, all in the wink of an eye. 

Because that was a parent's job: to provide shoulders. Shoulders for your children to sit on when they're little so they can see the world, then to stand on when they get older so they can reach the clouds, and sometimes lean against whenever they stumble and feel unsure. 

She told herself that was why you should always be nice to other people, even idiots, because you never know how heavy their burden is. 

I think you can understand someone without necessarily agreeing with them. 

Have you ever held a three-year-old by the hand on the way home from preschool? You're never more important than you are then. 

Because the people we argue with hardest of all are not the ones who are completely different from us, but the ones who are almost no different at all. 

He was my echo. Everything I do is quieter now. 

If you can do something for someone in such a way that they think they managed it all on their own, then you've done a good job. 

Loneliness is like starvation, you don't realize how hungry you are until you begin to eat. 

That's the power of literature, you know, it can act lie little love letters between people who can only explain their feelings by pointing at other people's. 

It's such an odd thing, the way you can know someone so perfectly through what they read. 

You can't carry the guilt and the shame and the unbearable silence on your own, and you shouldn't have to.

You see what I mean? He just finds the most beautiful ways to say the most basic things. So, back to the book. It's a story about a person at a desperate point in their life who does something they normally wouldn't and the resulting events affect a group of people who happen to be viewing an apartment for sale. Backman provides a bit of back story to each character while taking us through one day they all shared together. It sounds complicated, but the result of this novel is an uplifting work of art. Just go snag a copy! 

Recommendation: This book was definitely written for my generation, but I really think anyone can appreciate the beauty in it. If you have ever considered suicide suffer from anxiety or depression, please consider this book carefully. But note that it contains much hope! And in times like these, we could all use a little of that. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 322 pages
Published: May 2019

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson was a selection by the Fort Worth Library's Stay at Home Book Club. With its inception on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has grown to several hundred members who read a book about every two weeks. Because of the controversy between this book and The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, I had this one on my TBR list for some time. I was very thankful to read it with such a interactive reading group. 

The historical fiction story follows Cussy who is a packhorse librarian and also one of the last of the Kentucky blue people. While the book is fiction, the genetic trait that causes a disease known as methemoglobinemia is real, as are the descendants of the Fugate family who were afflicted with it. 

Because of her condition, Cussy and her father live a relatively reclusive lifestyle in the Kentucky hill country. Cussy secures the packhorse librarian position, which was funded by the government, because she was a single woman with no husband. She is very proud of her job, but her father, who is beginning to age due to his rigorous work in the coal mine, wants to get Cussy married off so he knows she will be taken care of upon his death. Cussy, wanting her independence, vehemently disagrees. The main conflict in the story is between Cussy and her father but more so between Cussy and the ignorant people of the community who either shun her completely because of her physical condition or attempt to "fix her" at all costs. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found Cussy as a "blue person" to suffer many of the challenges that Black people (or colored people, as they were then called) also endured. Additionally, the part of the book about marrying one's daughter off (when all she really wanted was to read and learn) reminded me of The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare that I read earlier this year. It's amazing how we as a society can look so different on the outside but share some of the very same internal and emotional experiences. I wish the author would have connected more of that theme in the book, hence the slight deduction in rating. 

Recommendation: Overall, I found this book engaging, entertaining, and informational. I think I devoured it in about one week's time. I highly recommend it as an anytime read! Support your local library!

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 544 pages
Published: March 2018

So, I began my last review: I don't even like ghost stories or the paranormal ... And I will begin this review in much the same way. I don't even like fantasy novels, but I absolutely devoured Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. I began reading this book while most of the U.S. was engrossed in the annual Super Bowl. This book was way more captivating than the football championship game! This novel is the first in a series.

The story begins with the protagonist, Zelie, who is living in dire times where her people have lost their magic, and they are essentially being racially profiled by the authoritative figures of Orisha. Through happenstance Zelie meets Amari, the princess of Orisha and learns that there is a way to recapture the magic her people once lost. The two form an unlikely bond, and together, we are taken on a wild ride as they attempt to reclaim what was once lost.

The thing I enjoyed most about this book is that even though it falls in the young adult genre, it focuses on some very important topics through symbolism. The oppression exhibited by the characters who held authority was easy to envision and relate to as a person of color in the United States. The magic clearly was a metaphor for power - power lost, abuse of power, and power reclaimed. The overall symbolism was noted in Adeyemi's author's notes at the end of the book. I think it's quite beautiful how she took real-life tragedy and pain and created something so vivid through her prose and imagery in this book. I got to hear her speak about her writing at the 2019 North Texas Teen Book Festival in Irving, Texas. What's she's done here is simply astounding.

I struggled with a few minor things. There was a full cast of characters. It was a little challenging to nail down which ones would be most germane to the story as I began reading, so I took some notes as I read the first third of the book. I also struggled with the overabundant use of phrases like "for skies sake" and "what in gods name." Other than those two personal hang-ups, I really have no other criticisms.

Recommendation: I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I think I just might have to read the subsequent books in the series. I don't even like fantasy stories ... and maybe I still don't. Maybe what I really appreciate is good writing. If you decide to pick up a book by Tomi Adeyemi, that's exactly what you'll get - excellent writing.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Pages: 448 pages
Published: February 2019 

I Owe You One is the latest, humorous book by prolific chick lit author, Sophie Kinsella. In the novel, we meet aptly-named Fixie Farr, who always puts family first by taking on the tasks of fixing things for her relatives. Hot off her own career disappointment, she is leaving back home with her recently widowed mother and her sister, who is married but staying at home while her husband is abroad for work. Fixie runs the family store with her mother and brother, who lives in town with his girlfriend. When a man in a local coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop, Fixie can't help but say yes and fix what turns out to be a sure disaster, thus saving his computer. As a token of thanks, he proffers her an IOU. When Fixie's high school crush comes into town and down on his luck, she cashes in her IOU.

This book is very typical of Sophie Kinsella. It's a book about a woman who is not so secure in herself. There's a romantic element, and there's some growth throughout the course of the novel. I don't know if it is because I just recently finished a Kinsella novel (Surprise Me!) or if this one just wasn't that good, but I didn't really like Fixie. She got on my nerves. Additionally, I wasn't a fan of the language employed by her brother. It was quite colorful and seemed almost abusive at times. I also think the story went on for too long. The author probably could have cut out a great deal of content and the plot remain the same.

Overall it is a lighthearted novel and good for summer reading.

Recommendation:  If you're a Sophie Kinsella fan, you'll probably want to read this one so you're not missing out. I can go either way with it. No strong recommendation for or against.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Length: 447 pages
Published: February 2019

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas is about sixteen-year old Bri, who is an aspiring rapper. Haunted by the ghost of her father's past, she is trying to make a name for herself in hopes of lifting her family above the poverty line. This young adult novel is set in the same neighborhood of Thomas' debut, The Hate U Give. As such many of the themes, dialect, and characters are similar. It is important to note that while the sophomore book tangentially touches on the first book, it is not required reading to understand the plot.

This book was a quick read about an interesting topic. I liked how Thomas demonstrated how the main character came up with her rhymes. I also think the author did a good job of illustrating the internal and external struggles that Bri faced. Some of Bri's actions and obstinance were a little frustrating, but I suspect parents of teenagers reading this book would be able to attest that her behavior was realistic (smile, parents!). 

Like the first book, I found the characters in On the Come Up to be very real, and I believe this story is another version of Thomas sharing a part of herself. However, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. The lifestyle and struggles that the protagonist suffer are not relatable to me. Having said that, they are meaningful. Additionally, this is a young adult novel. I am not the target audience, so I don't think it's really a criticism if the book didn't move me as a mid-lifer. 

Recommendation: I find Angie Thomas to be a talented writer who, in a creative way, exposes some of her own past and vulnerabilities through her writing. This is important for young adults, and I think it would be a great read for mature teenagers, especially those who enjoy poetry and prose. Please note the book does have some violence and a fair amount of curse words.   

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More