As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this gave me an opportunity to re-read this series, and bring my review to Goodreads.
This isCatching up…
As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this gave me an opportunity to re-read this series, and bring my review to Goodreads.
This is the second book in the Union Street Bakery series. It is best if you read the first book before reading this one. My review of book #1 is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In this sequel, readers will find Daisy running the Union Street Bakery so that her father can finally retire. Her sisters are happily involved in the renovation when an old recipe box is discovered behind one of the walls.
So, what will these old recipes bring to the bakery? What is the mystery of Jenna who wrote the recipes? Why isn’t Daisy feeling well? Why is she dreaming about Jenna?
Are we having more ghost visions again?
Will Daisy finally find her happily-ever-after?
With interesting, amplified and fully developed characters, readers should find themselves satisfied with this easy-to-read, comforting sequel....more
As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed it was such a treat when both Book #1 and #2 were dropped off for me to re-read, so that I coCatching up…
As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed it was such a treat when both Book #1 and #2 were dropped off for me to re-read, so that I could bring my reviews to Goodreads.
How does one describe this story? Is it a ghost story? Or a book about finding oneself? Or, a story about connecting dreams to reality? Or a story about family, love and life?
Or, maybe it is about a run-down-business that deserves a second chance of life, too?
When Daisy finds herself moving back home and living in the attic above, The Union Street Bakery, her family’s business, little did she realize that this may be what she really needed to recover from her disappointments of losing her job and boyfriend. Even though it seemed like starting over felt like going backwards (home again). Something about being home was going to open doors in a whole new different way, including introducing her to a past she didn’t realize existed.
And, even though this story will give readers a lot of back story into Daisy’s beginnings (how she was adopted), it will also give readers a taste of history, mystery, and…maybe a bit of haunting, too that leads to book #2, “Sweet Expectations,” which my review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.......more
“We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what“We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what’s in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense.” – President Barack Obama
I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this one. Not that it didn’t have a relevant message. Its message, if anything was critical. I just wasn’t sure the audience that needed to read it would. My head aches with information overload. But I believe in our country and our world that we can be a better place if we choose to listen to one another, be civil with each other and educate ourselves to the truth of what is happening around us. And as our former President Obama said above, “we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together…”
So, here I am. With you. Again. Reading and discussing another book about an important issue affecting our way of life.
“In a warm information war, the human mind is the territory.” – Renee Diresta, The Digital Maginot Line
First of all, what is disinformation? Dictionary definition:
“False information intended to mislead – especially propaganda issued to manipulate others.”
Disinformation is designed to evoke a strong emotional response to push people toward more extreme views, unable to find common ground with others.
Would you agree?
McQuade was a U.S. Attorney in Michigan from 2010 to 2017. She was a vocal proponent about the effects of disinformation on society. Her point in writing this book is that she believes our democratic freedoms have become susceptible to disinformation.
Would you agree with the author?
I think that is what attracted me to this book in the first place.
Her basic argument is that “we need to have a conversation and common-sense solution to this issue.”
Instead, what she sees is that we are calling each other names, using labels, and retreating to opposite sides, instead of coming up with solutions. And, I think we could agree that is right.
Our country is more polarized than ever.
I saw this one meme on Facebook yesterday. It showed a picture of Obama with the word Hope, a picture of Trump with the word Hate, a picture of Biden with the word Heal and a picture of Harris with the word Grow.
It is easy to understand how each of those individuals became “labeled” with those words. That is the message that they have embodied. It is the message they speak. Think about this a moment.
Let us focus especially on how the message of hate may play out with disinformation.
“In fascist politics, language is not used simply, or even chiefly, to convey information but to elicit emotion.” – Jason Stanley, Jacob Urowsky Professor of Philosophy, Yale University
For McQuade, as she shared more and more about the message of disinformation, and, the more she would speak out, the more she would be threatened with violence. She noted that disinformation and violence are part of the same authoritarian playbook. Her examples noted were quite historically familiar – i.e., Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union.
McQuade shared that “political violence not only eliminates some opponents it also silences others.” And, when that happens, disinformation is ignored. As well as goes unchecked.
McQuade, is unsparing throughout this book, when it comes to Donald Trump, his administration, and his enablers. Considering the “big lie”, the excusers of political violence (the insurrection comes to mind) and the distorters of history, their disinformation spreading is down to a science.
There is a lot of anger in these pages (or, is it just my interpretation of my feelings?). And, I am sure a lot of readers will recognize it, too. Or, am I projecting, again? Especially, since so much of this disinformation is so recent. But again, historically it goes back to Nazi Germany plays, and so forth.
Through her chapters, McQuade shows how the dis-informers gain their power, the tactics they use, how the disinformation works, the dangers of emerging technology, and how vulnerable we are – enough to destroy us as a nation.
Consider the many fact-checkers that come out after every political speech provided.
McQuade provides extensive footnotes to support her subject. She also provides practical solutions to break down the ways disinformation has taken over our lives, and shows readers how we can prevent future attacks on our democracy.
I’d like to believe we can see through the disinformation and find our way to a more rational way of governing ourselves. Moving beyond the hate mongering and returning to a more civil form of communication. Respecting differences and appreciating them, as well. And, perhaps even paying attention to the fact-checking. By knowing when a lie is a lie, is a lie....more
How many times have we been-here-before and still allowed ourselves to love it? Or, like it? Of course, the title is a give-away, right?
You have her How many times have we been-here-before and still allowed ourselves to love it? Or, like it? Of course, the title is a give-away, right?
You have her and him.
First her. Mackenzie. Her grandma is badgering her to have a boyfriend. So, she pretends that the first doctor she sees walk through the hospital door, just happens to be, Noah Taylor, sexy cute Cardiologist. Thus, he will be it.
Then him. In order for him to get his promotion, the Hospital Board expects for him to be in a relationship. I know, silly rules. But that is how this story goes. So, Noah Taylor needs a her.
So, there you have it. Mackenzie and Noah have the perfect plan.
Fake mates. (Hence: the title of the book!)
But as in all meet-cutes, with these two as doctors, we know what is going to happen, right?
Will they or won’t they fall in love with each other? And, will they or won’t they have someone try and sabotage their relationship? Right?
And, that is what makes this meet-cute a sexy, fun, page-turning romp an easy-to-read, predictable, yet sweet, hot, book, deliciously good....more
River Close is a quaint little neighborhood with quite the collection of neighbors. Like a chess master (grandmaster), and an overworked doctor, or thRiver Close is a quaint little neighborhood with quite the collection of neighbors. Like a chess master (grandmaster), and an overworked doctor, or the overlooked black QC (British lawyer – senior barrister), and so forth. Readers get to meet them all.
And then, there is the newest noisy neighbor who doesn’t seem to care what his neighbors think, Giles Kenworthy, until readers find him shot dead, and now all the neighborhood is under suspicion.
Enter, former detective Daniel Hawthorne, who is usually followed by writer, Anthony Horowitz. But not in this case. This time, this story within a story is told differently – in a back-and-forth way through time – where Horowitz is in the present – and Riverview Close is five years in the past. Since this is the case that Hawthorne is telling him about that Horowitz is wanting to write about for his next book.
So, how did this case really end?
Who wanted the despicable neighbor dead and why? What was someone hiding that Kenworthy may have unknowingly uncovered?
And then, just when all seemed to be clear, there is another murder. What? Why? And, who did it?
How will this second death play into the final scene? What will Horowitz discover as he sleuths out clues?
With so many people who hated the original victim, will this be difficult for readers to guess who could have been the culprit? Will this seem like readers are actually reading an Agatha Christie novel, like “Murder on the Orient Express?” Or, will there be a surprise twist that is original in its own way? (No spoilers from me.)
For fans of the Hawthorne & Horowitz series, this will feel like another easy-to-read, page-turning cozy. For those who are new to the series, you may want to start at the beginning...book 1, "The Word is Murder."...more
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Okay let’s be clear here. Look at the title and look at the book covCatching up…
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Okay let’s be clear here. Look at the title and look at the book cover. Would you not be a little bit enticed here? A woman lying on the beach with a book and the title is about a bookshop on a boardwalk? I’m in. Are you?
Mallery is known for women’s friendship fiction where each has problems and flaws, but…they are all hopeful with dreams. Especially for a new bookstore business to be successful on the boardwalk.
So, pull up a towel, with a nice comfy pillow on a sandy beach with this book. Add a little conversation, a few favorite snacks with your girlfriends, some gossip, maybe some tears, and hope for some important changes to occur in life. It’s time, right?...more
This was an easy, quick, fast-paced read once readers get in to it. It is a stand-alone, not associated with any of her other series. So, this book caThis was an easy, quick, fast-paced read once readers get in to it. It is a stand-alone, not associated with any of her other series. So, this book can be read on its own.
In true Coble fashion for anyone who has read this author before, you are going to have mystery, romance, complicated family dynamics, twists and turns, betrayal, murder and maybe even a happily ever after to look forward to, when all is finally figured out. If you haven’t read Coble before, this may be a great first time with her.
And, for those who may be curious about the infamous Faberge egg, there will be a mystery to be solved about that here, too....more
My husband flew into Texas earlier this week to get my grandsons so that they could all take the Amtrak from Texas to California as an adventure. It iMy husband flew into Texas earlier this week to get my grandsons so that they could all take the Amtrak from Texas to California as an adventure. It is a two-night trip, with sleeper car which allows for meals on the train. It is a fun way to travel, as long as there are no delays. But of course, there are always some. Still, what a fun experience for teenage boys with their grandfather. (The real adventure will be their visit with us in California, which began yesterday. Their train arrived last night.)
But while they were tripping by train, why not read, the graphic novel version, of “Murder on the Orient Express” originally written by Agatha Christie and now visualized through illustration by Bob Al-Greene?
So, what was my experience?
As long as readers could put aside Poirot’s excessively long mustache, it was a rather clever rendition of something I have already read, *reviewed and seen on screen several times. There were no smoking guns, no shocking climaxes, no surprise endings.
What readers would be looking for, is a visual interpretation of Agatha Christie’s classic. I think the only question that needs to be answered is, did the illustrator meet and accomplish his mission?
Have you read the classic? If you haven’t, don’t start here. Not that it is a spoiler to the classic, but Agatha Christie is the master storyteller, and she deserves to be the one to tell her story.
If you have read the classic, you already know the story, so there is nothing new being told. So, expect to turn pages quickly. The artistry of the individual characters is rather well-done, and the story-telling is in-line to Ms. Christie. If anything, it made me crave another reading of the original.
When this donation came into my Little Free Library Shed two things caught my attention. Murder (in the book title). And the cute dog on the cover.
WoWhen this donation came into my Little Free Library Shed two things caught my attention. Murder (in the book title). And the cute dog on the cover.
Would the story meet up to my expectations?
This is the first book in the Bellbrook Murder Mystery series featuring Karla Bell who is the owner of a concierge company. Who just happens to be the daughter of the Police Chief and she is the best friend to the coroner.
And apparently whenever there is some sort of crime, or murder, Karla has a tendency to get herself in the middle of working alongside her father, sister, and best friend to figure out who the culprit/murderer is.
Of course, isn’t that how all cozy murder mysteries work?
Karla is a likable heroine, and this story has interesting characters and motives. Which made this an absorbing cozy mystery overall, with plenty of clues to keep readers engaged.
And of course, how can you not like a dog named, Gucci?...more
For those who are fans of the Rivers of London series, this is one in which it is much easier if you continue along with it on a regular bCatching up…
For those who are fans of the Rivers of London series, this is one in which it is much easier if you continue along with it on a regular basis, because the author has a tendency to leave stories hanging from one book to another. And his character arcs are continuing so readers do become vested in what is happening.
So, for those of us who may have taken a break, (like me) we may have forgotten the who is who, and feel a bit adrift and need reminding.
Still, in order for this series to effectively work, it needs to be read from the beginning. It is a bit of a fantasy police procedural read, and the characters do develop from one book to another, which allows the readers to find themselves evolving with the characters and the stories.
The adventures become fun, well-paced and interestingly somewhat original. Making this one a "reluctantly" well-received addition to the series.
“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Atwood H. Townsend
One of“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Atwood H. Townsend
One of the things I loved doing most with my grandsons, J and L was reading with them. They live in Texas and I live in California. So, between my youngest son and daughter-in-love we made an arrangement that during the school year, my grandsons would FaceTime read to me for a few minutes once a week. This has been going on for years now.
It has been a joy to “read” so many books with my grandkids over these past several years. And to create such a close relationship with them, even though we live such a distance from each other.
My oldest grandson, J is now in high school. We have since moved on to chat time with Oma (that is me). But to gain this chat time status, and ability to feel secure about talking about life in high school comfortably, it started with being able to read books with me.
In Miller’s book, there are some interesting teaching tools, i.e., library lists, and student forms. Through-out the book she has different self-reflection activities.
This book feels like she is speaking to the educator/parent in all of us. But mostly, her strongest intention is to build lifelong readers. By starting them young.
And certainly, if we surround readers with books early, it creates a condition for learning.
When my oldest son and his family used to live locally (they have since moved to Oregon), I would take my granddaughter A for one day a week to my local public library. They had the Children’s Librarian who had pre-school story hour, and we would sit in the audience with the other kids and listen to her tell the story of the day. A would just love it. Afterwards, we would walk around the children’s section of the library and pick out different books and sit in a corner and read together.
Recently, while chatting on FaceTime, as A was reflecting on her upcoming high school graduation, she shared a moment of how she remembered those experiences we shared. My eyes watered. Pass the Kleenex please.
Miller believes kids need to choose books that interest them, and schools and parents need to support children reading books that will engage their learning. Especially a love of learning. She also felt that mostly children need to be given time to read. And talk about what they have read.
I agree. I loved those moments when J and L would share how they felt about the books they were reading. Especially the ones they weren’t reading to me.
This book gets us to think about all the ways we need to love reading again. Because…in truth, there are so many distractions to take children away from reading.
As parents, or even as fellow readers, we need to find more ways to enhance the experience and joy of reading again among children in our communities. Instead of playing a video game, or streaming television, can we encourage them to read a book instead?
This book provides a sense of hope that perhaps with enough support and interest we can raise a new generation of readers.
So, what can we do…
We have to continue to support our libraries, our schools and children to be curious. To put books in front of them. To encourage reading. To let them love books (instead of banning them). To be engaged with ALL books. To let teachers teach by allowing reading to be a focal point of the teaching/learning experience.
“Reading is not a duty, and has consequently no business to be made disagreeable.” – Augustine Birrell...more
“People who believe that they are not interesting, usually are the most interesting of all.”
I had read this years ago, and re-visited it wCatching Up…
“People who believe that they are not interesting, usually are the most interesting of all.”
I had read this years ago, and re-visited it when I found it again at my local library. I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Kitty’s journalism career is in jeopardy because the lead she was given was not as it seemed, so by the time she published what she thought was well-researched, she not only ruined the reputation of her subject, she ruined her own. Now, she is trying to find her way back, and dealing with the loss of her mentor.
Sometimes there are those stories when we have the opportunity to meet people we wouldn’t ordinarily meet – to hear about other’s lives – and to challenge ourselves to change.
This is that kind of a story.
A light, easy read with lively characters that touches on hurt, loss, compassion, empathy, love and humility.
It wasn’t until I posted this book to my currently reading status here that I realized it was second in the series. But it didn’t matter because the aIt wasn’t until I posted this book to my currently reading status here that I realized it was second in the series. But it didn’t matter because the author did a stellar job within the first two pages of catching readers up as to what had happened with the characters in the first book.
Throughout the book she also gave great insights into how whatever occurred in the first book impacted the characters, so that I never felt lost about not reading the first book. I felt deeply grateful to the author for the best catch-up experience ever!
The series follows Corie Geller a former FBI agent, suburban housewife, and current Private Investigator and her retired NYPD detective father who now lives with her family since Covid. The two pair up on a cold case of her father’s when the daughter contacts him.
After the catch up, the plot dragged a bit, until it twisted itself into gear with a story that kept readers guessing with red herrings and misdirection. Readers will find Corie and her dad likable characters, who are interesting, feel real and fully developed.
The question is, will this be a series to follow?
3 stars +.5 stars rounded up for likable characters and the catch-up experience....more
I am back with another classic Grisham. This one published in 2011.
Our hero is David, a burned-out Harvard graduated lawyer who readers witness walkiI am back with another classic Grisham. This one published in 2011.
Our hero is David, a burned-out Harvard graduated lawyer who readers witness walking out of his corporate attorney job, into a bar where he gets blissfully drunk and then has himself driven to a small-time ambulance chasing law-firm and persuades them to hire him. Which they do.
Now this may seem like nothing, but, one of the partners gets themselves involved in a mass tort lawsuit against a large pharmaceutical company in which their drug has had major implications against people that have been taking it.
Here we go again, Grisham. With this book, Grisham appears to have another fight on his hands against the legal system, where it seems like he sees greed as a prime motivator and shows concern about whether a fair trial will be possible.
This feels like another David (no pun intended) and Goliath story for Grisham to have his characters tackle. It is against corporations that typically Grisham takes issue with – will readers judge this one fairly?
But before you render a verdict, consider the following too…
There is also something else that Grisham brings to this story. Humor. His characters Finley and Figg, are wildly charismatic.
Can this charm stave off the critics? Wait…one more thing.
We must not forget our hard-working hero, David. He after all did quit the path of assured wealth to work with these guys. And he is very likable, and we truly want the best for him.
What happens when a Minister takes a confession from a self-proclaimed murderer, but he isn’t the one that is serving the time for the murder? ApparenWhat happens when a Minister takes a confession from a self-proclaimed murderer, but he isn’t the one that is serving the time for the murder? Apparently, someone else has confessed to the murder and he is going to be executed within days, unless this true killer can come forward to stop this conviction.
Can this Minister get this true murderer to save this innocent man?
In true Grisham style, he takes on a cause. And this particular cause is the death penalty.
And in true Texas style, they are very proud of their convictions and their way of getting rid of their criminals quickly.
But, in their rush to conviction, did they really do what they needed to do to make sure they had the right man, or did they push the person too hard to admit to a confession because of a harsh interrogation and not a lot of evidence?
These are the type of issues that Grisham likes to explore. And as readers we are interested, as well, as we watch this do-gooder Minister risk everything to do the right thing.
Between police paperwork and court filings, and the politics of it all, readers get the inside scoop on what it looks like behind the scenes of an individual’s case.
Will the Minister make it in time? Or will the worst happen? And if it does, what will transpire next?
This is a good page-turner, with believable characters, that is also an emotional story that will grab readers and tug at our hearts....more
I read this book, along with “Girl Waits with Gun” a while ago. I am now bringing both reviews to Goodreads.
This book takes place a year lCatching up…
I read this book, along with “Girl Waits with Gun” a while ago. I am now bringing both reviews to Goodreads.
This book takes place a year later than “Girl Waits with Gun.” And because it is a sequel, it is recommended that you read the first book before this one.
It is 1915 and a prisoner has escaped from the local hospital where he was being treated.
And the local sheriff’s deputy is ordered to recapture him.
Well, there is nothing routine about this assignment, in that, the deputy is none other than Constance Kopp. One of our ladies that we first met in “Girl Waits with Gun.” And the author has created her character, based on the real-life version of the person of the same name.
Besides, who doesn’t love a cop named Kopp?
Fortunately for Constance Kopp, New Jersey has passed a law that has allowed her to serve in this capacity.
And she does so with pure satisfaction, believing herself to be the classic Sam Spade detective – after all, she is 6 feet tall, strong, matter-of-fact, unemotional and unflappable to a fault.
The concept is a good one, but this book doesn’t come off as interesting as her first book. Because the author is relying heavily on a true story as the basis for her thriller, which makes it kind of fall flat in its fictionalized version.
Still, there are some good moments.
The author tries to show the challenges faced for women trying to be a steady wage earner, along with the nightmare images of female dependency. In this way, the author puts the attention on the importance of meaningful work to women’s identities and survival.
And, the author’s vivid images of turn-of-the-century New Jersey towns and Manhattan landmarks help to provide an interesting diversion. Which allow readers, at times, to appreciate what it must have been like to be a woman in a man’s world during that century.
"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library." Albert Einstein (1879-1955. Theoretical physicist)
She was direction"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library." Albert Einstein (1879-1955. Theoretical physicist)
She was directionless. A semi-colleague suggested the community house that provided near free classes which then led her to the library that was available to her for living in that part of the city.
And…
That one visit, opened doors. Never could she have imagined the possibilities of what she was capable of creating for herself by revisiting a children’s book recommended by the librarian.
Especially when that wasn’t what she had asked for when she came in. She is also handed a gift by the librarian…
Which…
At the time the gift is given doesn’t make sense.
But…
As the story builds, the gift eventually becomes clear.
Nor…
How the books or gift would affect her outlook on life and the people she interacted with in her life.
"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring you back the right one." Neil Gaiman (b. 1960. English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre, and films)
And…
That was just the beginning for this book of short stories, that showcased the impact libraries have on all of us.
Each story finds characters face-to-face with the same librarian, being asked what books they need…
And then…
Being given a list that also includes a book that seems unrelated to what they thought they needed…
As well as a gift from the librarian that will soon make sense by the end of the story.
Each individual is transformed from their experience at the library.
The stories are simple, and yet…
Thoughtful and pleasing. The illustrations that accompany the beginning of each story captures the contemporary aesthetic beautifully.
How can we not appreciate the value of what libraries do for us and our communities?
As well as showing how inter-connected we are, as a community of people.
This story was translated from Japanese by Alison Watts. I have included some of my favorite library quotes below.
"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life." Sidney Sheldon (1917-2007. American writer and producer)
"You want weapons? We’re in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself!" Russell T. Davies (b. 1963. Welsh screenwriter and television producer) in science fiction series Doctor Who.
Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation. Walter Cronkite (1916-2009. American broadcast journalist, in American Library Association "Libraries Change Lives" Campaign, 1995)
"I'm a Librarian, Librarianship is my religion, Libraries are my temple, and Catalog is my key weapon to unlock the wealth of wisdom and knowledge stored in the libraries." Salman Haider (Librarian, cataloger, blogger, and creator of Librarianship Studies & Information Technology blog)...more
I thought I would try him. As it turns out, I actually had read this one of his years ago. I had forgoCatching up…
I hadn’t read this author before…
So…
I thought I would try him. As it turns out, I actually had read this one of his years ago. I had forgotten. Definitely a challenge for those of us who read a lot of books! (I didn’t start my list of books read or desired-to-read until 2018.)
Now…
After revisiting the story, I am bringing my review to Goodreads.
How easily would it be to destroy the financial institutions that are at the center of the United States?
Well…
In this book, the author takes us on a thriller journey to give us an inside peek into that very possibility.
And…
As readers we are on the edge of our seat attempting to unravel the mystery the main character, Michael Cantella, is in when his sudden riches are completely gone.
What happened?
And…
Why?
Could it have anything to do with his first wife who disappeared on their honeymoon?
How can someone wipe out his entire bank account?
“When it comes to financial crimes, secrets, violence and even murder, my Wall Street tale proves that sometimes you can clean up toxic waste, and other times it goes up in flames. Intense, hot uncontrollable flames.”
We continue to read, attempting to unravel this puzzle along with the main character.
Even…
As it takes us to the page-turning end.
But…
Those of us unfamiliar with Wall Street terminology, may be a bit confused by the terms, or the financial crime itself, despite the author’s intention of explaining it thoroughly to us.
I saw one of your reviews of this book and decided I wanted to read it, too.
And…
Then it arrived from the library. At which point I realizeCatching up…
I saw one of your reviews of this book and decided I wanted to read it, too.
And…
Then it arrived from the library. At which point I realized I had already read it. Oh my! Have I read that many books in the last few years that I can’t remember I read it already? Yes.
Regardless…
Here is my review.
The story centers around a teacher’s experience tutoring a sick child and the bond they form. It also alternates between past and present in which we meet the child’s parents. There is also historical context with Kiev, Ukraine and Chernobyl.
And…
The story definitely fosters an appreciation for the work that teachers do, as we watch how the teacher makes learning more exciting for her students with meaningful reading and writing assignments.
As well as…
Appreciating what a teacher learns through her students.
Which…
Makes Maggie, the teacher and main narrator, a teacher we will not forget.
Even…
The author shares in her acknowledgments that this book is a “love letter to all the teachers.”
In many ways…
This story also brings many heart-warming characters for readers to appreciate – besides, Yuri, the student she tutors. There are also Maggie’s colleagues and her best friend, Suzie, the one we’re all grateful to have or wish we had.
Or…
Substitute music teacher Daniel who also happens to treasure beautifully-crafted violins. (There is an importance to his love of this, too.)
But…
The story was predictable.
Although…
There is an emotional swelling and surging to her narrative, which makes this author readable.
With…
A strong message that one person can make a big difference.
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