I previously read and loved the book in print; the audiobook is even better with Wilson's performance of her own material.I previously read and loved the book in print; the audiobook is even better with Wilson's performance of her own material....more
I devoured this 600-page genre-bending novel in less than a week. I was totally absorbed in the story that blends coming of age, friendship, and bioloI devoured this 600-page genre-bending novel in less than a week. I was totally absorbed in the story that blends coming of age, friendship, and biological and found family with the disappearance of young women, police procedural, and the pursuit of a serial killer over decades across the US. The author superbly establishes setting through his descriptions of the rural Missouri community and geography set against actual historical events. The characters are so well-developed that I felt like I knew them personally....more
Parker Valentine's new romance is threatened when her boyfriend Reid is arrested for the death of his sous chef Oscar. She investigates Oscar's death Parker Valentine's new romance is threatened when her boyfriend Reid is arrested for the death of his sous chef Oscar. She investigates Oscar's death to clear Reid's name while her new wine business is starting to take off. I love the Boulder, Colorado setting of this cozy mystery series....more
A burgeoning winemaker faces a small business owner's worst nightmare: the death of a patron in her store during its grand opening. The plucky protagoA burgeoning winemaker faces a small business owner's worst nightmare: the death of a patron in her store during its grand opening. The plucky protagonist undertakes to solve the mystery of who did it and why. My college town of Boulder, Colorado is well-written as the setting of this cozy mystery series....more
A reality competition TV show affords two pianists a chance to rediscover their love of music while reinventing themselves. Outstanding writing about A reality competition TV show affords two pianists a chance to rediscover their love of music while reinventing themselves. Outstanding writing about musicianship, performance, and creating art. Zany side characters and obstacles that the two main characters face....more
The life cycle of a book, from its source material, creation, publication, commercialization, and consumption. It affects everyone with whom it comes The life cycle of a book, from its source material, creation, publication, commercialization, and consumption. It affects everyone with whom it comes into contact differently, and sometimes profoundly, as this novel explores....more
One young woman's determination and resourcefulness in a time of great prejudice in her small Colorado mountain community fuel her survival amongst chOne young woman's determination and resourcefulness in a time of great prejudice in her small Colorado mountain community fuel her survival amongst changes that ultimately result in the destruction of her town. Beautiful nature writing about a specific time in a place that no longer exists....more
This was the book that I wanted The Celebrants to be, minus the memorial aspect from that book. College friends reunite annually in one of their familThis was the book that I wanted The Celebrants to be, minus the memorial aspect from that book. College friends reunite annually in one of their family’s Maine vacation homes. Their last reunion there is different, as one of the couples has separated, unbeknownst to the others, and the house is to be sold. As life changes, so do their relationships. This story is about the ways that people choose, or don't choose, to participate in each other’s lives....more
This early collection of Straub's short works shows the beginnings of themes that she continues to develop in her later novels, such as dysfunctional This early collection of Straub's short works shows the beginnings of themes that she continues to develop in her later novels, such as dysfunctional families, feminism, non-traditional relationships, motherhood, career, and grief and recovery. Each story has a strong sense of place. Many, if not all, have delightfully ambiguous endings, perfect for the reader to contemplate what they have just read....more
This is an honest yet tender story about the joys and challenges of an open adoption. Four biologically related children are adopted by three sets of This is an honest yet tender story about the joys and challenges of an open adoption. Four biologically related children are adopted by three sets of parents. They all maintain a relationship with the children's biological mother, who is pregnant yet again and wants the whole family's help in finding the new baby's parent(s).
The characters' various motivations for adopting are examined, as are the ways in which this non-traditional family was created. Set over a two-week family vacation in Aspen, each person must face what it means to be family and choose whether to remain committed in the same way or attempt to change their relationship to each other....more
This book has it all. A whole lot of characters, plot, and themes, all executed cohesively and masterfully. It is in contention for the title of the GThis book has it all. A whole lot of characters, plot, and themes, all executed cohesively and masterfully. It is in contention for the title of the Great American Novel. I enjoyed every moment of this expanded edition....more
Powerful addiction memoir that left me amazed that the author has survived all of the abuse that he has inflicted on his body over decades. Chandler BPowerful addiction memoir that left me amazed that the author has survived all of the abuse that he has inflicted on his body over decades. Chandler Bing is probably my favorite Friends character. Even though I had a general awareness of Matthew Perry's addiction over the years, I had no idea of the depth of his addiction. I was sad to read how sick he was at points in filming Friends in particular. At the very time when he was creating content that I enjoyed then, and still do, he was facing an unimaginable struggle.
I hesitated to pick up this memoir. I thought it would be the self indulgent ramblings of a celebrity with the rare financial means and connections to seek treatment that almost no one else on earth has, and therefore unrelatable. I thought that I would dislike Perry and Friends. In addition, recent headlines have highlighted the derogatory references in the book to Keanu Reeves. Thankfully, both of those references were very minor, but they were unnecessary and should not have been there. I needn't have worried. This is an honest and vulnerable story, and yes, Perry's sense of humor and charm that captivate fans of his work shine through on these pages....more
Superb collection of stories set in my hometown of Denver. My familiarity with the locations enhanced my enjoyment of these stories. Each is imbued wiSuperb collection of stories set in my hometown of Denver. My familiarity with the locations enhanced my enjoyment of these stories. Each is imbued with humanity and authentic interactions among people with diverse and different backgrounds. The plots and themes were identifiable. This aptly named collection is a great literary achievement....more
Historical fiction mixed with magical realism about a Chicano/Native American family in the burgeoning city of Denver in the early- to mid-1900s. The Historical fiction mixed with magical realism about a Chicano/Native American family in the burgeoning city of Denver in the early- to mid-1900s. The author describes the city and people so vividly that it is easy for the reader to believe how the challenges that they faced over generations as they migrated to the city shaped them and their culture. The hostile racial attitudes of the day are portrayed unflinchingly. This book is a tribute to the history of Denver and its people and should be required reading in the Chicano/Native American oeuvre....more
Time travel, dystopia, and the author's metaverse drive this novel about unexplained phenomena. The connections between characters and time periods coTime travel, dystopia, and the author's metaverse drive this novel about unexplained phenomena. The connections between characters and time periods could have been more well-defined....more
A truly despicable patriarch is at the center of this family story where the characters are drawn together by familial loyalty in spite of their flawsA truly despicable patriarch is at the center of this family story where the characters are drawn together by familial loyalty in spite of their flaws and lack of understanding of each other. Multiple perspectives, including non-relatives, and mostly told over the course of the father's last day. Family dysfunction at its best....more
A literary version of When Harry Met Sally, Poppy and Alex take summer vacations together for 10 years as long-time best friends and not as romantic pA literary version of When Harry Met Sally, Poppy and Alex take summer vacations together for 10 years as long-time best friends and not as romantic partners. The story shifts in a non-sequential timeline between their most recent vacation together, where they are attempting to reconcile after their last tumultuous vacation two years prior, and previous trips. Various partners and life changes come and go over the years for both of them, and they are left to determine the true nature of their relationship. For me, this was a far superior read to the author’s previous and widely loved novel Beach Read....more
Propulsively written story about a contract killer’s last job before retirement. Excellent character development, a hallmark of my favorite Stephen KiPropulsively written story about a contract killer’s last job before retirement. Excellent character development, a hallmark of my favorite Stephen King books. I liked how the unexpected relationship between Billy and Alice developed, and the supporting characters were memorable....more
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