Cat Lover’s Trivia: Weird and Wacky Facts About Our Furry Friends by Mike Darton is a 2021 Chartwell Books publication.
This is a fun book of cat triviCat Lover’s Trivia: Weird and Wacky Facts About Our Furry Friends by Mike Darton is a 2021 Chartwell Books publication.
This is a fun book of cat trivia with a format and style loosely based on Schott’s Original Miscellany. Cat lovers will love all the little tidbits of information, but so will history buffs, and trivia fans.
The book covers so many topics, but the format is quite random- which made the book fun in many ways, but switching gears so quickly was distracting, too, at times. Still, even for the most informed cat aficionado, there are facts here that will surprise and often delight cat lovers.
Big cats, small cats, show cats- from all countries, with all sorts of names and pronunciations! Cartoon cats, fables, and movies. Cat litter, cat carriers, cat food, cat breeds, classifications, emotions. The book has a few funny cat quotes, and lists the oldest cats, cats who had the most litters, and explains grooming habits, hybrids, cats that are extinct- Basically anything that has to do with cats, or anything named after a cat, with that uses the word 'cat'.
The book is, despite its unique approach, very straightforward, though, and has very little commentary.
Still the book is very fun to browse through. While it’s less than a hundred pages, that’s kind of deceiving. The book kept me entertained for a while, plus it is a book that one can refer back to, almost like a quirky cat encyclopedia.
I thought I knew a lot about cats, but it would seem I had a lot more to learn!
Overall, this is one of the most unique formats I’ve encountered in a trivia book. It's a little busy at times, and if you are a stickler for organization, this one might be a challenge for you, but it keeps things lively, and challenges the brain a little too.
Practice to Deceive by Ann Rule is a 2013 Gallery Books publication.
This is another book that has been on my TBR list for ages. I remember grabbing tPractice to Deceive by Ann Rule is a 2013 Gallery Books publication.
This is another book that has been on my TBR list for ages. I remember grabbing this one without researching it because it was a true crime story written by Ann Rule. Why question it?
Well, I’m going to be totally honest- after I saw so many anemic reviews for this one, it scared me off, and I decided to put it on a back burner for a while.
Sadly, after languishing on my Kindle for at least eight years, the reviews haven’t improved all that much. Still, this was a case I was unfamiliar with, so I decided to go ahead and give the book a chance before I scratched it off my list.
This is most certainly an odd story. Russel Douglas had made plans with his ex-wife, Brenna, on Christmas day, but never showed up. His body was found the next day in his SUV. Initially, the thought was that he might have committed suicide, but that turned out not to be the case.
It took investigators years to build a case against Brenna’s friend Peggy and her former lover, Jim Huden. The book begins with the discovery of Russel’s body, then proceeds to take us through the long years it took to make a case against the suspects.
The thing about this case, in my opinion, is that it doesn’t seem to translate into a very compelling drama on paper. It might have seemed more interesting on 'Dateline' or '48 hours', or something, but those shows typically only run for one or two hours, with ads.
There wasn't enough here for a full book on the case, which was, for all intents and purposes, built around finding the murder weapon – which was an incredible stroke of luck- so we have lots of filler about Peggy’s half-siblings, and the tragic death of their mother, which didn’t really didn't have a direct bearing on this case.
The execution is not there either. I got lost or just plain bored a few times as the case felt too drawn out, with the introduction of too many people, who didn't have anything to do with the case, per se.
This book might have worked better if it had been shortened, released as a novella, or in a collection with other true crime stories.
Despite all the filler, I did think the case was interesting just because of how crazy it was that the murderers were ever brought to justice in the first place.
The investigators were tenacious and never gave up on the case, which is another plus. Naturally, there were some lingering questions, especially about Brenna, but overall, the case was wrapped up as best as could be expected.
Overall, this was not as bad as I had anticipated. It was not the most cohesive of Rule’s books and was certainly not one of the most interesting cases I’ve read about, but it wasn’t totally without merit, and I’m glad I gave it a chance, at all.
The Farmer’s Wife Cookbook: Over 250 Blue-Ribbon Recipes by Melinda Keefe, Kari Cornell, Jeff McLaughlin (Editor) is a 2022 by Voyageur Press publicatThe Farmer’s Wife Cookbook: Over 250 Blue-Ribbon Recipes by Melinda Keefe, Kari Cornell, Jeff McLaughlin (Editor) is a 2022 by Voyageur Press publication.
The Farmer’s Wife magazine was published independently from 1897-1939.
This cookbook comprises over 250 recipes featured in the magazine. This edition has been updated with a new modern layout and bright colorful pictures- but the recipes are the exact same.
As with any cookbook the recipes are divided into sections-
Salads, Sandwiches, etc. Soups Breakfasts, Breads, etc. Meats and Fish Veggies Sauces Desserts Cookies Cakes Pies Beverages
One would think that recipes dating back to this time period would consist of ingredients we don’t often encounter anymore, but what I found instead, with only a few exceptions, was how basic the recipes were… and simple!! When we think of cooking from scratch in our hectic world, the first think many of us think of is time. Cooking with fresh, home grown, farm fresh ingredients can indeed be more time consuming than grabbing canned goods off the shelf, or a pre-baked pie from the bakery, but I believe many people are returning to the self-made, homegrown, wholesomeness of cooking from scratch.
That said, there are some great ideas for busy lives, even spur of the moment, made from scratch dishes for unexpected events or company. Some of the recipes brought back memories, as I remember my grandmother making some of the pies featured in this book, some of which I hadn’t thought of in ages.
There does seem to be a disproportionate number of sweets in this book- Desserts, cakes, cookies, and pies- all falling into that category, in my opinion, and the beverage section was a bit anemic, but there were some fabulous appetizers and snacks that would be great for entertaining or to make during the holidays, I am definitely going to try right away.
Overall, I loved the historical aspects of the book- with each recipe bearing a timestamp for when it appeared in the magazine. I loved the looking at the pictures and the cute, homey layout is also a nice touch. Anyone will find these recipes helpful and uncomplicated for the most part. This is just good old-fashioned everyday meals that are hearty, fresh, and delicious!!
Death in Bloom by Jess Dylan is a 2021 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Sierra Ravenswood is the latest in a string of part-time employees at the FloweDeath in Bloom by Jess Dylan is a 2021 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Sierra Ravenswood is the latest in a string of part-time employees at the Flower House- a Florist shop located in Aerieville, Tennessee- after her dreams of making it in Nashville fell through.
When her boss, Felix, takes off on a geocaching mission, he leaves Sierra holding the bag. She must now teach a class on flower arrangements by herself, and she's hardly an expert.
The class goes horribly awry when one of those in attendance dies suddenly after an altercation around the snack table.
When it comes to light that the victim was poisoned, that Felix is not coming back anytime soon, and has sent word that Sierra should oversee the shop in his absence, just as someone appears to be sabotaging the Flower House, Sierra takes matters into her own hands, hoping she can expose the murderer and hopefully save the store at the same time…
This first in a series cozy is not terrible, but it didn’t overly impress either.
The flower shop premise is not original- with several veteran series on the market for a long while now, as well as several self-pub series set in a garden or floral environment. Therefore, the plot and the characterizations needed to be spot on- but sadly, the plot is not cohesive, is predictable, unoriginal and thin.
On the bright side, the characterizations show promise and it's a fast, easy read, engaging enough to keep me turning pages.
Although this new series has gotten off to a bit of a rocky start for me, I have the second book queued up, as I understand how hard it is to get a new series off the ground.
Introducing characters, and building a well-plotted mystery is a challenge for even the most seasoned authors.
The author also very wisely chose to leave some questions hanging so readers might be compelled to pick up the next installment. I’m just interested enough to go along… For now…
A Little Christmas Spirit by Sheila Roberts is a 2021 Mira Books publication.
This is everything a holiday story should be!
Stanley lost his beloved wA Little Christmas Spirit by Sheila Roberts is a 2021 Mira Books publication.
This is everything a holiday story should be!
Stanley lost his beloved wife, Carol, in a car accident three years ago.
Never much of a people person to begin wife, Stanley retreats from life entirely after Carol’s death.
When his in-laws make overtures at Thanksgiving, he declines the invitation, preferring to have frozen pizza and pumpkin ice cream at home, all alone, in front of the television.
But then he receives an unexpected visitor…
Carol!
Carol begins popping in periodically, encouraging Stanley to start living his life again. Naturally, he’s resisting. But his new neighbors, Lexie, a single mom, and her young son, Brock, draw him into their lives, and he suddenly becomes ‘Grandpa Stanley’.
But his curmudgeonly ways are a hard habit to break, and he struggles with socializing, making it hard for people to move past his regular faux pas- which are either horrifying or laugh out loud funny.
It looks like Stanley may have made an unforgivable mistake… and despite Carol’s best efforts, he may end up spending Christmas alone, after all.
I’m on a Holiday roll this year, so far, which is a vast improvement from last season’s disappointing offerings. I read this book in one sitting!
Stanley and I might have a few things in common- if it wasn't for my family, I’d probably be a hermit, too.
His trips down memory lane were lovely and bittersweet and of course he stole my heart, despite his crankiness.
I also loved Brock, who is a fine example for the adults when it comes to the ability to forgive.
Lexie is a lovely character who definitely deserved her own happily ever after.
Overall, if you love Christmas stories with the right balance of heartwarming holiday inspirations with a healthy dose of humor and emotion, this will make a great choice.
This is the kind of book I was looking for last year, and never could find. Such a lovely story, with a sweet, touching conclusion that is sure to help you shake off the bah humbugs.
The Good Son by Jacqueline Mitchard is a 2022 Mira publication.
Edgy Domestic Drama…
A night of tragedy sends Stephan to prison for murdering, Belinda,The Good Son by Jacqueline Mitchard is a 2022 Mira publication.
Edgy Domestic Drama…
A night of tragedy sends Stephan to prison for murdering, Belinda, the love of his life, in a drug fueled haze. He’s released after only a few years, though, and his parents, Jep and Thea are ready for life to begin moving forward again.
But if they thought life would simply resume where it left off, they were sorely mistaken. For starters, Thea is told to take a year-long sabbatical from her job, and Stephan finds that most people are not ready to accept him back in society or help him get work, making it even more difficult for him to put his life back together.
Thea’s adjustment is more jarring due to her constant communication with a young woman who claims to have information about Belinda’s death that nobody else knows. Not only that, but she also begs Thea not to ever tell anyone, if Stephan ever starts to remember details from the night Belinda died.
This prompts Thea to consider the possibility that Stephan might not be solely responsible for Belinda’s death. Is there some truth to these sinister messages or is Thea being conned- or worse- could she and Stephan be in danger?
I thought the premise of this book sounded compelling. What if your only son was sent to prison for a horrible crime? What would life be like once his sentence was served? Naturally, Thea was horrified by what Stephan did. She lost her best friend, a girl she loved like a daughter, and her only son, in one felled swoop. But her loyalties lie with her son, though she must grapple with the guilt that he’s still alive, and Belinda is not- a fact Belinda’s mother, Jill, makes sure to drive home at every opportunity.
On the other hand, the stigma of his crime is one that will follow Stephan for the rest of his life, but the wounds he caused are torn open anew when he is released and instead of easing himself back into society, he finds himself a prisoner in his parent’s home, dogged by reporters and harassed by an unforgiving township. No one will hire him, or he’s forced off the job, leaving him aimless. But Stephan is resilient- and finds a way to productively use his time.
Would you be able to sympathize with Thea or Stephan or do you think Stephan got off easy, comparatively speaking, due to the nature of his crime?
The book examines these thoughts and emotions as Stephan grapples with the court of public opinion, who have handed down a life sentence with no chance of parole, making it increasingly difficult to become a productive citizen after his release.
All these issues and the character’s response to the challenges they are facing, makes for some very heavy drama. Yet, while the drama is unfolding, a mystery develops in the background that slowly builds to a stunning, shocking, crescendo.
This book is thought-provoking on several levels. The mystery angle is most definitely a slow, slow burn with the drama taking up much of the book.
The various angles explored are compelling, and once I realized the direction the story was headed, a strong feeling of foreboding took over. I had no idea how it would all play out, but it got pretty intense there for a minute. The characterizations, unfortunately, were flat, especially Jep, in my opinion, and the dialogue is often stilted, which kept the emotional intensity from having the desired impact.
Overall, though, I did find the story absorbing and it made me consider some issues from a different perspective. Though the pacing is quite lopsided, I think one’s patience will be rewarded with one incredibly taut conclusion.
The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas is a 2019 Berkley publication.
This is the fourth book is the Charlotte Holmes series.
Unfortunately, this chapter in The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas is a 2019 Berkley publication.
This is the fourth book is the Charlotte Holmes series.
Unfortunately, this chapter in the series, didn't quite measure up the previous installments. I did like the premise, which involved the art world- always a favorite for me- and political secrets, which added some intrigue, which I also enjoyed.
I wasn't a fan of playing around with the characterizations, which, as it turned out felt stilted and forced- and just a temporary means to an end.
The pacing was a little skewed as well, though, finally, the Lord Ingram/Holmes interactions enjoyed some splendid back and forth dialogue. The mystery very nearly went off course, as this was not the best executed chapter in the series, in my opinion.
I have already read book five- as it was assigned to me a while back and it was so good, I decided to start this series from the beginning to get caught up on the whole story- so thankfully, I know how things proceed next, and don't need to worry about the series going off course.
Now I get to read the sixth book, which will get me caught up, and I am very ready to dive back in, in what I hope will be a strong addition to the series.
Watch Her Fall by Erin Kelly is a Mobius- Hodder & Stoughton publication.
A strangely absorbing thriller…
This is one of the most imaginative novels IWatch Her Fall by Erin Kelly is a Mobius- Hodder & Stoughton publication.
A strangely absorbing thriller…
This is one of the most imaginative novels I’ve read so far this year. The story begins with the focus centered around the drama and competition of a ballet company.
Ana will play the dual role of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake- but the pressure is intense. Her own father runs the London Russian Ballet Company and is nearly tyrannical with his control over Ana and her techniques. Meanwhile, it would appear she has some severe and ruthless competition.
The tone grows darker and even more intense as the ‘Swans’ behave more like Vultures as they plot to get the upper hand- ready to effortlessly step into Ana’s position. But it seems as though someone has decided to take the competition to a whole new, and deadly level…
I had no preconceived notions when I started reading this book. I have read some of this author’s work in the past, I liked her work- but I was not prepared for such a strangely hypnotic mind trip.
This book was so good! Tense from start to finish, with a great set-up and some psychological twists and turns that had me rooted to my chair! This is one of those books where the less you know the better- and I doubt anything else I might add would really do it justice anyway.
Overall, this is certainly not your run of the mill psychological thriller. Kelly certainly knows how to weave a dark, mesmerizing, edge of your seat tale of suspense!
Garbo: Her Life, Her Films by Robert Gottieb is a 2021 Farrar, Straus and Giroux publication.
Just the singular name- Garbo- brings with it a certain Garbo: Her Life, Her Films by Robert Gottieb is a 2021 Farrar, Straus and Giroux publication.
Just the singular name- Garbo- brings with it a certain mystique.
Garbo was a fine actress-successfully transitioning from the silent era into ‘talkies’, but it was the mystery surrounding her that captivated us for decades after she made her last film.
I think it is telling that here we are in 2021 still mesmerized and fascinated with Garbo.
There have been several deeply researched biographies written about Garbo over the years, something that Gottieb acknowledged and even quoted from one or two of them in this book.
But Gottieb has taken a refreshing approach, combining both Garbo’s career and her personal life into one book and having them coincide together in the same time frame, so we understand what was going on in Garbo’s life while she was making her movies.
Garbo was well ahead of her time, and she pushed the envelope, both professionally and personally, seeming to always march to the beat of her own drum. Yet, at the same time, I think maybe she just didn’t do what was expected, but not necessarily by design.
I think she’s been understandably mythologized, but once you strip away the veneer, she was a shy, quiet woman, who valued her privacy.
Her personality wasn’t as large as one might be led to believe, and her relationships weren’t nearly as torrid as they might seem.
The reality is far less glamorous. Garbo seems to me to have suffered from depression, based on some of her comments, but perhaps she also liked living life on her own terms, enjoying close friendships over marriage and children, or maybe she just enjoyed her own company.
For me, it is her presence on the screen and those expressive eyes that captivates her audience. Her performances are sealed in time, forever frozen in place, her aura impossible to replicate.
Once the busty bleach blondes were ushered in, the Golden Age magnificence faded away, but Garbo remains as iconic as ever, eighty years after her last film.
This book is very well researched, and has a wonderful, engaging presentation.
There are some fun trivia facts about Garbo in the last several sections, including the times she was mentioned in contemporary songs and books, musings by Billy Wilder and Melvyn Douglas, amongst others, ‘Garbo sightings’, a wide array of photographs, a filmography, and bibliography.
This is an interesting, and very insightful biography, tastefully done, and reliable, but never heavy.
I think Robert Gottieb has given us an incredibly intimate portrait of the iconic actress- the one and the only- Greta Garbo....more
Creepy Cat Vol 1 by Cotton Valent is a 2021 Seven Seas publication.
This is a fun graphic novel gear to the young adult audience. The dialogue is veryCreepy Cat Vol 1 by Cotton Valent is a 2021 Seven Seas publication.
This is a fun graphic novel gear to the young adult audience. The dialogue is very sparse, but the artwork is vibrant and colorful.
Flora moves into her new home only to discover she is not the only resident. It seems a peculiar cat also resides in the home. The story has a paranormal/ Gothic vibe, but it’s quite gentle and mostly funny. There’s no story here, and that should be made very clear, so mainly one is looking at a series of comic drawings with no rhyme or reason behind them- but the book is still entertaining and worth checking out for the great artwork… for the creepy cat, of course.
The View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston is a 2022 Thomas Nelson publication.
When the last member of Maya’s family passes away and still nursing a brThe View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston is a 2022 Thomas Nelson publication.
When the last member of Maya’s family passes away and still nursing a broken heart, she decides to shake some things up in her life. First, she plans re-locate to Coral Cove, North Carolina to run her great-aunt’s toy store.
She still plans to continue her career as a romance author, but finds that the upheaval has left her with a stubborn case of writer’s block.
On a more positive note, meeting eight-year-old, Ashlyn Tanner, who is very persuasive in convincing Maya she needs to adopt a kitten, and Ashlyn’s dad, Brody, the local veterinarian, who is also recovering from the pain of loss and heartache, give Mara some new motivation and inspiration.
As their friendship blossoms, Maya makes a startling discovery about her father, that sends her a quest to the find the man she thought had abandoned her at birth…
This is a charming story about healing and new beginnings. The characterizations are marvelous- especially Ashlyn who was a scene stealer on occasion.
I loved watching the characters grow and develop, admit mistakes, turn wrongs into rights, and find strength in each other.
The pacing is just right, as is the dialogue. The tension is also well scripted, without too much angst or heaviness.
Overall, a very nice, sweet, clean romance with a lovely and heart- warming happy ever after!
Field Notes for Food Adventure: Recipes and Stories from the Woods to the Ocean by Brad Leone is a 2021 Voracious/ Little Brown & Co. Publication.
I lField Notes for Food Adventure: Recipes and Stories from the Woods to the Ocean by Brad Leone is a 2021 Voracious/ Little Brown & Co. Publication.
I love recipe books!! Sometimes I just like thumbing through them, looking at the lovely presentations and the unique ways of preparing food, I never would have thought of.
This book grabbed my attention because of the title. I have never seen the YouTube series, but I had an idea the author would introduce me to foods found in specific locations, that were perhaps, off the beaten path.
I thought it would be interesting to see what those unique ingredients and methods of preparation might be- and who knows, I might find something I could try, even if the ingredients were hard to find or didn’t grow in my neck of the woods.
I’m glad I gave the book a chance. As it turns out the author sticks mainly to locations in the Northeast- which is a long way away from me.
Still, I loved the unique adventures, and learned a lot about fermentation, fungus- aka- mushrooms- and maple syrup. I’ll have to take a pass on the squid, though.
This book has some interesting preparation methods, and I thought, as I was looking through it, that this one might be a big draw for those who enjoy fly fishing and hunting.
Truly, I think this book, is quite educational!!
As to finding a work around for these recipes- I would say- absolutely!!
No, I can’t get the ramp onions around here, and no I wouldn’t be able to get the exotic mushrooms, but there is no reason why one couldn’t prepare these dishes using some substitutes common in your region.
The book also made me think about visiting the Northeast someday- and I will have to find the time to check out the author’s YouTube channel- “It’s Alive!”
This is not the typical cookbook, or Recipe book. It has a gorgeous presentation, with vivid color photographs- including photos of the locale, which are incredible!
Overall, this is an enlightening, adventurous book for those who enjoy gathering ingredients in the great outdoors- from the woods and the oceans- as the title states.
The Great Nowitzki by Thomas Pletzinger is a 2022 W.W. Norton & Company publication.
After the Jordan era of basketball ended, I didn’t like the direcThe Great Nowitzki by Thomas Pletzinger is a 2022 W.W. Norton & Company publication.
After the Jordan era of basketball ended, I didn’t like the direction the league was headed and lost interest in the sport. After some time passed, my son started telling me about Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, who played for our own Dallas Mavericks.
I declined his invitation to watch the games for a while, but he kept the pressure up until I finally succumbed, just to get him off my back....more
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson is a 2003 publication.
Astounding!
I recently The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson is a 2003 publication.
Astounding!
I recently read a review of this book online, which reminded me that I had a copy of it on my bookshelf. I was sure I had already read this book- albeit a long time ago- but I had not added it to any of my online book sites, which prompted an internal debate with myself – did I- or did I not read this book or did I maybe have it confused with another book I'd read about H.H. Holmes?
As it turns out, I had read it- but it was so long ago many of the details had faded from my memory. Since I had not added the book to any of my online book sites, and I wanted to get a review up for it, I decided a refresher was in order.
To be clear, this is a true crime book about H. H. Holmes, but it's much more that- it's also about a time, a place, a huge event in history, and those who brought it all together. It's a horrifying story, but also a fascinating one.
Larson is quite something, isn’t he? The research is, of course, phenomenal, but it’s the way he makes history come to life that kept me turning those pages.
The book reads like a novel, which, as we know, is an approach many True Crime authors have mastered, but is a bit harder to pull off when writing about history. Anyone who feels history or nonfiction is too dry should give this book a try!
Larson had me in the palm of his hand and despite my penchant for True Crime, it was the planning and execution of the magnificent World Fair that takes center stage. The architecture, all the vivid details, the people behind the scenes, and the influx of people into the city was just incredible.
But evil was lurking in the background and the fair turned out to be the perfect environment for a serial killer- H. H. Holmes- to be exact.
Holmes was most assuredly the stuff nightmares are made of!! He got away with so much, for such a long time, it was hard to take it all in!! Times were so different back then too- which made it easier for Holmes to con a more trusting public.
Overall, Larson has a unique approach, and a well organized presentation, bringing together two seemingly different subjects, and linking them together in such a way that one can hardly tear themselves away from the pages.
That’s a rare talent for historical writing. I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys true crime and history, of course, but even if you usually prefer fiction, you’ll probably still find this book of great interest!!
Love & Saffron by Kim Fay is a 2022 G.P. Putnam’s Sons publication.
A Lovely Epistolary story of food and friendship-
In the early 1960s, Joan BergstroLove & Saffron by Kim Fay is a 2022 G.P. Putnam’s Sons publication.
A Lovely Epistolary story of food and friendship-
In the early 1960s, Joan Bergstrom writes to columnist Imogene Fortier, sending along a sample of saffron. Joan and her mother were fans of Fortier, which is what prompted the young twenty-seven-year-old Joan to write to Imogene, who was in her late fifties, at the time.
The fragrant saffron triggered a memory for Imogene’s husband, Francis, and awakens in him a culinary flair Imogene never knew existed. Thus, Imogene answers Joan's fan letter, spawning an unlikely, but profound friendship between the two women.
As the years pass, they share their ups and downs, highs and lows, advising and offering support and encouragement to one another unwaveringly.
At the forefront of their correspondence is food. Joan is a whiz at spices and the various delights of California style cooking, while Imogene takes the recipes and adds the taste of her own region, while marveling at the new avenues Joan’s influence as opened for her, Francis, and their marriage.
The power of written words in the form of letter writing, certainly a lost art- knocked me sideways. Writing out our thoughts requires one’s undivided attention and opens an avenue of intimacy that talking on the phone can’t match.
The story made me think about that quite a bit. But, it is the situation that Joan faces, and the emotional choices she was forced to consider, that was both frustrating and heart-rending- but her courage was also inspirational.
Obviously, it was the unconditional support and encouragement of her special friend, Imogene, that gave her the strength to make the best choices.
I loved this story- just loved it. The story is emotional at times, but overall, it is a touching and inspirational story! Highly recommend!...more
Colorization: One Hundred Years of Black Films in a White World by Wil Haywood is a 2021 Knopf publication.
Wil Haywood has written a study of the hisColorization: One Hundred Years of Black Films in a White World by Wil Haywood is a 2021 Knopf publication.
Wil Haywood has written a study of the history and struggle of black cinema, starting in the silent era and bringing us right up to present day.
Beginning with the protest surrounding ‘A Birth of a Nation', Haywood takes us on a journey through the decades, featuring not only the films, but the triumphs, setbacks, and the continual struggle for recognition and acknowledgement.
This is a very in-depth history, and contains a wealth of obscure, behind the scenes information, alongside familiar faces, films, producers and directors.
The book is a little chunky- as it does go over an entire century’s worth of material, but it’s a smooth, easy read and goes by quickly.
I was very interested in the older history, especially, because it was mostly new material for me- but of course, I did enjoy reading about the people I recognized, learning more about their career launches, the struggles they encountered, and the impact they made on cinema and on history.
Haywood gives a wonderful presentation, with organization, and research. The book does seem to run out of steam towards the end, with fewer opportunities for little-known insights.
That said, this is a fabulous piece of cinematic history, which includes a segment of photographs, notes, Bibliography, and illustrated credits.
For me, there were some nice memories in here. I was reminded of some movies I have not watched in a long time, while learning a great deal about those movies I didn’t know.
But more importantly, the book chronicles the contributions of black artists and black films, the racism, politics, and social themes involved, through the years, while continuing to battle some of these same issues today- one century later.
Overall, this is an informative, fascinating book, all fans of history and the cinema will want to experience.
Murder Book: A Graphic Memoir of a True Crime Obsession by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell is a 2021 Andrews McMeel Publishing publication.
With just a fewMurder Book: A Graphic Memoir of a True Crime Obsession by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell is a 2021 Andrews McMeel Publishing publication.
With just a few exceptions, this book could have been about me!
Well, to be clear- I’d be the mother in this book- and I’ve made my daughter a true crime addict, too. (As you will discover- that’s not a bad thing, at all)
So, I could relate to this book quite a bit. I have watched the movies, read the books, watched all the crime shows and documentaries.
Two things I don’t do, though, are- Nancy Grace- and podcasts- but I have tried to add the podcasts in on occasion.
But alas, this story is not about me…
The story is about a woman, Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell, who is obsessed with True Crime. She thinks she inherited this interest in crime from her mother, but wants to try and figure out the psychology behind why people find true crime so entertaining.
High profile cases like that of the Zodiac and Ted Bundy are profiled and analyzed, for starters, moving on to other cases, like Anne Marie Fahey.
Hilary lists the authors she loves, and crime shows she watches- both fiction and non-fiction and then of course, as her life progresses, she discovers the true crime podcast.
The author attempts to make her obsession sound not all that strange, while admitting there’s some weirdness about enjoying the genre.
Other than one warped religious remark, early on, I thought the book was hilarious, and so true. The author nails the obsessive behaviors of many true crime enthusiast, most of whom are women, and many of us can see ourselves in this book.
The illustrations are in black and white, perhaps more like something you might see in a newspaper or magazine, than the traditional graphic novel.
I enjoyed the criminal cases she chose to examine and got a kick out her defense of the true crime genre and understood her need to explain why she enjoys it and can relate to feeling a certain amount of guilt about that, as well, occasionally wondering what it said about me that I got into what Hilary calls “all that murder s**t”.
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As her investigation deepens her findings will give all us ladies who enjoy true crime a better understanding of what it is about the genre that attracts us, and we can all breathe a great big sigh of relief because I agree wholeheartedly with Hilary’s findings! No need to explain or feel guilty anymore!
Women really have made true crime better!
The Thanksgiving scene at the end was hilarious and brilliant and I loved, loved, loved the way the book ends!
Anyone up for an episode of Law & Order? Dun Dun!...more
The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan is a 2021 HQN publication.
Robyn:
Robyn has carved out a solid life in Lapland with husband, but a call from her nThe Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan is a 2021 HQN publication.
Robyn:
Robyn has carved out a solid life in Lapland with husband, but a call from her niece, Christy, opens painful reminders of her past. Christy wants to bring her daughter, Holly, to meet Robyn and spend the holidays in Lapland. Robyn is thrilled, but also very nervous. What would Christy think about Robyn if she knew the truth about her…
Christy:
Christy and Seb married after she learned of her pregnancy. They hadn’t been seeing each other very long, but they were ready to give marriage a try. Now things aren’t going so well. Seb has been ‘working late’, their cottage needs costly repairs, and Christy is second guessing her choice to leave the city.
Alix:
Alix and Christy have been friends forever. Alix was vehemently opposed to Christy’s choice to marry Seb. Seb’s best friend, Zac, was the only thing standing in the way of her stopping the wedding. For five years Alix has been waiting for the other shoe to drop and now it looks like her predictions may be coming true…
With Christy and Seb needing a few days alone, Alix and Zac proceed with the holiday trip to Lapland with Holly. They can’t stand each other, but are determined to do right by Holly…
What could possibly go wrong?
Sarah Morgan is one of my very favorite contemporary fiction writers, these days, but I missed out on her holiday offerings in 2020, so I wanted to be sure to add her latest Christmas book to my list this year.
This is an ambitious story, with three threads, three couples, a child, dogs, and the holidays to navigate, but Morgan manages to make it look easy.
For a while, I was beginning to wonder if Robyn’s thread would ever fully develop, but once she had the floor, I was blown away.
Alix was hysterically funny, but in a poignant and bittersweet way.
Life moves on, and people change and grow, relationships wax and wane and take on new dimensions and the friendship between Christy and Alix showcases the need to accept those changes, but also the importance of communication and empathy. Christy’s role, though, may have been the most important of all, as she is finally able to break the chain of unhealthy family tendencies, to live a more balanced life and set a great example for her children.
At first, I was a bit concerned the drama would outweigh the holiday cheer, which was my chief complaint about last year’s crop of holiday fare, but once again Morgan manages to give me exactly what I wanted- reindeer, snow, hot cocoa, beautiful scenery, an adorable, precocious little girl, long overdue happy ever after’s, and the promise of new holiday traditions to come. What more could I possibly ask for?...more
Beaumonster by Jesse Dayton is a 2021 Hachette Books publication.
The blurb for this book caught my eye, and I thought Jesse Dayton sounded like an inBeaumonster by Jesse Dayton is a 2021 Hachette Books publication.
The blurb for this book caught my eye, and I thought Jesse Dayton sounded like an interesting fellow, who has had some extraordinary experiences in his life.
He’s from Beaumont, Texas and is well acquainted with the Austin music scene when it boasted an eclectic array of talented musicians from a variety of different musical genres.
According to Dayton, he has an online presence that might be a controversial- he calls them online rants- but I was not familiar with any of that, and I didn’t take the time to research it, so for me reading this book was like going in blind.
Dayton is a real character. He’s brash, enthusiastic, and unapologetic, and had worked with quite a colorful cast of characters- country stars, rock stars, movie stars, and even performed at the white house.
Unfortunately, this memoir is not as organized as I would have liked it to be- though in all fairness, Dayton did warn his readers that timelines would skip around a lot.
I did enjoy the history he talked about, and his firsthand experiences with some of the biggest names in country music, as well as his work with Rob Zombie- of all people. Dayton is opinionated, and not shy about sharing his views- some of which I agree with and others, well… not so much. He has certainly lived a life outside the norm and has an incredible gift of adaptability.
This memoir was a little raw, but more realistic, sincere, and intimate because Dayton, though well-known in some circles is not a household name. There is some bragging, name dropping, etc., but the superstar ego and bloat are refreshingly absent.
Overall, if you have ever read my reviews for biographies or memoirs, you know that organization is something I’m a stickler for. I admit I did struggle with the format a little bit.
That said, Dayton has an interesting musical style I discovered, and his memoir is one of the more interesting ones I’ve encountered in a while, which helped balance things out the rough edges.
I’ve been waffling on my rating for this one, and because I just couldn’t decide on a whole number it’ll have to go with a 3.5....more
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