Well, this was better than I expected. I chose this book (or rather it was chosen for me), because I was supposed to have read this for a book club thWell, this was better than I expected. I chose this book (or rather it was chosen for me), because I was supposed to have read this for a book club that took place last week. Suffice to say, I unfortunately never finished the book in time for book club ...more
Another book I didn’t know that I needed. This book is the best pick me up! This small book can be flipped to certain pages daily, or re-read often (wAnother book I didn’t know that I needed. This book is the best pick me up! This small book can be flipped to certain pages daily, or re-read often (which I plan to do). Because this book is so thin, I can also carry it around with me in my purse (I carry a larger size bag), so I can always read a page or two whenever I am waiting in a doctor’s office, a car ride, etc… and get a dose of inspiration/encouragement.
Many of us have grown up without or do not have any type of support systems, and this book teaches us how to be our own champion. We’re reminded to be proud of ourselves for how far we’ve come and what we’ve accomplished. We’re reminded to stay away from people that don’t have our best interests at heart. We also have to remember to give ourselves a break.
The conclusion of this little book is about sending postcards to yourself from your future self through the mail. By the time you receive them, you’ll probably have forgotten what you wrote on them and they will be nice little notes of encouragement to yourself from yourself ...more
This was another compelling, insightful, and very interesting read by Marjan Kamali. After reading (and loving), The Stationery Shop by this author, IThis was another compelling, insightful, and very interesting read by Marjan Kamali. After reading (and loving), The Stationery Shop by this author, I could not wait to read this book. Once again, she did not disappoint.
“Shir zan. The Persian phrase that translates to ‘lion women’”.
In this story we have two young girls who meet each other in first grade. Growing up in Iran, their goal is to grow up and become “shir zan”. These two young girls are Ellie and Homa. Ellie is from a family that is ‘descended from royalty’, while Homa is from a lower class neighborhood and has no royalty in her bloodline. Ellie’s mother never approves of this friendship from the start, and tries to keep these two girls apart- but Ellie loves her new best friend and her family. Homa also feels the same way about Ellie, and true friendship can always stand the test of time…
This book starts in the year 1950, and ends in 2022. So through this we see both Ellie and Homa grow. Homa was always so very confident and sure of herself, while Ellie never quite had the confidence or self esteem. Growing up, Ellie’s mother always let her know that bad things happened because people were jealous of them and had cast an ‘evil eye’ over them. Was this really true? And how could one rid itself of this evil curse?
This story dealt with friendship, grief, love, power, and freedom (and yes, I even shed a few tears here and there). I learned a great deal about the culture of Iran, but not in a textbook sort of way. I could picture in my mind the clothing being worn, and the crowds of people at the Grand Bazaar. I could smell and taste the foods, and envision the freedom that the women were fighting for.
While I will admit that I didn’t like this book as much as The Stationery Shop (I know- Boo!! ), I still highly recommend reading this book as it’s another memorable read that you will be thinking about long after you turn the last page.
This was my Book of the Month - June, 2024 pick! ...more
This book was deep. I had never read this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I got was a complex study of a dysfunctional family dynThis book was deep. I had never read this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I got was a complex study of a dysfunctional family dynamic, and a very character driven story. I was entranced in this story for some reason. I wanted to know what happened to each and every character. Why they acted the way they did, and how each person became that way. The author, Amy Jo Burns, delivered on all accounts.
This story starts off with a young teenage Marley moving into the town of Mercury, with her mother Ruth. Marley right away becomes involved with Baylor Joseph, which gets her a seat at the Joseph family table for dinner each night. The Joseph family consists of three brothers- Baylor, Waylon, and Shay. The Joseph parents are Mick and Elise. The Joseph men own their own roofing company, and Elise tries to uphold the family name.
As the story progresses, we learn of the many secrets the Joseph family is hiding. We see how Marley has made herself a part of the Joseph family as well, even though Elise may have never really liked her. Did Marley choose the wrong or right brother in the end? Was Marley more of a mother to Shay than Elise could ever be? And why do the Joseph men always stick up for each other?
This book was gritty and raw. The characters kept me captivated from the first page all the way through until the last page. If you enjoy highly developed, character-driven stories- then this is the book for you! I highly recommend this story, and I will be looking for other reads from this author going forward.
Many thanks to @CeladonBooks and Goodreads for the ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date is: January 2, 2024. #MercuryBook...more
After reading The Ballerinas, and The Ingenue by this author- I was super excited to read this latest release. While I did enjoy this story and the crAfter reading The Ballerinas, and The Ingenue by this author- I was super excited to read this latest release. While I did enjoy this story and the creativity of it, I unfortunately can’t say that I enjoyed it as much as the other two previous books. I felt that this book was rather “wordy”, and it seemed to be much lengthier than it should have been.
This story centers around Rosie Macalister. Rosie is a middle class student at Yale, who is definitely considered poor next to her roommates and “best friend” Cressida (Cress) Tate. While Rosie is accepted, and they all ride horses together- Rosie never expects to have another friend join their group- and be a better rider?
The new friend to the group is Annelise. Annelise is a tarot card reader and loves to read cards for her friends and at parties. Rosie and Annelise become close, as they they share a room together and are often snubbed by their fellow roommates. Things start to get complicated and out of control among the group, and Rosie tries to make things right- even after they have moved on from college.
While this book was interesting and had some good moments, I just felt like it dragged on too long in some parts. I will say that the most redeeming quality of this book was that each chapter had the title of a Tarot Card and its full description, which I thought was absolutely awesome! (3.5 stars, rounded up).
Many thanks to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: February 13, 2024. ...more
Ever finish reading a book, and you’re left in a bad mood? So yeah, that’s my mood after reading this nonsense. First of all, I didn’t think this bookEver finish reading a book, and you’re left in a bad mood? So yeah, that’s my mood after reading this nonsense. First of all, I didn’t think this book would ever end. It just kept going and going and going… It was long, drawn-out, and UNREALISTIC! So unrealistic, that I’m mad that I wasted my time reading this book.
We have the main character of Elizabeth Zott. Elizabeth is a feminist in the 1950’s. Oh, Elizabeth is also a chemist, let’s not forget that (hence the title), and the fact that she’ll remind you on every page throughout the book. Now, no problem with her being a chemist- but the feminist/independent woman part is where I have a problem. This book took place in the 1950’s, and I just wasn’t buying it. Had this story took place in present day- then maybe I would have appreciated this more.
Elizabeth Zott does not want to marry, but wants to live with her boyfriend. She wants a top position in her field, and she likes to let everyone know that she does not believe in God because well…Science! Yes, all that goes on in our society today, but I just didn’t find her character cute or funny for that timeframe. We even had the Reverend Wakely who didn’t believe in God either. Okay…
Elizabeth also hosted a cooking show that aired on television called “Supper at Six”. She taught every housewife across America how to become independent and cook according to ‘chemistry’, using the Periodic Table of Elements. ...more
After reading ‘The House Across The Lake’ last year (and not much caring for it), I wasn’t sure if Sager would be able to redeem himself once again wiAfter reading ‘The House Across The Lake’ last year (and not much caring for it), I wasn’t sure if Sager would be able to redeem himself once again with this newest release. Well, he certainly has, because ‘The Only One Left’ is a real humdinger! ...more
I read this book for a book club that I am in this month, in fact we are meeting next week. The Measure had been high on my list, so I was so excited I read this book for a book club that I am in this month, in fact we are meeting next week. The Measure had been high on my list, so I was so excited to see this month’s pick. I finished reading this several hours ago, letting this book process as there was much to think about. Was this book very emotional and thought-provoking? Yes, it was. But for some reason, I didn’t feel a deep connection with the characters like I was hoping to.
This story starts out with every living adult 22 years old and over, receiving a wooden box with a string inside. This indestructible string (and box), measures the span of your life. Therefore, the longer your string, the longer your life. People have gone into a panic. Some people continue on as normal, some choose to never even open their box. The media and politicians start to divide short-stringers and long-stringers. The country is divided, while others are growing closer together. Also, will there be ways in which we can switch our fate?
I definitely enjoyed the premise of this book, and I did like the characters enough (well, all except Anthony- our politician). In fact, we have two pen pals in this story who I grew to love, and I loved their story (get the tissues ready ...more
I absolutely LOVED The Book of Cold Cases by this author, so when I saw this novella available I couldn’t wait to read it! This story was interesting,I absolutely LOVED The Book of Cold Cases by this author, so when I saw this novella available I couldn’t wait to read it! This story was interesting, but I feel like I’ve just read this same story too much lately…
Ginette Cox is a New York City actress who is ordered by her doctor to take an extended, and a much needed break. Ginette is lucky to find a house to rent very quick and cheap at 19 Howard Avenue. Well, there’s a reason Ginette was able to get such a good deal on this house…
As soon as Ginette settles into 19 Howard Avenue, she finds that she cannot leave the house. Some strange sensation is holding her back and keeping her inside. Since she cannot leave the house, Ginette decides to watch her neighbors through binoculars. She keeps track of what her neighbors are doing, and even what their names may be. She also sees a strange man who wears an outdated suit, walking through the yards at night.
Ginette also begins to lose sleep during her stay at this house. She hears strange noises throughout the house, especially from the basement. She also feels gusts of cold air passing through her body. Is Ginette imagining these things? Has Ginette gone mad?
For a short story, this was well developed. I was entertained, but I feel that this story has been done quite a lot the past few years. So unfortunately this wasn’t anything new for me. Regardless, it was still a quick read.
(3.5 stars) For some reason I had a really good feeling about this book, so good that I even pre-ordered myself an autographed hard copy of The Hotel (3.5 stars) For some reason I had a really good feeling about this book, so good that I even pre-ordered myself an autographed hard copy of The Hotel Nantucket. Now, it wasn’t my favorite Elin Hilderbrand book that I’ve ever read (sorry, but nothing will top 28 Summers), but it was still enjoyable. I mean, is it even summertime if we are not reading a new Hilderbrand novel?
The Hotel Nantucket provided some interesting characters, unfortunately none that were worthwhile or will be very memorable. We also had the ghost of Grace that was living in the Hotel, which I found a little odd, but whatever…
What I found in this book, along with quite a few of Hilderbrand’s past books are the mention of food dishes and desserts. Hilderbrand goes into full detail (paragraphs and pages) describing certain menu and drink items. That’s fine, but at this point I’m getting tired of reading about food dishes (if I wanted to do that I would pull out my cook books). I also find myself getting too hungry and overeating while reading her novels (can I blame Hilderbrand for that? ...more
After having read I Am Not Who You Think I Am ~ by Eric Rickstad (which I really enjoyed), I wanted to read some of his previous books with this book After having read I Am Not Who You Think I Am ~ by Eric Rickstad (which I really enjoyed), I wanted to read some of his previous books with this book being one of them.
What Remains Of Her was a decent read, a little depressing if I’m being honest. It’s super hot where I live right now, and I feel that I may have enjoyed this book more in the cold, winter months (that’s just the vibe that I got from this book). Not much really happened throughout the book, the pacing was rather slow, and the ending has left me a little bewildered… There were some decent twists, but not much of a thrill factor.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and still plan to read more from Rickstad. ...more
I think this was my favorite Jennifer Hillier book so far. In fact, I’m torn between four and five stars (I’m being stingy lately with my stars, so I’I think this was my favorite Jennifer Hillier book so far. In fact, I’m torn between four and five stars (I’m being stingy lately with my stars, so I’m stuck on four ...more
(2.5 stars) This book was okay… I definitely liked Daisy Jones and The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo much better. For me, I didn’t get an(2.5 stars) This book was okay… I definitely liked Daisy Jones and The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo much better. For me, I didn’t get anything out of Malibu Rising. The only parts of the book that I did enjoy was when it flashed back to the 1950’s to Mick Riva’s and June’s love affair and marriage. I did like and feel for Nina Riva, but other than that there weren’t any other characters that I found interesting or even likeable (besides her mother June). The party that took place and all the unnecessary characters that went to the party just irritated me. I was so glad when this book finally finished. ...more
First off, I just want to say that I am glad that I don’t let the media or the opinions or reviews of others dictate what I will or will not read. If First off, I just want to say that I am glad that I don’t let the media or the opinions or reviews of others dictate what I will or will not read. If I did, I would have missed out on reading this phenomenal book! This is a work of fiction that gives those of us (like me), a clue to what it’s like to be a migrant and try to escape one’s country for a better life. Secondly, I only went with four stars instead of five because there were some parts of the story that didn’t sit well with me (yes, I am aware that this is fiction). This book was also very intense from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend this book, and I do not regret having read it considering all the controversy surrounding the book and the author. ...more
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