Category: 3 Star Books

May Reads

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Another month where I’ve largely neglected my space here. Sigh. I don’t know if it’s going to get any better with Gage home for the summer, but we’ll see.

I read 12 books, with 4 thrillers being my most loved category. This is mainly because I’m caught in a Mickey Haller bubble as I read books 2-4 of the series. It’s June 3rd and I’ve finished the 5th already, lol. I also read 2 fiction, 2 non-fiction, 2 YA, 1 historical romance, 1 picture book.

5 Stars

Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh. Buddhism/Spirituality, 128 pages, 1987

“Learn to look at other beings with the eyes of compassion”. “The first time I recited the Lotus Sutra, when I came to these words, I was silenced. I knew that these words are enough to guide my whole life.”

“Understanding and love aren’t two separate things…to develop understanding you have to practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion. When you understand you love.”

“I myself feel Ike I cannot get along with this society very well. There are so many things that make me want to withdraw, to go back to myself… but I am aware that if I leave society, I will not be able to change it. That is our only hope for peace.”

“We will respect the right of others to be different and to choose what to believe and how to decide. We will, however, help others to renounce fanaticism and narrowness through compassionate dialogue.”

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly. Mystery/Thriller. 422 pages, 2008

This is the second book in the Mickey Haller series. It picks up about a year after the first and it’s the basis of season 1 of the Netflix series. I loved it and thought it was way better than the first.

At the end of the first book, defense attorney Mickey is shot. He has multiple surgeries and ends up addicted to pain killers. After rehab he’s just thinking of going back to work when he inherits a practice and all of his clients from a murdered colleague. And one of them is a a doozy. To my surprise, Harry Bosch is in this one quite a bit. I wasn’t expecting that since he wasn’t in the series at all. And that twist at the end was fun!

The Reversal by Michael Connelly. Thriller/Mystery, 389 pages, 2010

This is book 3 and it’s a good one. Mickey becomes a special prosecutor and makes sure he works with his ex-wife and Bosch. The case was good and had one of those shocking scenes that we all read thrillers for. Twisty turns and a legit evil bad guy keep Mickey and Company on their toes. 

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly. Thriller/Mystery, 421 pages, 2011

This is book 4 in the Mickey Haller series and is the basis for season 2 of the Netflix series. There were quite a few significant changes to the plot, but they weren’t necessarily bad. Mickey and company are spending their time and efforts on forclosure defense, seeing how long they can keep clients in theirs homes before the banks force them out. One of these clients gets jailed for murder and all of the sudden Mickey is back on a big case. The twist at the end was a good one, even if I knew it was coming because of the show.

My review of Somewhere Beyond the Sea is here.

4 stars

The Skin Collector by Jeffery Deaver. Thriller, 430 pages, 2013

Book 11 in the Lincoln Rhyme series.

Lincoln Rhyme was a brilliant criminologist for the NYPD until he was injured in the line of duty and now is a consultant on major cases. Amelia, an NYPD detective and the the love of Lincoln’s life, is asked to look at the body of a woman who has been tattooed with poison ink. The pair and their friends are on the case and in danger. A solid addition to the series.

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas. Historical Romance, 360 pages, 2007

The first book in the Hathaways series.

Amelia and her siblings just became wealthy beyond their imaginations, but keeping their brother from gambling it away will be a challenge. Enter Cam, a well respected ‘gypsy’ and Amelia begins to feel a support and caring she’s never had. I love this series and was happy to reread this one for a book club discussion. Kleypas is an automatic read when I come across her books.

3 1/2 Stars

Maya Angelou: The Poetry of Living by Margaret Courtney-Clarke, Non-fiction, 132 pages, 1999

Maya Angelou was a force and her strength and raw honesty was a beacon for so many around the world. Watching her perform Still I Rise is still one of my favorite poetry experiences.

This gift book is a lovely tribute to the author/speaker. It has some words by her, but it’s really the words of those close to her that make this book special. That and the gorgeous photographs. If you’re a Maya fan this one’s for you.

“She knows what we were born to discover. Every moment is important to her, and she brings to each her love and laughter, and passion for beauty, for life. She creates a world of caring around her and sees that it is good; each smile, each touch, each kindness offered, mirroring the grace of God. That’s our beloved Maya.” Susan Taylor

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin. YA, 277 pages, 2007

Where do we go after we die? In this YA novel we all go to the island of Elsewhere. When 15 year old Liz ends up there living with the grandmother she never met she is resentful, but eventually she accepts her fate.

What’s so special about Elsewhere? You age backwards from the day you arrive. When you reach newborn status you are sent back to the land of the living to enter a new body. So essentially, you get two lives. I love the concept of the book and as a YA book it works. It left too many unanswered questions for me to love it. But the pet dogs that made it to Elsewhere did steal my heart.

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon. YA, 304 pages, 2021

I’ve read and loved two other Nicola Yoon young adult books. They are heavy on romance with lots of real life issues to ground them. Surprisingly, this one had a touch of magical realism and I wasn’t mad about it 😁 Evie has grown up reading romance and her visit to a Little Free Library was the catalyst for her finding a superpower and love. I lover her openness to try something bold and new, but her acceptance of her new ‘gift’ baffled me and she treated two of her best buds horribly. The takeaway of the book is a strong one and the ending was unexpected so that made up for some of my issues.

3 Stars

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki. Fiction, 240 pages, 2020

Who wouldn’t want to go to a cafe run by talking cats giving real deal life advice? This Japanese bestseller is a quick fun read following the intersecting lives of four people who really need a cat god’s perspective.

I think it would be a fun book club book since it breaks down the stages of life and the astrology of our births. Fun things to talk about among friends. I didn’t love it, but again, I’m not one to complain about spending time at cat cafe.

Mischief in Tuscany by Nancy Shroyer Howard, art, 48 pages, 2008

Such a creative and fun kids book! It takes the fresco by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, The Effects of Good Governance in the City and Countryside, and makes a story. Using the original fresco the pig becomes the main character as we travel through the artwork. His exuberance was infectious.

I thought it was fun and it’s a perfect way to get kids to look at art differently and maybe inspire their own creativity.

January Reads

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I’ve read 10 books this month. Four were mystery/thrillers, three romances, two non-fiction, and one fiction. Well on my way to my 100 goal for the year. Most amazingly, I’ve actually shared my thoughts about each of them here this month!

My favorite

This will not hit the same for everyone. I’ve read some of the issues people have had with it, BUT it did so much right! The disappearance of the father is what keeps this first person narrative moving along, but there are so many other things happening. Mia, the narrator, gives neurospicy vibes, which I love, but it’s her non-speaking younger brother with Angleman Syndrome that brings accurate representation to all kinds of families. There are studies about happiness and a biracial element too. You will be rooting for a happy ending for this family. my review here

Good Stuff

In my quest to read more current nonfiction this year, I picked this up at the library. It’s written by a woman diagnosed with autism as an adult and she shares some of the current thinking on the front lines of the neurodivergent. The numbers are abysmal. If you are neurodivergent your chance of having a job are so low it makes this mama want to cry. Also, the life expectancy is in the 30s. 30s! Something needs to change. my review here

This is the 4th and final book in a historical romance series set in London. The series revolves around three friends who bond over their love of riding. This last one, may have been my favorite because it was about two people finding comfort in each other. The hero was in a wheelchair and the heroine started going gray as a child so her desirability was low. A sweet romance. my review here

While the last romance was more about feelings, this one was a bit more on the physical attraction, enemies to lovers side. I had issues with some of it, but I really liked that this got messy and still managed a happily ever after. my review here

This was my first book of the year and it was a twisty fun thriller. A woman who lies for a living gets played. my review here

I love Anita Shreve and am working my way through her backlist. Her writing mesmerizes me 🙂 In this one a widow and a divorcee is staying with a family on Cape Cod to tutor the teen daughter. There are also two brothers, a caring father, and hateful mother. my review here

If you need a restart or a jolt to your daily life, this is a nice place to start. Meditation and mindfulness are the themes, but there are also studies and ways to look at the world and the people in it. Buddhism based, but good for anyone who wants to be more connected. my review here

These were okay

I didn’t realize this was the third in a series when I started it, but wish I had so I could have started with the first one. It was fine as a standalone, but probably would have been better if I’d read the first two. my review here

Kleypas is one of my favorite historical romance authors. This was the first book in the Wallflowers series, and as a first book it was fine. I didn’t particularly care that much for the heroine, but her other friends might prove more interesting. my review here

I didn’t care that much for it before the recent plane crash, but now it makes it almost impossible to talk about. A plane crashes into the ocean. You can read my review from a few weeks ago here.

Drowning by TJ Newman

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Drowning by TJ Newman. Thriller, 3/5 stars. 304 pages, 2023

Six minutes after takeoff, Flight 1421 crashes into the Pacific Ocean. During the evacuation, an engine explodes and the plane is flooded. Those still alive are forced to close the doors—but it’s too late. The plane sinks to the bottom with twelve passengers trapped inside.

from Goodreads

I’m not a good flier. I’m a mess and I don’t recommend getting in a plane with me. I’m planning a trip in March that I’ll have to get on a plane for and I’m already low key stressed about it 😆. But I read TJ Newman’s first book, Falling, about a hijacked airplane and I liked it so I thought I’d give this a try.

In Drowning a plane has crashed into the ocean after leaving Hawaii. As the surviving crew and passengers scramble to evacuate, some decide to stay in the plane and wait to be rescued.

I listened to this one, which is good I guess because I never would have made it through reading a physical copy. The beginning was intense and I liked it, but it lost momentum and I just wasn’t that invested. It’s got good ratings, but it just wasn’t for me.

Secrets of a Summer Night

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Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas. Finished 1-5-25, 3.25/5 stars, historical romance, 384 pages, 2004

“Having regrets is the only sign that you’ve done anything interesting with your life.”

Lisa Kleypas is a historical romance favorite. This is the first of the Wallflowers series where four ladies are having a hard time finding husbands and decide to help each other. In Annabelle’s case, she is beautiful, but without a dowry. But she doesn’t want just any rich husband, she wants a title too.

I appreciated the challenges Annabelle faced, but never really warmed up to her. She never really took on her mother’s big problem and she was willing to entrap a man into marriage just because he had a title.

This wasn’t my favorite book of hers, but it was a solid start to the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to the rest of the Wallflowers.

2024 Middle School Fiction

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I read 49 middle school or late elementary school fiction books this year. I wish I had time to talk about them all, but I did face up 18 of my favorites, although just looking at some of the great ones that didn’t make the cut makes me sad because they were so good!

If you have a topic that you want a recommendation for, please ask!

Wrong Way Home by Kate O’Shaughnessy (escaping a cult)

The Truth About Triangles by Michael Leali (family business, fighting parents, LGBTQ main character)

Ava Lin Best Friend by Vicky Fang (simple for the youngers, with illustrations)

Free Throws, Friendship, and Other Things We Fouled Up by Jenn Bishop (best friends, basketball)

Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston (neglect, foster care)

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko (neglect, foster care)

Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth-Grade Year by Rob Buyea (ADHD, first friendships)

Tig by Heather Smith (neglect, LGBTQ uncles)

Grow Up, Luchy Zapata by Alexandra Alessandri (friendship breakup)

Rise of the Spider by Michael P Spradlin (Nazi recruitment)

Lost Kites and Other Treasures by Cathy Carr (family secrets)

Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna Mann (matchmaking)

My Life as a Potato by Arianna Costner (mascot)

Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart (loss of mother)

The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Mendez (soccer)

The Decomposition of Jack by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb (roadkill)

Frindle and Frindle Files by Andrew Clements (90s classic and current sequel)

2024 Fiction

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I read 6 fantasy books this year, 5 of them being the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. I really liked the first three the most, but do plan on continuing when there’s more.

I read 13 fiction books, my two favorites being The Guncle and The House in Cerulean Sea (technically also fantasy). These both have sequels that I’m excited about reading in 2025.

I really liked so many of the other books too, but those two brought so much needed joy that they stood out. The Women deserves a nod here because it was something so important, women serving in the Vietnam War. It was an addictive read with much to discuss for sure.

2024 Mysteries/Thrillers

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I read 18 mystery/thrillers this year.

I caught up with some of my favorite series. Robert Galbraith’s Cormoran Strike series is one of the best and the latest was excellent, yet again. I also love John Sandford’s Prey series and caught up by reading #30, 33&34. I read two more in Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad, so good.

I also went and heard one of my faves Harlan Coben talk and sign his latest book for me. They are always quick and twisty and this one had Myron and gang!

Three new to me authors, also write some of my favorites this year. Amy Tintera has been on many favorites lists this year with Listen for the Lie. If you like podcasts, check this one out. Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murders is a miniseries. I haven’t watched it, but the book was good. And Karen McManus’s One of Us is Lying was a very fun YA closed room kind of murder mystery.

The rest were good too. I always love a good thriller! Any other thriller lovers? Any great series that I should jump into?

September Reads

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It was a good, not remarkable, reading month. A total of 12 books, but half of those were kids.

4.5 Stars

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren I will be adding more Christina Lauren books to my TBR list. Fun and sexy with a bonafide hot multi millionaire as a fake husband. Sign me up (just don’t tell Jason). Did I totally buy the Cinderella-like transformation? No, but it was still fun.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center Charlie is a very successful screenwriter who has just written his first romcom. Emma is a Texas girl caring for her father round the clock while teaching writing classes at a local community college. They have something in common, their agent.

Emma goes to LA to help Charlie rewrite and ends up staying in his house. This brought a memory of By the Book that I read this summer that had an editor living with a writer to help write a book. I liked both books so this is a scenario that works for me. I didn’t always get Emma, but I really liked Charlie and the story hit all of the happily-ever-after requirements.

Finally Heard by Kelly Yang– late elementary/early middle school fiction about the downside of social media

Ava Lin Best Friend by Vicky Fang– elementary age book about the exuberant first grader Ava.

3.5-4 Stars

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas

5th book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. (technically book #4)

What a fun ride this series is. Adventure, love, magic, lots of magic, death, battles, friendship, family, wings, winnowing, and a large cast of characters. This last one was from only two perspectives, Nesta and Cassian. I know after 751 pages I’m supposed to like Nesta, but I’m still not her biggest fan.  I don’t dislike her but she’s got a lot of sharp edges that are willfully sharpened to slice. She did have a nice story progression in this one, but every few chapters she kept finding new miraculous powers and it seemed a bit much.

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz– review here.

Happy Place by Emily Henry The six friends meet once a year in Maine for a week at the cottage, but this year will be the last since the cottage has been sold. Harriet and Wyn are there, pretending to still be engaged, even though they broke up six months ago.

There’s more than just a broken romance. Friends who are family can break your heart just as easily and a week spent nursing lies and resentment can cause fireworks.

I’ve now read all five Emily Henry books. The few that I haven’t loved as much (still loved though) have had something in the end that felt unfinished. This felt a little rushed with some issues that needed more attention in the end, but I will still read everything she writes because she’s just that good.

Greatest Inspirational Quotes by Dr Joe Tichio– I enjoyed reading a few of these quotes each morning. Old and new favorites.

Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan – elementary/middle school fiction about the residential schools that separated native families.

Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Scanlon– elementary fiction told in verse, beginning of a new series

3 stars

Giant Island by Jane Yolen and Doug Keith This is a sweet picture book. Isn’t the cover great?! Two siblings go with their grandpa and his dog to an island for fishing and exploring. They found out why it was called Giant Island. The pictures of the giant/island were so fun. And I loved the detail of the end pages. The ones in front showing the islands and the ones in back showing those same islands with their giants showing. Kids will love comparing the two.

The Wish Library: The Vanishing Friend by Christine Evans– book 5 in this elementary fiction series about kids who found a series of libraries that grants wishes.

August Reads

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What I read this month…11 books, 4018 pages. I’ve read 98 books so far this year.
Nonfiction
4.5* Enough by Cassidy Hutchinson – read my review here.
4* Seek You: A Journey Through American Lonliness by Kristen Radtke (also a graphic novel)
3.5* Focused: ADHD & ADD Parenting Strategies for Children by Blythe Grossberg Well laid out and some solid information and tips.

Reread
5* Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck – read my thoughts here.

Fantasy Series
5* A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas – It’s not very often that I love the second book in a series more than the first, but here it is. Thanks to @thepageburner I am unlikely to get anything done until I’ve burned through this series. I’m listening to the audios mostly because it’s the only way that I can get my fix and still keep our house running.

It’s pure escapism which is why I need it right now. And you might too! It’s fantasy. It’s fairies. It’s humans becoming fairies. It’s full of characters that you love. There’s romance. There are battles. There are powers and wings.

That’s all I can really say without spoiling anything. Anything I say about the second book can spoil the first. Don’t start unless you’ve got some time on your hands.


4.5* A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas – Book 3 in the A Court of Thorns & Roses series brings the whole gang together for the battle royale. Alliances, betrayals, magic, sacrifice, love, wings, witches, magic cauldrons, and rebirth all make this 699 pager a nice culmination.

This is not my usual fare and I’ve been thinking about what makes this such a good series for me, aside from the high adventure and intrigue. I think it’s because it’s a story of family. The one we’re born with and the one forged through love and trials. I love a good friends as family story.


4.25* A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas – After the mad rush of A Court of Mist & Fury, book 3.5 was a nice breather. I’m not sure it was completely necessary, but I’ll reserve judgement until I read the last one.

The whole gang is back in Velaris recovering from the effects of a brutal war. We hear from 5 different voices, Feyre, Rhysand, Cassian, Nesta, and Morrrigan. Nesta is in a bad place. Feyre wants to make the world a better place. Elain isn’t interested in Lucien. And Amren is doing…jigsaw puzzles. I look forward to the last book to see how everything pans out.

Fiction
5* Funny Story by Emily Henry – Daphne is a children’s librarian who is about to be married to the man who brought her to Michigan last year. But what happened at the bachelor party didn’t stay at the bachelor party and now she’s got a roommate with heartbreak as big as her own. When she lies to make her ex-fiancee jealous it sets off a chain of events that have her wondering if leaving Michigan is really what her heart wants after all.

Steamy, funny, and real. Don’t miss it.

4.5* Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera– Listen for the Lie is the story of Lucy. Lucy left her small Texas town for LA five years ago after everyone there became convinced that she had killed her best friend Savvy. When a popular true crime podcaster starts sniffing around that can only mean trouble.

I loved this fast paced thriller. Once I started it was hard to put down. Lucy is such an unreliable narrator, not just because sure she still claimed amnesia from the night, but because of the voices in her head. My favorite character of the book was her day drink grandmother who is turning 80 and convinces Lucy to come home.

A fantastic thriller, especially if you love podcasts or true crime.

3* The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine – Not gonna lie, this one left me feeling yucky. I really didn’t like spending time with these people. I did make it to the end and liked the twist, but can’t really say I liked the book. And why would there be a sequel? No thank you.

YA
4.5* One of Is is Lying by Karen M McManus – Couldn’t put it down, finished it in a day. Shades of The Breakfast Club.

July’s Reading

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I read 12 books this month. An amazing feat considering I was on vacation for 7 days and a girls weekend for 2 and a half and I NEVER OPENED A BOOK! I’m at 87 books for the year.

4 romances, 3 fantasy, 2 non-fiction health, 2 kids fiction, 1 kids picture

4.5–5 stars

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston. 4.5 stars, Romance, 352 pages, 2023

Clementine is publicist for a New York publishing company. James is a famous young chef. They’ve just met, haven’t they?

What happens when you meet in different times, 7 years apart. I loved this story of heartbreak and waiting, acknowledging that a person is never the same moment to moment. In love and life timing is everything. Romantic and sweet.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas. 4.5 stars, Fantasy, 419 pages, 2015

This book has been everywhere for so long and I was finally double dared to read it this summer. This is book one of a 4 book fantasy series about Feyre, a 19 year old young woman who supports her family by hunting. One day she kills what she thought was a wolf but was actually a fairie and Tamlin, a high lord, comes looking for her to seek reparations. She is taken to the fairie lands and faces danger and love with equal bravery. Loved it and am reading the second book now.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. 4.5 stars, Fantasy, 396 pages, 2020

I finally read the House in the Cerulean Sea. I’m not sure what took me so long? From the descriptions I was reading it just didn’t seem like something I’d like. I was so wrong. But apparently I read it at the perfect time so it fresh in mind for the sequel coming in a few short months.

Linus Baker and his transition from company man who asked no questions to man defending magical children was a delight. I loved all of these characters so much and the story is hopeful and joyful at such a time when we could all use a bit more of that in our daily lives.

4 stars

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory. 4 stars, Romance, 320 pages, 2022

In a tale as old as time, a book editor inspires a behind deadline famous person to write the book of his life. All she has to do is move into his magical mansion in Santa Barbara and be taken care of by cooks and cleaners, and lazy days by the pool. It’s a hard life.

This is supposed to be a modern story based on Beauty and the Beast and while there were nods to it, it wasn’t enough to really feel like Belle and the Beast and crew. BUT, I did like it!

If you take away the B&B expectation, I found it to be a sweet romance. Sure Beau has some issues, but what we came to know about him made those issues seem like they could be overcome. Because this series is sponsored? by Disney the spicy stuff was behind closed doors. 

Summer Reading by Jenn McKinley. 4 stars, Romance, 435 pages, 2023

❤️ The main character had a learning disability- dyslexia- and it was a big part of her story.
❤️ Learning more about how dyslexia affects not only reading but executive function.
❤️ Hot librarian.
❤️ Bad mothers exist and many cannot be magically made into caring matriarchs.
❤️ Love returning home story where you reconnect with family and friends.

😐 Hot librarian guy was a little too perfect.
😐 This led to a lack of tension.

It was a solid beach read, but missing a spark 🔥 I was looking for, even though there were spicy scenes.

My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner. Middle Grade Fiction, 261 pages, 2020

Ben hates everything to do with potatoes, considering himself cursed. When his family moves from California to Idaho and a potato is the school mascot things look sketchy. But he’s made friends and the most popular girl in school likes him, so things aren’t all bad. Until…

I’ll say no more. Middle schoolers who like to laugh or have a thing for mascots will love it. There are even a few small illustrations thrown in once in awhile for fun. Gage’s favorite book of the summer so far.

Practical Ayurveda. 4 stars, 224 pages, 2018

How familiar are you with Ayurveda?
Practical Ayurveda follows the vision of renowned Indian yoga master and medical doctor who wrote over 200 books.

Covering a wide range of topics in its 224 pages this is a beautifully laid out and edited book that made it easy for a beginner like me. I loved the inspiring quotes included. There was a quiz and a set of questions to answer to help you fine tune what you’re looking for in life.

This covered the health of the body and the mind and there are many things I’ve already started (or restarted) while reading this book and so many things to consider for the future. The yoga poses and what each does for the mind and body is something I will be working on. I’ve also started my morning tai chi again. I’m not sure how I ever let that go. Life gets in the way and I forget, and that’s why I need to be consistently reading books that remind me of what I know works for me.

The Complete Guide to Fasting by Jason Fung. 4 stars, Health, 304 pages, 2016

This is a great book, especially when read after the Ayurveda book which touches on fasting. Fasting has been around forever. Fung focuses on the history, the studies, the ailments it can help control (diabetes being the big one), and how to get started. I have fasted at different times in my life and am going to focus on it for the next few months and see if I can feel the benefits. He suggests a 24 or 36 hour fast 2-3 times a week. I just finished my first one today.

3-3.5 stars

The Parrot and the Merchant by Marjan Vafaian, 3.5 stars, Kids Picture Book, 24 pages, 2019

Based on a Persian tale by Rumi a merchant has a parrot who was captured and very unhappy. She promised to talk to his friends when she travels and the message they send back sets him free. Interesting illustrations and a fun story.

The Rise of Magicks by Nora Roberts. 3.25 stars, Dystopian Fantasy, 464 pages, 2019

I finally finished the Chronicles of One trilogy. The first two were fast, addicting reads, but this third one was a bit of a slog with so. many. people. It was too much and it took me forever to finish it. It was a fine ending, when it finally came, but getting there felt somewhat tedious.

The Doom virus wipes out most of the world’s population (this is before Covid) and the people who are left are divided by people with magical powers and those without. But it’s the fight between light and dark that is the heat of the series. Fallon is The One to lead them all to victory, but she must be born and trained first.

The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye. 3.25 stars, Kids Fiction, 336 pages, 2022

This is an upper elementary, lower middle school read. Aref is 7 in the book the language feels somewhat young. It was a great in many ways. It was a love letter to Michigan, Oman, and immigrants. Aref is forced to move from Oman and his grandfather to Ann Arbor so his parents could attend UofM and his welcoming is warm.

It’s a gentle story, one that was slow, but also one that is uplifting for kids. They see the best of people in this book and that’s a nice find. If only we could all live up to the love and acceptance shown to Aref and his family.

Captive by Brenda Joyce. 3 stars, Time Travel Romance, 448 pages, 1996

I love Brenda Joyce’s romances. They are romantic and steamy. This one, however, suffered from an insufferable heroine. She was a ‘modern’ 23 year old woman who went to Turkey to find a ghost of a man she considered herself in love with. Somehow she gets thrown back in time and enslaved as a second wife at the palace. She was ridiculous. What saved it was the palace political intrigue, her personal slave and best friend, and the hero who does eventually show up and unfortunately falls for this woman.