Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Brene Brown   312 pages

Another good book by Brene Brown.   This one starts out a bit clinical but soon takes on the familiar down to earth discussions dealing with how we write our own stories of how events transpire in our lives and interactions with others.  Sometimes these stories in our heads are true and sometimes our minds tend to embellish things and Brene walks through several scenarios from her own life to explain how her takes on situations made her angry when maybe things were not quite as she first thought, her husband not commenting on her new Speedo made her story to herself feel he thought she was fat and too old to be wearing it when in fact he was fighting an anxiety attack of his own over something else and not ignoring her, just dealing with his own situation.   In fact he thought she looked sexy and great he told her and showed her later.)  She discusses how we allow shame to make us vulnerable but how having the courage to stop such thoughts when they try to build such stores and instead believe in our self worth it allows us to stand up for ourselves and not allow others to make us feel less, unworthy or weak.  A good book with lots of great stories about her folks and growing up in Texas and how we can all rise strong and correct our stories with logic and truth.    I would recommend this to young adults on up.   I think younger folks would get bogged down by the clinical aspects but there are many good lessons to be learned here for those earnestly seeking the wisdom here.

 - Shirley J.

Circe: A Novel

 Circe: A Novel by Madeline Miller  383 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child - not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power - the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

And here's what I thought: I don't usually pick up stories of mythology, even though I have a basic knowledge of many of the stories or main gods and goddesses. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, which I read for a book group meeting, and wound up really enjoying it. Circe is introduced in the story as basically a nobody -- her mother is pretty awful and her father's no prize and neither of them have any interest in her. She's not beautiful and she doesn't seem to have any powers at all, so she's seen as dull, uninteresting and a waste of space. That is, until Circe changes Scylla, a nymph, into a horrible creature.  Banished to an island by her father, Circe pursues knowledge and the art of spellcasting via nature. Because, she actually does have some powers and as time goes on, she grows stronger and stronger.  And that whole story about how she turns men into pigs? Yes, yes, she does that.

Over time, Circe has encounters with other familiar figures from mythology (see the summary). But the story here is all hers and her journey from outcast to survivor, complete with self-discovery, vengeance, forgiveness, and a bit of love.  The focus on nature and plant magic was interesting and I felt Circe was a fully rounded character. She's interesting, she has flaws, and she has some pretty insightful comments about her family and the gods in general.  This isn't a book I would have discovered on my own, so I'm glad I read it for the book discussion because I wound up really enjoying it.

The Book of Moods

 The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life by Lauren Martin 256 pages

Summary from Goodreads: Five years ago, Lauren Martin was sure something was wrong with her. She had a good job in New York, an apartment in Brooklyn, a boyfriend, yet every day she wrestled with feelings of inferiority, anxiety and irritability. It wasn't until a chance encounter with a (charming, successful) stranger who revealed that she also felt these things, that Lauren set out to better understand the hold that these moods had on her, how she could change them, and began to blog about the wisdom she uncovered. It quickly exploded into an international online community of women who felt like she did: lost, depressed, moody, and desirous of change.

Inspired by her audience to press even deeper, The Book of Moods shares Lauren's journey to infuse her life with a sense of peace and stability. With observations that will resonate and inspire, she dives into the universal triggers every woman faces -- whether it's a comment from your mother, the relentless grind at your job, days when you wish the mirror had a Valencia filter, or all of the above. Blending cutting-edge science, timeless philosophy, witty anecdotes and effective forms of self-care, Martin has written a powerful, intimate, and incredibly relatable chronicle of transformation, proving that you really can turn your worst moods into your best life.

And here's what I thought: This book had some interesting insights, but I sometimes grew really tired of the author. Her reactions to things sometimes seemed really overwrought to me and as a result, I didn't usually identify with her and sometimes found I was pretty unsympathetic. But, it was interesting to read about how she learned about the science of brains and emotion to better understand herself, and how she could change her reactions.  I think just about every daughter I know can identify with the trigger that a random comment from your mom can have on your mood. And understanding how emotions work with your brain, and how you can then understand and control your reactions and stress levels, was interesting.  But, I often felt like I wasn't quite the audience for this book (maybe too old?).  

This Is How I Lied

 This Is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf    332 pages

Summary from Goodreads: Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa—discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. There were a handful of suspects, including her boyfriend, Nick, but without sufficient evidence the case ultimately went cold.

For decades Maggie was haunted by Eve’s death and that horrible night. Now a detective in Grotto, and seven months pregnant, she is thrust back into the past when a new piece of evidence surfaces and the case is reopened. As Maggie investigates and reexamines the clues, secrets about what really happened begin to emerge. But someone in town knows more than they’re letting on, and they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried deep.

And here's what I thought: This is a suspenseful story with a moody undertone, where you have a feeling that perhaps the characters aren't completely truthful (i.e. that what you're learning from them may or may not be the truth). You get perspectives from multiple characters, including Maggie, Eva's sister, and Eva, herself.  Maggie is sure that some piece of evidence was missed all those years ago, and now with newer forensics, she's sure she can find out who killed Eve. However, there are some complications --- one of them being Eve's sister Nola. Nola is definitely what most of us would call a strange bird.  She's always been that way, even when Eve and Maggie were children. But now, as an adult, Nola isn't just strange --- she might be very, very dangerous.

As expected, there are some twists in this book that are revealed as the story moves back and forth in time. And, as Maggie gets closer to discovering the truth about what happened to Eve, she's having to face some very dark things in her own past and her own role in Eve's death.

Good story for a weekend read.

Candy Men:The Story of Switzer's Licorice

Candy Men:The Story of Switzer's Licorice by Patrick Murphy    182 pages 

Summary (from Library catalog): The sweet smell of licorice and the giant candy bar painted on the factory wall at the Eads Bridge remain locked into the collective memory of generations of St. Louisans. Candymen: The History of Switzers Licorice tells the story of how two Irish-American families began a candy company in the kitchen of a tenement in St. Louis' Irish slum and showed the world how the American Dream can be built upon a foundation of candy. In a story that passes through three generations, two World Wars, economic depressions, and labor unrest, the Murphys and the Switzers dedicated their lives to keeping the dream alive until it was put to an end by forces beyond their control. And yet, in an unlikely turn of events, the story continues today with a fresh twist and a renewed life of its own.

And here's what I thought:

I had seen a segment on Living St. Louis about this book and it sounded really interesting. Because I'm not from St. Louis, I'm still learning a lot about the City and its history --- and while I didn't have memories of Switzer's Licorice to draw upon, the book was still really interesting. Learning about these two families was interesting, especially because a few of the really influential people weren't actually men, but women (which makes me think that the title should be Candy Men (and the incredibly savvy and strong women who helped them)....).  It's fun to learn about this company and think about where their buildings were located, as well as the candies they made. I found myself wondering how some of them tasted, too --- Buttermellos sound pretty good!

This is a good book to read in tandem with Candy Freak by Steve Almond.

Across the Green Grass Fields

 Across the Green Grass Fields by  Seanan McGuire  174 pages

Summary from Goodreads: Regan loves, and is loved, though her school-friend situation has become complicated, of late. When she suddenly finds herself thrust through a doorway that asks her to "Be Sure" before swallowing her whole, Regan must learn to live in a world filled with centaurs, kelpies, and other magical equines―a world that expects its human visitors to step up and be heroes.  But after embracing her time with the herd, Regan discovers that not all forms of heroism are equal, and not all quests are as they seem…

And here's what I thought: This is the 6th book in the Wayward Children series. In this story, the main character is Regan, a girl who has just learned something very important about herself and who is now struggling with that information. And who she has just told.  

Growing up, Regan has a pretty normal life and while she doesn't have a lot of friends, she is best friends with Heather, one of the most popular girls at school. Heather's not really a very good friend. but because of her, Regan is able to navigate through many social situations pretty easily. However, as she gets older and other girls start to enter puberty, Regan stands out because she's not developing as quickly. As it turns out, Regan is intersex, something that her parents explain to her and that she does some research about on her own. And, as you might guess, she tells Heather . . . and that turns out to be a very bad decision.

But then Regan discovers a door in the woods, with "Be Sure" woven into the branches and steps through into The Hooflands, a place populated with centaurs, unicorns and other hoofed creatures. At first, it's terrifying but she soon finds a group of centaurs who accept her into their own family. But hanging over Regan's head the entire time is a prophecy that when a human enters the Hooflands, they must be given to the queen because whenever a human shows up, something bad is going to happen in this world.

There's a lot in this very short book about destiny and what that means and what you do with it. And how these expectations can be a heavy burden, but it's easier if you have family and friends to share it with.  I won't spoil the ending or what happens with Regan in this world. But, if you have read any other books in this series, you know about these magical doors: they always show up again and children can step through, back into their own world.

I did like that McGuire's main character is intersex and like the other books in this series, there is a lot of thoughtful commentary woven through the story about people and society and the expectations people have of one another (and how those social conventions really don't always mean very much).

I Want to be Where the Normal People Are

 I Want to be Where the Normal People Are by Rachel Bloom   282 pages

Summary from Goodreads: Rachel Bloom has felt abnormal and out of place her whole life. In this exploration of what she thinks makes her "different," she's come to realize that a lot of people also feel this way; even people who she otherwise thought were "normal."

In a collection of laugh-out-loud funny essays, all told in the unique voice (sometimes singing voice) that made her a star; Rachel writes about everything from her love of Disney, OCD and depression, weirdness, and female friendships to the story of how she didn't poop in the toilet until she was four years old; Rachel's pieces are hilarious, smart, and infinitely relatable (except for the pooping thing). 

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After reading the praise from other comedians praising this book, I thought it would be hilarious however, there was nothing funny about it and I read to the end hoping to find what the praise was for but not one nugget did I find.   I would not recommend this book.   I felt it was a complete waste of time.

While this book did not deal specifically with comedy but instead dealt with Rachel's bouts of insecurity and self shaming, I tried to appreciate it from that aspect that she was sharing inner thoughts on her life, but, even so,  I could not like this book.   I could not find empathy here because it was not related in a way that I found others could share similar experiences with.  Maybe there are redeeming qualities to this work others will find that I did not but I stand by my original feeling that giving it a chance it just wasn't a worthy read and since I found it unappealing, I would not recommend it to others.

- Shirley J.

Scouts

Scouts by Shannon Greenland   257 pages

Annie, Rocky, Beans and Fynn are the Scouts.   Since their town is so small there was no scout troop assigned there they named themselves the Scouts and went on loads of adventures, exploring, camping out, playing on Bassinger's farm which they were strictly forbidden by their parents not to go on but of course they all did.   Bassinger's farm is after  all the best place to play in town.   When the Scouts hear about the coming meteor shower they decide to camp out at Bassinger's farm and sit up on top of the old silo no longer in use there.   The Scouts al tell their parents different stories leaving notes about where they are alledgedly staying to keep their family from knowing their actual location.   It is the Summer of 1985 and the Summer before they all start seventh grade.   Annie's mom is becoming concerned about Annie growing up and filling out and only hanging out wi9th her 3 best friends (all boys) who have grown up together.   Lots of things come into play, friendship, jealousy, trust, and such weird entanglements with silver disks that are quite possibly aliens or bombes and that is not all.   A fun book about coming of age,  Beautifully told.   I very much enjoyed this book.   It will keep you guessing.   I recommend this story to everyone of every age.  Good book.    

- Shirley J.

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate    305 pages

I loved this book!   Ivan a silverback gorilla taken from his family as a baby is raised by Mac and his wife until he grew too big to control then he was put in a cage for 27 years and became the anchor of the menagerie owned by Mac and housed in a shopping mall.   The reader is introduced to Ivan's friends in the menagerie, Stella the elephant, Bob the homeless dog who loves to sleep on Ivan's belly at night and other delightful characters including a sweet baby elephant named Ruby.  Ivan is friends with the man who cleans his cage and his daughter who brings Ivan finger paints and markers.   Stella becomes ill and asks Ivan to watch over baby Ruby and Ivan makes it his mission to see that Ruby lives the happy life she deserves and in so doing many surprises come.   It is an absolutely delightful book and I recommend it to everyone of every age.

 - Shirley J.

Little Secrets

 Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier  340 pages  

Summary from Goodreads: Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They're admired in their community and are a loving family—until their world falls apart the day their son Sebastian is taken.

A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. She hires a P.I. to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding Sebastian, she learns that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. This discovery sparks Marin back to life. She's lost her son; she's not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix.

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I liked this thriller, with the cat-and-mouse games between Marin and Kenzie, Marin and her husband, and Marin and her best friend (who just happens to know a contract killer). The description early on of Marin and her son and how she loses him on a busy shopping day, is written realistically -- which means it's scary and heartrending. I appreciated that this was realistic, along with Marin's grief.  And, I admit it, I appreciated Marin's dedication to revenge when she finds out that her husband is having an affair. What starts out as a story that seems obvious takes some pretty strong twists and turns partway through the story, which is a lot of fun.  This is a pageturner that's got some surprises up its sleeve.

Cheeky: A Head-to-toe Memoir

 Cheeky: A Head-to-toe Memoir by Ariella Elovic   241 pages

Summary from Goodreads: Too tall. Too short. Too fat. Too thin. The message is everywhere--we need to pluck, wax, shrink, and hide ourselves, to not take up space, emotionally or literally; women are never “just right.” Well, Ariella Elovic, feminist and illustrator extraordinaire, has had enough. In her full-color graphic memoir Cheeky, she takes an inspiring and exuberant head-to-toe look at her own body self-consciousness, and body part by body part, finds her way back to herself.

I liked Elovic's approach to this book, where she breaks down different body parts but also writes about her experiences and her close female friends. She has a bold, colorful graphic style and admittedly, I sometimes looked back at the author photo because I felt like I needed to compare the drawing to the photo. This book is full of empathy and candor and it's very funny -- although if bodily functions make you squeamish, then this isn't the book for you. 

She Come by It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs

 She Come by It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs by Sarah Smarsh  187 pages

Summary from Goodreads: Growing up amid Kansas wheat fields and airplane factories, Sarah Smarsh witnessed firsthand the particular vulnerabilities—and strengths—of women in working poverty. Meanwhile, country songs by female artists played in the background, telling powerful stories about life, men, hard times, and surviving. In her family, she writes, “country music was foremost a language among women. It’s how we talked to each other in a place where feelings aren’t discussed.” And no one provided that language better than Dolly Parton.

This small book was a quick, enjoyable read. While I grew up hearing Dolly's songs on the radio (on the occasion my parents would turn to the local country station on the car radio), I wouldn't say I really knew her catalog of work. And while I knew a little about her, I really didn't know much. Smarsh really packs a lot into this book, especially about Dolly Parton's beginnings in the music business. And, Smarsh adds some details about her own upbringing and ties them into Parton's music.  So, a nice book -- and something that will likely make you look for and listen to more of Dolly Parton's music. 

The Very Best of Charles De Lint and The Ivory and The Horn by Charles De Lint

 

The Very Best of Charles De Lint by Charles De Lint  425 pages and  The Ivory and the Horn by Charles De Lint  318 pages      Total : 743 pages

Both of these books contain short stories (one of them is duplicated) by De Lint that are mostly set in the fictional city of Newford.  "In the city of Newford, when the stars and the vibes are right, you can touch magic. Mermaids sing in the murky harbor, desert spirits crowd the night, and dreams are more real than waking."

I have read many of De Lint's books and sometimes, I really like them and then . . . I get a little tired of them. My favorite stories are the ones set in Newford because I like imagining this city that has dark, scary places, but also some nice-sounding bookstores and bars. De Lint does have some recurring characters in these stories and for some of them, it does help if you have some backstory. An example is Jilly Coppercorn --- if you have read the book The Onion Girl, then the stories in these books are better because you have some of her backstory already. De Lint also ties music into many of his stories, which has the effect of making me dig out my CDs of Celtic folk music. Again, not a bad thing -- but after a bit, I want something else.

The Sudden Appearance of Hope

 The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North.  468 pages

Summary (courtesy of Goodreads): My name is Hope Arden, and you won't know who I am. But we've met before - a thousand times.

It started when I was sixteen years old.

A father forgetting to drive me to school. A mother setting the table for three, not four. A friend who looks at me and sees a stranger.

No matter what I do, the words I say, the crimes I commit, you will never remember who I am.

That makes my life difficult. It also makes me dangerous.

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I read this book with a strong sense of deja-vu.  Which is funny, considering the premise is that this woman is someone whom everyone forgets within minutes of meeting her. But, I couldn't shake the sense that I had read this book before --- although I couldn't remember what was going to happen.  I did like the premise and I found the character to be interesting. However, I didn't like one of the threads running through the story about this thing called Perfection, which is an app/service . . . it was just strange.  So, if I did read this before, it was mostly . . . forgettable.  And, not interesting enough to re-read after this.

Take it Back

 Take It Back by Kia Abdullah     294 pages

Summary (per Goodreads):  The Victim: Jodie Wolfe, a physically flawed 16-year-old girl accuses four boys in her class of something unthinkable.

The Defendants: Four handsome teenagers from hard-working immigrant families, all with corroborating stories.

The Savior: Zara Kaleel, a former lawyer, one of London's brightest legal minds, takes on this case. She believes her client, even though those closest to her do not.

Together, they enter the most explosive criminal trial of the year, where the only thing that matters is justice for Jodie. But this time justice comes at a devastating cost.

I enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting, the plot is tightly written and the pacing is pretty taut. I liked that Zara's own culture and struggles with her cultural identity are part of this story. It brings it past just a rape accusation and creates a much bigger picture of the people involved with this case.  I also liked that I couldn't quite predict what was going to happen -- and be forewarned that there are some twists here.  

Educated: A Memoir

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover    334 pages  

The author grew up in a survivalist family and developed many mental issues of her own that she continues to come to liveable terms with.   So continues over the years to keep returning home and keeps going around her brother who has often tried to kill her stopping just short yet, she forgives him and continues to doubt her own recollections in the face of denial of other family members.   Tara managed to escape though she continues to return every chance she gets,

She talks about how bad things were, how evil the mindsets are of her parents but what lies underneath all that?   How did she manage to keep her status at Cambridge when nights she was running down the streets screaming and raving like a lunatic?    I do not recommend this book  I found it hard to reconcile her words and lack of action with her honors and accolades something just doesn't mesh here.

 - Shirley J.

Wicked Charms

Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton   308 pages

Another series by Janet Evanovich, this one about Lizzie and Diesel.    Quite similar to the Stephanie Plum series though these characters have magical abilities,    Fun and funny I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to mature teens on up as there are sexually explicit scenes.   It is a murder mystery with magical and magical gems as the treasure with a demon or two thrown in for good measure.   Fun book.  

- Shirley J.

The Forgotten Home Child

The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham  384pages

Fans of Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train will love this latest novel from Genevieve Graham.  This story is also about the relocation of children, much like what happened here in in America between 1854 and 1929.  This story, however, is how the British relocated destitute children to Canada between 1869 and 1948. During that time it is estimated that more than 120,000 children between the ages of three and eighteen were taken from England’s streets and orphanages, or given up by their parents, and sent to Canada to be taken in by whoever would give them a home. Many were abused and neglected as there was no checks and balances systems to ensure they were well cared for. Graham based this novel on those children.

This story is framed by ninety-seven-year-old Winny, who was once one of those children. In 2018, her granddaughter drops the box when she is helping Winny move and a lifetime of memories tumble out.

Then the story goes back to 1936, which is the setting for the majority of the story. It follows Winny, Jack, his sister Mary, and two brothers, Edward and Cecil. The little band of five is all they have in the world to call their family.

Upon their arrival in Canada, they are split up---Jack, Edward and Cecil going to one farm while Mary and Winny are also split up.  Life is hard on the farms, the people entrusted with the youngsters treat them less than they do their animals. The live for the day when they can all be together again and make a home of their choosing.

At Winny’s new home, if she doesn’t finish her chores before the supper scraps are thrown out, the dogs get to eat while she goes to bed hungry. She is forced to sleep in the barn, but thank heavens for the sheep or she would freeze to death in the deep cold of a Canadian winter. At the farm where Mary has been sent, she is repeatedly raped by her “master.”  The boys are worked like mules and are often beat for the tiniest of infractions.

Much like Baker Kline’s Orphan Train, readers will get to know all five of the children intimately, but Winny takes the lead. This is a tale of loss, turbulence, resilience, second chances, adaptability, and courage. Be prepared to not get anything else accomplished once you start this wonderfully woven tale.

The Forgotten Home Child receives 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

 

The Widows of Malabar Hill

 

The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey, 385 pages

Mystery! History! Lots of fascinating female characters! Great descriptions of food and culture! What's not to love? I admit I judge books by their covers, and this one made me want to know more. I'm so glad that the cover of the book did not deceive.

This is the first of a series inspired by the real-life first female lawyer in India. Perveen Mistry finds herself entangled in assisting three widows in understanding and agreeing to their inheritances. The widows were the wives of one man and they follow strict rules forbidding any contact with men. Perveen is soon drawn in to their lives and their stories. The narrative moves between 1921 Bombay, as Perveen is working for her father's law firm, and 1916-1917 as Perveen's personal story and tragic past are revealed. Perveen's history shows another side of how Zoroastrian women in India lived, and I found her story as compelling as the experiences of the Muslim widows in 1921.

The descriptions of the city of Bombay with its diverse population and fascinating culture, food, and architecture, as well as the experiences of women of the time and the uneasy relationship with the British colonialists make this a great read. Add a compelling mystery and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I can't wait to read more!

From Pigtails to Chin Hair

 

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir and More by Becky Lewellen Povich  316 pages

I first met the author way back in 2007; I thought she had talent. And after reading her memoir, I know she does, and for me, it was like taking a stroll down memory lane…and cringing at our current bodily state.  Just for the record, she’s a tad older than me, but we grew up in the 1950s and ‘60s. Was it really as simple then or is that how we remember it? Don’t tell me; I like my---and Becky’s---memories the way they are.

The book is divided into six sections. At first, I thought it was important to read them in chronological order, but it wasn’t. I liked that Becky jumped around a bit. Oh, each section had theme, don’t get me wrong, but reading it was like talking with an old friend---we are talking about one thing and another memory pops up, then it’s back to where we were!

The first chapter was about life on the street and the home where she was raised. It looked oh so different as an adult---so much smaller, but the memories are oh so precious.  I remember feeling that when I drove past the home where I spent the first six year of my life. The oak tree was much smaller, as was the house. But mostly, like Becky, I remember the love and the fun we had there. Like life, there were times when this story was hard to read (keep a box of hankies nearby) (her first marriage) and times that I was laughing so hard that I need those hankies (the tale of the klutz genes)!

Now I do have to talk about a one thing that I didn’t like:  Becky, lose ninety-nine percent of the exclamation points. They almost drove me mad! However, it was a privilege reading this book, as I got a chance to watch Becky turn into the confident, creative, intelligent, goofy and beautiful woman that she is today.  And she’s got the scars to prove that she has earned everything all those things. What really stood out is her love of family and writing.  And I’m so glad she wrote this book!

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir and More receives 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

Remembrance

Remembrance by Rita Woods  416 page

Great story tying the lives of four black women over the course of 200 years together through their magical abilities.   Remembrance is a special place created by Mother Abigail where escaping slaves can enter but white slavers cannot.   Winter, Mother Abigail's adopted daughter and apprentice.   Margot and Mother Abigail have common unhappy ties to the Rousse family and Gaelle, who in present day has ties to the powers of these women.   Well told tale of finely developed characters who almost step from the pages of this book.  I recommend this book to Middle schoolers on up an enchanting tale.

  - Shirley J.

A Promised Land

A Promised Land by Barack Obama  751 pgs

Excellent book.   It is as though you are sitting across from the President and he is relating all the things he experienced throughout his two terms as Commander in Chief.  He adds in some memories from his past growing up in Hawaii, beloved times with his parents and grandparents and times with Michelle, her family and their daughters and family dogs.   You learn about Obama the man, the husband and father, the organizer,.the politician and the President.   He talks honestly about his life and career.  So many interesting historical events laid out in detail told as only Barack Obama can.   Most excellent read and he pulls no punches on the real people he came in contact with and just how he feels about them.  I recommend this book to Middle Schoolers on up.  

- Shirley J. 

Gray Mountain

Gray Mountain by John Grisham    368 pages

When up and coming lawyer, Samantha Kofer's career hits a snag during the recession and she is put on an indefinite furlough she finds herself accepting an internship with a legal aide firm in Brady, Virginia, oh yes and she is doing it for FREE.  While she misses New York and her lifestyle there, she finds a deep satisfaction in helping the poor of Appalachia fight their legal battles.   A good story with lots of heart wrenching characters in very real situations.   Good book, I highly recommend it to middleschoolers on up.

  - Shirley J.

Alaskan Holiday

Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber  243 pages

Josie Avery takes a Summer job cooking in a lodge in Ponder, Alaska up past the arctic circle.   Her dream job os to work as a sous chef under the famous Chef Anton who is opening a new hot restaurant in Josie's hometown of Seattle, Washington.    While living and working in Ponder she soon falls in love with its beauty, the great people living there, in particular Palmer Saxon and his husky as well as a crusty older fellow named Jack Corcoran, who adores her cooking..    Josie never makes any illusion she plans to stay iun Ponder and always talks about her dream job working with Chef Anton.   When things heat up between her and Palmer she turns down his marriage proposal knowing she is not about to give up her dream nor does she have any desire to live her life in the outskirts of humanity in Ponder.    the tory is happy, sad ,but, Debbie Macomber may give you lot of twists, som laughs and the occasional broken heart along the way but her writing will never disappoint.   I recommend this book to middle schoolers on up and especially to Cooking show fans.

- Shirley J.

Turbo Twenty-Three

 Turbo Twenty-Three by Janet Evanovich   288 pages

This book is part of a series - everyone seems to be writing series these days.   Stephanie Plum is a female bounty hunter with a best friend and side kick who is a retired prostitute named Lula.  Lula is always looking for an angle to make some money and decides to go into reality t.v. with a show titled, "Naked and Afraid," which puts the lead characters naked out in a tough neighborhood to see what all they go through to survive.  While this is going on Stephanie's mentor, Ranger, who also happens to be one of two of Stephanie's love interests brings her in on a murder case. when an upper level employee of an ice cream factory's dead body falls out of a stolen ice cream factory truck covered in chocolate and nuts.   Stephanie goes under cover as a factory employee to try to find the killer.   It is a pretty laugh out loud series of events that take place in the pursuit of the perpetrator.    I liked the characters, especially Lula and Stephanie.    I think this series would be amusing to males and females from middle school on up.   Good series, think I will read more of their adventures.

 - Shirley J.

Look Alive Twenty-Five

Look Alive Twenty-Five by Janet Evanovich   311 pages

Another fun story with Bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum and her best friend and helper also former hooker, Lula going under cover working at a deli this time.   Seems the managers at the Red river Deli keep disappearing when they go out to take the trash to the dumpster in back of the deli.   The managers disappear, and all that is left is one of their shoes.    Can Stephanie and Lula pull a Cinderella move and find them by their shoe or will they solve the mystery and several murders with the help of Granger and Morelli (Stephanie's 2 love interests before Stephanie's day as Manager leaves her missing with only her shoe for a clue left behind.   Good book, funny repartee. I recommend this to mature highschoolers on up due to some sexual content and references.

- Shirley J.

The Safe Place: A Novel

The Safe Place: A Novel by Anna Downes   353 pages

Emily Proudman, aspiring actress and receptionist for Corporate CEO, Scott Denny can't believe her luck when after a bunch of mishaps her boss hires her to move to his fabulous estate on the French coastline to help his wife Nina with her day to day activities and to be an au pair to their daughter, Aurelia.    Things aren't always as they seem.   What looks good isn't always all you hoped it would be and Nina is a lot more eccentric as time goes by.   What has Emily gotten herself into?    I recommend this one for middle schoolers on up.    A very good story.  Loads of twists. 

- Shirley J.

The Immortalists

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin    346 pages

Good book.  When the four Gold children hear there is a Gypsy Fortune Teller in their building who can tell people the day they will die, naturally they are curious and must find out what she will tell them.  And she does.  The book follows the lives of the Gold family, very moving story as each individual deals with their own mortality, and all the things that life brings their way.   Lots of emotional situations and a very good storyline.  I would recommend this for mature teens on up as there are explicit sexual situations.

- Shirley J.

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder (Book 1 in the series) by T. A. Willberg 336 pages

London 1958. The city is still trying to pick up the pieces shattered during World War II. Far below the city streets are a series of secret tunnels and passages, shifting doors and hallways, gadgets of all kinds and the home of Miss Brickett’s Investigations & Inquiries. A group of researchers, spies, agents that take on the cases that Scotland Yard cannot solve.

As the story opens, Michelle White is on duty, monitoring the letter boxes. All over London are secret receiver boxes that take letters (tips) from the streets down a six-mile pneumatic system, to land in Miss Brickett’s Filing Department, where they are read and either passed on or filed away. This night, April 11, Michelle received a letter addressed to her with only “a name, a time a place and one simple revelation.” She decides to investigate, grabbing her belongings and heading upstairs, toward the library and the locked room gate. Once inside, Michelle is murdered in a decidedly gory manner. Her body is discovered in a locked room, a la an Agatha Christie murder mystery.

Enter Marion Lane, a resourceful young woman, eager to rise through the ranks. She and her best friend, Bill, are apprentices, spending part of each day in various departments to learn what a successful Inquirer needs to know. I felt like I was on the set of “Get Smart” or a James Bond movie (without the coolness).

Michelle’s murder seems to just fade away until the last third of the novel, but all the efforts Marion and Bill have been putting forth are to solve the mystery. It’s convoluted and not very interesting. Well I will admit that the aluminum (I think) snake had cameras in its eyes and could detect movement was kinda cool in a creepy sort of way.

This is supposed to be the first book in a new series, but I’m done.  The story was interesting enough to keep me reading, but it was a slow read.  Therefore, Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder receives 3 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

 

The Amber Spyglass

 

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman; 467 pages

This is the conclusion of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy by Philip Pullman. I've been rereading this series because I've had a hard time finishing new books, but I didn't want to stop reading. So I picked up something I knew I loved and knew I would finish. 

It's difficult to describe this book without referencing the previous two titles. All the main characters of the previous two books return, and we follow closely the stories of Will and Lyra, both separate and reunited, and Mary Malone, a scientist who met Lyra in the second book. These three characters play important parts in a destiny that has caused all of the alternate worlds to either work to keep Lyra from fulfilling a prophecy, or to aid her and keep her alive in order to do so. Mary ends up in a beautifully described alternate world inhabited by strange but gracious and kind people, and I loved reading the descriptions of this world and its people again.

I really can't give a recap, as it might contain spoilers from some of the previous books! I will say that this book is excellent and recommended for any teen or adult who wishes to be swept away by beautiful writing and unforgettable characters and events. Now I will move on to Pullman's companion series to these books and will get to read about Lyra at other times in her life!

The Royal Rabbits of London: The Hunt for the Golden Carrot

The Royal Rabbits of London: The Hunt for the Golden Carrot (Book 4 in the series) by Santa Montefiore & Simon Sebag Montefiore 230 pages

It’s late summer in London. Deep below Buckingham Palace, our favorite fictional bunny, Shylo Tawny-Tail, is happy with his role as a Royal Rabbit. The Royal Rabbits are a secret group of specially trained rabbits whose mission it is to guard the Royal Family…on the QT of course!

As the story opens, it’s a special day for Shylo. He gets to go his home warren for a visit; he hasn’t been home since the spring!  He is sooooooooo excited! And while he has had many grand adventures, he misses his mom and his siblings. After packing and saying his so longs, Shylo hops aboard the underground Rabbit Rail bound for the English countryside.  

But when he arrives, he quickly realizes that something fishy is going on.  All the other rabbits are mesmerized by a mysterious named Harlequin. Shylo, with his outsider’s perspective, sees that Harlequin has developed a cult-like following. I was reminded of Jim Jones, Charles Manson and others who have convinced followers into blind obedience.

Harlequin is after the Golden Carrot, which, according to ancient legend, will give him complete power of all humans and animals. All Shylo’s siblings and his old friends are digging up the countryside, looking for the valuable artifact. More and more rabbits come to the farm to look for the Golden Carrot.  But when the search turns deadly, Shylo must use all his resources to figure out exactly what Harlequin is trying to do. 

Shylo calls on all his hometown friends and his Royal Rabbit colleagues and even some of bad guys he has recently encountered to help him solve the mystery.  It was fun to see all the characters from the previous three stories. The appearance of these characters may signal the end of the series—it has that feeling.

The Royal Rabbits of London: The Hunt for the Golden Carrot receives 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

December, 2020 SLPL team totals

 This month:

6 people

read 37 books

for a total of 12150 pages!

Shirley J was our Super Reader again, logging 5130 pages. However, Jen O. wasn't too far behind, and neither was Julie E-C, who logged 2785 and 2160 pages, respectively.

Onwards to 2021!!

Zhuangzi

 Zhuangzi: The Essential Writings with selections from traditional commentaries translated by Brook Ziporyn, 238 pages

Zhuangzi was a late 4th century B.C. Daoist philosopher. Zhuangzi's writings have a very poetical style, especially if contrasted with the Daodejing. His writings and philosophy can be hard to define because they have elements of multiple ideas. His writings show him as a mystic, a skeptic, a metaphysical monist, a spirit-body dualist, an intuitionist, a theist, a deist, an agnostic, a relativist, a fatalist, a nihilist, a linguistic philosopher, and an existentialist. 

However, some themes that can be found in his writings include: relative magnitudes in time and space, the emptiness of words, the imperative of self-preservation, and the non-distinction between life and death. 

Readers can choose how to take in this book. They can read just the Inner chapters or any chapters or jump around. The commentaries are optional but can add meaning. I liked this book and recommend it to those interested in Chinese philosophy or those interested in Daoism.