I use to have very vivid dreams. And, I was usually fairly successful in interpreting them. Don’t ask. Anyway, one of my favorite dreams was when I woI use to have very vivid dreams. And, I was usually fairly successful in interpreting them. Don’t ask. Anyway, one of my favorite dreams was when I would levitate and fly across the sky, looking down at life as I knew it. I remember mostly how I felt so free and joyful amongst the clouds. And, when I would wake up, I felt so light. As if every burden I had once carried no longer existed.
So, when I read the premise of this book about a levitating woman, I thought, “why not read this one?” Maybe this might be what was needed in my life, a bit of magic and freedom and belief in possibilities.
Sometimes as readers, we need to find different ways to handle grief, and in this story, levitation was a unique emotional response to the death of our main character’s husband. There was definitely a sense of whimsy with her levitation as she navigated her loss.
Tere, our widow, is vibrant, funny and relatable. As readers, following her journey, we can’t help but feel her emotions, too.
The magical realism of the story (one of my favorite genres) blended with cultural heritage helped to create a cozy comfort feeling. And, an opportunity for any of us to reflect on life’s greatest questions when faced with important losses and changes in our lives.
Of course, there is a mystery to her levitation, and so Tere sets off on an adventure, that she takes readers on with her. Thus, allowing all of us to find healing along with her.
Maybe in healing – we also can believe in living life fully, despite the sadnesses or disappointments we may face along the way. Which makes this story although, imperfect in its telling, still uplifting in its message. ...more
This is a powerful debut novel that puts the spotlight on the complexities of what could happen when a fan has an opportunity to interact with a famouThis is a powerful debut novel that puts the spotlight on the complexities of what could happen when a fan has an opportunity to interact with a famous author. How does fame distort our view of someone? What power do we unknowingly give an individual when they are “famous?”
This is the story of Tatum, our narrator, in present-day, 2015, deciding whether to talk with a NYT journalist who is investigating Tatum’s friendship with Mateo, a famous author who has been accused of assault. A relationship Tatum will have difficulty coming to terms with, that readers will recognize as they travel through these pages with her.
As readers we will come to recognize how imbalanced, difficult and sometimes harmful Mateo’s friendship was, as well as crucial to Tatum’s growth as a person throughout her life. Even in its unequalness and expectations. We can see how trapped she felt and how much she deserved so much more.
There is so much to appreciate about the victim and victimizer, celebrity and fan position, and the power dynamic between a popular contemporary male writer and how he so easily took advantage of his younger female fan.
So many words come to mind when I think of how best to describe this book…Subtle. Engaging. Well-developed characters. Compelling. Evocative. Heartbreaking. Deft. Touching. Unsettling. Complex. Well-written. Imperfect. Yet, so readable. ...more
Hoffman isn’t your typical writer. Sometimes she fascinates us with magical realism like her “Practical Magic” series. Her imagination sorCatching up…
Hoffman isn’t your typical writer. Sometimes she fascinates us with magical realism like her “Practical Magic” series. Her imagination sores, and we as readers go along with her on the ride.
With this book, Hoffman captivates readers with 12 short, but interrelated stories set in a farmhouse in Cape Cod that tell the story of those inhabitants that embraced it over the past 200 years. Mostly, it celebrates the strength and endurance of women through storms and tragedies.
Interestingly enough, there is a slight element of autobiographical sharing in the telling of these stories, as Hoffman and her husband bought and restored a derelict 100-year-old cottage on the Cape that had its own history and story of a ghost of a drowned 10-year-old boy. She also shared that she wrote these stories post 9-11 while going through cancer treatment. The stories were also originally published separately in magazines.
There is no doubt that Hoffman is a skilled writer who creates haunting characters. Anyone who reads her, will be mesmerized by her characters, the setting and feelings generated by her stories. A near perfect in-between book to read while traversing the larger novel....more
“Let them inherit the earth by inheriting themselves.”
Let’s get uncomfortable. Just open this book. That is exactly the author’s intention when he cho“Let them inherit the earth by inheriting themselves.”
Let’s get uncomfortable. Just open this book. That is exactly the author’s intention when he chooses to have this book explore the aftermath of a genocidal event in which supposedly every White person in America wakes up, walks into the nearest body of water and drowns.
What kind of fantasy tale is this one?
What message is being conveyed here?
This circumstance, known as “the event” turns society upside down. The internet is barely working, what we referred to as the “Ivy League” is no longer, and the state of Alabama becomes a monarchy. And, along with all of this, people are unsealing the jails, boarding up police stations, as well as, setting country clubs on fire, among a few things.
Is this the future?
Whatever it is, it is the character Charlie’s journey. As a wrongfully incarcerated Black man he is now reunited with his daughter, Sidney. Prior to “the event,” Sidney had always believed she was White, because she was raised by her mother’s White side of the family. Now, they are on a journey to Alabama to visit the Alabaman king and queen.
This story is what we would refer to as “magical realism.” But as in any magical realism story, sometimes things can get a bit strange. After all, how “non-White” does anybody have to be to exist in this new world? And, will they overcome the problems of the old one?
So, suspending disbelief, one can imagine whatever utopia one wants to, right? Is the author daring readers to imagine what a new, better society looks like if we didn’t have any White people at all? Tell that to the incoming Trump administration. Would they walk to the nearest body of water and drown?
“History has never been silent.”
This book wants to make us think. Even if there are so many plot holes readers can find themselves wondering how we are going to manage getting out of any given hole. Thus, leaving us without a lot more questions, than answers. Is that the thinking part of this book – as we try to understand where the author is taking us?
As readers, we are being asked to imagine this future. Maybe we need to draw our colors outside the familiar boxes we have been living in. And, imagine a contemporary America that is not defined by a dominant White autocracy that determines the “governing” rules for its majority citizenry which is diversely non-White. Maybe Campbell is making this reading experience uncomfortable on purpose so we can confront our biases about people that are “different” than “us.”
Even if it is not a perfect society being depicted (because we certainly aren’t one now), and this is a rather imperfect read, it is thought-provoking, uncomfortable, and compelling, all at the same time.
Roman Grady is the town’s sole newspaper reporter. When his partner, Ashley is murdered, he wants answers, but all he gets is more questions.
He livesRoman Grady is the town’s sole newspaper reporter. When his partner, Ashley is murdered, he wants answers, but all he gets is more questions.
He lives with his son and his mother Tara. It is a tense relationship. The more he tries to find answers, the more people seem to pull away and hide. What is going on? And, why did someone kill Ashley?
Dahl showcases how a small community of friends and family explore grief, love and deceit, while figuring out why one of their own was murdered. With too many characters to keep track of initially, this immersive story finally comes together as a portrait of a family struggling through tragedy. ...more
This family was surrounded by scandal and wealth and center-stage attention, whether they chose it or not. And, this is the story of that very privileThis family was surrounded by scandal and wealth and center-stage attention, whether they chose it or not. And, this is the story of that very privileged upbringing.
There is a lot of name-dropping in this book, because this family is rather well-known in their own way. Griffin’s aunt by marriage is author, Joan Didion. Joan’s husband, was the writer, John Gregory Dunne, who was Dominick’s brother. Dominick, being Griffin’s father. Dominick was in the movie business, which allowed Griffin to be “raised in the land of make-believe” before he became a part of it himself. Mostly, we also learn about the secrets of Dominick that also influence Griffin, too. His mother, Ellen was an heiress who was friends with the actress Natalie Wood.
Griffin would later be rocked by the strangling death at age 22, by her ex-boyfriend, of his sister Dominque, an actress.
The Friday Afternoon Club is titled after a carefree regular gathering that his father hosted that included a young, George Clooney. Of course, throughout the book, we find many more named characters we will recognize, like Carrie Fisher, or Tennessee Williams, or Martin Scorsese, or eventual Bewitched star, Elizabeth Montgomery, who was Griffin’s babysitter.
There is a fragility to Griffin’s true character that is felt throughout the pages, even as we are immersed in the privilege and scandal of the times.
His writing is honest, funny and smart, even sad, at times. And, he doesn’t mind laughing at himself, which makes this an easy-to-read memoir. Of course, it helps if you know all the names that are dropped throughout the book. It almost makes you feel like you are an insider, for a moment....more
We may be more aware of him because of the lead role he played during the Covid pandemic. But his career spans so much more than the battle he had to We may be more aware of him because of the lead role he played during the Covid pandemic. But his career spans so much more than the battle he had to endure through anti-vaxxers and an egotistical President who wouldn’t listen to his sage advice.
This is his story. His career. His life. And, there is so much more to appreciate about what he brought to our country that went unappreciated by the many who did not value or understand the science.
This is the author’s straightforward review of his work and reason for being an epidemiologist, and love of other scientific subjects. It covers his childhood, his medical training, his career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and as the longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Even if it isn’t a literary masterpiece, and sometimes slogs along, he is still thoughtfully plain-spoken and direct in sharing his remarkable life story. His dedication to medicine and public service is evident. Sometimes at quite the personal cost to him.
As we know, he was the revered and reviled face of the Covid-19 government response. Prior to that, he was mostly identified by his work on HIV/AIDS. Known mostly as a healer and an activist. And, as shared earlier, at great personal cost – the loss of a first marriage, a friend to death from AIDS, PTSD for the author, amongst a few other things. But his contributions are many.
The discussion about Covid-19 takes center-stage throughout the book, and anyone who has been around during that period of time knows how that went. But hearing it from the author’s point of view helps. He has a right to tell it from his side. After all, he was at the center.
He is an optimistic storyteller, in some ways about all he has been through in his life – in all that he has experienced, especially as it relates to scientific breakthroughs. But there is also some truth to his experience that he shares.
“At times, I am deeply disturbed about the state of our society. But it is not so much about the impending public health disaster. It is about the crisis of truth in my country and to some extent throughout the world, which has the potential to make these disasters so much worse. We are living in an era in which information that is patently untrue gets repeated enough times that it becomes part of our everyday dialogue and starts to sound true and in a time in which lies are normalized and people invent their own set of facts. We have seen complete fabrications become some people’s accepted reality.”
Perhaps the state of our country as we walk in to 2025 is exactly why we are where we are now. Because of the misinformation that people chose to believe as fact. How else could some of the voters have put a criminal/con man at the head of our government for the next 4 years?
Fauci in his optimism, felt that our hope “lies in young people” when he also shared…
“What became even more clear to me was something I already knew: that the diversity in our country in its myriad forms – geographic, economic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and political – makes us an attractive and great country.”
The book was published in June, 2024. Before the November 2024 election. So, I don’t know if he knew what the intended outcome was going to be with another term of Trump. It will definitely be a while before we see ourselves as the author had “hoped” for our country. We can still appreciate the wisdom of Fauci's medical experience shared through these pages....more
After receiving this as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought I would take a chance with it. But because I wasn’t certain ICatching up…
After receiving this as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought I would take a chance with it. But because I wasn’t certain I wanted to actually read it or not, I did not include it on my “currently reading” shelf. This seems to be happening a lot to me lately. Am I becoming a moody reader, again?
But I eventually did. Read it. After all, look at the book cover? Kind of tempting don’t you think?
So, here goes my review.
Although his story was well-written, with meaningful characters and an intriguing plot, regarding a possible medical breakthrough, it was hard to get through the religious tone of the story. However, for those who like this in their stories, it may be more appealing.
There is a mystery here to be solved, so that might be interesting for mystery lovers....more
I read this when it first came out, but was recently reminded of it, when a dear friend dropped it off as a donation for my Little Free LiCatching up…
I read this when it first came out, but was recently reminded of it, when a dear friend dropped it off as a donation for my Little Free Library Shed.
What I remember specifically is that this memoir reads like a love letter to the author’s 3 daughters, Gaila, Delphine and Rosette Sims. Even as the book is about a generation of women from both the author’s and her husband, Dwayne Sim’s side of the family – she shows her gratitude for the lives they made possible – including hers, and her children.
The author does an honorable job of examining these historical lives, which in many ways feels like a complex, multiracial story. But mostly readers will appreciate that this memoir is about family, as much as it is about place and belonging.
As readers we are taken to the past, as much as we are visiting the present – and all, those people who mattered to the author. Straight’s voice through her writing feels soft, warm, honest, respectful, thoughtful and intelligent as she shares the complex reality of being a white woman who is also writing about people of color.
But even with her compelling voice, her chapters still feel a bit disjointed. As if we are traveling back and forth through time dealing with inconsequential issues like taking care of her daughters’ hair or describing her husband’s car, that he drove while in high school, that looked like a Batmobile. And, even if her writing is refreshing, the lack of logical order to the chapters is a bit off-putting.
Still, she does manage to cover some relevant issues like; the difficulties of being a woman, immigration, police brutality and the history of slavery. We just need to be patient about when and how these issues reach the reader. ...more
I picked this book up at my local library because I had read the author’s other book, “Bad Summer People.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/reviI picked this book up at my local library because I had read the author’s other book, “Bad Summer People.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Maybe I should have stopped there! Because the reviews didn’t appear as positive for this one, either. I wasn’t sure I would want to take the time to read it, so I didn’t put the book on my “currently reading” shelf. But as things go with books, I couldn’t help but be curious, and so I dived in, after all.
I think I should have trusted the other reviews. I know, that isn’t a great way to start off a review, right? Well…
Let me just say it began with an interesting feeling…lovely setting, drama, secrets, an unsolved mystery, lots of romance, and possibility. The book having possibility, that is.
But…if this was intended to be a “gripping, darkly comic novel,” it didn’t meet that expectation for me.
The characters were mostly unlikable, and the plot veered in so many directions because of the multiple point of views that my head began to hurt trying to follow them. By the time the story was ready to reach its climatic peak, I was too tired to climb it. This story was just tedious with a predictable mystery.
It is advertised as a dark comedy, thriller mystery, satire of Corporate America. Maybe some may feel those vibes. For me, I was just happy to move on to another book.
2.5 stars hesitantly rounded up because of the promising beginning. ...more
Questions: if the Queen’s secrets implied were true, what would happen if they were exposed? What scandals would rock the Royal Family? And, as readerQuestions: if the Queen’s secrets implied were true, what would happen if they were exposed? What scandals would rock the Royal Family? And, as readers were the secrets believable enough that we could actually wonder about the probability of what would happen if these secrets were revealed?
The author is challenging readers to wonder. About the Queen’s secrets. (Hence: the title of the book!) Those of us who are royal watchers, do we often wonder about what really goes on behind closed doors? After all, considering what occurred between Princess Diana and Prince Charles during the height of their marriage, we were definitely made privy to the scandal and sordid headlines.
Those who are fans of the Netflix series, “The Crown” might enjoy another fictional retelling of someone from the Royal Family. This story revolves around the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth’s mother, in the year 2000. The story also takes us back in time to before she was queen, and during WWII. Although I had difficulty with the believability of the story, at times, it was still interesting and at times, intense.
The so-called “secrets” that are revealed are a bit-over-the-top, but the reading of “them” is somewhat appealing. Especially to those readers who are up for scandal and Royal Family “rumors.”
The author did extensive research, but even according to her, the information she garnered from the books needed to be taken with a “grain of salt.” Still, the author does a relatively good job with incorporating history and “real” characters into her historical fiction tale....more
“The golden hour. … that’s when everything looks the most beautiful, just before the sun sets. This luminous air turning everything to gold. …And then“The golden hour. … that’s when everything looks the most beautiful, just before the sun sets. This luminous air turning everything to gold. …And then it’s gone, just like that. The sun disappears. The night arrives.”
This is a historical novel about two strong, flawed women who find strength within a war-torn world.
The book starts with a feeling of mystery and danger by first introducing Mrs. Lulu Thorpe. While in London in 1943, Lulu is seeking a way to free her husband Benedict from a German prison camp. Going back in time 2 years, readers are introduced to Lulu and Benedict when they first meet. Thus, Williams takes readers on a time period read between the two years – 1941 and 1943, adding to the mystery.
But that isn’t the only time period readers will visit. They will also jump back to Switzerland in 1900, where we meet Elfriede von Kleist and the relationship she encounters and forges with Wilfred Thorpe.
What will this story have to do with Benedict or Lulu? And, what can we appreciate about the two women and the strength Lulu and Elfriede display during difficult times?
“To women and men everywhere who live with depression. You are loved. You are needed. The night will pass.”
Williams has also written a scenic viewing book taking readers between the Bahamas and London during World War II and Switzerland and Germany.
“This wave now breaking on the beach had a whole history of its own, which I could never learn, just as we're all upon this earth ignorant of the vast, complicated histories of those living alongside us.”
And, there is also some storytelling with real people included – i.e., the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and some other historical characters.
The story is imperfect, but it is written with elegant prose and imagery that captivates readers who appreciate historical fiction. Just be patient if details don’t always flow comfortably. Instead, allow the characters to transport you to another time and place. ...more
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare, All’s Well that Ends Well
I wasn’t sure I was going to read this book because of othe“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare, All’s Well that Ends Well
I wasn’t sure I was going to read this book because of others reviews, so I didn’t put it in my “currently reading” pile. But the moment came, and I decided to go ahead anyway. Was that a good decision – or not?
Gia and Abby have been lifelong friends. That share a terrible secret. But when something happens to Gia, and she goes missing, what is to be believed? Along with Gia’s brother, Benny, they both race to find her. Is she in danger – or is something more sinister going on? And, what if they do find Gia? Will answers come easily? Will trust come? And, if it doesn’t how are readers to feel? What are readers to believe?
“His stories were good because he imagined them intensely, so intensely that he came to believe them.” – Patricia Highsmith, The Talented Mr. Ripley
Secrets and lies. Who does one trust? Who does one believe? Does Abby’s secret keep her safe or guilt ridden? And then when something else happens, who is she to believe? Will she be safe in the end? What price does Abby pay to be friends with Gia? And, can Gia be believed after all that has happened? And, what of the title of the book, does it tell readers something more?
This story is told with 2 points of view. Abby’s and Gia’s through her manuscript. The question will be, since there are so many that come, is Gia’s story true?
“It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on Earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up that we begi“It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on Earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up that we begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
What if there was a way for you to know when and how you would die? Would you want to know?
“Cause of death. Age of death. It’s really very simple.”
And, having this information, would you consider or actually do anything to change the way you are living now?
“Fate won’t be fought.”
Is this information a gift or a curse to receive? Is it a gift or a curse to have this knowledge?
“She was a determinist. The idea of determinism, …is that everything that happens, and every decision or action you make, is ‘causally inevitable.’ Why? Because everything is caused by something else: a preceding action, event, or situation.”
In this story, it starts with people on a delayed plane who don’t notice her. And, then she gets up and begins to share with each passenger their fate. At first most don’t understand what she is saying, but those who finally do, how will this information change the trajectory of their lives?
“No one can see the future. Oncologists can. Oncologists, neurologists, cardiologists, hematologists. All those damned ‘ologists.’ They’re the fortune tellers. They don’t read your cards, they read your blood tests, your scans, your genetic tests, and see terrible things in your future.”
How many of us can relate to this above quote about the ‘ologists?’ I know I can, as I await my own test results after my treatments. Do I want to know? When we are invested in living, it becomes important, yes? Is this the author’s message?
Back to this book…
And, now it becomes the plane passengers’ story. And, “The Death Lady” eventually to be revealed to readers. Which then makes it our story…to read. Several characters. Several pages (495 pages).
Who is “The Death Lady” person, who has predicted these fates? Will we as readers care about her backstory? Will we as readers care about the fate of these passengers? Will some of these characters have an elevated awareness of their mortality and find a way to change their fate?
Mostly, will this be a good thriller mystery or a need for readers to keep turning pages until we find the answers as to what happens to all these people?
Interesting premise, that starts strong, but falls flat in its delivery.
Readers need to be aware that there may be some triggers: self-harm, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and domestic violence.
Obviously, or not so obviously, lately I have been on a kick reading this author’s earlier books.
In this second stand-alone book by the author, separObviously, or not so obviously, lately I have been on a kick reading this author’s earlier books.
In this second stand-alone book by the author, separate from his Andy Carpenter series, we have another story about an ordinary man who seems to be the “target” of someone. Consider his first stand-alone, “Don’t Tell a Soul,” where something kept happening to his main character, Tim Wallace who seems to be the focus of someone’s supposed “frame” job.
In this story, we have reporter Chris Hurley who is looking forward to talking with an anonymous tipster about “corruption by a high-level government official.” But suddenly an explosion rips through an office building opposite the park where Chris is supposed to be meeting the tipster. (The explosion scenario, although different setting, still seems to follow a similar pattern to what was experienced in “Don’t Tell a Soul.”) By being so close to the explosion, Chris now has the opportunity to write and make headline news with his story about it. But it doesn’t stop here. More tips keep coming in from his source, who refers to himself as “P.T.”. As wonderful as these tips are, who is this PT., and why are they leading Chris in this way?
Chris seeks help from his editor girlfriend, and also readers find an FBI agent and a homicide detective involved, to now figure out who P.T. is. Because quite honestly, P.T.’s behaviors seem rather “unusual” and quite suspicious. Who could this person be and why are they doing this? And, why involve Chris? Will Chris find this person in time before something more terrible happens? Will others believe Chris is not creating these headlines?
The pacing of this novel is quick, the plot twists keep turning, and pages kept moving towards a showdown that will take readers to New Year’s Eve in Times Square. What will readers discover? Will it lead readers to a satisfying conclusion?
As alluded to earlier, the slight problem with this book was that it followed a similar “script” to the author’s first stand-alone, “Don’t Tell a Soul.” Which took away from some of the intensity of this one. It could have been a more enthralling read, had I not found myself comparing it to his other book, as much. Other than that, it still was a relatively good read.
This fast paced, action-packed, page-turning thriller is this author’s debut novel. With captivating characters, and a complex plot, readers will not This fast paced, action-packed, page-turning thriller is this author’s debut novel. With captivating characters, and a complex plot, readers will not be disappointed as they tackle the shocking twists and red herrings that will make this a book one cannot put down, until the very last page. At least, that is what happened to me.
Our heroine is Chelsey Calhoun who became a cop to follow in her late father’s footsteps. He was a police chief. Two years ago, she became a detective, and her first case was of a missing girl named, Ellie Black. But as this story opens, Ellie is found. What happened to her? And, where has she been for the past 2 years? And, why won’t she talk about it?
What complicates this case for Chelsey, is her memory of her own missing sister, Lydia, whose disappearance happened when they were teenagers. Not being able to solve the case of Ellie as a new detective, brings a whole new energy to Chelsey when Ellie returns. In fact, Chelsey’s mission has been to find and save missing girls, so what will she and/or has she learned on her quest?
But as more is revealed, readers can’t help but wonder, what happens when Ellie returns, and why is Chelsea suspicious of her? Could Ellie’s case be related to her missing sister, Lydia? What other layers will be unraveled as readers turn pages?
A word of caution. This won’t be an easy read. It is dark and haunting. There are multiple P.O.V.’s telling the story (which made it tough to follow, sometimes), and the story will be difficult to bear at times. (Trigger warning: monster men preying on women.)
Sometimes I was concerned about Chelsea’s decisions, but there was an interesting message that could not be ignored. Who holds the power, and what are they willing to do to keep it? And, how will Chelsea overcome this realization?
So many questions for readers. (No spoilers from me.) Just keep turning pages. The story may be imperfect, but it is a compelling read....more
This is Rosenfelt’s first stand-alone book. So, if you were looking for Andy Carpenter, his criminal defense attorney, you will not find him here. NorThis is Rosenfelt’s first stand-alone book. So, if you were looking for Andy Carpenter, his criminal defense attorney, you will not find him here. Nor, will you find the typical snarky humor which is a centerpiece of the author’s writing that makes readers joyfully gravitate to his books. So, what will we find?
A young successful New York businessman, Tim Wallace suddenly finds himself widowed by an explosion that kills his new wife, Maggie on his boat, and a lot of people looking at him as the murderer. Not only that, but a conspiracy that seems to reach beyond this one death, to politics. What?
As pages turn, readers also wonder, why? Who? And, will it all make sense after all the dead bodies have been counted? Also, will Tim Wallace be vindicated when it seems like every turn is pointing to him as the perpetrator? How will this unassuming supposedly innocent “framed” guy get through this tangled mess? And, will readers be grateful for the final conclusion if and when he does?
Seemingly well-written, with short chapters, the story is fast-paced and somewhat inventive, but it fell flat towards the end. Like after all this time of getting readers to know what was finally going on, suddenly we are finding ourselves at an abrupt conclusion. In some ways, this end spoiled the feel of the original pace of the book that started out engaging with a complex mystery. Still, for love of the author, it was a worthwhile read, just not up to the standards that I have grown to love with his Andy Carpenter series.
“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have got to be kidding me!” But then it made sense. This really seemed like an almost perfect premise. And, a truly quick read! Yes! It took me just a day to read.
How could you not like a story where two people meet on a train and their next kill orders are for each other for romance in this Mr. & Mrs. Smith way? (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie when they liked each other.) And, they didn’t know that they were both assassins. But not only were they both assassins, but they were both assassins set up with kill orders to kill each other! How do you do that, after you meet each other on a train and practically fall for each other? (And, I’m not giving away spoilers, this is all told to readers from the get-go.)
So, obviously this is a rom-com mixed with suspense and assassins.
What we really have is 2 people who really are awkward, due to their careers and early lives. Here they are meeting. Their first encounter with each other. On a night train to Paris. How romantic is that?
But they both have pasts. Right?
They know they are damaged goods. But they finally found the one person they think can finally accept them. For themselves. But they also think they will never see each other again.
Fast forward six months. And guess what. Who is their kill target? Yep. Now what are they to do?
How about as readers enjoy a “killing” good time?
“My old life has ended. My new life is only just beginning.”
Just let the pages fly. Readers will not regret it....more
Libby is only 40. A successful children’s fantasy author in the midst of another book, suddenly finds herself stuck. Why can’t “This is Libby’s life.”
Libby is only 40. A successful children’s fantasy author in the midst of another book, suddenly finds herself stuck. Why can’t she finish her book? What is wrong with her?
“Dementia. What we call early-onset dementia. You’re the youngest case I’ve seen.”
Dementia? How can this be?
To top it off, nobody knows who she is. She has never identified herself as the writer of these popular books. In fact, there is even a billionaire offering money to anybody who can identify the author. That would be the worst thing that could happen, as far as Libby is concerned.
In the meantime, how is she going to finish her book? She has no family. No friends. Just her dog, Rook.
And then, Peanut Bixton, a precocious junior high student comes along…to save the day? Perhaps, this is all that Libby needs to finish the book, and maybe, just maybe feel a sense of family?
“Aren’t you the one who writes happy endings. Write one for yourself.”
How best to describe this book?...
Funny, complicated, riveting, delightful, engaging, heart-felt and heart-wrenching. All the feels. The only part that bored me was the “fantasy-story” inside the story. But that could be just me, because that is not my preferred genre. It may be more appealing to those who do. Other than that, the story has amazing character development and a sweet story that will undoubtedly engage readers.
“The passage of time is a symptom of life; without time you are at a standstill.”
This memoir professes to be a love story. It’s subtitle, “An Uncommon“The passage of time is a symptom of life; without time you are at a standstill.”
This memoir professes to be a love story. It’s subtitle, “An Uncommon Journey to True Love” implies this, as well. And yet, as readers first meet Jerry, known by those close to him as Jedon, we are not sure what he is showing us is a very loving path to love.
He takes us on this journey about him and Tonya, from the beginning, when they first met. His love for her is quickly felt, but mostly displayed through anger and jealousy. When Tonya is dating someone else, his way of addressing it, is to take Tonya’s dog and have it attack her current interest’s dog. For those of us who are dog lovers, that was a horrible scene to witness. And, to wonder, is this a display of love when you treat dogs in this abhorrent way?
And yet, Jedon tells us he is a man of God. Yet, his behaviors and actions displayed are anything but. Thus, what about him, his behaviors and actions make him a good catch to Tonya? What will occur that will change him into the person he says he wants to be for God and for Tonya?
“I already knew that when I was with her, I was a better person. She made me a better person.”
Typically, I do not read books anchored in religious dogma. I am not attracted to these stories because they imply that it takes something outside of themselves in order to be a good person. But the author was kind and wanted me to read his story. And, I appreciated his thoughtfulness in our correspondence. So, when I began to read, I found myself a bit taken aback by the person I was reading about between these pages. I was hopeful that at some point, I would see something different than what the first several pages were showing me. Because to be honest, all I could think about was…Tonya, run, and please don’t look back!!!!
Yet, in all fairness to the author, growing up can be a very painful process. Especially as one struggles to find their way. And, certainly the author was very open in sharing his struggles.
“Everyone learns new lessons in life; it doesn’t matter your age. Some are easy, while others will test the very core of your being. Some lessons you learn from mistakes made; others hit you when least expected.”
Still, as I read, I couldn’t help but wonder, what would it take for the author to grow into the person he wanted to be? And, when he did, would he and Tonya be able to find their happily ever after? Because certainly the book’s subtitle was leading us to believe readers would find an uncommon journey to love.
And, gratefully, with patience, the reader does discover that this is what the book truly is…the life of these two. The ups and downs. The disappointments. The joys. The journey. Which one could appreciate and eventually understand. The realism of relationships. And, love. It may not have been an easy path, but it was Jedon and Tonya’s path. And, it comes through clearly in these pages.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
