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John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs
Author:
Genres: Arts & Photography, Biographies & Memoirs, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Arts & Photography, Biographies & Memoirs, Humor & Entertainment
Book Type: Hardcover
Steven R. (oblio) reviewed on + 15 more book reviews
Outstanding. This is the definitive book on John and Paul. It is not the history of the Beatles, but a deep exploration of John and Paul's friendship and how that was channeled into their songs. By the time the book ends, you are not a friend of John or Paul but you feel like you know them very well and John's death, although you know it is coming, is a shock. Moreover, Leslie shows how John, Paul, George and Ringo changed culture and rock music forever.
Scattershot (Nameless Detective, Bk 8)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Pronzini never fails to provide clever mysteries. It's one reason he is becoming one of my favorite authors. There details of the crimes in this book are well thought out.
The Last Escape: The Untold Story of Allied Prisoners of War in Europe 1944 - 45
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
Basically this book is an expose of the lack of concern the Allies had for those men who were in German POW camps. While there were some exceptions, the Allied leadership really had no plans on what to do in regards to the POWs when the end of the European conflict was in sight, although it publicly claimed otherwise, especially to the families of these POWs. And thousands of POWs died as a result. As such, this is both an heroic and sad book to read.
What really got to me was the essentially stupid behavior of the Allied bureaucracy. For example, after being freed, the POWs were paid back wages, but 10% was deducted due to the money the Germans were supposed to have paid the enlisted men who were required to work. But most of the men never saw that money. POWs were also entitled $1 for every day they were captured. But in one case a POW escaped and was free for 12 days before being recaptured. When he received his pay, he noticed $12 had been deducted. Yet, the military code of conduct urged POWs to escape.
One British POW who was elected camp leader and was responsible for saving countless lives, both in the camps and on the exhausting marches the Germans put them through, was denied high honors simply because he wasn't "of the right class." Meanwhile, an SS General was honored for supposedly saving the lives of many of the POWs, even though no POWs were ever asked to testify at his post-war trial. The authors provide proof in this book the SS General lied at his trial. You have to wonder.
Despite all this, I found the book riveting. Especially when I read about the POWs who sidestepped the military bureaucracy and either found their own way home quickly, or drifted about Europe having a good time.
But I want to know why the authors persisted in maintaining that Patton's Third Army was the first to cross the Rhine on page 201. I've seen this in other books too. Hasn't anyone heard of the Bridge at Remagen? The capture of this bridge allowed General Hodges First Army to cross the Rhine before anyone else. Hell, they even made a movie about it in 1969. So it is not like it is a secret. And this book was published in 2002.
What really got to me was the essentially stupid behavior of the Allied bureaucracy. For example, after being freed, the POWs were paid back wages, but 10% was deducted due to the money the Germans were supposed to have paid the enlisted men who were required to work. But most of the men never saw that money. POWs were also entitled $1 for every day they were captured. But in one case a POW escaped and was free for 12 days before being recaptured. When he received his pay, he noticed $12 had been deducted. Yet, the military code of conduct urged POWs to escape.
One British POW who was elected camp leader and was responsible for saving countless lives, both in the camps and on the exhausting marches the Germans put them through, was denied high honors simply because he wasn't "of the right class." Meanwhile, an SS General was honored for supposedly saving the lives of many of the POWs, even though no POWs were ever asked to testify at his post-war trial. The authors provide proof in this book the SS General lied at his trial. You have to wonder.
Despite all this, I found the book riveting. Especially when I read about the POWs who sidestepped the military bureaucracy and either found their own way home quickly, or drifted about Europe having a good time.
But I want to know why the authors persisted in maintaining that Patton's Third Army was the first to cross the Rhine on page 201. I've seen this in other books too. Hasn't anyone heard of the Bridge at Remagen? The capture of this bridge allowed General Hodges First Army to cross the Rhine before anyone else. Hell, they even made a movie about it in 1969. So it is not like it is a secret. And this book was published in 2002.
Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar: A Novel
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
This slim book covers a lot of topics: divorce, cancer, friendship, casual racism.... but does it all in a thoughful and humorous way. I loved the voice of the narrator - it was like hearing a story from a funny and slightly awkward friend. I found her very relatable too since we both experienced racial taunts as elementary school children and we share a love of AYCE Indian buffet restaurants. The latter half of the book was a bit slow to me as it focused more on storytelling and her children and wasn't quite as witty. Overall this was a worthwhile and enjoyabole read.
The Perfect Family
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
The book The Perfect Family is written in four different character's views, which made it interesting to see what each character thought was going on with the others and with the family situation. It does keep you guessing as the thriller unfolds and to be honest, I was surprised in the end. Like most books I read, I read it aloud to my husband. His opinion is that it is quite far-fetched and many of the situations would not, or could not logically happen.
The Last Dragonslayer (Last Dragonslayer / Chronicles of Kazam, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Paperback
Didn't think I was going to like this book much, but then I got in to it as the author has a sense of humor which reminded me of Terry Pratchett's books. It just so happens that, like Pratchett, he is also British.
The English Masterpiece
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay transports readers to the posh world of fine art in 1970s London. I really liked this woman-centric story featuring the works of Pablo Picasso; it includes history, mystery, intrigue, family drama, and a bit of romance. The audiobook is masterfully narrated by Fiona Hardingham as Lily and Saskia Maarleveld as Diana.
Katherine Reay creates a strong sense of time and place thanks to her extensive research. The plot begins a bit slowly, but from the moment I audibly gasped, I was all in. (Don't read the publisher's blurb as it gives away too much). I wasn't always sure who trust which draws me fully into a novel.
I enjoyed reading this soon after The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis as both center around prestigious museums in the 1970s and a young woman as assistant/protégé to a woman older than her. Although the plots are very different, they are in conversation with each other, especially about the role of women at the time.
Thank you to Harper Muse, Blackstone Publishing, and Uplit Reads for the review copies of this captivating novel.
Katherine Reay creates a strong sense of time and place thanks to her extensive research. The plot begins a bit slowly, but from the moment I audibly gasped, I was all in. (Don't read the publisher's blurb as it gives away too much). I wasn't always sure who trust which draws me fully into a novel.
I enjoyed reading this soon after The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis as both center around prestigious museums in the 1970s and a young woman as assistant/protégé to a woman older than her. Although the plots are very different, they are in conversation with each other, especially about the role of women at the time.
Thank you to Harper Muse, Blackstone Publishing, and Uplit Reads for the review copies of this captivating novel.
Frank F. reviewed on + 397 more book reviews
Could not finish. Just goes on and on. Too much slang which adds to the confusion. Story of a young black kid, dressing like a girl at t he start of the civil war.
Alice B. reviewed on + 3734 more book reviews
This is aone minute devotional.In todays fast paced world too many Christians find it challenging to finâ time with God.So this book does it for you. Which is agreat timesaver.
The ending was good, I always like to not only see good triumph over evil, but especially when an evil character comes to a place of repentance and reforms their ways.
Tisha : The Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaska Wilderness
Author:
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Book Type: Paperback
Touching and even at times exciting story of one year of a young girl's life when she was a teacher in Alaska in 1927. This girl had some gumption and courage as she had to learn a different lifestyle and fight against the ignorance and racial prejudice of the community she was introduced into.
Fascinating story about what happened to the children of Cleopatra and Marc Antony after they were defeated by Rome. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but I very much enjoyed learning about the people, culture and events of Rome under Emperor Octavian, who came to be known as Caesar Augustus. I only wish I had read this book last year before I went to Rome!
I feel this was a fair and honest treatment of the early years of our nation. The narrative starts with the reason, plan, and journey of the group of Separatists, later known as the Pilgrims, from Holland to Massachusetts, describes their early settlement and accompanying challenges, followed by the series of conflicts with the neighboring native tribes, culminating to King Philip's War in 1675-76.
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
Author:
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Not an in-depth study, just a great overview of what true evangelism of the gospel is and that every Christian is called to evangelize the lost, and the correct motives for doing so.
The Light Between Oceans
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Moving story but could be difficult for anyone who has experienced miscarriage to read. As the story progresses, the tension builds to a moment you know is coming eventually. I felt for all of the main characters involved, and feel it was resolved fairly, although with heartbreak. One of my favorite reads this year.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
Eleanor is a pathetic creature, a bit OCD and judgmental, a loner and socially awkward, but she's quirky, intelligent, and funny. I can see how some people might just be annoyed with her, but I felt so bad for her and so much wanted to see her find happiness in a world that has not been kind to her thus far. It's been quite a while since I LOL'ed while reading a book, and was touched at the same time. And when it came to the end, I don't know how I missed that, but wow, so heart-breaking and yet satisfying. Good for you, Eleanor! You will stay with me for a while, I think.
Fascinating and moving fictional story about a young girl who is banished to the leper colony on the island of Moloka'i. I knew nothing about this part of Hawaii's history. The story follows her life from the age of seven until she reaches her 60s. Interesting cast of characters, although I didn't care for the writer's decision of inserting one particular character as I found it more of a distraction that added nothing of value to the main story. There were many sad parts, but the ending was satisfying.
What a delightful way to take a journey through the 20th century, with the Delany sisters accompanying you. These spunky gals had to fight racial and sexual prejudice and discrimination their entire lives, but rose above the obstacles and challenges to make a successful and happy life for themselves. Their voice comes through authentically (at least in my opinion), as if you're sitting with them chatting in the living room over tea and cookies. Their anecdotes are moving, humorous, and insightful. You just wish you could meet them in person and give them a hug.
Fascinating, moving story about an incident I knew very little about. The story of what happened at Masada is told from the perspective of four different women. I found it somewhat challenging to keep all the characters straight once the first woman arrives at Masada and the second narrator picks up the story. A little too much magic elements for my taste, but I very much enjoyed it nonetheless. Sad ending, of course, but expected.
Fantastic story-telling on both sides. Larsen goes back and forth between the activities and people traveling on the Lusitania, the German submarine and its captain who would take her down, as well as the government leaders and entities on all sides who had the information and were making the decisions that would to some extent affect the outcomes. Larsen introduces the reader to quite a few of the passengers and some of the crew who were on the Lusitania, so you have an interest in what happens to them. I didn't know much at all about this incident and found this book to be both informative and at the same time entertaining and intriguing.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek (Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, Bk 1)
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
Enjoyed learning about both the blue people of Kentucky and the Pack Horse Library Project. Lots of likeable, sympathetic characters, with several touching and sad moments.
Dominick Manton's world changed when his older brother George, Viscount Rathmoor, disinherited him and left him nearly penniless. He was engaged to Jane Vernon; but knew he would never be able to keep her in the style she deserved. So, Dom pretended to be pursuing another woman so Jane would break their engagement. Now twelve years later, Dom's older brother is dead, and Dominick is now the Viscount. Jane shows up on his doorstep asking for help. Her cousin Nancy, George's widow, is missing. Jane wants to hire Dominick to find out what has happened to Nancy.
This is the final book in The Duke's Men series. I liked both Jane and Dom, but I thought their story was lackluster. The second chance romance was OK. The mystery of what happened to Nancy was intriguing. I thought I had figured it out, but I was way off base. Many characters from the previous books show up to help Dom and Jane find Nancy. It was nice to see them again. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This is the final book in The Duke's Men series. I liked both Jane and Dom, but I thought their story was lackluster. The second chance romance was OK. The mystery of what happened to Nancy was intriguing. I thought I had figured it out, but I was way off base. Many characters from the previous books show up to help Dom and Jane find Nancy. It was nice to see them again. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
James by Percival Everett is a novel that reimagines the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain but told from the perspective of Huck's friend on his travels, Jim, who is an escaped slave. The novel won the 2024 Kirkus Prize, the National Book Award for Fiction, and the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Everett basically rewrites the story from the eyes of Jim. Much of this is familiar but the perspective is totally different. Jim is not the uneducated slave of Mark Twain but is self educated and able to read and write. He tells the story in standard English which he also uses to talk to other slaves but then switches to the uneducated patois of slaves whenever he talks in front of a white person. When Jim learns that he is planning on being sold by his owner, he decides to run; possibly to a Free State. He heads to Jackson Island where he meets up with Huck who is on the run from his pap after staging his own death. Jim and Huck get together and head down river with Jim having the intention of returning to try to free his wife and young daughter. They have some similar adventures as told by Twain but in James the story is much darker, emphasizing the abuses of slavery and its effect. For example, Jim wants to write his story and after meeting a group of friendly slaves, he asks if one of them can get him a pencil. One of the slaves agrees and steals a pencil stub for him, but this petty act of thievery results in the slave being lashed and then hanged. Other abuses are described in the narrative including the rape of women slaves by white owners and overseers and lashings for little or no reason. When Jim returns to rescue his wife and daughter, he finds that they have been sold to an awful "breeding farm" where abuse of the slaves is an everyday affair. So will Jim or James as he wants to be known, be able to save his family and if so, will anything change?
This was a very powerful novel which really delves deep into the evils of slavery. Everett really gives a harsh look at the complexities of race and racism which is still prevalent today. I haven't read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn since college in the late 60s but as I remember it, Twain provided a much lighter look at a very complex issue. I need to do a reread sometime soon. But overall, a very high recommendation for James.
Everett basically rewrites the story from the eyes of Jim. Much of this is familiar but the perspective is totally different. Jim is not the uneducated slave of Mark Twain but is self educated and able to read and write. He tells the story in standard English which he also uses to talk to other slaves but then switches to the uneducated patois of slaves whenever he talks in front of a white person. When Jim learns that he is planning on being sold by his owner, he decides to run; possibly to a Free State. He heads to Jackson Island where he meets up with Huck who is on the run from his pap after staging his own death. Jim and Huck get together and head down river with Jim having the intention of returning to try to free his wife and young daughter. They have some similar adventures as told by Twain but in James the story is much darker, emphasizing the abuses of slavery and its effect. For example, Jim wants to write his story and after meeting a group of friendly slaves, he asks if one of them can get him a pencil. One of the slaves agrees and steals a pencil stub for him, but this petty act of thievery results in the slave being lashed and then hanged. Other abuses are described in the narrative including the rape of women slaves by white owners and overseers and lashings for little or no reason. When Jim returns to rescue his wife and daughter, he finds that they have been sold to an awful "breeding farm" where abuse of the slaves is an everyday affair. So will Jim or James as he wants to be known, be able to save his family and if so, will anything change?
This was a very powerful novel which really delves deep into the evils of slavery. Everett really gives a harsh look at the complexities of race and racism which is still prevalent today. I haven't read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn since college in the late 60s but as I remember it, Twain provided a much lighter look at a very complex issue. I need to do a reread sometime soon. But overall, a very high recommendation for James.
A Light in the Dark (The Ashbrooks)
Author:
Genres: Romance, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Romance, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Because the previous book, THE HONORABLE CHOICE, was such a powerful book, I could not attempt this book until I could forget some of the awful aspects of Lucas Ashbrook. Briefly, as a wager, he faked a marriage to Ruby. When she became pregnant, he rebuked her and told her it was a false marriage. Her parents were horrified and went to the Ashbrook parents for some action. Conrad, a younger son, married Ruby, and Lucas left for America.
In this story, we learn that life in America was not easy, and after eight and a half years, Lucas returned to England with a ward in tow. He only asked his parents for a menial job at the mill. Although Conrad would not talk to him (Conrad is now the mill's manager), Lucas kept working. Other workers were unaware of Lucas's true identity. Lucas was acutely aware that his presence in the Ashbrook home was creating tension among the other siblings.
I did not think M A Nichols could create such a powerful story on the heels of the last one. However, this book had me crying repeatedly (books do not make me cry). Now that I have finished all of this author's Regency novels, I'm unsure what to do. This author has ruined me for the simplistic Regency novels of "boy chases girl until the girl catches the guy." Her stories are so emotionally laden and complex. Beautiful writing.
The Ashbrooks Series -- Total of 5
1. A True Gentleman (2018)
2. The Shameless Flirt (2019)
3. A Twist of Fate (2023)
4. The Honorable Choice (2020)
** 5. A Light in the Dark (May 24, 2024)
In this story, we learn that life in America was not easy, and after eight and a half years, Lucas returned to England with a ward in tow. He only asked his parents for a menial job at the mill. Although Conrad would not talk to him (Conrad is now the mill's manager), Lucas kept working. Other workers were unaware of Lucas's true identity. Lucas was acutely aware that his presence in the Ashbrook home was creating tension among the other siblings.
I did not think M A Nichols could create such a powerful story on the heels of the last one. However, this book had me crying repeatedly (books do not make me cry). Now that I have finished all of this author's Regency novels, I'm unsure what to do. This author has ruined me for the simplistic Regency novels of "boy chases girl until the girl catches the guy." Her stories are so emotionally laden and complex. Beautiful writing.
The Ashbrooks Series -- Total of 5
1. A True Gentleman (2018)
2. The Shameless Flirt (2019)
3. A Twist of Fate (2023)
4. The Honorable Choice (2020)
** 5. A Light in the Dark (May 24, 2024)
Mrs. Jeffries Aims to Win (Mrs. Jeffries, Bk 41)
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Paperback
I have read all the "Mrs. Jeffries" books, and enjoyed them. But this one seemed to drag. It wasn't quite as interesting as the others. Plus, I had the killer correctly identified at about two-thirds through the book.
From some things in the book, I got the idea this might be the last "Mrs. Jeffries." Brightwell, used to put out one of these every year. But lately there has been a 2-year period between books. This one was published in 2023. That's not to say there won't be another. The Fantastic Fiction site usually lets us know if another is forthcoming on an author's page. But there is nothing on her page to indicate that. Hey, most authors of series, unless they have a thirst for more money, usually reach that stage. Even Arthur Conan Doyle killed off his detective, until his fans MADE him bring 'him' back.
From some things in the book, I got the idea this might be the last "Mrs. Jeffries." Brightwell, used to put out one of these every year. But lately there has been a 2-year period between books. This one was published in 2023. That's not to say there won't be another. The Fantastic Fiction site usually lets us know if another is forthcoming on an author's page. But there is nothing on her page to indicate that. Hey, most authors of series, unless they have a thirst for more money, usually reach that stage. Even Arthur Conan Doyle killed off his detective, until his fans MADE him bring 'him' back.
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