Beartown: A Novel by Fredrik Backman

You don't have to be a hockey fan to appreciate this story about a small town in rural Sweden hyper-focused on their junior team.  Rich in character development, this story is centered around hockey, but is more a tale of human nature, dealing with adversity, and choices people make when scandal erupts. (432 pages) -Amanda

The House that Hustle Built by Nisa Santiago

Pearla, head of a shoplifting ring, and Cash, an adroit car thief, get together.  All is well (?) until they get greedy and start turning friends into enemies.
I probably won't be reading the rest of the series.  (300 pages)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

This is a sweet, sad story about a china rabbit who learns to love.  (102 pages, ebook version via Hoopla) -Amanda

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

The title stems from the fact that his birth, of a Xhosa mother and Swiss father, was a punishable offense.  This amazing memoir of growing up in South Africa is educational, funny, and incredibly heartfelt.  (304 pages)  --Amanda

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

Tara chronicles her childhood growing up in rural Idaho largely isolated from others outside her family.  The family dynamics are unique; her father is a prepper, fundamentalist, and struggles with mental illness.  Tara's journey to break free and seek a life outside of what she knows is a long and difficult one.    (334 Pages, Hardcover Edition, but paperback seems to be only in large print.) -Amanda

The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich

Pluto, North Dakota, is a white town on the edge of an Ojibwe reservation. Like many small towns, the town is  dying. Evelina, a girl of mixed Indian and white descent, belongs to a 'BIA' family. She likes to listen to her grandfather's family stories, from whom she learns about the town’s long, bloody history, including the slaughter of a white farm family and the hanging of innocent Native Americans unfairly targeted as the perpetrators of the crime.

Descendants of both the victims and the lynching party intermarry, creating a tangled history. The consequences are still being felt by the community and the reservation, even after many generations.
Three narrator tell the collective stories of two interwoven communities, which ultimately come together to reveal a final wrenching truth.


324 pages

Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis

Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska, this is the tale of two old women left alone to die by their tribe. During a winter famine, with the entire tribe on the verge of dying, the women, who have been pampered and looked after by the younger members of the tribe for many years, won't be able to survive on their own.

Except - they do. They push their bodies to their limits, and used the wisdom they had gained over their long lives to not only survive, but thrive. And they eventually even save the tribe.




160 pages

Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness

This book delves into the stories of the characters from the All Souls Trilogy. We see Marcus' past as a soldier in the American Revolution and his transformation into a vampire and doctor. His mate, Phoebe, is undergoing her own transformation in the present day, and my beloved Matthew and Diana (main characters from the trilogy) are having some interesting problems with their half vampire half witch twins.

I was really excited to read this book and it didn't disappoint. It doesn't have the same feel of adventure from the trilogy, but I liked the deep delve into Marcus' history.

Rating: 4/5
                                     Pages: 436

Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody

Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a YA space Sci-Fi that is a reimagined and futuristic take on Les Miserables. Let’s just appreciate that strange meshing of worlds for a moment.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel, including the multiple POVs and the fascinating world/universe. Occasionally, it felt a big sluggish, and I think in this instance, the story would be better if it was tighter and the pacing faster. Probably the 3 POVs ended up slowing the story down, though I found them quite interesting and necessary to showing the depth of the world.

This story is also a bit rambling at times, and I did zone out occasionally and have to force myself to refocus. It’s occasionally guilty of throwing too many unnecessary details at you at once, which becomes too much to absorb, but then it recovers pretty quickly. In addition, the plot lingers at times, when it should just press forward, so instead of an action-packed adventure, it sometimes feels like more of a character study.

Despite some of those issues, I enjoyed the character building and growth, though with a novel of this size, I do wish it had run even a bit deeper than it does. I’m happy this is a series, because I think this is a good step in the right direction, and I’m curious to see what comes next. I remain very hopeful that this is one of those series where the first book is busy laying the groundwork, but it’s the later books that make you love the world beyond compare.

OTHER FUN PERKS:
---the French influences
---the wildly different worldviews of the 3 POVs
---the social hierarchy

WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE FUTURE NOVELS:
---more diversity
---more twists and surprises
---more complex relationships between characters

This is a great pick for YA Sci-Fi and fantasy fans, as well as for those that like unique retellings/reimaginings, and/or multiple POVs.

Pages: 592


View all my reviews

Books Galore

This is the end of the romance package, because I finally discontinued it.  Also, I think I technically read these in February and never posted them. 

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Fresh Catch
by Kate Canterbary

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not a bad little read. It had some interesting perspective.

Pages: 240

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Hard Pressed by Kate Canterbary
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After reading and enjoying book one, this was meh. Too boring. It lacked the charm and excitement of book one, as well as the honesty. The characters behave in ways that don't really make sense nor seem to align with who they are supposed to be as people. Their motivations are screwy, and the logic feels pretty illogical. Everything feels silly and false. I found myself wishing it would end already.

It's not the worst story ever, which is why I kept going. It has some cute moments, but that's pretty much it. Nothing else really seems to be holding the story together, not even a real plot or some character development. The side characters are particularly useless and underdeveloped.

It's mostly a lot of endless baking, but it's not even presented in a particularly interesting way. You aren't going to learning recipes or baking techniques, or anything like that. Just a bunch of--I'm baking. And now I'm baking again. I'm sharing treats. I'll bake some more. Share some more. Okay, let's buy groceries, so we can bake again. And now we will---wait---no--Yep. You guessed it. Bake again. And then buy more groceries, so that we can do the dishes and bake again until-- *entire hallelujah chorus dies in agony*. The baking horse is both dead and thoroughly beaten.

I recommend just stopping at book one, unless you tend to enjoy directionless fluff with nonsensical drama at the end. I was originally going to give this 2.5 stars, and therefore round up to 3, but the last 1/4 of the book was such silly mess that I couldn't do it. It's a 2 star read for me.

Pages: 259

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Love and Lists
by Tara Sivec

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Generally amusing, though not as strong and compelling as some of her later works.

Pages: 254

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Passion & Ponies
by Tara Sivec

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not as great as the first book. Some humorous moments but just lacks depth.

Pages: 220

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Baking and Babies
y Tara Sivec

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love this author, but this isn't her best work. It has some moments, but overall could be a stronger story.

Pages: 223

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Lucky Suit by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is basically a meet cute. They meet. It is cute. That is almost the whole story.

Since it’s a novella, that works for me. Just don’t expect them to overcome any issues or anything. There isn’t time for that. Meet. Cute. Happy. And done.

Pages: 100

The Dreadful Lemon Sky: A Travis McGee Novel by John D. MacDonald

Carolyn Milligan was only aboard McGee’s boat for one night. She came to drop off a hundred grand for safekeeping. What Carrie really needed was someone to keep her safe. She said she’d be back in a month. Instead Carrie is killed in a dubious roadside accident. Now McGee is left with a fortune—and a nagging conscience.

So McGee takes a trip to the seedy little town of Bayside, Florida, to look into Carrie’s life before she showed up on his boat. What McGee finds only pushes him further into the corrupt world of drugs and blood that Carrie was trying to escape. McGee is used to high stakes, but when the bodies start piling up, even he may be in over his head.


291 pages

Pale Gray for Guilt: A Travis McGee Novel by John D. MacDonald

Travis's old friend Tush Bannon has a small "boatel" that happens to sit right in the middle of a 500-acre tract of land targeted for a major re-development deal. He is being squeezed to sell out; when he declines, the local corrupt political machine sees to it that he looses everything. He then commits suicide - or does he?    

As Travis investigates, he finds level upon level of corruption fueled by greed. He and his friend Meyer run a scam on the perpetrators, thereby providing a nice survival fun for Tush's widow and three small sons.

321 pages

Wicked Women of Missouri

 Wicked Women of Missouri
by Larry Wood
Pages: 144
Rating: 5 out of 5

While male outlaws have a lot of name recognition, not many female outlaws do. Here's a collection of women who were born in or lived in Missouri during their crimes as well as a couple of ladies who didn't do anything illegal just "scandalous." A fun, quick historical read.

Double-Booked for Death (Black Cat Bookshop Mystery #1)

 Double-Booked for Death (Black Cat Bookshop Mystery # 1)
by Ali Brandon
Pages: 325
Rating: 4 out of 5

Darla inherited her aunt's bookstore in New York City. It is a big change for a small town girl from Texas but she's loving it. However, the book market is tough with Amazon taking business from small shop owners. She is thrilled that a popular teen author has agreed to a book signing at her shop. But an accident leads to bad publicity and the suspicion that it wasn't an accident. Can Darla solve the mystery and save her business and new home?

How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety: And Abstinence, Drugs, Satanism, and Other Dangers That Threaten Their Nine Lives

 How to Talk to your Cat about Gun Safety: And Abstinence, Drugs, Satanism and Other Dangers that Threaten their Nine Lives
by Zachary Auburn
Pages: 144
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Collection of essays on how to talk to your cat about important life issues from gun safety to drugs to cults. Parody of parenting guides with a liberal bent.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Cat: 101 Tales of Family, Friendship and Fun

 Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Cat: 101 Tales of Family, Friendship and Fun
by Amy Newmark
Pages: 352
Rating: 5 out of 5

Collection of stories from our feline friends and the lessons they can teach us each day. They provide unconditional love, companionship, and are warm fuzzies. Touching stories to make your day. Part of the proceeds of this book go to the American Humane Society.

The Annotated Night Before Christmas

 The Annotated Night Before Christmas

by Martin Gardner

Pages: 253

Rated: 4 out of 5

A collection of a wide-variety of versions of the Night Before Christmas including different cultural versions, regional, occupational etc. The book also gives the history of the original poem and it's animated versions too. 

Green: The Beginning and the End

 Green: The Beginning and the End
by Ted Dekker
Pages: 400 pages
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Circle has lost hope. Samuel, Thomas Hunter's cherished son, has turned his back on his father. He gathers the dark forces to wage a final war. Thomas is crushed and desperately seeks a way back to our reality to find the one elusive hope that could save them all. 

Four Novels, Two Worlds, One Story. 

White: The Great Pursuit (The Circle #3)

 White: The Great Pursuit (The Circle #3)
by Ted Dekker
Pages: 400
Rating: 4 out of 5

Time Is Running Out In Two Realities.

In one world, a lethal virus threatens to destroy all life as scientists and governments scramble to find an antidote. In the other, a forbidden love could forever destroy the ragtag resistance known as The Circle.

Thomas can bridge both worlds, but he is quickly realizing that he may not be able to save either.

In this mind-bending adventure, Thomas must find a way to rewrite history as he navigates a whirlwind of emotions and events surrounding a pending apocalypse.

The fate of two worlds comes down to one man's choice--and it is a most unlikely choice indeed. Life. Death. Love. Nothing is as it seems. Yet all will forever be transformed by the decisions of one man in the final hours of the Great Pursuit.

Sabrina

 Sabrina
by Nick Drnaso
Pages: 204
Rating: 4 out of 4

A woman's disappearance affects different people in numerous ways. As a graphic novel this story is told both in words and pictures. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just list the book's awards here: The first ever graphic novel to be nominated for the Man Booker Prize. It's a New York Times Notable Book and is on 20 Best of 2018 lists including the Washington Post, NPR, Newsweek and the Guardian.

The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacey Lee

Summary: "An aroma expert embarks on what she fears will be a life of solitude and dreams of a normal high school existence before an accident leads to an unexpected forbidden romance."

Well, darn. The Secret of a Heart Note was not quite as good as Under a Painted Sky. The aromatherapy aspects were quite unique and interesting, but at times, it overpowered the various storylines and characters. The concept is cool and interesting, but the the various scents of people and places are overwhelming and boring. The heroine is also a bit dim and frustrating. I wanted more from her! 

But there's a good chance that someone else will love this book, so go for it!

MOBIUS | goodreads

376 pages

Aisling Grey, Guardian Series by Katie MacAlister

I needed something light after Clash of Kings and turned to my favorite paranormal romance series. The books are fast-paced and funny, especially scenes with the demon-lite, Newfoundland dog named Jim (or Effrijim if you want to be technical). The series follows her entrance into the "Otherworld," coming into her powers as a Guardian and demon lord, and falling in love with a hunky dragon named Drake.

Rating: 4/5

Total pages: 1,356

The Iliad by Gareth Hinds

The Iliad by Gareth Hinds
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I love this concept of telling the story of the Iliad using a graphic novel, but I confess that I did still struggle to push through this, often caught myself skimming, and probably didn’t absorb much of it. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, as it has very text heavy panels and the art is a bit rough around the edges, with an almost biblical feel.

It can be a challenging read in its original format, with all of the different characters. They did a good job of trying to include identifiers to help you recognize certain characters, and they even included a character key/chart at the start. However, if you aren’t the type to just memorize all the names, facts, and pictures, it’s a bit like information overload. You aren’t going to remember any of it when you actually need it.

In other words, they did everything they could to help me successfully read this graphic novel, but I still fought against the archaic language and overwhelmingly quick introduction of characters whom I was just expected to know.

The panels are very text heavy, and while I understand why, it became tiring. I think this is like a retelling of the Iliad with pictures, and I wanted a true graphic novel format, which might have been unreasonable of me. What I really hoped for, when I opened this one, was for the story to be broken down into easy to follow scenes and everyday language. But maybe I was asking for and expecting too much from this particular piece of literature. The original is a bear, and on some level, this graphic novel does make the story more readable and interesting. However, I’ve come to realize I’m just not that interested in reading this story again. It was painful and confusing enough the first time I read it in the full text version.

I think what they did was try to stay true to the original, and while this would be handy in a school or research setting, when you are forced to read or study the original version, I didn’t enjoy revisiting this story as an adult. I just wanted to really be able to wrap my mind around it and enjoy the story, but I found it tedious and often confusing. Most of the time, I wasn’t sure who was who or what was really happening and why, which I hate to confess, since I’ve studied the original Iliad before (sorry, mom!).

Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher, for allowing me to read an advanced copy. This graphic novel will be available tomorrow, on March 12, 2019. If you are currently reading or studying The Iliad, then I definitely recommend this as a tool to help you better understand the literature. It would be absolutely great for that purpose. For all others, this one is for either big fans of ancient lit, or those who love to bury themselves in overwhelming details about characters and Gods. It’s definitely not for your average graphic novel reader, who will likely find this version to be tiresome.

Pages: 272

Island Book by Evan Dahm

Island Book by Evan Dahm

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This graphic novel kicks off with a whole lot of telling and backstory, which is disappointing, but still, I was interested in where this might go. Somewhere around panel 40, this becomes more interesting. Luckily, with this simple format, you can progress to that panel quickly, so just hang in there through the rocky start.

The artwork is very simple and clean with mostly muted colors that I really enjoyed. It gives everything a nice, moody feel. There’s actually a lot of visual depth in the scenes, and you can feel the action and motion in the drawings, especially in terms of the movement of boats and water. Honestly, the artwork is probably my favorite things about this one.

In the first 40 panels, most of the characters look identical, so that is confusing. However, the side characters from the first world don’t really seem to have names, personalities, or much of a purpose, other than to interact with Sola, the MC, so once you figure out which one is Sola, the scenes start to make more sense.

I think that the simple format and storytelling is good for the intended audience, overall. This just completely lacks character development and clarity in the world building, other than what you can guess at from what you see in the artwork. It basically becomes a long journey with multiple stops to add new underdeveloped side characters. The dialogue tends to be a bit vague and often awkward or cheesy. It doesn’t always move the story forward effectively. I have to confess that I liked the wordless panels the best.

The end is pretty confusing, anticlimactic, and disappointing. You don’t get any true answers, and if it’s trying to express a deeper message, the younger intended audience isn’t going to get it. I’m 38, and read a lot, and I was completely unconvinced of any deeper meaning or message. I felt like I just went on a long, useless journey. Sure, it was interesting, when I thought it was building to something, but once I realized there wasn’t going to be any true plot development or resolution, I just had to force myself through to the last panel.

Still, despite these many concerns with the format and storytelling, something is compelling about this one. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, other than I enjoyed the otherworldly quality and adventure of it. It’s best for young readers who are new to graphic novels, and it likely won’t have as much appeal to older graphic novel fans who like to read across age categories, particularly teens and adults, as we tend to expect a more solid storyline and some actual character development.

Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher, for allowing me to read an advanced copy. This graphic novel will be published on May 14, 2019.

Pages: 290

The Love Pirate and the Bandit's Son: Murder, Sin, and Scandal in the Shadow of Jesse James by Laura James

The Love Pirate and the Bandit's Son: Murder, Sin, and Scandal in the Shadow of Jesse James by Laura James

When Zeo Zoe Wilkins was murdered, it was the talk of Kansas City. She certainly wouldn't be missed, but that didn't mean people weren't curious about her fate. Especially since the son of Jesse James, Jesse E. James, could somehow be involved.
Zeo came to Jesse seeking a lawyer and he agreed to take on her case. Six weeks after Zeo's murder, Jesse suffered a mental breakdown. Author Laura James seeks to prove that was no coincidence.

320 pages.

Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep

Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1)
by Jennifer Estep

480 pages

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

The Gold of Cape Girardeau by Morley Swingle

A historical novel that starts in a modern day court room. A skeleton is found in the basement of an old home being renovated in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Beside it is a cache of gold, and a fierce battle ensues between the current owners of the home, and the family that originally built it. The quest to find out where the gold came from, and how it got in that basement – oh, and who killed the man in the basement?

The story goes back in time to steamboating days on the Mississippi River, two star-crossed lovers, and a town deeply divided by the Civil War. The answer to the questions will lead back to the court room, and a resolution to the ownership of the gold.

292 pages