Audrey
I've been watching Julia on HBO and have been thoroughly enjoying it. When this book was selected for a group read, I was super excited to read Julia Child's own words. I was moderately familiar with her growing up coming from a PBS family on both sides, but I never thought much about her on my own until I was older and then especially when Julia premiered.
Published posthumously, this memoir details Julia Child's life with her husband Paul throughout his career as a U.S. diplomat and some time after. The book largely takes place in France, detailing the food, lifestyle, and friends they experienced in post-war Europe. She also discusses the cookbooks written with her friend Simca as well as her trailblazing show on PBS.
I enjoyed this immensely. It made me wish I could taste the foods she was discovering and take in the ambiance of her surroundings. I also adore her and Paul's relationship. It was so precious and I was glad the way it's been portrayed on Julia seems in line with real life. An all-around lovely read!
I enjoyed Tessa Harris' book The Light We Left Behind so I was optimistic about The Paris Notebook as well — especially with such a vibrant cover! While I can't say it surpassed The Light We Left Behind for me, it was still quite an interesting read. When Katja takes a job at a clinic. Doctor Viktor assigns her the task of typing up secret medical records belonging to Adolf Hitler. She is persuaded by the doctor to take the manuscript to Paris with him. They do so at great risk, having to evade the Nazi spies. I didn't click with the characters as much as I would have liked to. The plot was interesting and unique, however, I didn't feel myself hanging onto every word. Still, it was an enjoyable read. I always enjoy finding WWII fiction that can stand out against the typical formulas. A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free (US) ARC of the book!
I don't know if my reading tastes are in the process of changing or if I just have a strange soft spot for Mothman, but I am having so much fun with this series. I read I'm in Love with Mothman a couple of months ago and I'm so happy I didn't have to wait too long for book two.
Picking up a year after the first book ends, Heather and Moth find themselves being summoned to Eclipsica. Moth doesn't have many memories after being banished from his home realm so assumes he's been called to trial. Neither he nor Heather anticipated a family reunion. Over the course of their stay, Heather, for the first time, starts to doubt the future of their relationship now that she's the outsider.
This story had much more of a fantasy feel than the first book. Not being super interested in fantasy as a genre, I can't say I enjoyed it as much as the first even though I still had a ball reading. I struggled to follow along because I'm not used to this kind of world-building. Thankfully, there wasn't an overwhelming amount of details. I enjoyed the family dynamic most. I'm looking forward to book three!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The fact Frances Perkins isn't a more widely discussed historical figure is shocking to me. I'm guilty of having spent years only knowing her by name and the fact she was the first woman to be a part of a presidential cabinet. I knew nothing of her story or her works.
The book follows Frances Perkins' life and career in politics. This largely includes her marriage to Paul Wilson, her friendship with Mary Rumsey, and her partnership with Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Emotional, heartfelt, and above all inspiring, we get to follow her footsteps from New England to Washington D.C.
Though this is a work of fiction, there is a lot to be learned and, for me, has prompted further research. I particularly enjoyed reading the part of the story about Frances' marriage to Paul and his mental health struggles. I appreciate how much care went into writing these real-life characters. It steered away from some of the more controversial topics that a lot of authors would have jumped to explore.
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for providing a free e-ARC of the book!
I've unintentionally been on a Roosevelt kick this year. I've read a few of Marie Benedict's books and was excited to see she (and Victoria Christopher Murray, though I have not read their previous collaboration) had a book that featured Eleanor Roosevelt. The book focuses on the, at the time, unusual friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. Told in both of their POVs, we follow moments in each of their lives from the late 1920s through the early 1940s, particularly when their lives intertwine. Though it was difficult to read at times, I enjoyed much of Mary's POV. Eleanor's not so much. Reading a book written by Eleanor Roosevelt herself while I read this wasn't the best move for me to enjoy this book as I had something immediately in mind to compare her to. Still, I don't think I would have felt much differently. The political voice was far too modern even for the progressive views of the time. It felt like polished fanfiction (which I suppose it is when you think about these kinds of books). This overtone ultimately lost me.
Over the years I've heard a number of great quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt. I never realized she had books published until I came across this one. My high exceptions were met and then some. While not necessarily an autobiography, near the end of her life Eleanor Roosevelt compiled the lessons she learned through various experiences. Each life lesson is nicely organized into each chapter of the book, making it easy to read out of order if so desired. Though I'd personally consider it more of an inspirational read than self-help, her eloquent writing and zest for life were uplifting. I started by listening to the audiobook version and then purchased a copy halfway through. Is her advice practical to the average person in the modern age where we have new sets of problems that were not around in her lifetime? Not quite how it was presented, however, her words are stepping stones.
After a brief introduction in the A Bookworm of a Suspect anthology, Jessica Baker has embarked on a new cozy mystery series. This time the story is set in the present, however, it maintains a classic feel all while incorporating elements of fantasy.
Lenore loves nothing more than writing stories on her great-grandfather's old typewriter. As she's working on a novel, she starts to notice strange things happening around her. Almost as though the story is coming to life... Cats and ravens appearing out of nowhere, missing jewelry... Lenore tries to put the pieces together, but ultimately it's the new face in town, Sean, who brings the conclusions.
I'm not usually one for books bordering on the paranormal. If I read one it's only under very specific circumstances. But of course, I'm going to read anything Jessica Baker writes. I'd file this one under magical realism which I do enjoy when done well. And it is! The story is charming and captures a wonderfully cozy small-town feel. I'm looking forward to book two.
A huge thanks to the author for sending me a digital ARC! I have also preordered my physical copy.
After a brief introduction in the A Bookworm of a Suspect anthology, Jessica Baker has embarked on a new cozy mystery series. This time the story is set in the present, however, it maintains a classic feel all while incorporating elements of fantasy. Lenore loves nothing more than writing stories on her great-grandfather's old typewriter. As she's working on a novel, she starts to notice strange things happening around her. Almost as though the story is coming to life... Cats and ravens appearing out of nowhere, missing jewelry... Lenore tries to put the pieces together, but ultimately it's the new face in town, Sean, who brings the conclusions. I'm not usually one for books bordering on the paranormal. If I read one it's only under very specific circumstances. But of course, I'm going to read anything Jessica Baker writes. I'd file this one under magical realism which I do enjoy when done well. And it is! The story is charming and captures a wonderfully cozy small-town feel. I'm looking forward to book two.
Complicated family dynamics, secrets, murder, twists, mental health... Intriguing stuff here! Hanna's life goes lopsided in the wake of a murder. Needing to uncover long-kept secrets and keep her family safe, she is determined to put an end to the havoc. This book was slow to get into but definitely picked up as it went on. I did struggle to follow along through most of it though, having trouble remembering the importance of each character. I enjoyed the inclusion of discussions on mental health, but that's about all that stuck with me. That, and its solid foundation. A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC copy of the book!
Complicated family dynamics, secrets, murder, twists, mental health... Intriguing stuff here!
Hanna's life goes lopsided in the wake of a murder. Needing to uncover long-kept secrets and keep her family safe, she is determined to put an end to the havoc.
This book was slow to get into but definitely picked up as it went on. I did struggle to follow along through most of it though, having trouble remembering the importance of each character. I enjoyed the inclusion of discussions on mental health, but that's about all that stuck with me. That, and its solid foundation.
A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC copy of the book!
As expected from Fiona Davis, The Spectacular has a stunning NYC backdrop. I didn't even read the synopsis when I picked up this book. I saw Radio City Music Hall on the cover and didn't care to know more. Plus, having read The Magnolia Palace, I figured it was a safe bet. More or less on a whim, teenaged Marion auditions to be one of the Radio City Rockettes, figuring the audition would be as far as she'd go. Being accepted causes a riff with her father, but as time goes on, his disapproval becomes the least of her problems. After an explosion during a performance, Marion gets involved in the investigation. I didn't love this as much as I thought I would. Of course I loved the setting and all, I just found myself disconnected from the characters and mystery. Even so, Fiona Davis' writing style made me want to continue. I'm going to hang onto this and visit it another time. It's been a while since I've visited New York. I can see myself getting a taste of Broadway and wanting to visit it.
I've come across a number of historical fiction books centered around names in the entertainment industry. Diva has been the first I've read about an opera singer. I'm not super well-versed, but I do consider myself a casual listener. Whatever the case, it was enough to make me static to pick up the book. A lot of big names pass through these pages, however, our stars are Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis. The story ebbs and flows from Maria's past through Aristotle's marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy and the affair in between. I was so ready to love this book. I didn't connect to the characters at all and wound up feeling even sadder for Jackie (I'll admit I'm biased). What's more is that I found the writing repetitive and taking gratuitous liberties in the lives of real people. I know there's a fine line of this and it's what you agree to read when picking up this genre of historical fiction, but even then it still felt like it went too far in places. I did very much enjoy the bits of opera knowledge I picked up along the way. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital ARC of the book to read and review!
At a glance, I was super intrigued by the synopsis of this whodunit book. It didn't take me long to realize my personality is the opposite of the characters (which I suppose is good under the circumstances?). Sic women take a trip to New Orleans for Rosalee's bachelorette party. Unfortunately, everyone seems to have some reason to resent the impending marriage. Before the end of the weekend, one of them is dead. I'm not a party person. Even reading about parties like this stresses me out. My brain didn't register the dynamic. All that's on me. My personal taste aside, I wasn't taken with the writing. I could barely discern which character was which. This was tricky with the number of POVs that narrate the story. A bunch of little things that didn't click for me resulted in not caring much for the book. There were some good moments of intrigue at least.
A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me an ARC of the book!
A few years ago I read a book that discussed aerial surveillance. I eventually started looking for a book that discussed it at length. Eyes in the Sky was an interesting, albeit unsettling, find. The book suggests the unbelievable technological advancements that have allowed the Pentagon to invent a powerful aerial surveillance system. It remains on the technology more than the people involved, keeping the material to the point. Scary stuff to think about. I don't know how much of this book is solid fact given the amount of gaps missing in the text, but I absolutely believe that there is constant surveillance happening. Nonetheless, it gave me something to think about. I do wish the writing had been more engaging.
(3.75 rounded up to 4)
A few years ago I read a book that discussed aerial surveillance. I eventually started looking for a book that discussed it at length. Eyes in the Sky was an interesting, albeit unsettling, find.
The book suggests the unbelievable technological advancements that have allowed the Pentagon to invent a powerful aerial surveillance system. It remains on the technology more than the people involved, keeping the material to the point.
Scary stuff to think about. I don't know how much of this book is solid fact given the amount of gaps missing in the text, but I absolutely believe that there is constant surveillance happening. Nonetheless, it gave me something to think about. I do wish the writing had been more engaging.
I've read a number of books discussing the assassination of John F. Kennedy over the years and this book has been mentioned in a number of them. I was eager to begin given the date of publication. Unfortunately, it didn't take long to realize it was going to be a long 700+ pages. The Day Kennedy Was Shot is one of (if not the first) books to discuss the assassination at length. It looks much different than modern books on the topic though it follows the familiar step-by-step timelines. From page one I struggled with the writing style. The author spent too much time on frivolous details and people in the background making the entire book feel embellished and fictional. Stripped down, this could have easily been 300-400 pages and still be a full book. The facts get lost. There were a few things I retained but my brain felt like mush by the end. With the amount of conspiracy theories surrounding this moment in history, the fictionalized feel doesn't do it any favors.
Aside from The Chronicles of Narnia, I haven't read much of C.S. Lewis' writing. It's something that I've been meaning to remedy and I finally got around to listening to this audiobook that's been sitting in my library.
This collection of essays focuses on, naturally, topics of education and its importance and value. It also discusses quite a bit about life during wartime and Christianity. The essays weren't as lengthy as I'd imagined, though it made for quicker listening. When reading them back to back they begin to sound repetitive, but overall not a bad collection. I would have preferred this as an ebook.
This book hadn't been on my radar at all but it came up as a suggestion when playing around with ChatGPT when I asked for books similar to the movie The Girl in the Cafe. It also fit in for a reading challenge prompt for a book suggested by a random generator, so I picked it up right away. Dex and Emma spent a day together in 1988. They never left each other's minds. That date becomes the focal point of decades of love, loss, mistakes, successes, and growing up. I was hooked at the very start of the book but my interest fizzled out quickly. I didn't connect to the characters at all which made for a less enjoyable reading experience. Took away some great quotes though, so I'm glad I stuck with it.
Personally, I'm not someone who believes in past lives, so until this book was presented to me, I never thought of it to be a focus in a fictional plot. My curiosity was piqued! The book begins in modern times, following Adam through a turbulent time in his relationship with Fiona. Adam eventually finds an interest in exploring his past life. There, the story shifts to 1836 where we see Adam/Augustus and his relationship with a girl named Roselyn. I loved the writing and ease of dialogue. For some reason though, I was thrown off by the time period switch despite knowing it was coming. Thankfully, it didn't take too long to switch gears. I found both halves of the stories strong and with promise for an equally compelling continuation. A huge thanks to the author for reaching out and offering to send me a free copy of the book to read and review! I opted to read this via KindleUnlimited.
Personally, I'm not someone who believes in past lives, so until this book was presented to me, I never thought of it to be a focus in a fictional plot. My curiosity was piqued!
The book begins in modern times, following Adam through a turbulent time in his relationship with Fiona. Adam eventually finds an interest in exploring his past life. There, the story shifts to 1836 where we see Adam/Augustus and his relationship with a girl named Roselyn.
I loved the writing and ease of dialogue. For some reason though, I was thrown off by the time period switch despite knowing it was coming. Thankfully, it didn't take too long to switch gears. I found both halves of the stories strong and with promise for an equally compelling continuation.
A huge thanks to the author for reaching out and offering to send me a free copy of the book to read and review! I opted to read this via KindleUnlimited.
(3.5)I'm pretty sure this was my first Agatha Christie book (how bad is it that I don't remember...) and my expectations were high after a lifetime of hearing about her and her mysteries. It's easy to see how she became an original master of the genre, but as someone who's read so many other mysteries and prefers more thrill to the plot, I ended up feeling underwhelmed.[b:The Mysterious Affair at Styles 52843028 The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, #1) Agatha Christie https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585632445l/52843028.SY75.jpg 3366260] is the book that started it all — Agatha Christie's debut as well as the first introduction to Hercule Poirot. When a wealthy and elderly woman is poisoned, there are a number of suspects in the household. It's up to Hercule Poirot to deduce who the killer is.The book was good. I love the fine details of everything and it was a great setting. I just struggled to get excited or really into the plot. The problem when you read a lot of mysteries is that the formulas become ingrained. I was more in the mood for a short audiobook at the time rather than a mystery itself, so I'm sure that was part of the problem. I will definitely be returning to Agatha Christie though, particularly [b:Murder on the Orient Express 853510 Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot, #10) Agatha Christie https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486131451l/853510.SY75.jpg 2285570].
I read The Maid last year and there was admittedly a lot I didn't like about it. However, there was enough that I did like that I was interested in reading this next installment. I'm so glad I did! Molly Gray finds herself entangled in another murder of a Regency Grand Hotel guest. Though not under immediate suspicion this time around, her trainee, Lily, is. Moreover, Molly had been acquainted with this guest, a renowned author, in her youth. Going back and forth from then and now, Molly aids in catching the killer. I was super into the ‘before' part of the story. I loved getting to see more scenes between Molly and Gran and particularly seeing Molly as a child. Everything tied in nicely as well. The present part of the story didn't captivate me quite as much until near the end. I enjoyed the reading experience much more this time, which tends to be the case in series for me anyway. I'm officially hooked and look forward to any future installments! A huge thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of the book!
I often wonder about the spiritual implications of extraterrestrial life and intelligence. When I saw this book I was so excited to see there was actual discussion on the subject. While it didn't read exactly how I thought it was going to, it was fascinating nonetheless. Starting with a general history of extraterrestrial activity through myths and legends, the book leads into the modern-age interpretation of ‘aliens'. Part two of the book discusses more of the spiritual nature and how extraterrestrial life might be interpreted through the church and what it would mean for various religions around the world. I went in figuring it would read similarly to more science-based extraterrestrial books that cite a lot of facts and witnesses. This was more speculation-based along with various opinions on the subject from religious figures, scientists, and other well-known people throughout history. An interesting read despite how differently it played out. It deepened my interest for sure.