Audrey

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. 

As the title suggests, this book is chaotic. An oddly fun kind of chaotic, but chaotic all the same.    It can't be stressed enough that everyone in Ernest Cunningham's family has killed someone including Ernie himself. With a narrator who breaks the fourth wall (and an author who knows which format of the book you're reading...) and delivers his testimony with dark wit, it's a good time. Unfortunately, I couldn't follow a dang thing.    I blame a hectic month for my inability to retain any of the information being presented more than the book, but I just kept forgetting I was reading it. By the time I got back to it, I'd forgotten where I was. The writing/delivery is super fun and maybe if I'd chosen the audiobook I would have been more engaged. Wrong time for me I guess, but the hype is understandable. 

Though I'm not typically drawn to fantasy and being picky with romance in general, the minute I heard the title of this book I knew I needed to read it. I dived in head-first and had such a fun time reading — it was certainly a break from my emotional literary kick!    @HoneyBeaLatte is burnt out from the influencer life. Her nervous breakdown results in buying/moving into a secluded cabin in the woods in an attempt to unplug. The next thing she knows, she has a monster living on her couch — at least that's what the locals call him. @HoneyBeaLatte aka Heather isn't so sure that's what he is, but maybe that's because she finds this ‘creature' wildly attractive.    If someone had told me I'd genuinely enjoy reading a ‘monster' romance I would have backed away slowly. It's not my thing, but there is something about Mothman stories that I find fascinating. I like the way he was portrayed here. I can take or leave the romance honestly. It was all about Moth for me. I'm excited for book two! 

I've read a number of books from the Girls Survive series and so far this is the first book that hasn't been a solid winner. Maybe it's because I was alive for this time in history unlike the other events I've read about. Whatever it was, I felt that something was lacking.    On the morning of September 11th, 2001, twelve-year-old Molly hears an explosion outside of her classroom window. Before the kids can figure out what's going on, the entire school is being evacuated. Refusing to leave without her seven-year-old sister Adeline, she breaks away from her teachers to find her. Molly, Adeline, and Molly's friend Zach desperately try to make it home as they witness the attacks unfold.    There were a lot of side details that didn't need to be included in the story which ate up several pages that would have been better spent on the Twin Towers. Had I not read previous books in the series I might not have questioned it as much, assuming the details were being watered down for young readers. However, that hasn't been the case in most of the other books I've read. Not shying away from the depth of the tragedies is something I've admired and what keeps me coming back. That's not to say Molly and the Twin Towers excluded the details, but it spent more time on Molly's life rather than the tragedy itself. (For example, multiple pages about reading books that didn't correlate to the plot at all. If anything, it just tells the reader that Adeline is easily spooked, but any child or adult alike would have been in fight-or-flight mode in that vicinity. A sentence or two would have sufficed.)    Again, I don't know how much of my own experiences with that day/time influenced my thoughts while reading. I'm sure a child who had been born after this date would still learn something, though I wouldn't consider it to be a thorough history lesson. Ultimately, I'm glad it was included in the series at all given how far back in time some of the other books go. 

I've read a number of Holocaust memoirs over the years. While they are all unique and heart-wrenching in their own right, The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz is a standout. Not only do we get to read Sara Leibovits' story of Auschwitz, but we also get to hear her daughter, Eti Elboim's, perspective on what it's like to be a second-generation Holocaust survivor.    The book mainly discusses Sara Leibovits' year spent in Auschwitz and her means of survival. We also get an introduction to her family and glimpses of her childhood. Scattered throughout are her daughter's recollections of growing up in Israel, trying to figure out her parents' pasts.    What I appreciated most about this book is how deeply the Jewish faith was observed before, during, and after the Holocaust. I thought I was fairly well-versed on various traditions but there was a lot I ended up learning. Sara's attitude toward life is admirable. While there are many parts that are difficult to read, the book as a whole left me feeling uplifted and inspired.    A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me an ARC of the book to read and review! 

I had the honor of getting to hear José Hernández speak while I was visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. His story and outlook on life are inspiring. I spent most of the lecture thinking, “I hope he's published a book...” The answer was yes! I was even happier to have the chance to meet him and have my copy signed.

In this memoir, astronaut José Hernández takes us through his journey to NASA from his roots as a young migrant boy living half the year in Mexico and the other half in California. Rich with inspiration, culture, and faith, it's difficult to put the book down and not feel rejuvenated.

I savored every page. Everything written is a testament to what determination and dedication can do for people's lives even when the odds seem stacked against them. I can only wish that I knew with such certainty what I want from my life now as José Hernández did as a child. Even so, the roadmaps he presents for any accomplishment or dream gave me the pause I needed.

While I was reading the book, I saw the trailer for ‘A Million Miles Away' which is the movie based on José Hernández's life. It's been a while since I've been this excited about a movie! It's coming to Prime Video on September 15th (2023). I'm sure it will be as wonderful as the book.

I had the honor of getting to hear José Hernández speak while I was visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. His story and outlook on life are inspiring. I spent most of the lecture thinking, “I hope he's published a book...” The answer was yes! I was even happier to have the chance to meet him and have my copy signed.    In this memoir, astronaut José Hernández takes us through his journey to NASA from his roots as a young migrant boy living half the year in Mexico and the other half in California. Rich with inspiration, culture, and faith, it's difficult to put the book down and not feel rejuvenated.    I savored every page. Everything written is a testament to what determination and dedication can do for people's lives even when the odds seem stacked against them. I can only wish that I knew with such certainty what I want from my life now as José Hernández did as a child. Even so, the roadmaps he presents for any accomplishment or dream gave me the pause I needed.    While I was reading the book, I saw the trailer for A Million Miles Away which is the movie based on José Hernández's life. It's been a while since I've been this excited about a movie! It's coming to Prime Video on September 15th (2023). I'm sure it will be as wonderful as the book. 

I'd forgotten from the last Jeffrey Archer book I read how much I enjoyed his writing style. Traitors Gate is the sixth book in the Detective William Warwick series.    A heist is in the works. The object of desire? The Crown Jewels. The Tower of London isn't an easy location to penetrate. One would need a connection to the inside... fortunately for the thief, he does.    It's evident in the writing that Jeffrey Archer is an expert at his craft. Heist stories aren't typically my favorite, however, I enjoyed this one a lot. I nearly read this in one sitting because I wanted to see how everything would work out. I also appreciate that despite this book being part of a series, it can be read as a standalone (I've not yet read the first four books in the lineup).    A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC of the book to read and review! 

Literary fiction with generational themes has been an unintentional go-to for me this year. I picked up Paper Names not long after reading Banyan Moon so it was fun to switch perspectives. While Banyan Moon followed mother/daughter/grandmother dynamics, Paper Names had more of a father/daughter theme to it.    Tony has only ever wanted the best life for his daughter Tammy. To him, that means leaving China and building a new life in America. It hasn't been easy for him. He's afraid to venture from his small circle out of fear. It's easier for Tammy as a first-generation American. She and her father tend to butt heads as she strives to lead her own American lifestyle where Tony is often stuck in the middle of the culture in which he was raised and the one he sought out for Tammy. After an accident, a man named Oliver comes into their lives, bringing his own perspective on what it means to be American.    I loved reading the scenes between Tony and Tammy as well as a lot of Tony's chapters in general. I can't say I was hooked on the story as a whole. Given what drew me to the book, it didn't seem like Oliver's perspective was entirely necessary. Otherwise, the writing style was strong for a debut aside from some pacing issues. The ending happened so quickly and predictable once the setup had been made.

Since I was a kid, I've always had an interest in the Great Depression (thanks American Girl!). Over the years I've collected bits and pieces of it through different media and my own research. Aside from other books about Franklin Delano Roosevelt which speak a lot about the Great Depression, I haven't read any books solely dedicated to the topic before now.    The book predominantly follows the roles of FDR and Joseph P. Kennedy at the time of the 1929 stock market crash and its aftermath. When FDR was elected as president of the United States in 1932, he vowed to amend the way the country handled finance. Thus, the New Deal was born.    Though I found the writing strong and engaging enough, this is the kind of book I would have enjoyed more as an audiobook. The topic is interesting, just long (as it should be). I learned a lot, so for that reason, I was glad to be able to save highlights. It's a great addition to any history nerd's library.    A huge thanks to Random House for inviting me to read the digital ARC through NetGalley! 

I blindly picked up this book because I thought the cover was super cool and the title intriguing. If I were a parent, I think I would have related so much more to the characters and story. Not being a parent, I felt more like a spectator.    A Category Four hurricane is the last thing Ramona needs. Between work, a philandering husband, a toddler, a mother not afraid to say what's on her mind, a neighbor kid, a guinea pig, and the death of Prince, her plate is full. Now she gets to add evacuation to her to-do list.    This book was fun and relatable in the sense of everything going wrong all at once, there was just a lot I couldn't relate to on the parenting and marriage front which was a large focus of the story. I'm hesitant to say it was chaotic because that was entirely the point, however, I struggled to follow what was happening. I can see myself revisiting it at another time in my life and absolutely love it. 

I wanted to love this book so much. I love the author. I love the tropes. Sadly, this one was a miss for me.    Not wanting to spoil their friend group's final trip to their beloved vacation spot in Maine, Harriet and Wyn decide not to tell everyone that their engagement has been off for months. A series of events forces their proximity, putting them in the happy couple spotlight more than either of them finds comfortable.    I enjoyed the first few chapters and setup, but then it felt like it was endlessly dragging on. Harriet and Wyn's lack of communication skills infuriated me. Yes, romance needs conflict and miscommunication somewhere, it just got to the point where they started resolving things and then backtracked. I didn't feel the characters were fleshed out as much as other characters in past books. The side characters brought more to the book on that front.    I'm still looking forward to Emily Henry's next book, however, I will be going into it trepidatiously. Book Lovers was only okay for me, but I still had high hopes for Happy Place. In part, my reading tastes seem to have changed in general. 

I look forward to Alice Feeney's books every year. After being blown away by Daisy Darker last year, I've spent most of 2023 counting the months until I could read Good Bad Girl. Though the book overall had a much different tone than what I've become accustomed to with this author, I still loved it.

A stolen baby, a runaway, a missing elderly woman, a murdered care home worker... there's an intricate series of events throughout the book that at a glance would seem unrelated but are very much connected. The POVs alternate between Edith, Patience, Clio, and Frankie with twists and turns following each of their steps.

At first, I was surprised by how differently the book read compared to Rock Paper Scissors and Daisy Darker. It didn't have the same urgency and sense of danger. I also found it much more predictable in the beginning, however, I was still caught by some twists by the end that made me react out loud as I was listening, causing me to scramble to backtrack to be sure I'd heard it correctly.

What I liked about this book was the relationships between the characters, particularly the complicated mother/daughter relationships. So much has been withheld between them causing strain and ambiguity. It took me a little while to differentiate Clio and Frankie, but I don't think that would have been as much of an issue had I been reading with my eyes rather than my ears. (Side note: The two narrators did a lovely job reading!)

Though not what I'd expected, I can't say I'm disappointed. Now the wait is on for the next Alice Feeney book!

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a free audio ARC of the book!

The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of the most discussed books I've come across on the internet. What's interesting is that it appeals to a wide range of readers. Personally, I was drawn to it because of its gothic elements. 

Dorian Gray wishes to sell his soul in an attempt to maintain perpetual youth. The catch: His painting bears the marks of time and the scars of an immoral life. He keeps the portrait hidden away as he continues living a life solely for his own pleasure. 

I find myself enjoying summaries and the general idea of this book more than the book itself. I also enjoyed a discussion of it that I found on YouTube. As for the actual reading experience? I was bored. There was so much that I could skim and stop whenever the story was being pushed forward.

[b:The Picture of Dorian Gray 5297 The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546103428l/5297.SY75.jpg 1858012] is one of the most discussed books I've come across on the internet. What's interesting is that it appeals to a wide range of readers. Personally, I was drawn to it because of its gothic elements. Dorian Gray wishes to sell his soul in an attempt to maintain perpetual youth. The catch: His painting bears the marks of time and the scars of an immoral life. He keeps the portrait hidden away as he continues living a life solely for his own pleasure. I find myself enjoying summaries and the general idea of this book more than the book itself. I also enjoyed a discussion of it that I found on YouTube. As for the actual reading experience? I was bored. There was so much that I could skim and stop whenever the story was being pushed forward.

The psychology behind cults fascinates me to no end. I was moderately familiar with the Waco incident but I never could have imagined its lengthy history.    Beginning with the roots of the Branch Davidians, the book goes through different phases of David Koresh's life. Told primarily in chronological order, it almost reads like a novel without feeling fictionalized.    The entire incident was heartbreaking, especially when the tragic ending could have likely been avoided. As I mentioned already, the psychology element was the biggest draw for me. I expected the exploration into the mind of David Koresh, but there was a different realm of psychology involving the FBI. All around, the book kept a good momentum and remained engaging and empathetic toward the victims. 

I've heard about this book a number of times over the years. When I began reading, I quickly realized my assumptions about the plot were quite different than what's actually written. I was uncertain how much I'd enjoy it, but given that the book has been considered the greatest Catholic novel of all time, I wanted to see it through.    Set in a time in Southern Mexico where religion — Christianity in particular - has been outlawed by the ‘Red Shirts', one surviving priest is on the run. He's been coined a ‘whiskey priest' given his downfalls and deviations from Catholic practices. He finds many helpers along the way who help keep him hidden.    It took me a while to get into the story. I latched onto the introspection of the priest, but my attention waned when it skirted off to the side characters. Though the paragraphs with lengthy and my focus wasn't great at the time of reading, there were many quotes that resonated with me. I loved the raw, even ugly imagery of the struggles that humans face and don't always like to admit to. It was especially powerful watching it through the eyes of a priest. While, yes, they are figureheads of the church, that doesn't mean they are free of the temptations to make poor or even terrible decisions. In this case, watching the redemption that comes after such falls through a deep faith was inspiring.    Even though I wasn't completely captivated by every page, I can see why The Power and the Glory is a renowned work. 

I've been on a major UFO kick lately and this book was a grail of information.

Spanning the years of 1941-1973, this book discusses various documented and undocumented UFO sightings as well as government involvement and denial. A majority of the book consists of eyewitness accounts across the country.

The book's organization is fantastic. Each event is told chronologically and sorted into sections. The pages are jam-packed with information. It's easy to see why this is the first of two volumes. Despite the amount of information, it didn't feel dull or dry.

I've never heard the term ‘pianist' used in relation to transmitting. If I'm learning something from the title and synopsis, my interest is piqued. Of course, Mandy Robotham is also a great reason to pick up the book!

When Marnie's grandfather is killed during the London Blitz, she learns through a radio set that he's been working with the Dutch Resistance. She decides to take his place and comes into contact with Corrie, another ‘pianist' operator in Amsterdam. Together with some others, they eagerly do what they can for the war effort despite the danger that may befall them. The book also depicts life in the Netherlands at the time and the power the Nazis had in the territory.

I'm always so fascinated by WWII books that involve the technology and code of the time. It's such a contrast to what we have at our disposal for everyday use nowadays. I was more into that aspect of the story over the plot with Willem, granted, it's all connected. The multiple plot points and a fairly large number of characters were more than my brain was ready for at the time of reading, but it was an exciting (and emotional) story nonetheless. This is the second book by this author I've read and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next!

A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC copy of the book to read and review!

I've never heard the term ‘pianist' used in relation to transmitting. If I'm learning something from the title and synopsis, my interest is piqued. Of course, Mandy Robotham is also a great reason to pick up the book!

When Marnie's grandfather is killed during the London Blitz, she learns through a radio set that he's been working with the Dutch Resistance. She decides to take his place and comes into contact with Corrie, another ‘pianist' operator in Amsterdam. Together with some others, they eagerly do what they can for the war effort despite the danger that may befall them. The book also depicts life in the Netherlands at the time and the power the Nazis had in the territory.

I'm always so fascinated by WWII books that involve the technology and code of the time. It's such a contrast to what we have at our disposal for everyday use nowadays. I was more into that aspect of the story over the plot with Willem, granted, it's all connected. The multiple plot points and a fairly large number of characters were more than my brain was ready for at the time of reading, but it was an exciting (and emotional) story nonetheless. This is the second book by this author I've read and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next!

A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC copy of the book to read and review!

I first heard about this book in a YouTube video and decided to check it out when I saw that my library had a copy. It lived up to its cozy recommendation. A quick and easy read, and at its core, cute.

Nothwithstanding is a collection of short stories set in a small English town. The stories sometimes intertwine and go in and out of different perspectives. There isn't a whole lot of action. Each story is very character (focusing on certain characters more than others) oriented while each individual represents their role in this community.

I liked some of the stories, others I could have done without. One in particular had me perplexed (and not in a good or inquisitive way). Otherwise, I enjoyed the quaintness of the book even though I didn't connect deeply with any of the characters.

For some reason, I'm a person who tends to prefer the sequels over the first installments. I read this book back to back with When in Rome and found myself much more attached to Annie and Will than Amelia and Noah.
  Shy and introverted Annie has her heart set on finding her other half. Thanks to small-town talk, she begins to fear her quiet reputation has her out of luck in the dating department. She enlists her friend Amelia's bodyguard Will to help her come out of her shell. 

I'm not usually a fan of plots where the ‘good girl' has to become someone she isn't just to find ‘love' but it worked for me more here than usual. Will's personality has a great contrast with Annie's. They fit well together as the narrators. 

Like When in Rome, this book has quite a few references to Audrey Hepburn, albeit, not quite as many as the first. The film of focus this time around is Funny Face. If you've seen the film, you can see some of the similarities between Annie and Jo Stockton. I'm curious to see if this theme continues should the series go on. 

3.75 (rounded up to 4) - For some reason, I'm a person who tends to prefer the sequels over the first installments. I read this book back to back with [b:When in Rome 60092579 When in Rome (When in Rome, #1) Sarah Adams https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649953470l/60092579.SY75.jpg 94752486] and found myself much more attached to Annie and Will than Amelia and Noah.Shy and introverted Annie has her heart set on finding her other half. Thanks to small-town talk, she begins to fear her quiet reputation has her out of luck in the dating department. She enlists her friend Amelia's bodyguard Will to help her come out of her shell.I'm not usually a fan of plots where the ‘good girl' has to become someone she isn't just to find ‘love' but it worked for me more here than usual. Will's personality has a great contrast with Annie's. They fit well together as the narrators.Like [b:When in Rome 60092579 When in Rome (When in Rome, #1) Sarah Adams https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649953470l/60092579.SY75.jpg 94752486], this book has quite a few references to Audrey Hepburn, albeit, not quite as many as the first. The film of focus this time around is ‘Funny Face'. If you've seen the film, you can see some of the similarities between Annie and Jo Stockton. I'm curious to see if this theme continues should the series go on.

I've read a few books about Nazis taking children during World War II, but never quite in the way A Child for the Reich presents. It's haunting to think about and especially read about even when the particular characters are fictional.

With rumors going around about the ‘Brown Sisters' kidnapping Czech children that match the Aryan profile, Anna is determined to keep her blond hair and blue-eyed daughter Ema from being taken away from her. When Ema is snatched right out of her arms, her determination shifts. She will stop at nothing to get her daughter back.

This was an emotional read, but also an inspiring one. Anna's love for her child is admirable to say the least. The story was told in a mostly linear timeline with a few flashbacks scattered throughout. There are a number of cliffhanger chapters that kept me turning the page. This along with wonderful characters made it difficult to put down.

Though I read the paperback version, I'd be curious to also listen to the audiobook once it's released. I feel like the book has the potential to be even more enjoyable with a narrator. There is no shortage of emotion from which to draw.

A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC copy of the book to read and review!

It's summer! There's something about the warmer weather that draws me into romcoms though it's not my go-to genre. When in Rome has been catching my eye for a couple of months now. Admittedly, I was very disappointed the book wasn't actually set in Rome, Italy, but it grew on me.
Hardcore Audrey Hepburn fan Amelia ‘Rae' Rose needs a break from her life in the limelight. Taking a lesson from Princess Ann in Roman Holiday, she sneaks away for a trip to Rome... Sort of. The next best (and drivable) destination is Rome, Kentucky. During this trip she meets Noah, a small-town baker running his grandmother's pie shop.
Being a fan of Audrey Hepburn myself, I quite enjoyed the references to her and her films. Of course, Roman Holiday is the focus (it's nice to see this one get a little more credit!). Personally, I would not call this a modern take on the film. Loosely inspired at best. And while yes, I did enjoy the Audrey Hepburn discussions at first, they wore thin by the end. In the age of fandom culture, I didn't buy Amelia's fangirling as being any sort of wow factor to anyone. Then again, this is coming from someone who's been unapologetically a geeky classics fan her entire life.
The book was cute, but definitely not a writing style I seek out. I have another one of Sarah Adam's books so I still plan on reading more despite it not being my preference. I was looking for a lighthearted and fluffy read and this fit the bill. Ultimately and preferences aside, this was what I was looking to read.