Hank Green is known to me because of his brother John Green, and some of their internet antics. Their projects and pieces are interesting and inventivHank Green is known to me because of his brother John Green, and some of their internet antics. Their projects and pieces are interesting and inventive, with a bit of salient truth about them. So, when I heard Hank had written a novel, I decided to check it out. It proved to be interesting and inventive, with a bit of salient truth about it. The brothers Green can write....more
I've liked Chris Bohjalian's writing for a long time. After hearing him speak about this particular book at a local book/author luncheon, I put it on I've liked Chris Bohjalian's writing for a long time. After hearing him speak about this particular book at a local book/author luncheon, I put it on my wish-list. He actually caught me out with three twists at the end, that I won't illuminate for fear of spoilers, two an identification and one an origin, neither of which was I trying to guess, but the mentioning, in passing, surprised me. I wish I'd liked or wanted to root for the main character more. As it was, nothing good happened to for the character I liked the best....more
I love the premise of this story: Young cop gets transferred Homicide and is paired with the notorious detective nicknamed The Reaper, who has closedI love the premise of this story: Young cop gets transferred Homicide and is paired with the notorious detective nicknamed The Reaper, who has closed out far more cases than everyone else. His secret (and it is a secret from everyone he works with) is that he's able to converse with the recently dead. His prime witness is the person just knocked off. Pretty cool, huh? But even his his plucky, organized, and smart new partner doesn't know his secret. Will his surly introverted nature run her off, or will they go on to become a team made in heaven (or hell, depending on how you view things)? And remember, she's plucky, organized, and smart, and intent on finding out what's driving him.
This was my first Blue Cole book, and an early one of his. The premise, as I said, wowed me, so my star rating takes that delight into account. I'm looking forward to following the characters, and also watching the author evolve in his craft. Also, it was fun to see characters named after folks Blue and I both know through the ever wonderful JordanCon, a yearly fantasy con dedicated to the memory of Robert Jordan, which is fast turning into a celebration of fantasy literature and art, while remaining a heck of a good time....more
After years of enjoying David B Coe as a guest author at JordanCon, it suddenly dawned on me that I'd not read any of his writing. Technically, I stilAfter years of enjoying David B Coe as a guest author at JordanCon, it suddenly dawned on me that I'd not read any of his writing. Technically, I still haven't read anything by "David B Coe", but DB Jackson should count. Really enjoyed this glimpse of a what if world in Boston during the pre American Revolution days. Will continue on with the series, as able....more
Sarah McBride is an amazing woman, a powerhouse in the fight for trans equality. Her own story is beautifully told in Tomorrow Will Be Different. SaraSarah McBride is an amazing woman, a powerhouse in the fight for trans equality. Her own story is beautifully told in Tomorrow Will Be Different. Sarah is honest, forthright, and informative in recounting her journey to bring her from the gender identified at birth to her true gender as female. Because of her political activism, a passion from a young age that grew into a career, Sarah has also had the opportunity to support and fight for gender equality and supportive legislation in Washington DC, her home state of Delaware, and elsewhere in the US. Her fight for equality also brought Andy, a trans man into her life. Their time together was brief, cut short by cancer, but clearly these two remarkable people had something very special. And clearly, the work that the two of them each did to lay the foundations for a world where transgender individuals are safe, respected, supported, and truly equal is incredibly important. It is more than most of us do in a lifetime. Sarah did it before she turned 26. And she hasn't stopped.
Thank you, Sarah. I am in awe of your accomplishments. Thank you for sharing so beautifully the story of your journey and for allowing us to come along. You give me hope.
Thank you to blogging for books for sending me this copy. Sadly this program is ending, but at least I get to go out on a high note with this amazing memoir....more
House restoration in South Carolina. Been there, done that, but in Charleston and in a 20 room Queen Ann Victorian, not a 60 room mansion built by a rHouse restoration in South Carolina. Been there, done that, but in Charleston and in a 20 room Queen Ann Victorian, not a 60 room mansion built by a robber baron. Still, fun to see Aiken again, from the coziness of my own living room.
At least two people have recommended this book to me, plus I heard the authors on an interview once....more
I love it when Paula Poundstone is on National Public Radio's weekly news quiz show "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me." Her stories about her life as a fostI love it when Paula Poundstone is on National Public Radio's weekly news quiz show "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me." Her stories about her life as a foster mother and mother of several adopted children, many cats, and a few other assorted critters are almost always amusing. I also admire the responsibility she has taken for the times in life she's screwed up (which when you're a public figure tend to be, well, more public.) I have not read any of her other works so was interested to hear how her agile mind transferred to the written word.
Poundstone decided to take on quite a number of experiences that are recognized as ones that bring happiness to people who have lived those adventures. She takes up exercise; she experiences nature (both of which have had significant impacts on my own happiness scale). She does some things I never even though of as bringing happiness, like driving a sports car/ She does a lot of things people often cite as sources of happiness: helping the earth, giving a hug to someone, getting a pet (though in her case, how can you tell? She has eleventy billion, already.) The book is amusing, and I found it made me happier when I could imagine Poundstone's voice in my head-- because she is a really funny woman. But reading her voice just wasn't the same for me as actually hearing her, which is why this is only "I liked it" rather than "I loved it." I bet this would be one hella funny audio book though.
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reader Program and to Algonquin Press, and of course, to Paula Poundstone for sending me a copy of the book....more
I just can't join the Greek chorus on this one, though the premise is certainly fascinating, and I loved hearing the author speak about it on NPR.I just can't join the Greek chorus on this one, though the premise is certainly fascinating, and I loved hearing the author speak about it on NPR....more
I'd been looking forward to reading this memoir, but wow-- I was not prepared for how good it actually was. With so much of the news this past year orI'd been looking forward to reading this memoir, but wow-- I was not prepared for how good it actually was. With so much of the news this past year or so being of the elections here, I had trouble watching the news, (even The Daily Show became too much for me) so my interactions with Noah have been limited. This book, however, confirmed that he is, indeed, a remarkable man, raised by a remarkable woman, and gave me a window into yet another slice of South Africa. I've already retold at least 4 of the stories to different people.
(For some reason, I am not getting stars to do a star rating. I would say 4.5, but would round up to a 5 in the rating and add a tag that I did so.)...more
If it's any indication how good I thought this book was, I've been to my favorite liquor store 3 times while reading it and once since I finished. BitIf it's any indication how good I thought this book was, I've been to my favorite liquor store 3 times while reading it and once since I finished. Bitters, herbals, and amaros, be they apéritif or digestif, are my beverage of choice in the spirits world. What a lovely setting to explore recipes, lore, and information on a subject of which I am quite fond. Informative, clearly written, beautifully illustrated, and well organized, this book will be a delight to any cocktail enthusiast (except perhaps my husband, who was thinking of getting this for me for the holidays, and had to think of something else. But that was not a strike against the information in the book, more that Blogging for Books stole his thunder.)...more
I received this book nearly two months ago, but just was able to finish it. This was not because I was busy, or didn't like the book, but more becauseI received this book nearly two months ago, but just was able to finish it. This was not because I was busy, or didn't like the book, but more because javaczuk, my ex-bartender husband, who lived in NYC for a bit, and who still holds a fascination for the art of spirits tucked it away to read. (To be fair, I knew he would, and as I had other books to occupy me, and a good bit of art as well, I was fine. My only qualm was that it delayed my thoughts on the book for Blogging for Books, and the publisher, from whom I got my copy. This review is a combination of both our thoughts: the expert and the novice.
For both the mixologist and the lover of fine cocktails, this was an interesting book. It is praiseworthy for its comprehensiveness, Simonson's ability to make the reader feel as if they are observing these pioneering mixologists with short, simple descriptions, and its ability to put the modern cocktail movement in historical context. From my point of view, I was happy it spurred Javaczuk on to try some of the recipes provided. It also was just plain interesting reading, introducing the novice (me) to some of the finer nuances in crafting a cocktail. The general index, and the index of people interviewed/corresponded with were also helpful, but made me realize this was essentially just one city, which made me wonder who else was out there, in untapped regions. It also made me realize that my personal slap-dash method of making a drink would make most people shudder.
Only thing other thing that would have been nice to have seen would be some pictures of the bartenders and bars, as some of Simonson's media articles have done, but understand that there are cost considerations in publishing a book.
This certainly will hold a place of esteem (and be a point of reference) in our collection of Mixology books.To end with Javaczuk's thoughts, for he certainly knows far more on the subject than I do; "As far as I know, this is the best book existing on the subject. Brilliant piece of research....more
Driving home from class the other week, I heard an interview with Gayle Forman on NPR about this book. I came in midstream, and couldn't hear the end Driving home from class the other week, I heard an interview with Gayle Forman on NPR about this book. I came in midstream, and couldn't hear the end because grocery shopping didn't allow for a driveway moment. Nonetheless, the discussion and the snippet read grabbed my attention. It was not particularly because I related to adoption, or being an overworked mother of twins, or having a heart attack (though I do sometimes have chest pain, but it's always been relieved by albuterol, and thus far, stemmed from my lungs. My dad conked out at 61 from Coronary Artery Disease, so the question does wiggle around in my head.) I've never wanted to just walk away from it all and start anew, though have had at least two friends who wanted to, one who did, and one who got 141 miles down Interstate 26 before deciding to turn around and go home to her husband and two sons. Something about the personal backstory, the whys behind Forman writing this book, and also the tone in her voice when she talked about the experience grabbed my attention, so very shortly after, I grabbed the book. It was a quick read for me, (it's not been 24 hours since I picked it up, and I'm done) and I liked it. It fit the need for a book that took me out of my own experience, without making me grimace in pain, or plod through sorrow. For all the issues it deals with (early onset heart attack, abandonment, stress, relationship stuff. motherhood, adoption, running away) it was approachable, and the characters, while confused, even deadened emotionally, remained of interest for me. And yes, there was growth and resolution, and humor, which is always a bonus. It was a romantic book, not in the sense of heaving breasts and bed hopping, but it the way the author crafted a dark time optimistically, and let frozen lives thaw.
To be fair, I was very underwhelmed by a previous novel by Ms Foreman, and had no intention of reading this until I heard the interview. It's a good reminder for me to stay open-minded.
When I heard about this on NPR, I though it was going to end up a favorite. As it was, I found the story mildly interesting but nowhere near the fasciWhen I heard about this on NPR, I though it was going to end up a favorite. As it was, I found the story mildly interesting but nowhere near the fascination I'd anticipated. (Case in point: I was half-way through when we went away for 5 days. I had no problem leaving the book, unfinished, home, and did have a bit of a hesitance picking it up again to complete. Not my usual M.O.)
There were moments of stunning eloquence, though, and one of these was the passage the author read in the interview I heard. Also of note was the brief, but important moment when Charleston (my home town) played a role, even if it was the old Naval base, not the town itself.
Though I am a John Cleese fan, I rarely watched Monty Python when it originally aired. (It was on at a bad time for me, as I recall.) Nonetheless, cerThough I am a John Cleese fan, I rarely watched Monty Python when it originally aired. (It was on at a bad time for me, as I recall.) Nonetheless, certain bits and bobs did make their way into my world, enough so that I occasionally find myself singing the lumberjack song, or chuckling about dead parrots. I was introduced to Fawlty Towers when it originally aired, and adored it-- so much so that we have the complete set (on VHS no less, and introduced our kids to it at a tender age.) What I liked about this book was some of the fill-in-the-gaps about John Cleese that occurred before, during, and around these productions (and A Fish Called Wanda). The beginning chapters about Cleese's boyhood and school days were particularly interesting to me. And while the latter part of the memoir has drawn criticism for running through various shows and projects, popping in bits of scripts here and there, I found it interesting, as I didn't know a lot of the British shows pre-Python, though the actors and personalities are known from other projects (David Frost, Peter Sellers, Marty Feldman etc.) Yes, there were times when I was less engaged than others, but there were enough delightful nuggets of information, and moments where Mr Cleese's ability as a writer of comedy caused me to laugh out loud, that I have come away happy. I hadn't realized how tightly kniy that group of writers and performers were or how far back they knew each other.
Having introduced our grandkids to Dr Who and Firefly, I think it's time to add British comedy to the mix, starting with some John Cleese projects.
Thank you to Blogging for Books and to the publisher for sending a copy of this book my way. ...more
For those of us who consider our favorite books family members, for those who make friends with the characters in the books they read, for whom a treaFor those of us who consider our favorite books family members, for those who make friends with the characters in the books they read, for whom a treasured excursion is to a book store or library, for those who love not only the story, but the feel of pages-- the call of the words on a page, this is a marvelous find. There's something about a well done curmudgeon that I adore, and AJ Fikry, with his gentle thaw while never quite losing his unique outlook on life, totally captivated me and my literary heart. The rest of the characters are wonderful, and evolve in a totally realistic, human way. Gabrielle Zevin, incorporated both books I love, and books for me to add to my reading list, which is always a plus. And, I got to enjoy all the literary references (who didn't see The Book Thief coming when that customer complained about the book Fikry sold her?), and puns (A good mandarin is hard to find? How perfect). Plus, she's got six books under her pen that I can go back and explore, should I want to. I only wish that The Late Bloomer was a real book. Sounded like a good'un. An interview I heard with the author on NPR is here. Now, I'm off to update my reading wishlist....more
I'm a birder. Birds in the wild fascinate me, and I am certain that watching the song and shore birds that populated my yard when I was in recuperatioI'm a birder. Birds in the wild fascinate me, and I am certain that watching the song and shore birds that populated my yard when I was in recuperation mode after being placed on medical leave were crucial to my healing. It was a thrill for me to learn the different species that came past my window, but a true milestone when I realized I could identify different individual birds by their habits, markings, and personality. But to care for them, in my home? I don't think I have what it takes.
I've now read two memoirs written by people who have rescued birds. In each case, the species are ones I love (the first was a barn owl and now this book on hummingbirds). And, in each case, the authors have sacrificed much of their lives and personal freedoms to care for the birds that the winds of fate have blown their way. Their dedication, and that of people who rehab hurt animals, amazes me. I'm a nurse, but as a caregiver to ill or hurt humans, I could put in my 8 hours and go home. For author Terry Masear and others who run rehab centers for injured, it's a 24/7 commitment during fledgling season. Wow.
This book taught me a lot. I will admit that when I heard Masear speak on a radio talk show, I thought she was anthropomorphizing a lot. But reading the situations, rather than hearing a brief radio chat, threw her observations and assumptions into a bit clearer light. I've always liked seeing hummingbirds buzz about, but now I shall look at them with different eyes....more
I tried this in 2016, but could not push past the beginning, so put it aside to read later. In the meantime, NK Jemisin kept racking up awards for thiI tried this in 2016, but could not push past the beginning, so put it aside to read later. In the meantime, NK Jemisin kept racking up awards for this and subsequent books. I've found that sometimes, when an initial attempt at reading has been hard for me, that to switch methods (ie go from hard copy to audio or vice versa makes the book more approachable for me. In this case, it worked, along with the fabulous narration by Robin Miles. Onward to the rest of the series soon. ...more
I was disappointed in this memoir. Aside from the annoying (and liberal!) sprinkling of exclamation points (!), I found the writing surprisingly flat.I was disappointed in this memoir. Aside from the annoying (and liberal!) sprinkling of exclamation points (!), I found the writing surprisingly flat. My conclusion is that Cindy Williams is a much better actress than writer. As to the stories relayed in the book, it seemed to be more of a big name dropping opportunity (I met Gene Kelly! I met John Belushi! I was friends with Andy Kaufman! I met Cary Grant! Johnny Carson liked me!) rather than the type of story-telling I am used to in a memoir. The stories often felt dull, despite the punctuation at the end of the tale!! I only watched Laverne and Shirley a handful of times, but get the impression there may have been bad blood between the two stars. The remembrances of interactions had that same flat, anticlimactic feeling I found throughout the book. The story that moved me the most was how Marshall and Williams visited the set of the show the night before it aired, and both felt it was too shiny and new. They each went out and gathered props, like thumbed through movie magazines and old 45s, and replaced as much as they could on the set to turn it into the apartment of two blue collar working girls. That, I found endearing.
And for the record, I, too met Gene Kelly, and he definitely deserves an exclamation point, as do all the stars Ms Williams met. What I would have liked to find between the covers of this memoir would be more passion, humor, and an editor with more evident red pencil.
Thank you to the publisher and LibraryThing for sending me a copy of this book....more
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