75 Books...More or Less! discussion
Archive (2020 GR Completed)
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Patricia's 2020 new decade challenge
1. The Blue Zones Solution: Eating and Living Like the World's Healthiest Peopleby Dan Buettner (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
In this groundbreaking book, Dan Buettner reveals how to transform your health using smart eating and lifestyle habits gleaned from new research on the diets, eating habits, and lifestyle practices of the communities he's identified as "Blue Zones"—those places with the world's longest-lived, and thus healthiest, people, including locations such as Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.
MY REVIEW:
It is interesting that this is the first book of the new year for me and hopefully that means I will use some of what I learned in this book throughout the year. I am trying the goat milk in my tea so I feel I have taken a step in the right direction. I love the fact that naps are considered good. This book is filled with facts but are presented in a very relatable way.
2. What Happens in Paradise(Paradise #2)
by Elin Hilderbrand (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Spend your winter on sunlit shores in the New York Times bestselling follow-up to Winter in Paradise, as secret lives and new loves emerge under the bright Caribbean sky.
A year ago, Irene Steele had the shock of her life: her loving husband, father to their grown sons and successful businessman, was killed in a helicopter crash. But that wasn't Irene's only shattering news: he'd also been leading a double life on the island of St. John, where another woman loved him, too.
Now Irene and her sons are back on St. John, determined to learn the truth about the mysterious life -- and death -- of a man they thought they knew. Along the way, they're about to learn some surprising truths about their own lives, and their futures.
MY REVIEW:
This is an intriguing story with well-drawn characters and several interesting plotlines.
Mod
(Paradise #2)
by Elin Hilderbrand (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Spend your winter on sunlit shores in the New York Times bestselling follow-up to Winter in Para..."
TWO DOWN! WOW! Great start, Patricia! I have this duo in my TBR for this year.
Mod
(Paradise #2)
by Elin Hilderbrand (Goodreads Author)
This is on my night stand as I write this, there are also like 20 others in that pile...hahah
3. Nothing to See Hereby Kevin Wilson (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Kevin Wilson’s best book yet—a moving and uproarious novel about a woman who finds meaning in her life when she begins caring for two children with remarkable and disturbing abilities
Lillian and Madison were unlikely roommates and yet inseparable friends at their elite boarding school. But then Lillian had to leave the school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal and they’ve barely spoken since. Until now, when Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help.
MY SUMMARY:
What a fun book! Who would believe the premise of this story but it is written so well. I want to be Lillian's friend.
4. A Taste for Death(Adam Dalgliesh #7)
by P.D. James
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
When the quiet Little Vestry of St. Matthew's Church becomes the blood-soaked scene of a double murder, Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh faces an intriguing conundrum: How did an upper-crust Minister come to lie, slit throat to slit throat, next to a neighborhood derelict of the lowest order? Challenged with the investigation of a crime that appears to have endless motives, Dalgliesh explores the sinister web spun around a half-burnt diary and a violet-eyed widow who is pregnant and full of malice--all the while hoping to fill the gap of logic that joined these two disparate men in bright red death.
MY SUMMARY:
P.D. James weaves a complicated mystery with multiple potential killers. Her ability to envelop you in the lives of the characters have you turning the pages to discover what is next for them. So many of the characters have heartbreak and loneliness as part of their story.
5. A Mind to Murder(Adam Dalgliesh #2)
by P.D. James
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
The second book to feature Scotland Yard investigator Adam Dalgliesh, A Mind To Murder is a “superbly satisfying mystery” (Chicago Daily News) from bestselling author P.D. James.
On the surface, the Steen Psychiatric Clinic is one of the most reputable institutions in London. But when the administrative head is found dead with a chisel in her heart, that distinguished facade begins to crumble as the truth emerges. Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate and quickly finds himself caught in a whirlwind of psychiatry, drugs, and deceit. Now he must analyze the deep-seated anxieties and thwarted desires of patients and staff alike to determine which of their unresolved conflicts has resulted in murder and stop a cunning killer before the next blow.
MY SUMMARY:
There are multiple culprits in this fascinating mystery set in a psychiatric hospital. It was a good read.
6. Fatalby John Lescroart (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
From New York Times bestselling author John Lescroart, a riveting standalone novel about the unexpected, shattering, and lethal consequences of a one-night stand on a seemingly happily married couple.
Kate loves her life. At forty-four, she’s happily married to her kind husband, Ron, blessed with two wonderful children, and has a beautiful home in San Francisco. Everything changes, however, when she and Ron attend a dinner party and meet another couple, Peter and Jill. Kate and Peter only exchange a few pleasant words but that night, in bed with her husband, Kate is suddenly overcome with a burning desire for Peter.
MY SUMMARY:
The storyline of this mystery is fascinating and the characters are well-drawn but it feels like a series rather than a standalone. One thing that had me querying was how could a police officer be conducting an investigation involving a good friend. Wouldn't a conflict of interest negate her ability to be the investigator?
7. A Minute to Midnight(Atlee Pine #2)
by David Baldacci (Goodreads Author), Brittany Pressley (Narrator), Kyf Brewer (Narrator)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
FBI Agent Atlee Pine returns to her Georgia hometown to reopen the investigation of her twin sister's abduction, only to encounter a serial killer beginning a reign of terror, in this page-turning thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.
MY SUMMARY:
A riveting mystery that has me hooked. I want to read the first in this series and then can't wait for the next story. David Baldacci is a great storyteller
8. Heart and Soulby Maeve Binchy
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Clara Casey has more than enough on her plate. Her daughters Adi and Linda were no problem during the usually turbulent teens. Now Adi is always fighting for or against something: the environment or the whale or battery farming; while Linda lurches from one unsatisfactory relationship to the next. As if this wasn't enough, Clara, a senior cardiac specialist, has a new job to cope with - and now her ex-husband wants something from her.
MY SUMMARY:
I love the sweet intermixing of stories of Maeve Binchy's characters in her stories set in Ireland.
9. Whitethorn Woodsby Maeve Binchy
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Maeve Binchy once again brings us an enchanting book full of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that have made her one of the most beloved and widely read writers at work today.
When a new highway threatens to bypass the town of Rossmore and cut through Whitethorn Woods, everyone has a passionate opinion about whether the town will benefit or suffer. But young Father Flynn is most concerned with the fate of St. Ann's Well, which is set at the edge of the woods and slated for destruction. People have been coming to St. Ann's for generations to share their dreams and fears, and speak their prayers. Some believe it to be a place of true spiritual power, demanding protection; others think it's a mere magnet for superstitions, easily sacrificed. Not knowing which faction to favor, Father Flynn listens to all those caught up in the conflict, and these are the voices we hear in the stories of "Whitethorn Woods"--men and women deciding between the traditions of the past and the promises of the future, ordinary people brought vividly to life by Binchy's generosity and empathy, and in the vivacity and surprise of her storytelling.
MY SUMMARY:
I love the sweet stories of Maeve Binchy and how she weaves the stories of the townspeople into her books. This is a great one that has at its core the St. Ann's Well.
10. Filthy Richby James Patterson (Goodreads Author), John Connolly (Goodreads Author), Tim Malloy
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
A shocking true crime tale of money, power, and sex from the world's most popular thriller writer.
Jeffrey Epstein rose from humble origins to the rarefied heights of New York City's financial elite. A college dropout with an instinct for numbers--and for people--Epstein amassed his wealth through a combination of access and skill. But even after he had it all, Epstein wanted more. And that unceasing desire--especially a taste for young girls--resulted in his stunning fall from grace. From Epstein himself, to the girls he employed as masseuses at his home, to the cops investigating the appalling charges against him, FILTHY RICH examines all sides of a case that scandalized one of America's richest communities. An explosive true story, FILTHY RICH is a riveting account of wealth, power and the influence they bring to bear on the American justice system.
MY SUMMARY:
It is hard to rate a book like this as am I rating the authors or am I rating the content or the evil portrayed. The crime is so horrific that it is not an easy book to read. This is written about real people and it is harder to imagine this than some of the fiction that James Patterson writes. Some of the famous people that were in Jeffrey Epstein's company you would not expect. It is a sad book where wealth appears to trump morals.
11. The Giver of Starsby Jojo Moyes (Goodreads Author)
4.33 · Rating details · 49,066 ratings · 6,129 reviews
Set in Depression-era America, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond, from the author of Me Before You
Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.
MY SUMMARY:
I love JoJo Moyes! If I could give more than five stars I would. When I first started the book I thought oh, no it is a western BUT yes it is set in the west but it is a Jojo Moyes book and she develops her characters so well that you feel you know them. I would highly recommend this book. The Pack Horse Library was a fascinating part of the plot.
12. The Homecoming and Other Stories: A BBC Audio Exclusiveby Maeve Binchy
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
A collection of Maeve Binchy's short stories narrated by a talented full cast. In Homecoming, the Brennans run Quentin's restaurant in Dublin for the owner, who lives abroad. But what will happen when he suddenly pays a visit? Telling Stories sees Irene's fiancÈ turning up the night before the wedding with a face as white as the dress that is to be worn the next day. Then trouble starts... In Needy, Heather is painfully aware that Valentine's Day declarations of love should be viewed with suspicion, even if the sender is the one she loves. And in The Interview, Bessie is deaf and needs a place in a special school. But will she pass the interview?
MY REVIEW:
I use the library for the majority of my books and sometimes I am on a waiting list for them. Then there are times that a whole group becomes available. I am saying this as I have read many Maeve Binchy recently and some of these short stories are part of some of her larger novels but from a different viewpoint.
Mod
by Jojo Moyes (Goodreads Author)
4.33 · Rating details · 49,066 ratings · 6,129 reviews
Set in Depression-era America, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and t..."
I's so looking forward to reading this!
13. The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Lossby Jason Fung (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Everything you believe about how to lose weight is wrong. Weight gain and obesity are driven by hormones—in everyone—and only by understanding the effects of insulin and insulin resistance can we achieve lasting weight loss.
In this highly readable and provocative book, Dr. Jason Fung sets out an original, robust theory of obesity that provides startling insights into proper nutrition. In addition to his five basic steps, a set of lifelong habits that will improve your health and control your insulin levels, Dr. Fung explains how to use intermittent fasting to break the cycle of insulin resistance and reach a healthy weight—for good
MY SUMMARY
This book was recommended to me by someone in a weight loss group I am in because I was frustrated with trying so hard and not making any progress. I worked on exercising and dieting. I have tried MANY ideas. The book gives scientific reasons why diets fail.
14. The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue: A Child of the Fifties Looks Backby Robert Klein
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
A funny and evocative coming-of-age memoir by Robert Klein, the beloved and award-winning comedian who has entertained audiences for more than four decades.
Best known for his unique brand of observational humor—seen on Broadway and in film and television—Klein details his life from ages nine to twenty-five as seen “through the gauze of time.” Klein’s theme park of memories alternates dark moments with sunlit humor. Teenage frustrations prompted a visit to a Harlem prostitute, which filled Klein with “shame and triumph and guilt.” He encountered individual and institutional anti-Semitism at Alfred University, yet led the frat house fun, moving on to the Yale School of Drama, Chicago’s Second City, New York theater and a variety of romances. Along the way, Klein had successes and failures, both in bed and on stage. Probing not only his own psyche but also the evolution of sexual mores during the 1950s and ‘60s, he unfurls an array of captivating anecdotes, writing with wry wit and honesty.
MY SUMMARY:
The title, which is discussed at the beginning of the book, is perfect for this book as it is the autobiography of Robert Klein with a large part being his amorous conquests. I enjoyed the history and family stories but perhaps I am too prudish to have appreciated the multiple love affairs.
15. Adult Onsetby Ann-Marie MacDonald
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
From the acclaimed, bestselling author of 2 beloved classics, Adult Onset is a powerful drama about motherhood, the dark undercurrents that break and hold families together, and the power and pressures of love.
Mary-Rose MacKinnon--nicknamed MR or "Mister"--is a successful YA author who has made enough from her writing to semi-retire in her early 40s. She lives in a comfortable Toronto neighbourhood with her partner, Hilary, a busy theatre director, and their 2 young children, Matthew and Maggie, trying valiantly and often hilariously to balance her creative pursuits with domestic demands, and the various challenges that (mostly) solo parenting presents. As a child, Mary-Rose suffered from an illness, long since cured and "filed separately" in her mind. But as her frustrations mount, she experiences a flare-up of forgotten symptoms which compel her to rethink her memories of her own childhood and her relationship with her parents. With her world threatening to unravel, the spectre of domestic violence raises its head with dangerous implications for her life and that of her own children.
MY SUMMARY:
This one I nearly abandoned. The characters were well-drawn, the storyline was compelling but......not sure of the ending. I kept reading wanting to find out what happened to Mr. but it was a mystery that did not have a solution.
16. The Little Red Chairsby Edna O'Brien
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
The much-anticipated new novel from the literary world's master of storytelling, Edna O'Brien.
A woman discovers that the foreigner she thinks will redeem her life is a notorious war criminal.
Vlad, a stranger from Eastern Europe masquerading as a healer, settles in a small Irish village where the locals fall under his spell. One woman, Fidelma McBride, becomes so enamored that she begs him for a child. All that world is shattered when Vlad is arrested, and his identity as a war criminal is revealed.
MY SUMMARY:
This is a dark book and it needs to be because it is a dark topic. It tells a fictional story that mirrors the horrendous evil of Radovan Karadzic the leader of the Serb Republic in Bosnia who was in hiding for twelve years. It is disturbing not only because of the violence depicted but also how easily it is to let that kind of evil infiltrate.
17.Dad Is Fatby Jim Gaffigan
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Jim Gaffigan never imagined he would have his own kids.
Though he grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family, Jim was satisfied with the nomadic, nocturnal life of a standup comedian, and was content to be "that weird uncle who lives in an apartment by himself in New York that everyone in the family speculates about." But all that changed when he married and found out his wife, Jeannie "is someone who gets pregnant looking at babies."
Five kids later, the comedian whose riffs on everything from Hot Pockets to Jesus have scored millions of hits on YouTube, started to tweet about the mistakes and victories of his life as a dad. Those tweets struck such a chord that he soon passed the million followers mark. But it turns out 140 characters are not enough to express all the joys and horrors of life with five kids, so hes' now sharing it all in Dad Is Fat.
MY SUMMARY:
This was a really fun book! Jim talks about his life with his wife and children in New York City. As I grew in New York City I could relate to so much of it. We were a family of four kids and we lived for years in a five flight walk-up for many years. We would play in the museums he mentioned on rainy days. I enjoyed this book and his love of his wife shines through all the pages.
18. How Hard Can It Be?(Kate Reddy #2)
by Allison Pearson
GOODREADS SUMMARY
Kate Reddy's comeback as a pushing-50 "Returner,” re-entering the workforce after a spell on the mommy track, is zesty, razor-sharp, and hilarious. With a robust absence of self-pity, she has defined the humiliating onset of "invisibility" that coincides with the onrushing pressures of parents, teenage kids, and a marriage has gone flat, all while attempting to reinstate her perilous professional worth. It’s full of such quotable casual profundity on the female condition I couldn't read it without a pencil to underline the abundance of great lines. Get ready for Kate!” —Tina Brown
MY SUMMARY:
I enjoyed this story where the heroine is turning 50 and coping with menopause, teenagers, social media, aging parents, financial strains, a husband that is 'finding himself'
Mod
by Jim Gaffigan
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Jim Gaffigan never imagined he would have his own kids.
Though he grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family, Jim was satisfied with the nomadic, n..."
I enjoy his comedy.
Patricia wrote: "17.Dad Is Fatby Jim Gaffigan
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Jim Gaffigan never imagined he would have his own kids.
Though he grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family, Jim was satisfied with the nomadic, n..."
I listened to the audio shortly after my daughter was born. I remember thinking it was very fortunate I hadn't gotten to it while still pregnant or I would have been filled with, "Oh no what have I done!" feelings (on top of being miserable and uncomfortable). I have a hard enough time with two, I can't imagine having five!
Charleen wrote: "Patricia wrote: "17.Dad Is Fatby Jim Gaffigan
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Jim Gaffigan never imagined he would have his own kids.
Though he grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family, Jim was satisfied wi..."
I have four! Luckily I did not have to cope with raising them in New York City, I don't know how my parents did it.
19. Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakersby Nick Offerman
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
The star of Parks and Recreation and author of the New York Times bestseller Paddle Your Own Canoe returns with a second book that humorously highlights twenty-one figures from our nation’s history, from her inception to present day—Nick’s personal pantheon of “great Americans.”
To millions of people, Nick Offerman is America. Both Nick and his character, Ron Swanson, are known for their humor and patriotism in equal measure.
MY SUMMARY:
I really enjoyed this book. Nick Offerman wrote about different Americans who he felt showed gumption. It was a mix of historical figures and contemporary people from a variety of positions.
Mod
by Nick Offerman
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
The star of Parks and Recreation and author of the New York Times bestselle..."
I love him!!
20. Cover Her Face(Adam Dalgliesh #1)
by P.D. James
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Headstrong and beautiful, the young housemaid Sally Jupp is put rudely in her place, strangled in her bed behind a bolted door. Coolly brilliant policeman Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard must find her killer among a houseful of suspects, most of whom had very good reason to wish her ill.
Cover Her Face is P. D. James's electric debut novel, an ingeniously plotted mystery
MY SUMMARY:
P.D. James at her best with her introduction of Adam Dalgliesh. You can just imagine this in as a movie set at the Manor home with the sneaky maid being the murder victim and the cast of suspects growing. It is a fun read on a rainy day.
21.Winter Solsticeby Rosamunde Pilcher
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Her captivating bestseller of loss and the healing power of love now re-issued with a stunning new jacket look. Elfrida Phipps loves her new life in the pretty Hampshire village. She has a tiny cottage, her faithful dog Horace and the friendship of the neighboring Blundells - particularly Oscar - to ensure that her days include companionship as well as independence. But an unforeseen tragedy upsets Elfrida's tranquillity: Oscar's wife and daughter are killed in a terrible car crash and he finds himself homeless when his stepchildren claim their dead mother's inheritance.
MY SUMMARY:
I must admit that I love reading about characters that are my age that are presented as viable adults. This is a sweet story about family and the triumphs and struggles and how to come together.
22. The Girl On Legare Street(Tradd Street #2)
by Karen White (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Acclaimed author Karen White returns with the sequel to the national bestseller The House on Tradd Street.
Melanie has grown accustomed to renovating old houses, but she never imagined she'd have to renovate her own life to include her estranged mother. Ginnette Prioleau Middleton left Charleston thirty-five years ago. She's returned wanting to protect the daughter she's never really known after receiving an ominous premonition.
MY SUMMARY;
This was a different kind of mystery with the characters in it having special powers to see the dead. It is set in the South and southern traditions and family lore are at the center of it. Although far fetch it made for an interesting read.
23. The Last Time I Saw Youby Elizabeth Berg
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
From the beloved bestselling author of Home Safe and The Year of Pleasures," " comes a wonderful new novel about women and men reconnecting with one another--and themselves--at their fortieth high school reunion.
To each of the men and women in The Last Time I Saw You, this reunion means something different--a last opportunity to say something long left unsaid, an escape from the bleaker realities of everyday life, a means to save a marriage on the rocks, or an opportunity to bond with a slightly estranged daughter, if only over what her mother should wear.
MY SUMMARY:
I enjoyed this book about a 40th high school reunion. Are we the same as we were in high school? Do people change? Are reunions a good thing to go to? Perhaps I enjoyed this one because I have gone to my 40th my first and last reunion. I will read more from this author she has a good way of developing a variety of characters.
24.Such a Fun Ageby Kiley Reid
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
A striking and surprising debut novel from an exhilarating new voice, Such a Fun Age is a page-turning and big-hearted story about race and privilege, set around a young black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both.
MY SUMMARY:
This is an intriguing book as it forces us to look at prejudices. The story is very compelling with the characters well-drawn and some of the twists of the plot so surprizing. Personally, as my mother is an immigrant who came to this country as a governess I understand the bond that Emira felt for Briar as my mother would tell us stories about her charges.
25.Cat Deck the Halls(Joe Grey #13)
by Shirley Rousseau Murphy (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Christmas in the charming seaside village of Molena Point, California, has always been a traditional affair—but not this holiday season. Instead of singing carols and climbing into Christmas trees, Joe Grey, feline P.I., is faced with his most difficult case yet—and that's saying a lot for a wily tomcat who for years has been solving crimes the police can't even crack.
MY SUMMARY:
I had read a different 'cat' mystery so I was very surprised by this one. I will need to go back and read the earlier books so I have a greater understanding of the characters.
Mod
by Rosamunde Pilcher
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Her captivating bestseller of loss and the healing power of love now re-issued with a stunning new jacket look. Elfrida Phipps loves her..."
I just have the fondest memories of watching movies based on Pilcher books with my grandma. I might have to pick this one up (or any other by her) for nostalgia reasons!
Juli wrote: "Patricia wrote: "21.Winter Solsticeby Rosamunde Pilcher
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Her captivating bestseller of loss and the healing power of love now re-issued with a stunning new jacket look. Elfrida..."
I am going to read more of her books and then see if I can see any of the movies online. Thanks for the heads up!
26. Elizabeth Is Missingby Emma Healey (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
In this darkly riveting debut novel—a sophisticated psychological mystery that is also a heartbreakingly honest meditation on memory, identity, and aging—an elderly woman descending into dementia embarks on a desperate quest to find the best friend she believes has disappeared, and her search for the truth will go back decades and have shattering consequences.
MY REVIEW:
This is a hard book. It is told through Maud an elderly woman with dementia and we see the world through her eyes. Truthfully it is scary. It is a murder mystery but the heart of the story to me is how hard it is for Maud to make her way through the day and to have people listen to her. “I feel rather drab and shy for a few minutes. But then I remember that I am old and nobody is looking at me.”
― Emma Healey, Elizabeth Is Missing.
27. A Girl's Guide to Moving On(New Beginnings #2)
by Debbie Macomber (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
In this powerful and uplifting novel, a mother and her daughter-in-law bravely leave their troubled marriages and face the challenge of starting over. Leaning on each other, Nichole and Leanne discover that their inner strength and capacity for love are greater than they ever imagined.
MY REVIEW:
Debbie Macomber writes stories that are down to earth about people with difficulties that happen in real life. The problems are real and you see the characters struggling with how to solve them.
28. My Not So Perfect Lifeby Sophie Kinsella (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Part love story, part workplace drama, this sharply observed novel is a witty critique of the false judgments we make in a social-media-obsessed world.
MY REVIEW:
I loved this book! Sometimes we need reminders that not everyone is as ' perfect' as we think that they are. This was a charming, funny, romantic book about life changes both job-wise but also emotionally. I would recommend it!
29. Let's Explore Diabetes with Owlsby David Sedaris
GOODREADS SUMMARY
A guy walks into a bar car and...
From here the story could take many turns. When this guy is David Sedaris, the possibilities are endless, but the result is always the same: he will both delight you with twists of humor and intelligence and leave you deeply moved.
MY REVIEW:
David Sedaris is just a brilliant writer who you feel you know by reading his books. He is so funny.
Patricia wrote: "28. My Not So Perfect Lifeby Sophie Kinsella (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Part love story, part workplace drama, this sharply observed novel is a witty criti..."
Sophie Kinsella is so great. Definitely my go-to when I'm in the mood for something fun.
30. Flawed(Flawed #1)
by Cecelia Ahern
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
You will be punished…
Celestine North lives a perfect life. She’s a model daughter and sister, she’s well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she’s dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.
But then Celestine encounters a situation where she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found flawed.
MY REVIEW:
I screamed so loud when I reached the end of this book that my husband thought something had happened. I did not realize that the book was a series and not finished in one book. It is very different from other books I have read by Cecelia Ahern. I thought at first I would be disappointed BUT no although this is a different genre Cecelia Ahern's writing is terrific. It really gives you food for thought.
31. Make Me(Jack Reacher #20)
by Lee Child (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
A Jack Reacher Novel
“Why is this town called Mother’s Rest?” That’s all Reacher wants to know. But no one will tell him. It’s a tiny place hidden in a thousand square miles of wheat fields, with a railroad stop, and sullen and watchful people, and a worried woman named Michelle Chang, who mistakes him for someone else: her missing partner in a private investigation she thinks must have started small and then turned lethal.
MY REVIEW:
This was a disturbing book. I can't say anything as it would ruin the book for you. One question that is asked throughout the book is why is the town called " Mother's Rest". Jack was supposed to be just passing through town but gets involved in a mystery that has the dark web at the heart of it.
32. The Dutch Houseby Ann Patchett
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.
MY REVIEW:
This is a fascinating journey across five decades of Danny and Maeve's life. The Dutch House is central to the story as the siblings forge a life together.
Patricia wrote: "17.Dad Is Fatby Jim Gaffigan
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Jim Gaffigan never imagined he would have his own kids.
Though he grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family, Jim was satisfied with the nomadic, n..."
Have you seen any of his performances? They are hilarious. There was also a short lived series (on Prime?) that was about his life, he played himself, again hilarious.
33. Olive, Again(Olive Kitteridge #2)
by Elizabeth Strout
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
The iconic Olive struggles to understand not only herself and her own life but also the lives of those around her in the town of Crosby, Maine. Whether with a teenager coming to terms with the loss of her father, a young woman about to give birth during a hilariously inopportune moment, a nurse who confesses a secret high school crush, or a lawyer who struggles with an inheritance she does not want to accept, the unforgettable Olive will continue to startle us, to move us, and to inspire moments of transcendent grace.
MY REVIEW:
Perhaps I read this at the wrong time and I did not read the first book which may have impacted my opinion. I know for sure that there were times that I said " Oh no when a character kissed another and wiped the lipstick from her face. Don't touch the face!! I read this when I was practicing social distancing during the virus
34.Rather Be the Devil(Inspector Rebus #21)
by Ian Rankin (Goodreads Author)
Goodreads Summary:
Some cases never leave you.
For John Rebus, forty years may have passed, but the death of beautiful, promiscuous Maria Turquand still preys on his mind. Murdered in her hotel room on the night a famous rock star and his entourage were staying there, Maria's killer has never been found.
Meanwhile, the dark heart of Edinburgh remains up for grabs. A young pretender, Darryl Christie, may have staked his claim, but a vicious attack leaves him weakened and vulnerable, and an inquiry into a major money-laundering scheme threatens his position. Has old-time crime boss Big Ger Cafferty really given up the ghost, or is he biding his time until Edinburgh is once more ripe for the picking.?
MY REVIEW:
This is a twisted mystery. Inspector Rebus is retired but not really! I like the pondering of life, death and growing old.
35.Heat Waveby Nancy Thayer
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Lyrical, emotional, dramatic, and packed with Nancy Thayer’s trademark warmth and wisdom, Heat Wave tells the moving story of a woman who, after her seemingly perfect life unravels, must find the strength to live and love again.
After her husband’s sudden death, Carley Winsted is determined to keep her two daughters in their beloved home on Nantucket. To ease the family’s financial strain, she decides to transform their grand, historic house into a bed-and-breakfast. Not everyone, however, thinks this plan prudent or quite respectable—especially not Carley’s mother-in-law. Further complicating a myriad of challenges, a friend forces Carley to keep a secret that, if revealed, will undo families and friendships. And her late husband’s former law partner is making Carley confront an array of mixed feelings. Then, during a late-summer heat wave, the lives of Carley and her friends and family will be forever changed in entirely unexpected ways.
MY SUMMARY:
Nice light book for a time I needed to work from home and was surrounded by stress. The main character is very young for all of the life changes that happened to her. I was surprised at some of the character's actions. Why didn't Carley's parents come and help her when her husband died? How did the inlaws who never left the island all of sudden go on a mission trip?
36.The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Workby Shawn Achor (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY
Our most commonly held formula for success is broken.
Conventional wisdom holds that if we work hard we will be more successful, and if we are more successful, then we’ll be happy. If we can just find that great job, win that next promotion, lose those five pounds, happiness will follow. But recent discoveries in the field of positive psychology have shown that this formula is actually backward: Happiness fuels success, not the other way around. When we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work. This isn’t just an empty mantra. This discovery has been repeatedly borne out by rigorous research in psychology and neuroscience, management studies, and the bottom lines of organizations around the globe.
MY SUMMARY:
I read this during a time of social distancing and it did have some ideas about keeping a positive attitude.
37.Island Girlsby Nancy Thayer
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Nancy Thayer returns to her beloved Nantucket in a highly emotional, wholly entertaining tale of three sisters forced to confront the past over one event-filled summer on the island.
Look for special features inside. Join the Random House Reader’s Circle for author chats and more.
Charming ladies’ man Rory Randall dies with one last trick up his sleeve: His will includes a calculating clause mandating a summer-long reunion for his daughters, all from different marriages—that is, if they hope to inherit his posh Nantucket house. Relations among the three sisters are sour thanks to long-festering jealousies, resentments, and misunderstandings. Arden, a successful television host in Boston, hasn’t been back to the island since her teenage years, when accusations of serious misbehavior led to her banishment. College professor Meg hopes to use her summer to finish a literary biography and avoid an amorous colleague. And secretive Jenny, an IT specialist, faces troubling questions about her identity while longing for her sisters’ acceptance.
MY SUMMARY:
This was a nice light read set in Nantucket .
38.The Escape(John Puller #3)
by David Baldacci (Goodreads Author)
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
It's a prison unlike any other. Military discipline rules. Its security systems are unmatched. None of its prisoners dream of escaping. They know it's impossible.
Until now.
John Puller's older brother, Robert, was convicted of treason and national security crimes. His inexplicable escape from prison makes him the most wanted criminal in the country. Some in the government
MY SUMMARY:
David Baldacci writes such compelling stories that draw you in as you try to figure out the mystery. I love the family portrayed in this book.
2016 I pledged 80 books and made it to 132
2017 I pledged 90 books and made it to 157
2018 I pledged 100 books and made it to 179
2019 I pledged 110 and made it to 186
This year I pledge 120
I love being part of this community, thank you, Elyse, Juli, and Andrea!