Play Book Tag discussion

Goal 100

Personal goals
Finish Chet and Bernie Mystery Series--12/12--Completed
Read 4 before 2021
Book 12: Expected publication: October 19th 2021
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4620...
read A Fistful of Collars
read The Sound and the Furry
read Paw and Order
read Scents and Sensibility
read Heart of Barkness
read Of Mutts and Men
read Tender Is the Bite
read It's a Wonderful Woof

Read 40 books I own-----Completed
1.read A Fistful of Collars
2.read The Darkness
3.read When We Get to Surf City: A Journey Through America in Pursuit of Rock and Roll, Friendship, and Dreams
4.readBear Attacks of the Century: True Stories of Courage and Survival
5.read Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt
6.read When Angels Intervene to Save the Children
7.read Cleopatra: A Life
8.read The Black Cat Sees His Shadow
9.read Olive, Mabel and Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs
10.read Indian Horse
11.readTo Coach a Killer
12.readSimple Joys: Discovering Wonder in the Everyday
13.read Battle Ground
14.read The Black Cat Steps on a Crack
15.read The Black Cat Breaks a Mirror
16.read The Headless Horseman: Based On "The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow" By Washington Irving
17.read Mythology
18.readA Shot in the Arm!
19.read Flames & Faces . a Photographic Essay of the Boston Fire Department.
20.readTsunami: The Newfoundland Tidal Wave Disaster
21. readThe Boston Girl
22. read Thor: Heroes & Villains
23. read Star Wars The Force Awakens: Finn & Rey Escape!
24. read Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars
25. read True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee
26. readDiana: Princess of the Amazons
27. readBillie Holiday: The Graphic Novel: Women in Jazz
28. read Route 66 Remembered
29 read Tender Is the Bite
30. read Deadly Trust
31. read Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood
32. read Wallace: The Underdog Who Conquered a Sport, Saved a Marriage, and Championed Pit Bulls-- One Flying Disc at a Time
33. read The Memoirs of Cleopatra
34. read Disney: The Mini Art of Disney Villains Disney Villains Art Book
35. read The Art of Pixar
36. read Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes
37. read The Kitchen Linens Book: Using, Sharing, and Cherishing the Fabrics of Our Daily Lives
38. read Found Dogs: Tales of Strays Who Landed on Their Feet
39. read Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon
40.read Coached in the Act



Read 4 books with over 500 pages
2/4
DNF-Read 688 pages
The Fatal Shore: The Epic of Australia's Founding

Read 964 pages
The Memoirs of Cleopatra

Reading

Grab a Book & Play Booktivity-Monthly Tag
Read at least one book a month.
January--suggested by SouthwestZippy:
New Author - Read a book by an Author that you have not tried but been wanting to or someone has recommended to you.
read The Darkness
read When We Get to Surf City: A Journey Through America in Pursuit of Rock and Roll, Friendship, and Dreams
read Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt
February--suggested by Patty:
Black History Month: Read a book about Black history -or- by an African American author.
March--suggested by Licha-Olivia:
St Patrick's Day - Read a book with a predominantly (75%) GREEN cover. (Post the cover image.)
readThe Black Cat Sees His Shadow
April--suggested by Book Concierge:
April Showers: Read a book by an author whose first and last initial are in APRIL SHOWERS.
readIndian Horse by Richard Wagamese
May--suggested by Teresa:
Testing, Testing - Read a book in which a character is tested in some manner
READChicago's Great Fire: The Destruction and Resurrection of an Iconic American City
READA Shot in the Arm!
READThe Children's Blizzard
June--suggested by Rosa:
Pride Month - Read a book with LGBTQ+ character, author or tag..
July-suggested by Carol:
Canada Day - Read a book by a Canadian author, or set in Canada
READGods of Jade and Shadow
August-suggested by Donna:
Alfred Hitchcock - Read a book of suspense or A book from THIS LIST of books that inspired one of his films.
September- suggested by Book Concierge:
National Library Card Month - Read a book whose author's initials are in NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD MONTH -or- where a character visits the library (quote the passage).
October-Our October themes were suggested by Carol (Halloween) and Koren (Autumn Colors)
Halloween - Read a book that features a haunted place.
/or/
Autumn Colors - Read a book with an Orange, Red and/or Brown cover. POST the COVER image.
READHaunted Lubbock: True Ghost Stories from the Hub of the Plains
READHaunted Lubbock 2
READNew Mexico Ghost Stories
READScary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Three Books to Chill Your Bones: All 3 Scary Stories Books with the Original Art!
READHaunted Creede
November -Our November theme was suggested by Beverly.
Food Holidays - Read a book with something yummy on the cover. POST the COVER image.
December- Our December theme was suggested by Carol.
New Year - Read a book by an author who is NEW to you.
READ The Blessing Way
READ I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
READ The Bookshop on the Corner

Shelfari 50 Book Challenge-Goal 100
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
81/100 Read--Did not Complete
January
1. A Fistful of Collars by Spencer Quinn
2. The Iggy Chronicles, Volume One (Chet and Bernie Mystery, #0.2) by Spencer Quinn
3. (DNF) The Fatal Shore: The Epic of Australia's Founding
by Robert Hughes
4. The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson
5. When We Get to Surf City: A Journey Through America in Pursuit of Rock and Roll, Friendship, and Dreams
by Bob Greene
6. Bear Attacks of the Century: True Stories of Courage and Survival by Larry Mueller
7. Mortuary Confidential by Kenneth McKenzie and Todd Harra
February
8. The Sound and the Furry by Spencer Quinn
9. Paw and Order by Spencer Quinn
10. When Angels Intervene to Save the Children by Hartt Wixom
March
11. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
12. The Black Cat Sees His Shadow by Kay Finch
13. The Illustrated Guide to Fossils & Fossil Collecting: A Reference Guide to Over 375 Plant and Animal Fossils from Around the Globe and How to Identify Them, with Over 950 Photographs and Artworks by Steve Parker
14. She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs by Sarah Smarsh
15. Scents and Sensibility by Spencer Quinn
16. Olive, Mabel & Me by Andrew Cotter
17. Heart of Barkness by Spencer Quinn
18. The Easter Bunny Is Coming to New Mexico
by Eric James
19. Pete the Cat: Big Easter Adventure by Kimberly Dean
April
20. Of Mutts and Men by Spencer Quinn
21. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
22. To Coach a Killer by Victoria Laurie
23. Simple Joys: Discovering Wonder in the Everyday
by Candace Payne
24. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher
25. The Black Cat Steps on a Crack by Kay Finch
May
26. The Black Cat Breaks a Mirror by Kay Finch
27. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
28. Mythology by Edith Hamilton
29. Chicago's Great Fire: The Destruction and Resurrection of an Iconic American City by Carl Smith
30. A Shot in the Arm! by Don Brown
31. Flames & Faces: a Photographic Essay of the Boston Fire Department. by Bill Noonan
32. Dog Flowers: A Memoir by Danielle Geller
33. The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin
June
34. Tsunami: The Newfoundland Tidal Wave Disaster by Maura Hanrahan
35. The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
36. Thor: Heroes & Villains by Elizabeth Rudnick
37. Star Wars The Force Awakens: Finn & Rey Escape! by Michael Siglain
38. Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars by Ethan Hawke
39. Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever by Kareem Rosser
40. True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee by Abraham Riesman
41. Diana: Princess of the Amazons by Shannon Hale
42. Billie Holiday: The Graphic Novel: Women in Jazz by Ebony Gilbert
43. Route 66 Remembered by Michael Karl Witzel
July
44. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
45. Tender is the Bite by Spencer Quinn
46. Deadly Trust by Cristine Adams
47. Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood by Danny Trejo
August
48. Wallace by Jim Gorant
49. The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George
50. Disney: The Mini Art of Disney Villains | Disney Villains Art Book by Insight Editions
51. The Art of Pixar (Mini Book) by Vitale
52. Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes by Duff Goldman
September
53. The Kitchen Linens Book: Using, Sharing, and Cherishing the Fabrics of Our Daily Lives by EllynAnne Geisel
54. Found Dogs by Elise Lufkin
55. Down The Great Unknown by Edward Dolnick
56. Coached in the Act by Victoria Laurie
57. Laugh it up! by Candace Payne
October
58. Hill Women by Cassie Chambers
59. Haunted Lubbock by Darrell Maloney
60. Haunted Lubbock 2 by Darrell Maloney
61. New Mexico Ghost Stories by Antonio R. Garcez
62. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Three Books to Chill Your Bones.by Alvin Schwartz,
63. Haunted Creede by Kandra Payne
64. Wonder Woman: Amazon Warrior by Steve Korte
65. BatGirl: New Hero Of the Night by Matthew K. Manning
66. Superman: The Man of Tomorrow by Daniel Wallace
67. Supergirl: Daughter of Krypton by Daniel Wallace
68. Trouble Makers: Howtoons Adventure by Griffith
November
69. The Island by Ragnar Jónasson
70. Open Season by C.J.Box
71. The Whole Cat and Caboodle by Sofie Ryan
72. Zombie in the Library by Michael Dahl
73. Killer App by Michael Dahl
74. Pollyanna by Kathleen Olmstead
75. Diana and the Island of No Return by Aisha Saeed
76. Dictionary of 1,000 Rooms by Michael Dahl
77. Batman: Gotham City's Guardian by Matthew K. Manning
December
78. The Sea of Lost Books by Michael Dahl
79. The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman
80. It's A Wonderful Woof by Spencer Quinn
81. I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel
81. The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Play Book Tag
Read at least one book a month.
January--mental health
bonus tag,President (Hannah), our winner of Poll Ballot Tally, as part of her prize--historical fiction
February--family drama
March--Africa
Cleopatra: A Life
April--gothic
May--short stories
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories
Mythology
A Shot in the Arm!
June--beach reads
The Boston Girl
July-regency
August-cultural
The Memoirs of Cleopatra
September- made me cry
October-feminist
Hill Women: Finding Family and a Way Forward in the Appalachian Mountains
November -first in a series
Open Season
The Whole Cat and Caboodle
December- books about books
I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life

Play Book Tag
Fall Flurry of Holidays 2021
October -- Halloween, scary, Canadian Thanksgiving, autumn setting, etc.
READ
Haunted Lubbock by Darrell Maloney
Haunted Lubbock 2 by Darrell Maloney
New Mexico Ghost Stories by Antonio R. Garcez
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Three Books to Chill Your Bones: All 3 Scary Stories Books with the Original Art!
by Alvin Schwartz
Haunted Creede by Kandra Payne

November -- Thanksgiving, Veterans' Day, Native American themed, etc.


December -- Christmas, Hanukkah, winter themed, etc.
Read
It's a Wonderful Woof by Spencer Quinn

Play Book Tag the Fly the PBT Skies challenge--Completed
Tagged at least 5 times with the name of that location (city, state, country, attraction).

Limited to one book/location a month

Home Town: Hobbs, New Mexico to Iceland
January-- The Darkness
Iceland to Louisiana
February- The Sound and the Furry
Louisiana to Africa- Changed to Egypt Apr 18
March--Cleopatra: A Life
Africa-Changed to Egypt Apr 18 to Canada
April-- Indian Horse
Canada to Chicago
May-- Chicago's Great Fire: The Destruction and Resurrection of an Iconic American City
Chicago to Newfoundland
June--Tsunami: The Newfoundland Tidal Wave Disaster
Newfoundland to Mexico
July- Gods of Jade and Shadow
Mexico to Egypt-Changed to Rome Nov 24
August- The Memoirs of Cleopatra
Egypt-Changed to Rome Nov 24 to Grand Canyon
September- Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon to Appalachian
October- Hill Women: Finding Family and a Way Forward in the Appalachian Mountains
Appalachian to Iceland
November - The Island
Iceland to New Mexico
December- The Blessing Way
December must be set in your home town/state/province/etc

Starting location: NAME
Destination: Location name including the link to the book's tag page to verify it has been tagged as such by at least 5 GR users
Miles: as calculated by the official miles calculator
BONUS Miles (if applicable): 500 plus the link to the book's tag page to verify it has been tagged with the monthly tag by at least 5 GR users
Book title and review (or link to review): the standard stuff

January
1.
3 stars
I found myself liking and disliking this story about the same. The plot is about Chet and Bernie being hired to keep in line a bad boy actor named Thad Perry. It did hold my interest but parts of it are predictable, some characters are cliche and I felt the book just did not have the same rhythm of the dogs voice like the other books had. I still enjoy the mystery and Chet's dog humor.

2.
4 stars
This was a quick read. I can't write a better synopics then the one in the book so here it is. "Iggy is a dog who doesn’t get out much, so it’s big news when elderly Mr. Parsons knocks on Bernie’s door to say that Iggy has vanished. In the search for Iggy, Chet and Bernie find Mrs. Parsons unconscious on her bedroom floor, in need of urgent medical care. But it’s only when they arrive at the hospital that things get really interesting." Nice little peek into Bernie and Chet's neighbourhood, story is quick moving and held my interest the whole time.

3. (DNF)
1 star
I stopped reading on page 202. I did learn a few things and I found parts very interesting but the over the top detail and going off topic here and there forced to me to stop reading. Highly disappointed.

Starting location: Hobbs, New Mexico
Destination: Iceland-https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Miles: Straight line distance: 4051.15 miles , 6519.69 kilometers (km) , 21390053 feet , 6519688 meters

4.
The Darkness
2 stars
Taken from the back of the book. "The body of a young Russian woman washes up on a remote Icelandic beach. She came looking for safety, but instead she found a watery grave. A hasty police investigation determines her death as suicide and the case is quietly closed."

I had a hard time getting into story. Writing is good but storyline was not engaging and lacked focus at times. I hated how the book ended but it is a good lead into the next book so I will give the rest of the series a chance.

5.
When We Get to Surf City: A Journey Through America in Pursuit of Rock and Roll, Friendship, and Dreams
3 stars
I enjoyed reading about the era I was born in. I was born in 67 so I was too young to remember or to have been involved in a lot of what was being talked about and my parents weren't into that type of music so was not introduced until my late teens. The book has a nice flow and does not do any bashing, I like that. Just an open and honest view on things and book of reminiscing.

6.
4 stars
A collection of short stories about bear attacks. If this book does not give you respect or more respect for bears after you are done reading it, then you don't need to go anywhere bears live, you are going to for sure become a bears next meal/toy. Some of the stories talk about what did and did not work on their quest to survive the attract. A couple stories are little gory but overall not to detailed with gore. It does have expert advice on how to avoid attacks and advice on what to do if you do get attacked.

7.
4 stars
A collection of short stories about the life of an Undertaker. It does not contain as much humor as I thought it would but it is there. I also found the rest of the stories to be creepy, strange, scary and a few uplifting.

A eye opening book that shows you not everything runs smoothing and people can be at their best or worse when a loved one dies.

February

Starting location: Iceland
Destination: Louisiana-5 people tagged
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/users...
Miles: Straight line distance: 3838.50 miles , 6177.46 kilometers (km) , 20267259 feet , 6177461 meters

8.
2 stars
This mystery takes place in Louisiana. Chet and Bernie find themselves helping a person they helped put in prison named Frenchie. He needs help finding his brother, Ralph. This family is clearly dysfunctional and have a long running feud with another dysfunctional family called the Robideaus.

I had a hard time getting into this book. Chet, the dog, still has his humor, dogs view of things and antics. The story line dragged at times and other times did not make sense. Some characters need more background story, others not developed enough to understand what was going on and why.

I am still enjoying the series.

9.
2 stars
Taken from the back of the book. "PI Bernie and his canine companion Chet pay a visit to Bernie's girlfriend, Suzie Sanchez, a crack reporter living in far-off Washington, DC, and working on a big story she can't talk about."

A Murder happens and Bernie gets arrested. The fact that Bernie and Chet are, yet again, having to get out of a situation is getting old. I just could not keep focus on the mystery part. They keep looking back on old cases and Chet's lack of attention span leaves very little for the mystery to unfold without distraction. The start of the book was a disappointment, shows a typical stereo type of a biker gang and Bernie showing that is tough too. The series is losing its luster but I am going to finish it.

10.
2 stars
This is a true crime story that takes place on May 16, 1986 in Cokeville, Wyoming. David Young and his wife, Doris Young, took 136 children and 18 adults hostage at Cokeville Elementary School. While wearing a homemade bomb Doris become aggravated and accidently made the bomb go off killing herself and injuring 79 teachers and children. David took his own life before he could be captured.
This book does not do this story justice. It is either over the top with minute to minute dialog or does not give enough information. It is not a well rounded story. I would have liked more stories from the children and teachers and less speculation.

11.
2 stars
Not a lot is known about Cleopatra and after reading this book, I still don't know a lot about Cleopatra. The book is filled with speculations and a lot of the known information comes from sources that either liked or hated her, not a lot of neutral sources. I found it hard to read, very boring and at times bounces around. The Authors main focus at times was Cleopatra sex or lack there of sex life. Even in the inside of the book jacket it is a main topic. I also did not care for the drawn out details of other subjects that had little to do with Cleopatra.

12.
5 stars
On the Eve of the annual Pumpkin Days Festival in Lavender Texas, Sabrina Tate finds herself, yet again, in the middle of a murder scene. A man named Calvin Fisher is found dead, a woman named Tia Hartwell is the prime suspect. Tia not only looks a lot like Sabrina but has a cat who looks like Sabrina's cat Hitchcock and this causes a nice little extra mystery within a mystery.
Sabrina is still annoying at times but growing on me. I enjoyed getting to know Sabrina and her cat Hitchcock more and the appearance of her Mother and her antics helps explain why Sabrina is the way she is. The story line kept me guessing all the way to the end on who committed the crime and why, I did not see it coming. WELL DONE!

I do have one complaint and has nothing to do with the Author's writing style or story line. The synopsis on the back of the book gives away way too much of the book content. Kind of killed some of the surprises.

13
5 stars and added for favorites
Well put together book, love the layout and the pictures are beautiful. The book is a must have for beginners and professional fossil hunters or fossil collectors.

14.
2 stars
I wanted to love this book but it just did not live up to my expectations. To much bashing, about other things and beliefs. Don't get me wrong Dolly does shine through as only she can but the Author's true agenda overpowers a well rounded book about Dolly.

15.
3 stars
I liked and hated this book. The story was a slow build throughout the whole book and then bam, all happened almost at once and left you with a ending that you saw coming but did not when and where it was going to happen. Some of the carry over from the other books is getting old, for instances like the on and off relationships, either comment or don't, move on already. I can't stand loose ends in mystery books and major cliff hangers, this has both. I still enjoyed the dogs view and humor.

16.
5 stars
I have never heard of Andrew Cotter who is a sports broadcaster and I picked the book because of the adorable dogs, Olive and Mabel, on the cover. I am so happy I did. It is filled with humor, touches of seriousness, adventures and gives you incite to dog demands, likes and nopes. If you are a dog person you will understand the nopes. Highly recommend this book.

17.
4 stars
Bernie and Chet go to see a country singer named Lotty Pilgrim. Bernie puts a C-note in her tip jar and it is stolen not once but twice before the day is over. They find themselves in the middle of something very big when trying to figure out who and why the money was taken. Taken from the book jacket "Soon they’re working the most puzzling case of their career, a case that takes them back in time in search of old border-town secrets, and into present-day danger where powerful people want those secrets to stay hidden. Chet and Bernie find themselves sucked into a real-life murder ballad where there is no one to trust but each other. "

The beginning of the book moves fast and has a great set up, then slows down and kind of just lets you stew on what, where, why, how and when, picks back up and WOW has a did not see that coming ending.

Humor is still there and Chet is still Chet and Bernie, to me, is showing a little growth in this story. Nicely done.

18.
5 stars
Cute story about the Easter Bunny jumping from town to town in New Mexico. Beautiful illustrations.

19.
3 stars
Love the illustrations. Story line was good but the flow of the story was a little off.

April
20.
3 stars
Hydrologist Wendell Nero is found dead in his trailer by Bernie and Chet when they arrived for the meeting with him. The police think it is a robbery gone wrong but Bernie does not agree. Bernie finds himself, once again, in danger trying to figure the mystery of what happened and why.
I had a hard time getting into this like the others, it was just slow moving, lose ends and the dialog was off with the Chet observations of what is going on around him.
Humor is still there and story was not bad, just not my favorite of the series.

21.
3 stars
Not an easy book to read and finding it hard to write a review but will do the best I can. This fiction book is a very real, raw look into the life of a young boy named Saul Indian Horse who was forced to leave his Ojibway family and ways of life just like many other Ojibway youth. I am not a Hockey fan in any way but the Hockey references are needed to paint the full picture of Saul Indian Horse's life and find something that helps cope with his new life and hunger for the old ways.

22.
3 stars
Book two of the series has some unexpected story twists and story lines. A Client believes that they are cursed, Cat has two love interests, Gilley is, well Gilley. I found myself bored with the predictable antics of the main characters but over all enjoyed the book.

23.
5 stars and added to favorites
What a wonderful book and I love her message of just be you and live life. I also liked her style of writing and that she keeps her stories short so they don't get lost in the words, you can just feel the moments. Candace Payne is known for her record breaking Facebook live video, she put on a Chewbacca Mask and laughed. I love that video and her laugh. You can't help but smile. This book has been added to my favorites.

24.
1 star
Book is very dark and gruesome. It lacks a clear story line, hard to keep up with what all is going on and does not have very much of the Dresden humor, I grew to love. Yep had enough so I stopped reading after page 169.

25.
3 stars
A new Library is being constructed and the head librarian, June Alcott, is driving the construction workers crazy by trying to tell them how to do their job. The Librarian is found dead by Sabrina's beloved cat, Hitchcock, a few days later. When Sabrina's best friend’s husband becomes a suspect she finds herself putting the puzzle together to solve the murder.

I enjoyed most of the story line. Sabrina not knowing where Hitchcock is and him running around everywhere gets annoying and the over the top details in scenes are not needed but enjoyed the dialog. The mystery part was good and had me guessing.

26.
3 stars
Hitchcock is still Hitchcock. I guess Hitchcock has grown on me because I did not find the run around, disappearing and reappearing Hitchcock as annoying in this book. I would have liked a little growth with Sabrina Tate in her sleuthing and working with people skills. I enjoyed the opening of the book with Sabrina getting ready and then going to book club that has read her book, nice touch. I found parts of the book a little overwhelming, had lots of suspects to keep up with, and other parts felt flat and unfeeling. Overall, I am still enjoying the series.

27.
3 stars
This book contains 4 classic stories and a very short biography on the Author of them, Washington Irving.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 3 stars
Good story and most of the movies I have seen follow the story line with little changes here and there.

Rip Van Winkle 4 stars
I have read this story before. I like it a lot.

The Specter Bridegroom. 1 star only because I can't give it a 0
Did not like this story even a little bit.

The Devil and Tom Walker 1 star
This too is not my cup of tea story.

Washington Irving Biography.
Very short Biography but what is there is good information and well written.


28.
4 stars
The book is broken down into seven parts.
Part One- The Gods, the creation, and the Earliest Heroes
Part Two- Stories of Love and Adventure
Part Three- The Great Heroes before the Trojan War
Part Four - The Heroes of the Trojan War
Part Five- The Great Families of Mythology
Part Six- The Less Important Myths
Part Seven- The Mythology of the Norsemen

I found this book to be very straight forward, gives both brief and long descriptions of all the Gods, big and small. Has a few short and long stories about the popular Gods. Over all, good information throughout the book but just wish it was not such a dry read. I have read a bunch of the stories and information in other books but found myself learning a lot. I am going to have to read more on the Norsemen. I realized I know much more than what I have read in comic books and movies I have watched.

29.
2 stars

I have read a few books about the Chicago fire so I knew a little about what happened, the speculations of how it happened and some of outcomes. I did learn some new information, has a few background stories that I have not heard or read about and seeing the pictures of the fire’s destruction was well worth the read. The fire story itself is only in a few chapters and the rest is about what happened after with the investigation and to the survivors. I am only giving it two stars because it is so dry to read and overpowering with unnecessary information that it drags.

30.
5 stars
Taken from the book "A Shot in the Arm! explores the history of vaccinations and the struggle to protect people from infectious diseases, from smallpox --perhaps humankind's greatest affliction to date --to the COVID-19 pandemic."

This young adult/children's book, highlights measles, polio, rabies, cholera and influenza by using a graphic novel, comic book approach and with the voice of Lady Mary Worthey. Lady Mary Worthey was born May 15, 1689 and passed away, August 21, 1762. She helped popularize inoculation in England and was an aristocrat, writer and poet. The book moves fast and does not go overboard with details. Uses explanations geared for a younger audience but a good book for adults too. I recommend this book if you interested in Science history.

31.
5 stars
This is a book filled with pictures taken by Bill Noonam over a span of 35 plus years while he was on and off duty. The pictures are in black and white and shows a very raw look into the life of firefighter and what all they face while on the job. Each picture has a brief description and date. A few have smiling faces looking back at you, I like that, is shows the human side and that even when facing the ugly it is ok to smile.

32.
1 star
I am not going to write a full review on this book. This Author clearly needed to get away from this dysfunctional family and not look back.
Writing is disjointed and can't put my finger on if they are trying to heal or just write a family dearest type book.

33.
4 stars
The Children's Blizzard is based on a real event. The day started off warm and then clouds came in and it turned into a blizzard that will be talked about for decades. I did enjoy the writing but did find it hard to follow at times and a little dry to read. The subject is not an easy one to read about, especially involving children, but the author was able to show the tragedy unfold in a raw but tasteful way. I could have done without a couple of the side stories, can't go into them because I don't want to give spoilers. I did like that the author took the time to show some of the kids as adults and their choices. Overall I give it 4 stars but not one I would read again.

34.
4 stars
An earthquake hit south of Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula followed by a Tsunami on November 18, 1938. The book tells the stories of the people affected by this fast-moving disaster and gives a little insight into life before and after their life and death struggles.

I found myself having a hard time keeping up with who is who. The book is not a smooth read, felt discounted and disjointed at times. I am giving it four stars because of the rawness of the heartbreaking picture of the survivors and the ones forever lost.

35.
5 stars and added to favorites

"Eighty-five-year-old Addie tells the story of her life to her twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, who has asked her "How did you get to be the woman you are today?" She begins in 1915, the year she found her voice and made friends who would help shape the course of her life."

I loved this book! The straightforward, matter-of-fact, Grandmother's simple dialog drew me into her fascinating world. I like these kinds of books, you don't have to play the beat around the bush and just what does that mean game. It also shows a more realistic dialog a Grandmother would use talking to her Grandaughter. I also liked that the growth by learning hard lessons were included and loved Grandmother's humor.

The books ending is my only disappointment. It felt rushed and a little flat compared to the rest of the book. I would have liked a little more about raising children and the people in her child-raising years. I am sure they too made an impact on the person she is in her golden age.

I highly recommend this book and added it to my favorites.

36.
5 stars
A good reference book on who is who in the Thor movie. The pictures were great and the directions were brief and easy to understand for kids.

37.
5 stars
A brief story based on the Movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Easy to read and understand for kids. The pictures are beautiful.

38.
1 star
This is a work of Fiction so please stop tagging it as nonfiction.

Misinformation:
New Mexico was not a state in 1862 it was called New Mexico Territory.
Page 105
John Robert Baylor in 1862 was not the Governor, Henry Connelly was, He was appointed by President Lincoln and served from September 4, 1861, until July 6, 1866.

The story is all over the place and does not focus much on the truth of either side. I have so many other issues with it but not going into them, waste of time.

I must say the art is beautiful but the depictions even in them are off.
This was a horrific part of history and the stories are ugly, raw, and do need to be talked about but fiction books like this do more harm than good. A look into both sides needed to be done.

39.
5 stars
Taken from the book. "What starts as an accidental discovery turns into a love for horseback riding that leads the Rossers to discovering their passion for polo. Pursuing the sport with determination and discipline, Kareem earns his place among the typically exclusive players in college, becoming part of the first all-Black national interscholastic polo championship team--all while struggling to keep his family together."

Kareem Rosser tells the story about what his life was like growing up in Philadelphia which he referenced as "The Bottom". Stories range from heartbreaking, pure horror, inspirational and uplifting. This does have a few cuss words so if you can't handle that, pass on it but you will be missing a wonderful story. If you are a horse person or like Polo you will enjoy this book but it does not dominate the story. The book is about Kareem and the people he won and lost on his journey to find himself.

40.
1 star
I stopped reading on page 148. I know Stan Lee was not perfect in any way and has made choices that are unbecoming in order to get ahead but to focus on nothing about that over and over gets old. This book is nothing but a bashing book, I am not into those types of books. Save your time and money and pass on this book. I wanted a well-rounded book about Stan Lee, not a bash and hold others involved above his head as Saints.

41.
5 stars
Diana is shown in her youth having growing pains of being the only child on the Island. Good solid story with a wonderful twist. The illustrations are kid-friendly and the story layout is easy to follow.
I liked that the author stayed with the origin story, this is important to me.

42.
5 stars
I learned a lot about this talented Woman. This graphic novel puts it all out there by showing a very raw, real look into the beginning of her singing career with peeks into her past, including her youth. The illustrations are simply but elegantly done.
If you can't handle cussing, raw imagery, or illustrations depicting violence, skip the book.

43.
4 stars
A fascinating look into route 66. The book is broken down into Five Chapters, Tourist Traps, Filling Stations, Roadside Food, Motor Hotels, and Mother Rood Memories. Also includes an Epilogue.
The pictures are a great asset, some are taken after the business has been closed for years/decades and a few taken when they were up and running.

44.
4 stars
Casiopea Tun and her mother move back to their native Mayan town of Uukumil in the Yucatán after her Father dies, which means living with her wealthy Grandfather. She is treated as a servant and has to deal with a spoiled cousin.

Casiopea is nosing around her GrandFather’s belongings and what she finds will forever change her views and ways.

The book is set in the late 1920s. during the Jazz Age.

I enjoyed so much of this book but must admit I did get lost on what was going on here and there, it is a hard book to put down and then try and get back into reading. There is a lot to keep up with. I wish I could explain the ending without giving things away but I can't. I will say, is it just me or did it leave you hanging(not completely finished), room for a part two book, or both?

The Glossary in the back of the book is a wonderful addition, it helps explain some of the Maya Mythology.

45.
4 stars
Private eye Bernie and his dog Chet find themselves trying to figure out who the frightened young woman that approached them asking for help was. She was so scared she left without giving her name.
As Bernie starts to investigate and put the pieces together he finds himself in the middle of uncovering secrets.

Some new characters are introduced and some known characters return. Chet is the narrator and it gives this whole series a very interesting perspective to solving the mysteries.

46.
5 stars
Taken from the back of the book. "In Julie Erickson's third mystery, she and true crime writer Grant Phillips attempt to help recent widow Linda Reynolds through a difficult time they've both experienced. However, during their lunch together, Linda implies that her stress is not just due to her husband's death. Someone is responsible, and her sole mission is to expose them. But she refuses to say more, insisting the issue is complicated."

The story moves along but not too fast. The conversations are so real it feels like you are eavesdropping on friends talking in the next booth. Cristine Adams had me guessing all the way to the reveal and, wow, that was a unique reveal.

I have only one complaint; to me, the back of the book synopsis gives too much information.

47.
3 stars
Danny Trejo comes from a broken family and a lot of his life choices come from those influences.
He does not hold back on his feelings about people or himself, the good and the bad.
Danny starts with his childhood and goes all the way to the present but does not stay on one subject or within one stage of his life very long. Each chapter is more of a quick peek or short reminiscing story.
If you can't handle bad language, stay away from this book.
I have not seen a lot of Danny Trejo movies because they are not my type of movies but from what I have seen and know of him, I am a fan.

48.
1 star
A couple's story with a touch of Dog story, slap a picture on the cover to make it interesting, nope did not work for me. The book jumps around and adds too much unnecessary information.

49.
4 stars
First off, I can't believe I finished!
This is a work of fiction with Nonfiction sprinkled in about Cleopatra's life.
I found it refreshing to have someone take what is known about Cleopatra and make it come to life by putting her life into an everyday living setting. Most of the storyline is believable and fascinating but when it is not it is because of the long-winded descriptions and unnecessary details. I struggled at times to keep reading a little editing would have been nice.
I am still giving it four stars because Cleopatra is just a fascinating person and the Author is a wonderful writer despite being over the top with details.