Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor NoahMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Review: Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor NoahMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Review: Untamed
Untamed by Glennon DoyleMy rating: 1 of 5 stars
Glennon Doyle is a deep thinker. She is an incredibly gifted writer. This book is the most serious by far. It is weighty and difficult to read at times. It's almost too much thought and word over something that doesn't need that much thought. There are many nuggets of wisdom within the pages but also a lot of pretty writing and descriptions that exhaust me. I found the book exhausting, actually.
I also found too many contradictions for my soul to find peace. For instance and I know I don't have the full picture but, Glennon and her husband were having serious issues. She called her marriage broken and was on the precipice of making a decision to stay or go. The underlying issue was that her husband had a long line of infidelities. Then G. goes to a conference to promote her book, ironically about putting the broken pieces back together to make a whole family, and Abby walks in and G. thinks, "There she is." The issue that Craig was unfaithful is a big issue. Something that any spouse should sit with and decide what to do, taking into account the needs of the cheated upon as well as the children. That's a whole process of its own. Rather than exploring that, G. starts a relationship with Abby. So she is then guilty of the same thing as her husband; being unfaithful. That just didn't sit right with me.
There are other inconsistencies that, taken only on the emotional level, the reader nods her head and says, "Yes! That's it!" Yet if the reader sits with the essay, pares it down from the pretty words, the essay becomes more of a justification for Glennon doing something that goes against her conscience. She often refers to herself as finally being free to be the cheetah that she was always meant to be, but it often sounds more like excuses for doing whatever she wants, hurting the people that count on her, then wrapping it up in pretty words and true nuggets of wisdom and presenting it to the world. Be who you want to be. Do what you want to do. But don't wrap it cheetah crap in a pretty box, put a bow on it, spray perfume on it, and call it a gift.
Beautiful words, beautiful essays, contradicting messages, lots of words that seem to want to justify that she betrayed her own beliefs by starting a relationship before she was divorced, shook the foundation of her family and herself, tearing down the building blocks of two marriages; her own and Abby's, and upended her children's reality just so she could do whatever she wants to do and calls it Being True to Herself. I found a lot of mental gymnastics and words that didn't quite equate to what she claimed to be saying so I have my doubts about her being True to Herself.
View all my reviews
Six Weeks to Live by Catherine McKenzie
Six Weeks to Live: A Novel by Catherine McKenzieMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
So I would read Catherine McKenzie's shopping list although it probably wouldn't have an interesting storyline. I just love the way this author develops her characters and intertwines subplots. This one is a little darker than her previous books but contains the common theme of exploring relationships. As the blurb on the book explains, Jennifer finds she has 6-8 weeks to live due to an aggressive cancer in the brain. The book explores the complexity of relationships between Jennifer, her cheating husband, Jake, and each of her triplets which is incredibly intriguing. Jennifer also believes that her cancer was caused by purposeful lead poisoning which adds an air of mystery.
I loved the way each relationship is so well explored and the voices stay true throughout the book. There is definitely growth in some of the characters but, like real life, all are flawed and self-protecting. I personally felt a little raw and exposed as some of the relationships were laid bare and mimicked my own life.
This would be a great Book Club book.
*This book was provided to me by the publisher for an honest review.
View all my reviews
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Friday, October 9, 2020
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Saturday, September 5, 2020
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Review: The Four Winds
The Four Winds by Kristin HannahMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
What I really liked about this book was 1) I love Kristin Hanna's writing style and character development and 2) it was a stark reality check and education on the Dust Bowl and the Depression in Migrant California. I knew this and that about the Dust Bowl and the Depression but the details of living day to day, trying not to starve or freeze or inhale too much dust is humbling.
Hannah began this book 3 years ago. It is a timely release in this moment of pandemic and economic collapse. There are a lot of historical events that were personalized by reading this book and gave me a lot to think about. I also discovered that my 15 year old son, who asked me what the book was about, finished my sentence because he already knew what casued the Dust Bowl. I did not. I was also not aware how the dust got in animals and people and made them deathly ill and even die. I looked up images of dust storms and Oh. My. Gosh. They are horrific. I needed to keep drinking water while I was reading this part.
Living day to day in the Great Depression in Hooverville ghettos was both depressing and uplifting. The author highlights relationships which is why I love her so much. I also was educated on the way the Californians viewed the migrants and how the openly treated them. The every day indignities could crush your soul yet the survival skills and relationships with others down on their luck was a saving grace. The book also covers the growing interest in Communism in the country and paints it the way I believe it was meant to be practiced. Everybody took care of each other without anybody taking advantage of another. This was another eye opener for me as I understood the ideal and why it was so popular.
These are the themes but not the story. The story is a beautiful one of family, the love of a mother, survival, and home.
View all my reviews
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Review: Brave
Brave by Rose McGowanMy rating: 0 of 5 stars
* I read this book when it was first published. My review is long and opinionated as shown below. However, I have new perspective and another addendum. I’ve decided to not rate it with stars but I am adding a prologue: This book is not a stand alone book. I just finished “Catch and Kill” by Ronan Farrow and will be reading “She Said” soon. Rose’s voice is one voice out of many. The story is much bigger than MG but her voice is important. I believe MG is more articulate than the RAGE she expresses in this book. I also think her rage is an important by-product of her experience.*
I just can’t finish this book. The author has a story to tell but she lacks perspective and introspection as well as a good editor and writing coach. I really don’t mean to demean her memoir. It is very real and her childhood was nothing short of bizarre. Yet in the same paragraph she would often paint herself as a victim then tell the reader that she was insulated because she was intelligent and pragmatic.
I’m halfway through the book and haven’t seen her courage. I’m sure it comes but the overwhelming message is Rage with a capital R and denial. Her rage is directed at any and all white males. They victimized her, trapped her, took away her voice. The Rage is overstated and globalized. Yet from the snippets I gathered and the way presented her mother, father, and the holes in her grandparents’ stories, I’m leaning toward a more Freudian take on her Rage. It was easy to hate her father. It was easy to hate the men in the cult. It is easy to blame all the men that kept women oppressed and my mind keeps wandering back to her mother. I can’t help but wonder that, if Rose pushed aside the Rage she expresses over the obvious culprits, that she might find the child Rosa who is actually very confused and angry that her mother didn’t save her.
I am not discounting the author’s anger and at whom she is directing it. I am pointing out that she doth protest too much which is a strong indicator that she needs to dig deeper, move the Rage against white, powerful men aside for a moment and see what is behind it. The Rage has served its purpose well in protecting her but there is something else she needs to find; a vulnerable, scared child? I don’t know but until she accepts that piece of her, she will continue to be angry.
** UPDATE **
I did finish the book. My opinion above stands but with a very conflicted addendum. Actually, I’m not conflicted, I’m deeply disturbed that this book went to publication. The Rage the author portrayed in the first half turned to RAGE where she seemed to believe that respect and dignity are not a two way street. The author seemed to have a superiority complex to nearly everybody she crossed paths with. And she covers herself in her role as a victim, glossing over that, in many instances, she has far more power and choice than she believed. Which might also account for her RAGE. She had choices but didn’t like the alternative so she pretended that she was victimized by other people. “They” boxed her in. “They” hurt her. “They” caused her to do this or that.
I’m struggling with which examples to use, there are so many. One is early in the book when she is homeless and hungry which inflicts her with a deep fear of ever being homeless and hungry again, driving her to take work that was beneath her. This is a great argument except that her street days were her choice. Not that she had a loving home to return to, but she had options. She just didn’t like them. She ran away from a drug rehab. She chose the street over returning to rehab which she treated like a joke.
The author whines about the hardship of being a bombshell in Hollywood. She’s treated like a sexualized object but she has a brain, she laments. She then shows up for an awards show with her boyfriend, Marilyn Manson, in what she called a “nude dress.” I looked it up. Oh. My. Gosh. Naturally, media were upset. People were offended. She explains in her book that Americans are too Puritanical about bodies to understand the irony. We are not enlightened like she is. 1) It is not socially acceptable in any first world country to walk around naked in public, 2) our roots are Puritanical. Welcome to America! 3) yes, she did just insult the reader. She is victimized by us, Her neighbors and fans, because we didn’t understand her self absorbed ways. I admit that I did not understand her irony, 4) she continues to bash Hollywood for selling sex.
She has a relationship with the singer, Marilyn Manson, who she describes as shy, deep, sensitive, and thoughtful. He is different and respects her for who she really is. In the end, they break up. Much to her disappointment, she hears an interview on the Howard Stern show where her ex boyfriend bashes her. She surmises that Manson ended up being a “typical cisgendered male, that is, harassing the defenseless woman because his man ego is hurt. Waaaaah. Poor wittle baby.” I found that incredibly insensitive and categorically misandrist. Did it occur to her that he lashed out with anger in order to mask his own pain?
Bottom line, I believe MG was raped. I believe she was sexually assaulted. I also believe that she has thinking errors of globalizing and is very self absorbed yet not terribly self aware. Definitely not “other” aware. She was absolutely right to expose the accepted Hollywood norm that is criminal and misogynistic, at best. It is degrading and reflects poorly on society.
That said, being treated poorly does not give one license to disrespect everybody else or subject others to lashing for not being like you. MG is big on encouraging critical and creative thought and being an individual but it is clear from her writing that she only believes this if we are like her. She shames those who lack or have not yet discovered their creative passion. She sneers at those who choose to dress according to our own comforts (jeans, shirt, shoes, underwear). Even if that is our authentic selves. No, really. That is my uniform of choice. Jean shorts in the summer and maybe ditch the shoes.
I found the book had one good, strong message but was riddled with hypocrisy beyond that.
View all my reviews
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Review: The Book of Lost Names
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin HarmelMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s Kristen Harmel. I think I’ve only read one book that I didn’t love.
View all my reviews
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Monday, July 6, 2020
Why Did I Get a B?: And Other Mysteries We're Discussing in the Faculty Lounge by Shannon Reed
Why Did I Get a B?: And Other Mysteries We're Discussing in the Faculty Lounge by Shannon ReedMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have so much to say about this book. All of it positive and much of it thoughtful and/or funny. So much of this book hit right at my heart. I have had my Paulie’s and I have never forgotten them, haven’t forgiven myself for letting them down, but knew I had to protect my other students. I’ve had one or two Stans. I have had many inept admin and colleagues. I had no burning or singing angels but I know my vocation is not an accident. I’ve learned a lot over the years yet the author has pointed out how much I still don’t know and probably never will. My skin color, my place of birth, and my socioeconomic status and parental support gave me a huge advantage. African American students at my school are either adopted by whites parents or bi-racial and none of them are inner city.
Excellent book for a seasoned educator. Recommended for all.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Friday, June 26, 2020
Review: A Good Marriage
A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreightMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is more subtle than I had originally believed it to be. Although each couple seems fit a certain type, the author does a reasonably good job adding depth to the relationships. The characters themselves are not as well fleshed out in many instances but perhaps that is part of the intrigue. Each character becomes more distinct yet it is their marriage that is their main identity. They are mostly strong women, accomplished and yet how much of their husbands’ or wives’ bad behavior will they allow? In real life, this is a real struggle. We choose our spouses who make decisions and we are left with the consequences of bad, sometimes terrifying, behavior. It’s not our fault but how much are we willing to pay for our spouse’s decisions?
Some of the sacrifices are simply part of agreeing to a couple hood, knowing there will be give and take. When is the price too high to stay in a marriage? It is very often not as clear cut as one would assume.
View all my reviews
Review: The Book of Lost Names
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin HarmelMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s Kristen Harmel. I think I’ve only read one book that I didn’t love.
View all my reviews
Review: He Started It
He Started It by Samantha DowningMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note to self: this author is not my style. Good writer with twisty ending but I seem to feel icky at the end of her books.
View all my reviews
Review: Invisible Girl
Invisible Girl by Lisa JewellMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
As usual, Jewell delivers a storyline that is relevant and intriguing. A cast of characters is introduced, crimes committed, and then a girl disappears. So many possibilities that kept me guessing until the end. Well written.
View all my reviews
Review: They Never Learn
They Never Learn by Layne FargoMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
From the author of the “raw, ingenious, and utterly fearless” (Wendy Walker, USA TODAY bestselling author) Temper comes a dynamic psychological thriller about two women who give bad men exactly what they deserve.
Scarlett Clark is an exceptional English professor. But she’s even better at getting away with murder.
Every year, she searches for the worst man at Gorman University and plots his well-deserved demise. Thanks to her meticulous planning, she’s avoided drawing attention to herself—but as she’s preparing for her biggest kill yet, the school starts probing into the growing body count on campus. Determined to keep her enemies close, Scarlett insinuates herself into the investigation and charms the woman in charge, Dr. Mina Pierce. Everything’s going according to her master plan…until she loses control with her latest victim, putting her secret life at risk of exposure.
Meanwhile, Gorman student Carly Schiller is just trying to survive her freshman year. Finally free of her emotionally abusive father, all Carly wants is to focus on her studies and fade into the background. Her new roommate has other ideas. Allison Hadley is cool and confident—everything Carly wishes she could be—and the two girls quickly form an intense friendship. So when Allison is sexually assaulted at a party, Carly becomes obsessed with making the attacker pay...and turning her fantasies about revenge into a reality.
It was a “meh” for me.
View all my reviews
Friday, May 22, 2020
Review: Invisible Girl
Invisible Girl by Lisa JewellMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
As usual, Jewell delivers a storyline that is relevant and intriguing. A cast of characters is introduced, crimes committed, and then a girl disappears. So many possibilities that kept me guessing until the end. Well written.
View all my reviews
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Friday, May 8, 2020
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Monday, February 10, 2020
Review: Broken Faith: Inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, One of America's Most Dangerous Cults
Broken Faith: Inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, One of America's Most Dangerous Cults by Mitch WeissMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. This is a terrifying book but I looked up the information about Word of Faith and it is truly a terrifying cult. Small but powerful, Whaley has used all the cult tactics to compel her followers to stay in line.
View all my reviews
Review: Truths I Never Told You
Truths I Never Told You by Kelly RimmerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very well written book that tackles some very difficult issues. One of the issues is far too polarizing, hence, I will not discuss it since it also would be a spoiler.
The issues at the center of the story are post partum depression, aging parents, and relationships. I found the story to perfectly align with addressing the issues at hand. A very adept writer, as Rimmer clearly is, is able to seamlessly allow the characters to develop and interact with one another while allowing a story to develop on two timelines.
I found Beth’s story to be an accurate depiction of the struggles of identifying depression and the difficulties of seeking treatment when it might adversely impact her career. I also related well to the juggling of motherhood and career goals. The other timeline is narrated by Grace, Beth’s mother, and Maryanne, Grace’s aunt. Between them, the complexities of motherhood within periods of recent historical times, expectations, and the love of family is beautifully addressed. The book would be a good choice for a book club.
Thank you to Edelweiss who provided me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
View all my reviews
Review: Why Did I Get a B?: And Other Mysteries We're Discussing in the Faculty Lounge
Why Did I Get a B?: And Other Mysteries We're Discussing in the Faculty Lounge by Shannon ReedMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have so much to say about this book. All of it positive and much of it thoughtful and/or funny. So much of this book hit right at my heart. I have had my Paulie’s and I have never forgotten them, haven’t forgiven myself for letting them down, but knew I had to protect my other students. I’ve had one or two Stans. I have had many inept admin and colleagues. I had no burning or singing angels but I know my vocation is not an accident. I’ve learned a lot over the years yet the author has pointed out how much I still don’t know and probably never will. My skin color, my place of birth, and my socioeconomic status and parental support gave me a huge advantage. African American students at my school are either adopted by whites parents or bi-racial and none of them are inner city.
Excellent book for a seasoned educator. Recommended for all.
View all my reviews
Review: The Other People
The Other People by C.J. TudorMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Great psychological thriller. Disturbing but not so much that I can't sleep at night. The Other People are ones who are willing to do a favor for a favor. The favor will come someday and it has to be done or else. The Other People are nameless yet could be your next door neighbor. Fascinating.
View all my reviews
Review: My Dark Vanessa
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth RussellMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a very well written book that makes my skin crawl. I hated it but I can't deny that it is very well written and an excellent source for understanding the manipulations of a pedophile. To the girl, he is not a monster. He loves her. She's special. The slow and steady trap he uses to ensnare her is very realistic and, as I understand it, based on the author's experiences.
It's not a 'feel good' book but it's valuable.
View all my reviews
Review: Craigslist Confessional: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers
Craigslist Confessional: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers by Helena Dea BalaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I seriously loved the way the author gave a voice to so many people without one. Each chapter is a different person and each person has a different voice. It is abundantly clear that the author stayed as close as she could to the person's narrative. I was particularly moved by the Black man who gave me a very real picture of being an upper middle class man, living in an upper middle class neighborhood and fearing the moments when his sons would discover the ugly realities of being Black. And then they did and my heart broke.
View all my reviews
Review: The Boy from the Woods
The Boy from the Woods by Harlan CobenMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I like Harlan Coben and I liked this book. My only complaint is that I feel like I walked into the middle of a movie and then left before it was over. I assume there will be a sequel to answer the questions and tie up lose ends. I may raise a star at that point.
View all my reviews
Review: Darling Rose Gold
Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie WrobelMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Two narrators, both unreliable. Neither quite saying what is true. And then the end is a shocker. Excellent shocker, by the way.
View all my reviews
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)