The Cutting Season by Attica Locke

The Cutting Season by Attica Locke is the last book I read in January 2020. I first became aware of Attica Locke as a writer in 2012 or 2013. 

Curious about Locke's writing (which I'd heard great things about), I purchased used hardback copies of her novels, The Cutting Season and Black Water Rising back in 2013. 

This year in an effort to read older books I've acquired over the years, I read The Cutting Season by Attica Locke. I must admit that I was a bit disappointed with The Cutting Season and didn't feel like this novel lived up to the high expectations based on reviews I'd read. 

With that said, it's not that I didn't like The Cutting Season... I enjoyed many aspects of this novel. It's very atmospheric in nature, which I liked. I also liked the setting for this novel and that it was a mystery novel. The mystery was interesting and so was the main character's backstory/family history.

But I also feel like The Cutting Season is slow in parts and could have been made shorter. I feel like there were too many things the author was trying to address in The Cutting Season that made the book fall flat in parts.

I also didn't like the main character, Caren Gray, as she made too many unwise choices throughout the novel, which I thought perplexing based on her education and life experiences. I guess I thought Caren would be a bit more savvy and thoughtful on how she handled things that occurred throughout the novel. Caren also had too many hangups that seemed to distance her from co-workers and family... It was as if she erected walls around herself. But I guess this could also make her seem more human/flawed. After all, who's perfect?

I'm planning to read Black Water Rising next and am hoping it is much better than The Cutting Season.

Below is the plot summary for The Cutting Season by Attica Locke from Goodreads:

The American South in the twenty-first century. A plantation owned for generations by a rich family. So much history. And a dead body.

Just after dawn, Caren walks the grounds of Belle Vie, the historic plantation house in Louisiana that she has managed for four years. Today she sees nothing unusual, apart from some ground that has been dug up by the fence bordering the sugar cane fields. Assuming an animal has been out after dark, she asks the gardener to tidy it up. Not long afterwards, he calls her to say it's something else. Something terrible. A dead body. At a distance, she missed her. The girl, the dirt and the blood. Now she has police on site, an investigation in progress, and a member of staff no one can track down. And Caren keeps uncovering things she will wish she didn't know. As she's drawn into the dead girl's story, she makes shattering discoveries about the future of Belle Vie, the secrets of its past, and sees, more clearly than ever, that Belle Vie, its beauty, is not to be trusted.

A magnificent, sweeping story of the south, The Cutting Season brings history face-to-face with modern America, where Obama is president, but some things will never change. Attica Locke once again provides an unblinking commentary on politics, race, the law, family and love, all within a thriller every bit as gripping and tragic as her first novel, Black Water Rising.

I am giving The Cutting Season by Attica Locke a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee

I've had the hardback edition of The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee in my 'to be read' pile for 9 years this month!! I'm so happy that I finally read this children's novel this year.

By the way, I first read and reviewed Lewis Buzbee's children's novel, Steinbeck's Ghost, back in March 2014. I really enjoyed listening to the unabridged audio version of Steinbeck's Ghost and highly recommend it. I thought (or at least hoped) that I would enjoy The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee just as much.

The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee contains many aspects I love in a novel. I love historical fiction and this novel fits the bill in spades as it is set in Victorian London. Additionally, I love mysteries and this novel provides a mystery to be solved. I also enjoyed that the leading character is a smart, adventurous girl - go girl power!! Plus, I enjoyed seeing a well known and beloved author like Charles Dickens brought to life in a work of fiction. I like that this novel makes a case for social justice for children as this may (hopefully) start young readers thinking about how they can help make the world a better place for all.

However, as much as I enjoyed the many different aspects of The Haunting of Charles Dickens that I mentioned above, I felt it was too long and that the storyline was not as captivating as I was hoping it would be.

The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee is also filled with lovely black and white illustrations by Greg Ruth that readers may enjoy.

Below is the plot summary for The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee from Goodreads:

Meg Pickel’s older brother, Orion, has disappeared. One night, she steals out to look for him, and makes two surprising discoveries: She stumbles upon a séance that she suspects involves Orion, and she meets the author Charles Dickens, also unable to sleep, and roaming the London streets. He is a customer of Meg’s father, who owns a print shop, and a family friend. Mr. Dickens fears that the children of London aren’t safe, and is trying to solve the mystery of so many disappearances. If he can, then perhaps he’ll be able to write once again.

With stunning black-and-white illustrations by Greg Ruth, here is a literary mystery that celebrates the power of books, and brings to life one of the world’s best-loved authors.

I am giving The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!! 

The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson

I've listened and reviewed two previous works written and narrated by Jon Ronson. titled, The Last Days of August and The Butterfly Effect. I enjoyed both well enough that I wanted to read The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson. I ended up listening to unabridged audio version of The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry and narrated by the author. 

Listening time for The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry is 7 hours, 33 minutes.

The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson is a work of nonfiction about the madness industry. Although I thought the topic of this book itself was interesting and insightful, I wasn't overly captivated by its content. I'm already slowly forgetting the contents of this book after a week.

The following is a summary for The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson from Amazon:

The Psychopath Test is a fascinating journey through the minds of madness. Jon Ronson's exploration of a potential hoax being played on the world's top neurologists takes him, unexpectedly, into the heart of the madness industry. An influential psychologist who is convinced that many important CEOs and politicians are, in fact, psychopaths, teaches Ronson how to spot these high-flying individuals by looking out for little telltale verbal and nonverbal clues. And so Ronson, armed with his new psychopath-spotting abilities, enters the corridors of power.

He spends time with a death-squad leader institutionalized for mortgage fraud in Coxsackie, New York; a legendary CEO whose psychopathy has been speculated about in the press; and a patient in an asylum for the criminally insane who insists he's sane and certainly not a psychopath. Ronson not only solves the mystery of the hoax but also discovers, disturbingly, that sometimes the personalities at the helm of the madness industry are, with their drives and obsessions, as mad in their own way as those they study. And that relatively ordinary people are, more and more, defined by their maddest edges.

I am giving The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship by Joanna Burger

The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship by Joanna Burger is a hardback nonfiction book I've had in my 'to be read' pile prior to May 2014. I've always been interested in parrots. I had a cockatiel as a youngster and other family members have had larger parrots like African greys or Amazon parrots. So with this in mind, I became interested in reading more about parrots.

I'm so happy that I finally read The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship by Joanna Burger!! This nonfiction book was really well written and very captivating from start to finish. The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship not only recounts Tiko's life, Joanna Burger's Red-Lored Amazon parrot, and their unique relationship/bond, but it also discusses Joanna's life as a distinguished professor at Rutgers University and her studies. More specifically, Joanna Burger is a behavior ecologist and she shares her insight about wildlife biology and birds. All in all, this is a fascinating read, not only for parrot lovers, but also wildlife lovers and ecologists.

Below is the summary for The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship by Joanna Burger from Amazon:

“Birds are my passion,” says Joanna Burger, “but parrots are my weakness.” Fifteen years ago, when se adopted a neglected, orphaned thirty-six year old parrot named Tiko, she entered on of the most complex relationships of her life.

Sullen and hostile when he entered Dr. Burger’s home, Tiko gradually warmed as she carefully persuaded him of her good intentions. Eventually he courted her, building nests inside household furniture during mating season and trying to coax her into them. He nursed her vigilantly through a bout with Lyme disease, regularly preening each strand of hair on the pillow as she slept. For a while he even fought her husband for her attentions, but eventually theirs became a relationship of deep mutual trust.

The Parrot Who Owns Me is also the story of the science of birds, and of parrots in particular (America’s third most commonly owned pet, after cats and dogs). Woven into the narrative are insights and fascinating revelations from Joanna Burger’s work — not only about parrots, but about what it means to be human.

By turns delightful, hilarious, touching, and enlightening, The Parrot Who Owns Me introduces us to an unforgettable bird and his human companion, whose friendships tells us much about ourselves.

I am giving The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship by Joanna Burger a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Four New to Me Little Free Library Finds in Livermore, California

Earlier this month, I started off the new year with a bang by finding four new to me Little Free Libraries in Livermore, California with my husband. 

I love finding Little Free Libraries. Especially new to me LFLs. I feel so blessed to live in the Bay Area as there are so many Little Free Libraries to discover where I can trade books.

Below are photographs of the four Little Free Libraries we found earlier this month. Plus, a photo of the books I took home with me.

5534 Jacquiline Way, Livermore CA 94550

1718 Almond Avenue, Livermore CA 94550

4156 Pomona Way, Livermore CA 94550-34447

692 Jefferson Way, Livermore CA 94550

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness by Julie Klam

I am a dog lover! I especially love small dog breeds as our family has had Pomeranians for over 15 years. 

So, as a dog lover, I purchased a discounted hardcover copy of You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness by Julie Klam prior to May of 2014. This year in an effort to FINALLY read more of the older books in my 'to be read' pile, I made You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness by Julie Klam my 3rd read of 2020.

I enjoyed reading You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness overall. The author, Julie Klam, is a good writer and shares many pearls of wisdom on how dogs have enhanced her life. 

Favorite quote from this book:

A very wise dog woman once told me that dogs find owners, not the other way around. They pick you and they choose to stay with you. In that way, they are also giving you the end of their life. The deeper the bond, the harder it is to say goodbye. I know I'd rather have any amount of time with a dog I love and suffer the mourning than not have the time at all. (page 130 hardcover edition)

The following is the publisher's summary for You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness by Julie Klam, which I found on Goodreads:

The hilarious and heartfelt chronicle of a woman learning the secrets of love, health, and happiness from some very surprising teachers: her dogs.

Julie Klam was thirty, single, and working as a part-time clerk in an insurance company, wondering if she would ever meet the man she could spend the rest of her life with. And then it happened. She met the irresistible Otto, her first in a long line of Boston terriers, and fell instantly in love.

You Had Me at Woof is the often hilarious and always sincere story of how one woman discovered life's most important lessons from her relationships with her canine companions. From Otto, Julie realized what it might feel like to find "the one." She learned to share her home, her heart, and her limited resources with another, and she found an authentic friend in the process. But that was just the beginning. Over the years her brood has grown to one husband, one daughter, and several Boston terriers. And although she had much to learn about how to care for them-walks at 2 a.m., vet visits, behavior problems-she was surprised and delighted to find that her dogs had more wisdom to convey to her than she had ever dreamed. And caring for them has made her a better person-and completely and utterly opened her heart.

Riotously funny and unexpectedly poignant, You Had Me at Woof recounts the hidden surprises, pleasures, and revelations of letting any mutt, beagle, terrier, or bulldog go charging through your world.

I am giving You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness by Julie Klam a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Skillshare - Write Your Personal Story with Roxane Gay

Wow, learning to write a personal essay from Roxane Gay is a dream come true for those that want to learn from the best!

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple and narrated by Kathleen Wilhoite, which I downloaded from Audible. Listening time for Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple is 9 hours, 35 minutes.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple is the second book I've finished reading in 2020. It had been a novel I'd had on my reading wishlist for quite a while, so I'm so happy that I finally read Where'd You Go, Bernadette as I really enjoyed it a lot... I actually enjoyed this novel more than I thought I would. I now want to see the movie version of Where'd You Go, Bernadette... Even if the movie ends up not being as good as the novel.

I loved both the writing and the characters for Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple. Have you read Where'd You Go, Bernadette? If so, what did you think of it?

Below is the plot summary for Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple from Goodreads:

Bernadette Fox has vanished.

When her daughter Bee claims a family trip to Antarctica as a reward for perfect grades, Bernadette, a fiercely intelligent shut-in, throws herself into preparations for the trip. But worn down by years of trying to live the Seattle life she never wanted, Ms. Fox is on the brink of a meltdown. And after a school fundraiser goes disastrously awry at her hands, she disappears, leaving her family to pick up the pieces--which is exactly what Bee does, weaving together an elaborate web of emails, invoices, and school memos that reveals a secret past Bernadette has been hiding for decades. Where'd You Go Bernadette is an ingenious and unabashedly entertaining novel about a family coming to terms with who they are and the power of a daughter's love for her mother

I am giving Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Little Free Library in San Miguel, California

1997 L Street, San Miguel CA 93451

In December 2019, I spent time in Southern California visiting family for the holidays.

On our drive homeward, my husband and I made a pit stop in the city of San Miguel, California to visit Mission San Miguel, which is 1 of the historic 21 missions built in California. Afterwards, we found this new to me Little Free Library filled with a plethora of books inside of it! I left two books, but found nothing I wanted to take home with me.

Have you discovered any Little Free Libraries recently?

Little Free Library in Atascadero, California

5265 Palma Avenue, Atascadero CA 93422

In December 2019, I spent time in Southern California visiting family for the holidays.

On our drive homeward, my husband and I made a quick pit stop in the city of Atascadero, California just to find this new to me Little Free Library. While at this cute Little Free Library, I found a gently used hardback edition of The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See inside of it. Yippee, to finding a wishlist book at a Little Free Library!!

Have you discovered any Little Free Libraries recently?

Little Free Library in Carpinteria, California

4745 Dorrance Way, Carpinteria CA 93013

In December 2019, I spent time in Southern California visiting family for the holidays.

On our drive homeward, my husband and I briefly visited the charming, coastal town of Carpinteria, California. Carpinteria is conveniently located between both Ventura and Santa Barbara. 

As a side note, my husband and I lived in Carpinteria, California for roughly 16 years before moving to Northern California in May of 2014. I miss living in Carpinteria, California and would like to move back there some day.

While we were in Carpinteria, we found a Little Free Library near the salt marsh. The Carpinteria Little Free Library was a new to me LFL and I think it's adorable!!

Have you discovered any Little Free Libraries lately?

Little Free Library in Encinitas, California

In December 2019, I spent time in SoCal visiting family for the holidays.

While I was in the SoCal area I found a Little Free Library in the coastal town of Encinitas, California. This Encinitas Little Free Library was a new to me LFL and a very basic one.

Have you discovered any Little Free Libraries lately?

Little Free Library Finds in Cardiff, California

1594 Lake Drive, Cardiff CA 92007

930 Emma Drive, Cardiff CA 92007

In December 2019, I spent time in SoCal visiting family for the holidays.

While I was in the SoCal area I found two Little Free Libraries in the coastal town of Cardiff, California. Both Little Free Libraries were new to me and very cute.

Have you discovered any Little Free Libraries lately?

Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan

I received the finished, hardback edition of Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan through Goodreads Giveaways.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan.

Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan is my first read for 2020. This novel falls into the mystery/thriller genre and is the first novel in the 'A Laura Mori Mystery' series. And, to the best of my recollection, Where the Lost Girls Go is the first book I've read by R. J. Noonan. 

I love the beautiful cover design/artwork for Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan. I also enjoyed Noonan's writing and storytelling as she's written a really good mystery novel that kept me engaged from start to finish. Lots of red herrings throughout this novel that keeps the reader guessing whodunnit. The characters were all well done for the most part too.

I pretty much guessed whodunnit towards the end of Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan and why... Additionally, there were a few minor things about this novel that didn't sit well with me. Otherwise, I really enjoyed Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan.

Favorite quotes from Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan are as follows:

"Sometimes you can't fix things. Sometimes the broken pieces simply don't fit together anymore." (page 179)

"Another Japanese proverb: 'If you understand everything, you must be misinformed'." (page 189)

I liked reading Where the Lost Girls Go so much, that I am thinking about reading the second novel in the 'A Laura Mori Mystery' series by R. J. Noonan titled, In the Line of Fire.

Below is the publisher's summary for Where the Lost Girls Go R. J. Noonan, which I discovered on Goodreads:

Rookie cop Laura Mori catches her first investigation when the fiery crash of a sports car lights up the night sky. The fire burns the body beyond recognition, but the police are able to identify the car as that of Kent Jameson, celebrity author and benefactor of Sunrise Lake. And Jameson fears that the unidentified body is his seventeen-year-old daughter Lucy, who stormed out of the house that night after an argument.

When lab reports reveal that the body was not Lucy, but a teen runaway named Kyra whose disappearance has been linked with other missing persons--more than half a dozen “lost girls” who disappeared while living on the streets of Portland--the investigation takes a drastic turn. How did Kyra come to land at the Jameson estate in rural Oregon, and what was she doing driving their car? And who cut the brake lines on the vehicle?

Just when Laura is making progress in the case, she comes across a suspicious lane in the forest that uncovers new evidence that will once again alter the course of the investigation and rock Sunrise Lake to its core.

I am giving Where the Lost Girls Go by R. J. Noonan a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Happy New Year & Happy Blogiversary!

Happy New Year to ALL! I hope you have a joyous, healthy, and prosperous 2020!!

Today marks my 8th year of book blogging. I never thought I'd be blogging for this long, but I am so glad that I have been blogging for 8 years. Here's to eight more years of blogging!!