Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

California Book Club - Alta Journal - Jessica Hagedorn!

 

 

A week ago today, I attended Alta Journal's California Book Club event online with the amazing writer, poet, and playwright, and multimedia performance artist, Jessica Hagedorn. This was the 4th virtual author event I attended this year and I enjoyed this event so much. Ms. Hagedorn gave two readings. Her readings aren't average, to say the least... They are quite captivating.

I'd been so looking forward to this online book club event, because I'd read three of Jessican Hagedorn's novels - The Gangster of Love, Dream Jungle, and Dogeaters back around 2009. All three novels are amazing!

If you're looking for something different in terms of novels, then PLEASE RUN, DON'T WALK and grab yourself a novel written by Jessica Hagedorn. You won't be disappointed.

I have Jessica Hagedorn's novel, Toxicology, lined up to read hopefully sooner rather than later. I have a few books I need to read first before getting to it though. 

Happy reading!

California Book Club - Alta Journal - Laila Lalami

 

Last month, I attended my 3rd online virtual author/bookish event this year when I watched Alta Journal's California Book Club featuring author, Laila Lalami, discussing her novel, The Other Americans. 

I have yet to read anything written by Laila Lalami despite the fact I learned about her as a writer back in early 2021. Laila Lalami was in conversation with writer, Viet Thanh Nguyen, during an online event promoting Nguyen's novel, The Committed.

Anyway, I wanted to learn more about Laila Lalami and her writing, so I attended Alta Journal's online California Book Club last month to hear Laila Lalami talk about her novel, The Other Americans. I enjoyed the discussion very much.

Above is a YouTube video of Alta Journal's California Book Club for March 2024 featuring Laila Lalami should you care to view it.

Salman Rushdie Speaks on Censorship in America with Anderson Cooper

 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

 

I first became aware of Gary D. Schmidt as an author back in 2021 via one of my former college professors I'm still in touch with decades later. I read Gary D. Schmidt's young adult novel, Just Like That, in 2021 and enjoyed it thoroughly. I've been meaning to read more of his novels ever since then.

The latest novel I finished reading this month was actually listening to the unabridged audio version of The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt and is well narrated by Joel Johnstone. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED everything about The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt from the characters, the writing, the humor, the pacing of the storyline, the storyline/plot itself, the narration by Joel Johnstone, and the lessons learned/imparted in this young adult novel. I couldn't be happier with this read. I enjoyed The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt even more than I did Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt. 

I have a physical copy of Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt lined up to read at some point down the road... Hopefully, some time later this year!!

Listening time for The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is 7 hours, 28 minutes.

Below is the publisher's plot summary for The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt I discovered on Chirp's website:

In this Newbery Honor-winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt offers an unforgettable antihero. The Wednesday Wars is a wonderfully witty and compelling story about a teenage boy’s mishaps and adventures over the course of the 1967-68 school year in Long Island, New York. Meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High, who must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Mrs. Baker doesn’t like Holling-he’s sure of it. Why else would she make him read the plays of William Shakespeare outside class? But everyone has bigger things to worry about, like Vietnam. His father wants Holling and his sister to be on their best behavior: the success of his business depends on it. But how can Holling stay out of trouble when he has so much to contend with? A bully demanding cream puffs; angry rats; and a baseball hero signing autographs the very same night Holling has to appear in a play in yellow tights! As fate sneaks up on him again and again, Holling finds Motivation-the Big M-in the most unexpected places and musters up the courage to embrace his destiny, in spite of himself.

I am giving The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

 

Full disclosure, I NEVER thought I'd find myself reading The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson! I've never even seen the original movie of the same name made back in 1979 or its remake released in 2005... And I still have zero interest in seeing either movie version of 'The Amityville Horror'. 

Over the years, I'd become familiar enough with the basic premise of the book/movie due to popular culture. However, I had no interest in reading The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson until earlier this month when I'd seen it on sale through Chirp for $1.99. I had also seen the high reviews/stars given by readers online for The Amityville Horror. I am normally not into these paranormal/ghost haunting true account books, but I decided I'd give the The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson a try due to the high reviews and the price of the audiobook itself.

After listening to the unabridged audio version of The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson, I am glad I did. I'm actually surprised at how much I enjoyed listening to it. This book is a quick listen, well narrated by Ray Porter, and well written by Jay Anson. I loved the pacing of this book as well as the captivating writing. 

Below is the publisher's summary for The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson from Chirp's website:

In December 1975, the Lutz family moved into their new home on suburban Long Island. George and Kathleen Lutz knew that, one year earlier, Ronald DeFeo had murdered his parents, brothers, and sisters in the house, but the property—complete with boathouse and swimming pool—and the price were too good to pass up.

Twenty-eight days later, the entire Lutz family fled in terror.

This is the spellbinding, bestselling true story that gripped the nation, the story of a house possessed by evil spirits, haunted by psychic phenomena almost too terrible to describe.

I am giving The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Happy National Librarian Day!

 

Ten Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Ten Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly and narrated by Rebecca Gibel. Listening time for Ten Days in a Madhouse is 3 hours, 25 minutes.

I enjoyed this work of nonfiction/investigative reporting very much!! It's a quick listen and well narrated. Nellie Bly was an American journalist and also a pioneer in her field as she "launched a new kind of investigative journalism" according to Wikipedia.

One of Bly's more famous antics was going undercover at a women's insane asylum for ten days to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and brutality towards the woman patients on Blackwell's Island. This meant that Bly herself had to be committed in order to witness firsthand the activities of the staff towards patients on Blackwell's Island. What Nellie Bly witnessed is horrific and is the topic of her book, Ten Days in a Madhouse.

Below is the publisher's summary for Ten Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly from Chirp's website:

In 1887, Nellie Bly had herself committed to the notorious Blackwell’s Island insane asylum in New York City with the goal of discovering what life was like for its patients. While there, Bly experienced firsthand the shocking abuse and neglect of its inmates, from inedible food to horrifyingly unsanitary conditions. Ten Days in a Mad-House is Bly’s expose of the asylum. Written for Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World, Bly’s account chronicles her 10 days at Blackwell’s Island and, upon its publication, drew public attention to the abuse of the institutionalized and led to a grand jury investigation of the facility. This series of articles established Bly as a pioneering female journalist and remains a classic of investigative reporting.

I am giving Ten Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Star by H. G. Wells

 

The Star by H. G. Wells is a science fiction, short story roughly 34 minutes in length. I enjoyed the narration for this short as well as the storyline and writing overall. Essentially, the plot involves a star that passes by Earth and causes catastrophic climate disruptions.

I am giving The Star by H. G. Wells a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far by Paul A. Offit M.D.

Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far by Paul A. Offit M.D. is the third book by Paul A. Offit M.D. I've read and I look forward to reading more of his books in the future... In fact, I already have Offit's most recently published book, Tell Me When It's Over: An Insider's Guide to Deciphering Covid Myths and Navigating Our Post-Pandemic World, in my 'tbr' pile... Let's just say that Paul A. Offit M.D. has become an author I have on auto-buy as his books are really well written and very informative!

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far by Paul A. Offit M.D. and narrated by Tim H. Dixon. If you love listening to nonfiction books that fall into the science, health, and medicine categories, then this book is for you! It's a truly excellent read and packed with tons of information. The only think I wasn't in love with was the narrator for this book. Tim H. Dixon is a decent narrator, but overall not that great. Otherwise, the book itself is WONDERFUL!!

I love how Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far by Paul A. Offit M.D. is organized into six distinct health/medical sections (infections, supplements and drugs, cancer screening, surgery, etc.) with individual chapters in each section. Each chapter discusses a specific medical/health topic that falls into one of the six areas Offit focused on in his book. Some of these chapters are titled  'Antibiotic Drops Don't Treat Pinkeye', 'The False Security of Sunblock', 'Heart Stents Don't Prolong Lives', and 'Don't Ice Sprains'. Each of these chapters goes into much detail as to why modern science has had it wrong.

Below is the publisher's summary for Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far by Paul A. Offit M.D. I discovered on Chirp's website:

An acclaimed medical expert and patient advocate offers an eye-opening look at many common and widely used medical interventions that have been shown to be far more harmful than helpful. Yet, surprisingly, despite clear evidence to the contrary, most doctors continue to recommend them.

Modern medicine has significantly advanced in the last few decades as more informed practices, thorough research, and incredible breakthroughs have made it possible to successfully treat and even eradicate many serious ailments. Illnesses that once were a death sentence, such as HIV and certain forms of cancer, can now be managed, allowing those affected to live longer, healthier lives. Because of these advances, we now live 30 years longer than we did 100 years ago.

But while we have learned much in the preceding decades that has changed our outlook and practices, we still rely on medical interventions that are vastly out of date and can adversely affect our health. We all know that finishing the course of antibiotics prevents the recurrence of illness, that sunscreens block harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer, and that all cancer-screening programs save lives. But do scientific studies really back this up?

In this game-changing book, Dr. Paul A. Offit debunks fifteen common medical interventions that have long been considered gospel despite mounting evidence of their adverse effects, from vitamins, sunscreen, fever-reducing medicines, and eyedrops for pink eye to more serious procedures like heart stents and knee surgery. Analyzing how these practices came to be, the biology of what makes them so ineffective and harmful, and the medical culture that continues to promote them, Overkill informs patients to help them advocate for their health. By educating ourselves, we can ask better questions about some of the drugs and surgeries that are all too readily available—and all too heavily promoted.

I am giving Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far by Paul A. Offit M.D. a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Top Ten Tuesday - FREEBIE - Books I’m Worried I Might Not Love as Much the Second Time Around

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Occasionally, I reread books. Sometimes I still love the books when I reread them, but other books I've reread, not so much. It's a crapshoot.

There are several books I've absolutely LOVED reading and have considered rereading... BUT, will I still love them as much as I did the first time around? 

Below are ten books I'm worried I might not love as much the second time around.

1. The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

2. Queenie by Michael Korda

3. Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper--Case Closed by Patricia Cornwell

4. The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel

5. The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

6. All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

7. Loser by Jerry Spinelli

8. Wringer by Jerry Spinelli

9. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

10. And Then There Was None by Agatha Christie

New to me Little Free Library in Kentfield, California!!

 

This past weekend, my husband and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary by spending a long weekend at an AirBnB in Kentfield, California. 

During our short visit, we found a Little Free Library less than a mile from where we were staying! I left four books and took only one home with me.

We also visited Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley during our stay as well. We love Muir Woods National Monument and am happy we visited again despite the freezing morning weather.

New to Me Little Free Library in Dublin, California!

 

A new Little Free Library has recently been installed in the City of Dublin, which is a city just south of where I live. I couldn't resist visiting this Little Free Library recently and what a cute one it is! This Little Free Library has California poppy flowers painted on it, which is really cool as California poppies are the state flower for California. The other side has a sunflower painted on it.

Also, the yard where this Little Free Library is located is very nicely landscaped. One can also see and hear the plethora of wind chimes on display during their visit.

I left two books at this Little Free Library, but I didn't bring any books home with me to read. Have you visited any Little Free Libraries lately?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Happy Children's Book Day!!

 

Why You Keep Buying Books You Don’t Read

 

This is an interesting video and offers food for thought.

Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner

 

It wasn't until last year that I first learned about Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner. I went on to do further research online and learned that this classic novel was first published in 1926. According to Wikipedia, Lolly Willowes was well received by book critics and subsequently became the very first Book Of The Month for the Book Club. This novel is both a satire and feminist classic with fantasy elements.

So for Women's History Month this year, I decided to listen to the unabridged audio version of Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner, which is well narrated by Sarah Nichols.

I enjoyed listening to Lolly Willowes. This novel gave an interesting glimpse as to the author's view on women during the day and the cultural views of women at the time as well. The storyline, characters, and writing were also good. Lolly Willowes is a short read and I recommend it to other interested readers. I love the fantasy aspect of this novel too.

Below is the plot summary for Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner from Chirp's website:

Tabbed as one of the 100 best novels of all time by the Guardian, this “witty, eerie, tender” tale (John Updike) was originally published in 1926. Spinster Lolly Willowes yearns for freedom from her family. When she finally escapes to the hamlet of Great Mop, she realizes she’s wound up in a village of witches!

I am giving Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Death At Greenway by Lori Rader-Day

 

I first became aware of Lori Rader-Day and her novel, Death At Greenway, back in October 2021 during a virtual author talk. I am an Agatha Christie fan as well as a lover of historical fiction and mystery novels. 

During the course of the virtual author event, I discovered that Death At Greenway is set in England during World War II on Agatha Christie's estate in Greenway and the storyline deals with a mystery! So, I just knew I had to read this novel!!

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Death At Greenway by Lori Rader-Day and narrated by Moira Quirk. I thought the novel started off slowly until the dead body was discovered. After that, the storyline did pick up, BUT I was ultimately disappointed with this novel overall. This novel wasn't what I was expecting and it was fairly lackluster on all accounts.

Below is the plot summary for Death At Greenway by Lori Rader-Day from Amazon's website:

Bridey Kelly has come to Greenway House - the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie - in disgrace. A terrible mistake at St. Prisca’s Hospital in London has led to her dismissal as a nurse trainee, and her only chance for redemption is a position in the countryside caring for children evacuated to safety from the Blitz.

Greenway is a beautiful home full of riddles: wondrous curios not to be touched, restrictions on rooms not to be entered, and a generous library, filled with books about murder. The biggest mystery might be the other nurse, Gigi, who is like no one Bridey has ever met. Chasing 10 young children through the winding paths of the estate grounds might have soothed Bridey’s anxieties and grief - if Greenway were not situated so near the English Channel and the rising aggressions of the war.

When a body washes ashore near the estate, Bridey is horrified to realize this is not a victim of war, but of a brutal killing. As the local villagers look among themselves, Bridey and Gigi discover they each harbor dangerous secrets about what has led them to Greenway. With a mystery writer’s home as their unsettling backdrop, the young women must unravel the truth before their safe haven becomes a place of death....

I am giving Death At Greenway by Lori Rader-Day a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

My Mortal Enemy by Willa Cather

 

I recently listened to the unabridged audio version of My Mortal Enemy by Willa Cather and narrated by Nancy Peterson. Listening for this novella published in 1926 is two hours.

I had never read anything written by Willa Cather before 2024, so I decided to give one of her shorter works a try first. I was enthralled with the plot summary and looked forward to listening to My Mortal Enemy. 

Although I found My Mortal Enemy to be a quick read with an overall engaging storyline, I found the ending to be dissatisfying. I was also left wondering what the title meant to the author as well as for the main character. I had to do some online digging for my answers. In the end, I simply found My Mortal Enemy by Willa Cather to be an okay read.

Below is the plot summary for My Mortal Enemy by Willa Cather from Chirp's website:

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author who wrote My Ántonia! In early 20th-century America, a woman leaves her fortune behind to elope with the love of her life. But instead of entering a life of freedom, she and her husband face regret after regret. Performed by an Earphones Award–winning narrator.

I am giving My Mortal Enemy by Willa Cather a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland

 

I originally purchased the brand new, hardback edition of Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland for a dollar at The Dollar Tree before the pandemic hit. This young adult novel has been sitting in my 'to be read' pile ever since.

The artwork on the dust jacket and the storyline for Our Chemical Hearts captured my attention, so I wanted to give this novel a try. Besides, who can pass up buying a new hardback novel for a dollar?

The start of the novel draws you in quickly and captivates your attention from the get go. The writing is really good and funny too at the start of the novel. I even enjoyed reading the text bubbles of the text messages between the characters throughout the novel, which was a nice touch.

Grace Town is an enigma at the start of Our Chemical Hearts. She's the new girl at school, walks with a cane and limp, and dresses in boys clothing. You want to know her backstory... and you know it's going to be a doozy of a backstory. Henry Page falls for Grace Town almost immediately and they start a friendship of sorts before venturing into a sort of romance... But it's Henry that falls for Grace pretty hard. Grace is, essentially, damaged goods and she breaks Henry's heart in the end. Our Chemical Hearts is all about first love, heartbreak, and how one heals after heartbreak.

The middle section of Our Chemical Hearts wasn't as exciting as the start, but the ending was wrapped up nicely enough to balance things out.

Below is the plot summary for Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland found on Amazon's website:

John Green meets Rainbow Rowell in this irresistible story of first love, broken hearts, and the golden seams that put them back together again.

Henry Page has never been in love. He fancies himself a hopeless romantic, but the slo-mo, heart palpitating, can't-eat-can't-sleep kind of love that he's been hoping for just hasn't been in the cards for him—at least not yet. Instead, he's been happy to focus on his grades, on getting into a semi-decent college and finally becoming editor of his school newspaper. Then Grace Town walks into his first period class on the third Tuesday of senior year and he knows everything's about to change.

Grace isn't who Henry pictured as his dream girl—she walks with a cane, wears oversized boys' clothes, and rarely seems to shower. But when Grace and Henry are both chosen to edit the school paper, he quickly finds himself falling for her. It's obvious there's something broken about Grace, but it seems to make her even more beautiful to Henry, and he wants nothing more than to help her put the pieces back together again. And yet, this isn't your average story of boy meets girl. Krystal Sutherland's brilliant debut is equal parts wit and heartbreak, a potent reminder of the bittersweet bliss that is first love.

P. S. I did see the movie version of Our Chemical Hearts, called 'Chemical Hearts' through Amazon Prime. Meh, the movie version wasn't good at all. So much was left out of the movie.

I am giving Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Happy World Poetry Day!!

 

Share a few of your favorite poets and poems!

UMBERTO ECO: WHY YOUR UNREAD BOOKS DEFINE YOU... DO YOU AGREE?

 

I came across this short video on YouTube over the weekend.

I watched this video with some interest.

Do you think your unread books define you?

The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates

 

I had read a review of one of Darcy Coates's other novels on Lark Writes...on books and life's blog. I was intrigued, so I decided to read one of Darcy Coates's novel myself.

I ended up listen to the unabridged audio version of The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates and narrated by Piper Goodeve. Listening time for The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates is 8 hours, 24 minutes and is well narrated by Piper Goodeve.

If you enjoy horror stories which feature a haunted house filled with paranormal activities, then The Haunting of Blackwood House may be just the novel for you. I was drawn to The Haunting of Blackwood House because of the haunted house/paranormal activity themes in this novel! 

I think Darcy Coates does a nice job building suspense and writing about the haunted house itself and the paranormal activities. What I did not enjoy were the two main characters, Mara & Neil. Mara's repeated refrains became annoying. Plus, I felt both Mara and Neil were two dimensional and needed an additional pop to make them more engaging. The minor characters were acceptable. This novel was a mixed bag for me.

Below is the plot summary for The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates from Amazon's website:

From bestselling horror author and queen of gothic mysteries Darcy Coates comes a chilling story about the shadows of dead things―and how they haunt the living. How long could you survive?

As the daughter of spiritualists, Mara's childhood was filled with séances and scam mediums. Now she's ready to start over with her fiancé, Neil, far away from the superstitions she's learned to loathe...but her past isn't willing to let her go so easily.

And neither is Blackwood House.

When Mara and Neil purchased the derelict property, they were warned that ever since the murder of its original owner, things have changed. Strange shadows stalk the halls. Doors creak open by themselves. Voices whisper in the night. And watchful eyes follow her every move. But Mara's convinced she can't possibly be in danger. She doesn't believe in ghost stories, and she didn't buy a haunted house―it's just not possible.

Because ghosts aren't real... are they?

I'm giving The Haunting of Blackwood House by Darcy Coates a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux

 

I'd never even heard of French writer, Annie Ernaux, before... That is until she won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2022. I decided to give one of Ernaux's books a try to see what her writing was like.

I ended up listening to the unabridged audio version of A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux and narrated by Tavia Gilbert. This is an early work by the author, which was published in 1995. It's a short read at approximately 145 pages. A Frozen Woman is categorized as both a memoir and as historical literary fiction on Amazon's website... So, I can only assume this book is a work of creative nonfiction?

I enjoyed A Frozen Woman and the writing style of the author. A Frozen Woman is definitely a feminist read, which presents a cultural history/snapshot of women in society. Topics touched upon included how women are viewed in society, societal norms/expectations of women, trying to have a different sort of lifestyle as a woman than the one society expects from you, and trying to have it all/juggle it all. 

I think Ernaux presents the material well. In my opinion, A Frozen Woman is a great book to read during Women's History Month. Tavia Gilbert narrated A Frozen Woman very well.

Below is the publisher's summary for A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux from Amazon's website:

A Frozen Woman charts Ernaux's teenage awakening, and then the parallel progression of her desire to be desirable and her ambition to fulfill herself in her chosen profession - with the inevitable conflict between the two.

And then she is 30 years old, a teacher married to an executive, mother of two infant sons. She looks after their nice apartment, raises her children. And yet, like millions of other women, she has felt her enthusiasm and curiosity, her strength and her happiness, slowly ebb under the weight of her daily routine. The very condition that everyone around her seems to consider normal and admirable for a woman is killing her.

While each of Ernaux's books contain an autobiographical element, A Frozen Woman, one of Ernaux's early works, concentrates the spotlight piercingly on Annie herself. Mixing affection, rage and bitterness, A Frozen Woman shows us Ernaux's developing art when she still relied on traditional narrative, before the shortened form emerged that has since become her trademark.

I am giving A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

360 Flip Books from Japan! (Video)

 

Wow, these books look amazing!

I wonder how many other styles this book comes in?

I think these books would make the perfect coffee table book.

What do you think of them?

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

 

I've been meaning to read something by Liane Moriarty for a number of years now. I finally listened to the unabridged audio version of The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty and narrated by Caroline Lee earlier this year. 

Listening time for The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty is 13 hours, 45 minutes.

I am glad I listened to The Husband's Secret as it's well narrated by Caroline Lee. I liked the storyline and plot details/twists for this novel as well.

The Husband's Secret is told through the viewpoint of three different women: Cecilia, Rachel, and Tess. It's Cecilia's husband that has a deep, dark secret he's hidden from everyone for decades... His secret finally comes to light in an unopened letter Cecilia discovers while he's away on travel. Cecilia debates whether or not to open and read the letter. But eventually Cecilia decides toopen the letter and wow, what a bombshell of a confession she learns from her husband through his letter. The information sets off a chain reaction like no other.

Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia or each other, but the lives of all three women collide in an unimaginable way because of Cecilia's husband's secret.

I enjoyed the writing for The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty and look forward to reading another novel written by the author.

Below is the publisher's plot summary for The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty I discovered on Chirp's website:

Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret - something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive… Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all - she’s an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia - or each other - but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret.

I am giving The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

West Virginia House Passed a Bill Allowing Prosecution of Librarians!!!

I came across another disturbing news article recently published in The Parkersburg News and Sentinel titled, West Virginia House passes bill allowing prosecution of librarians by Steven Allen Adams. In the article, Steven Allen Adams wrote the following:

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia House of Delegates debated the merits of removing protections for public librarians and school librarians from criminal prosecution in the off chance a minor encounters books and content some consider to be obscene.

The House passed House Bill 4654 – removing bona fide schools, public libraries, and museums from the list of exemptions from criminal liability relating to distribution and display to a minor of obscene matter – in a 85-12 vote Friday, sending the bill to the state Senate.

HB 4654 would lift criminal liability exemptions from schools in the presentation of local or state-approved curriculum, and public libraries and museums displaying obscene matter to a minor when the child is not accompanied by a parent/guardian.

State Code defines obscene matter as anything an average person believes depicts or describes sexually explicit conduct, nudity, sex or certain bodily functions; or anything a reasonable person would find lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. According to State Code 61-8A-2, any adult who knowingly and intentionally displays obscene matter to a minor could be charged with a felony, fined up to $25,000 and face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Seriously, what the ever living F**K? Librarians are going be persecuted for doing their jobs?

I find it difficult to believe that librarians would not know their audience or how to do their jobs correctly... AND that the state of West Virginia needed to pass a bill to spell out what librarians cannot do. 

Do the people of West Virginia think librarians are going to put up a display of pornographic magazines for children to see? Get real!! Trust the professionals and let librarians do their jobs without fear of prosecution.

Beaufort, SC, Bans Five Books From School Shelves!

 

I admit that I don't understand the reasoning behind the majority of school/library book banning that parents (or the community at large) want to impose. 

I am against book banning. Students, or the rest of population for that matter, should be able to access to and be able to read all sorts of material any time they want.

I understand that not everyone agrees with my opinion and that's okay. Parents have the right to decide how to raise their own children and what their children have access to (ie books, etc.). I strongly advocate for parental rights. However, I DO NOT AGREE with the idea that a single parent or a small, select group of parents decide what is best for all children to read. 

If a parent doesn't want their children to read certain books from their school or public library, then they ave a right to limit what their child has access to from the school or public library. BUT don't ruin it for someone else's child by having the book banned because you don't agree that the book should be available to all children. That's what I mostly have issue with.

Book Talk with Drew Gilpin Faust - Necessary Trouble

 

Last month, on February 27th to be exact, I attended my second virtual author event of 2024! The following is a description of the event from the Harvard Radcliffe Institute's website:

Harvard Radcliffe Institute and the Harvard Alumni Association welcome Drew Gilpin Faust, Harvard University president emerita; Arthur Kingsley Porter University Professor; and founding dean of the Radcliffe Institute, to discuss her book, Necessary Trouble: Growing Up at Midcentury (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2023).

Faust’s reading will be followed by a conversation with Tomiko Brown-Nagin, dean, Harvard Radcliffe Institute; Daniel P.S. Paul Professor of Constitutional Law, Harvard Law School; and professor of history, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

I'm so glad I attended this virtual. It was amazing! After Drew Gilpin Faust gave a short reading of her memoir, she and Tomiko Brown-Nagin spoke in conversation about Faust's book. After hearing them in conversation, I'm now excited to read this book!

The summary for Drew Gilpin Faust's book, Necessary Trouble: Growing Up at Midcentury, is as follows from the Amazon website:

A memoir of coming of age in a conservative Southern family in postwar America.

To grow up in the 1950s was to enter a world of polarized national alliances, nuclear threat, and destabilized social hierarchies. Two world wars and the depression that connected them had unleashed a torrent of expectations and dissatisfactions―not only in global affairs but in American society and Americans’ lives.

A privileged white girl in conservative, segregated Virginia was expected to adopt a willful blindness to the inequities of race and the constraints of gender. For Drew Gilpin, the acceptance of both female subordination and racial hierarchy proved intolerable and galvanizing. Urged to become “well adjusted” and to fill the role of a poised young lady that her upbringing imposed, she found resistance was necessary for her survival. During the 1960s, through her love of learning and her active engagement in the civil rights, student, and antiwar movements, Drew forged a path of her own―one that would eventually lead her to become a historian of the very conflicts that were instrumental in shaping the world she grew up in.

Culminating in the upheavals of 1968, Necessary Trouble captures a time of rapid change and fierce reaction in one young woman’s life, tracing the transformations and aftershocks that we continue to grapple with today.

I loved hearing Drew Gilpin Faust speak candidly about her early life and how her early life shaped who she became. 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

The Treasure in the Forest by HG Wells

 

I stumbled upon the audio version of The Treasure in the Forest by H. G. Wells on YouTube. So, I decided to listen to this short story after listening to the previous H. G. Wells short story last week.

I enjoyed listening to The Treasure in the Forest by H. G. Wells. It's a short, fun listen and also well narrated. It's a combination horror/adventure read, imo. Since this is a short story, I will resist giving a summary, so that I don't spoil the plot.

I am giving The Treasure in the Forest by H. G. Wells a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars. 

Until my next post, happy reading!!

New to Me Little Free Library in Walnut Creek, California!!

 

My husband and I are not football fans... So, on Super Bowl Sunday, we didn't watch the Super Bowl Game - Surprise, surprise!!

Instead, we found two different new to us Little Free Libraries in nearby cities north of where we live.

The above Little Free Library is a totally cute one with a floral design painted on its exterior like the previous LFL we found in Pleasant Hill. I left two books at this particular Little Free Library. However, I didn't take any books home with me to read in the future.

Have you visited any new to you Little Free Libraries?

New to Me Little Free Library in Pleasant Hill, California!!

 

My husband and I are not football fans... So, on Super Bowl Sunday, we didn't watch the Super Bowl Game - Surprise, surprise!!

Instead, we found two different new to us Little Free Libraries in nearby cities.

The above Little Free Library is a totally cute one with a floral design painted on its exterior. I left three books at this particular Little Free Library. However, I didn't take any books home with me to read in the future.

Have you visited any new to you Little Free Libraries?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

The Strange Orchid by H. G. Wells

 

I absolutely love orchids! So, when I stumbled upon the audio version of The Strange Orchid by H. G. Wells on YouTube, I happily decided to listen to this short story... After all, how could I resist listening to a short story about an orchid?!

I enjoyed listening to The Strange Orchid by H. G. Wells. It's a short, fun listen and also well narrated. It's a combination horror/science fiction read, imo. Since this is a short story, I will resist giving a summary so I don't spoil the plot.

I am giving The Strange Orchid by H. G. Wells a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars. Until my next post, happy reading!!

Happy Library Lovers Day!

 

I hope you have fun visiting the library today!

Top Ten Tuesday - Love Freebie - Bookish Things I L-O-V-E!

 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Below are the TOP TEN BOOKISH things I love!

1. I love visiting Little Free Libraries! I am actually addicted to visiting Little Free Libraries. I enjoy finding new to me Little Free Libraries as well as revisiting ones I've been to before. Each Little Free Library is so unique looking, which makes finding them so much fun. I enjoy leaving books for others to find and read at Little Free Libraries. 

Plus, I like the surprise of discovering which books are contained within each Little Free Library I visit. I've been able to find and snag wishlist books, discover new authors/books I've never heard of before, and even find popular books to take home and read. I even take the time to find Little Free Libraries while on vacations or day-trips.

2. I've been an avid member of Bookcrossing for 17 years this year. I love connecting with other avid readers/book lovers from around the world. You can register and share books with others through Bookcrossing and each person who receives and reads the book you've shared has the opportunity to make a journal entry rating the book and giving it a review which you can read about once a journal entry has been made. It's fun seeing what other people think about the same book you've already read. You can also participate in the Bookcrossing forum section on various topics, attend Bookcrossing conventions, participate in planned book exchanges, attend Bookcrossing meet-ups, and so much more! 

3. Attending author events/book festivals, whether in person or virtually is something I truly enjoy very much. There's nothing like hearing a favorite author talk about a new book they've written that's recently been published or about one you've already read by them.

4. Visiting my favorite indie bookstore(s) and also discovering new to me indie bookstores is another thing I enjoy doing. Each indie bookstore is so unique. Indie bookstores usually offer exceptional customer service, staff picks/recommendations, books from local authors, author events, and more. Buying locally and supporting small businesses is truly a wonderful thing!

5. I love discussing books with other readers. So, belonging to a book group or having a book buddy is fabulous as you can read the same book at the same time and discuss the book while it is still fresh in your mind. 

6. Blogging about books and anything bookish related is another way to share my passion about reading, authors, books, bookish news, etc. It's just another way to connect with other avid readers/book lovers.

7. The smell of new books! Some new books smell better than others... I'm currently reading a paperback book that smells really good.

8. I love coffee table books.They are so fun to flip through and are fun for guests that visit to look through as well.

9. Reading in one of my favorite spots with plenty of uninterrupted quiet time with or without a snack or beverage to enjoy while reading a captivating book is the ultimate favorite way to spend one's time.

10. I love using magnetic bookmarks while reading physical books as sometimes paper bookmarks can fall out causing one to lose their reading spot within the book they're reading.

Happy Valentine's Day to all! I hope you have an amazing day tomorrow enjoying time with someone you love and/or do something you love!!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!!

 

Shiba Park Hotel - Hotel Library Stay in Japan!

 

I'm always amazed by the literary inspired places one is

able to visit around the world.

Last night, my husband and I watched the above video

we found on YouTube about the Shiba Park Hotel in Japan.

This amazing hotel library looks so unique and is a place

I'd love to visit with my husband should we ever visit Japan.

Have you ever visited a library hotel or other literary inspired

venue? Share your experience in the comment section below.

I'd love to read about it.

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Quick Reads/Books to Read When Time is Short

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

The following short reads are ones I have enjoyed. Maybe you'll find some gems below too!

1. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos (84 pages)

2. The Birds by Daphne du Maurier (75 pages)

3. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson (30 pages)

4. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (64 pages)

5. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin (130 pages)

6. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata (116 pages)

7. Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani (144 pages)

8. Killer Fashion: Poisonous Petticoats, Strangulating Scarves, and Other Deadly Garments Throughout History by Jennifer Wright (56 pages)

9. Crap Taxidermy by Kat Su (96 pages)

10. Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi (134 pages)