Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

 

I've had Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins on my reading wishlist since like 2014 when it was first published. Rebel Belle is the first novel in a young adult fantasy trilogy. Eventually, I ended up adding the unabridged audio version of Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins and the subsequent novels in the trilogy to my 'to be read' pile about two years ago. Rebel Belle is nicely narrated by Amy Rubinate.

I've decided that 2025 has become the year I start and finish the entire Rebel Belle trilogy. I finished listening to Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins on Easter morning and started listening to Miss Mayhem (book two of the Rebel Belle trilogy) by Rachel Hawkins later that same day.

Let's begin by stating that I had high hopes for Rebel Belle based on the publisher's summary and the hype/reviews for this novel by other readers. I will also state here and now that I wasn't as enamored with this novel as I'd hope I would be when all was said and done. If I had not purchased the follow up novels to Rebel Belle, I'd have skipped reading them altogether.

I generally like young adult books. I also find the fantasy genre can be fun and entertaining. The plot is interesting for Rebel Belle and the fantasy aspect was fine overall. The main character for Rebel Belle, Harper Price, is a high school student who has everything going for her... Harper is head cheerleader, class president, homecoming queen, popular with almost the entire student body, involved in many social activities including cotillion, an excellent student, and dating the popular jock. Harper is an overachiever and almost too perfect, in my opinion. Essentially, Harper's life is a cliche.

At the start of Rebel Belle, Harper is attending prom night with her boyfriend, and is about to be crowned homecoming queen. Harper goes to the ladies room to reapply lip gloss just before the crowing happens, when she comes across a scene so unlikely to happen. Harper is turned into a paladin, a sort of knight with special abilities and strength, and she will have to protect an oracle, someone with psychic abilities. This event drastically changes Harper's life in more ways than she can even imagine. Throughout Rebel Belle, Harper learns about her special powers as a paladin, what they mean, how to use them, who the oracle is, and a host of other things.

I was less then impressed with the overall execution of Rebel Belle. I felt it was slow in parts. Certain scenes could have played out differently for more entertaining reading. 

Additionally, I was annoyed by the fact that Harper, and the rest of her high school friends with boyfriends, all assume that they will marry their high school sweethearts and live happily ever after. Really??? This book was published in 2014. I'd have thought the idea of marrying one's first love in high school would not have been a topic or at least one that was not emphasized so much in this novel. Maybe it's just me? I don't know.

Below is the publisher's summary for Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins from Chirp's website:

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper’s destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts. Just when life can’t get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she’s charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper’s least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him - and discovers that David’s own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

I am giving Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins a rating of 2.5 stars out of 5 stars. 

Until my next post, happy reading!!

NYC's Morgan Library and Museum Celebrates 100 Years and Historic Librarian, Belle da Costa Greene!!

 

The Morgan Library and Museum celebrates one hundred years. A current exhibit at the Morgan Library and Museum celebrates the life and career of Belle da Costa Greene. Belle da Costa Greene was the inaugural director of the Morgan Library and Museum, She is "widely recognized as an authority on illuminated manuscripts and deeply respected as a cultural heritage executive, Greene was one of the most prominent librarians in American history."

Watch the above video to learn more about the life of Belle da Costa Greene.

Alta Journal's California Book Club Featuring Author, Ishmael Reed and His Novel, Mumbo Jumbo

 

I've become a huge fan of Alta Journal's California Book Club over the years. They offer a superb selection of amazing author guests lined-up throughout the year. One author each month is featured in the California Book Club and the author is joined by host John Freeman along with a guest moderator/interviewer.

On Thursday, April 17th, from 5-6pm PDT, author, Ishmael Reed discussed his novel, Mumbo Jumbo and answered questions from guests attending virtually.

This was a fun virtual event to attend. I've been meaning to read Mumbo Jumbo for a few years now and I'll have to grab it and read it for sure now.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Throwback Thursday - Revisiting Posts I Published Here on My Blog in 2014!!

 

Below are ten random posts I shared here on my blog in 2014! I thought it would be interesting to share some of the blog posts I posted back in 2014 that caught my attention and would be interesting to revisit today.

1. Dr. Gay Hendricks & Tinker Lindsay Book Signing & Discussion

I truly enjoyed attending this live, in-person author event at The Sacred Space in Summerland, California! The joys of attending in-person author events is always an amazing experience and this event was magical!

2. Hercule Poirot's Real-Life Model May Have Been Discovered!

Agatha Christie's character, Hercule Poirot, has always been one of my favorite fictional characters! So, I enjoyed discovering that there may have been a real life model for the character of Hercule Poirot.

3. Maya Angelou Passed Away at Age 86

Maya Angelou is one of my favorite poets!! I had the honor of hearing her speak live twice in the past. What a treat to hear Maya Angelou sing, dance, recite her own poems, and share stories from her life. It's difficult to believe it has been nearly 11 years since her passing.

4. All Aboard!! A Reading List For Train Travel

Train lovers may enjoy this reading list!!

5. Do YOU Love San Francisco?? Read These 16 Books!!

If you've left your heart in San Francisco, then check out the above 16 books.

6. A College Library Without Books?

How can you even call it a library without books? It seems strange to call a place a 'library' without physical books.

7. Literary Halloween Costumes For Duos

These literary Halloween costumes for duos is a fun idea!!

8. Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

It was a delight to discover that the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site is located in the town of Danville, which is just north of where I reside. Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site is where Eugene O'Neill wrote some of his most famous plays.

9. The Marilyn Monroe Reading Challenge?

Up until October 2014, I never knew that Marilyn Monroe even had a 430 books in her personal library!! There's even a reading challenge out there for people who want to read all 430 books Marilyn Monroe had in her personal library.

10. Top Ten Fictitious Biographies

Fictitious biographies is just a fun topic! It was fun exploring this topic again.

Murder at the Estate Sale by Lily Charles

 

I enjoy reading or listening to cozy mystery novels quite a bit. I have found myself in the mood for reading them this year in between listening to some of the nonfiction books I've already listened to earlier this year.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Murder at the Estate Sale by Lily Charles, which is well narrated by Janet Metzger. Lily Charles is a new to me author and Murder at the Estate Sale is the first novel in the 'Molly & Emma Booksellers' series. Lily Charles also happens to be the pen name of writing duo Charlene Ball and Libby Ware.

I really enjoyed listening to Murder at the Estate Sale. As I already stated, this cozy mystery is well narrated by Janet Metzger. I loved the writing, the plot, and the two main characters, Molly and Emma. The entire premise of this novel revolving around two main, female characters, who are booksellers whom stumble across a murder at an estate sell in the first chapter was definitely a lure for me. Who can resist a book about books? 

Molly and Emma make a great team. They are opposites, yet have a lot in common, Emma is more shy/reserved and very organized, while Molly is less reserved and more of a fly by the seat of ones pants kinda of woman. Both women are very smart and knowledgeable about books and the topic/subject of the occult.

Occultism/occult books plays a large part of the plot/storyline for Murder at the Estate Sale. In fact, the start of each chapter begins with a specific book title being mentioned. Each of the books mentioned falls into the occult genre and is simply highlighted at the start of each chapter.

As I mentioned earlier, the writing is excellent for Murder at the Estate Sale. I enjoyed the storyline very much and how the plot unfolded. Whodunnit was a surprise for me as there was a twist at the end of the novel. I don't like guessing whodunnit too early on in a novel. But being surprised by a plot twist is even better! I liked this novel.

Below is the publisher's summary for Murder at the Estate Sale by Lily Charles, which I discovered on the author's website:

When Molly O’Donnell, long-time antiquarian bookseller, and Emma Clarke, new to bookselling, meet at an estate sale, they are both there for the books. But Emma hears a cry, ignores a “Do Not Enter” sign, and discovers the dead body of notorious book thief Buck Hubbell in the basement. She calls Molly, who joins her and finds a slip of paper with a warning written in Elizabethan script that hints at black magic.

Adventurous Molly and cautious Emma seek to discover who murdered Buck and to unlock the meaning of the mysterious note. Their search leads them to a hidden library full of occult books. Suspects abound among booksellers and practitioners of the black arts. Attracted to each other yet wary of involvement, Molly and Emma create an alliance to get to the bottom of the warning note, find a missing book of spells—and solve a murder.

I am giving Murder at the Estate Sale by Lily Charles a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Three New to Me Little Free Libraries in Pleasanton, California!!

Last weekend, my hubby and I found three new to us Little Free Libraries in Pleasanton, California!! All three of them were very cute and filled to the gills with books for readers to discover and enjoy.

The only downside for me was that two of the Little Free Libraries were filled entirely with children's books and the third Little Free Library was filled with mostly children's books and a few adult books mixed in for the adults. I am thrilled to see that there are LFLs devoted entirely to children's books and promoting literacy to youngsters. However, since I do not have children, so I wasn't able to exchange any books at the first two LFLs.

Additionally, I am very blessed to have my husband join me on my Little Free Library expeditions. My husband always enjoys the journey of finding LFLs even though he himself is not an avid read and book nerd like myself.

P. S. Excuse my messy hairdo... I'd been wearing a hat to shade my face, but had decided to take the hat off so one could see my face better.

The Case of the Velvet Claws by Erle Stanley Gardner

 

The Case of the Velvet Claws by Erle Stanley Gardner is the first novel in the Perry Mason series. There are 57 novels in the Perry mason series, which is an impressive number of novels for a series!

I recently wanted to read a book by Erle Stanley Gardner, so I decided to listen to the unabridged audio version of The Case of the Velvet Claws, which is excellently narrated by Alexander Cendese.

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at how much I truly enjoyed listening to The Case of the Velvet Claws. It contains wonderful characters, a tight storyline, excellent writing, and a few plot twists too. The Case of the Velvet Claws is definitely a hard-boiled novel... so, if this is appealing to you, then check out The Case of the Velvet Claws! I will definitely be listening to more novels in the Perry Mason series.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Case of the Velvet Claws by Erle Stanley Gardner:

Thanks to a bungled robbery at a fancy hotel, the already-married Eva Griffin has been caught in the company of a prominent congressman. To protect the politico, Eva's ready to pay the editor of a sleazy tabloid his hush money. But Perry Mason has other plans. He tracks down the phantom fat cat who secretly runs the blackmailing tabloid -- only to discover a shocking scoop.

By the time Mason's comely client finally comes clean, her husband has taken a bullet in the heart. Now Perry Mason has two choices: represent the cunning widow in her wrangle for the dead man's money -- or take the rap for murder.

I am giving The Case of the Velvet Claws by Erle Stanley Gardner a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Stealing the Show: A History of Art and Crime in Six Thefts by John Barelli

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Stealing the Show: A History of Art and Crime in Six Thefts by John Barelli, which is well narrated by Mack Sanderson.

Listening time for Stealing the Show: A History of Art and Crime in Six Thefts by John Barelli is 5 hours, 41 minutes.

Stealing the Show: A History of Art and Crime in Six Thefts by John Barelli is an excellent read! If you're a lover of nonfiction, the history of art and art crime, then this book is for you. I found Stealing the Show: A History of Art and Crime in Six Thefts to be very interesting. John Barelli is the former chief security officer at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for almost 40 years and he writes his book with the candor and expertise.

Below is the publisher's summary for Stealing the Show: A History of Art and Crime in Six Thefts by John Barelli from Chirp's website:

When he retired as the chief security officer of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, John Barelli had spent the better part of forty years responsible not only for one of the richest treasure troves on the planet, but the museum’s staff, the millions of visitors, as well as American presidents, royalty, and heads of state from around the world.

For the first time, John Barelli shares his experiences of the crimes that occurred on his watch, the investigations that captured thieves and recovered artwork, the lessons he learned and shared with law enforcement professionals in the United States and abroad, the accidents and near misses, and a few mysteries that were sadly never solved. He takes listeners behind the scenes, introduces curators and administrators, walks the empty corridors after hours, and shares what it’s like to get the call that an ancient masterpiece has gone missing.

The Metropolitan Museum covers twelve acres in the heart of Manhattan and is filled with five thousand years of work by history’s great artists known and unknown: Goya, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Warhol, Pollack, Egyptian mummies, Babylonian treasures, Colonial crafts, and Greek vases. Over the years, John helped make the museum the state-of-the-art facility it is today and created a legacy in art security for decades to come.

Focusing on six thefts but filled with countless stories that span the late 1970s through the twenty-first century, John opens the files on thefts, showing how museum personnel along with local and sometimes federal agents opened investigations and more often than not caught the thief. But of ultimate importance was the recovery of the artwork, including Celtic and Egyptian gold, French tapestries, Greek sculpture, and more. At the heart of this book there will always be art—those who love it and those who take it, two groups of people that are far from mutually exclusive.

I am giving Stealing the Show: A History of Art and Crime in Six Thefts by John Barelli a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

New to me Little Free Library in Sonoma, California

 

My husband and I visited Sonoma, California on Monday, April 7, 2025 for a few hours.

During our visit, we found a very cute Little Free Library outside of the Sonoma Community Center.

Sonoma, California is such a cute, quaint town in the Napa wine region. I recommend visiting Sonoma as it is a relaxing place.

Throwback Thursday - Revisiting Posts I Published Here on My Blog in 2013!!

 

I've been blogging over 10 years now. It's been fun rediscovering some of my early posts from 2013. Click on the links below to read my full posts of places I've visited, articles I've read, or author event I attended.

1. The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple in Santa Barbara

2. The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Santa Barbara, California

3. Book Collecting Tips!

4. Life Lessons from Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina'

5. 7 Ailments Named After Literary Characters

6. How to Spot Fake Rare Books!!

7. Stevenson House in Monterey, California

8. Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, California

9. The 1st Bookless Public Library in the USA!

10. The Search for Meaning in a Medical Life with Abraham Verghese, M.D.

Happy National Library Outreach Day!!!

 

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron. I've had this book in my possession in one format or another since it was first published in 2008.

I am thrilled I finally listened to Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron as it's really good. I love nonfiction books about animals, libraries, and small mid-western towns, especially small towns in Iowa! So, Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World fits the bill in spades for all three categories.

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World not only tells the story of Dewey's humble beginnings and his life after arriving at the Spencer Public Library, but the book also talks about the history of Spencer, Iowa as well. Plus, we learn about some of the patrons of the Spencer Public Library, some of the employees of the Spencer Public Library, and about Vicki Myron's life as well. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World is well written and organized. I loved this book!!

Below is the publisher's summary for Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron from Chirp's website:

Experience the uplifting, “unforgettable” New York Times bestseller about an abandoned kitten named Dewey, whose life in a library won over a farming town and the world – with over 2 million copies sold! (Booklist)

Dewey’s story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old–a critical age for kittens–he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most.

As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.

I am giving Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Drawn to Freedom!!!

 

Happy National Library Week - April 6 - 12, 2025!

 

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

I found the above definition of National Library Week.

New to Me Little Free Library in Fremont, California!!

 

On Friday, April 4, 2025, my hubby and I visited the Mission in Fremont, California. We loved visiting the Mission in Fremont, which is ironically called San Jose. They'd remodeled the Mission since our last visit there in 2015.

After visiting the Mission, we discovered this cute Little Free Library, which is located outside the Museum of Local History and is near the Mission. We didn't go inside the Museum of Local History. Maybe next time.

The Little Free Library also happened to be located across the street from the Joyful Dim Sum restaurant where we had lunch! It was our first time eating at Joyful Dim Sum and the dim sum was delicious.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Secret Agent Granny Cozy Mystery Series - Books 1-3 Mini Review

I enjoy reading cozy mystery novels every now and again. 

Recently, I'd finished reading a few nonfiction books and decided I needed a change of pace. Cozy, mystery novels make for fun, light reading. So, I listened to the first three cozy mystery novels in the 'Secret Agent Granny' cozy mystery series by Harper Lin. Harper Lin is not a new to me author. I've enjoyed a couple of her previous books and reviewed them here on my blog. 

I'm glad I decided to give the first three novels in the 'Secret Agent Granny' a try as they were a delight to read. I listened to the unabridged audio versions of Granny's Got a Gun, Granny Undercover, and Granny Strikes Back. All three novels are short, quick fun reads. I enjoyed the writing, the humor, the characters, and the storyline. I especially loved the main character, Barbara Gold, who is a 70 year old retired CIA agent and is feisty as heck. Barbara is a widow and she lives in a small town to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Barbara is trying to stave off boredom and in the process stumbles upon crimes that need to be solved.

If you're into fun, light, cozy mystery reads, then the 'Secret Agent Granny' cozy mystery series may be for you. As of this writing, there are 11 books in the series. I haven't decided quite yet if I will continue with the series or not as I have so many books in my 'tbr' pile as it is right now.

I am giving all three novels a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Throwback Thursday - Historical Fiction Novels I Enjoyed Reading!!

I am a lover of historical fiction novels!! I'm hoping you are too!! If so, please feel free to peruse the list of 31 novels I've read and reviewed here on my blog over the years. I've really liked or loved each of the following books listed below novels. Each of the below books have been books I've rated with either a 4 star review or higher. 

1. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

2. I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith

3. Murder As Fine Art by David Morrell

4. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

5. The Taster by V. S. Alexander

6. Romanov by Nadine Brandes

7. The Color of Air by Gail Tsukiyama

8. Euphoria by Lily King

9. Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

10. The Ruby In The Smoke by Philip Pullman

11. The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull

12. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore

13. The True Story of Hansel and Gretel: A Novel of War and Survival by Louise Murphy

14. The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

15. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

16. Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

17. Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

18. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

19. The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian

20. Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

21. Letters From Skye by Jessica Brockmole

22. Aphrodite's Island by Hilary Green

23. Tipping The Velvet by Sarah Waters

24. Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

25. The Whisky Sea by Ann Howard Creel

26. The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama

27. News of the World by Paulette Jiles

28. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

29. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

30. The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers

31. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Have you read any of the historical fiction novels I've listed above? If so, please let me know what you thought of the novel(s) in the comment section below. Also, please, share some historical fiction favorites you've enjoyed reading over the years as well. I'm always on the lookout for my next great read!

Earthbound by Richard Matheson

 

I have read and reviewed four previous works written by Richard Matheson here on my book blog. I've enjoyed the four previous books I've read by Richard Matheson. I eagerly looked forward to reading more books written by Richard Matheson.

I decided on listening to the unabridged audio version of Earthbound by Richard Matheson and narrated by Bronson Pinchot as it had been on sale through Chirp Audiobooks website. Earthbound's plot/storyline sounded intriguing enough to warrant my interest, BUT I found Earthbound to be the BIGGEST FLOP ever!! 

In hindsight, I wished I had DNF'd Earthbound after the first couple of chapters. However, I kept reading Earthbound because I'd enjoyed reading Richard Matheson's other books and figured that Earthbound had to get better. Earthbound did pick up and grow somewhat better the second half of the novel, but not enough to warrant a higher rating.

Earthbound is billed as an erotic, ghost story. The plot centers around a married couple taking a second honeymoon in an attempt to rejuvenate their failing marriage. Things fail fast from the very beginning in every way possible. The writing is so painfully, slow and boring. The storyline is repetitious in parts. I found the couple's interactions unrealistic... neither one of them speaks their mind or communicates very well with each other and the husband, David, is quick to anger over stupid stuff. The last half of Earthbound does pick up and grows a tad more interesting when the ghost begins to inhabit Ellen's (David's wife) body, but overall Earthbound is a major dud. Spare yourself!! Skip reading Earthbound.

Below is the publisher's summary for Earthbound, which I discovered on Amazon's website:

A ghost story from the celebrated author of Hell House and I Am Legend, featuring a succubus homewrecker preying upon a troubled marriage.

In 1982, before Matheson had fully achieved the cult-and-grandmaster status that he has today, Playboy Press published a version of his erotic ghost story that was so severely edited that Matheson took his name off the book and instead published it under the name Logan Swanson.

In this restored version of the original manuscript, David and Ellen Cooper’s twenty-one-year-old marriage is nearing the rocks, so they decide to leave Los Angeles for a honeymoon and go to Long Island. Soon after they arrive at their beach cottage, a strange woman, Marianna, appears to David, and he is immediately entranced.

Matheson adeptly explores David’s growing fear and guilt, which becomes intensified after he and Marianna make love in a secret room in the house. Although Marianna is portrayed as an “earthbound spirit” (a ghost who rejects the afterlife, appears real to all senses, believes she is alive, and through psychic attack, sucks life from the living) she’s really more or less a succubus, gussied up in Casper the friendly ghost clothing. With each graphically detailed sexual rendezvous, Marianna pushes David to deeper levels of obsession, loss of will and irrationality. The story reaches an even higher pitch as the evil ghost begins to threaten Ellen, injecting some excellent suspense into unabashed pathos and outright titillation.

I am giving Earthbound by Richard Matheson a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Top Ten Tuesday - Books You’d be a Fool Not to Read

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.

This was a tough list to comprise for me!! Do I pick audiobooks? Do I select nonfiction or nonfiction books? Do I chose from a specific genre? So many choices to choose from when considering which books to add to this week's Top Ten Tuesday post.

I chose to go with fiction novels and no specific genre chosen for the following list of books. I absolutely loved the following novels and wouldn't hesitate recommending them to others. All of these novels are well written and most of them provide thought provoking characters and content. 

Click on the links to read my review of each novel.

1. All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker
2. The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel
3. The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel
4. The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier
5. The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers

6. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

7. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
8. The Vegetarian by Han Kang

9. Asking For It by Louise O'Neill

10. An Untamed State by Roxane Gay

I'm curious, have you read any of the novels I've listed in this week's Top Ten Tuesday post?

Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir by Linda Ronstadt

 

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, I remember hearing quite a few of Linda Ronstadt's hits over the the years and enjoying them. Although I never saw Linda Ronstadt in concert, I always admired her voice and singing talent. I also thought it was amazing how she successfully crossed genres from folk, pop/rock, country, Latin music, and the American Storybook standards with such ease.

When I discovered Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir by Linda Ronstadt, I added it to my reading wishlist. And, to my delight, I finally listened to the unabridged audio version of Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir this month.

I enjoyed Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir by Linda Ronstadt as it covers Ronstadt's childhood and early family life, how she ventured into the music industry, and the struggles to become a successful, music artist, and finally all of her successes as a singer.

Simple Dreams is truly 'A Musical Memoir' as there isn't much discussion about Ronstadt's romantic relationships and even less discussion about her children. In fact, Ronstadt only mentions her relationship with Jerry Brown in passing a few times and there isn't much written about their relationship to truly glean anything interesting about it. There's no discussion about any of her other romantic involvements either. In other words, Ronstadt has kept parts of her life very private/hidden.

You will, however, read quite a bit of information about Ronstadt's business relationships and friendships with those in the music industry. She does share some interesting tidbits about Jim Morrison, Rosemary Clooney, and plenty of others in Simple Dreams. So, Ronstadt does stick to her single focus of making her memoir solely about her musical career.

In 1967, 'Different Drum' was Linda Ronstadt's first major commercial success with her band, The Stone Poneys. Linda Ronstadt was just 21 years old at the time 'Different Drum' was released.

Below is the publisher's summary for Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir by Linda Ronstadt I discovered on the Goodreads website:

In this memoir, iconic singer Linda Ronstadt weaves together a captivating story of her origins in Tucson, Arizona, and her rise to stardom in the Southern California music scene of the 1960s and ’70s.

Born into a musical family, Linda’s childhood was filled with everything from Hank Williams to Gilbert and Sullivan, Mexican folk music to jazz and opera. Her artistic curiosity blossomed early, and she and her siblings began performing their own music for anyone who would listen. Now, twelve Grammy Awards later, Ronstadt tells the story of her wide-ranging and utterly unique musical journey.

Ronstadt arrived in Los Angeles just as the folk-rock movement was beginning to bloom, setting the stage for the development of country-rock. After the dissolution of her first band, the Stone Poneys, Linda went out on her own and quickly found success. As part of the coterie of like-minded artists who played at the Troubadour club in West Hollywood, she helped define the musical style that dominated American music in the 1970s. One of her early back-up bands went on to become the Eagles, and Linda would become the most successful female artist of the decade. She has sold more than 100 million records, won numerous awards, and toured all over the world. Linda has collaborated with legends such as Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Aaron Neville, J.D. Souther, Randy Newman, Neil Young, Bette Midler, and Frank Sinatra, as well as Homer Simpson and Kermit the Frog. By the time she retired in 2009, Ronstadt had spent four decades as one of the most popular singers in the world, becoming the first female artist in popular music to release four consecutive platinum albums.

In Simple Dreams, Ronstadt reveals the eclectic and fascinating journey that led to her long-lasting success. And she describes it all in a voice as beautiful as the one that sang “Heart Like a Wheel”—longing, graceful, and authentic.

I am giving Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir by Linda Ronstadt a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

 
Earlier this week, I listened to the unabridged audio version of 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, which is nicely narrated by several narrators. 

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff is a book that's been on my reading wishlist for a while now. I am so happy I finally read this book as it's really lovely. 

84, Charing Cross Road is written in an epistolary style, which only added to its charm. It's also a work of nonfiction. The letters are written between the author of 84, Charing Cross Road and a group of booksellers in England from 1949 through 1969. Helene Hanff and the group of booksellers in England form a friendship over the years, despite the fact they've never meant in person. I loved reading about their interactions and growing friendship. Plus, who can resist reading about books along the way?

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff is also a super quick read!! Listening time is 1 hour, 56 minutes for this work of nonfiction. I was able to start and finish it in an afternoon.

This was my 13th read of 2025. I recommend it for all book lovers.

Below is the publisher's summary for 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff I found on Chirp's website:

A heartwarming love story about people who love books for readers who love books

This funny, poignant, classic love story unfolds through a series of letters between Helene Hanff, a freelance writer living in New York City, and a used-book dealer in London at 84, Charing Cross Road. Through the years, though never meeting and separated both geographically and culturally, they share a charming, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books. Discover the relationship that has touched the hearts of thousands of readers around the world, and was the basis for a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft.

“Those who have read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a novel comprised of only letters between the characters, will see how much that best-seller owes 84, Charing Cross Road.”—Medium.com

I am giving 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey

 

I've had The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey for ages in my 'to be read' pile!! I actually listened to the abridged audio version of this novel, which was very well narrated by Jan Maxwell.

Listening time for The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey is 2 hours, 42 minutes. So, a very quick read indeed!

The Mermaids Singing is the author's debut novel. For a debut novel, I truly enjoyed this novel. I only wish that The Mermaids Singing was unabridged vs being the abridged audio version.

The novel is set in both Boston, Massachusetts and Ireland. The focus is on three generations of Irish-American women and their complicated relationship. I loved the writing, the storytelling, and the characters. I will definitely seek out another one of Lisa Carey's novels to read in the future.

The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey is my 14th read of 2025!!

The following is the publisher's summary for The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey I discovered on Chirp's website:

There is an island off the west coast of Ireland called Inis Muruch the Island of the Mermaids a world where myth is more powerful than truth, where the sea sings with the healing and haunting voices of women, and where death is never as strong as the redemptive power of family and love. It is here that Lisa Carey sets her lyrical and sensual first novel, weaving together the voices and lives of three generations of Irish-American women.

Years ago, Cliona strong, proud, and practical sailed for Boston, determined to one day come home. But when the time came to return to Inis Muruch, her daughter Grace fierce, beautiful, and brazenly sexual resented her mother’s isolated, unfamiliar world. Though entranced by the sea and its healing powers, Grace became desperate to escape the confines of the island, one day stealing away with her small daughter, Grainne.

Now Grainne, motherless at fifteen after Grace’s death from breast cancer is about to be taken back across the ocean by Cliona, repeating the journey her mother was forced to make years before. She goes to meet a father she has never known, her heart pulled between a life where she no longer belongs to a family she cannot remember. On the rocky shores of Inis Muruch, she waits for her father, and begins to discover her own sexual identity even as she struggles to understand the forces that have torn her family apart.

In her first novel, Lisa Carey has crafted voices so real and passionate that they resonate within the listener long after the last words are heard.

I am giving The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Blood & Ivy by Paul Collins

 

I enjoy reading nonfiction books quite a bit. So, when I read the publisher's summary for Blood & Ivy by Paul Collins, I couldn't resist checking it out. I ended up listening to the unabridged audio version of Blood & Ivy by Paul Collins, which is narrated by Kevin Kenerly.

Although, Blood & Ivy by Paul Collins is very detailed in relaying the "delectable true-crime story of scandal and murder at America’s most celebrated university", I found it to be a bit dry in parts. So, dry in fact, that I found myself tuning out in parts and only half listening to the narrator at times. Also, Kevin Kenerly is a good narrator, but he could have slowed his pace down a tad for a smoother listen, which would allow the listener to absorbed more of the information easily.

Below is the publisher's summary for Blood & Ivy by Paul Collins discovered on Chirp's website:

A delectable true-crime story of scandal and murder at America’s most celebrated university.

On November 23, 1849, in the heart of Boston, one of the city’s richest men vanished. Dr. George Parkman, a Brahmin who owned much of Boston’s West End, was last seen that afternoon visiting his alma mater, Harvard Medical School. Police scoured city tenements and the harbor―some leads put Parkman at sea or in Manhattan―but a Harvard janitor held a much darker suspicion: that their ruthless benefactor had never even left the Medical School building. His shocking discovery engulfed America in one of its most infamous trials, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. John White Webster, Harvard’s professor of chemistry. A baffling case of red herrings, grave robbing, and dismemberment, it became a landmark in the use of medical forensics. Rich in characters and atmosphere, Blood & Ivy explores the fatal entanglement of new science and old money in one of America’s greatest murder mysteries.

I am giving Blood & Ivy by Paul Collins a rating 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Four New to Us Little Free Libraries in Concord, California!!

Yesterday afternoon, my husband and I decided to take a drive out to Concord, California just to find a few new to us Little Free Libraries. 

Concord, California is approximately 30-35 minutes from our home via automobile.

We found four Little Free Libraries in Concord, California. All four of them were very close to one another, which was awesome!! 

Three of the four LFLs were on the official LFL app. However, the fourth LFL was discovered randomly as we were driving by on our way to the first LFL.

As a side note, we did see a fifth LFL in the same area. We weren't able to visit this particular LFL because it was located behind a chain link fence and was part of a community vegetable garden. This LFL is not on the official LFL app either. And, well, I can see why if not everyone has access to it.

Have you found any Little Free Libraries recently?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

US Blocks Canadian Library Access Cross-Border to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House and Outrage Erupts!

 

This is such sad regarding the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, which sits on the Canadian and US Vermont Border.  

According to the above video, "outrage erupts as the US blocks Canadian libraries from cross-border access! US officials cite drug trafficking concerns, but a Quebec town claims the move weakens vital international collaboration. Learn more about this escalating US-Canada conflict and its implications."

A Blog Milestone Has Been Reached!!

 

Earlier this month, I noticed that my little book blog has surpassed one million page views mark!! This was exciting for me to witness. I never thought I'd be blogging this long... Nor, did I ever think about reaching one million page views from readers like you.

I simply wanted to have fun sharing book reviews, bookish quotes, author, library, and other bookish related news, my journey of discovery throughout the years, whether attending book festivals, author signing events, new to me indie bookstore, Little Free Libraries, etc. with other avid readers and book lovers.

Thank you for taking the time to peruse my book blog over the years! I appreciate all of my followers and everyone who has left me comments.

Do You Like Listening to Authors Narrate Their Own Books?

As many of my longtime blog followers already know, I love listening to audiobooks! 

I love listening to audiobooks for a variety of reasons. Audiobooks are great to listen to while commuting medium distances or during longer trips too. I enjoy listening to audiobooks while doing other activities like while I'm taking walks alone, eating meals alone, or doing other simple activities that do not require a lot of attention. Also, as I've grown older small print is more difficult to read due to aging eyes even with progressive lenses in my prescription eyeglasses... Additionally, I have an ongoing issue in my left eye that causes some issues occasionally in terms being able to read clearly. 

So, audiobooks have become my 'go to' way of reading these days the majority of the time. It just makes life easier and I've also come to enjoy the audiobook format immensely. In fact, everything I've read this year (so far!!) has been in audiobook format. I've listened to 12 books this year already.

Narrators are one of the key factors that make for a great experience when it comes to listening to audiobooks. There are some great narrators out there whom I love listening to when it comes to audiobooks. But today, I'm not going to focus on the topic of professional audiobook narrators. Instead, I am going to focus on authors whom have chosen to narrate their own books. 

Personally, I've discovered that not all authors make good narrators! However, I have had some great experiences with listening to authors narrator their own books. 

Below is a shortlist of audiobooks I've listened to over the years that have been well narrated by the author themselves. I am sure there are many other audiobooks narrated by the authors themselves I've enjoyed, but decided to stick with a shorter list of books vs a longer list of books!

The Seas by Samantha Hunt

Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson

The Story of English in 100 Words by David Crystal

Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds by Linda Geddes

Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright

The Professor & the Madman by Simon Winchester

Share with me in the comment section which audiobooks narrated by the author have you enjoyed listening too!!

Show Up For Our Libraries - Help Protect the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Yesterday, I published a post sharing the American Library Association's statement regarding Donald Trump's executive order signed on March 14th. This is a serious assault on the Institute of Museum and Library Services "by eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Trump administration’s executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer"! (The quote comes from the ALA)

If you'd like to help libraries across the nation, PLEASE consider making your voice heard on this very important issue!! You can make your voice heard by clicking on the following link and support the Show Up For Our Libraries campaign.

Once you've clicked on the above link, you will be taken to a website where you can send an already drafted message to congress requesting that Donald Trump's March 14th Executive Order be overturned.

Let's work together to prevent Donald Trump from completely gutting our nation's libraries!