Bookish Quote of the Day!!

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka

I had the paperback edition of A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka in my 'to be read' pile for roughly 7.5 years before I finally read this novel last month. I don't remember how I first came across this novel, but the title certainly captured my attention. The storyline sounded interesting, so I decided to read A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka.

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian is the first novel written by British author, Marina Lewycka. I learned from Wikipedia that A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian has won or been nominated for the following awards:

The novel won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize at the Hay literary festival, the Waverton Good Read Award 2005/6, and was short-listed for the 2005 Orange Prize for Fiction, losing to Lionel Shriver's We Need to Talk About Kevin. Over a million copies have been sold in the UK.

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian started off really well! I felt captivated by the story, the writing, the humor, and the characters. Things seemed to grow a bit stagnant for me about a third of the way into this novel as the storyline didn't seem to be progressing and felt stuck in a rut before picking up again at about the halfway mark. 

There were many different aspects in this novel that made for interesting reading. Take two estranged sisters, Vera and Nadezhda, that reconnect in an effort to protect/save their elderly, widowed father from a young, sexy, gold digging woman after their father's money and also for her chance to become a British citizen through marriage for both herself and her son. 

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka also touches upon life in Ukraine during the cold war for not only Vera and Nadezhda's parents, but also for Vera as well. Nadezhda is not born until after the family leaves Ukraine. The immigration experience is touched upon as well in this novel.

Dysfunctional family life, family idiosyncrasies, and family secrets also seem to be themes within A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian as well.

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka is definitely a multilayered novel. There's so much more going on within its pages than I've shared within my review. I almost wish that I had a book group to discuss this book with other readers.

Below is the plot summary for A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka from Goodreads:

"In this comic first novel, two estranged sisters living in England discover that their addled elderly father, a Ukrainian war refugee and expert on tractors, is planning to marry a young, enormous-breasted woman who sees his modest pension as her ticket to capitalist comfort. The sisters put aside their differences, and embark on a spirited campaign to save him from boil-in-the-bag dinners, slovenly housekeeping, and such extravagant purchases as a broken-down Rolls-Royce. In the midst of these machinations—which include long-winded letters to solicitors, venomous gossip, and all-out spying—Lewycka stealthily reveals how the depredations of the past century dictate what a family can bear."

I am giving A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Sunshine Blogger Award

I was nominated for The Sunshine Blogger Award by Judy at Keep The Wisdom earlier this month.

The Sunshine Blogger Award is an award given to those who are creative, positive and inspiring while spreading sunshine to the blogging community.

Thank you, Judy, for the nomination. Your book blog is

most definitely a ray of sunshine. I love reading your insightful book reviews and often find myself

adding new book titles to my ever growing reading wishlist.

1. How did you get started blogging? 

I'd wanted to start a blog for a while, but didn't want it to be a random hodge podge of topics... So after much thought, I decided to create a blog devoted to my love for reading books. 

I wanted my blog to be more than just book reviews, so have focused my posts on basically anything book related from bookish related quotes, book memes, author spotlights, library and book news, literary awards as well as the author events I attend, indie bookstores I visit, Little Free Libraries I discover and so much more.

2. What do you enjoy most about being a book blogger?

I enjoy connecting with other readers/bloggers the most. Additionally, I enjoy the creative outlet of writing reviews, sharing other bookish activities (like author signings, book festivals, Little Free Libraries, and independent bookstores I visit, etc.) with readers.

3. How long have you kept your blog going?

I started blogging on January 1, 2012. So the end of this year marks 8 years of blogging for me.

4. Would you say you have a philosophy behind your blog? If yes, please say what it is.

Can't say as I have a philosophy behind my book blog. 

5. What genres do you enjoy reading the most?

That's a tough question to answer as I like so many different genres.

Historical Fiction, Nonfiction, and Mysteries/Thrillers. 

6. Who are your top 3 favorite authors?

Gasp, I can only pick three favorite authors??? Geraldine Brooks, John Steinbeck, and Diana Gabaldon... Robin LaFevers gets honorable mention.

7. Do you also attend reading groups? If yes, how many?

I do not attend any reading groups.

8. If you could invite a few authors over for dinner who would they be-even if you had to resurrect some from the dead?

Margaret Atwood, Diana Gabaldon, Joan Didion (despite the fact I have yet to read any of her books!!), Maya Angelou, Geraldine Brooks, and Roxane Gay. 

9. How do you find the books you want to read?

I select books in various ways... Books written by authors who's writing I've enjoyed reading in the past. Books from favorite genres that have intriguing plots/storylines. Themed book reads... Like reading banned books during Banned Books Week, etc. Books featured in Buzzfeed articles or other online websites that sound like wonderful books to read. And, of course, books I discover through reading reviews written by book bloggers and also from Bookcrossers.

10. Do you think authors today are as good as those from earlier years? Better? Worse? Why?

Interesting question!! One that I've never really thought about before until now. 

I actually think authors are the same across each generation. You'll have great authors and bad authors... and some authors that fall somewhere in between. The truly great writers are those that can withstand the test of time. Each generation produces authors that fall into the greatness category. Popular/bestselling writers in each generation may not withstand the test of time though. 

I often wonder if popular writers of today like David Baldacci, John Grisham, James Patterson, Dan Brown, Danielle Steele and so on will even be a household name in 100 years. Probably not is my guess.

11. Name a few of the best books you have read this year.

I've read over 115 books so far this year and counting! Here are a few that I've given a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Click on the links below to read my review for each book.

1. Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
2. Suggestible You: A Remarkable Journey Into the Brain's Ability to Deceive, Transform, and Heal by Erik Vance

3. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
4. The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

5. I Hear You by Michael S. Sorensen

6. Whoever Fights Monsters: My Twenty Years Tracking Serial Killers for the FBI by Robert K. Ressler and Tom Shachtman

7. Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb by Jonathan Fetter-Vorm
8. Get Well Soon: History's Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them by Jennifer Wright

Little Free Library Finds in Livermore, California!!

517 Covington Way, Livermore CA 94551

305 Virginia Drive, Livermore CA 94550

In September, my hubby and I found two new to us Little Free Libraries in Livermore, California. I especially liked the red one that looks like one of those phone booths in England. 

Little Free Library in Pleasanton, California!

1776 Martin Avenue Pleasanton CA 94588

In September, my husband and I found this cute Little Free Library in Pleasanton, California! It was filled with many excellent books to chose from... I've returned back to this Little Free Library a second time since my first visit and came away with a wishlist book, The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim.

Little Free Library Finds in Alamo, California!!

Aw, the joys of finding new to me Little Free Libraries are still a thrill for me! 

I really love finding Little Free Libraries in cities both close to home as well as far away from home. I usually seek out Little Free Libraries near the places I visit or are along the journey to the finally destination.

It's a lot of fun to exchange books at Little Free Libraries. You never know which books you'll find inside of each one and that's half the fun of it. I've found many books on my reading wishlist and many of the books I've discovered are also in pristine condition.

I recently discovered in the past couple of months that two new Little Free Libraries had been erected in Alamo, California through the Little Free Library website. So, my husband and I ventured to Alamo, California where we were delighted to find two very cute Little Free Libraries.

Below are two photos of me at each Little Free Library.

155 Patricia Lane, Alamo CA 94507

156 Smith Road, Alamo CA 94507

Do you visit Little Free Libraries?

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Bubblegum Blonde by Anna Snow

Bubblegum Blonde by Anna Snow is the first cozy mystery novel in 'A Barb Jackson Mystery' series and is approximately 267 pages in length.

I was able to download the ebook edition of Bubblegum Blonde by Anna Snow for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Bubblegum Blonde by Anna Snow.

I enjoy reading cozy mystery novels. Bubblegum Blonde is a good novel filled with fun characters and good storyline. I was entertained from start to finish.

Below is the summary for Bubblegum Blonde by Anna Snow from Amazon:

From author Anne Snow comes a brand new series about a not-so-dumb blonde who has her hands full... "Expect the unexpected" has been Barb Jackson’s motto ever since the day she became a private investigator. But when a blast from the past in the form of her cheating ex-boyfriend shows up in her office and begs her to help him clear his name in an ongoing murder investigation, she fears this time she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But as Barb reluctantly takes the case, she uncovers deadly secrets and it becomes obvious someone is now out to get her. Suddenly Barb finds herself in a race against the clock to clear her ex's name and keep herself alive. And to make matters worse, hunky homicide detective Tyler Black is nipping at her heels—in more ways than one! If anyone can get to the bottom of this mystery it’s Barb...if she can keep herself alive. The Barb Jackson Mysteries: Bubblegum Blonde (book #1) Blondes' Night Out (short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection) The Blonde Before Christmas (holiday short story) What critics are saying about Anna Snow's books: "This author knows suspense and how to place just the right amount of comedy to keep us reading. The combination is gripping and pulls a readers attention." —Night Owl Reviews "Will keep you spellbound until the very last page." —The Romance Reviews "A fast and enjoyable read, with plenty of emotion and passion." —Dark Diva Reviews

I am giving Bubblegum Blonde by Anna Snow a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars!!

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson

The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson is  one of those novel that's be in my 'to be read' pile for over 5.5 years! 

I finally decided to listen to the unabridged audio version of The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson and narrated by Jeff Woodman.

Listening time for The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson is 12 hours, 29 minutes.

If you enjoy reading historical fiction set in New York City that includes P. T. Barnum's American Museum and the performers for his unique museum, then this may be just the novel for you!!

I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. Jeff Woodman is an excellent narrator and would love to hear him narrate other novels! The writing and storytelling are both good. I also liked the main characters. There's love as well as mystery woven into the storyline as well. I was able to predict a few things about the plot and one of the characters, which was a bit disappointing. The ending was also a bit abrupt too.

Below is the plot summary for The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson from Amazon:

Water for Elephants meets Geek Love in this riveting first novel, an enchanting love story set in P. T. Barnum's American Museum in 1865 New York City

Bartholomew Fortuno, the World's Thinnest Man, believes that his unusual body is a gift. Hired by none other than P. T. Barnum to work at his spectacular American Museum—a modern marvel of macabre displays, breathtaking theatrical performances, and live shows by Barnum's cast of freaks and oddities—Fortuno has reached the pinnacle of his career. But after a decade of constant work, he finds his sense of self, and his contentment within the walls of the museum, flagging. When a carriage pulls up outside the museum in the dead of night, bearing Barnum and a mysterious veiled woman—rumored to be a new performer—Fortuno's curiosity is piqued. And when Barnum asks Fortuno to follow her and report back on her whereabouts, his world is turned upside down. Why is Barnum so obsessed with this woman? Who is she, really? And why has she taken such a hold on the hearts of those around her?

Set in the New York of 1865, a time when carriages rattled down cobblestone streets, raucous bordellos near the docks thrived, and the country was mourning the death of President Lincoln, The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno is a moving novel about human appetites and longings. With pitch-perfect prose, Ellen Bryson explores what it means to be profoundly unique—and how the power of love can transcend even the greatest divisions.

I'm giving The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

I do not remember learning anything about the Japanese interment camps in my history classes during high school. It wasn't until I was in my 20s when I actually first learned about the Japanese interment camps and it was quite shocked to learn about them. 

Earlier this year, my husband and I visited the Presidio Officers' Club inside the Presidio in San Francisco, California. While we were at the Presidio Officers' Club, we saw a special exhibit about the Japanese interment camps. The exhibit renewed my interest in learning more about this period of US history.

A few days after visiting the Presidio Officers' Club, I discovered George Takei's graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy. I wanted to read it and learn about Takei's firsthand experience living in an internment camp with his family while he was a boy. 

The artwork for They Called Us Enemy by George Takei is stunning as well as George Takei's experience living through this ordeal as a young boy trying to make sense of the world around him during a turbulent time in US history.

Below is a YouTube video of George Takei discussing his experience living in an internment camp in a Ted Talk in Kyoto 5 years ago. It's a powerful message and one worth watching if you haven't seen it already. 

Below is the summary for They Called Us Enemy by George Takei from Amazon:

New York Times Bestseller!

A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself -- in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.

George Takei has captured hearts and minds worldwide with his captivating stage presence and outspoken commitment to equal rights. But long before he braved new frontiers in Star Trek, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father's -- and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future.

In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten "relocation centers," hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard.

They Called Us Enemy is Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future.
What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide? When the world is against you, what can one person do? To answer these questions, George Takei joins co-writers Justin Eisinger & Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker for the journey of a lifetime.

I am giving They Called Us Enemy by George Takei a rating of 4 stats out of 5 stars.

Until my next, post, happy reading!!