BOOK REVIEW

 

Let me begin by saying some of you will not like this book--it will not be your cup of tea.  Normally it would not be my "kind of book", BUT it is so well written that the deeper I got into the novel--the more I found I could not put it down.  A post Apocalypto story of loss and survival with shades of 1983, it is so well written I read the last page wanting to know what happened next.  A sure sign of a good book--when you are left wanting more.  The prose like words of the author make it enjoyable--even when you do not enjoy this genre.  The sure sign of a good book!  DIFFERENT---I LOVE DIFFERENT!

You can find this book HERE OR better yet your local library.  If you follow my link, they may send me a few cents---since I am an Amazon Associate.  All funds received (so far this year--none LOL) are donated to the least of these ministries.

BOOK REVIEW

THIS is very different and will cause you to stop and think.  My daughter recommended this book and it proved to be one of those that stayed with me for more than a short time---where did the author get this idea from?  Well written--this is the narrative of the sudden occurrence of everyone in the world 22 and over knowing the age at which they would die.  I am NOT going to spoil it with any more explanation.  It caused me to ponder for a long time on all of the questions behind the story and the startling similarity with society today.   I will leave you with this exert from the back of the book description.  I could not have said it better~

"Enchanting and deeply uplifting.  The Measure is a sweeping, ambitious, and invigorating story about family, friendship, hope and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest.

The link is HERE.  If you use this link I may receive a very small commission since I am an Amazon Associate.  Don't use my link---I am not insulted or hurt if you do not---and will never know--BUT DO READ THIS ONE!  May be my best book of the year and certainly will be in the top realm!

BOOK REVIEW

 Another Kindle Unlimited find---just like the bookstore-you will not like them all, but nothing ventured beyond the cost of the membership but if it is a winner -the enjoyment of a good book is gained.

You will find this HERE if you are not a member of Kindle Unlimited.  Since I am an Amazon Associate, if you follow the link I might be slightly compensated.  I suggest you borrow from the library or from Kindle Unlimited.  Nothing I like more than feeling  I am getting a good value.  How good was this book--I finished it while in the midst of packing to move in two weeks.  It is one of those books I ration myself a chapter or two at bedtime---wanting to make it last.

This is a good book---set in the years I grew up during---it deals with some of the social issues of the time.  We were not all nice people during those years---but I guess you might wonder if anything has really changed?  Are we more enlightened, more tolerant, more open minded?  Perhaps yes, but that is not always a good thing when our tolerance leads to the slippery slope of immorality.    It brought back memories of how things were.  Racial tension, the stigma of divorce, child abuse, and trying to survive in poverty are all addressed in the story of a boy helping a wolf -dog hybrid.  I will say no more and let you come up with your own opinion.  Hyde is a master story teller---some of her books I like more than others, but this is one of my favorites.

BOOK REVIEW

 This author is a prolific writer and almost everything I have read of her works I have enjoyed--some have been okay--but others I have loved.  This is one of those books  AND bonus--I was able to read this book on Kindle Unlimited.  My tight fisted self does LOVE to get a bargain.  In case you are not a member of Kindle Unlimited (highly recommend) HERE is the link to the book.  AND here is my disclaimer--I am an Amazon Associate and IF you buy the book following my link I will be compensated a VERY small amount---I cannot remember the last time they paid me anything.  Also any funds I receive I donate to the least of these causes.

NOW enough of the business stuff and on to what matters---THIS BOOK!  I really loved this book for it is based on a coming of age -Tom Sawyer type-story.   AND Tom is a female in this story.   Being an orphan at the ripe old age of 13 must be unbelievingly difficult, but compound that with the reality of having to live with an aunt with whom there is no love lost on either side--might make any of us to  want  to flee.  Add to that--being a genius and in college at 13 (Shades of Young Shelton)  and living with a family hundreds of miles from home.  The mother she lives with has a son who is "different"---and though we are only told he dresses and looks "different"--I suspect there is much more.  Our minds are left to take our best guess.  These two form a strong bond---NOT anything more than friendship--but captivating to see how it grows.   These are the two main characters--who lead an adventure of a lifetime at 17 and 13 years of age.  Wanting to satisfy one item off their bucket list--they head north in search of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).  The details of the adventure, the people they meet along the way all lead to a wonderful story.  I will NOT spoil the ending--but suffice it to say--it was satisfying.  I HIGHLY recommend this book.

What AM I READING?

 

A read this past summer.  A wonderful "coming of age" story.  Truly a pleasure to read.  You can find this HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING?

 

Book club pick for this month.  Occasionally I come across I book which bears reading slowly.  Savoring as you go.  I purposefully limit myself to a chapter a two a day--so that I can relish and enjoy each page.  This is one of those.  C.S. Lewis is the story behind the story.  The book is thought provoking-I have many underlines.  I intend to read it again--to make sure I got every nugget of wisdom.  It is a delight.  One of the best books I have read this year.

You can find this book HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING?

 

I just finished this book and it gets a VERY GOOD rating.  If you want to understand the war in Ukraine and the Nazi theme behind it, this is an excellent explanation in the shape of historical fiction.  Based upon a true story, the author has followed the real storyline, but filled in the gaps.  The remarkable endurance of man, the ability to face and live through evil, man's struggle against his fellow man, and especially the powerful pull of family and love ~ this is a remarkable story of one family who survived despite the huge odds against them.  Perhaps the best part of the story is the spiritual awakening of the story's hero.  I will not spoil it for you--it is a GREAT READ!

You can find it HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING?

 This book I have read twice.  It is the book club selection for this month.  I have told you before with enough time, I do not remember the details of what I have read for pleasure.  I remember the basic facts of the story, but to discuss details I have to reread.  I found it interesting that I liked the book more the second time around.  This is the basis for a blog next week.  The story of the early settling of Australia by shiploads of convicts courtesy of the British Empire I was intrigued by all the subjects covered by the book.  The development of women's rights, the history of shipping undesirables far way, the harshness of the penal system, the tragedy of the systems for orphans, and the streak of good find in almost all of us are only a few of the subjects broached in this historical fiction novel.  A good read---and even better the second time.

You can find this book HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING

 An Irish author, Hazel Gaynor, weaves a multi-generational tale of a family of lighthouse keepers.  It has twists, it tell the interesting story of those who manned the lighthouses, and it testifies to a time when honor and commitment to one's word were of utmost importance.  This is an easy but enjoyable read centered in Ireland and America's upper east coast.  

This book can be found HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING?

 The hood book club read this for our monthly discussion.  I spoke of it in a post a couple of days ago (Have you seen him?).

The author of Tuesdays with Morrie wrote this book.  (A really good book)  This centers around the explosion and sinking of a luxury yacht and a handful of survivors.  I will not spoil it for you--BUT it has twists and turns that will have you asking "Who?" at the end.  This guy can tell a story.  I will never understand how creative minds like this work.  Truthfully I liked Tuesday with Morrie more, BUT this is a short-easy read which left us all with plenty to say at our club meeting.  You can find this book HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING?

 This is a easy read--but entertaining read.  I saw it advertised on my Amazon thread and ordered it and was glad I did.  I NEED a book to read strictly for pleasure when I have several deep books going also.

The story is centered on the Natchez Trace (such a beautiful drive & bike ride).  During prohibition, there is moonshine smuggling, the struggle between classes, the larger struggle between races and a Deep South story of abuse, corruption, murder, midwifery (is that a word?) and the big struggle of  survival.   The story centers on "Getting Out".  Do they accomplish this or are the odds stacked too high against them.    

You can find this book on Amazon HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING

 

If you enjoy Rick Bragg's Southern humor and love dogs, this is the book for you.  A stray shows up at the farm and slowly becomes Rick's companion during a time of dealing with chronic health issues (Rick & the dog both).  Wrapped around the story is  his 80+ year old mother, his older (and perhaps wiser) brother and all the family dynamics that go with living in the deep South amongst family.  A delightful read with a side of sarcasm and bad dog escapades, you keep wondering how he put up with all he did.  As they have a way of doing, the dog slowly sneaks into his heart and becomes his best friend.  You can find this book HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING?

 

After finishing the Churchill biography, I turned to this book for some light reading.  Another WW II story, this centers around a ring of resistance who were forgery experts.  A little love story, a little espionage, a little surprise at the end.  I will not spoil the story, but tell you I enjoyed it and read it very quickly.  Sometimes a mind numbing predictable read is what I need.  You can find it HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING?

 

This is a biography of Churchill and the years from the beginning of the Nazi aggression until the United States entered the war.  I do not normally read biographies, but perhaps this is a good indication of I might enjoy them.  The book is well researched and written.  My one objection was there is WAY TOO MANY personal details of the Churchill circle's life for my taste.  I am not really interested in who was married to whom, who had an affair with whom, who was a dead beat gambler, who was the victim of unrequited love, and on and.  I read this for book club this month, but my advice to anyone who enjoys WWII history and biographies is perhaps you should skip those chapters with those details.  At this point in the game, I believe we all know that Churchill enjoyed dictating while strutting around in his birthday suit.  Do we care?  You can find this book HERE

As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a financial benefit when you make a purchase using the links on this site {at no extra cost to you!}  Thanks for supporting my work.  All income is donated to a non-profit which targets those in poverty.

WHAT AM I READING?

 

I read this almost a year ago, but the story line has not left me.  I seldom read non-fiction.  Reading is my great escape and most non-fiction is too close to reality.  ALL of you animal (dog) lovers will enjoy this book.  I refuse to spoil the story except to tell you Harry and Minnie are the names of the dogs.  Well written!

WHAT AM I READING?

 

I read this almost two years ago and still remember the story line.  Great book about survival.  You can find it HERE

WHAT AM I READING?

 

This timeless classic was gifted to me years ago by a dear friend.  I re-read it every year.  What better reminder of what Christmas is all about than reading of the sacrifice for the ones we love.  It makes a wonderful gift!  You can find this book HERE

WHAT AM I READING

 

This author is an easy to read--no thinking required writer.  He has written MANY books and this is his latest offering for Christmas.  I finished this in a day of on and off reading.  It is of course a feel good book, but NOT his best offering.  It took me a few chapters to really get into the story and I never really had the feeling this is a Christmas book.  It had a little bit of a Christmas theme, but only a little bit.  If you are looking for an easy read with a good ending--this is your book.  You can find it HERE

WHAT AM I READING?

 This is one of my favorite Christmas books

I do not usually keep books--I pass them on, but this one I knew I would re-read during this wonderful season of the year.  You can find it HERE

WHAT AM I READING?

 

I really like this author, so I went back and read his first book.  My least favorite of his three books, BUT still a good story.  I was a little dismayed at the ending, but that does not negate a well developed story line and characters.  Set in the late 30's-early 40's of last century, this book is about the socially elite of NYC.  I will tell you, not everyone likes his style, but I found myself trying to savor the book by slowly reading the  soothing and relaxing  read.  You can find this book HERE