one book leads to another
James McBride is a national treasure. I savored his 2020 book Deacon King Kong over the last month or so, stretching out the pleasure by only reading it on my lunch breaks at work. So worth it. McBride isn't just a talented writer, he has a gift for bridging the humorous, the heartfelt, and the … Continue reading Deacon King Kong
I'm reading two books at once. This isn't my usual preference, but I have one at the office and the other at home and so far it's working out. I've been back at work full time for a few weeks and that means forced one hour lunch breaks again. I know the value of breaks … Continue reading Two books plus one
"You should have known" - is there a more irritating phrase for someone to tell you, or worse, to tell yourself? Jean Hanff Korelitz is the author of the 2014 book You Should Have Known, and if she sounds familiar she wrote of one of this summer's hottest books, The Plot. I saw an ad … Continue reading Should’ve Known Better
I haven’t used the ‘good book bad ending’ tag for a long time, but here we are. Stephen King’s Later has all the elements you want and expect from him, except for the ending. It's not like the controversial ending of It. I had no problem with that one – I liked the other-worldly turn … Continue reading Later on
Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour is like nothing I’ve read. It’s unique: part fictional memoir, part sales training manual, part self-help guide. How can I explain without giving it all away? Darren “Buck” Vender, our 22 year old hero, was valedictorian of his HS class but never made it to college. He’s comfortable and content, … Continue reading Black Buck
Weather by Jenny Offill is another "New Books shelf" gem. Browsing the new books at the library is always fun because you never know what you'll come across. The trick is to look at everything not just your usual call numbers. Oh and you can do this virtually - our county library site has a … Continue reading Heavy Weather
Twelve months of reading - it was a very good year with lots of standouts. Reviews are linked. Don't Turn Around by Jessica Barry boasted a blurb / recommendation from Karin Slaughter, one of my favorite authors, and it definitely delivered. Two compelling female characters and a page-turning story. Great way to start the year! … Continue reading 2021 book roundup
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