The thing I love about Horowitz's books is that they are the perfect fast read yet interesting mystery. Absolutely perfect to intersperse between non=The thing I love about Horowitz's books is that they are the perfect fast read yet interesting mystery. Absolutely perfect to intersperse between non=fiction books! This book has a nice review of what transpired in the previous book. Ryeland is now back from Crete, sans boyfriend, and given the task of editing a mystery novel that continues the Atticus Pund character. As the original author died in the previous book, Elliot Crace is now writing a new novel with the same detective. Crace has contrive a story that is interesting, but turns out to mirror events in his own life. Hmmmmm.........more
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I can just hear Vera speaking in my mind. I’d love to see this made into a movie. Besides the entertainmenI was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I can just hear Vera speaking in my mind. I’d love to see this made into a movie. Besides the entertainment of Vera inserting herself into others’ lives and offering unsought advice…. There is something deeper in this story. Again, she considers herself a detective and a “case” kind of falls into her lap. But there’s a back story of social media influencing and scams which is well done. And the mystery of Millie. ...more
I am just not a David Sedaris fan. I started a book of his years ago, and I remember nothing about it except for the fact that I didn't like it or finI am just not a David Sedaris fan. I started a book of his years ago, and I remember nothing about it except for the fact that I didn't like it or finish it. This book was chosen for our December book group. I know he has quite a following, so I think I went into the book with an almost-open mind......but I only got about 15 pages into it, and found it offensive, so i quit. I was hoping to finish at least the first of six stories, but I couldn't make myself go on. The first story is about him applying to be an elf at Christmas. Sometimes he is quite witty. And I can see the potential for good things by him - especially the clever story premise. But, on page nine he talked about different days set aside at the store for different groups. One was for "terribly sick and deformed children." Is that supposed to be funny? And a few pages later he referred to "retarded people." Having worked with kids who were struggling to fit in, I think this book is cruel. Yes, it was published in 1997 - and I don't know if descriptions like these were accepted then - I'd hate to think so...... and you know there are always going to be some cruel names used, but I would expect something kinder. ...more
Was this really a five-star read? Probably not..... But it sure kept my interest! And it does make one wonder how many people really are being manipulWas this really a five-star read? Probably not..... But it sure kept my interest! And it does make one wonder how many people really are being manipulated either by other people or the media, without realizing it. The story WAS scary, and a bit over-the-top obvious on who the good guy(s) and bad guy(s) were modeled after. (or maybe this was unintentional???????) And, I have to say, I appreciated the acknowledgements in the back by both of the authors. It's always nice to find out where some of the characters come from. The story was interesting and unfortunately believable. The newly elected president of the US (Mr. Williams (can't remember his first name) has appointed Ellen Adams as his Secretary of State, but disliking her for campaigning against him in the election. Why has he chosen her then?????? And he is taking over for the former president, Eric Dunn, who made a lot of bad decisions and appeared to be a puppet in the hands of evil advisors. Shortly after the new people are installed, three terrorist events occur in three different countries. How are they connected? Who is behind them? Can they stop them in time? Can they even work together? There are definitely a lot of twists and turns, and you have to wait til the end of the book to find out the actual "bad guys". That's the problem with books like this Each chapter is just short enough that you can tell yourself you're just going to read one more before doing something else...and one turns into four or five. I probably won't read another "thriller" like this for a while, because even though they take you in, they also are scary. The writing was good, the proofreading not as good, but the characters nicely developed and individualized. It made me appreciate the necessity for really watching our thoughts, and not being taken in by smooth talking. The media, both far right and far left, are more than willing to accuse the other side of being gullible and easily influenced and painting themselves as having America's best interests at heart. ...more
This was a difficult decision, figuring out what to rate this book. In some ways, I wanted to not like it. I had gone to a book talk by TJ Klune. I haThis was a difficult decision, figuring out what to rate this book. In some ways, I wanted to not like it. I had gone to a book talk by TJ Klune. I had really loved The House in the Cerulean Sea and even more Under the Whispering Door. Both stories are very thoughtful and magical and inclusive of all people. This book continues the story of the Cerulean Sea. Klune himself was very interesting. He's a very energetic speaker, and prides himself (?) on his love of swearing. He is a BIG advocate of the trans community- and is loudly Anti- JK Rowling. I guess, the final thing there bothered me the most. We just seem to live in an age where it is deemed ok to "demonize" others. I think I just expected Klune to be gentler! Anyway, in this story, Arthur and his partner Linus and all the main characters from the first book are back. The "kids" are very unique: all magical, all previously abused degraded etc. from people who didn't understand/appreciate their unique appearance or power. The Department in Charge of Magical Youth are coming to the island to allegedly report on the conditions there, but really to take the kids away. Especially Lucy - (short for Lucifer), the Devil's own child. The writing is almost as good as in his previous books. "Hate is loud. We are louder." "Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud." As a religious person, I was a bit offended also at some of the negativity focused on the Bible. And, I'm not really sure exactly who this book is aimed at. At my age, I understand most of the references to the music Lucy likes to listen to.....but I doubt a lot of younger people would "get" hep cat, gnarly..... It seemed to be out of place? I know this review is kind of scattered - as were my thoughts as I was reading it. It was a nice ending to the story, but a few parts seemed to drag more than i remember in the other books. I'm glad I read it, and I applaud Klune for being such a good advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. ...more
I really have enjoyed the Thursday Murder club series. This looks like his mew series I really like the characters in this series too The writing was I really have enjoyed the Thursday Murder club series. This looks like his mew series I really like the characters in this series too The writing was quick and fun and the story interesting my main complaint is the casual use of drugs Marijuana and harder drugs, too. Was it to describe a lifestyle? iI don't know But unnecessary in my opinion. Too hard typing with one hand, so I'll quit....more
As usual, I listened to this as an audiobook. I love Rosenfelt's writing, and I also love the person who reads this audiobook. Great combination! ThisAs usual, I listened to this as an audiobook. I love Rosenfelt's writing, and I also love the person who reads this audiobook. Great combination! This is mostly typical And Carpenter - except that the guilty party really fooled me. The accused is a friend of Marcus's. We learn a bit more about Marcus in this book. Nothing earth-shattering, nothing deep - but entertaining to listen to between heavier reads....more
After reading Sara's review, I decided to check this out as an audiobook. It definitely had an interesting premise: Tia is an immersionist - someone wAfter reading Sara's review, I decided to check this out as an audiobook. It definitely had an interesting premise: Tia is an immersionist - someone who can take over someone else's body. She never registered this ability with the government, so few people know that she possesses this ability. She uses this ability when asked by others to solve a problem for them. They essentially switch bodies and while Tia's "mind" is in the other's body, her body remains unused for however long she is gone. The other person's mind is in a closet. anyway - someone takes Tia's body while she is in another person, and flagrantly kills a district attorney. Their real identity is a mystery because Tia is the "person" recognized. A bit convoluted, but interesting! The question then becomes - who stole Tia's body and committed this crime? Could it be her old boyfriend Nash? Blade, the son of a mob boss? Her best friend? The mystery in here was good, and I had no idea who might profit the most from stealing her body. Funny 0- What kind of surprised me was the fact that this is a Young Adult book. I can picture high schoolers interested in mysteries, light science fiction reading this. I guess I was just a lot more naive in high school, as were the friends I hung out with. It surprises me some of the "crude" language used and the sexual innuendos that weren't in the books I read at that age. Is this universal? Maybe so. ...more
I listened to this audiobook over a period of maybe 3-4 weeks. I loved his first book. Up until the ending, I thought this one was great, too. The stoI listened to this audiobook over a period of maybe 3-4 weeks. I loved his first book. Up until the ending, I thought this one was great, too. The story involves a time travel loop. (Since I listened to this book, I have no idea how to spell a few names...) Mariana works for Re-Live, a company that heightens memory (or something like that). She has a roommate/step-sister named Shay, who went missing from a solo camping trip at Joshua Tree National Park three months ago, and is presumed dead. When Mariana visits Hawkes, some research facility, she meets Carter, who works there. Very soon, we find out that the two of them are caught up in a time travel loop. Every four days they begin this loop again. It always ends with an explosion at Hawkes. They want to get out of the loop and prevent the explosion, but they have to keep beginning their days the same. Until Carter changes. The story really was interesting. I enjoyed the characters and the plot, but a few things bothered me. Maybe if I would have listened to this more regularly I wouldn't have been bothered......
First of all, some of the writing seemed a bit repetitive? Basic? Not sure what word to use. The main characters seem to "chuckle" or "smirk" or bite their lip quite a bit, and for some reason that just seemed more "juvenile" than an adult science fiction book would be? And the ending seemed to come about too quickly. With all the time spent on the loops, I expected more explanations, events or something but it just "happened". And I didn't see the point of the epilogue.
So - the story really was fun (and I do love a good time travel book), and some of the setting taking place in the San Francisco Bay Area and UC Davis (two of the few parts of the world I am very familiar with) was fun, but perhaps the writing could be more mature and the ending more informative? Or maybe I'm asking too much. ...more
I was kind of in "science fiction" mode recently, and this book was on my to-read list and available as an audiobook, so I thought it would be perfectI was kind of in "science fiction" mode recently, and this book was on my to-read list and available as an audiobook, so I thought it would be perfect! Alas, it just was not for me. I listened to two hours of it (I believe it was a 10-hour narration), and that was enough. I was already a bit bored with it, but when the main character is introducing cannabis to a soldier from the 17th (?) century, I figured that was my sign to quit. The story had potential - the main character (whose name I can't even remember) - works for an agency as a "bridge". She is responsible for one person who has been plucked from history (after determining that said person will not create any paradoxes) and kind of introduces them to the present world. I can't remember why. It's interesting, some slow-moving books I have really enjoyed, but this one - no....more
Yeah, probably not REALLY worth five stars........but I have to admit, I really enjoyed it! And rarely does an ending help determine me going higher iYeah, probably not REALLY worth five stars........but I have to admit, I really enjoyed it! And rarely does an ending help determine me going higher in my ratings of a book, but I thought this one was great! Dan Brown will never be known for his writing.........sometimes his conversations are very awkward, and there's a bit of repetition (Langdon's eidetic memory.....), but his story lines are fascinating and thought-provoking, and I love the places he takes us to. I really appreciate having my iPad on hand so I can look up all these places. So much of the action here takes place in and around Barcelona, and I loved looking up pictures of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Fog Sculpture, the Head on Wolf Sculpture, etc. Plus, I had to look up various organizations/events to see if they really had taken place......and of course, they were real. I had never heard of the Palmarian church, or the superconducting Super Collider in Texas - very interesting to learn about.
Anyway, this story is probably not for everyone.......it has to do with an atheistic techie (Kirsch) who wants to reveal to the world the answers to the two basic questions the world has been focused on: where did we come from, and where are we going. He doesn't believe that scientifically advanced people can believe in God. It is true that science and religion have not often had a harmonious relationship. Religious fervor has often tried to discredit or silence scientific progress. Kirsch is planning on revealing the answers to these questions in a live broadcast to the world, but is killed right before he can do this. Langdon (his former teacher) and Ambra Vidal (fiance of the future kind of Spain) hope to see his work come to fruition, but are pursued by people opposed to this.
Being religious myself, I wasn't sure how I would respond to his reasoning - but I think overall it made me think quite a bit. And actually to be grateful for what I have learned from the Bible. As a Christian Scientist, I accept the first chapter of Genesis as the true story of creation, and also would have a difficult time believing God made Adam and Eve out of the dust. I think this book more than anything makes one suspicious of AI rather than religion!
Merged review:
Yeah, probably not REALLY worth five stars........but I have to admit, I really enjoyed it! And rarely does an ending help determine me going higher in my ratings of a book, but I thought this one was great! Dan Brown will never be known for his writing.........sometimes his conversations are very awkward, and there's a bit of repetition (Langdon's eidetic memory.....), but his story lines are fascinating and thought-provoking, and I love the places he takes us to. I really appreciate having my iPad on hand so I can look up all these places. So much of the action here takes place in and around Barcelona, and I loved looking up pictures of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Fog Sculpture, the Head on Wolf Sculpture, etc. Plus, I had to look up various organizations/events to see if they really had taken place......and of course, they were real. I had never heard of the Palmarian church, or the superconducting Super Collider in Texas - very interesting to learn about.
Anyway, this story is probably not for everyone.......it has to do with an atheistic techie (Kirsch) who wants to reveal to the world the answers to the two basic questions the world has been focused on: where did we come from, and where are we going. He doesn't believe that scientifically advanced people can believe in God. It is true that science and religion have not often had a harmonious relationship. Religious fervor has often tried to discredit or silence scientific progress. Kirsch is planning on revealing the answers to these questions in a live broadcast to the world, but is killed right before he can do this. Langdon (his former teacher) and Ambra Vidal (fiance of the future kind of Spain) hope to see his work come to fruition, but are pursued by people opposed to this.
Being religious myself, I wasn't sure how I would respond to his reasoning - but I think overall it made me think quite a bit. And actually to be grateful for what I have learned from the Bible. As a Christian Scientist, I accept the first chapter of Genesis as the true story of creation, and also would have a difficult time believing God made Adam and Eve out of the dust. I think this book more than anything makes one suspicious of AI rather than religion!
Merged review:
Yeah, probably not REALLY worth five stars........but I have to admit, I really enjoyed it! And rarely does an ending help determine me going higher in my ratings of a book, but I thought this one was great! Dan Brown will never be known for his writing.........sometimes his conversations are very awkward, and there's a bit of repetition (Langdon's eidetic memory.....), but his story lines are fascinating and thought-provoking, and I love the places he takes us to. I really appreciate having my iPad on hand so I can look up all these places. So much of the action here takes place in and around Barcelona, and I loved looking up pictures of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Fog Sculpture, the Head on Wolf Sculpture, etc. Plus, I had to look up various organizations/events to see if they really had taken place......and of course, they were real. I had never heard of the Palmarian church, or the superconducting Super Collider in Texas - very interesting to learn about.
Anyway, this story is probably not for everyone.......it has to do with an atheistic techie (Kirsch) who wants to reveal to the world the answers to the two basic questions the world has been focused on: where did we come from, and where are we going. He doesn't believe that scientifically advanced people can believe in God. It is true that science and religion have not often had a harmonious relationship. Religious fervor has often tried to discredit or silence scientific progress. Kirsch is planning on revealing the answers to these questions in a live broadcast to the world, but is killed right before he can do this. Langdon (his former teacher) and Ambra Vidal (fiance of the future kind of Spain) hope to see his work come to fruition, but are pursued by people opposed to this.
Being religious myself, I wasn't sure how I would respond to his reasoning - but I think overall it made me think quite a bit. And actually to be grateful for what I have learned from the Bible. As a Christian Scientist, I accept the first chapter of Genesis as the true story of creation, and also would have a difficult time believing God made Adam and Eve out of the dust. I think this book more than anything makes one suspicious of AI rather than religion!...more
Ahhh - another interesting audiobook with Chet and Bernie. I unfortunately missed a few sections of the story because of my phone doing some weird thiAhhh - another interesting audiobook with Chet and Bernie. I unfortunately missed a few sections of the story because of my phone doing some weird things on its own......but with stories like this I got the main idea. Here, AI plays a role, and Chet has a lot of interesting thoughts. Nothing really new, but an enjoyable way to drive or wash dishes and be entertained!...more
This was such a fascinating audiobook! It was almost impossible to believe - a young man ( in his early 20's) manages to steal over two hundred works This was such a fascinating audiobook! It was almost impossible to believe - a young man ( in his early 20's) manages to steal over two hundred works of art - both small and large - from various museums (and a few churches) without getting caught for years! The author did such a great job of research, After I finished listening to the audiobook, I continued to listen to the author detail all his sources for writing this book, and the length of time it took him. I also had to look up Breitweiser on the internet and yes, he is still around, in his early 50's. I was amazed at his audacity, and at the lax safeguarding of some of the places he stole from. Details from the various psycho analyzes he underwent refer to his wanting approval from his mother, his non-violent crimes and his love of beauty. He never stole with the idea of making money, but just wanting to surround himself with beauty. Anyway - the story was just like a mystery - will he get caught this time? And when he does get caught, his lawyer (which his mother paid for) manages to get him off leniently. So - when will he get caught again? I could hardly wait to get back to this story to find out what happened. Great story, great writing, great narrator - thoroughly enjoyable!!!!!!...more
3.5 I surprisingly struggled with this book. I loved the premise of the story- what makes a hero, the unacknowledgement of those who served in the war3.5 I surprisingly struggled with this book. I loved the premise of the story- what makes a hero, the unacknowledgement of those who served in the war - and the time period- the Vietnam War. But- too many coincidences that kind of ruined it for me. ...more
I listened to another book by this author a few years ago and really enjoyed it. This was another excellent one. I appreciate the thoughtful stories KI listened to another book by this author a few years ago and really enjoyed it. This was another excellent one. I appreciate the thoughtful stories Klune comes up with. In both of the ones I've "read", nice character changes occur, people don't turn out to be as awful as you assume, and people learn to confront/accept their sexual orientation.
This book was deeper than I expected. Wallace is the main character - a lawyer, divorced, successful due to his ability to not let life get in the way of his success/intelligence. He doesn't have friends, wouldn't dream of doing something unselfishly, and all of a sudden dies. After dying, he meets Hugo - kind of a tea merchant who chooses the right teas for those who have died, and guides them to what is next. Wallace really struggles with the idea that he has died, and most of the book is him learning how to be unselfish and help others, and to prepare for what's beyond. Mei and Nelson and Apollo the dog are also in this area. Some of the characters we meet are alive and some are dead.
I highlighted so many passages - some for the beauty of the writing, some for the thoughtfulness. Since I bought this book on my kindle, I can refer back to it if I want. I loved the idea, though, that death wasn't an ending - that we are all still going to be progressing and learning more about why we are here....more
I sure enjoy this author. Just finished watching his mysteries on PBS, which were also good . This mystery was so complex- a locked room mystery essenI sure enjoy this author. Just finished watching his mysteries on PBS, which were also good . This mystery was so complex- a locked room mystery essentially, but with the added complexity of watching it evolve from "present time" and eight years or so later when it's being written about in a novel!...more
Well, my kindle library book evidently expired today. I had been enjoying this story, but not loving it. It is very slow moving, but the writing (and Well, my kindle library book evidently expired today. I had been enjoying this story, but not loving it. It is very slow moving, but the writing (and translating) were beautiful. I had actually highlighted a number of passages for their beauty and thoughtfulness about life. I got 57% through the story. If I didn't have so many other books on my to-read list (and for my book group) I would actually consider checking this out at another time. I wish there was a pronunciation key for English speakers, because it is difficult to remember names I can't pronounce. The main character is kind of lonely and decides to open a bookshop, and also sell coffee there. At first, she kind of alienates people because she keeps to herself so much and doesn't cater to what's popular. She soon hires a younger guy to take care of the coffee. He had lived his life with the expectation of getting a great job after college if he just focused on school. That didn't happen. So he is kind of at loose ends too. The characters are very well-defined and give the reader a glimpse into an old Korean neighborhood. Not a whole lot happened in the first half of the book. I can imagine the owner finding her voice and perhaps getting together with one of the authors that gave a talk in the bookshop. She had some issues with her parents, too, that I hope get resolved. Anyway, a very different book for me - just a bit too slow and needing to read my next book club one....more
Hmm - this was a difficult book to rate. I don't remember where I heard of this one, but it finally came to the library at a good time for me to load Hmm - this was a difficult book to rate. I don't remember where I heard of this one, but it finally came to the library at a good time for me to load it on my kindle. I feel like this book was deep, and that sometimes I really didn't get it. I loved the premise - Adina is the main character, who lives with her Earth mother. We learn some about her early life - how different she is from other kids especially. At some point in her life, she is "introduced" to her other family through her night dreams. Here, she learns that she is an extraterrestrial, and is to communicate with these beings by means of a fax machine, explaining what life on earth is all about. Could these other beings possibly live there too? She describes her planet as made from "billions of sentient what-humans-would-call souls. Her people have evolved past the body."
Adina sends a lot of faxes as she grows up, going through puberty, dating, school, working, etc. Both Adina and her mother are interesting characters. There is not a lot of action in here, but it's fun to look at the world through Adina's eyes. And there were some good quotes: "When it was time to decide the official food of movie-watching, human beings did not go for Fig Newtons or caramel, foods that are silent, but popcorn, the loudest sound on Earth."
"I require speech lessons and corrective lenses and most likely teeth braces. I am an expensive extraterrestrial. The reply: DESIGNED TO APPEAR NORMAL. What's normal? YOU TELL US."
"Scientists don't have a theory to explain how this giant luminosity remained hidden for so long. But Adina wouldn't underestimate the human tendency to ignore whatever they don't understand."
So - I really did enjoy Adina's experiences and perceptions even though the story was slow-moving. And I appreciated how conflicted people could be with the thought that there really might be an alien among them. Sad to say, though, but I actually don't even remember the ending of the book, (and it was only a few days ago that I finished reading it....) just the impression that I really didn't understand it....more
Another Andy Carpenter book that is very entertaining. Again, I listened to this book - such a great way to get through books on my to-read shelf whilAnother Andy Carpenter book that is very entertaining. Again, I listened to this book - such a great way to get through books on my to-read shelf while driving/washing dishes/whatever! In this mystery, someone in the witness protection program is accused of getting rid of a former gang member. You know how the trial will end, but I love the entertainment....more
I listened to this book. Probably more of a 3.5 - not my favorite of the Chet and Bernie mysteries - but still enjoyable. The narrator, as always, doeI listened to this book. Probably more of a 3.5 - not my favorite of the Chet and Bernie mysteries - but still enjoyable. The narrator, as always, does such a good job with Chet's conversations. The story itself was more ridiculous than most of the mysteries. An author is having writer's block and Bernie is hired to help find her reindeer.....and ends up solving an old mystery. Chet is always so entertaining - hearing his thoughts always makes me smile. I sure hope the next one in the series is not quite so "cutesy". ...more