This was a fun read. It was humorous, with likable detectives, unique story. I also bought the Audible version, so I could continue the book during myThis was a fun read. It was humorous, with likable detectives, unique story. I also bought the Audible version, so I could continue the book during my commute. I do NOT recommend the Audible version. It was really terrible - some sort of AI-reader who mispronounced words and read like a robot....more
This book had some good elements, and I liked the different time period and points-of-view. It was also well-researched in terms of the Alaska environThis book had some good elements, and I liked the different time period and points-of-view. It was also well-researched in terms of the Alaska environment, the weaving in and out of real events and musical stars, etc.. However, there were so many cringeworthy moments and unbelievable scenarios. I don’t want to give examples because they would include spoilers. The most disturbing part about the book is the way they made Cassie’s weight such a big deal that completely defined her and was her main personality trait. Despite being fat, she had some redeeming qualities, but mostly she was just fat. The terms fat and ugly were used so casually throughout the book. It was really uncomfortable. ...more
This book alternated between current day and 1995, during the war in Bosnia. I really enjoyed the current day story, but struggled with the flashbacksThis book alternated between current day and 1995, during the war in Bosnia. I really enjoyed the current day story, but struggled with the flashbacks. I’m just not someone who can handle graphic details of war. To be honest, I completely skimmed those chapters to enough to fully understand the importance of the back story.
I enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down....more
I found myself a little bored with this book until about halfway through. I think because they had to bounce around to so many different characters toI found myself a little bored with this book until about halfway through. I think because they had to bounce around to so many different characters to develop them, it felt a little choppy. As the life story of the main character unfolded, I found myself really liking her and seeing how everything came together. While the beginning felt like a bit of a downer, the book ended up being pretty heartwarming....more
I hate to say this overused phrase, but, I had a hard time putting this book down. The book popped up on a BookBub email, or something. It was $1.99 sI hate to say this overused phrase, but, I had a hard time putting this book down. The book popped up on a BookBub email, or something. It was $1.99 so I figured I didn’t have much to lose. I actually really enjoyed the characters and the story, and the writing was quite good.
I realize there was an underlying message around death penalty and racism, but it wasn’t overly preachy. The primary character was likable and not overly predictable, and I like that many of the supporting characters were unique and had their own atypical back stories....more
My feelings are mixed on this book. Overall, I recommend it because it gives so much insight into a world restaurant patrons don’t usually see. The auMy feelings are mixed on this book. Overall, I recommend it because it gives so much insight into a world restaurant patrons don’t usually see. The author is a real jerk, but the book is well-written and it is quite entertaining. I do have a good friend who spent his entire career as a waiter in high-end restaurants, so it was easy for me to believe the stories in this book are absolutely true.
I didn’t read the book straight through, as it was really too uncomfortable to read huge doses all at once. Lots of drugs, drinking, sloppy sex, crude language and cruel comments about people who spend a lot of money at the restaurants where this guy chose to make a living. I started and completed a couple of other books while reading this one to break it up, a bit....more
This is such an important book. I know some people are offended by some statements or examples, but political and social opinions aside, this is reallThis is such an important book. I know some people are offended by some statements or examples, but political and social opinions aside, this is really critical information. Any parent with young kids should read this....more
This was a cute book. I listened in pretty short doses, so took me a while to get through, which made keeping track of all the characters a little triThis was a cute book. I listened in pretty short doses, so took me a while to get through, which made keeping track of all the characters a little tricky....more