Oh how I missed James Wade’s lyrical writing. I will be doing a reread soon to savor it all over again. This novel is a historical fiction crime epic,Oh how I missed James Wade’s lyrical writing. I will be doing a reread soon to savor it all over again. This novel is a historical fiction crime epic, it’s grit lit, it’s about moral compasses and the complicated directions they land. Set in the 1932 East Texas moonshining world, after the Great Depression towards the end of prohibition, the research is impressive as is the atmospheric world building. The characters though… chef’s kiss. Per the usual with Wade, I loved this book. It’s a song for my ‘I want to be a good person in a bad world’ heart....more
Well researched history about weather labeling and forecasting. Amazing how this was done without satellites and computers. These days even with technWell researched history about weather labeling and forecasting. Amazing how this was done without satellites and computers. These days even with technological conveniences the forecasts are rarely trustworthy. They don’t make meteorologists like they used to. This book was very educational but I was ready for it to be over by the end....more
My mom has recommended this book to me for so long. I read it years ago but so much life has happened since then that can’t carry a conversation aboutMy mom has recommended this book to me for so long. I read it years ago but so much life has happened since then that can’t carry a conversation about it. Finally reread it and am excited to chat with mom about it. The story is sad but hopeful. It’s very medical but the fiction shines allowing engagement. I learned a lot and also felt a lot. Good book....more
Felt like a slightly different writing style for McFadden. No significant twists and turns, only wondering how it is all going to end as two and a halFelt like a slightly different writing style for McFadden. No significant twists and turns, only wondering how it is all going to end as two and a half storylines eventually merge. I thought it a bit strange while reading but she pulled it off imo....more
Unsure if I will continue the series. Didn’t feel engaged whatsoever until the halfway mark and you can see the length of this book! Even then, the seUnsure if I will continue the series. Didn’t feel engaged whatsoever until the halfway mark and you can see the length of this book! Even then, the second half was 3 star material for me personally. I really enjoyed the first 2 books so I’m super disappointed....more
The Coen Brothers need to adapt this book to film like yesterday! ...but in the meantime, read it! It's Bonnie and Clyde, Thelma and Louise, it's darkThe Coen Brothers need to adapt this book to film like yesterday! ...but in the meantime, read it! It's Bonnie and Clyde, Thelma and Louise, it's dark and innocent and corrupt and redemptive. It's full of contradictions that make you forget the line that divides the good and the bad. I loved it! [image]
My favorite quote: "The best thing you could do in this world was find the thing that jolted you the most and killed you the least and go after it hard."
Merged review:
The Coen Brothers need to adapt this book to film like yesterday! ...but in the meantime, read it! It's Bonnie and Clyde, Thelma and Louise, it's dark and innocent and corrupt and redemptive. It's full of contradictions that make you forget the line that divides the good and the bad. I loved it! [image]
My favorite quote: "The best thing you could do in this world was find the thing that jolted you the most and killed you the least and go after it hard."...more
Ina Garten shares her personal experiences as a risk taker in the business world. She shares about ALL the obstacles but also ALL the opportunities asIna Garten shares her personal experiences as a risk taker in the business world. She shares about ALL the obstacles but also ALL the opportunities as long as you have the adrenaline-filled courage to try. She is a woman who puts herself first in all things which is what we dream about but rarely ever do. She was a trendsetter before the word was defined and she has proven that she can do all things with or without a man. Although her husband Jeffrey is the perfect partner for her, so supportive, nurturing and holding the spotlight on her alone. This memoir was entertaining and inspirational. I’ve always loved Ina and have to admit I love her a little more now. ...more
I coincidentally visited the Vatican (and the Sistine Chapel!) during my trip to Rome around the time this film adaptation was released. I heavily resI coincidentally visited the Vatican (and the Sistine Chapel!) during my trip to Rome around the time this film adaptation was released. I heavily researched what a conclave was and found the process of choosing a pope quite fascinating. In Conclave, this process is full of alliances and evictions on par with a very serious political season of Big Brother. Plus a surprise ending you’ll never see coming. Grab your popcorn folks!
Admittedly, I read the book first and did not enjoy it. I found it dry and confusing. I LOVE Ralph Fiennes so I watched the movie which is nearly identical to the book and was able to process the events and keep the characters straight much more easily. I read the book again and realized I didn’t need to. As a goodreads friend said, if you saw the movie then you’ve already read the book and she’s 100% right. Plus the movie has an impressive cast (Fiennes!!!!!) and a haunting film score and cinematography. Loved it!
This quote is in both the book and movie and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. If you ever struggle with your faith, no matter your religion, this quote encourages you to give yourself some grace… “…let me tell you that the one sin I have come to fear more than any other is certainty. Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance. Even Christ was not certain at the end. ‘Eli Eli, lama sabachtani?’ He cried out in His agony at the ninth hour on the cross. ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Our faith is a living thing precisely because it walks hand in hand with doubt. If there was only certainty, and if there was no doubt, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith.” ...more
Excellent! No filler in this 2nd installment. A mix of action, mystery and suspense. Lots of questions and eventually lots of answers. Author leaves tExcellent! No filler in this 2nd installment. A mix of action, mystery and suspense. Lots of questions and eventually lots of answers. Author leaves the reader desperate for the next book!...more