This was a fun collection of memoir inspired comics, written musings, flashbacks about working in the movie industry and a collection of one panel carThis was a fun collection of memoir inspired comics, written musings, flashbacks about working in the movie industry and a collection of one panel cartoons worthy of any newspaper. Number One is Walking is part biography, part movie industry inside news, and all comedy. Done in a fun comic style - this is unlike any other book I have read this year. Innovative and funny. ...more
Eeessh - I mean I know this series is irreverent and weird and over the top and not exactly "literary reading" but this latest installment just seemedEeessh - I mean I know this series is irreverent and weird and over the top and not exactly "literary reading" but this latest installment just seemed like a shitty rambling thrown together mess. Horse Mani is a shitty band consisting of Megg and Werewolf Jones. They go on "tour" and "play" at shitty dive bars - but really they are just ripping on other bands, getting fucked, and generally just fucking around. Not very exciting. ...more
This series ages like fine wine. Even if it's been a few months since I read the previous installment - it all comes rushing back so quickly! The illuThis series ages like fine wine. Even if it's been a few months since I read the previous installment - it all comes rushing back so quickly! The illustrations are downright gorgeous and the characters are so fun and catty - exactly how you would imagine Greek gods and goddesses to be. I can't wait to see where the next installment goes. It's such a slow delicious burn!...more
Nobel Prize winning singer-songwriter, musician, and American icon, Bob Dylan, pens his first book in nearly two decades. The Philosophy of Modern SonNobel Prize winning singer-songwriter, musician, and American icon, Bob Dylan, pens his first book in nearly two decades. The Philosophy of Modern Song is a collection of more than sixty essays that breaks down big music hits, overlooked ballads, and music staples; from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello and from Bobby Darin to The Clash - Bob Dylan shares musical knowledge, philosophy, and insight that he has accrued over the past 80 years. Each essay looks at a different songs lyrics, beats, history and more; written in Bob Dylan's signature rambling, fast paced style. While the book contains over 150 beautifully curated photos; the audiobook features an amazing full cast performance of celebrities. Jeff Bridges, Renée Zellweger, Oscar Isaac, Helen Mirren, Steve Buscemi, John Goodman, Rita Moreno, Sissy Spacek, and Bob Dylan himself are just a few of the narrators in this all star line up which makes for some spectacular listening. Of the 66 songs discussed only 4 are sung by women - which is shame - but is also Bob Dylan's prerogative. Nearly half of the songs are from the 50's and the others songs go as far back as 1924 and all the way up to 2003 (after which presumably - good music stopped being made). This collection doesn't encapsulate Dylan's all time favorite songs - they are just strong songs that inspired him to write about them (and not always for good reasons!). Listeners won't necessarily agree with all the selections but will certainly enjoy learning about some obscure songs as well as some chart toppers. The all star narration makes this audiobook shine....more
Searing, emotional, and unforgettable - this graphic memoir is a look at one girls experience as a survivor of a mass shooting. It's violating, scary,Searing, emotional, and unforgettable - this graphic memoir is a look at one girls experience as a survivor of a mass shooting. It's violating, scary, and alters every bit of your life. Numb to this shows the day to day realities, the numbness, the disbelief, the ever present depression and anxiety - but it circles back to hope. It's very personal, tragic, and eye opening - it's also extremely timely with the increasing number of gun violence in America. Written as both a healing balm and a way to reach many who are going through the same struggles - this book is eye opening for all. ...more
An extremely quick and fluffy read. Also, surprisingly steamier than I thought it would be. Due to a concussion, Aria needs a chauffeur to a town 8 hoAn extremely quick and fluffy read. Also, surprisingly steamier than I thought it would be. Due to a concussion, Aria needs a chauffeur to a town 8 hours away. She is a wedding planner and has to travel to help set up for the wedding. All her siblings and helpers are occupied so Remington is volunteered as a driver. Aria and Remington are oil and water but there is no alternative -she has to get to that wedding. When an ice storm strands them in a small town they spend an unexpected night together and things get complicated quickly. Remington is all about having order, Aria is more of a fly by the seat of her pants kind of girl - could the Christmas magic somehow tie them together? It was decent til the end - it was too over the top for me. ...more
Four short Christmas stories about finding love under the Christmas tree. From a forlorn widow to an injured war hero to a Nashville fiddler to an oldFour short Christmas stories about finding love under the Christmas tree. From a forlorn widow to an injured war hero to a Nashville fiddler to an old fling - all four were cute and hopeful. Obviously all four had ups and downs but ended on high notes - it's Christmas after all! Some stories are a little stronger than others - but they all were nice to listen to in audiobook form. Mostly clean - but there are steamy closed door scenes....more
Regency romance lovers will swoon over the second offering in the Belles of London series. Bestselling author, Mimi Matthews, pens another fun regencyRegency romance lovers will swoon over the second offering in the Belles of London series. Bestselling author, Mimi Matthews, pens another fun regency romp sprinkled with fairy tale references and outrageous situations. Julia Wychwood is an heiress desperate to be free of her demanding parents and the confines of London - she is much more at ease in a book then she is at a ball or society soiree. Captain Jasper Blunt is in London in search of a wealthy wife who can offer him a cash influx to save his crumbling estate in the English countryside. Both their problems can be fixed with one minor event, marriage. They decide to eschew the opinions of the London elite and wed – Julia’s sizable dowry will go to Jasper and in return she asks for freedom – freedom to read, ride, and wander the estate. Jasper readily grants her that but she can’t wander everywhere on the estate. There are some off limit areas that certainly pique Julia’s interest – especially when she learns what kind of man the Captain really is. Charmingly narrated by both Ell Potter and Sebastian Brown – this audiobook is oozes, fun, charm, and growing sexual tension. A must listen for fans of the Bridgerton series, fairytale spin offs, and regency romance. ...more
I wish this was longer or part of a short story collection! I would have probably rated it higher had it been a little more fleshed out or part of a cI wish this was longer or part of a short story collection! I would have probably rated it higher had it been a little more fleshed out or part of a collection - but alas - I will take my Madeline Miller where I can get it. Galatea reimagines the myth of Galatea and Pygmalion. A sculptor creates the most beautiful woman and wishes she were alive. When she awakens she is immediately impregnated finds out that life is not meant for her. It is all controlled by the sculptor. She is locked away and kept in constant supervision by doctors and nurses who drug her. But she knows what she wants and that is her daughter. She may have been made of stone - but her heart beats for one thing only and that is her daughter. ...more
This collection of cartoons is perfect for authors, librarians, and book lovers. Legitimately funny and eccentric - this collection of cartoons give gThis collection of cartoons is perfect for authors, librarians, and book lovers. Legitimately funny and eccentric - this collection of cartoons give glimpses into the minds of writers, re-works book titles, laughs at the critics and so much more. A bibliophile's delight. ...more
There was some gothic vibes, but really this was a Regency romance that focused on uncovering family secrets and trying to find a place in the world. There was some gothic vibes, but really this was a Regency romance that focused on uncovering family secrets and trying to find a place in the world. Cassandra Hale grew up never knowing her parents, but knowing that she was valued as a pupil and then a teacher in her girl's school. When her mentor confesses on her deathbed that she knew who her parents were and had withheld a letter with information to her past, Cassandra is incensed. How could she hide that from her?! The letter is from Briarton Park and states that the sender would like to talk about her past. When Cassandra arrives she discovers that the sender of the letter and owner of the estate has been dead for two years. But at least she knows she is closer to answers. The Vicar of the town is most attentive to her and wants to help her uncover her past, as is the current occupant of Briarton Park, a widower with two beautiful children. Is romance on the horizon and if so, with whom? A solid inspirational read. ...more
Very meh and unexciting for a celebrity memoir. It's wholesome and fine - but nothing you will remember once you turn the final page. I picked this upVery meh and unexciting for a celebrity memoir. It's wholesome and fine - but nothing you will remember once you turn the final page. I picked this up on a whim at my local library and I'm not mad that I did - I think I would love meeting Tamera in real life, but it just wasn't... anything to write home about. I'm not saying it needed to be salacious or a tell all - and I applaud her for keeping it true to her self - but it wasn't anything that needed to be written about. I was surprised how little her sister was mentioned it, but that was about it. Not horrible, just very unmemorable. ...more
Bestselling romance author, Lee Tobin McClain, pens a new heartwarming romance series, kicking it off with The Forever Farmhouse. Ryan Hastings hasn’tBestselling romance author, Lee Tobin McClain, pens a new heartwarming romance series, kicking it off with The Forever Farmhouse. Ryan Hastings hasn’t come back to Teaberry island much since he left for college, but when he gets word that his foster mother isn’t coping well after the death of her husband he decides to bring his research with him and come back to the place where he left his heart. Mellie Anderson, was more than the girl next door, she was Ryan’s first and only love. Like his foster mother, she is widowed, but has a ten-year-old son and seems to be doing just fine. But the reality is, she is not coping well being in such close proximity with her son’s father. Although he is an esteemed scientist, Ryan isn’t very good with dates and has no idea that he fathered a child, something Mellie is fine with him never knowing. But as they start to gravitate towards each other again and Ryan starts to fall back in love with the island and with her – secrets are bound to come out. Narrated calmly and expertly by Tanya Eby who breathes life into the small-town Chesapeake Island community. Extremely slow moving and filled with every inspirational trope imaginable, this audio is only recommended for those who like their romances to be all fluff and no substance. ...more
I loved the concept and it totally reminded me of Satan Loves You by Grady Hendrix. It was a unique and inventive spin on hell as we know it and offerI loved the concept and it totally reminded me of Satan Loves You by Grady Hendrix. It was a unique and inventive spin on hell as we know it and offers an interesting perspective on the innerworkings of Satan's playground. Peyote has a coveted job on the fifth level of hell - which considered to the centuries spent even lower below - it's a cakewalk. Pey has to get desperate humans to sign on the dotted line to spend eternity in hell. It's pretty easy all things considered; humans will trade away their souls for a do-over, for a chance at love, for anything really. But when a new girl comes into the office Pey realizes that some things are about to change and he can't let this girl get in the way of his ultimate plan. Told from alternating perspectives in hell and on earth - this book was a fun ride and I never knew how it would end up. Super inventive and fun! ...more
I went into this book blind, but I ended up really digging it. It's dark eerie and has total 80s slasher vibes. Teens start getting brutally murdered I went into this book blind, but I ended up really digging it. It's dark eerie and has total 80s slasher vibes. Teens start getting brutally murdered in a nice beachside town, and the town descends into chaos. Three friends, each with their own secrets react to the deaths of their classmates in different ways, but really they just seem to ignore it. It's not like their going to be murdered. But when more people end up missing, Pola sees something she can't unsee. Evil really has this town in its grips and she is helpless to do anything about it. Or is she? Fantast illustrations. I really enjoyed this graphic novel. ...more
I genuinely enjoy a good Amish tale and this was the right amount of fluff. There are slight misunderstandings that get turned into disasters, crossedI genuinely enjoy a good Amish tale and this was the right amount of fluff. There are slight misunderstandings that get turned into disasters, crossed wires, meddling old mothers, and "forbidden" romance. Lydie Stolzfus feels she has to leave the Amish order - she doesn't fit in. She's been fired from more jobs then she can count, she's impulsive, forgetful, and can never finish a task without starting 4 others first. She feels like she's a disappointment to everyone - especially to her family and the boy she's loved since she was a kinner, Nathan. The local doctor has offered to let Lydie be a temporary secretary and she seizes the job as it gets her out of the house and away from her meddling grandma and it gives her time to prepare to leave the order. While there the doctor observes Lydie's behavior and realizes that she must be suffering from adult ADHD - it makes so much sense. But is it too late to do anything about it? The parallel storyline is told through Nathan's perspective and how he deals with his father splitting the farm in half and allowing each of his sons to decide how best to farm it. Mick wants all the chemicals sprayed on his fields and Nathan wants to try his hand at organic. Which will do better?? Predictable, sweet, and a good read. ...more
No one writes more compassionaly about mental health in fiction, better than Matthew Quick, the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver LiningNo one writes more compassionaly about mental health in fiction, better than Matthew Quick, the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Linings Playbook. We are the Light follows, Lucas Goodgame as he attempts to deal with his grief by writing letters to his Jungian analyst, Karl. Lucas' hometown theater, The Majestic, was the target of a horrific crime that killed his wife and nearly twenty others. While he may have been the one to stop the monster, he still feels lacking, like he should have done more. He insists his wife, in the form of an angel, visits him nightly, and his grip on reality seems to be loosening. When Eli, a teenager shunned by the community, starts camping out in his backyard Lucas starts to open up and fins a reason to move forward. By working together and creating a monster movie they hope not to heal just themselves, but the town as well. Passionately narrated by Luke Kirby, this tale of hope, loss, and grief will move readers nearly to tears. Despite dealing with many tragedies; PTSD, trauma, suicide, mass shooting – We are the Light is a story about healing and finding guardian angels in the most unlikely of places. Moving and unfortunately, timely. ...more
Admittedly a hard read, especially if you don't like reading about animal violence - but truly an important one. I had no idea about the plight of furAdmittedly a hard read, especially if you don't like reading about animal violence - but truly an important one. I had no idea about the plight of fur seals and the efforts undertaken at the turn of the nineteenth century to save them. Roar of the Sea is part history and part biographies for two dashing men; Henry Wood Elliot, an amateur scientist who by chance went to the Pribilof Islands and fell in love with the fur seals and set about studying them and Alex MacLean, a pirate who specialized in illegally killing seals and selling their pelts. Elliot spent his whole life trying to save the fur seals while MacLean spent his life trying to undermine Elliot and turn a handsome profit. Maclean was s notorious he was even inspiration for Jack London's famed novel, The Sea Wolf. Elliot on the other hand was constantly belittled and challenged by government officials who sought to discredit him in order to keep slaughter tens of thousands of fur seals a year. In mere years the Pribilof Islands had lost more than half their millions of seals and if actions weren't taken they would soon be extinct. A little tedious at times, and definitely violent - but an important enlightening read. ...more
Plant aficionados will delight in the entertaining history behind their favorite houseplants while learning some botanical tips along the way. From thPlant aficionados will delight in the entertaining history behind their favorite houseplants while learning some botanical tips along the way. From the Neolithic age to the tulip craze to social media, Molly Williams explores when plants first started living indoors as companions and shares how they have evolved (and disappeared) over the centuries. Greenhouses, terrariums, and fertilizers have all brought forth new waves of indoor garden enthusiasts. Through the centuries the gardening fads may have changed, but people seem to love greening up their indoor space in new and innovative ways. Narrated by the author herself, this audiobook is a delightful listen, though having the physical book may be handy for those who have trouble spelling the scientific name of the plants mentioned and for seeing the illustrations. The end of the book contains leafy legacy botanical activities for readers to do; from Bonsai trees to hanging plants and terracotta pots – all the gardening tips tie back in with the previously discussed houseplants. Part microhistory, part tips and tricks, this book is great for beginners and experts. A great read for all those who love their flora. ...more