Tuesday, June 1, 2021

May Reading Log

 

Each month I always amaze myself by how many wonderful books I find to read.  I always struggle to pick

my favorite book and this month is no exception.   I decided to pick a middle grade book because this book

just radiates kindness.  I really think we need more kindness and compassion in our world and The Elephant

in the Room is just that book.  This book reminds readers to reach out and help those who may seem

withdrawn, down on their luck, different, sad, or in need. It doesn't matter because everyone needs a friend.

  Everyone needs a place and a purpose.   If you have something to give, give it freely and with a smile.  No

matter how big or small, just give what you can.  



Fiction

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dead Woman Crossing ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Distant Shores ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Downstairs Girl ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Last Day Alive ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Mothers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Paris Library ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

People We Meet on Vacation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Rose Code ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Middle Grade

The Elephant in the Room ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Starfish ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Soul Lanterns ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Nonfiction 

Brown Girl Dreaming ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nanaville Adventures in Grandparenting ⭐️⭐️⭐️





Book 64

The Paris Library 

By:  Janet Skeslien Charles

Genre: Historical Fiction


“The library is my haven.  I can always find a corner of the stacks to call my own, to read and dream.

  I want to make sure everyone has that chance, most especially the people who feel different and need

a place to call home.” J.S.Charles  


From the moment I saw this garden statue at Epcot Center I knew this would be my book photo for The

Paris Library, even before I started reading the book.   


The Paris Library is another dual timeline historical fiction book set during WWII and present day Montana.

  Telling the story of Odile Souchet, a young beautiful woman, who is working at her dream job at the American

Library in Paris.  She has a handsome boyfriend, Paul, who works for the police.   


Throughout the war, Odile tries her best to do what she can to resist against the Nazi occupation.  However

after the war, the French turned against those who worked or befriended the Nazis.  Odile is not proud of her

behavior at the end of the war.  Her words and actions had consequences for her friends.   


In Montana in 1983, Lily is a lonely teenager who has lost her mother.   Her elderly neighbor, Odile, finds

herself taking care of Lily as well as teaching her French.   Lily is struggling within a new family structure and

Odile is there for Lily giving advice and support until Lily crosses the line.  


Lily and Odile learn about the importance of trust, friendship and forgiveness. This story is wrapped in book

quotes from other books.. I give The Paris Library ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.  



Book 65

The Elephant in the Room

By: Holly Goldberg Sloan 

Genre:  Realistic Fiction 


I just finished reading The Elephant in the Room and I loved this book. Each and every page radiates the

message of kindness.  Kindness towards others, kindness towards animals, kindness for the environment,

and kindness for yourself.   There are so many positive messages throughout this book it is just an amazing

read.   


I don’t know which character I liked more, Sila, the quiet main character who is struggling with the separation

from her mother.  Yet despite this she still reaches out and takes risks and works to help and make a difference.

  Gio is another character I really liked.  He is a supporting character, who finds his purpose as the story goes on. 

 


I don’t want to give away the story.  It is a middle grade read and it is a thoughtful, kind, happy read.    I give it

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.  This book will definitely be on my top books for the year, I’m sure of it.  If fact I purchased

this book, I want this on my bookshelf to share with my grandchildren.   



Book 66

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

By: Annie Lyons

Genre: Women’s Fiction


With all our work on the LFL I’ve been listening to a lot of audiobooks.   As I stamp and organize which books are

going in the library, I was listening to The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett.   


This book had a similar vibe to Britt Marie Was Here or A Man Called Ove.   Eudora is an elderly woman who

doesn’t have any family or friends.  She has a daily routine that she doesn’t like interrupted.  When Eudora gets

new friendly neighbors her world is turned upside down.   Suddenly she is meeting new people and doing new

things.  It is no surprise that her life begins to change as well.  I enjoyed this story and gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars. 

  


Book 67

Soul Lanterns 

By: Shaw Kuzki

Genre:  Middle Grade Historical Fiction 


I picked up the book Soul Lantern by Shaw Kuzki because @kathiemacisaac posted about it a few weeks ago.

  I was able to get it on Kindle and it was perfect for my vacation.   I like having a book on my phone that I can

easily access when I have a few minutes to read at the airport or in other situations.  Another bonus of this book

is that it is a middle grade book so the chapters are shorter.  However the content of this historical fiction book

was deep and meaningful.  


Soul Lantern’s is the story of a young Japanese girl who goes on a journey to learn more about the historic

bombing of Hiroshima, Japan.  Nozomi, is twelve years old and lives in Hiroshima.  She wasn’t born when

the bombing occured, however she has heard bits and pieces of the story.  Each year her mother takes her

to the lantern-floating ceremony to honor family members lost.  People write names on the bags they release,

however her mother leaves one of her bags empty.  Nozomi wonders why?  Also her beloved art teacher is no

longer at school.  Nozomi, again wonders why?  The students in her class decide to honor the people lost in

Hiroshima by creating art pieces to tell the stories of the people lost in the bombing.  As the children learn

more about their neighbors it teaches them to be more compassionate for others in the community.  


Soul Lanterns reminded me of the story Sadako and The Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. 

It would be interesting to have a discussion comparing the stories.  Both stories focus on the same event,

the bombing of Hiroshima.  Both stories tell of the horrific consequences of war.  I learned a lot from reading

this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star story and highly recommend it.   

   


Book 68

Starfish

By:  Lisa Fipps

Genre:  Middle Grade/ Realistic Fiction 


This bleeding heart plant is one of our favorite plants of spring and to tell you the truth we have nothing to do

with it.  I’m going to try to press the heart flowers and make a bookmark.  


I read the book Starfish because it is the June selection for #middlegradereadersbuddyread.   I requested it

from the library and to my surprise it came in immediately.  So I had to read it.  


The story is about a young girl, Ellie, who has been bullied about her weight by her school friends and

family since her fifth birthday.  To deal with the bullying, Ellie has developed her own Fat Girl Rules. 

Rules she has developed to help her navigate life.  


What I found hard to read was Ellie’s mom attitude towards Ellie’s weight.  As someone who has always

struggled with weight issues I could identify with a lot of Ellie’s feelings.  It is hard to surround yourself with

positive people.  You can not change your family.  I loved that her father found her the support she needed. 

I was also happy to see the change in her sister and the conversation that took place between them.  I think

the book has a lot of good discussion points but I only give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.   



Book 69

Dead Woman Crossing

By:  J.R. Adler

Genre:  Mystery/Thriller 


I think lilacs are one of my favorite spring flowers.  I love their smell.  I have three bushes in my yard and I

love opening my windows so their scent can drift into my house.   

I think I found another mystery series to read beside the #louisepenny books.   Unfortunately there are only

two in the series so far.   Thank you #thereadroverbookclub for introducing me to this author.  I read this

book because it is the first in the series and the second book Last Day Alive is the May selection for the book

club.  


I really enjoyed this book, although I felt like the book spent a lot of time introducing the main character and

her background.  Hopefully that will not continue in future books. I have to admit I did not guess who the murder

was.  So that made the book interesting to me.  I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.   I am definitely interested in

reading the second book. 



Book 70

Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds

By:  Phillip Schmidt & Little Free Library 

Genre: Non-Fiction 


I have a secret.  I have been renewing the book, Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds from the library for the last

two months.  I think my husband and I each read this book at least three times.  It is extremely helpful if you

are considering building your own little free library.  Lots of ideas of how to get started to actual construction ideas.

I highly recommend this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book to you if you plan to build your own library.   


Book 71

The Rose Code

Kate Quinn

Genre:  Historical Fiction 


The Rose Code is the book selection for two of my book clubs this month.

(#readersacrossoceans & ckteachersbookclub).  And rightly so, The Rose Code is such a beautiful historical fiction book. 

It has everything you are looking for in a great book:  strong women, mystery, romance, royal sandal/wedding,

and WWII.  I was supposed to stop at the midpoint for our Buddyread but I just could not stop. 

I had to read all the way to the end of the book.  I highly recommend this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  star book.  








Book 72

Last Day Alive

By:  J.R. Adler

Genre:  Mystery/Thriller 


Last Day Alive is the May selection for the @thereadroverbookclub.  I really enjoyed this mystery book

much more than the first book, Dead Woman Crossing.  Chief Deputy Kimberly King is on the case of a

murdered girl and her missing friend in book 2.    As Kimberly and her boss Sam  investigate the case it

is clear they are interested in each other, but of course they are trying to deny it and keep the workplace

professional.   However, there is a new character, Caleb who is interested in Kimberly.  Now fans of this

book will have to wait until book 3 to see what happens in this love triangle.   



Book 73

Nanaville

By:  Anna Quindlen

Genre:  Non-fiction/self-improvement 


“Reading connects us. Always and forever.”


“There are really only two commandments of Nanaville:  love the grandchildren, and hold

your tongue.”


“A lucky woman gets to trade her MOM mugs in for a NANA mug.”



I purchased Nanaville, a couple of years ago when we were in Seattle on vacation and never got around

to reading.  I picked up the book this week and just started reading it.  I found it very humorous and true.

  I enjoyed Anna’s writing style. It was like you were having a conversation with the author. Her advice is

right on,  I agreed with a lot of what she said.  I highly recommend this book to grandparents.  


In the picture above I was trying to teach my grandson to draw a colorful flower.  He had other plans. 

He wanted to draw a creepy porcupine flower with no colors.  




Book 74

The Downstairs Girl

By: Stacey Lee

Genre:  YA / Historical Fiction 


I read The Downstairs Girl along with the #mmdbookclub this month. I finished just in time because

tonight is the interview with the author with the book club.  I cannot wait to hear more about the story.

  It started a bit slow for me but once I got into it a bit I really enjoyed it.  This book takes place in the

1880’s but the racism and class issues that Jo the main character faces are still issues today.  This is

a YA book but really it didn’t have that high school feel to it.  Even though the main character Jo, is

only seventeen, has been working for years because she is Chinese.  Jo has a lot of life experience

and is quite talented for someone who has not attended school.  She can sew beautiful hats, she can

ride a horse well, she can read and write and she speaks both English and Chinese.   


I enjoyed reading about Jo’s journey as she discovered the identity of her parents.  My heart broke for

her as she was treated poorly by some of the other characters in the book.  However, her resilience to

move forward and do better for herself and her grandfather was amazing.  I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

stars.  


Picture Notes:  Background from PicMonkey

I picked this birthday cake to participate in #TheReadRovers BirthdayBingoBash.  Happy first birthday to

Lauren’s book club.  @thereadroversbookclub. 


Book 75

And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer

By: Fredrik Backman

Genre:  Novella 


This short story completes my reading of all the books written by Fredrik Backman.  Yes I read them all.

Backman’s books are all consistent 4 & 5 star reads for me.   I really like how many of his books deal

with relationships between older and younger generations.  They have humor and still manage to tug

at your emotions.  And Every Morning The Way Home Get Longer and Longer hit a little too close to

home for me because my grandson’s name is Noah just like the little boy in the story.  As the grandpa

and Noah share stories and memories throughout the story it reminded me of the conversations I have

with my grandsons.   


Here is my ratings of the Fredrik Backman books:

A Man Called Ove ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Grandmother Told Me To Say She Was Sorry ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Britt-Marie Was Here ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And Every Morning The Long Way Home Gets Longer and Longer  (Novella) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beartown ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Us Against You ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Deal of a Lifetime (Novella) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Things My Son Needs to Know About the World (Non-Fiction) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anxious People ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Beartown and A Man Called Ove are my favorite of all his books.  





Book 76

Distant Shores

By:  Kristin Hannah 

Genre:  Romance 


I read Distant Shores with #khbacklistbuddyread hosted by @thebookclubmom.  It is one of her

earlier books written in 2002. It is about Elizabeth who finds herself lost as a person and unhappy

in life and in her marriage.  She needs time to figure out where and what she wants to spend the

rest of her life doing.  


Honestly I found the story to be very predictable but once in a while it’s nice to have a happy ending.

  I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.  I’m looking forward to the book discussion tonight.  


Book 77

The Mothers

By: Brit Bennett

Genre: Women’s Fiction 


I finally read The Mothers by Brit Bennett.  This is a wonderful book dealing with an extremely

difficult topic, abortion.   All the feelings that go into the decision from the moment the person

makes the decision, to years after.  The feelings that linger, the shame you try to hide and the

secrets you may keep from your family and friends.   No matter what side of the issue you are on,

this book will evoke emotions from you. As with all good books it will make you think.   This book

may not be for everyone but it is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book.  





Book 78

People We Meet on Vacation

By:  Emily Henry

Genre:  Romance 


People We Meet on Vacation is one of those books I’ve been looking forward to reading for so

many reasons.  

  1.  I loved Beach Read.  

  2. Julia Whelan is narrating the audiobook.  She is amazing.  

  3. This book is on the MMD Summer Reading Guide.  

  4. I picked this book for BOTM.  So now it’s on my unread shelf.  

  5. This is the June selection for two of my book clubs:

              #mmdbookclub & #readersacrossoceans and it is             the July selection for my IRL book club.  

  1.  It completes another box on my bingo card for #thereadroversreadathonbirthdaybingo. 

As I see it, reading this book is a win for me.  People We Meet on Vacation is a great summer beach read.

  All the happy vibes that you are looking for in a summer read are in this book. I love the banter between Alex

and Poppy.  To be honest I don’t know why it takes them twelve years to understand their feelings, but hey

everyone is different.  Things I loved about this book:   The travel!!! Who doesn’t want to read about travel.

  I really want to go to some of the places named in the book.  Second, in my next life I’m naming my kids

Parker, Prince and Poppy.  Fun names.  The other thing I liked in the story was Poppy was thinking of surprises

for Alex to do on vacations.  That would be fun to do as well.  All and all this book is a fun happy romance book.

  I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.  




Book 79

Brown Girl Dreaming

By:  Jacqueline Woodson

Genre:  Middle Grade/AutoBiography


I squeezed in one more Middle Grade book this month.  @library.laura recommended Brown Girl Dreaming

back in January as a book with high expectations so I had added it to my tbr list.  I noticed there was no

waiting on Overdrive, so I grabbed it.  First of all I didn’t realize it was Jacqueline Woodson’s autobiography,

that was a pleasant surprise.  Hearing her story of growing up in South Carolina and New York  in the 1960

and 1970 was extremely interesting to me.  I found reading many of the stories she recalled about her

childhood and the racism she felt was not all that different from what people describe today.  It’s a great

book to learn and educate yourself and others with.  This is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book.  It has a powerful

and positive message.  


Photo Note:  I’m loving my Peony plant this spring.  It has so many blooms on it. 

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

April Reading Log


I read twelve books this month.  My biggest accomplishment was finishing The Pillars of the Earth.  It was a long book and I really had to focus on my reading goals each week.  My favorite book this month was the Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.  Reading about an unfamiliar period in American History was interesting to me.  


Another accomplishment for me is that I only purchased four books and read eight of the books from my shelves so my unread total is down to 253 books.  I’m slowly picking away at that number.  The key for me is not buying anymore books, which is hard when I am in so many buddyreads.  I try my best to use the library but if I cannot get them at the library then I have to buy them.  


Fiction

Four Winds ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Lost Apothecary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Pillars of the Earth  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Secret Keeper ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Things We Do For Love ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Writers & Lovers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Middle Grade

Class Act ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the Desk of Zoe Washington ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Nonfiction 

Bird by Bird ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Greenlights  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Praying with Jane ⭐️⭐️⭐️








Book 52

Greenlights

By:  Matthew McConaughey

Genre:  Nonfiction/ Memoir


This little flower is the first sign of spring in our yard and ever since it popped up flowers and plants started sprouting everywhere.  Today the temperature got up to 77 degrees.  We went for a bike ride and I enjoyed seeing all the daffodils blooming in everyone’s yards.   I need to plant more daffodils in Fall so I have more in my yard next year.  


My first book for April is Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey.  To be honest when I started this book I was thinking, Do I really need to read a book by a celebrity? However, @books2blocks recommended the book, so I continued on.  I was surprised by Matthew’s down to earth attitude.  He is not afraid of doing hard work to make his dreams work.  I was surprised that he kept a journal for most of his life and he was very reflective.  He is a wonderful storyteller and that made his book enjoyable to read. I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.   


Book 53

From the Desk of Zoe Washington 

By:  Janae Marks

Genre:  Realistic Fiction 


I received this beautiful bouquet of flowers for Easter from my son and his family.   I love real flowers.   My grandson was very proud of the flowers.  He picked it because it has two big pink flowers. 


I read From the Desk of Zoe Washington after reading a review by @amandathebookishlibrarian.  This is a wonderful story about a young girl who accidentally finds a letter from her biological father that she never met.  He is in prison for murder.  However, he claims he is innocent.  


Now Zoe is trying to determine what the truth is. How does she go about doing this?  How does she know he is really innocent?  This book has a lot going on that can lead to discussions on: racism, friendships, parent/child relationships, working toward a dream and lying to adults.  I really enjoyed this book and gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.  


 


Book 54

The Four Winds 

By:  Kristin Hannah

Genre:  Historical Fiction 


I just finished The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah and after bragging to my friend @cherylharvey that I have made it through most of the book without tears, I had tears streaming down my face at the end.   


This story was just so beautiful.  My heart broke for Elsa as she struggled with all the major relationships in her life.  The feeling of being unloved can be so lonely.   I thought she powered through it with grace.  


I didn’t know anything about this time period in American History so I was fascinated by the story and how the poor American people were treated.  


I cannot wait to discuss this book with my book club. We are actually going to meet at an outdoor restaurant this month.  I am also discussing this book with #readersacrossoceans.  


If you have not read this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star book yet, I highly recommend you listen to the audiobook.  @justjuliawhelan did a fabulous job narrating the book.  

 




Book 55

The Lost Apothecary 

By: Sarah Penner

Genre: Historical Fiction 


The Lost Apothecary is exactly why I love book clubs.  Book clubs challenge you to read books you think are not for you.  However, you may be wrong.  That is what happened with The Lost Apothecary.  The reviews I was reading didn’t appeal to me.  It sounded almost like witchcraft.  But Rovers at @thereadroversbookclub picked this book for the April selection so I went with it and I loved it.  So what do I love:

⭐️The dual timeline worked well for me.  I wanted to read one more chapter of Nellie’s story or Caroline’s story.  Both stories had me on the edge of my seat.  

⭐️The story was not about witchcraft at all, it was an amazing story of digging into historical facts and researching. 

⭐️Caroline’s story is about betrayal, moving on, and finding yourself or redefining yourself after your husband blows up your marriage of ten years.  

⭐️Nellie’s story is about friendship, legacy and trying to do the right thing for women in a male dominated world.   

⭐️The story contains, heartbreak, mystery, murder, and a lot suspense.  


I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction with a bit of mystery.  





  




Book 56

Bird by Bird

By:  Anne Lamott

Genre:  Nonfiction


Once again, I don’t think this is a book I would have found on my own.  I read this book with the #mmdbookclub.  If you are an inspiring writer this is the book for you.  It has a lot of practical advice for approaching writing.  However, it also has a lot of life advice as well.  Here are a few quotes that spoke to me:

“Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”

This is good advice for any project you take one.  Just take it one step at a time.   


“If you want to make God laugh, tell her your plans.”

This is so true.   You never know what life has in store for you.  You can plan and prepare and dream all you want but be prepared for lots of bumps along the way.  


“Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.”

I took this as just enjoy your life.  Don’t worry if things are perfect just live your life.  Get up and be present.  


“Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”

This is so true.  I have learned so much about being present and grateful from reading.  






Book 57

A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon

By:  Karen Romano Young

Genre:  Fantasy 


I don’t remember who first recommended A Girl, A Raccoon and the Midnight Moonmiddle to me.  I think what appealed to me was that this story took place in a library in New York City.  


Pearl is in fifth grade and she has always been in the library.  Her mom is the librarian and Pearl has always gone to work with her mom.  Pearl loves books and she can recommend books to anyone.  But the library is old and the building is falling apart.  Pearl is on a mission to save the library.   


What I liked about the story:

⭐️It takes place in a library and the author refers to a lot of books.  

⭐️Pearl goes beyond her comfort zone to meet new friends and builds a community of friends to help save the library.   

⭐️The book shows a diverse group of people working together to solve a common problem.   

⭐️The author tackles issues such as bullying, homelessness,  poverty, literacy, kindness to animals and community building.  

What did not work for me:

🚫Reading and writing raccoons that only a few people could communicate with.  


However, I did find this a fun story to read.   


Book 58

Praying with Jane

By:  Rachel Dodge

Genre:  Nonfiction/Spiritual


I’m a huge Jane Austen fan.  When I saw this Praying with Jane come across from IG feed, I immediately ordered it. I started reading it at the beginning of Lent this year and like everything I set it aside.  However I dedicated some time this week to finish it.   


I didn’t realize that Jane Austen came from a religious family.   I found her prayers very interesting to read and reflect on.   I enjoyed the author’s comparisons to Jane’s novels and characters.  She even had notes from Jane’s sister.  


If you like to read daily reflections and you have read the Jane Austen books, you may enjoy this book.   It was an interesting way to pray.  




Book 59

Writers & Lovers

By:  Lily King

Genre:  Fiction 


Hello from Snowy Wisconsin.  The weather here today has been weird to say the least today.   It has snowed two separate times and the sun has come out in between and melted all the snow.    


I read Writers & Lovers with @annebogel and the #mmdbookclub.   It is a fictional look at the daily life of one struggling writer, Casey.   Who has appeared to hit rock bottom.   She has lost her job as a  waitress, she thinks she has cancer, she is being evicted from her moldy one room apartment and she has received eleven rejection letters about her novel.  Oh, and her mother passed away six months ago unexpectedly on a vacation.  Casey is overwhelmed and hanging on by a thread.   


Writing is not an easy venture.  You have to really put your heart and soul out there for everyone to see and judge.   I only occasionally write my opinion of books and that is hard for me.  I by no means consider myself a writer.  I think Lily King did a great job depicting the struggles some writers face as they struggle to balance life and writing.   I give the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ stars.  




Book 60

The Pillars of the Earth

By: Ken Follett

Genre:  Historical Fiction 


I’M FINALLY DONE!!!!! If you have been following my updates on The Pillars of the Earth, I’ve been reading 100 pages a week throughout March and April and I FINALLY finished.  Yes I do feel I deserve a 🥇.    This book was long.  Let me give you the short run down of this book.  


It takes place during medieval ages in England.  The monks want to build a cathedral.  There is a lot of backstabbing within the church and village.    Villages are burned down, many women are raped, many people are killed, a baby is abandoned and food is very scarce.   We are not sure who the king is and the Earl is very  nasty.   


I read this book because it is my goal to read all the books on the #greatreadpbs list.  What did I learn from this book?   Life is not perfect yet, but it is sure better than the medieval times.  I know many of you told me this is your favorite book and it is a good book.  Lots of historical references.  I am going to give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars because it is very violent.  



Book 61

Class Act

By: Jerry Craft

Genre:  Middle Grade/Graphic Novel


Class Act is the extra credit read for our #middlegradereadsbookclub.  We read New Kid back in January and now we read the sequel.  Class Act focuses on the character Drew, Jordan Bank’s friend and his struggles to fit in as a scholarship student at the elite school in the suburbs of New York City.  


I don’t know if it is my short attention span lately but I am really enjoying my middle grade books.  



Book 62

The Things We Do For Love

By: Kristin Hannah 

Genre:  Women’s Fiction 


I’m behind on my book posts.  I was gone on vacation with my husband, son, daughter-in-law and four year old grandson.  I planned on doing some relaxing and reading.  Haha.  The joke was on me.  I should have known better because the days I watch my grandson I get very little reading done.  That boy goes 100 miles an hour and when he does decide to rest, so do I.   


I did finish the the book, The Things You Do for Love, for the #KHbookclub the night before we left.   However I didn’t have a moment to post about it.  I read this book with @Shannon and it was a great group of people to discuss the book with.  


I enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised by the ending.  I was happy that Angie and Lauren were able to keep their strong friendship together.   I was also happy that Angie and her husband worked out their differences.  It made this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read for me.   





Book 63

The Secret Keeper

By: Kate Morton

Genre:  Women’s Fiction 


The Secret Keeper is my last book for April and it was another long one.  It was another one of the dual timeline books telling the story of Laurel as she looks back over her life and her mother’s.   At sixteen years old,  Laurel witnessed her mother murdered someone.  Now Laurel wants to know why.  The Secret Keeper is the story of Laurel searching for the secret her mother kept all these years.  What was her mother’s life like before she met Laurel’s father?   It was an interesting ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ mystery/romance story.