Author:
Carrie Brown
Stars:
5
Review by: MApgar
Covering various hand decorated trees and how to produce the effects; it had a wide swath of artistic talents and tastes, but had very concise directions that were presented extremely well along with the photographs.
Friday, September 6, 2019
The Emperors of Chocolate
Author: Joel Glenn
Brenner
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
An inner workings history of Hershey and Mars as a backdrop to the emerging candy industry.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
An inner workings history of Hershey and Mars as a backdrop to the emerging candy industry.
Death in Early America
Author:
Margaret Coffin
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
You really need to be more original if your name is 'Coffin' and you write about funeral practices. The expanse of the book was fairly narrow and more can be found in a general style of living account, but it was written well.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
You really need to be more original if your name is 'Coffin' and you write about funeral practices. The expanse of the book was fairly narrow and more can be found in a general style of living account, but it was written well.
Stromatolites
Author:
R.J. Leis
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A good compendium on the fossil algae - groups, what they are and are not, and even where to get genuine fossils. Was odd how it noted there is only 1 mineral and fossil show per state each month when really there are upwards of dozens in some though.
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A good compendium on the fossil algae - groups, what they are and are not, and even where to get genuine fossils. Was odd how it noted there is only 1 mineral and fossil show per state each month when really there are upwards of dozens in some though.
Milk!
Author:
Mark Kurlansky
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
A semi expose and history on milk and dairy products; while the writing itself is very good it is loaded with 'recipes' which are in turn at times extremely vague and do not even give amounts of ingredients needed.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
A semi expose and history on milk and dairy products; while the writing itself is very good it is loaded with 'recipes' which are in turn at times extremely vague and do not even give amounts of ingredients needed.
Inside the Victorian Home
Author:
Judith Flanders
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A look into everything from mourning (how long to wear what for whom) to where servants' quarters should be located according to station. Book covers a great deal and is written with personality.
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A look into everything from mourning (how long to wear what for whom) to where servants' quarters should be located according to station. Book covers a great deal and is written with personality.
Adopting Older Children
Author:
Bosco Ruggiero
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
Examining the processes behind adopting children over four; while it goes very well into potential issues both medical and psychological it lags behind in others. There is a great deal of emphasis on domestic adoptions and almost a negativity to international, with nary a mention of how the ability to have a child taken away is what drives so many away from the former. And while it gives a lot of advice on LBGTQ adoption it gives no mentions for disabled parents.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
Examining the processes behind adopting children over four; while it goes very well into potential issues both medical and psychological it lags behind in others. There is a great deal of emphasis on domestic adoptions and almost a negativity to international, with nary a mention of how the ability to have a child taken away is what drives so many away from the former. And while it gives a lot of advice on LBGTQ adoption it gives no mentions for disabled parents.
The Unofficial Guide to Adoptive Parenting
Author: Sally Donovan
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Note the title - this does not cover how to adopt or laws, just how the author advises parenting (emotionally disturbed and older) children. Being pretty exclusive has its drawbacks as does her going on and on about how certain methods work yet in the same paragraph saying she basically wants to rip her hair out.
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Note the title - this does not cover how to adopt or laws, just how the author advises parenting (emotionally disturbed and older) children. Being pretty exclusive has its drawbacks as does her going on and on about how certain methods work yet in the same paragraph saying she basically wants to rip her hair out.
The Borgias
Author:
G.J. Meyer
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
A bit boring; which is a real shame granted the subject. Author goes into how there are myths and stereotypes of the family but doesn't really get far into disproving them other than his frequent assails upon whom was related how.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
A bit boring; which is a real shame granted the subject. Author goes into how there are myths and stereotypes of the family but doesn't really get far into disproving them other than his frequent assails upon whom was related how.
The 70 wonders of China
Author:
Jonathan Fenby
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
Brief bits on 70 marvels - manmade and natural - of China. Some were a bit too short, but on the whole the selection was well rounded.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
Brief bits on 70 marvels - manmade and natural - of China. Some were a bit too short, but on the whole the selection was well rounded.
Soda Politics
Author:
Marion Nestle
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
An examination on the ill effects of sugared drinks - soda, juice, etc. - and how they are pervasively marketed.
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
An examination on the ill effects of sugared drinks - soda, juice, etc. - and how they are pervasively marketed.
Let Me Lie
Author:
Clare Mackintosh
Stars: 4
Review by: Maryellen
I had a hard time getting into this book and almost abandoned it a third of the way in. I’m glad I didn’t. It turned out to have some good twists and turns.
Stars: 4
Review by: Maryellen
I had a hard time getting into this book and almost abandoned it a third of the way in. I’m glad I didn’t. It turned out to have some good twists and turns.
Virginia Beautiful
Author:
Wallace Nutting
Stars: 3
Review by: BigBison
This book was written in 1930 and describes Virginia at that time, noting it will take about 1 month to travel to see it and that you had to take the ferry to get across certain rivers. The author was extremely opinionated about architecture and what comprises beauty and once I got over the surprise of picking up a useless travel book that I thought would help me to discover contemporary Virginia, I got interested in reading about a place I know, but in a different time period.
Stars: 3
Review by: BigBison
This book was written in 1930 and describes Virginia at that time, noting it will take about 1 month to travel to see it and that you had to take the ferry to get across certain rivers. The author was extremely opinionated about architecture and what comprises beauty and once I got over the surprise of picking up a useless travel book that I thought would help me to discover contemporary Virginia, I got interested in reading about a place I know, but in a different time period.
Anna & The Alien
Author:
Honey Phillips
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This is the first in a new series for this author. It is still a sci-fi human abduction love story. The series was just a fun summer read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This is the first in a new series for this author. It is still a sci-fi human abduction love story. The series was just a fun summer read.
Great Balls of Fury
Author:
Annabel Chase
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This was a first in a cozy series. It has all the easy read elements...campy humor, love and a slight mystery.
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This was a first in a cozy series. It has all the easy read elements...campy humor, love and a slight mystery.
Sentinal Galactic Gladiators
Author:
Anna Hackett
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This is the first of a new spin off series from the original Gladiators. This whole series is based on saving the human women that were abducted. It has the same flavor of the original series with a twist.
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This is the first of a new spin off series from the original Gladiators. This whole series is based on saving the human women that were abducted. It has the same flavor of the original series with a twist.
Racing Hearts
Author:
Lauren Landish
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This is the last book in this series but it appears that there will be a spin off series to follow.
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This is the last book in this series but it appears that there will be a spin off series to follow.
Hunteer Galactic - Galactic Gladiators BK12
Author:
Anna Hackett
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This book also contains 3 novellas with the e-version.
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This book also contains 3 novellas with the e-version.
Northridge Shifters
Author:
Dee Bridgenorth
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This 5 book series looked at a series of brother shifters and the women they fall in love with. The series contains: Noah, Ethan, Bennett, Sebastian, and Desmond.
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This 5 book series looked at a series of brother shifters and the women they fall in love with. The series contains: Noah, Ethan, Bennett, Sebastian, and Desmond.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Bearded Brothers
Author:
K. C. Crown
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This was a 5 book collection. It included Her Mountain Daddy (Not what you think), Beauty and the Beard, Built and Bearded, The Gentleman, and Bride & the Beard. All stories have "alpha" males with beards (who knew), the women they fall in love with, drama and more love.
Stars: 3
Review by: Aleksza
This was a 5 book collection. It included Her Mountain Daddy (Not what you think), Beauty and the Beard, Built and Bearded, The Gentleman, and Bride & the Beard. All stories have "alpha" males with beards (who knew), the women they fall in love with, drama and more love.
The Fountains of Silence
Author:
Ruta Sepetys
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
A young adult historical novel about Spain during Franco's reign. Heartbreaking, but educational as I knew nothing of Spain during his regime.
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
A young adult historical novel about Spain during Franco's reign. Heartbreaking, but educational as I knew nothing of Spain during his regime.
The Perfect Fraud
Author:
Ellen Lacorte
Stars: 3
Review by: libraryaimee
Well written, but I found it predictable.
Stars: 3
Review by: libraryaimee
Well written, but I found it predictable.
The Bride Test
Author:
Helen Huang
Stars: 2
Review by: Kristen E.
I really liked The Kiss Quotient by the same author, but I felt this one was more of the same. I was looking for something a bit different. The writing is good and I liked the characters overall though. I especially liked the heroine of this story.
Stars: 2
Review by: Kristen E.
I really liked The Kiss Quotient by the same author, but I felt this one was more of the same. I was looking for something a bit different. The writing is good and I liked the characters overall though. I especially liked the heroine of this story.
And Then There Were None
Author:
Agatha Christie
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
The most PC of the titles for this is one of her independent stories - nary a Poirot or Marple. 10 persons with shady backgrounds are invited to Indian Island, only to start dying 1 at a time in manners akin to the old nursery rhyme. Eventually all are dead and the truth is later found out via a message in a bottle - not wanting the guilty to go free, a person with a terminal illness arranged it all and killed themselves in a way to make it look like a related murder.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
The most PC of the titles for this is one of her independent stories - nary a Poirot or Marple. 10 persons with shady backgrounds are invited to Indian Island, only to start dying 1 at a time in manners akin to the old nursery rhyme. Eventually all are dead and the truth is later found out via a message in a bottle - not wanting the guilty to go free, a person with a terminal illness arranged it all and killed themselves in a way to make it look like a related murder.
1607: Jamestown & The New World
Author:
Dennis Montgomery
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A collection of essays on the settlement along with background on Virginia and Williamsburg. A lovely place that sadly gets sidelined for Plymouth. Jamestown was an area that hosted several characters and tragedies. From cannibalism to Pocahontas, it's all in here folks! Plus it doesn't go into 'lost colony' too much, other than 'they wrote the island's name on a tree, where do you think they went?'
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A collection of essays on the settlement along with background on Virginia and Williamsburg. A lovely place that sadly gets sidelined for Plymouth. Jamestown was an area that hosted several characters and tragedies. From cannibalism to Pocahontas, it's all in here folks! Plus it doesn't go into 'lost colony' too much, other than 'they wrote the island's name on a tree, where do you think they went?'
Ghostbusters- the ultimate visual history
Author:
Daniel Wallace
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
I forgot about the second cartoon, thank God. And no mention of Ecto Cooler, the blasphemy! Other than that (and the tendency to rely on buzzwords to describe the actors & characters) it was a chronological account of the making of the first film up to a brief mention of the 2016 disaster with the various bits of the franchise in between.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
I forgot about the second cartoon, thank God. And no mention of Ecto Cooler, the blasphemy! Other than that (and the tendency to rely on buzzwords to describe the actors & characters) it was a chronological account of the making of the first film up to a brief mention of the 2016 disaster with the various bits of the franchise in between.
Pompeii - Herculaneum, past and present
Author:
A. de Franciscis
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A mini tour book, independently published, on the main buildings in both cities. Reconstructions are shown on plastic overlay sheets (in turn atop photos) as to give an approximate idea of the colors / style/ etc. of what was destroyed.
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A mini tour book, independently published, on the main buildings in both cities. Reconstructions are shown on plastic overlay sheets (in turn atop photos) as to give an approximate idea of the colors / style/ etc. of what was destroyed.
Between Two Worlds: Sicily and America
Author:
Luisa LoCascio
Stars: 4
Review by: KM
Though not Italian, I've been interested in books on Italy for a long time. This short but very interesting book is equal parts memoir and history. The author interweaves memories of growing up Sicilian in America with history and details of her travels to Sicily as an adult.
Stars: 4
Review by: KM
Though not Italian, I've been interested in books on Italy for a long time. This short but very interesting book is equal parts memoir and history. The author interweaves memories of growing up Sicilian in America with history and details of her travels to Sicily as an adult.
Prince Charles: the Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life
Author:
Sally Bedell Smith
Stars: 4
Review by: KM
I had no idea that Prince Charles was so multifaceted. This is a fascinating book.
Stars: 4
Review by: KM
I had no idea that Prince Charles was so multifaceted. This is a fascinating book.
Next Year In Havana
Author:
Chanel Cleeton
Stars: 5
Review by: Barbara LOVES Books !!
Wonderful, informative about Cuba's political history, interesting twists and turns! A Great read !!
Stars: 5
Review by: Barbara LOVES Books !!
Wonderful, informative about Cuba's political history, interesting twists and turns! A Great read !!
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
Author:
Bryn Greenwood
Stars: 5
Review by: Kristen E.
Never in my life have I read a book that made me feel as uncomfortable as this one managed to. Gritty, raw and wrong on so many levels, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things brought up feelings I wasn’t prepared for. The characters in this story really stayed with me.
Stars: 5
Review by: Kristen E.
Never in my life have I read a book that made me feel as uncomfortable as this one managed to. Gritty, raw and wrong on so many levels, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things brought up feelings I wasn’t prepared for. The characters in this story really stayed with me.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Author:
Brene Brown
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.
This could be helpful in a business environment. I found some of it didn't really pertain much to me.
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.
This could be helpful in a business environment. I found some of it didn't really pertain much to me.
Red, White & Royal Blue
Author:
Casey McQuiston
Stars: 2
Review by: Kristen E.
I appreciated aspects of this and loved the representation of different types of characters. We need more of that. But overall, it just made me more pissed about what is actually happening in life rather than what could be. It did drag in parts for me and bits were too predictable for me to enjoy. I think my hopes were too high for this one given the praise its gotten.
Stars: 2
Review by: Kristen E.
I appreciated aspects of this and loved the representation of different types of characters. We need more of that. But overall, it just made me more pissed about what is actually happening in life rather than what could be. It did drag in parts for me and bits were too predictable for me to enjoy. I think my hopes were too high for this one given the praise its gotten.
The Silent Patient
Author:
Alex Michaelides
Stars: 4
Review by: Kristen E.
This book was pretty un-put-down-able and had a twist I didn't see coming despite being aware of the fact that this book had a twist in the first place! With that said, this book will still kind of middle-of-the-road for me. If you remove the extraordinary twist, you are left with a strange story that suddenly doesn't quite make sense with characters that behave in ways that are illogical at best. Suspension of disbelief is definitely needed.
Stars: 4
Review by: Kristen E.
This book was pretty un-put-down-able and had a twist I didn't see coming despite being aware of the fact that this book had a twist in the first place! With that said, this book will still kind of middle-of-the-road for me. If you remove the extraordinary twist, you are left with a strange story that suddenly doesn't quite make sense with characters that behave in ways that are illogical at best. Suspension of disbelief is definitely needed.
Chances Are
Author:
Richard Russo
Stars: 4
Review by: Judy
Most books about summer at Martha's Vineyard are about women meeting to spend time together. Richard Russo has three male college friends who are now in their sixties reuniting. It was a very interesting story.
Stars: 4
Review by: Judy
Most books about summer at Martha's Vineyard are about women meeting to spend time together. Richard Russo has three male college friends who are now in their sixties reuniting. It was a very interesting story.
Best Kept Secrets
Author:
Jeffrey Archer
Stars: 2
Review by: Chris L
Book 3 in Clifton Saga. If you like Soap Operas you will like this.
Stars: 2
Review by: Chris L
Book 3 in Clifton Saga. If you like Soap Operas you will like this.
Ms. Bixby's Last Day
Author:
John David Anderson
Stars: 5
Review by: KM
What a special story. This may be juvenile fiction, but it has great heart and depth. So glad I read it.
Stars: 5
Review by: KM
What a special story. This may be juvenile fiction, but it has great heart and depth. So glad I read it.
Trinity
Author:
Leon Uris
Stars: 5
Review by: BertaP
I listened to this which I highly recommend. This saga about the Irish Troubles from the late 19th century to 1919 was written probably in the 60's but it is fresh and pertinent today. It was an interlibrary loan.
Stars: 5
Review by: BertaP
I listened to this which I highly recommend. This saga about the Irish Troubles from the late 19th century to 1919 was written probably in the 60's but it is fresh and pertinent today. It was an interlibrary loan.
The True Death of Billy the Kid
Author:
Rick Geary
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
Billy was a jerk. Presented as a graphic novel, it recounts his late imprisonment, escape, and eventual hunting down in addition to several 'he didn't die' and other theories.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
Billy was a jerk. Presented as a graphic novel, it recounts his late imprisonment, escape, and eventual hunting down in addition to several 'he didn't die' and other theories.
Black Dahlia
Author:
Rick Geary
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
One of his graphic novels, it is by far one of the most dignified ones on her. After Elizabeth Short's parents split she had a hard but fairly happy childhood, but wanting more as an adult got into some trouble and moved west as her father was in the area. Her bisected body was found in 1947, and despite having her effects and anonymous letters bungling and little additional info leaves the case unsolved.
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
One of his graphic novels, it is by far one of the most dignified ones on her. After Elizabeth Short's parents split she had a hard but fairly happy childhood, but wanting more as an adult got into some trouble and moved west as her father was in the area. Her bisected body was found in 1947, and despite having her effects and anonymous letters bungling and little additional info leaves the case unsolved.
The Mister
Author:
E.L. James
Stars: 3
Review by: libraryaimee
Exactly what you would expect from an E.L. James book!
Stars: 3
Review by: libraryaimee
Exactly what you would expect from an E.L. James book!
French Kids Eat Everything
Author:
Karen Le Billon
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
In a 'it'll be wonderful!' daze the author orders her family uprooted to France, where her husband was from and hated it. Kids are miserable and lash out, she cops an attitude with their school over cultural issues and argues with her husband. Patient people mostly put up with her crap, and eventually she realizes that she's doing no favors turning her girls into brats. And after that she decides she's unhappy and they got to move back to Canada. Lovely.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
In a 'it'll be wonderful!' daze the author orders her family uprooted to France, where her husband was from and hated it. Kids are miserable and lash out, she cops an attitude with their school over cultural issues and argues with her husband. Patient people mostly put up with her crap, and eventually she realizes that she's doing no favors turning her girls into brats. And after that she decides she's unhappy and they got to move back to Canada. Lovely.
Miracle on the Hudson
Author:
William Prochnau and Laura Parker
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
What the pilots did was great, this not so much. Saying the title over and over and oooooover again doesn't help, nor does going into over in depth details of nearly every passenger to show how people of variety were on board. It was an airbus, of course one gets all kinds of people on them. Without the fluff this would've been a pamphlet.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
What the pilots did was great, this not so much. Saying the title over and over and oooooover again doesn't help, nor does going into over in depth details of nearly every passenger to show how people of variety were on board. It was an airbus, of course one gets all kinds of people on them. Without the fluff this would've been a pamphlet.
Jewels and Jewellry
Author:
Clare Phillips
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Well that was dull. An account of the collection of the Victoria and Albert museum with a wee bit 'o history thrown in, the only good part was learning Freddie Mercury's sister donated several ornamented cases to them.
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Well that was dull. An account of the collection of the Victoria and Albert museum with a wee bit 'o history thrown in, the only good part was learning Freddie Mercury's sister donated several ornamented cases to them.
Anna of Kleve
Author:
Alison Weir
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
This was my final effort at continuing to read her - fictional works like this are just...odd. Be as graphic as needed but that shouldn't include famous people's invented sex lives, its boring. A princess in a German duchy, Anna is selected to be the 4th wife of HenryVIII. She adored him, but kept from the court that she had an illegitimate child and later a lover. Countering the stereotypes against her Weir does too much invention and not enough of her real talents.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
This was my final effort at continuing to read her - fictional works like this are just...odd. Be as graphic as needed but that shouldn't include famous people's invented sex lives, its boring. A princess in a German duchy, Anna is selected to be the 4th wife of HenryVIII. She adored him, but kept from the court that she had an illegitimate child and later a lover. Countering the stereotypes against her Weir does too much invention and not enough of her real talents.
The Red Thread
Author:
Ann Hood
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
This would've been better without all the archetypes. Fictional, it concerns Maya - her baby dies when she drops it; after she up and leaves her husband and forms an adoption agency for Chinese babies. Bitter that her ex is happy, she starts another group of families but things are really stereotypical. The uber yuppies with the yacht, down to nature types, teenage kid at home, disabled kid at home - while all kinds adopt she seemed to almost over stress how different everyone was.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
This would've been better without all the archetypes. Fictional, it concerns Maya - her baby dies when she drops it; after she up and leaves her husband and forms an adoption agency for Chinese babies. Bitter that her ex is happy, she starts another group of families but things are really stereotypical. The uber yuppies with the yacht, down to nature types, teenage kid at home, disabled kid at home - while all kinds adopt she seemed to almost over stress how different everyone was.
Summer of ‘69
Author:
Elin Hilderbrand
Stars: 5
Review by: Pip 2
This was GREAT! 50 years ago what do you remember about it? I could not put this down!
Stars: 5
Review by: Pip 2
This was GREAT! 50 years ago what do you remember about it? I could not put this down!
The Secret Life of Bees
Author:
Sue Monk Kidd
Stars: 4
Review by: Diane G.
I have heard of this book many times and just never got the chance to read it. What a great story! It took a little while for me to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. Excellent commentary on the meaning of family and a host of other challenging topics in the context of race relations in the South.
Stars: 4
Review by: Diane G.
I have heard of this book many times and just never got the chance to read it. What a great story! It took a little while for me to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. Excellent commentary on the meaning of family and a host of other challenging topics in the context of race relations in the South.
The Only Woman in the Room
Author:
Marie Benedict
Stars: 5
Review by: Grandma I.
Fascinating story of Hedy Lamarr, inventor as well as glamorous actress.
Stars: 5
Review by: Grandma I.
Fascinating story of Hedy Lamarr, inventor as well as glamorous actress.
My Dear Hamilton
Author:
Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
Stars: 5
Review by: BKF
A beautiful work of historical fiction, very well written and richly detailed. The story is told trough the eyes of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, Alexander's wife, a remarkable woman who played a major role in the founding of our country.
Stars: 5
Review by: BKF
A beautiful work of historical fiction, very well written and richly detailed. The story is told trough the eyes of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, Alexander's wife, a remarkable woman who played a major role in the founding of our country.
The Last Letter
Author:
Rebecca Yarros
Stars: 4
Review by: stillada
If you do not like to cry when reading a book do not read this one. You would not be able to not cry.
Stars: 4
Review by: stillada
If you do not like to cry when reading a book do not read this one. You would not be able to not cry.
The Way Life Should Be
Author:
Christina Baker Kline
Stars: 5
Review by: Linda
First time reading her great book.
Stars: 5
Review by: Linda
First time reading her great book.
Katherine of Aragon - the True Queen
Author:
Alison Weir
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
Would of been better but for two things - talked way too much about her and Henry's sex life. Also, Mary Boleyn was nearly ignored while the parts with Anne could've been condensed by 100 pages. Too much of the same things over and over and it drags the book a lot.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
Would of been better but for two things - talked way too much about her and Henry's sex life. Also, Mary Boleyn was nearly ignored while the parts with Anne could've been condensed by 100 pages. Too much of the same things over and over and it drags the book a lot.
Foundation
Author:
Peter Ackroyd
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
The beginnings of Britain to the early middle ages. Was alright but amazingly brief on some things - the whole Plantagenet mess didn't get enough space, and Beckett's death barely a mention among others.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
The beginnings of Britain to the early middle ages. Was alright but amazingly brief on some things - the whole Plantagenet mess didn't get enough space, and Beckett's death barely a mention among others.
A Royal Welcome
Author:
Anna Reynolds
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
Cute but small, on how events are staged at Buckingham Palace. Can get a lot more from the companion book for the Monarchy - Royal Family at Work series.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
Cute but small, on how events are staged at Buckingham Palace. Can get a lot more from the companion book for the Monarchy - Royal Family at Work series.
Mrs. Queen Takes the Train
Author:
William Kuhn
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Future generations will hate us for publishing this. The Queen is depressed, and while having a breakdown of sorts she leaves for Scotland on the train with several palace employees and a cheese shop worker / paparazzi in tow. An utterly terrible book that deals with her character all wrong - making her loopy, irresponsible, and several other things...and even tells events we have on film wrong and takes insulting liberties with the story of Diana's depression.
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Future generations will hate us for publishing this. The Queen is depressed, and while having a breakdown of sorts she leaves for Scotland on the train with several palace employees and a cheese shop worker / paparazzi in tow. An utterly terrible book that deals with her character all wrong - making her loopy, irresponsible, and several other things...and even tells events we have on film wrong and takes insulting liberties with the story of Diana's depression.
The rise of the Tudors
Author:
Chris Skidmore
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
A history of the Tudor lineage from its Welsh beginnings to essentially the crowning of Henry VII. Was a bit inaccurate and rather out of date, especially the things said about Richard III, and had a tendency to harp on the same thing over and over.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
A history of the Tudor lineage from its Welsh beginnings to essentially the crowning of Henry VII. Was a bit inaccurate and rather out of date, especially the things said about Richard III, and had a tendency to harp on the same thing over and over.
The New Girl
Author: Daniel Silva
Stars: 5
Review by: JudyE
The newest of Dan Silva’s series regarding Gabriel Allon, the chief of Israeli intelligence. Another great thriller!
Stars: 5
Review by: JudyE
The newest of Dan Silva’s series regarding Gabriel Allon, the chief of Israeli intelligence. Another great thriller!
The Library Book
Author: Susan Orlean
Stars: 4
Review by: JudyE
Appreciate libraries and their collection and the work behind the scene of librarians!!
Stars: 4
Review by: JudyE
Appreciate libraries and their collection and the work behind the scene of librarians!!
The Mummy Case
Author:
Elizabeth Peters
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy
Third in the series. Amelia and Emerson are in Egypt with their precocious son, Ramses. There’s pyramids, excavations, and murders. The cat, Bastet was a favorite! A lot of fun, especially with Amelia and Emerson’s snappy dialogues!
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy
Third in the series. Amelia and Emerson are in Egypt with their precocious son, Ramses. There’s pyramids, excavations, and murders. The cat, Bastet was a favorite! A lot of fun, especially with Amelia and Emerson’s snappy dialogues!
The Monogram Murders
Author:
Sophie Hannah
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy
A strong start. There was almost a little too much effort of trying to make Poirot be Poirot. Then the ending was so long and convoluted that it caused me much vexation! Catchpool was a good sidekick and the cuff links found in the victims mouths was unique.
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy
A strong start. There was almost a little too much effort of trying to make Poirot be Poirot. Then the ending was so long and convoluted that it caused me much vexation! Catchpool was a good sidekick and the cuff links found in the victims mouths was unique.
A Zoo In My Luggage
Author:
Gerald Durrell
Stars: 5
Review by: KM
A delight, I listened to this in audio from another source, another library. The narrator, Rupert Degas, was one of the best I've ever heard. Durrell was a British naturalist interested in conservation of species. This book has some amazing detail and description of animal antics, very fun. Quite a story overall.
Stars: 5
Review by: KM
A delight, I listened to this in audio from another source, another library. The narrator, Rupert Degas, was one of the best I've ever heard. Durrell was a British naturalist interested in conservation of species. This book has some amazing detail and description of animal antics, very fun. Quite a story overall.
The Starter Wife
Author: Gigi Levangie Grazer
Stars: 3
Review by: August Mom
Mindless entertainment published in 2005 about the over the top living in Hollywood. Designer wives and designer divorces with sex, lies, alcohol and some humor.
Stars: 3
Review by: August Mom
Mindless entertainment published in 2005 about the over the top living in Hollywood. Designer wives and designer divorces with sex, lies, alcohol and some humor.
High on Arrival
Author:
Mackenzie Phillips
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom
This is Mackenzie Phillips actress/singer and daughter of John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas. Written in 2008 details her life as a junkie, recovery and relapse and her complicated and dark/dysfunctional relationship with her father. It is a miracle that she didn't die from a drug overdose.
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom
This is Mackenzie Phillips actress/singer and daughter of John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas. Written in 2008 details her life as a junkie, recovery and relapse and her complicated and dark/dysfunctional relationship with her father. It is a miracle that she didn't die from a drug overdose.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons
Author:
Lorna Landvik
Stars: 4
Review by: Kim P.
Book follows 5 women who have a book club and their lives for 30 years.
Stars: 4
Review by: Kim P.
Book follows 5 women who have a book club and their lives for 30 years.
The Sun Also Rises
Author:
Ernest Hemingway
Stars: 3
Review by: Barbara LOVES Books !!
A little disappointing... plan to try author again with A Farewell To Arms or another. 😊
Stars: 3
Review by: Barbara LOVES Books !!
A little disappointing... plan to try author again with A Farewell To Arms or another. 😊
Memory Man
Author:
David Baldacci
Stars: 4
Review by: Barbara LOVES Books !!
Plan to read the sequel, The Last Mile ☺
Stars: 4
Review by: Barbara LOVES Books !!
Plan to read the sequel, The Last Mile ☺
Just Mercy
Author:
Bryan Stevenson
Stars: 5
Review by: Barbara LOVES Books !!
Very enlightening re : racial prejudice is sadly alive and well in the US... Great book !!
Stars: 5
Review by: Barbara LOVES Books !!
Very enlightening re : racial prejudice is sadly alive and well in the US... Great book !!
What the Dead Know
Author:
Laura Lippman
Stars: 4
Review by: Donna S
First 1/3 of book was slow and hard to follow, until I realized the constant switching between past and present. I should have re-read the book jacket more carefully. Good surprise ending for me!
Stars: 4
Review by: Donna S
First 1/3 of book was slow and hard to follow, until I realized the constant switching between past and present. I should have re-read the book jacket more carefully. Good surprise ending for me!
Tip of the Iceberg
Author:
Mark Adams
Stars: 4
Review by: Grandma I.
Alaska travelogue by a writer retracing the route of an 1899 exploration expedition.
Stars: 4
Review by: Grandma I.
Alaska travelogue by a writer retracing the route of an 1899 exploration expedition.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Author:
Deila Owens
Stars: 5
Review by: Gayle H
Very good, great summer read.
Stars: 5
Review by: Gayle H
Very good, great summer read.
The Butcher of Anderson Station: A Story of the Expanse
Author:
James S.A. Corey
Stars: 5
Review by: Nicholas H
Great back story on Fred Anderson . . . I just wished it were longer.
Stars: 5
Review by: Nicholas H
Great back story on Fred Anderson . . . I just wished it were longer.
The Long Road to Mercy
Author:
David Baldacci
Stars: 4
Review by: Nicholas H
Another solid entry by David Baldacci. Very similar to the Memory Man or John Puller series.
Stars: 4
Review by: Nicholas H
Another solid entry by David Baldacci. Very similar to the Memory Man or John Puller series.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Author:
Delia Owens
Stars: 4
Review by: Karyn G
I loved her story. The ending was a bit expected though. And why did she have to be beautiful? Would she have not found love if she was not beautiful? I think that took away from the message.
Stars: 4
Review by: Karyn G
I loved her story. The ending was a bit expected though. And why did she have to be beautiful? Would she have not found love if she was not beautiful? I think that took away from the message.
The Sins of the Father
Author:
Jeffrey Archer
Stars: 3
Review by: Chris L
2nd book in the Clifton Chronicle series. Like a Soap Opera, not much substance, but an easy read. Always ends with a cliffhanger which gets you into the next one.
Stars: 3
Review by: Chris L
2nd book in the Clifton Chronicle series. Like a Soap Opera, not much substance, but an easy read. Always ends with a cliffhanger which gets you into the next one.
A Seal Never Quits
Author:
Holly Castillo
Stars: 5
Review by: Pip 2
Great story about the Texas Navy Seals. I can’t wait to read the sequel coming out in 2020!
Stars: 5
Review by: Pip 2
Great story about the Texas Navy Seals. I can’t wait to read the sequel coming out in 2020!
Where the Crawdads Sing
Author:
Delia Owens
Stars: 5
Review by: line82
Fabulous beach read. Dramatic mystery with incredible natural descriptions.
Stars: 5
Review by: line82
Fabulous beach read. Dramatic mystery with incredible natural descriptions.
The Underground Railroad
Author:
Colson Whitehead
Stars: 4
Review by: line82
Compelling historical fiction.
Stars: 4
Review by: line82
Compelling historical fiction.
A Daughter's Truth
Author:
Laura Bradford
Stars: 5
Review by: Mystery fan
If you are interested in the Amish lifestyle, this book is a great insight. Very readable.
Stars: 5
Review by: Mystery fan
If you are interested in the Amish lifestyle, this book is a great insight. Very readable.
The Great Fire of Rome
Author:
Stephen Dando Collins
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Good Lord this was bad. It took about 80 odd pages for the fire to start, it was then over in 5, just a few on the aftermath, and the rest of the book was a biography of Nero. Veering back and forth between deciding if he was unbalanced or not it, instead of having a stable subject, it relied on the life history of a very unstable man and told it in a supremely boring way.
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Good Lord this was bad. It took about 80 odd pages for the fire to start, it was then over in 5, just a few on the aftermath, and the rest of the book was a biography of Nero. Veering back and forth between deciding if he was unbalanced or not it, instead of having a stable subject, it relied on the life history of a very unstable man and told it in a supremely boring way.
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Congratulations to...
... our GRAND PRIZE winners:
- from Headquarters - Pip 2
- from North County - Deck Reader
- from South County - Rebecca Robbins
- from member libraries + Bookmobile - Keeread
Congratulations to...
... our Week #13 Prize Winners:
... our Week #14 Prize Winners:
- Jessica Getz
- Dana Hawley
... our Week #14 Prize Winners:
- vsemi
- Kristen E.
