April 21, 2024 WHITE LIAR

 

Best news ever---My daughter joined a book club. My prayers have finally been answered AND-- she asked me to read one of their books. I've been waiting years for this. She was a big reader when she was young and then who knows what happened--cell phones-friends-college. BUT--she's finally making her way back and I'm so glad. She actually listens to some of the books because she has a long commute to and from work. Who cares!!! She's interested in books again. So--she's been telling me about this book she couldn't put down that she wanted me to read by Lisa Jewell. I've read Lisa Jewell before and have enjoyed her psychological thrillers and this one does not disappoint. It's called None of This is True. The main character of this bizarre story is Alix Summer's a famous podcaster. On the night of her forty-fifth birthday, she is celebrating with family and friends when she meets Josie Fair, who is also out celebrating her birthday. They are birthday twins. A few days later the two bump into each other again, and Josie asks Alix to do a podcast about her life as it's on the cusp of big changes.  Alix is in between jobs, so she decides to interview Josie. Before she knows it, Alix realizes she's interviewing a very odd woman who is in a beyond dysfunctional marriage with two very disturbed daughters. Don't want to say too much more except that Alix and her family get drawn into Josie's nightmare and their lives are forever changed. This is a real page turner. It was a whirlwind of crazy. Just when you think you know who's telling the truth--think again. It's about 380 pages that I had a very hard time putting down. Still weighing how I feel about the ending. Let me know what you think. 

April 14, 2024 GONE GONE GONE

 

It was a great week. Relaxing and doing what I love best. Reading--Running--Yoga. That pretty much sums up my week. Did take my son to look at some colleges in Boston though. Talk about PRICEY. I thought we paid a lot when my other kids went to college. Many colleges are upward of 85,000 a year now.  NOT EVEN KIDDING. Guess he won't be going to those schools unless he gets some serious scholarship money. The sad reality though is that there are a million smart kids out there--all looking for scholarship money. UGH.   I'm sure it will all work out, but it is the start of a stressful time as the college search--essay--application process starts. Glad this is my last time going though this CRAZINESS. On to more important things. Read four books over vacation--some I really enjoyed and others NOT SO MUCH. I did enjoy the debut novel by Amanda Peters called The Berry Pickers. As the story unfolds, it is 1962 and a Native American family has left their home in Nova Scotia headed to Maine to pick berries for the summer. One day while the family is picking berries, their youngest daughter, four year old Ruthie goes missing. Joe, her six year old brother, was the last one to see her sitting on a rock at the edge of the berry field and is haunted by her disappearnce. In the next chapter, the reader is introduced to Norma, a young girl growing up in rural Maine. She  has been plagued with dreams and memories she can't understand for years as well as family unwilling to help her. Her mother is needy and overbearing while her father is distant. As she grows up, Norma realizes that many things her parents have told her don't add up and she tries to uncover "the family secret". The story is told in two points of view. Joe, now on his deathbed, as he recounts his life and the tragedy that shaped his family and Norma as she tries to discover her true identity. I enjoyed this book but found it sad, especially, the treatment of the Native Americans throughout the story. It's a well-written book of 320 pages-- with some unforgettable characters--that I think you will enjoy. Happy Reading. 

April 7, 2024 OCTOPUS'S GARDEN

 

Happy to report that I made it to another Spring break. It gets harder every year. Between teaching five classes, running the art department, National Art Honor Society, Mock Trial, Debate, hanging multiple art shows. OMG. I'm exhausted. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm not 35 anymore. I need to start to let a few things go at work. Give some of these responsibities to the younger teachers.....if they will take over.......but not sure what to  give up first. Maybe Mock Trial because it's my least favorite and most time consuming. I only do it because the kids love it and it is a great thing to have on a high school resume. Determined to let one thing go each year until I retire or I 'm not gonna make it. In other news, I just finished a book that I wasn't so sure about, but ended up really enjoying. It was  called Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This heartwarming tale is set in Washington's Sowell Bay. One of the main characters is Tova Sullivan, a widow who works the night shift cleaning Sowell Bay Aquarium. Another important character is Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who lives at the aquarium. Marcellus is a very intelligent creature who has figured out how to escape his tank. One night while out of his tank, he gets tangled in electrical cords and is saved by Tova. This is the beginning a beautiful, but strange friendship. As the story continues, the reader is introduced to Cameron Cassmore, a thirty year old loser from California. After learning information about his "long lost father", Cameron flies to Washington determined to meet his father and make him share his wealth. Another important character is Ethan Mack, grocery store owner in Sowell Bay, who is secretly in love with Tova. Each chapter in this book alternates between these characters as the reader learns how each is connected to the other. This 368 novel is a real page-turner. At times, I had trouble putting it down. At it's heart, this is the story about love, loss, grief, family and friendship that will stick with you for a long time. 

March 29, 2024 YOU SPIN ME ROUND

 

Been extremely busy lately. When I finally sit down at the end of the day--my brain is MUSH. My thoughts are all jumbled up and seem to spin-round & round. So that's where I've been. Can't seem to focus or concentrate long enough to write my blog. It's frustating. I've read several books though so without further ado let me tell you a bit about this great book I finished last week. It's called The Reading List and it was written by Sara Nisha Adams. One of the main characters is a widower named Mukesh. He lives a very simple life in Wembley, West London. He has three daughters and a granddaughter named Priya, who is a book worm. Another important character is a lonely teenager named Aleisha who is spending the summer working at the local library. One day while at work, she spies a crumbled piece of paper, opens it and finds a list of novels. She's not much of a reader, but decides to read every book on the list. Wanting to forge a better relationship with his granddaughter through reading, Mukesh finds himself in the library one day asking Aleisha for recommendations. She starts recommending books from the list and the two forge a friendship through reading. The is wonderful story about the power of books. They not only bring unlikely people together,  they help people forget their problems for a while and take readers to magical places. Hope you give this 400 page book a try and let me know what you think. 

March 2, 2024 WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE

 

I teach AP Art History and this week we studied Global Contemporary. This area concentrates on works created after 1980. One of the works was  the Vietnam Memorial. So strange--I was actually reading a book about this devastating  war.  The memorial was originally dedicated in 1982 and I can remember my first visit to it in 1983 when I was a senior in high school. It's a simple but stunning memorial to the 60,000 plus men and women who lost their lives.  There were approximately 10,000 women in the Vietman War--7,000 of them nurses--literally right out of nursing school. Of those 7,000-- 8 died overseas. Sadly, when those nurses came home, they faced many hardships that were highlighted in Kirstin Hannah's new book The Women. The main character in this incredible story is Frances "Frankie" McGrath. Frankie grew up in a well to do family in Southern California in 1965. After completing nursing school, Frankie decides to join the Army Nurses Corp. After 6 weeks of training, she finds herself in Vietnam facing death and destruction at every turn. Luckily, Frankie meets two other nurses, Barb and Ethel, who teach her the ropes as well as how to survive the grueling hours and horror of Vietnam. After two tours of duty, Frankie finally comes home--to a different kind of Hell. This is the story of the nurses who sacrificed in the war, unsong heroes, who were forgotten. It's also the story of finding a new purpose after being one of the "lucky" ones to survive the war. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. The characters were so well written--real, raw--that they have been hard to let go of. This is a book that will stick with me for  a long time and I highly recommend it. 

February 23, 2024 HAZY SHADE OF WINTER

 

My bookclub (can't believe we've been together 19 years)  came up with a great idea this month. We are going to read Luanne Rice's new book Last Night. This book is a murder mystery set at the Ocean House in Rhode Island. Fun right? BUT even more fun--We are going to take the book club on the road. A road trip to the Ocean House in March where we will discuss the book at their famous Jazz Brunch. FUN. Can't wait. The only worry on my mind at this point is that there's a dress code--- "Resort Chic".  It's gonna be hard to be resort chic in March but I'll figure it out. Just finished the book the other day so without further adieu---As the story unfolds, Maddie Morrison, a renowned artist, and her six year old daughter, CeCe, have relocated from California to the Ocean House as she is getting divorced. It is Christmas time and the Ocean House is decorated and festive. Although a blizzard is hitting the area, Maddie and CeCe decide to go for a quick walk around the resort for some fresh air---and never return. Meanwhile, Detective Conor Reid and his girlfriend, Kate, arrive to spend a romantic weekend.  As they wait to check in, Maddie's sister Hadley shows up looking for her sister. Reid, Kate and Hadley then go out in the blizzard to look for the pair and find Maddie's dead body under a blanket of snow---and CeCe is missing.The  Ocean House becomes the center of an investigation as Reid and other officers try to find out who killed Maddie and find CeCe. There are many twists and turns in this mystery that centers on greed, jealousy and revenge. I enjoyed the story--it was a quick read-but I felt that the characters were weakly drawn and lacked  depth. I wasn't really rooting for anyone AND the ending was too contrived. BUT it was set at the Ocean House and I enjoyed that it was a local mystery. Read it and see what you think. 

February 13, 2024 DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW

 

SNOW DAY. Nothing like a day off from school in FEBRUARY. Love it. It's really coming down out there. Looks like some HEAVY SNOW to shovel. Wonder what people who work from home do? I guess there are good and bad things about working from home----especially when it SNOWS. At least when a teacher has a snow day--they get the day off. It is one of the only PERKS left about being a teacher. Teaching is a REAL grind. The routine is monotonous and rigid. EVERY DAY---NO FLEXIBILITY AT ALL. DEALING WITH OVER 100 KIDS A DAY--THEIR PARENTS--AND ADMINISTRATION. Every day is a whirlwind and my head is usually swimming by the time I get home. So thanks again Mother Nature. I appreciate it. Another good thing about being home is having some free time to write my blog. Just finished a keeper called The Guncle by Steven Rowley. Parick O'Hara is a former sitcom star who lives a somewhat reclusive life in Palm Springs. After tragedy strikes, he suddenly becomes the primary temporary guardian for his nine year old niece, Maisie, and six year old nephew, Grant. Although Patrick loves them, he has absolutely no idea how to raise children. The children, who refer to him lovingly as GUP (gay uncle Pat), really need him to step up to the plate. Armed with a list of "Guncle Rules" and a sense of humor, GUP quickly realizes that although parenthood is a lot of responsibility, he wouldn't want it any other way. This is a funny, but also thoughtful book about love, death, recovery, and grief that I really enjoyed. It is about 336 pages that fly by---Heard there is a sequel that I'll have to check out. Enjoy. 

February 4, 2024 ISLAND GIRL

AH. CANCUN. Just got back from a lovely destination wedding. Never been to Cancun before but can report that it was the perfect place to relax and forget about winter for awhile. It was 80 something degrees every day with a beautiful breeze. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. IT WAS PERFECT. Got up every morning and went for a run--incredible breakfast--beach--pina coladas with FLOATERS--relax--REPEAT. Did I mention the incredible FOOD, SERVICE and WEDDING. It was like a fairy tale. I guess all good things must come to an end though--so here I am--back to winter--work--running in the cold AND feeling grateful to be able to do so. Read this very quirky, mystery, Sci-Fi, kind of book on the plane that came highly recommended by NPR called My Murder by Katie Williams. Set sometime in the future, Lou is a happily married young mother who has been killed by a serial killer. Luckily for her, Lou and the other victims have been cloned (with most memories intact--except their murders) and returned to their lives. Although Lou is thankful that she has been given a second chance, navigating life as a clone is difficult, especially, when her daughter, Nova, knows the difference. Lou and the other victims attend a support group weekly where they discuss their problems and try to piece together the circumstances of their murders. One day at the group, Lou realizes that her death was different from the other survivors and she becomes determined to figure out what exactly happened to her. As the truth unravels, Lou starts to question her whole world and wonder who she can really trust. Find out what happened to Lou in this dark, scary and very different murder mystery with a serious twist when you read this 300 page tale for yourself. Yikes. 

January 16, 2024 DON'T LEAVE ME NOW

I've been waking up at 4:45am on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a 5:30am hot yoga class for two years. It's REALLY early BUT it's a great way to start the day. Went to bed last night wondering if we were going to have a delay------Maybe I wouldn't have to get up at 4:45am??? Go to the 7:00am class instead?? Didn't hear anything about a delay--so set my alarm for 4:45. DRAGGED myself out of bed-saw the snow--but STILL NO DELAY. Got myself ready for yoga---walking out the door when I got the notification. NO SCHOOL. What a bummer. I could have slept in a bit--had I known. UGH. Got in my car and went to class. At least that's done. Now I have time to write my blog.  It's been a long time since I read a Jodi Picoult book. They got too formulaic for me--but a friend gave me Mad Honey which is co-written by Jennifer Finney Boylan, so I thought I'd give it a try. As the story unfolds, Olivia McAfee, a single mother who survived domestic violence, has moved back home, to Adams, New Hampshire, to take over her father's beekeeping business. She and her son, Asher, have been living on the farm  for about 8 years when Lily Campanello and her mother, seeking a fresh start,  move into town. Asher and Lily, both seniors in high school, meet and eventually start dating. One day Olivia gets a call that Lily is dead and Asher is later arrested for her murder. The book flips back and forth between Olivia and Lily as the reader learns about the murder trial from Olivia, and Lily's life before her death. This book is about so many things--There's lots of information on bees and honey which I found very interesting. It's about courtroom drama. It's also about gender identity,  acceptance, and personal information versus secrets. It was a real eye opener to me to read about the life of a transgender person or child, and I have to say I learned a lot. Perhaps the authors tried to do too much in this book because it is heavy. It is a real page turner though. It was suspenseful, heartbreaking and left my head spinning. It's about 465 pages that still has me thinking.....so it was worth the read. Enjoy. 

January 9, 2024 DON'T YOU REMEMBER

Have you ever started a book--that seemed familiar--but you couldn't remember if you'd read it before? Well that's what happened to me with the book I'm going to review. It came out in 2009--so I could have read it 14 years ago. WHO KNOWS. It's part of a detective series set in Minnesota. I've read several books in the series OUT OF ORDER--so I'm trying to go back and read the ones I missed in order. I really enjoyed this book BUT still am at a loss as to whether or not I read it before.  OH WELL--- William Kent Krueger, the author of Blood Hollow, is an excellent writer. Blood Hollow is the 4th installment of the Cork O'Connor series. As the the story unfolds, it is winter in Minnesota and Cork is involved in the search for a missing teenager who is  the daughter of a wealthy resident of Aurora where Cork lives with his wife and family. The search is fruitless because of a blinding snowstorm, but as Spring arrives, her body is found. Although Cork is the former Sheriff of Aurora, he becomes involved in the investigation after Solemn Winter Moon is suspected of the crime. Solemn, a troubled native American who lives on the reservation, is the nephew of a close family friend of Cork and he feels an obligation to help the boy, who just happens to be the dead girl's ex-boyfriend. In addition, Cork's wife, a lawyer, agrees to defend Solemn against the accusations. This exciting mystery has several twists and turns with an ending I didn't see coming. There are several great characters in the book that appear in each novel--another reason to love the series. One of the most interesting "characters" happens to be the landscape and weather. Krueger's writing bring them alive as the reader feels the frozen terrain, snow and sleet like its really happening. This is a series that could get you through this LONG, COLD winter.  It's about 368 pages that you will totally enjoy. Happy Reading.

January 1, 2024 BEST BOOKS OF 2023

It's that time of year again. Looking back over the year to see which books I enjoyed the most. Ready or not here they come: My FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2023 IN ORDER:

1.  This is Happiness by Niall Williams. Reviewed 10/29/23--Blog title "Molly Malone"

2.  The Last Chairlift by John Irving. Reviewed 7/29/23--Blog title "Every Day I Write the Book"

3.  Somebody's Fool by Richard Russo. Reviewed 8/28/23--Blog title "Chain of Fools"

4. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. Reviewed 8/13/23--Blog title "Trip Around the Sun"

5. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Reviewed 9/24/23 Blog title--"Tears in Heaven"

6.  I'm Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. Reviewed 4/9/23--Blog title--"Don't Cry Out Loud"

7.  The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Reviewed 5/13/23. Blog title--The Long and Winding 

     Road"

8.  Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Reviewed 4/30/23. Blog title "Another Day in Paradise"

9.  Racing The Rain by John L. Parker Jr. Reviewed 12/18/23. Blog title--"Born to Run"

10.  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Reviewed 9/23/23. Blog title--"Glory Days"

Hope you've had a chance to read some of these awesome books. If not --winter is long-- so snuggle up on your coach with a cup of tea and enjoy. Looking forward to many greats books in 2024. Happy New Year.