Review: Old Bones

Old Bones by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in Nora Kelly series, a spin-off of the Agent Pendergast series.  If you've never read that series, you'll be fine.  It isn't really important to the understanding of this one.

I really liked the archaeological aspects and the Donner Party storyline.  Even though it is fictional, it is very believable.  It was also nice to have two strong female characters at the center of the book.  Even if they don't get along well, they are a good combinations.  The pacing was slower than the Pendergast books, but it still included some curve balls.  There is even a big surprise at the end.  It will be interesting to see where this series goes.

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Review: Just the Funny Parts: My 30 Years on the Hollywood Jungle Gym

Just the Funny Parts: My 30 Years on the Hollywood Jungle Gym by Nell Scovell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ever wondered if you have what it takes to write for TV?  Love to read about what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite shows?  Is 30 Rock your favorite show?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should read this memoir. 

Nell Scovell has written for so many shows, you've probably seen something she's written at least once.  It was not surprising to learn that writers' rooms have a serious diversity problem.  Even the sexual harassment seems par for the course after all the stories that came out from Me Too.  Yet, I appreciate the message Nell is sending.  When you reach a point in your life/career where you're established enough to speak out without fear of the repercussions, you have an obligation to start calling out BS and injustice you see.  Nell has been drawing attention to the discrimination against women and minorities in Hollywood for many years.  She's named names.  She's put her own career on the line to stand up for what is right.  We all could take a lesson from that. 

I will admit I was never really into "lean in."  It is a concept so linked to Sheryl Sandberg, that I didn't know Nell Scovell was a co-author of the book.  Her discussion of how that came to be was quite interesting and made me think I should revisit my own opinions.

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Review: The Color of Magic

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.  Discworld is full of colorful characters and stories.  It all starts with a wizard, a tourist, and a piece of luggage but doesn't end there.  I think there are about 40 books in the series, and I've read them all.  I've also read most of the spin-offs.  Obviously, I love this series.  If you like fantasy and humor, this is a great series to try. 


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Review: No One Tells You This

No One Tells You This by Glynnis MacNicol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book came into my life at the perfect time.  Glynnis MacNicol's memoir is about a 40 (ish) single woman who has moved to New York City and is dealing with her mother's health issues.  Sound familiar?  Could be the story of my life come this fall.  Her descriptions of life in New York and finding apartments confirm everything I've been experiencing as I get ready to move.  I cried when she talks about the issues surrounding her mother because they mirror much of what I have dealt with.  I've wondered many the same things she has about marriage and children and what it means to be a woman if you choose to be alone and enjoy children vicariously through the other people in your life.  Like Glynnis, I am blessed to have friends I can count on no matter where their lives may take them even if I don't want to burden them with my problems because they have busy lives and problems too. 

The story takes quite a turn toward the end.  I won't spoil it, but I think you will be as surprised as I was.

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Review: The Burning Chambers

The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Burning Chambers series.   At just over 600 pages, this book is rather epic. I have the second book teed up to read next, but this is a series you have to invest time in. 

This story is an interesting mix of Huguenot history, romance, and murder.  This isn't the first book that Kate Mosse has placed in the Languedoc region of France.  It is clear she is well-versed in the history and language of the region.  I am fascinated by Catharism, and while the Huguenots are different from the Cathars, there are similarities, especially their persecution by the Catholic Church.

The thing I liked the most about this is the message that good people don't tear down other people because they are different.  It's a concept we don't embrace enough these days. 

Bonus points for having a sweet character named Jeannette.

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Review: A Closed and Common Orbit

A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Wayfarers series.  You definitely have to read these in order because this one picks up right where the last book left off.

I'm a sucker for an epistolary novel.  Becky Chambers pulled me into this book before I even got to the table of contents.  I love the detail that goes into it, and it really rounds out the world she's building.  The story alternates between two of the characters, one current and one past.  The relationships the author builds among such diverse beings is moving.   You want to be part of their world.

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Review: Artemis

Artemis by Andy Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full disclosure:  I didn't read The Martian.  I have this weird aversion to reading/watching things that are super popular.  I have a few exceptions but The Martian wasn't one of them.

I had read some Andy Weir short stories, but I wasn't sure what to expect from a full length novel.  I was really pleasantly surprised.  Somehow he made welding seem interesting.   I enjoyed that the main character is a woman and Muslim.  You don't see that often.  She's a flawed person, but you can't help but cheer her on.  I love all the science talk and learning new things.  This story definitely fed that in a very fun way.

Still not going to read The Martian. Sorry, Andy!

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