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Saturday, May 30, 2020

Review: In Pieces

In Pieces In Pieces by Sally Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to In Pieces written and narrated by Sally Field.  It is hard to think of this as a memoir because it has a very literary feel.  Listening to Sally read it, she imbues the book with such emotion you can't help but be drawn in.  I just finished watching Dispatches from Elsewhere which Sally is in. It reminded me how much I have loved watching her in whatever vehicle she is in and inspired me to get this audiobook.  

I realized that while I have watched nearly everything she has been in, I knew next to nothing about her actual life.  She is shockingly candid.  If you thought someone who could play Gidget and the Flying Nun so convincingly must be squeaky clean, you thought wrong.  Surprise!  Sally Field is a complex person who has experienced abuse, swears like a sailor, and has had anger issues.  She experienced more than her fair share of toxic relationships.  I'm not sure why I was so surprised.  She is human after all.  

If you enjoy Sally Field's acting, get this book and get to know the person behind all those characters. 

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Review: The Woman in Cabin 10

The Woman in Cabin 10 The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware is another one of her fantastic, psychological thrillers.  It is a whole lot of mystery too.  When the main character witnesses a crime on a luxury cruise, she does her best to get justice.  But when every sign points to "it was all in your head,"  it is really difficult to know what's real and what isn't.  Did it even happen?  You, the reader, may even begin to question what you think you know.  Lots of twists and turns.  If you like a good puzzle, pick up this book.  

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Sunday, May 24, 2020

Review: You're on an Airplane: A Self-Mythologizing Memoir

You're on an Airplane: A Self-Mythologizing Memoir You're on an Airplane: A Self-Mythologizing Memoir by Parker Posey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to You're on an Airplane: A Self-Mythologizing Memoir written and narrated by Parker Posey.  I love that she included her dog in the recording.  I had many favorite parts but that was a special delight.  The other sound effects really help you buy into the idea that you are sitting next to her on a plane hearing her tell you these stories.  I felt like this was the perfect shelter-in-place companion for COVID-19 times.  I could sit and chat with Parker all day.

If you are a fan of Parker Posey, the style of this book will be no surprise.  It is everything you would think a book by her would be.  I love that she didn't try to paint herself in a perfect light.  She lets you know she can be difficult and emotional.  She struggles sometimes.  She has self-doubt like every other human.  I enjoyed learning yoga and pottery with her.  Yep, I found myself doing ujjayi breathing right along with her and wanted to break out my yoga mat right there and do a sun salutation.  I don't even really like doing sun salutations.  I'm more a cat/cow girl.  

She talks about her experience working on different films, but I will admit I loved the Christopher Guest chapter the most.  Maybe because his movies are the ones I most associate with her?  She really shines.  

As a bonus, she includes some recipes at the ends of chapters.  This was the only flaw of the audiobook.  I couldn't save the recipes easily.  I really want to try the pie Emma Stone taught her!  

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Review: Betwixt

Betwixt Betwixt by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Betwixt by Darynda Jones is the first book in the new Betwixt & Between series.  The main character comes into a mysterious inheritance and learns that it has strings attached.  Paranormal strings.  if you liked the Charley Davidson series, you will definitely want to pick this up.

There are a few authors in the world who speak to my soul and Darynda Jones is one of them.  If that makes you think that she writes deep, literary fiction, let me disabuse you of that notion right now.  She doesn't.  She writes about strong, funny women who find themselves in crazy situations.  They aren't perfect.  They drink way too much caffeine.  Some people call them immature and say women their age shouldn't act the way they do.  Well sorry, not sorry. We don't need to apologize.  You need to lighten up.   

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Review: Record of a Spaceborn Few

Record of a Spaceborn Few Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers is the third book in the Wayfarers series.  Each book stands alone, so you can read them in any order really.  This is a great series to read when you are stressed or just want to escape from the world we currently live in.  I think it is also a good starting point for people who don't usually read science fiction but want to try it out.  

Becky Chambers has a way of writing that I can't explain in any other word than "nice."  Her books  make me feel like I'm wrapped in a warm hug.  I find comfort in her writing.  That's not something I expect from science fiction.  Her main characters are beings you want to spend time with.  She deals with gender and sexuality in a way that you can only hope we all eventually will.  Her writing is also very accessible.  With most science fiction involving non-humans, you are going to have to learn some new terms or language that is specific to the world of the book.  And yes, Becky Chambers has created some of that for these books, and yet, you don't need a glossary or primer to figure out what things mean.  You aren't going to be overwhelmed. 

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Review: Text Me When You Get Home: The Evolution and Triumph of Modern Female Friendship

Text Me When You Get Home: The Evolution and Triumph of Modern Female Friendship Text Me When You Get Home: The Evolution and Triumph of Modern Female Friendship by Kayleen Schaefer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just listened to Text Me When You Get Home: The Evolution and Triumph of Modern Female Friendship written by Kayleen Schaefer and narrated by Lauren Fortgang.  I had heard good things, but I wasn't sure if I would really be into this book.  Do I really need to hear what someone else thinks about female friendships?  Don't I have enough personal experience in that area?  I was wrong.  This book made me reflect on the evolution of my own friendships.  Many of the anecdotes included were relatable.  Yet, I had never really stopped to analyze my own evolution the way Kayleen Schaefer does.   The fact that I usually can't be with my friends due to work, and now with COVID-19 restrictions, can't even meet my nearby friends made this resonate even more with me.  Friendships are important.  They are as important as familial and marital bonds.  If you are missing your friends, pick up this book right after you give them a call.

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Review: Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West is read by Lindy West herself. Not surprisingly, I love this book as much as I love Shrill on Hulu. Lindy West is not going to be for everyone, but she is for everyone like me. I listened to the whole thing in one sitting.

If you've seen Shrill on Hulu, you will recognize some of the stories in this book. The show was based on it after all. Even when I don't agree with Lindy West, I appreciate that she speaks her mind. I also appreciate that she speaks up on issues that people would normally shy away from like rape and abortion.

She has a fantastic way with words. The only thing I regret about listening to this as an audiobook is that I couldn't highlight all my favorite passages!

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Sunday, May 17, 2020

Review: From the Corner of the Oval

From the Corner of the Oval From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein.  Again, a departure from my norm of only reading books, not doing audiobooks.  These are not normal times, and I have more opportunities to listen to audiobooks now.  I add that as a caveat because I may have enjoyed this book more in a different format.  

I'm going to be upfront here.  Your personal politics will probably influence how much you enjoy this book.  Beck Dorey-Stein started working for the White House during former President Obama's administration, and this book is a reflection of her time there.  She makes no secret about her politics (Spoiler: She's not a Republican) even if she doesn't identify as a political animal.  In fact, she mentions a number of times how much she abhors the typical DC wonk.  I'm right there with her on that and expected that bond to carry us through the book.     

Instead, I found my enjoyment of the book wavering.  Some of that may be due to the difference in our age.  I had to remind myself a few times that she is in her late 20s during this book.  I can't expect her to understand the machinations of government the way I do after 20 years.  It also came into effect when she talks about her romantic entanglements.  Ah to be 28 again....just kidding!  I'm glad I'm over that.  

Her descriptions of Presidential trips and the behavior of traveling staff, to include all the hooking up, did ring true with my experience.  I realize her view is going to be very White House-centric, so I have to forgive her for only mentioning the hard work an Embassy has to do for these trips once.  Listening to these parts of the book did take me down a trip on memory lane and is what tipped the scales more positive for me.

If you are interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the White House and don't mind a fan letter to President Obama, this is worth a read.    

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Review: The Sinister Mystery of the Mesmerizing Girl

The Sinister Mystery of the Mesmerizing Girl The Sinister Mystery of the Mesmerizing Girl by Theodora Goss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Sinister Mystery of the Mesmerizing Girl is the third book in the Athena Club series by Theodora Goss.  You don't necessarily have to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but I think it would really enhance your reading experience if you did.  This book is a culmination of the previous two, the big fight!  I'm not sure if this was always planned as a trilogy, but I hope there will be more.

Even though these books are about very young women in their teens and 20s, I love their stories.  I often forget they are so young.  They have so much pluck.  They are inspiring.  I also like that these books have a little bit of everything...adventure, mystery, romance, fantasy, humor, horror, supernatural...something for everyone.

They are extremely well-written in a style that incorporates multiple narrators.  Don't worry!  You will never be confused about who is telling the story.  I really like books that play with form.  Theodora Goss has found a style that really works and augments the main storyline.  

If you have young women in your life, this is a good series to introduce to them.    

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Monday, May 11, 2020

Review: My Squirrel Days

My Squirrel Days My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't usually listen to audiobooks, but I ran out of podcasts and thought listening to audiobooks might fill the gap until a new podcast episode was released. My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper seemed like a good choice since I love Kimmy Schmidt, and Ellie reads her own book. And, I was right that this was a good choice. The book is as funny as I expected it to be. Each chapter is a self-contained story from her life. She says early on that she embellished the stories, so who knows how many of them are true. Didn't matter. They were still quite good. I could totally relate to her story of going to Salzburg and doing the Sound of Music tour. I think my tour guide was better than hers.

If you are looking for a laugh, pick this up!

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Sunday, May 3, 2020

Review: The Secret Commonwealth

The Secret Commonwealth The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Secret Commonwealth is the second book in the Book of Dust trilogy by Philip Pullman.  This trilogy is a continuation of the His Dark Materials trilogy.  If you liked His Dark Materials, you will want to read this trilogy too.  If you didn't read His Dark Materials, you could still pick up this trilogy, but you will not have all the background that is referenced.  Also, you will want to start with the first book in this trilogy.

Lyra Silvertongue and Pantalaimon are back!  As usual, they are bound for adventure.  This book was a tough read though because things are not all sunshine and rainbows.  Lyra is older now, and I feel like it is appropriate that she is learning harsh realities as an adult.  But boy were there times that I was really frightened for her and times that were very uncomfortable.

Philip Pullman isn't afraid to confront difficult issues, especially those surrounding religion.  If you are into philosophy, you can really sink your brain teeth into the issues he raises.  One of those, are daemons real?  Even though people can see them and interact with them, a popular author posits they aren't, and the theory is gaining popularity with young people.  What if he's right?  What will that mean for Lyra and Pantalaimon?  Can't wait for book three!

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Saturday, May 2, 2020

Review: Early Riser

Early Riser Early Riser by Jasper Fforde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book seems to be a departure from the previous ones I've read by Jasper Fforde.  While it is still well within the science fiction/fantasy world, it didn't feel as fantastical as say his Thursday Next books.  Some of it isn't all that far-fetched.  You can imagine this could be our future.  The idea that we may only have a summer and winter is just around the corner if climate change continues.  Will we end up hibernating too?  Maybe...

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