Review: Over the Woodward Wall

Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Over the Woodward Wall is the first book in The Up-and-Under series by A. Deborah Baker.  I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Heath Miller.  You are definitely going to want to start with this book first.  It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz.  While there are some harrowing bits, it is suitable for middle grade to adult readers. The main characters are children on an adventure they didn't foresee into a world not at all like their own.  They are polar opposites, but that makes them even better suited for what lies ahead of them as each brings a different set of skills and knowledge to their quest. They meet an eclectic group of characters in an improbable and impossible world.  

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Review: Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift

Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley. It should be published on January 7, 2025.

Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs is the PURRfect book for the Taylor Swift fan and/or the cat lover.  Some might think this is a children's book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I am 50 years old.  Now, some might say I am a bit biased as I am a Swiftie and a bit of a cat lady myself.  However, I think I looked at this book through an impartial and critical lens.  It was so fun!  The illustrations by Katty Huertas are fantastic and really capture the spirit of this precious trio and their mother. Yes, I read it in one sitting.  Yes, I did go back to look at parts of it again and to enjoy the illustrations. Yes, you should buy a copy for the Swiftie(s) in your life.  They will thank you.  

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Review: The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories

The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories is a collection of short stories written by Terry Pratchett long before he was ever famous for the Discworld series.  The stories are meant for children but can be enjoyed by anyone.  I had put off reading this for a long time because it is the last book I had on my list by Pratchett.  There will be no more books, and that makes me sad.  But, it was a pleasure to read his voice again.  

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Review: Once Upon a Time in the North

Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of His Dark Materials: Once Upon a Time in the North, Gift Edition written by Philip Pullman and illustrated by Chris Wormell from the publisher, Random House Children's, via Netgalley.

His Dark Materials: Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman is a prequel of sorts to the His Dark Materials series.  If you've read the books or watched the show, you'll know these characters.  If you haven't, there's no reason you can't start here.  While this is classified as a children's book, it can definitely  be enjoyed by adults.  Pullman's writing is always a pleasure to read.  This is a short story but every bit as good as the rest of the books in the series.  The gift version has beautiful illustrations and some extra bits that make it feel like you picked up a book that someone else was reading and stashing clues in.  You can definitely finish it in one sitting.  If you are like me and look for any chance to immerse yourself in this universe, you will want to pick this up.

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Review: Bloodless

Bloodless by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bloodless is the 20th book in the Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.  You probably could read this as a standalone, but I would recommend at least reading the other ones with Agent Coldmoon first to give you some context of the Pendergast universe.  Also, I recommend reading some of the others first because this one is really different from its predecessors.  If this is your first book, you might think the others are like this.  Nope.  I like the Pendergast series because Agent Pendergast is very Sherlockian, but the stories often have a tinge of supernatural to them.  But Bloodless veers right into science fiction/fantasy territory with the investigation into the Savannah Vampire killings.  I was totally shocked and not sure what this means for the future of the series.  I don't want to spoil anything, so I will just say there was another storyline in the book that was totally in my wheelhouse.  The only thing I didn't like about it is it led to saying goodbye (forever?) to a beloved character.  

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Review: The Fir Tree

The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen is another classic Christmas fairy tale.  I have very mixed feelings about real Christmas trees, and this story did nothing but make me firmly plant myself on the side against them.  There are other important lessons in the story, but I wouldn't recommend reading this out loud in the woods.   

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Review: Christmas at Red Butte

Christmas at Red Butte by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christmas at Red Butte by L.M. Montgomery is a short story that may feel familiar when you read it.  It reminded me of The Gift of the Magi in a way.  It's a sweet story that will warm your heart during the holidays.    

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