This was another donation to my Little Free Library Shed that I wasn’t sure I would read. But I really need“She swooned, placing a hand to her heart.”
This was another donation to my Little Free Library Shed that I wasn’t sure I would read. But I really needed a distraction read before my biopsy of my tumor/mass that would have me sedated. (As an aside, I happily survived the procedure!)
This is one of the cutest rom-com’s I have had the pleasure to read. I am truly swooning. And, placing a hand over my heart ♥️. Even though there is a bit of we-have-been-here-before and predictability, the story is told in such a way that readers can’t help but want to root for the 2 mains.
Franny has just been let go from her job because of necessary reductions. Heading out to the New York subway towards home, she can’t help but feel this is the worst day of her life. Only to be made worst when her dress gets caught in the subway doors and tears enough that anybody can “see” a lot of her! Frantic, embarrassed and befuddled by this latest horrible thing to happen to her in one day, Hayes Montgomery the Third comes to her rescue and offers his Gucci jacket to cover her.
Not before long, the two seem to have a way of running into each other, and being further embarrassed by their sudden social media attention. Of course, someone would photograph and video the 2 in this crazy unseemly, but interesting looking intimate moment!
With such an unorthodox, but seemingly auspicious beginning, will these 2 be destined to a happily-ever-after?
With a great supporting cast, and the New York area as background, this rom-com is worth spending some time with on any day of the week. Especially with our two awkward, and likable characters, Franny and Hayes. But there will also be more in the cast that will be worth following, too. ...more
This book is an emotional roller-coaster for all the right reasons. Kleenex is recommended!
So, what happens when so much has occurred in your life whThis book is an emotional roller-coaster for all the right reasons. Kleenex is recommended!
So, what happens when so much has occurred in your life which brings on guilt and grief and keeps you from believing you are entitled to a happily-ever-after?
Well, you live the life of Darcy and Carter. Who just happen to find one another in the most interesting way, with so many parallel life experiences, that they don’t necessarily share with each other.
Will they find a way to open up to one another? And, will they be able to come to terms with their complicated past and present, and allow themselves to experience their own happily-ever-after?
So, with these questions in mind (no spoilers from me), let’s just consider that this is what makes this rom-com so readable....more
This was a quick read because it is simply a cookbook with lots of good-looking pictures of food, and Dolly. And, her sister Rachel. Yes, it is anotheThis was a quick read because it is simply a cookbook with lots of good-looking pictures of food, and Dolly. And, her sister Rachel. Yes, it is another book from superstar entertainer and entrepreneur, Dolly, this time with her sister, Rachel in which they share more than 80 recipes that can be cooked throughout the year. Laid out as “A Year in Meals,” they include dishes that are especially seasonal and festive. And, easy to make and appreciate.
This beautifully photographed cookbook is appealing in so many ways. First, the easy to make recipes, and seeing Dolly doing what she loves – sharing with us. To look at the pictures displaying the food will make one salivate, hoping the easy directions will make it taste as good as the picture. But they also tell us why the book is important to them; and, provide helpful hints.
As we plan our Thanksgiving meal this year, it was nice to have this cookbook display all the dishes possible for one’s dinner table. We can’t help but look forward to what is to come, recognizing the ease in which the directions guide those interested in duplicating the possibilities presented here, into our own wonderful meal.
We also can’t help but feel a sense of connection, as we read the notes shared about the authors traditions and lives. Their sharing of their own cherished memories, makes it possible for readers to enjoy the food recipes that are presented to us to “try.”
This book is: Entertaining. Well-written. Beautifully presented. Fun. Yummy! ...more
“And, as with sleep, the more one desired meaningful prayer, the more elusive it became.”
I was reading an article about books turned into movies, espe“And, as with sleep, the more one desired meaningful prayer, the more elusive it became.”
I was reading an article about books turned into movies, especially those that are coming out now, that got me interested in reading this book. The movie of the same name was just released this week…October 24, 2024.
What I have since learned is that this author has had several of his books adapted to film. So, I am now somewhat curious about his other books, too.
This book imagines the secret process involved in selecting a new Pope after the last Pope died. The book, and conclave (gathering of/private meeting – Hence: the title of the book), takes place over a 72-hour period. It gives readers insights into the various characters involved in the process/vote that are being considered for this prestigious position.
The story is led by our main character, Cardinal Lomeli, the dean of the College of Cardinals who administers the vote. He is also considered for this esteemed position, along with 3 other contenders. What kind of negotiation will go on? Who really is worthy of the position?
But to complicate matters, one of the considered ones was secretly being investigated by the previous Pope. Why? Cardinal Lomeli begins to quietly investigate, too. What will he discover – and could it affect the outcome of the vote?
Harris does an amazing job of providing procedural and historical detail to the process of selection which adds to the tension experienced as readers turn pages.
But what of the end? How will readers feel when they get there? As smart and as gripping as this read was, this ending felt stilted. Other than that, it truly was an unputdownable read.
“…what difference did any of it make to how good the books they wrote actually were, or whether a normal person – herself, for example – would even wa“…what difference did any of it make to how good the books they wrote actually were, or whether a normal person – herself, for example – would even want to read them?”
As readers we are in the midst of a literary world that isn’t quite as it seems. And, “Anna,” our newly sensational successful author who appears devoid of real feelings and has her own script front that she presents, has a story to tell. Where fact becomes fiction, and what happened in “The Plot” bleeds into “The Sequel” in a way that leaves readers turning pages faster than they can read them.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but it reads better if you have read “The Plot” first. In “The Plot” the attention is on best-selling author, Jake, best known as Jacob Finch Bonner.
“He was the perfect literary helpmeet: gifted, successful, and deceased.”
In “The Sequel” the attention, spotlight is on his widow, Anna. Now that she has had a chance to make herself known as a worthy writer, she has no room for anyone to change this view. And, thus a dark quest begins.
Who is Anna really?
Pay particular attention to the chapter titles. An explanation is offered at the end of the book, but these titles also give clues of what is to come in each chapter. Thus, making this book, immensely readable, and darkly thrilling.
“Now I will give you white things, What is white, though may yet be sullied, Only white things will I give. No longer will I question Whether I should giv“Now I will give you white things, What is white, though may yet be sullied, Only white things will I give. No longer will I question Whether I should give this life to you.”
To be honest, I found this book displayed at my local library. And, hadn’t it been for the fact that she had just won the Nobel Literature Prize for this year (2024), I may have passed it by. But I was intrigued. As a major contemporary Korean writer who just won this major prize, it was such a little book, with a unique set-up, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to read it.
This is a story about an unnamed narrator’s baby sister, who died two hours after her birth. Readers are let in to the story of her birth, as narrated from the point-of-view of the mother. It is simply told. And yet it’s emotional reach is huge.
It's like a poetic journey, with short chapters, and feelings laid out to bear witness to as we read.
But why call it the white book? The narrator is giving readers a list of white things that touch on and relate to her sister’s death. As in the moment that the narrator reflects on a white pebble…
“If silence could be condensed into the smallest, most solid object, this is how it would feel.”
Readers can’t help but feel the book is creating a message. Perhaps one of fleeting life and the acceptance of human vulnerability and brittleness. And because of this, we can’t help as readers, to feel and relate to the grief. Which makes this such a testament to transcending pain through the language of words. And, an appealing poetic meditation. ...more
It has been a joy to read this book about “maritime disasters that shook the world” in-between my other books. I hav“For humans will be…well, humans.”
It has been a joy to read this book about “maritime disasters that shook the world” in-between my other books. I have also been reading this author’s short stories “Driftwood,” as well and simply enjoying his writing. For anyone who is fascinated by maritime history, this peek into some of the most famous disastrous ship stories by a Veteran sea captain, now author, is excellent!
Chatterjee gives his own opinions on what he sees after doing extensive research of his own on 13 maritime ship stories, some that readers will surely recognize. My favorites were the Mary Celeste (Ghost Ship) and the Titanic. But there were also some I did not know that well, in which I appreciated his insights. Especially when he spoke about the Exxon Valdez, which he also titled, “Don’t Drink and Drive!”
It will also be important for readers to read the epilogue in which the author shares a note about a wreckage that affected him personally.
As stated earlier, this is a well-researched, well-organized and well-written book that is an easy read. It is also a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys or is curious about maritime history.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
This author is a beautiful storyteller. His characters are fascinating and at times quirky. Mostly they are interesting to follow, as they all have a This author is a beautiful storyteller. His characters are fascinating and at times quirky. Mostly they are interesting to follow, as they all have a connection to the sea. As does the author. Chatterjee, is a ship’s captain by profession, and his knowledge lends itself beautifully as he captures the essence of sea life in his characters stories. Readers can’t help but see what he sees as he describes the surroundings. As an example…
“Have you ever looked at the sea on a clear sunny day in the middle of the morning? It is sapphire blue when calm…blue like the gemstone…and it smiles and twinkles in the light.”
He also gives us insights into how seamen believe when he shares in one story…
“Seamen are basically simple folk. They have faith in God and their superiors. In that order.”
In one story we can see the sense of superstition felt by the seamen as they experience a pigeon and a sparrow who come on board their ship. How will these birds guide their journey to safety, and/or give them a feeling of their own group pride and internal fears on their own trip?
“Here were two different species of birds sticking together, forgetting their cultural differences, overcoming their racial prejudices if any, united in their bewilderment about the strange surroundings and probably terrified of the circumstance that had befallen them.”
Each of his stories has captivating characters, with a moral readers could probably relate to in some ways. But mostly, there is something to appreciate about life on the sea.
“Wasn’t it Darwin who said that it is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change?”
The author also provided at the end of the book a glossary of marine terms.
Readers will delight in this collection of stories to read in-between their novels.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
This is a beautifully photographed children’s book that tells the true story of Alfie, an orphaned owl that unknowingly found the perfect family to reThis is a beautifully photographed children’s book that tells the true story of Alfie, an orphaned owl that unknowingly found the perfect family to rescue and rehabilitate her.
Through pictures and words, children will have the opportunity to learn how humans and wild animals interacted. And how the humans, in creating a safe environment to allow this owl to eventually grow up and be an owl, she could find and create her own family.
Apparently, this is the second in a series featuring Alfie. Since I haven’t read the first book yet, I am not sure it is necessary to read that one in order to appreciate this one. I have gone ahead and ordered the first book from my local library, “Alfie & Me: what owls know, what humans believe.” I will keep you posted.
This story is about Ellie and how she manages her life with cerebral palsy. The story is written beautifully, and shows a lot of charm, humor and hearThis story is about Ellie and how she manages her life with cerebral palsy. The story is written beautifully, and shows a lot of charm, humor and heart. Ellie’s character is vibrant, vulnerable and cutely sarcastic. And, she loves to bake and shows her commitment through her character on what it takes to practice to become the best version of herself doing what she loves.
Even though the target audience for this book is middle-school age, it is easily readable for adults. As readers, we can’t help but root for Ellie. Ellie is resilient and proves to be a wonderful role model for all kids. Her character also serves as a delightful teaching tool for helping kids understand that dis-eases, even cerebral palsy, do not need to define the person.
It was her book, “The Unseen World” that led me to be interested in this author. My review of “The Unseen World” is here: https://www.goodreads.com/reIt was her book, “The Unseen World” that led me to be interested in this author. My review of “The Unseen World” is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, I ordered this book from my local library to read. And, what simply happened was a story that I could not put down. I wanted to know these characters. Feel them. Understand them. Care for them. Hope for them. And, believe in a probable future that would make them happy. This is how this author writes. She grabs readers and reels us in.
Arthur Opp is a recluse who has allowed himself to weigh in at 550 pounds and be tied to his home. We feel his shame along with his joy for food. He has an unusual relationship with a former student, Charlene through correspondence. When she reaches out to him to help her son, Kel, suddenly he decides that maybe things have to change before he sees her again. Which now brings in Yolanda, who starts off as his housecleaner.
What will we as readers learn and appreciate about all these characters?
As readers, we hear the story from Arthur’s engaging voice. But when it comes to Charlene’s world, we see this world from her son, Kel’s perspective.
Reading their stories is poignant. Heart-wrenching and heart-breaking. But it is also a warm story filled with much hope. Thus, making this a truly compelling and beautiful read.
It took a fellow college faculty member that I worked with at Cypress College in southern California (before relocating to Cuesta College Catching up…
It took a fellow college faculty member that I worked with at Cypress College in southern California (before relocating to Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo) to get me to read this book years ago. He was going to be conducting a faculty reading discussion group, and I thought it would be a wonderful experience to attend. And then, it took a donation to a Little Free Library recently to remind me of that long ago experience, and why I would want to revisit this book.
This book wasn’t published in English until 1983. But it was in the late 1980’s, that we as a faculty group had the opportunity to sit around a very large table to discuss this book. I remember when the lead who facilitated the discussion compared the author to Melville, Dostoevsky, Joyce and Garcia-Marquez. How do I remember this, I honestly don’t know! Could it be that a book like this is hard to forget?
Anyway, when I saw this book in a Little Free Library that I was leaving a book for, all these memories of this long-ago discussion came back to me. Of course, it helped that I was also now revisiting it, in-between my other novels this past month.
There are 538 pages to this story, plus a postscript about “the title and meaning” which brought the pages to 576. And then, with this edition that I found at a local LFL, there is an added “Note” from the author which brings the final pages to 579.
What is this novel about anyway?
Well, it is mostly an intriguing detective story set in 1327. There are a series of gruesome murders at a remote Benedictine monastery in the Italian mountains. This is where our main protagonist, Brother William of Baskerville, and his Assistant Adso of Melk, a Benedictine novice from Austria are headed. Adso, is also the narrator.
This was not supposed to be their reason for their coming to the monastery. They were planning to attend an embassy meeting with the Pope and a group of Minorities. But a young illustrator known for his beautiful illuminated manuscripts, is found dead.
Was it suicide or truly murder?
Because of his “thinking” skills, the abbot asks William to investigate the death, which also allows him access to the library which isn’t allowed to be entered by just anyone. And, as readers, as we watch William and Adso in action, we can’t help but feel we are looking at a familiar rendition of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson for their time period.
Especially when more murders occur.
For this reader, as I mentioned above, I certainly felt the Holmes/Watson connection.
Consider the author’s giving William the name ‘Baskerville.’ William’s character asks questions, he studies clues, and he uses the powers of deduction. Remember, the abbot was impressed with his “thinking” skills. For Holmes fans, it does seem very Holmes like, don’t you think? And of course, then there is Adso. He needs William to explain things to him (which also benefits us, the readers) – and that was very typical of Holmes role with Dr. Watson.
Through the course of their investigations of the abbey’s crimes and its secret heresy, there is a medieval flavor to what is being discovered. We are in the Middle Ages after all, but Eco attempts to give a modern view to that world. He paints a picture of monsters that linger within the characters and their actions.
And, with Adso getting clues through his dreams, it gives William the opportunity to try and translate.
“A dream is a scripture, and many scriptures are nothing but dreams.”
As readers we are left with a story that combines criminal investigation, exploration of theology and the language of the times. A medieval mystery novel, so to speak. It also is quite the study of religious history of Europe of the 14th century, which may be too much for some, or fascinating for others.
But for this reader, the descriptions of monastery life, the library scenes, and the characters of William and Adso were worth reading and discussing with others.
But what truly makes this story work, once you get over the length of it, is that Eco’s characters, even if they may appear dry (other than William and Adso), the plot feels very much like walking through a Conan Doyle and Christie novel. And, if you are fans of those authors, this book works.
And, for those who may consider this book for a discussion group, the author’s postscript helps. And, I know I referred to that a lot as we launched into our group discussion all those years ago. The postscript provided so many useful tips on: the reasons for the author’s title, why and how he wrote the book, his reasons for choosing the Middle Ages as the time period, how he would create his narrator, constructing the world his characters would live in, reasons for his long didactic passages (those really brought out quite the discussion!), and most importantly, how he was going to attract us, the reader.
Patience will be needed because of the length of the book. But it is a captivating detective story. And, so quotable throughout the story. Eco shares…
“…Books talk among themselves, and any true detection should prove that we (readers) are the guilty party.”
Think about what he shares in that quote I just mentioned above, as you take a plunge into this historical novel....more
This book was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. A post-it note was attached to the inside page that read, “Excellent book signed by the authoThis book was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. A post-it note was attached to the inside page that read, “Excellent book signed by the author.” How could I resist it?
For anyone who has been following my reviews, I am a rather voracious reader. I read quite a bit, and sometimes quite fast. A lot of times, it may just be how the book is written – those suspenseful reads can be real page-turners, hard to put down type of books. Or others, I hate to admit, might have some skippable moments. And, I have to believe a lot of you have had those moments, too.
But sometimes a book comes along that just makes me want to take time with it. It could be the characters – how I am feeling about them, or towards them – almost like being invited to a friendly family dinner. Where we are all gathered around this big table delightfully chattering away as we eat delicious food together. Or, it could be simply the way the author writes.
With this book, I have to say, it was mostly the author’s writing – her storytelling. And, certainly I had those feelings about the characters, as well. But Moore writes poetically and artfully, even with the emergence of computer language within the pages. Which in many ways is central to the story.
“He had come to think of ELIXIR, by that time, in a somewhat familial way. At times the machine seemed like a manifestation of himself; it had acquired many of his speech patterns, his verbal tics and irregularities. Beyond all rationality, he trusted the machine as much as – more than – he had ever trusted a human.”
The author has a fascinating premise and characters that create curiosity for the reader. Who are these people and why should I care? Because we want to care. Because the author makes us want to care. And, that truly is the beauty of Moore’s writing.
“Walking was a joy. There was a sense of gentle anti-gravity emanating from the earth, benevolently lightening the load of her flesh. She felt buoyant; each one of her steps had a floating quality that made her feel graceful and spry. …As she walked beneath a tree, the leaves shattered the light, separating it into long thin shafts, illuminating particulates that swam weightlessly in the air.”
In the case of our main character, Ada, she has her own mystery to solve about her enigmatic father David, who she refers to simply as, David.
And, that really is the culmination of the story. Because, even this book on its cover and backside had nothing to reveal about what this story was going to be about other than one sentence, “the moving story of a daughter’s quest to discover the truth about her beloved father’s hidden past.”
So, it will take patience and time, and our own level of curiosity as readers to discover what “The Unseen World” title of this book and its meaning to this story answers for us.
The story is told mostly in third person, except with the last chapter when it switches to first person. And, getting us to these final pages in the book (all 451 of them), may help to bring a satisfying conclusion to our questions about David. And even about what will eventually happen for Ada.
But there is more. The characters. (Beyond David and Ada.) So much to appreciate about their role in this story. As readers, I encourage you to relish the complexity of them. Including ELIXIR. These characters are fully-fleshed out, in ways that allow readers to feel as if you almost know them personally.
There were so many nuances to this read, that it is hard to point out anything other than to share, I am grateful to my donator for their simple note, “Excellent read… .” Because in these simple words, they guided me to a book I may never have considered. Certainly, this donation was a gift. And now, I get to share it with my neighborhood. I hope they will also react similarly as I did to the note, which I will keep affixed to the book.
I am currently on a long waiting list for this author’s latest book, “The God of the Woods.” Having now read this one, I have placed a hold at my local library on her book, “Heft.”
I’m curious, for those who have read her, what do you think of this author?...more
Full Disclosure: I am all caught up with this author’s latest Andy Carpenter series. For those unfamiliar, Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney who doFull Disclosure: I am all caught up with this author’s latest Andy Carpenter series. For those unfamiliar, Andy Carpenter is a defense attorney who doesn’t need many cases because he is relatively rich; and, he also has the Tara Foundation, a dog-rescue operation. As for me, because this is my full disclosure statement, I have even read his newest series, The K Team. And, even his David Brock series, which goes back a few years; and, even a couple of his stand-alones. (I have also ordered more from my local library.) But what I have come to discover, is that sometimes I have missed reading some of his earlier Andy Carpenter books, like this one.
So, it is always fun to be reading his stories when I find him in his earlier years, where, as an example, for this book, he and Laurie are still in boyfriend and girlfriend status. It makes me smile at how much I know about what I know about their futures. Yet, I still enjoy being in this engaging past, appreciating his cases, the characters, and how things were during this time. (This particular book was published in 2009.)
One last thing before I talk about this story…
Did you know that David Rosenfelt was the marketing president for TriStar Pictures before becoming a writer of novels and screenplays? It certainly makes sense as to why he was to become such a successful author. Okay, now on to this book.
So, what happened here?
Well, what hasn’t changed is Andy’s sense of humor. It is just as charming and silly, as always. Which allows the story to move along nicely. And, what is typical Andy, is that he is there to defend dogs and people and give us a compelling court case, too.
And, when it comes to the courtroom, readers can always look forward to Andy’s style, which he refers to as “free-flowing” and one that “can’t be restricted by meticulously pre-planned tactics.”
Of course, Andy wouldn’t object to a “Perry Mason moment” either. For those unfamiliar with Perry Mason, his was a popular legal drama television series from 1957-1966. Perry Mason’s character was based on stories written by Erle Stanley Gardner.
Perry Mason was a master at being a criminal defense attorney because he knew exactly how to handle difficult cases of innocent people. Especially when he showed a knack for placing the true criminal on the witness stand and finding a way to get them to confess – right then and there. And, that would be the most riveting aspect to Perry Mason. Those “Perry Mason moments” when the true criminal would blurt out their guilt on the stand in those final scenes. And, it would be those ending moments that would make Perry Mason such a distinguished criminal defense attorney in everyone’s eyes!
So, it makes perfect sense that Andy would look for a Perry Mason moment for his case, especially as he is coming to the end of his defense of his client in court.
The question is, does Andy get his Perry Mason moment? Or, will he have to rely on his closing argument to save his client?
And, as readers we anxiously turn pages and await the “moment.” We also get to find out what Laurie decides she wants to do with Andy’s offer to her. Of course, anybody who has read ahead by reading the author’s books into the future, will know her answer. But it is in this book that she gives her answer to him.
So, for anyone who is a fan of Andy Carpenter, this is another page-turning, cozy mystery. It is also enjoyable, and an easy read, with courtroom drama and some sweet romance and oh so much more with its twists and turns. And, it will keep you wanting to stick with this series, no matter where you start with it.
Still, if you can, begin at the beginning of the series, and just keep reading all the way to the end. (Of which as steadfast fans, we hope, the series won’t ever end!). Readers won’t regret it! Especially with this story that also features cute dogs like Andy’s golden retriever, Tara and a delightfully hyperactive, Bernese mountain dog puppy named, Waggy. ...more
“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have got to be kidding me!” But then it made sense. This really seemed like an almost perfect premise. And, a truly quick read! Yes! It took me just a day to read.
How could you not like a story where two people meet on a train and their next kill orders are for each other for romance in this Mr. & Mrs. Smith way? (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie when they liked each other.) And, they didn’t know that they were both assassins. But not only were they both assassins, but they were both assassins set up with kill orders to kill each other! How do you do that, after you meet each other on a train and practically fall for each other? (And, I’m not giving away spoilers, this is all told to readers from the get-go.)
So, obviously this is a rom-com mixed with suspense and assassins.
What we really have is 2 people who really are awkward, due to their careers and early lives. Here they are meeting. Their first encounter with each other. On a night train to Paris. How romantic is that?
But they both have pasts. Right?
They know they are damaged goods. But they finally found the one person they think can finally accept them. For themselves. But they also think they will never see each other again.
Fast forward six months. And guess what. Who is their kill target? Yep. Now what are they to do?
How about as readers enjoy a “killing” good time?
“My old life has ended. My new life is only just beginning.”
Just let the pages fly. Readers will not regret it....more
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunCatching Up…
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunity to re-visit this one.
Mickey Haller is back defending a very important client. Himself. Apparently, someone decided to stuff a corpse into the trunk of his car. And, of course, the police discovered it, and thus, he has been accused of this individual’s murder. And, it doesn’t help that he was an ex-client. That doesn’t make Haller look so innocent, right?
“The law of innocence is unwritten. It’s not a true legal term, can’t be argued in a court of law and doesn’t exist on the books. In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man out there who is. And to prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
And, then there is Harry Bosch. Because he is on team Haller in finding out the truth. Of course, if you aren’t familiar with who Haller or Bosch is, don’t start reading the series with this book. These are a couple of the most important characters in Connelly’s book character ensemble. Mickey Haller is the Lincoln Lawyer who has conducted his “lawyering” in the backseat of his Lincoln vehicle. And, Harry Bosch is the author’s well-known L.A. cop. Readers will love his brooding presence in this one as the two and other returning characters intend to prove Haller’s innocence.
“When it came to opening statements, I was from the Legal Siegel school of law. He always said, save your powder, meaning less is more; don’t reveal your case or its surprises until it’s time to present your evidence.”
Those who love stories with justice/legal proceedings and good investigative work will enjoy this one. Also, the pandemic looms in the background.
This children’s book was quite the adventure. Four children crash-land when their pilot suffers a heart attack. They are alone and in peril in the lush Amazon rainforest. How will they manage on their own?
What the author does is provide a rich scene which will mesmerize young readers. Swimming with river dolphins. Discovering a ruined city. Eating bugs. What more could they ask for? Perhaps a mystery in which a map is discovered that the kids can follow?
Readers will enjoy the 4 young characters as they take off on their journey of self-discovery and immense bravery to tackle the unknown. There is a sense of warmth, love, hope and courage that permeates throughout the pages that makes this an enticing read....more
This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would be enchanted by its story, as well.
It has also won many awards. In 2014 it won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (an annual award given to a work of children’s literature that uncovers hidden talent in children’s writing); and, the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story (a set of literary awards for children’s books conferred by the BBC television program Blue Peter). It was also short-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Writing (a British literary award that recognizes outstanding English-language books for children and young adults).
What makes this story so beautiful is its message…
Follow your dreams.
Sophie, our protagonist, started off her life, floating in a cello case, recovered from a shipwreck. Charles, who finds her, becomes her loving father. He also allows Sophie undisciplined freedom as a child.
As Sophie gets older, she wonders if her mother is still alive. Charles tells her…
“Never ignore a possible.”
So, with that, she convinces Charles to go with her to Paris to find her mother. Of course, there are other reasons for Charles to do so, which I won’t state here, because that is a spoiler.
In Paris, Sophie meets Matteo. And, with Matteo they go in search of her mother.
Music fills the story, and certainly the mystery of Sophie being found in a cello case can certainly be added to that experience. Readers will feel a sense of adventure, music, joy, and connection with these characters....more
This is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful cThis is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful colors.
The story takes readers to a pond (a small body of still water formed naturally) that explores pond life. Who lives in the pond? What do they do with their day? How do they grow and develop as creatures and/or plants from something small to mature?
The writing is poetic and thoughtful.
The author also provides notes about the animals and plants that inhabit the pond, which makes this a great learning adventure for kids.
“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape o“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape of exceptional happenings, had never stopped there.”
Catching up…
I know. This is a book that has been around for a while. But when it became a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I knew it was time to re-visit it and share my thoughts.
This book actually began as a New York Times murder story that transformed itself into spine-tingling suspense. Can you imagine picking up your newspaper and devouring this headline story with your breakfast coffee?
Capote felt he could tell the story of this Midwest killing that featured sinister murderers in a way that would capture readers’ interest.
A 4-member family of a prosperous farming family are viciously murdered at close-range with a shotgun. No apparent motive. Limited clues. A local FBI investigator, Alvin Dewey is shocked at how meaningless and cruel the crime appears. Who would do this and why? And, how could Capote get the details he needed to write his story beyond headline grabbers?
“Imagination, of course, can open any door – turn the key and let terror walk right in.”
He turned to friend and fellow author, Harper Lee, obviously known for “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She had a way of penetrating the silence that seemed to be protecting the remote Kansas community entrenched in the murders.
Once he was in, Capote conducted his own investigation which would encompass the manhunt, arrest and trial of the culprits. Capote shared…
“…the greatest intensity in art in all its shapes and sizes is achieved with a deliberate, hard and cool head.”
It truly is a real-crime drama that captivates as readers turn pages. And, even if we think we know the story already, probably through endless documentaries we have watched, it still is a privilege to read Capote....more
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