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988 reviews
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
4.0
Author: Jodi Picoult
Started: January 6, 2025
Finished: January 7, 2025
Publication Date: March 2, 2015
Format: Audio
Genre: General Fiction
Anna is suring her parents for the right to make decisions about her own body, which includes no longer have to use herself to save her dying sister. As the family goes through the medical emancipation trial, secrets are revealed and lives are changed forever.
This is a book I've been wanting to read forever but was afraid of how it would make me feel. This story angered me and broke my heart at the same time. I felt for Anna's moher but I felt she only wanted Anna around to save her sister and never gave any thought to how these things would affect Anna's life. I can also not imaging going through all she did to keep her daughter alive. The ending was unexpected and broke me into pieces.
Started: January 6, 2025
Finished: January 7, 2025
Publication Date: March 2, 2015
Format: Audio
Genre: General Fiction
Anna is suring her parents for the right to make decisions about her own body, which includes no longer have to use herself to save her dying sister. As the family goes through the medical emancipation trial, secrets are revealed and lives are changed forever.
This is a book I've been wanting to read forever but was afraid of how it would make me feel. This story angered me and broke my heart at the same time. I felt for Anna's moher but I felt she only wanted Anna around to save her sister and never gave any thought to how these things would affect Anna's life. I can also not imaging going through all she did to keep her daughter alive. The ending was unexpected and broke me into pieces.
Come Fly With Me by Camille Di Maio
4.0
Author: Camille Di Maio
Started: January 4, 2025
Finished: January 6, 2025
Publication Date: February 18, 2025
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell both apply to become Pan Am stewardesses for different reasons with the same theme - escape. As the women go through training and their careers together, they experience all life has to offer.
This period is not one I've read a lot about, but I enjoyed it. Being a Pan Am stewardess was a dream for many young women, and going through the process with Judy and Beverly was exciting. These two women could not have been more different, but they managed to bring out the best in each other. This will be a book I buy for my shelves when it is released.
Started: January 4, 2025
Finished: January 6, 2025
Publication Date: February 18, 2025
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell both apply to become Pan Am stewardesses for different reasons with the same theme - escape. As the women go through training and their careers together, they experience all life has to offer.
This period is not one I've read a lot about, but I enjoyed it. Being a Pan Am stewardess was a dream for many young women, and going through the process with Judy and Beverly was exciting. These two women could not have been more different, but they managed to bring out the best in each other. This will be a book I buy for my shelves when it is released.
Cher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher
4.0
Author: Cher
Narrator: Cher and Stephanie J. Block
Started: January 3, 2025
Finished: January 4, 2025
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Non-fiction
Cher is the first one to admit that she's lived a hell of a life. In this revealing first part of her memoir, Cher relives some of the best and worst times of her life. She explains what happened between her and Sonny and how they ended up the best of friends. She tells the story of each of her children's births and how they affected her. This is Cher being open and honest about her mistakes and how she lived through them.
I have always loved Cher - her boldness and the way she is always unapologetically herself. There are very few celebrities as honest as she is. There were many stories in this mem that I was unaware of. I had no idea how controlling Sonny was and how he had her sign a contract that gave her no rights. Cher was extremely strong for being able to remove herself from that situation. There were only two things that affected my reading of this novel - 1) the memoir ends rather abruptly when Cher wants to begin her serious acting career and 2) the alternating of narration between Cher and Stephanie J Block. It caused a bit of an issue within my brain. That being said I cannot wait to read part two.
Narrator: Cher and Stephanie J. Block
Started: January 3, 2025
Finished: January 4, 2025
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Non-fiction
Cher is the first one to admit that she's lived a hell of a life. In this revealing first part of her memoir, Cher relives some of the best and worst times of her life. She explains what happened between her and Sonny and how they ended up the best of friends. She tells the story of each of her children's births and how they affected her. This is Cher being open and honest about her mistakes and how she lived through them.
I have always loved Cher - her boldness and the way she is always unapologetically herself. There are very few celebrities as honest as she is. There were many stories in this mem that I was unaware of. I had no idea how controlling Sonny was and how he had her sign a contract that gave her no rights. Cher was extremely strong for being able to remove herself from that situation. There were only two things that affected my reading of this novel - 1) the memoir ends rather abruptly when Cher wants to begin her serious acting career and 2) the alternating of narration between Cher and Stephanie J Block. It caused a bit of an issue within my brain. That being said I cannot wait to read part two.
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
4.0
Author: Victoria Christopher Murray
Started: January 2, 2025
Finished: January 3, 2025
Publication Date: February 4, 2025
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
In Washington DC, Jessie Redman Faust takes on the job of literary editor for The Crisis, a magazine headed by Dr. W.E.B. DuBois. During her tenure there, she must deal with her relationship with W.E.B, her mother's disapproval, and writing her own novel. As literary editor, Faust helps discover some of the premier Black writers of the Harlem Renaissance.
Once again, I was introduced to a woman who was important to the history of America through reading. I had never heard of Jessie Redman Faust or the way she changed the landscape of literature. She introduced the world to Langston Hughes, amongst other wonderful writers. This story did not paint Dr. DuBois in a positive light for me. He seemed egotistical and hurtful, especially when it came to Jessie's feelings. This book was well-written, and enjoyable, and tells the story of the Harlem Renaissance and the woman who started it.
Started: January 2, 2025
Finished: January 3, 2025
Publication Date: February 4, 2025
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
In Washington DC, Jessie Redman Faust takes on the job of literary editor for The Crisis, a magazine headed by Dr. W.E.B. DuBois. During her tenure there, she must deal with her relationship with W.E.B, her mother's disapproval, and writing her own novel. As literary editor, Faust helps discover some of the premier Black writers of the Harlem Renaissance.
Once again, I was introduced to a woman who was important to the history of America through reading. I had never heard of Jessie Redman Faust or the way she changed the landscape of literature. She introduced the world to Langston Hughes, amongst other wonderful writers. This story did not paint Dr. DuBois in a positive light for me. He seemed egotistical and hurtful, especially when it came to Jessie's feelings. This book was well-written, and enjoyable, and tells the story of the Harlem Renaissance and the woman who started it.
Betrayal: The Crisis in the Catholic Church: The Findings of the Investigation That Inspired the Major Motion Picture Spotlight by The Boston Globe
The investigative team of the Boston Globe looked into the increasing number of Catholic priests accused of the sexual assault of minors. They uncovered that priests, who had been accused of the assaults, were merely shuffled to other parishes instead of being reported to authorities. Their work led to reporting mandates and the defrocking of many Catholic clergy members.
Based on these findings, I saw the movie Spotlight and wanted to hear more about what the Globe team had discovered. The lengths the Catholic church went to to hide the bad acts of some priests were disgusting. The book was also important in releasing the same information in the Brooklyn diocese, where I attended Catholic school and church. It angered me to see my former priest on the list of accused priests. He was never defrocked but has "retired" although he was removed from service in 2002.
Based on these findings, I saw the movie Spotlight and wanted to hear more about what the Globe team had discovered. The lengths the Catholic church went to to hide the bad acts of some priests were disgusting. The book was also important in releasing the same information in the Brooklyn diocese, where I attended Catholic school and church. It angered me to see my former priest on the list of accused priests. He was never defrocked but has "retired" although he was removed from service in 2002.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Rape, and Sexual assault
Mistletoe Motel: A Sapphic Christmas Romance by Lise Gold
4.0
Author: Lise Gold
Started: December 19, 2024
Finished: December 20, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Sapphic Romance
Holly and Mack are trying to get home to their respective families for Christmas, but a blizzes has them stuck in a small town in South Dakota for Christmas Eve. With only one motel room available, the women decide to share. While enjoying the vibe of the Christmas happy town, the women quickly develop feelings for each other and watch as serendipity changes their lives.
This was a fantastic cheesy Christmas romance. The main characters are likable, but the character of the Mistletoe family added a real sense of Christmas spirit to the book. There is nothing better during the holidays than a Hallmarky book with some spice. This book is only 146 pages, so it's perfect if you're trying to reach your reading goals.
Started: December 19, 2024
Finished: December 20, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Sapphic Romance
Holly and Mack are trying to get home to their respective families for Christmas, but a blizzes has them stuck in a small town in South Dakota for Christmas Eve. With only one motel room available, the women decide to share. While enjoying the vibe of the Christmas happy town, the women quickly develop feelings for each other and watch as serendipity changes their lives.
This was a fantastic cheesy Christmas romance. The main characters are likable, but the character of the Mistletoe family added a real sense of Christmas spirit to the book. There is nothing better during the holidays than a Hallmarky book with some spice. This book is only 146 pages, so it's perfect if you're trying to reach your reading goals.
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
4.0
Author: Jodi Picoult
Narrator: Carol Monda
Started: December 17, 2024
Finished: December 19, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Literary Fiction
Sterling, New Hampshire, was a nice, quiet town where bad things didn't happen until ten of its high school students are killed by their classmate, Petere. The judge assigned to the case must recure herself because her daughter is a living witness who can not remember anything. As the questions linger, friendships and families fall apart.
This was such a hard but important read. Jodi Picoult did an amazing job of writing about a school shooting without gratuitous violence. Learning of Peter's constant bullying and how it affected him was chilling. It's horrible to believe that people could treat each other so badly, but there are real reasons behind some school shootings. Although it normally does not happen, I was glad the author allowed Peter to speak for himself. The ending was well-done realisitc. This was an extremely worthwhile read.
Narrator: Carol Monda
Started: December 17, 2024
Finished: December 19, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Literary Fiction
Sterling, New Hampshire, was a nice, quiet town where bad things didn't happen until ten of its high school students are killed by their classmate, Petere. The judge assigned to the case must recure herself because her daughter is a living witness who can not remember anything. As the questions linger, friendships and families fall apart.
This was such a hard but important read. Jodi Picoult did an amazing job of writing about a school shooting without gratuitous violence. Learning of Peter's constant bullying and how it affected him was chilling. It's horrible to believe that people could treat each other so badly, but there are real reasons behind some school shootings. Although it normally does not happen, I was glad the author allowed Peter to speak for himself. The ending was well-done realisitc. This was an extremely worthwhile read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Child death
Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce
4.0
Author: Daisy Pearce
Started: December 16, 2024
Finished: December 18, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Thriller
Mina, a freshly graduated child psychologist, meets Sam, a journalist, at a grief support group. He asks her to come along to see Alice Weber, age 13, whose family thinks she is being haunted by a witch. Once they arrive at the house, Mina knows something is wrong with Alice, who says there is a witch in her fireplace but there is also something wrong with the town too…something palpable.
I really enjoyed this book. It had just the right amount of creepy. The details in the book help you believe that poor Alice really has been dealing with a haunting. The book slows down a little in the middle but the build-up to the end is fantastic. While I wasn't a huge fan of Daisy Darker, I am so glad I gave the author another try because this one was well done.
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
3.0
Author: Tiffany D Jackson
Narrator: Marcella Cox
Started: December 16, 2024
Finished: December 16, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Marigold and her family have moved to the Midwest from California to give her a fresh start. They have moved into the only renovated house on a street full of dilapidated houses. Mari starts to hear cracks and groans in the house but writes them off until things go missing and her step-sister starts to act oddly. When she finally figures out what is happening, she will never understand it.
This was my first read by this author, and I wonder what else she can do. This book handled a two-family dynamic well, and it also did a good job of dealing with a child who was addicted to drugs. The creep factor inched up bit by bit but what skeeved me out was the constant mention of bed bugs - there was just so much of it. The ending was unexpected and leaned on a fear that not many people give much thought to.
The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini
4.0
Author: Ruth Mancini
Narrator: Annabel Scholey
Started: December 13, 2024
Finished: December 14, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Tate Kinsella has been arrested for murder after a woman is found dead on the ground twenty-five floors down. They believe she murdered the woman because she was obsessed with her husband. As more of the story comes to light, there are more questions than answers.
This is a whirlwind of a book and it took some time to get into. There are six parts to this story but they all depend on each other to tell the full story. By the midway point, the reader starts to get to the heart of the story and understands why things have happened as they did. There is not much more that can be said without spoiling the meat of the story. If you are looking for a story that seems basic and then takes a quick left turn into something unexpected, this is for you.