In honor of 2024's international Woman's Month I decided to devote some reading time to some unsung females and their often heroic contributions to history--even if most of their accomplishments were often shoved "under the rug".

I will admit this book has long moldered away on one of my many TBR stacks waiting for its chance. It finally found its moment. Young, poor, uneducated, black woman has her cancer cells taken for biopsy and used for research without her consent. While Henrietta soon is overcome by her cancer and dies...her harvested cells do not. In fact these cells are still alive today--launching a medical revolution, a multi-million industry, and have been invaluable in the treatment of many diseases--not just cancer. If you haven't read this book you should. While it does leave me on the fence about medical ethics (harvesting cells for research) I am still on soap box in regards that it should not been done without patient consent. This remains an issue even to this day--on both sides. 

This year (2023) I abdicated my crown. I stepped down from my throne as the Queen of Denial. Plan and simple: My son is an alcoholic. As I write this today he is sober- a journey now measured in months not just days. He has found help staying sober in AA. I have been doing a lot of reading about addiction this year. As my son and his sponsor are taking a long slow journey through the pages the Alcoholic Anonymous "Big Blue Book", I, too, have taken a long slow read through the Al-Anon version of this Twelve Step Program.

We will both take our own paths on this journey but bottom line --It is not necessary for AA to work for me, but if it keeps my son on a sober path--then I am all for it. Whatever sober endeavor works for him works for me. He will ever have my love, concern, and compassionate support--regardless the path his journy takes.

I am still on the fence and have yet to attend a meeting but I am grateful to know that Al-Anon is there if and when I need it. I will likely give this book another read. Journal about my thoughts and reflections. Read more books. Stayed tuned I'm sure there will be more to say...

2023 has turned out to be a lot. In times of stress I read a lot BUT I don't retain a lot...it has been that kind of a year to put it mildly. And yes, it has often been exactly this type of year.

The full title also includes:  (And Keeping Your Sanity). I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough. This book advises, that in light of most resent scientific research, taking a different approach to helping an addict, an approach that is more effective, as it allows one and one's addict a path to taking back their own life and sanity.

To solve a problem one must first understand the problem. The author explains the effects of addictive substances on the brain and mind, and why addicts and alcoholics behave the way they do. He outlines how to form a bond with an addicted loved one and use this bond to move to a williness and mental readiness to accept the help they need. It addresses how the addicts "circle of chaos" can affect those who "try to help" and gives one effective means of support without becoming (or continuing to be) an enabler.

This book corrected so much of my faulty beliefs around addiction, and no doubt made me something of a teacher's pet in the family therapy portion of my addict's 30 day rehabilitation program.

If nothing else it taught me this: An addict is not a bad person who needs to get good; an addict is an unwell persion who needs to get well.

A book I bought while seeking to "fix" my child, who came clean about their addiction to alcohol in 2023. What was most helpful for all involved was instead to remove my "fix it" hat, and not to continue reading this book. An addict needs to want recovery for themselves and do the work themselves, if recovery has any hope of succeeding. Worrying and micromanaging not helpful.  Empathy, true understanding, and a hand out if needed for support toward all sober oriented endeavors. For the best of all concerned I am putting this book to one side but will keep this on my shelf in case it ever becomes necessary.

My adult child finally came clean about their addiction to alcohol in 2023. During our family session, the rehab counselor highly recommended this book for addicts to read once they were released from the rehab facility. So of course I (addict family member) bought the book to read as well. It is an excellent book for the ADDICT to read. As for a family member, maybe, and it does clarify in clear terms the signs of relapse. For me --it made me firmly glue my "fix it" hat in place and it took me a long time to get that hat back off. The only way recovery works is if recovery is what my child wants and is willing to do the work for themself.  (Look at me going gender non-specific) I hope that I have transitioned into an empathic source of comfort and support, that I have my boundaries in place such that I only support my child's sober endevours, but no matter circumstance, I will listen and working within our boundaries helping my child to remain safe, strong, and sober. I love my child and believe this to be firmly in their wheelhouse to accomplish. Hard lessons: Worrying and Micromanaging NOT HELPFUL

For the best of all concerned I have put this book to one side for now, I will keep it to hand, if at some point it becomes necessary.

One of my reading projects is the Book of the Month Club where my goal is to read a book with that particular month in the title for as long as the books hold out. As it looks cleaner, I have separated out this reading lists so that the months appear separately.

This category is pretty much self-explanatory--each month the challenge is to read a book with a particular month in the title. Although sometimes I might "cheat a little" and let the author's name substitute for the title. So far so good... 

2023

Larry is not perfect and I guess that is something I really like about this character. This series just keeps getting better.

In honor of 2024's international Woman's Month I decided to devote some reading time to some unsung females and their often heroic contributions to history--even if most of their accomplishments were often shoved "under the rug".

Once again, Ms. Purnell has done herself proud, serving up a well paced and astute account of the curiously unsung life of Winston Churchill's wife-- Clementine. Until recently she was just a barely mentioned footnote in history. She deserved better and Ms. Purnell serves her cause well. I look forward to reading anything Ms. Purnell writes  (and if I secretly hope she writes about Hedy Lammar--who can blame me)

I really enjoyed this imaginative book. Very intricate and unique world building. The ending hints that there could be further books with these characters in the near future. I hope so, in the mean time I will read her other books.

2022

I like Alan Parks--especially since he is writing a series of crime novels "by the month". I like Scottish noir and Harry McCoy to so I will definitely keep reading.

2021

For my January 2021 read I found myself plowing straight through all three books in Will Carver's -Detective Inspector January David triology...for those of you who also lived through the horror show of early January 2021 in America you will appreciate the need for very distracting reading. 

2021

The second book in this trilogy--escapism reading in fine form, perfection for escaping the horror show in America in January 2021.

2021 

I very much enjoyed this series and love the writing style of Will Carver--and English author that deserves a bigger audience in the USA. My only quibble is that I question the pull of a women to get a psychopath do her bidding. I look forward to reading more...as there are rumors that January is coming back.

2020

I was mesmerized by this book set in my home town of Pittsburgh, PA-- even though I do not like think of women getting raped here. What I liked best was the author's message. Sometimes you don't perhaps get the full justice you deserve but sometimes you get enough to fill in the cracks. 

Read more ...

The second installment in Mr. Curtin's--Manny Rivera Series. The series continues to be clever with interesting mysteries admist the grandeur of the Utah back country.

2023

Book #4 in the Larry Macklin series. Larry is freshly back on the force and on the trail of a serial killer that has resurfaced after 15 years. Does Larry solve this or is it just another instance of accidently being the right place at the right time... Like these books regardless.

2022

Second book in the Harry McCoy Scottish noir series and they just keep getting better--can't wait to March on...

2021

Set right before American joined WWII - a glimpse into the literary and creative world of NYC at that time. These were apparently "top dogs" during those years. Some of the names I vaguely recognized but mostly not--didn't really care for any of them. It all seemed to play into the trope--if you want to be creative it pays to be tortured, an alcoholic, perhaps gay, depressed, a trifle insane and insecure--then by golly you must be a genius. What do I know I haven't read or listened to or watched or saw any of their works--nor am I likely to. But this book was very well written and gave a fascinating look at who was who at that time.

2020

Other reviewers seemed to not like this book--it is grim and sad but I mean after all it is a book about woman grieving the tragic loss of her husband after he was lost at sea. I found it to be a compelling well written book. 

2024

I wanted to like this book as much as everyone else seems to...but I have never been much of a fan of "fever dream' writing. At the end of the book I was torn between wondering what actually happened and if I even really cared.

2021

This is my second reading of Middlemarch, a forever book, that remains on my shelf to be read time and again.

One of my favorite Mr. Brook's quotes: "I went into science a great deal myself at one time; but I saw it wouldn't do. It leads to everything; you can let nothing alone."

2022

I don't read a lot of romance books. They irritate me. One example from this book... Attractive woman (although of course she doesn't believe that she is) flees end of marriage (and her perfectly remodeled NYC townhome) to handsome philandering husband (who of course, has realized his mistake and wants her back by the end) to beautiful idyllic location (of course to the fabulous beach side home where she spent her summers as a tween) only to catch the eye of the handsome single men on the island (not just one or two--but three). Irritation aside it was a quick read and I enjoyed the somewhat farfetched mystery attached.

2023

Larry has a new female partner whom he is struggling to work with--mostly he doesn't like her because she's not his previous partner--Pete. Even though she is often right about Larry she is a bit of a ball buster. We also get a more of Larry's back story as one of his ex's rolls into town--she's a bit of a crazy nut job. Once again Larry "solves the case" by being at the right place at the right time. That's the thing about Larry and it certainly doesn't take away from my enjoyment as I fly through this series.

2022

Way back in '80's I was a huge fan of Ms. Pilcher but many years of passed since I have read any of her books. I love the Englishness but lately "romance" has begun to irritate me...I may have to stop reading them altogether. I have these silly notions that sometimes being sensible is the way to go...and what's wrong with finding yourself before you worry about finding a man. But apparently here the heroine must be saved from herself by manly intervention. This was a bit hard to take, Ms. Pilcher, aside.

2024

It is a shame. Ms. Kogan has a way with words and this book is quite readable in each of its MANY segments but as a cohesive story not so much. As I often find myself think as I read books today--PICK A LANE, if you can't figure how to advance a plot line then DROP IT--don't just let it dangle. My lesson is to put more value on my reading time, it is a precious commodity. 

2023

Larry Macklin #6. Larry's ex partner Pete gets himself in a spot of trouble and the prime suspect in a murder investigation when his daughter's ex boyfriend turns up dead. Mr. Howe doesn't disappoint and this is another entertaining go round with Larry and the gang.

2021

I have wanted to read this for several years now. Glad that I finally have--plan on reading more of her books after this. Light springy and romantic. It was reminiscent of The Durrells of Corfu. If not for COVID I'm sure I would be off to the Mediterranean Sea right now.

2023

Larry Macklin #7. Another good outing with Larry and the gang. This case hits close to home as a body is found murdered at the vet clinic where his girlfriend Cara works. The case turns out to be drug related which brings back Larry's old nemesis, DEA agent, Matt Greene. I really like this series and this installment was definitely reading time well spent.

2021

I was experiencing difficulty in finding a book I wanted to read that featured "May" in the title and Peter May kept popping up in my various searches. So I figured why not and selected the beginning of the Enzo files simply because my husband has a cat named Enzo. I painted a watercolor of said cat this spring. The book is pretty good am I am planning on reading the second installment of the Enzo files next May.

2023

2023 has turned out to be a lot. In times of stress I read a lot BUT I don't retain a lot...it has been that kind of a year to put it mildly.

A bit of a twist as this mystery doesn't take place in Adams County. Larry and his dad, with girlfriends in tow go on "vacation" on the Florida coast, but of course murder follows along.

2021

I had collected this book awhile back for my Book of the Month Club category. This is one of the best fiction books I have read in 2021 so far. A story that reaches across generations and continents through the viewpoint of multiple characters, it also slides back and forth through time, revealing unexpected links between the characters. It is very well done and well worth the reading time.

In honor of 2024's international Woman's Month I decided to devote some reading time to some unsung females and their often heroic contributions to history--even if most of their accomplishments were often shoved "under the rug".

Hedy Lammar, well known as a famous and beautiful 1940's Hollywood starlet. Born in Austria to Jewish parents, she became a scandalous actress, but soon married an Austrian arms dealer with connections to Hitler and the Nazi regime. She escapes to America and Hollywood. However, the truly fascinating part of her story was that born out the fascination with her father's work as an engineer and his tutelage, through study she became a bit of an engineer, herself. With the help of an American scientist she developed technology that would have enabled Allied submarines to locate and target Nazi submarines using a wireless locating device. Of course, as a woman, she wasn't believed, and even after testing that proved it's effiency, it was still discounted and not approved by the Military--because no "respected" man could ever be expected to trust a woman's work in this field. I like reading about these unsung women but wow, the misogeny of the patriarchy is very hard to swallow.

Long after the rights to her patented technology expired another man finally "recongized" it's genious and used the technology towards the creation of modern communication and the internet. This is a fictionalized version of part of Ms. Lammar's life, and maybe I'm biased but I prefer autobiographies and thoroughly fleshed out ones at that. It is because I read this book sandwiched between two Sonia Purnell books--this left me wanting more. 

In honor of 2024's international Woman's Month I decided to devote some reading time to some unsung females and their heroic contributions to history--even if most of their accomplishments were shoved "under the rug". Such is the story of Baltimore socialite, Virgina Hall, an American spy who changed the course of WW2 by lighting the flame of the French Resistance. If you haven't read this book-- I highly recommend that you do--although it is more than a little discouraging to read--how the mysogynistic "old white guy" patriarchy downplayed her accomplishments, considerable knowledge, highly developed skills and bravery---simply because she was a woman who dared to presume she was more than capable of doing "manly" deeds.

This book had been lurking in one of my many TBR piles for several years. I have to say I am glad to have finally read it, and it is amazing that this story behind the legendary 1893 World Fair in Chicago is not common knowledge. 

For the most part I enjoyed this book. It was given to me by a friend. It is a translation from Swedish: a Nordic thriller and the Ms. Larsson admits in her author's note at the back of the book that she struggled getting this book to come together. Later in the series of books she has written featuring Rebekka Martinsson and while I'm sure it's me "not her" that I didn't really connect with the story.

One of my reading projects is known as Book of the Month Club where my goal read a book with that particular month in the title for as long as the books hold out. I have separated out my reads into each month as it just looks cleaner that way.

First book I've read by this author, surprising as she has written so many. While this book never quite hit its stride I enjoyed it nevertheless. I look forward to reading more by this author. And this is one of her more quirkier books--according to the author herself.

2023 has turned out to be a lot. In times of stress I read a lot BUT I don't retain a lot...it has been that kind of a year to put it mildly.

I enjoyed this book. I plan on reading more from this author. Nicely plotted and an intriguing story.

I did a re-read of this book as my son was finally getting around to reading it himself. Still a good read, even with all the surprises revealed and I needed the refresher as I plan to read Ready Player Two.

Dark as books about serial killers often are... I enjoyed this book. I believe it is the beginning of a series and I am definitely interested in reading more from this author.

This is the first book in Ms. Jemisin's "Broken Earth" series. It has been awhile since have read books in the fantasy genre. Glad my taste for fantasy has come back around. A very good read and I am looking forward to reading the entire series. In fact I am most likely continue to read books from this author. Intricate plot and very well developed alternate world building.

The second book in the 4MK triology. I was a bit worried as it had been sometime since I read the first book (The Fourth Monkey Killer) but the author provided enough backstory for me to plow on. Deeper and more complex. Very interested to read the final installment and how this all plays out.

This book marks the conclusion of the 4MK trilogy. This outing marks the end of a very satisfying series of books. It never disappoints. Reading time very well spent. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

This is the first book I can remember reading by Ms. Coulter. It is deep into her series revolving around the FBI agents Sherlock and Savich but surprisingly I was able to jump right in with out missing anything. Nor did author indulge in excessive reiterating. It was a nicely plotted swift paced novel of a skilled author. I look forward to going back to the beginning...lots of prior books. This was reading time well spent.

A category devoted to widows and widowers. I sorrow for their loss but read for my delight.

I was lured in by all the good reviews. It read like a confused manic fever dream. Very over the top melodramatic. While no doubt it kept me reading I'm still confused and if truthful disappointed. The author couldn't pick a lane and I am still not sure who was villan and who was the victim. Like Claire keeps muttering to herself at the end --none of it is true. Maybe her other books are better.

This category points: North, South, East, West and all the compass ponits in between.

A category for books with a Castle in the title of the book.

While belonging to a book club has been a bucket list dream of mine--I've come to the conclusion that apparently this is not be--and believe me I've tried 3-4 clubs. Finger's crossed the Vignovic Book Club (found under V) has a few titles to its name. Therefore the category has switched gears. I originally intended it to contain books I read as part of a book club but now it  will contain books about book clubs.