Recently I read a book that Blew. Me. Away. It was different from anything I had read before – and I always find it refreshing to break out of the cookie-cutter mold of same plot… similar twist… you know what I mean.
But – like all books… what the takeaway is – depends on the individual; and like all books – when I look at reviews, you can see the mix of the love and the not so much… So…. For myself, being in a Book Club for over 24 years… I am starting to wonder…. when I read a book, is it the anticipated discussion that makes me want to share it with the world… or is it the book itself? Honestly, I don’t always know… 😛
No secret that I love to talk about books, and the particular book I am thinking of has soooooo much to unpack… topics I would love to discuss with others… How would we/you/I handle such a situation? Would you be able to ever forgive? Was justice served? What outcome would you have liked to see happen? What lessons came out of this for our protagonist? Who did you root for?
This is not the first time I have rated a book high because of its discussion value… SO – I present the question to you. For those in Book Clubs or reading groups, does a book get elevated because it would make for great discussion? Inquiring minds want to know.
Frick Island is a tiny town in the middle of Chesapeake Bay with residents who like to keep their business to themselves. Piper Parrish among them. When Piper’s husband, Tom’s crab boat capsizes, and his body is not found, the young “maybe” widow goes right about life as though Tom is still there… making his breakfast, walking him to the dock in the mornings, meeting him in the evening, and of course their standard Friday night date at The One Eyed-Crab.
When Anders Caldwell, want-to-be podcaster with an actual audience, is given an assignment on Frick Island to cover the annual Cake Walk Fundraiser, he is less than pleased. How are assignments like this going to put him on the map? But Anders finds that he has stumbled onto a much more interesting story, not only about Piper’s eccentric behavior of talking to a husband who is not there, but also watching all the residents of Frick Island pretending Tom is there as well for Piper’s sake. Business owners waving and saying good morning to Tom, acknowledging him right alongside Piper…. well… to Anders… this may be the story that will give him a name.
This is one of those books that has been in my peripheral vision… but for whatever reason, I did not pick up. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean… I’m sure you do it too 😀 As much as we may want to read ALL THE BOOKS. You can’t… and I know… It’s heartbreaking.
So many books… so little time….
So… looking for my next listen this summer as I go about my weekly cooking, cleaning, gardening… I chose TIHOFI. And… not disappointed.
My time on Frick Island was enjoyable! Piper is interesting and likable, and the book allows you to explore many outcomes…. Is Tom alive? Do the residents of Frick Island know something I do not? Does Piper know something that no one else does? Is Piper crazy … or crazy in grief? OR… Or… is something much bigger going on?
Well… I’m not telling. I will tell you, it’s worth a pick up. This is a pleasant, easy, and fun read. And this seems ( at least from my experience) to be Coleen Oakley’s pattern as an author – good books with a touch of fun… as I experienced when I read The Mostly True Story of Tanenr and Louise
Rated: 3 out of 5 Read Author Before: Yes Read Author Again: Most likely Who Should Read This: Anyone who enjoys a fun, interesting read that’s not heavy. This is the perfect time of year for Frick Island.
Connie connects with a local non-profit to help with odd jobs around her mother, Gwen’s home. As Gwen has dementia, Connie tries to balance her life with the time she spends with her mom and the pursuit of her career. While Connie pops in to check on her mom and to help with cleaning, some of the bigger jobs, such as yard work and home repair, are too time-consuming, and she is grateful for Helping Hands’ mission to send volunteers to assist with chores for the elderly. Paul, a volunteer from Helping Hands, is kind, easy to talk to, and easy on the eyes, and her mom seems to like him.
But things change quickly as Paul comes to Gwen’s more often than needed, making Connie feel a little awkward, almost like she is intruding when she comes over to help with cooking and cleaning. And Gwen, too, is changing; she dresses up more, wearing makeup and laughing… laughing like Connie has not heard in years. When Paul finds himself between homes, he moves in with Gwen and begins to shut Connie out, both figuratively and literally.
When Paul tells Connie that he can handle the cooking and cleaning, and there is no need for her to stop by, and when the locks to the house are changed, Connie desperately wants to reach out for help – but it’s his word against hers as Paul has put his charm on the neighbors as well, and has not done anything legally wrong. But Connie knows… something is not right, and she has a limited time to do something about it.
Have you read John Marrs? If you like the psychological twists of McFadden, I look at Marrs as the King of the double… no… TRIPLE twist. From my experience with his books, there comes a point where he has you, and you are blown away… and really the book – the story could end there and you would be all like…. “Damn….that was amazing” – But wait, there is more!
Marrs, from my experience, catches you in the twist where something is revealed that changes everything…. And then… Within the same book … He does it again. And sometimes…. again
The Stranger In Her House, while a bit out there ( a few too many – uhhh… that couldn’t happen) was still crazy wild to read because, honestly, in this world we live in – crazy crazy things DO HAPPEN…. even when we are dumbfounded as to how.
I did enjoy this book on audio… fully engaged in how this would all work out in the end, and not once, not twice, but even a third time surprised….
Well played Marrs.
Rated: 4 out of 5 Read Author Before: Yes Read Author Again: Yes, I enjoy his style of writing Who Should Read This: Fans of McFadden and psychological thrillers for sure, knowing that Marrs can be a bit darker (IMO). If you like your books to be crazy wild puzzles – here you go 😀
Whiplash is a great word to describe this book. ~ Sheila
Bryden and Sam Frost have a good marriage. They both have amazing careers and are financially well off, living in a luxurious condo with their young daughter, Clara. Bryden, who works from home, admittedly is often pushing her luck on picking up their daughter from daycare on time, so when she is late on this particular day, and Sam receives a call at work from the daycare that Bryden has not shown up to pick up Clara and they cant get ahold of her – while annoying… it is not panic worthy. But, upon arrival at home after picking up Clara, Sam finds his wife’s car, her laptop open, and her cell phone on the table. Bryden – is nowhere to be found – it’s like she has just
disappeared.
I listened to this on audio over the past few days while doing a little book room cleaning. While I enjoyed the book, I honestly found it to be too character-heavy with too many fingers pointed every which way…. just when I thought I had it, something new comes up and someone else looks guilty – while I know this is all part of the psychological suspense thriller, for me, it was too much – too many turns and in the end it wrapped up so quickly I am still not certain I understand what happened.
I would give this a 3 (average rating), as it did hold my interest and had a good flow, other than the too many red herrings.
Rated: 3 out of 5 Read Author Before: No Read Author Again: possibly, it looks like she has good ratings and some fun titles 🙂 Book Club Worthy: Hard to say – while there is a chance to talk about who everyone thought did it – I’m not sure I see any deep discussion out of this ( not like they all have to be ( or are, lol) deep
A fun little romp – I laughed out loud many times- Sheila
January Andrews is the best-selling author of happy ending romance reads. She loves things to come together and end well, and her readers love her for it.
Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. His books are deep and insightful, and don’t always end well. His readership is massive.
When January finds herself in a beach house for three months trying to write her next read, despite the writer’s block that has her publicist checking it a little too often, she is shocked to discover that Augustus is in the Beach House next to hers – apparently suffering from the same thing.
One night, they make a pact. They will switch genres. January will learn how to write literary fiction under Augustus’ guidance, and Augustus, in turn, will write a rom-com. The first one to sell their book will receive public recognition from the other.
But bringing out the underlying reason that January needs things to end happily, and trying to get Augustus to lighten up and have some fun, may be a bigger undertaking than either of them bargained for.
Not my typical go-to read, but after finishing Wally Lamb’s new book that ripped me up in so many ways – I needed a palate cleanser, and this one, with a fun cover and a subject line I enjoy ( books that talk about books are almost always a plus!) was the one I picked up.
This book did the trick. Not heavy and appropriately titled, I enjoyed the fun engagement between the two protagonists… several times while listening, I laughed out loud.
“New phone… who dis?” 😛
If looking for an easy, enjoyable read, don’t hesitate to pick this one up.
First – I am at 52 books for the year! I have not reached such numbers in 10 years. I usually start the year strong… motivated by the Annual First Book tradition, having a little more time on my hands during the colder months in Minnesota, and, of course, vacation. Then, as the grass begins to turn green and my Event Coordinator job kicks into high gear, it gets harder and harder to pick up a book.
This year, I think an extended time away (by RV, no less!) gave me a nice start to the year with a lot of books read while traveling. Then, for whatever reason, it stuck, and here I am over my Goodreads goal of 50 for the year.
Let me get to the topic at hand, as I imagine I have about a cup of coffee’s worth of time with you ( possibly even a half cup)
Corby Ledbetter has been a stay-at-home dad for the past 9 months. Since losing his job, taking care of his 26-month-old twins, Niko and Maisie, while his wife, Emily, worked, has become Corby’s world.
What starts out as an ordinary day turns into an unthinkable tragedy under Corby’s watch. As underlying secrets begin to be revealed, the family is shattered into a new reality.
Corby is sentenced to prison, where he witnesses unbelievable acts of cruelty, as well as glimpses of kindness – all the while not giving up hope that, if he just follows the rules, he will be able to return to his family and piece together a life again.
It is so hard to write a review when the first word that comes to mind is – Heartbreaking. But, Wally’s Lambs’ incredible writing here is so much more, and while yes, this one’s going to hurt…. There is also so much more – so much humanity, so much of honesty – it could be any one of us.
A split-second lapse changes the Ledbetter family forever, and what is packed into this page turner is everything one can imagine and written in such a way that you are right there with them – seeing all the sides, and the ways they are affected.
I would recommend this book to everyone, and at the same time, I know it is not for everyone. Topics of addiction, death, suicide, and rape are all here – some more pronounced than others, but in full disclosure, there it is. On the flip side of that, there is also hope, faith, remorse, and kindness.
I want to talk about this book. One of the best books I have read this year, and if you can give it a try – even though it is hard – I hope you do.
Rated: 5 out of 5 Read Author Before: Here’s a sad truth- I thought I had, but looking at his books this morning, I dont think that is true. Read Author Again: Yes – looks like I have some catching up to do
Ella Durran had a set plan for her life ever since she was a young girl. Study at Oxford. When she receives her ticket to her dream through a Rhodes Scholarship, she is on her way to England! At the same time, incredibly so, she is offered a chance to work alongside a rising politician with the plan to work remotely until her year is complete at Oxford and then move full-time into her position in DC. Of course… You know what happens when one makes plans….
A confrontation with a cocky young man upon Ella’s arrival doesn’t start her off in the right direction – nor does it when it is discovered that this same man. Jamie Davenport turns out to be her English Literature Teacher. Yet, as time goes on, Jamie’s cockyness turns to charm, and a romance starts between the two.
But – Jamie has a secret one too big to hide forever, and one that will cause Ella to make hard decisions not only regarding her future plans, but also on what to do about her heart and how much she is willing to give.
If you know me, romance novels are not my thing. What drew me to the book was the fun literary references and an interesting synopsis. Digging in – I found more (pleasantly so) than I had planned, which was enjoyable about this book. Someone had said the essence of Jo Jo Moyes, and I agree – you are getting more than a fluffy romance, you are getting into a book that delivers hard realities with engaging characters.
I listened to this on audio and LOVED the narration. I have been listening to Julia Whelan narrate books for many years – in fact, she is one of my favorite narrators. This being her first book authored, AND she narrated it was double amazing!
I didn’t know going into this that is was also a Netflix movie – I watched the movie last night and it was good, but of course – the book is better – more details, more diving in)
Rated: 4 out of 5 Read Author Before: nope- but have listened to her narrate audiobooks way more than I can count! Read Author Again: Oh yeah!
Where listened to: around the house and while driving Book Club Worthy: Yes, topics of plans made when we are young and how they change woudl make for a good discussion as well as reviewing the choices that Ella makes, and for that matter, the hard choices that Jaimie makes.
So for reals… I wish I were good at gardening. As my friends post photos of their mega crops – my little deck garden consisting of 3 cucumbers (despite all that I planted) that look like one of those long skinny clown balloons blown up on one end, one glorious pablano, one green peppers, a splattering of tomatoes ( actually they did all right – and this as pictured… my one squash. 😀
It’s all good. Between the FULL work life, scraping out time for the occasional weekend camping, hanging with friends, keeping up with yard and house, a deck garden fits my world.
Every morning this time of year, I get up, grab my COFFEE, and head out to the deck to check on the status of these plants, water and prune, and take a little breather before the laptop becomes my all-consuming world.
I will for sure – do it again.
In reading news – I have stumbled across a gem that is breaking me like a book has not done in as long as I can remember. Wally Lamb’s The River Is Waiting is crush-worthy to say the least…. its a book (at least this far in) I want everyone to read – while it’s a crazy hard topic, this book will bring amazing discussion on grief, addiction, and forgiveness. More on that to come.
Enjoy your day – It’s Friday morning… my day is chalk full of wedding walk-throughs, phone calls, wedding tastings, emails, and a few things in between.
Thankful for a quiet end of the day plan, a not-so-full Saturday, and a meet-up plan with friends on Sunday morning.
Talia Kemper has sent in appeal after appeal – only to be denied time and again to be pardoned from her Death Row sentence for killing her husband. Coming to terms with the inevitable is hard enough, but catching sight of her supposedly dead husband in a visiting area takes her over the top… With the clock ticking down, Talia knows without a doubt her husband is alive – but who will listen?
Ok. I know, I know, I know. And I know that you know that I know that I said I was on a break from McFadden and not only broke that statement once… but now twice. I can’t be trusted. In my defense… I listen to a lot of audio when driving and working outside – often struggling to find my next listen as I am on my way out the door to the next thing. Seeing a new McFadden and knowing it’s going to be engaging – I went for it.
I did not catch when I selected this listen that it was a short story. I am not drawn to short stories – I like to really get to know the players in a book and most likely would have passed on this if I had caught that… but I didn’t and I listened.. and here we are.
Color me impressed. For a much shorter read/listen than your usual McFadden, she was able to put together a fully played out storyline that did not feel rushed, and still left me with that twisty surprise in the end that you expect from this author. As you may know from my review here that she does not always hit the mark – I feel she did this time. Death Row is the perfect little mini read – enticing, and although a quick listen, it did not feel rushed.
Rated: 3.75 out of 5 Read Author Before: Yes Read Author Again: Even if I said no, you know I would be lying 😉 Where Read: Gardening Book Club Worthy: Too short for that, but if you are looking for just a little tie over listen for a drive – here it is 🙂
Book Journey 