Monday, June 26, 2017

"The Dry" by Jane Harper. ****


  • Audiobook 
  • Originally published in 2016
  • Australian author
  • Review:   An excellent debut suspense novel!  A tautly written story set in a small town in Australia.   A tragic multiple murder, small town secrets,  and a hazy past combine to engage the reader quickly, and the tension builds steadily to the climax of the novel.  I  look forward to her next novel!

Saturday, June 24, 2017

"The Life of Elves" by Muriel Barbery. ****


  • Moroccan author 
  • Originally published in 2016
  • Fable
  • Review:   I DO NOT LIKE FABLES! However, this gets 4 stars for its exquisite prose!

"Curious Minds" by Janet Evanovich ***


  • Audiobook 
  • Mystery/Suspense 
  • US author
  • Originally published in 2016
  • 1st in Knight & Moon series
  • Review:  I have to be honest.  They should not have used the narrator from the Stephanie Plum series for this book.   I  could not get past hearing Stephanie's and Lula's voices.  The plot was so-so. I will stick with the Stephanie Plum series! 

Friday, June 23, 2017

"Death in Spring" by Mercé Ridoreda. **


  • Summer Read wth Beth
  • Open Letter series
  • Catalan author 
  • Originally published in 2009
  • Review:  Understanding that this novel is a metaphor for Franco's Spain,  I just could not engage.  Historically, I  do not connect well to fables.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

"Al Franken, Giant of The Senate", by Al Franken. ****

  • Audiobook 
  • US author
  • Non-fiction,  autobiographical 
  • Originally published 2017
  • Review:  I have read a couple of Al Franken's books and found them slightly extreme for my taste in reading.  This book, which I listened to as the author read it, was a much better experience.  It covers Franken's SNL years and his burgeoning interest in politics, and brings the reader to present day.  The focus is on the nuts and bolts of running for office, and being in office.   Franken's wit is definitely present and thoroughly enjoyable, without the over the top feeling. Humor enhances his point, rather than being the point.  I was extremely impressed!

Monday, June 19, 2017

"The Duke"s Children" by Anthony Trollope *****


  • Audiobook
  • English author
  • 6th and final volume of the Palliser series 
  • Originally published in 1879
  • Review:   So, I finished this sixth volume in the Palliser series.  I  loved it!  Yes, it is sexist in many ways.  However, I focus on the fact that it was written over 100 years ago.  A grieving widower feels the burden of settling his grown children financially amd socially.  Being a single parent is a timeless theme.  Other themes included coping with the changes of the younger generation, the death of the aristocracy, fathets and sons, fathers and daughters, and more.  Women are  described as limited in their ability to chase their dreams, and must wait for life to happen to them at the whim of others, yet using feminine eiles to manipulate men.  Frankly, I just enjoyed the character of the father, trying to cope with grief and change, not an easy pairing.  Wonderful series!

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

"Fearless Fourteen" by Janet Evanovich ****


  • Audiobook 
  • Mystery/Suspense 
  • 14th in Stephanie Plum Series
  • US author
  • Originally published in 2008
  • Review:  Another excellent installment of the Stephanie Plum series.   The introduction of a couple of delightful teenagers, and Lula's impending nuptials add lots of zing to the story.  Great series!