This historical fiction novel centers around Willow. Along with two other young women from her village in Korea, she makes her way to Hawaii as a pictThis historical fiction novel centers around Willow. Along with two other young women from her village in Korea, she makes her way to Hawaii as a picture bride -a sort of arranged marriage/mail order bride marriage. Spanning from just before WWI to WWII, Willow is the main narrator as she shares her fascinating story - along with those of her friends and her community. Well-performed, this makes for an engaging listen that I was always eager to pick back up. My laundry has never been so meticulously folded!
The Hawaiian setting and the Korean culture combine to make this a fresh and original read. The translation feels smooth. My only complaint is the last section - it shifts abruptly forward 18 years and moves from Willow's voice to Pearl's. This makes the book feel somewhat uneven - though I imagine that the revelations contained within this section will certainly lead to lively discussion amongst readers and listeners! And while there is a major surprise revealed, it makes the book feel somewhat unfinished because it isn't throughly explored.
Overall, however, I enjoyed this one and certainly felt like all of the characters and the setting came fully to life. This is a part of Hawaii that I don't think is often highlighted in fiction. I am surprised that this wasn't an October BOTM choice, as this is the type of strong debut novel that I feel like they gravitate towards selecting. I definitely think it would make for a great book club choice and I am curious to see what the author will write next! ...more
This was this month's book club pick, and while this isn't the one that I voted for, I ultimately enjoyed it and am glad to have read it! While the boThis was this month's book club pick, and while this isn't the one that I voted for, I ultimately enjoyed it and am glad to have read it! While the book is structured over a 24 hour time period, the story actually spans decades, telling Elle's life story of 50 years - but also giving some background on her mother and her mother's family. Currently married with three children, the book opens just after Elle acts on something that's been building for decades. The flashes back in time help show this mounting tension as Elle is finally forced to make a decision between her husband, Peter, and her childhood love and best friend, Jonas. I thought that the love triangle was really constructed well - Peter is so likable, but the weight of Elle's history with Jonas makes it easy to root just as much for him.
The ending in particular made this a great book to discuss with the whole club. When I finished reading this - and though I enjoyed the structure and the pacing - I found the ending to be a bit too ambiguous for my preferences. It seemed like a reader could convince themselves of either ending. I just prefer things to be a bit more concrete. But after our lively discussion, highlighting the a few key actions taken, I am more satisfied with this conclusion. I really enjoyed the setting here and think that this is a fantastic debut novel and I am really curious to see what Heller will write next!...more
Though it sounds strange to say, I know I am far from being along in finding myself drawn to stories about cults. In Young's powerful memoir, she recoThough it sounds strange to say, I know I am far from being along in finding myself drawn to stories about cults. In Young's powerful memoir, she recount the horrors of growing up within the Children of God cult. Some may go into this story already familiar with this international cult. Young spends most of her childhood in Brazil. The latter half deals with her post-cult life - largely within the US Army. Young explores more than just groupthink as she draws what some may find to be uncomfortable comparisons between cult life and army life. I think readers will definitely find a lot to digest here - and a lot to discuss. I can definitely see this becoming a popular choice for book clubs and other discussion groups.
This is the sort of nonfiction that genuinely reads like fiction. It moves a fast pace and it's easy to just keep turning the pages. It is well-written and though I am not drawn to stories about military life, Young certainly provides eye-opening insights into what it is like to be a woman in this very male-dominated organization. I wish that there had been a bit more about some of there other family members transitions from the cult, as well as the aftermath of the publicity within the organization (though Young herself was already gone by that time). It would also have been interesting to see the list of books that Young and her mother read together as their unofficial book club. Maybe a later edition of the book will include that. I also wonder if photographs are included at all... Either way, this is is a memoir that will long linger in my memory and one that I will definitely be recommending to others. ...more
This marks my first experience with the author and I really enjoyed this Australian romance, heavily laden with family drama. Marnie Fairchild, a deteThis marks my first experience with the author and I really enjoyed this Australian romance, heavily laden with family drama. Marnie Fairchild, a determined businesswoman, runs a gift-wrapping shop, though must of her profits come from her gift-buying clients. Through Internet research and questions, Marnie mainly helps men with complicated family lives better manage their life through thoughtful gifts that Marnie finds, buys and wraps. One of her biggest clients- Brian Charlesworth - has his 40th wedding anniversary on the same day as his mistress' birthday. Somehow, the gifts get swapped, sending the Charlesworth family into shambles. Brian blames Marnie and along the way, his son learns that his father's gifts have been outsourced for the past five years. And while he doesn't like Marnie's role in his family, he does find himself drawn to her.
The plot may follow predictable paths, but it makes for entertaining reading nonetheless. I think Marnie's job is an interesting one - and one that I think my aunt would have liked to have. And while the characters here don't always make good choices, they do come to life and are easy to root for. I appreciated the Sydney setting and found myself always eager to pick this back up - and curious to hear an audio version. It's not a steamy romance novel - it has a definite romantic comedy feel to it. And I could definitely see this being made into a sweet Hallmark movie. It's a lovely read and I will definitely read - or listen - to more from this author in the future!...more
This is this month's book club pick and I am always excited when the book that wins the vote is also a book from my own TBR. I had read and enjoyed HaThis is this month's book club pick and I am always excited when the book that wins the vote is also a book from my own TBR. I had read and enjoyed Halls' debut novel, so I looked forward to seeing what she would write next - and honestly, I think I enjoyed this second novel even more than her first! This may, in part, be because of the truly wonderful audio performances of both narrators. Bess and Alexandria both came to life here, making this a truly compelling listen. I definitely found myself sticking my headphones in at every opportunity.
The historical detail and research feels accurate and well-woven into the story which opens when Bess takes her illegitimate day-old infant to the Foundling Hospital which keeps children until either they are reclaimed by their parents or they have learned the skills needed for a career in service. But when Bess scrimps and saves for years to put together a small fortune to pay the reclaiming fees, she is shocked to learn that her daughter has already been claimed - by someone posing as her!
Meanwhile, Alexandria raises her daughter as best she can alongside her own limitations. Her backstory adds depth to the plot- along with some unexpected twists. And while the storyline does strain credulity at times (sometimes that especially seems to be the case when a good conversation is all that is truly needed to resole a plot), I still found myself really enjoying this one from start to finish. I am eager to see what the rest of the group thought of it! ...more
This is my first experience with Lyons' writing - but I have to say that I really enjoyed listening to this spooky story. With what feels like a full This is my first experience with Lyons' writing - but I have to say that I really enjoyed listening to this spooky story. With what feels like a full cast narrator, this book opens with a mysterious buried door in the desert and quickly moves from that eerie opening to a more mundane start. Nell drove north from Albuquerque to San Francisco to pick up her older brother for a road trip back to New Mexico in the wake of his divorce. The siblings had once been close, but Nell resents Jonah's sudden departure years before. Still, she looks forward to reconnecting with him on the trip back. The story unfolds with a real cinematic flair. Nell tries to bring back her brother's fighting spirit - stirring up trouble at a biker bar. But soon, the biker gang isn't the only one after them. Though a bit light on some overall answers, there are some genuinely unsettling moments here - especially when it becomes clear that something is happening inside of Nell...
Fast-paced and well-performed, I definitely found myself listening to this one at every opportunity. It's spooky and the visual details add to make this an even more captivating story as the listener can practically smell the cigarette smoke, experience the weather and feel chills from all that is not quite right... I am definitely looking forward to reading (or listening) to more from Lyons in the future!...more
I've never read anything of Kauffman's before, but when I was looking at predictions for books that might be Book of the Month Club options for March,I've never read anything of Kauffman's before, but when I was looking at predictions for books that might be Book of the Month Club options for March, I stumbled across this title. It sounded like such an interesting read, that I knew I wanted to read it regardless and was thrilled to be approved for it on NetGalley!
In a rural and remote part of Virginia, the Shaw family consists of parents and their seven children. In vignettes spanning decades, the family's story unfolds - though traumatic events leave their marks on them all in different ways. This makes for an engaging listen - obviously one very focused on the characters. There really isn't a plot, per se - but the historical aspect adds subtle dimension. I think this is the type of book that will really appeal to some book clubs to pick it apart for discussion. There's certainly a lot here to talk about!
For the most part, I enjoyed the audio performance - except for the dialogue intonation to mark a child's voice... it was just really cringey... But, on the whole, this kept my attention from start to finish. ...more
I really wasn't too sure what to expect when I started listening to this one. It's a family story - but also involving a community, an immigrant experI really wasn't too sure what to expect when I started listening to this one. It's a family story - but also involving a community, an immigrant experience, cultural acceptance and relations between. This is my first experience with this author's writing and I also really enjoyed the audio performance.
In Haven, Wisconsin, the titular family operates the town's sole Chinese restaurant. Dagou, the eldest returned from New York City six years ago - ostensibly to her run the family business after his mother fell ill. But maybe also partly due to his failure to thrive in the big city. Ming, the middle son, arrives for a visit with success in business but failure in his personal relationships and an eagerness to get back out of town as soon as possible. Youngest son, James, home from college makes a chance encounter with a stranger into something with far greater ramifications for the whole family. Overshadowing his entire family, Leo, the father, constantly berates and belittles those closest to him. His wife, Winnie, has finally fled his household but not even living in the spiritual house can bring her peace.
The holiday visits turns into much more- revealing hidden (and not-so-hidden) ambitions, secrets, rumors and even a murder. Listening to this almost felt like listening to town gossip as it recounts the downfall of the Chao family. I wish that the characters had been a bit more sympathetic - they all certainly show their flaws here! The central mystery of the death is resolved, but the ending of the book isn't terribly satisfying. The female characters are not well-developed - and honestly, I wish that they had been the focus here rather than these unlikable brothers! It's a grim story in a lot of ways - though an engaging one that held my interest from start to finish. The audio performance is particularly stellar here in helping to bring these characters to life. But fair warning - don't listen on an empty stomach! The food descriptions here are particularly mouth-watering!...more
This debut thriller is a fast-paced and quite riveting read. With a few different perspectives and multiple layers to the story, it's easy to keep turThis debut thriller is a fast-paced and quite riveting read. With a few different perspectives and multiple layers to the story, it's easy to keep turning pages. Helen, after suffering multiple miscarriages, is resting at home for the latter half of her pregnancy. She makes an unexpected friend at her prenatal case - a rather shocking woman who seems to almost force her way into Helen's life. Meanwhile, Helen's sister-in-law is also pregnant and wrapped up in her own life while Helen's best friend is deeply engrossed in her career as a journalist covering a high-profile rape case. This all swirls around - until Helen's new friend goes missing.
Though some readers may see some of the plot twists coming - but there are a few that are less obvious. And it is rather satisfying to have your hunches proven correct. The characters here aren't really the sort that anyone would want to really know (except for maybe one), but the story itself is an entertaining one that kept my interest from start to finish. I am curious to see what Faulkner will follow this one up with!...more
I've grown to appreciate the True Crime genre in the past few years - particularly over audio. I have listened to Glatt's work in the past, so I was lI've grown to appreciate the True Crime genre in the past few years - particularly over audio. I have listened to Glatt's work in the past, so I was looking forward to checking out his latest where he focuses on the quite strange and tragic case of Lori Vallow, her family, and Chad Daybell and his family. I do recall the initial story when the two children, Tylee and JJ being missing made national news. This book reveals far more detail and background than were ever included in those initial reports.
Glatt first focuses on Lori - going back to her childhood and recounting all five of her marriages. Not quite as much as detail is provided on Chad Daybell, though his career from gravedigger to apocalyptic author and publisher are recorded here. With large family sizes, Mormon cult-like fringe groups and a higher body count than I expected, this narrative nonfiction begins to take crazier and crazier turns feeling more and more like fiction!
I definitely could not stop listening to this one - in fact, I think I listened to the entire book in virtually one sitting! The British narrator seemed like a somewhat distracting choice, so while this wasn't my favorite performance, it still thoroughly hooked me. With the rest of the trial still upcoming, I was a bit surprised that this is already out. I would have thought that the story would be more complete post-trial... there are a lot of questions left hanging because of this... I hope that more answers are forthcoming and the author is planning on some sort of follow-up! ...more
Wow! It may still be early into 2022, but this is definitely a Top 2022 Read for me! I've loved every book that Algonquin Books has invited me to readWow! It may still be early into 2022, but this is definitely a Top 2022 Read for me! I've loved every book that Algonquin Books has invited me to read (and this one even came accompanied by some delicious mango candy!) and this is certainly no exception! It reels the reader in from the very start and soon makes it impossible to put it down. I definitely stayed up way too late into the night to finish this one!
It opens with Smita, who cuts her vacation in the Maldives short after a fellow journalist and friend breaks her hip in India. Smita has avoided returning to India since her family emigrated to America. She wants to flee even more when Shannon asks her help - not with her recovery, but with finishing the story that she is covering. In a rural part of India, Meena defied her brothers - first by working outside of the home, and then by falling in love and marrying a Muslim man. Her brothers deeply punish this transgression and the verdict on their trial is due any day.
Both Smita and Meena's stories unfold in a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking way. On some levels, this is a love story - but one that is severely contrasted against so much intolerance and hatred. The characters all come to life with rich development. This one had my crying, but I couldn't tear my eyes off the pages. The setting and its details - from the living conditions, smells and tastes, all vividly springs to life. While the plot hints as to where it's all going, I still found myself genuinely shocked. I really loved this emotional and powerful read. I can see why this was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick - there's plenty to discuss here and I think it shows a side of Hindu-Muslim relations that are not often seen in popular fiction. It's exquisitely written - I actually cannot believe that this is my first experience with this talented author. I am really excited to check out her earlier noels - and obviously anything that she writes in the future! ...more
Since reading THE UMBRELLA LADY earlier this year, I've looked forward to continuing on with Saffron's story. Now 14, she leaves her grandmother's houSince reading THE UMBRELLA LADY earlier this year, I've looked forward to continuing on with Saffron's story. Now 14, she leaves her grandmother's house and makes her way to the father who she hasn't seen since he abandoned her at the train station five years earlier. When she shows up at his doorstep, she quickly learns that he has a whole other family - and even a daughter her age.
In order to keep his wife in the dark, Saffron must pose as his niece. Because of her upbringing by her very proper grandmother, Saffron hardly speaks like a young teen. Though the details of the teenagers' lives here still feel dated and anachronistic (Karen mentions being on a conference call from the landline in her room...), I must admit that I was still hooked from start to finish. The ending leaves you wondering and I am curious to know if this will be the last we see of her. I enjoyed both books in this series. It's a sort of nostalgic read - which I suppose makes the details that don't add up just right, not as glaring as they would be coming from a different author....more
Last year, I absolutely loved reading Ashcroft's MEET ME IN BOMBAY. Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when the publisher reached out directlyLast year, I absolutely loved reading Ashcroft's MEET ME IN BOMBAY. Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when the publisher reached out directly and invited me to read her latest. Set during WWII, the book opens with Rosie's birthday. Still grieving an unexpected loss, Rosie impulsively stops on her way to lunch and interviews for a position to shepherd a young boy to Australia from London. What follows is an emotional wartime adventure - with loss, plenty of love, family secrets and relationships. The characters all spring to life. It's a moving book and one that I genuinely loved. I laughed, I cried and went through at least five tissues that I can see on my nightstand. I grew to genuinely love these characters and honestly didn't want this book to end.
It's well-researched and while I've read many novels set during WWII, I have probably only read a handful that involve Australia during this time period. And the Australian wildlife makes for a fun addition here (though I am sure that many were expecting more snakes and spiders, just as Rosie feared). I really just loved these characters and how all of the relationships grow and develop over the course of the novel. I appreciated the epilogue - but wished that it was set even further into their future.
I honestly was really surprised at the depth of my emotional connection to the characters here - at one point I was legitimately sobbing... I just loved reading this one. And I think that an audio version would make for a fun listen. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ashcroft in the future, that's for sure! ...more
This title first caught my eye when I saw the cover on a list for the most anticipated lists for November releases. After reading the description, I tThis title first caught my eye when I saw the cover on a list for the most anticipated lists for November releases. After reading the description, I thought it sounded interesting and was happy to have my request on NetGalley approved. In the summer before her senior year of college, Sibel travels to Turkey to stay with her ailing grandmother. Her boyfriend joins her and works in a local hospital. Still grieving the sudden loss of her father, Sibel's summer is one of inertia - she feels plagued by constant headaches and rather than study for the mCAT, she instead finds herself drawn to reading about ancient medicine - particularly the theories of the four humors- black bile, choler, phlegm and blood. But soon she also begins learning more about her family as well as the historical and political climate of Turkey. It's an intriguing novel and I liked Seckin's writing style - this makes for a strong debut!
While the narrative does seem a bit drawn out at times, I still found myself eager to pick it back up. I think that it especially brings Istanbul and the flavors of Turkey to life. I wish that the ending hadn't been quite so abrupt, though I just wanted a bit more - or at the very least more of a medical resolution as the headaches play such an important role throughout the book! I am curious to see what Seckin will write next!...more
I can see why this was not only one of this month's Book of the Month choices but also Reese Witherspoon's Book Club as well! I really enjoyed this faI can see why this was not only one of this month's Book of the Month choices but also Reese Witherspoon's Book Club as well! I really enjoyed this family saga - and I am really grateful that the publisher directly invited me to read the one! The book opens with the death of Byron and Benny's mother. Her lawyer reveals that he has an audio recording from her- all of the secrets that she could't bring herself to share while she was alive - including the existence of an older sister that neither of them ever suspected anything at all about. Spanning decades, the story unfolds in a way that makes it impossible to put down! The short chapters make it easy to justify just one more. And though I didn't listen to this one on audio, I imagine that the audio version would be just as great.
Having spent the last forty years in Southern California, Byron and Benny's parents are from the Caribbean - but they have never returned. The recording reveals the reasons why. Going back to the 1960s, all the way to 2018 (a year that I think a lot of recent fiction is stuck in as "the present"), the story takes the reader to multiple continents and explores relationships, the legacy of home and family. The characters all fully come to life here and while readers may correctly guess some aspects of the plot, there are still surprises, here. It's a satisfying story that rather neatly comes together. And it's certainly an impressive debut novel - though I must admit, I wish that the recipe for the famous titular cake was included here! I am curious to see what Wilkerson will write next! ...more
Algonquin Books is definitely one of my favorite publishers - and I have really enjoyed the books that they have brought to my attention -including thAlgonquin Books is definitely one of my favorite publishers - and I have really enjoyed the books that they have brought to my attention -including this one! It's a sort of a delayed coming-of-age story. As her 60th birthday approaches, Bea reflects on her past - and her future. Daughter of a famous and controversial photographer, ex-wife twice over to the same rockstar and a lyricist and writer in her own right, Bea still feels like her life has been more defined by the haunting and disturbing nude photos of her and her older twin brothers than anything else. When both MoMA and Hollywood approach her, instigating her introspection of past traumas - as well as confronting the truths in her current relationships, the book hits its rhythm of past and present. While the book broaches dark topics, Gangi handles these gracefully. It's refreshing to see an older protagonist, too. Totally enrapturing, I couldn't put this one down! The characters all come to life and I can see this as a good choice for book clubs or discussion groups!...more
Solidly entertaining and fast-paced, I enjoyed reading this thriller from Ryder. Lily first meets the older Edward as the private teacher for his younSolidly entertaining and fast-paced, I enjoyed reading this thriller from Ryder. Lily first meets the older Edward as the private teacher for his young son - but soon she takes another role in Noah's life, as his stepmother. Though the courtship moves quickly, Lily's enough in love to overlook the warning signs that Edward may not be telling her the full truth of his own past. Cryptic comments from Noah compound Lily's curiosity and she soon starts investigating her home - and the clues to Edward's past within it.
While Lily definitely makes some questionable choices, she remains a likable and believable character. The ending does feel a bit rushed, but is overall satisfying. It's a quick read that is hard to put down. It would make for a great airplane or beach read! It's straightforward but intriguing and makes me quite glad to already have two of Ryder's previous books waiting in my TBR!...more
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook - it's well-performed by both the reader of Bryn's perspective and the one for Josh. Sometimes when listeI really enjoyed listening to this audiobook - it's well-performed by both the reader of Bryn's perspective and the one for Josh. Sometimes when listening to multiple narrators in one book, I find myself greatly preferring one over the other, but this is a good balance here.
Burn has lived quietly on a homestead in Eastern Tennessee - largely cut off from friends and family after a betrayal and heartbreak 15 years earlier. When the product of that betrayal unexpectedly shows up on her door, Bryn is forced to deal directly with her past in an effort to help her nephew find his mother. The villain here is a bit over the top and some of the plot's turns do strain credibility at times.
Bryn's love of nature shines here and the kayaking adds a lot to the adventure aspect of the story. It's an engaging listen and one that I definitely found myself listening to at every opportunity. I loved the dog, Josh's resilience and Bryn's character arc. The visuals of the setting gives this a real cinematic flair. While the ending isn't entirely unpredictable, there are still some surprises. I am curious to check out Hodge's debut novel now!...more
I can certainly see why this was a Book of the Month choice- I absolutely couldn't put this one down! I stayed up way too late to finish it in practicI can certainly see why this was a Book of the Month choice- I absolutely couldn't put this one down! I stayed up way too late to finish it in practically one sitting! It's my first experience with this author, but I am definitely eager to read more from Baart in the future!
Juniper returns to her small Iowa hometown - ostensibly to use her library degree to help out an old friend who works there who is ill. But she has two other more personal and pressing reasons to return - to reconnect with her daughter and to put a stop to a podcast threatening to examine a cold case from nearly 15 years earlier. Juniper's neighbors were brutally murdered - and her brother, though never convicted, remains the sole suspect. Baart weaves together the past and present in this compulsively thrilling read. There are some real surprises here along the way, too!
The characters all come to life and Baart does a great job especially of capturing Juniper as a teenager and contrasting it with her adult self. I really didn't want this book to end at all - always a sign of how much I enjoyed it. The ending, though, is satisfying and I appreciated the way the pieces all fit together. I really enjoyed this! The farming community and the small town life feel well-portrayed (although maybe some will feel that the environmental issues touched upon here paint the majority of the town in too unflattering of a light). Iowa isn't that common of a setting in fiction and I also appreciated the way the podcast plot came together as well. Overall, I think that this would make for a great discussion starter - especially for those groups that mix together people from a wide variety of backgrounds. If this is ever nominated for my book club to read, it has my vote (even though I usually vote for something new over something that I have read before!). ...more
Though I already own one of the author's earlier novels, this is actually my first experience with his writing. Set in a small Vermont town, the bulk Though I already own one of the author's earlier novels, this is actually my first experience with his writing. Set in a small Vermont town, the bulk of the book comes from Wayland Maynard's perspective. When he was only eight years old, he saw his father shoot himself. As a teenager, he begins to try to investigate his father's death - uncovering even larger secrets. Surprisingly action-packed, this one hooks the reader/listener in right away. The tittle refers to the note that Wayland found and hid when he was a boy - and that note spurns him on into a rather crazily plotted drama.
The book definitely takes some shocking turns - a few scenes literally had me gasping aloud (and then quickly replaying the previous 30 seconds to make sure that I didn't miss anything). While Wayland isn't always likable, he does remain sympathetic throughout. A few of the plot's turns may not be as shocking as others (there are some familiar vibes here from other books - but I don't want to spoil anything!).
The audio performance is really stellar - I have listened to this narrator perform before and I really enjoyed hearing his voice again. And I definitely found myself listening to this one at literally every opportunity - always a great sign for an audiobook! I am looking forward to reading (or listening) to more from Rickstad in the future!...more
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