The Other Princess by Denny S. Bryce
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
REVIEW - Bright Lights, Big Christmas
OVERVIEW
This was another lovely Christmas novel by the amazing Mary Kay Andrews. She writes novels that make you feel good inside and out, but her Christmas novels make you want to cuddle up with a big cup of hot cocoa in the snowy mountains. Unfortunately, for me, I read this sweet Christmas novel during a severe heat wave in Los Angeles. But, the book was wonderful even if the weather didn't cooperate!!
This book is about a North Carolina family that sells Christmas trees every year in specific lot in Greenwich Village and the wonderful neighborhood and neighbors that they meet along the way. This sweet story made me think of Taylor Swift's song, "Christmas Tree Farm".
It has a huge cast of quirky, eccentric, but loving cast of characters!! It was so fun to read from beginning to end!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Mary Kay Andrews writes in a lovely way that allows the story to unfold naturally without being bogged down. It is an easy and fun read that was hard to put down as I wanted to know how it ended!!
Character development: 4.0 stars
As I indicated earlier, there is a large cast of characters!! But, they make the neighborhood and book sing with joy. The main characters are Murphy (brother) and Kerry (sister) who sell the Christmas trees. They both come to understand and appreciate each other through working together. The brother and sister were raised separately when their parents divorced so this is an opportunity to become real siblings again. Also, the trailer, Spammy that Murphy and Kerry live in while selling this Christmas trees is a character unto itself!
The secondary characters are Patrick, Austin, and Heinz who are neighbors in the Greenwich Village neighborhood. They soon all become extended family and learn how much that they mean to each other.
The final and tertiary character is Queenie the dog! I love dogs in stories and novels!
Storyline: 4.0 stars
The storyline is of blood family, chosen family, and moving forward from heartache and pain. It has a beautiful thread of art woven throughout the book which was just lovely.
The main location was Greenwich Village.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
This was a fun and enjoyable novel. It was just lovely - lovely is the only way to describe this sweet Christmas novel.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So cute!
Book title: 5.0 stars
So sweet.
Gut feeling: 4.0 stars
I was pretty certain that I would love this book as I have loved previous books by the author.
Suggestions:
A map of the Greenwich Village neighborhood would have been a nice touch.
Definite RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
288 pages
NetGalley Kindle ARC
Release date of 09/26/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, August 28, 2023
REVIEW - Evergreen
OVERVIEW
This was another fantastic book by Naomi Hirahara! She is a local gal to the area where I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. This is the second in the Japantown Mysteries and I hope that more in the series are in the works as they are so good!
This book is well-researched and so detailed. So much information packed in this novel from the resettlement of the Japanese/Japanese-American inmates and Japanese/Japanese-American Veterans back home to Los Angeles after WWII, the Black migration from the South to Los Angeles, and the movement of different ethnic groups in and out of neighborhoods in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. I learned so very much about Los Angeles which is the city that I love.
My family on both sides also came to to Los Angeles before WWII looking for a better life so I empathized with what the Japanese/Japanese-Americans endured before and after the war. It was revolting and unnecessary to do what we as a country did by incarceratings Americans and resident aliens based solely on their country of origin. Because of all of this history and the back stories, this is not an easy or fast read, but it is it so worth reading.
The saddest part of this book is that the exact thing that happened to the Japanese/Japanese-Americans in WWII happened again to Asian/Asian-Americans before, during, and after the Covid pandemic. It was not their fault for this horrible virus, but many were injured or died by the hands of other due to no fault of their own. Sad state of affairs.
I would definitely read Clark and Division (Japantown Mystery #1) before reading this second novel in the series.
Okay, okay, this is ANOTHER 5.0 star book in August. I am so happy to read all of these incredible books!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Naomi Hirahara writes so beautifully. She also knows how to spin a mystery and fill it with multiple twists and turns. I love how you have an enjoyable mystery while also getting a subtle history lesson. That is a beautiful thing!
This book really was intense for me and I had to take time away from it to fully absorb what I reading at times. It really was a powerful novel.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The character development of the three main characters, Aki (wife), Art (husband), and Babe (best man) was amazingly beautiful. Aki was incarcerated during WWII while her husband and Babe were in the same unit in Europe fighting in the U.S. Army during WWII. The couple spent very little time together between their wedding and Art's deployment. The novel weaves in the growth of their relationship adjusting to married life and each other. Also, Art and Babe drift apart after the war and that sad story is also fully developed and explored.
The secondary characters are the many Japanese/Japanese-American extended friends and family in Los Angeles. There were a lot of secondary characters, but they were all very interesting and integral to the plot.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline was one of so many twists and turns until the crezendo at the end. It starts out with a seriously ill patient at the Japanese Hospital in Boyle Heights that Aki interacts with. Then the mystery is off and running making a very enjoyable read!
The main locations were Los Angeles, but specifically Boyle Heights, Burbank, and Little Tokyo.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This well-rearched and well-written novel will stay with me for a long time. The difficult history of Los Angeles is important for all who love this city to know and remember. It was a very important and excellent novel.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Beautiful!!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfection!
Gut feeling: 4.0 stars
I was pretty certain that I would love this book as I had loved the previous novel in this series.
Suggestions:
A glossary of the Japanese terms would have been nice. I could figure out most via context, but some were not as clear to me.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
Evergreen (Japantown Mystery #2) by Naomi Hirahara
312 pages
Los Angeles Public Library book
Release date of 08/01/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
REVIEW - The Invisible Hour
OVERVIEW
This gorgeous book was written by one of my absolute favorite authors. Alice Hoffman writes such vivid, rich, and beautiful characters and stories. It is as if you become one with the world that she creates with her books. I could feel, touch, taste, smell, and see the world that was created in this amazing book.
This book is incredibly layered and woven into a mosaic of an intense and lovely story. In this book, women are subjugated in many different ways, but it is women who save each other. The powerful and intense relationships between women, but most especially between mothers and daughters, are threaded through the entirety of the book.
This novel is another winner by Alice Hoffman. It just was so good that I had to ration it. I was able to slow down and savor it as I made myself put the book aside or I would have finished it in one setting. It is that good!!
Coincidentally, I felt a kinship and strong link to Alice Hoffman's to her Practical Magic series. There were so many comparisons and similarities so it was a pure joy to read especially as that series is one of my absolute favorites!
The second 5.0-star book in August. What is going on? I am so lucky and so happy to read so many good books this year. BTW, this was my 60th book of 2023 so I have met my adjusted goal!!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
As always, Alice Hoffman writes so, so, so beautifully. It is hard to explain how her words transport me so easily to her storyline. It is as if I step into the novel and am an observer. Alice Hoffman's writing is just beyond extraordinary as you are fully immersed with your heart pounding because you are reading the book TOO fast. This time, I was able to savor this book!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The character development of the two main characters, Ivy (mother) and Mia (daughter), is just so lovely. It is the type of relationship that all mothers want from their daughters AND all daughters want from their mothers. The women were very strong in this book even though they were definitely second-class citizens. Working together, these women could accomplish anything!
The secondary characters are the main antagonist, Joel, the leader of a horrific cult. But also some good people in Mia's life, Sarah and Constance, who are integral to her life.
Massachusetts, but especially western Massachusetts plays a huge role in this novel.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline was one of so many twists and turns. It starts out with a pregnant teenager who runs away from home in Boston to a commune in western Massachusetts and then adds in The Scarlett Letter. Amazing! T
The main locations were Boston, Salem, and western Massachusetts.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
All of Alice Hoffman's books are memorable. But this book makes me want to read The Scarlett Letter again!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeousness!!
Book title: 5.0 stars
It was a PERFECT title.
Gut feeling: 4.0 stars
I was pretty certain that I would love this book as I had loved every Alice Hoffman book that I have read!
Suggestions:
A map of western Massachusetts might be a nice touch.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
272 pages
This was a library book; but then I bought it about half-way through
Release date of 08/15/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, August 21, 2023
Hurriquake Weekend
So this crazy, crazy weekend happened. #Hurriquake
We had a Hurricane watch for Hilary AND an earthquake centered in Ojai. I mean, seriously!?!?
This was my family's first hurricane watch (well, my dad was about three months old when the last happened in 1939). My little family of native Californians is used to earthquakes, but a hurricane. Nope!
So we overprepared, watched TV, ordered Uber eats, and didn't go out. I couldn't concentrate on reading because I was anxious about what was going to happen. Thankfully, nothing happened and we were all safe and sound. The winds were about the same velocity as the annual Santa Ana winds, there was constant rain for over 24 hours, and no loss of power at all. But, some areas in the Coachella Valley and San Bernardino mountains were not as lucky as we were.
So I will begin reading this evening and see how much I can read THIS week!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
REVIEW - Don't Let Them Bury My Story
OVERVIEW
Viola Ford Fletcher, as of the publishing of this memoir, is the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Viola Ford Fletcher (Mother Fletcher) had a very interesting life of 109 years, but the WHAT IFs are unsettling.
Mother Ford discusses her marriages, children, grandchildren, her testimony before a Congressional subcommittee, and a trip to the Motherland in Ghana.
This memoir is a DEFINITE read if you want to learn more about the Massacre. The only way we can stop horrific events like this from ever happening again is by learning about them. Whitewashing or ignoring historical events like this does a disservice to our country.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 2.5 stars
This memoir was written by Mother Fletcher and her grandson, Ike Howard. Unfortunately, it appears that the book did not have a ghostwriter which would have improved the quality of writing.
Additionally, I wanted more. I wanted more about Mother Fletcher's recollection of the Greenwood District before the horrible night of May 31. 1921. Her family sounds wonderful, especially her parents and siblings - I wanted to know more about them. I also wanted to know more about the "after times" for Mother Fletcher's family.
Finally, there could have been better editing. I came across the same phrase being used over and over and parts of the writing repeated in error. Good editing would have either removed the extraneous or added more detail to this novel.
Character Arc: 2.5 stars
The story begins with Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921 and ends with the possible restitution for the Massacre victims and descendants.
However, there could have been so much more. I understand that this was Mother Fletcher's story to tell, but I really wanted more!
Memorable: 4.5 stars
It was a memorable memoir. I will definitely be looking for more books on the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Entertaining: 3.0 stars
It was a book that would NOT be entertaining, per se. It is a difficult subject to read about, period. But, I did learn enough to get me interested in finding out more about the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
It could have been so much more.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Exactly on point.
Gut feeling: 3.0 stars
I had no clue as to how I would feel about this memoir. So I was in the middle!
Suggestions:
Listing, in detail, the owners and businesses that were lost that the author personally knew would have been very impactful.
RECOMMEND
STATISTICS
Don’t Let Them Bury My Story: The Oldest Living Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre in Her Own Words by Viola Ford Fletcher
127 pages
Read as a Kindle ebook from the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Release date of 08/15/20233
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
My next read is...
Don't Let Them Bury My Story by Viola Ford Fletcher and Ike Howard
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Murder Most Royal - REVIEW
OVERVIEW
This series, Her Majesty the Queen Investigates, is so much fun!! I just really love the idea of Queen Elizabeth II being a solver of mysteries. It is just so on point for the way that I think of her. She was smart, intuitive, and had a startling memory which are the exact traits that a mystery-solver needs!!
This book takes place almost exclusively at Sandringham House. It starts with a severed hand washed up on the beach nearby the estate around Christmas and then this mystery is off and running. The present-day for this book is 2017 and takes place in about six weeks or so after the Christmas holidays.
This novel is so engaging with an interesting location, cast of characters, and storyline. Fun, fun, fun!! I cannot wait for Book 4!!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing for this book is perfect for the genre. I like how the writing is not overly descriptive - it would ruin the flow. Plus, Queen Elizabeth II is very efficient in her conversations which lends itself to the short, clipped style of a mystery!!
Character development: 4.5 stars
The character development of the two main characters of Queen Elizabeth II and Rozie, her Assistant Personal Secretary (APS) is so strong. Their interactions are great! I love strong women characters and Queen Elizabeth II and Rozie are definitely very strong women!!
The secondary characters are the Queen's extended family, local nobility, attendants, and Sandringham locals!
Of course, Sandringham is a tertiary character. It sounds like Sandringham and Norfolk are beautiful - I have added both to my bucket list!
Storyline: 4.0 stars
The storyline was one of a good mystery! It was full of great twists so much so that I did not figure out who the killer was and why they killed.
The only issue is I have no real understanding of the English titles so I got a little lost just like Rozie, APS, does. So I know that I am not the only one confused by it all.
The main location was Norfolk and Sandringham House.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
It was a very enjoyable book!
Book cover: 3.5 stars
It wasn't that interesting.
Book title: 3.5 stars
It was an okay title.
Gut feeling: 4.0 stars
I assumed that I would like the third book in this series and I did!!!
Suggestions:
An explanation of the titles and how to correctly address the nobility and royalty would be very helpful for this American reader!
RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
Murder Most Royal (Her Majesty the Queen Investigates #3) by S. J. Bennett
336 pages
This was an ARC from NetGalley
Release date of 11/10/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Breast Cancer - Mammogram
PSA for the day!! Please ask your PCP about a mammogram if you are over 40. The screening guidelines have changed!! I did mine today (on a Saturday) and was in and out in about 20 minutes!!
UPDATE: Changing AUDIOBOOK to BOOK
I started Atomic Habits by James Clear on audiobook. I have only listened to a few chapters and it is evident that I would love this book even more as an ebook! So I am requesting the ebook from the library, so it may be a LONG wait for this ebook!!
This is only the second time, since I started this book blog journey, I am switching from an audiobook to an ebook!!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, August 11, 2023
Maui/Big Island Fires
I know that this is a book blog, but my heart aches for the people of Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii! As a native Californian, fire is always a fear and we have had our share of devastating fires. Please think about donating to your favorite local Hawaiian or global charity.
If I may, World Central Kitchen is my family's global charity of choice. Chef José Andrés, a NATURALIZED U.S. citizen, founded this amazing organization to feed the hungry locals and first responders in areas of the world traumatized by war, natural disasters, man-made disasters, etc. You can find out more HERE.
My family and I regularly donate to this well-run and worthy organization. THIS is the link to donate if you are so inclined. Please consider donating. Thank you!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
REVIEW - Lessons in Chemistry
OVERVIEW
So I am one of those very picky readers who has specific genres, authors, and book styles. I have been reading since I was in Kindergarten (thank you, Mark Andrews) and I knew what I liked even back then! HA!
This book has been labeled with multiple genres - historical fiction, humor, and humorous fiction. Personally, I do not think any of these genres apply. The most accurate genre that I have found for this book is quirky tragicomedy.
The book goes back in forth between the a bit in the past to the present time for the book, i.e. the late 1950s/early 1960s and the middle 1950s. It was based primarily in a fictional city on the coast of California at a research facility.
The book style reminds me of a lot of "cutesy" books that I have read in the past. There are a lot of triggering events in the very beginning of the book including rape and suicide which makes this book not funny to me. So I am a little confused as to why it gets tagged with a humor genre.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
This was a debut novel for Bonnie Garmus. This book won the Goodreads Choice Award - Nominee for Best Historical Fiction (2022) and Winner for Best Debut Novel (2022).
Personally, I am puzzled by the Best Historical Fiction as I don't think that it was indicative of life at all in the 1950/1960s. It just didn't read to me like a well-researched historical fiction novel like I am used to reading. Plus, there were many other nominees in the 2023 Best Historical Fiction category that I am shocked did not win.
Character development: 4.0 stars
The character development of the three main characters and secondary characters was a deep dive. We did see into some of their thoughts including the dog (which I loved). I do understand why the main characters were so strong, but it made them difficult to like which hurt the storyline to me.
The main character is Elizabeth - it is all about her, all the time. The secondary characters are her significant other, Calvin; her daughter, Mad; and her dog, six-thirty.
There are many tertiary characters from Elizabeth's graduate advisor at UCLA to the Chemistry Chair at her job to her neighbor, Harriet. The first two characters play ugly villainous parts in Elizabeth's life and the third character was a true friend who allowed her to shine and fly.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline was not believable to me. Yes, Elizabeth was a brilliant chemist, but her behavior would not have been tolerated then or now because she didn't have the research or degrees to justify it. Her partner on the other hand was a Ph.D. who was a renowned name - his quirkiness would have been allowed as he brought in grant and donor money.
The main locations were coastal California, Cambridge, UCLA, and Iowa.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
It just wasn't memorable or informative to me. I did learn a new term that I had never heard previously: abiogenesis. Definition of abiogenesis
Book cover: 3.5 stars
Boring and not eye-catching
Book title: 4.0 stars
It was a good choice
Gut feeling: 3.5 stars
I never know what to expect when I read a uber-popular book!
Suggestions:
A list of the literature mentioned in the book would have been nice.
RECOMMEND
BOOK INFORMATION
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
400 pages
This was a library book from LAPL
Release date of 04/05/2022
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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