Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
REVIEW - Dolly Parton, Songteller audiobook
OVERVIEW
OH, MY! This was not a classic memoir, but rather told in Dolly's life as a "songteller" (songwriter meets storyteller). She is a fabulous storyteller and songwriter so it was fun to learn more about her famous and non-as-famous songs.
It was done in an interview style which was fabulous. She answered in her own words and the emotions came across for so many songs and stories! She is someone who I would love to meet because I admire and appreciate her.
Dolly's song recordings and Dolly singing a cappella were sprinkled throughout the book.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
This was writing per se, but it really was "interviewing" Dolly which was fabulous!
Narration: 4.0 stars
The narration was fun. I am not sure who asked Dolly the questions in this excellent memoir. But, Dolly is real, uninhibited, and amazing in her answers in this memoir.
Character Arc: 4.0 stars
The memoir covers the time from Dolly's birth to 2020 (pre-pandemic). It was in somewhat chronological order but sorted more by themes. It was fun to understand more about "behind the song"!
Memorable: 4.5 stars
I want to be Dolly when I grow up! Not the songwriter or storyteller as I don't have those talents, but just an AMAZING human being filled with love and generosity! I want to live like Dolly!
Entertaining: 4.5 stars
So fascinating and fun. I wanted MORE!
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Authentic Dolly!
Book title: 5.0 stars
A very appropriate title!
DEFINITE RECOMMENDATION
STATISTICS
Dolly Parton, Songteller by Dolly Parton and Robert K. Oermann
5 hours, 18 minutes
Listened to as an audiobook from the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Release date of 11/17/2020
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Goodreads Best Books of 2023 - FINAL round
So it is time for the FINAL round. So I have TEN books (1 book nominated in TWO categories) that I have read! These ten books are all very good books and definitely worth reading or giving as Christmas gifts!!!!
Interestingly, I read a book that was nominated during the opening round and it made it to the final round!
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer #1
(Best Fiction)
The Woman In Me by Britney Spears
(Best Memoir & Autobiography)
Being Henry by Henry Winkler
(Best Humor)
Spare by Prince Harry
(Best Memoir & Autobiography)
Paris The Memoir by Paris Hilton
(Best Memoir & Autobiography)
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer #2
(Best Debut Novel)
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
(Best Science Fiction)
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
(Best Historical Fiction)
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende
(Best Historical Fiction)
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
(Best Fiction)
Unfortunately, three amazing books did not make the final round, but they are such good books! Please check them out and support these fantastic authors! These books are:
How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair (Best Memoir & Autobiography)
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok (Best Mystery & Thriller)
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange (Best Fiction)
If you are a Goodreads member, you can vote! This is the final round and it will be exciting to see which books win - although ALL of these books are winners!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, November 24, 2023
Thursday, November 23, 2023
REVIEW Paris The Memoir audiobook
OVERVIEW
This was not what I expected at all from Paris Hilton AT ALL!!! I am shocked in a good way! I did not think that I would like this book, but I loved it.
Paris has a lot of life experiences to share which explain so much about her and her life choices. Some of it is very heartbreaking and as a mom, I just want to hug her tightly.
I really had no opinion of Paris other than knowing that she was a Hilton, seemed entitled and spoiled from familial wealth, and had the best life of a typical rich girl. Some of those preconceptions were true and some were totally wrong.
Paris is brutally honest about her traumas, issues with ADHD, and growing up with life expectations. She rose above it all beautifully. Plus, she narrated a good book!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
Such a perfectly written memoir by Paris Hilton. I listened to it as an audiobook which really made the writing pop in her unique "Paris speak". It was well-written, descriptive, and horrifying. Paris shares very personal experiences in congregate care so that others do not experience her traumas. It is gutsy, deep, and real writing. So powerful!
Narration: 5.0 stars
It was perfect. Paris narrates in her normal "Paris voice" with no baby talk unless it is appropriate. But in the horrific parts reading in her own voice made it so real, so raw, and so terrifying.
The narration was emotional at times. I honestly do not how Paris got through the narration with the trauma that she has endured plus ADHD. She is a fighter!!
Character Arc: 4.5 stars
The majority of the memoir was in chronological order which I greatly appreciated. There are times when Paris's ADHD takes over and she goes off on tangents but it was very appropriate, It explains so much about her in all its heartrending glory.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Yes. There were many takeaways, but the biggest was that she was in multiple teenage congregate care facilities. Each was worse until the next, but she aged out and bravely shared her own personal experiences so that others were helped. Incredibly brave and moving.
Entertaining: 4.0 stars
Paris is funny and real. But at many times, she came off as braggy and entitled. Her constant discussion of how much money she makes and spends is off-putting and crass at times.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
It's a beautiful portrait of Paris showing her many sides in one picture.
Book title: 4.5 stars
On point and brand!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Paris The Memoir by Paris Hilton
8 hours, 22 minutes
Listened to as an audiobook from the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Release date of 03/14/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Saturday, November 18, 2023
UPDATE : My next ebook is...
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
I am going to push reading this book until the new year. It is a heavy topic and I don't want to read it during the holidays.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Philadelphia Heiress ebook
OVERVIEW
This was a very descriptive book with exquisite details about the clothing and jewelry worn by the characters. Unfortunately, the character development and storyline were lacking in my opinion.
This was a light and easy-to-read historical novel set during the late 1920s of the incredibly rich who lived on the Mainline near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The excesses reminded me of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.
I really wanted to love this novel, but I liked it.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
Anita writes very descriptively throughout this novel about clothing, jewelry, homes, clubs, and parties. It must have required a tremendous amount of research to find out all of this detailed information about the 1920s.
Character development: 3.0 stars
There is a lot about what the characters look like - hair, clothing, and jewelry are discussed in detail. But, what is inside them in their hearts and minds is just not explored enough for me. I like a really deep dive into the characters' back story so I can connect and feel a kinship with them. Unfortunately, I did not feel this with this novel.
The primary characters are Helen and Edgar. The novel explores their relationship and how it evolves. Both of them are entitled society people who meet during Helen's debutante season in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The secondary characters are high society in other parts of the world including Helen and Edgar's friends, family, and business associates.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
This really is the story of Helen and Edgar. There are secondary characters who come in and out of the storyline to add to the suspense and drama. The storyline is set during the wealthy indulges right before the Great Depression.
There is a decent storyline, but it was a bit too predictable. Don't get me wrong as this was a nice change from the heavy WWII novels that I have been reading. But, this novel is like fast food and could have been a three-course gourmet meal. Since not all reading has to be life-changing, this novel will be a perfect beach read in the summer.
The main locations were Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; London, England; Deauville, France; and Portofino, Italy.
Memorable/Informative: 3.0 stars
I did not know what the Mainline was at all. So I had to research it once I started this novel.
Book cover: 3.5 stars
I don't think that this is an accurate depiction of this novel.
Book title: 3.5 stars
It was okay.
Recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC Kindle book
The Philadelphia Heiress by Anita Abriel
283 pages
Lake Union Publishing
Release date of 03/26/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, November 17, 2023
DNF - Yes Please AUDIOBOOK
I will not be finishing Yes Please by Amy Poehler. This book just didn't work for me as an audiobook.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
REVIEW - The Underground Library ebook
OVERVIEW
As stated in this blog, I am trying to avoid WWII books. However, the subject matter was intriguing - an underground library in the London Tube during The Blitz. Be still my book-loving heart!
The subject matter was difficult at times with the privations, death, and constant bombing attacks of the Luftwaffe. The biggest takeaway was that the British people would not surrender nor would they ever give up. This strongly shows through in the plot of this historical novel.
Again, my European history is weak, but I have learned so much about different aspects of WWII by widening my horizons to include this book. Plus, it was an easy and enjoyable read.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
Jennifer has a lovely, fluid style of writing. She doesn't overwrite with wordy descriptions or extraneous verbiage. Emily's writing style is easy to read and enjoy while still learning a lot about The Blitz and its impact on the people of London.
I did not realize that I had read a previous book by Jennifer, but I definitely look forward to reading more of her books.
Character development: 5.0 stars
This book has three beautifully developed main characters - Juliet, Sofie, and Katie. These three incredibly strong women probably would have never met except for WWII. All three have very fascinating backstories that make this novel even better!
The secondary characters are library patrons, Book Club members, and the Bethnal Green community. It was beautiful how these characters are so integral to the stories of the main characters.
The tertiary characters are WWII, The Blitz, and the Bethnal Green Library.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
There are three separate storylines of the three main characters that are woven together to create an informative and entertaining story. The novel begins a bit before The Blitz starts and ends as it is still continuing.
The secondary story explains so much about the primary story. It is fascinating how the author weaves these two stories and characters together so beautifully.
The main locations were Bethnal Green, Upper Beeding, and London, England.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
It was horrific and overwhelming to consider what the citizens of London endured during The Blitz. But, the beauty of this book was that they pulled together and made do with what they had and each other.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Pretty.
Book title: 4.5 stars
Very strong.
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC Kindle book
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
368 pages
Ballantine Books
Release date of 03/12/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Goodreads Best Books of 2023 - Opening Round
This is such an exciting time of year when the Goodreads Best Books of 2023 competition begins. I am thrilled to say that 12 books (1 book was nominated twice) that I have read this year have been nominated!! Every single one of these books I have rated a 4.0 or higher!!
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
(Best Science Fiction)
The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok
(Best Mystery & Thriller)
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende
(Best Historical Fiction)
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
(Best Historical Fiction)
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange
(Best Fiction)
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer #1
(Best Fiction)
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
(Best Fiction)
Being Henry by Henry Winkler
(Best Humor)
Spare by Prince Harry
(Best Memoir & Autobiography)
The Woman In Me by Britney Spears
(Best Memoir & Autobiography)
How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
(Best Memoir & Autobiography)
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer #2
(Best Debut Novel)
If you are a Goodreads member, you can vote! This is only the opening round so it will get even more interesting to see what the others choose!!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Painter's Daughters ebook
OVERVIEW
This is a debut novel and an excellent first book by Emily Howes!
The subject matter of this novel is really dense, difficult, and horrible. This is the story of Thomas Gainsborough's two daughters and their lives. It was so sad and heart-rending to read about their lives.
I knew who Thomas Gainsborough was as I have viewed his amazing painting "Blue Boy" since I was little at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. Of course, I never thought about the back story of "Blue Boy" or the painter, Thomas Gainsborough. This historical novel fills in most of the gaps in my knowledge.
This novel is difficult to get into immediately, but it really gets going about halfway through. It is definitely thought-provoking!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Emily's writing is a bit dense and took me some time to totally get into it, but it is totally appropriate for the time period. I read much slower than normal to fully understand and digest it all. Since this is her debut novel and it was so good, I see nothing but a great writing future for Emily.
Character development: 5.0 stars
This book had two main characters, Molly and Peg Gainsborough. At the core of the novel is their bond, dependence, and undying sisterly love. They go through so much together, but all that matters is that they are sisters who love each other through good and bad times.
The secondary characters are Thomas and Margaret Gainsborough - the painter and his wife. They try to keep their lives together, but it is challenging and difficult at times.
The tertiary character is a secondary timeline that cements it all together beautifully.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The story is primarily told in one timeline in the mid-1700s and a secondary one in the 1730s. Both are very character-driven and highly engaging.
The secondary story explains so much about the primary story. It is fascinating how the author weaves these two stories beautifully.
The main locations were Ipswich, Bath, and London, England.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
It was overwhelming to learn so much about the 18th century that I never even considered. The subjugation of women, the poor staying poor forever, and the rich getting richer and richer. The sad thing is that this is still is how things are happening now in the 21st century.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Very beautiful.
Book title: 4.5 stars
Lovely.
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC Kindle book
The Painter's Daughters by Emily Howes
320 pages
Simon & Schuster
Release date of 02/27/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, November 13, 2023
My next audiobook is... UPDATED
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
P.S. I read this as a physical book and did not like it! I am listening to it as an audiobook and it is a completely different experience. Interesting!!
REVIEW - Being Henry audiobook
OVERVIEW
I have recently listened to several celebrity memoirs and some were great, good, and okay. This was just lovely!
I loved Henry Winkler as an actor in "Happy Days" and "Royal Pains" and now I love him as a human being. His life was a roller coaster, but the mantra of his life is gratitude! So lovely!
Henry shares so very much which was difficult including his undiagnosed dyslexia until his 30s. The memoir reads like he is just sitting in my ear talking to me or we are talking over coffee.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
So, so perfect. I loved that Henry broke the "fourth wall" at times which made it so very real and personal. He really got down into the deep, dark secrets of his life, but they did make Henry the kind and compassionate human that he is. Henry learned from the generational trauma in his life and did not repeat it with his own family. The ending for me was the cherry on top - very beautiful and powerful.
Narration: 5.0 stars
So great. I'm so grateful that he explained that Henry is who he really is. The Fonz is a character that he plays. So many people lose sight of the fact that Henry is a lovely person first!
The narration was real, funny, and emotional at times. He was a great narrator and it was an amazing job, especially with his dyslexia! Just wonderful!
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The majority of the memoir was in chronological order which I greatly appreciated. There were times when it was appropriate for Henry to tell an earlier life story that explained or elaborated on that current story. There was so much about Henry that I didn't know so it was interesting to learn all about it!
Memorable: 5.0 stars
I didn't even realize that Henry was a first-generation American or Jewish. His parents escaped Nazi Germany just before Hitler's horrific murder of millions. Unfortunately, this escape had a difficult effect on Henry's life. So very sad, but Henry vowed to not let this happen to his children and it didn't!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
Henry is a natural storyteller. I could listen to hours more of him reading the phone book.
Another interesting tidbit, Henry has an MFA from Yale. I think that this has gotten lost in the shuffle of "Happy Days". He did a lot of studying and worked hard to be the amazing actor and storyteller that he is.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
It's a happy portrait of Henry. But the close-up face shot is being overdone in memoir covers.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
Suggestions:
I wish that there had been more chapters to this memoir!
HIGHEST recommendation
STATISTICS
Being Henry by Henry Winkler
9 hours, 22 minutes
Listened to as an audiobook from the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Release date of 10/31/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, November 6, 2023
Goodreads - Books by Dorothea
Additionally, the new email address for this blog is booksbydorotheablog@gmail.com instead of my personal email address.
This change will allow me to keep my private and blog material separate! Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
Thanks so much for your support!!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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