The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Happy reading!
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
DNF - The Queen's Faithful Companion (ebook)
The Queen's Faithful Companion by Eliza Knight (ebook)
I will not be finishing this book. I have read about 15% and it just isn't for me. It is told from three viewpoints: Elizabeth (Princess/Queen), Hanna (dog handler), and Susan (Corgi). I didn't like having a dog's view point- it seemed silly to me.
This book didn't work for me which doesn't mean it won't work for you!
Happy reading!
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, July 27, 2024
NEXT BOOK POST and REVIEW - Daughter of Fire (ebook)
Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the debut novel by Mexican writer, Sofia Robleda. Sofia writes beautifully and reminds me so much of Isabel Allende's writing style. Both write with vivid storytelling, strong emotion, and magical realism.
This is an educational book about the history of Mexico and Central America as well as the horrific things the Spanish colonists and conquistadors did to the native peoples. It is not always an easy book to read, but it is important to be educated about these times so that we never repeat them.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
Sofia writes in such lyrical and poetic prose. It is just beautiful writing. It was important to read this book and to be educated about Southern Mexico and Central America. This book explores the time about twenty years after the arrival of the conquistadores which was not fully covered in any history class I took.
Character development: 4.0 stars
There were four main characters - Catalina (daughter of Don Alonso), Juan (native chief), Cristóbal (native and godson of Don Alonso), and Don Alonso (President of Guatemala and Spanish colonialist). These four characters weaved a strong story with detailed information about each character. They were all fascinating characters on their own merit.
There are a lot of secondary characters including Catalina's mother, the household workers, Spanish aristocrats/conquistadores, town villagers, and native peoples.
The tertiary character is Popol Vuh which is the history, treasured artifact, and holy book of the indigenous people in the area.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
The storyline was fascinating! It was about the protection and preservation of the Popol Vuh. Learning about the cultures and history of the area was informative, yet horrifying at times.
My only issue was when the storyline went into the realm of magical realism. It was difficult to understand who all the gods, goddesses, and demons were in the native spiritual world and what they represented. I would have liked to know more about this aspect of the book which could have been highlighted better or covered in an addendum. Finally, a glossary of terms would have been helpful for the indigenous language words and the more obscure Spanish words not in Google Translate.
The main location is colonial Guatemala.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
Many parts of this book disgusted me including the complete and utter destruction of the native culture, language, religion, and artifacts by the Spanish. I will remember all of this forever.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Pretty and perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Loved it!
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Amazon First Reads Kindle ebook
Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda
280 pages
Amazon Crossing
Release date of 08/1/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Amazon First Reads - July 2024
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
P.S. I apologize for not updating the book blog lately. But, I was not reading at all as I was sick!
Saturday, July 20, 2024
REVIEW - The Black Bird Oracle (ebook)
The Black Bird Oracle (All Souls #5) by Deborah Harkness (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the fifth book in the All Souls series. The fourth book was published in 2018 so there was a gap between books due to the author's illness.
A quick reread of the series before beginning this book would have helped with my confusion about the characters and backstories, but I don't feel that I should have to do that. A recap would have been nice due to the length of time since the last book.
Caveat: Please start with the first book in this series. This is not a stand-alone book.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Deborah Harkness is a skilled historian and author. But it felt like something was missing in this book.
There were a lot of SAT words that I could not find definitions, lots of French and Italian terms, and lots of witchy terms that I didn't understand. A glossary of terms would have been a really nice addition. The various languages and unknown words slowed down my reading.
Character development: 4.0 stars
There was a genealogy of the three families in the book: de Clairmont (vampires), Bishop (witches), and Proctor (witches); but, it was hard to read on Kindle and was not detailed enough to answer many of my questions.
The two main characters are Matthew (a Vampire with blood rage) and Diana (a Weaver witch). They are a mixed couple in the magical world which is highly unusual and irregular.
There are a lot of secondary characters including Becca and Pip (Matthew and Diana's children), Gwenyth (Diana's paternal great-aunt), Sarah (Diana's maternal aunt), Ysabeau (Matthew's mother), and assorted family members from all three sides of the interwoven families.
The tertiary character is Ravenswood. It is the ancestral home of the Proctor family and an enchanted place.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
This book felt disjointed and not fully explored. There was so much going on within the three families that it was like multiple stories combined into one book. Some characters were not mentioned much at all like Becca and Pip.
This book felt like it was written to setup the next book(s) in the series which was disappointing.
The main locations are Ipswich, Massachusetts; New Haven, Connecticut; and Venice, Italy.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
There isn't much that really grabbed me in this book. But there were some strange parts with Matthew and Diana in the forest and in the labyrinth - I didn't like either.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Pretty.
Book title: 4.5 stars
On point!
DEFINITE recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)
The Black Bird Oracle (All Souls #5) by Deborah Harkness
446 pages
Ballantine Books
Release date of 07/16/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
My next ebook is...
The Black Bird Oracle (All Souls #5) by Deborah Harkness (ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
DNF - In A League of Her Own (ebook)
In A League of Her Own by Kaia Alderson (ebook)
I will not be finishing this book after reading about 20%. I will record it as DNF.
This book was supposed to be about Effa Manley, managing a Negro League Baseball team, and the only female in the Baseball Hall of Fame. At 20% of the book, I expect to hit the topic of baseball head-on (pun intended). So far, Effa has gone to a World Series Yankees game with a friend with only passing mentions of the Negro League.
This book didn't work for me which doesn't mean it won't work for you!
Happy reading!
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, July 6, 2024
REVIEW - My Mama, Cass (audiobook)
My Mama, Cass by Owen Elliot-Kugell (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
I have loved The Mamas & the Papas since I first heard them on American Bandstand when I was five. My older cousin let me play with her Barbies while we actively watched and listened to their amazing harmonies. Of course, my cousin, Deana, shushed me when I asked questions while they were performing. I vividly remember this moment as I loved how they sounded and the beautiful song they sang which is still one of my favorites - "California Dreamin"!
This memoir by Owen Elliot-Kugel is based on the life of Cass Elliot born Ellen Naomi Cohen. Owen lost her mother when she was seven to a heart attack and not from the urban legend of choking on a ham sandwich.
This memoir is a love letter from Owen to her mother. She actively researched and talked to her mother's personal and work friends, family, and acquaintances. The amount of time invested into this memoir must have been extensive.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Owen writes lovingly and well. It was the story of her mother and Owen's story after the loss of her mother - it was written with much love.
However, I wanted more detail, especially about Cass's singing and writing. My other vicarious need was more descriptions of what Cass was wearing! The 1960s were an incredible time for clothes.
Narration: 4.5 stars
Owen read more slowly than I like, but one can always adjust the speed. It is Owen reading the story of her mother's life and her life without her beloved mother. She really had natural inflection and emotion.
Character Arc: 4.5 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically. The story ends with Cass finally receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Owen begins her family story with the strong woman of her family who sacrificed so much to improve the lives of their families. Cass was a strong woman who lived in a period where her creativity could blossom, but men, unfortunately, still ran the world!
Memorable: 5.0 stars
The biggest takeaway is that Cass had to deal with the "fat" jokes and comments for her entire life. Even in death, the horribleness continues with the urban legend of her death.
I also loved that Cass was active in politics and wanted to leave the world a better place than how she found it. She would be appalled at the state of our world today.
Entertaining: 4.5 stars
Some of the stories about Cass were very funny and/or interesting.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So beautiful.
Book title: 5.0 stars
The perfect title.
STRONG recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
My Mama, Cass by Owen Elliot-Kugell
Hachette Books
6 hours, 30 minutes
Release date of 5/7/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
No Wikipedia or personal webpage
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
REVIEW - The Bookstore Wedding (ebook)
The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This was a short story by the amazing Alice Hoffman. This is the second short story in The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories about a family bookstore on the fictional island of Brinkley's Island, Maine. I love this sweet and lovely series and cannot wait for the next installment!
Caveat: Please read the first book in this short story series first. It will make this book a much more enjoyable experience.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Alice Hoffman is my favorite author, period. Her writing is spectacular and beautiful and this short story was not an exception to the rule.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The two main characters, the Gibson sisters, Isabel and Sophie run the family bookstore. The sisters have been close in the past, but Isabel lived in New York City for many years and returned as the prodigal daughter.
There are a lot of secondary characters including Johnny (Isabel's fiancee), Jack (Johnny's father), and Violet (Sophie's daughter).
We learn more about the main and secondary characters and are set up for the next book in the short story series.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This short story is about family, reconciliation, and unconditional love.
Isabel returns home permanently after Sophie breaks her leg and their relationship heals. Isabel also heals her love story with Johnny. This short story is lovely.
I would have loved this series to be made into a book, but there is much anticipation in the short story serialization. So I will wait eagerly for the next short story like my grandparents had to do!
The main location is the fictional Brinkley's Island, Maine.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This short story is just what I needed during this chaotic time (scary SCOTUS rulings and the Presidential Debate) and is a balm for my soul. It isn't memorable or informative per se, but is what I craved.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Amazon First Reads Kindle short-story ebook
The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman
39 pages
Amazon Original Stories
Release date of 08/01/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Amazon First Reads - July 2024
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
DNF - Lost Kingdom (ebook)
Lost Kingdom by Julia Flynn Siler (ebook)
I will not be finishing this book after reading about 14%. I will record it as DNF.
This book was about the American overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. I wrongly assumed this would be more about the Hawaiian monarchy and less about the rise of the Sugar Kings.
This book didn't work for me which doesn't mean it won't work for you!
Happy reading!
Dorothea 💜
Amazon First Reads - July 2024
Hi, everyone!!
Did you know you receive a FREE monthly Kindle book available with your Amazon Prime membership??? It is called Amazon First Reads!! You can find out more about it here: Amazon First Reads.
I received the Amazon First Reads email yesterday. In celebration of Amazon First Reads + July Prime Days, there are TWO free Kindle books in July 2024.
My TWO choices for July 2024 are:
The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman
Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda
So what books are you SELECTING?!? Also, as a reminder, don't forget to buy and download the FREE books from Amazon!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, July 1, 2024
REVIEW - The Most Human (audiobook)
The Most Human by Adam Nimoy (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
Full disclosure, I am not a "Trekkie" fan. However, as a native Angeleno, I admire Leonard Nimoy for his work with the renovation and expansion of my beloved Griffith Observatory. I have watched an occasional episode of the original series, and some of the movies, but I am a novice fan.
Adam Nimoy and I have very similar stories with our families of origin. We had emotionally distant fathers and needy mothers. Adam was able to reconcile with his father before his death, but I did not have that opportunity. We both are native Angelenos who love our city of Los Angeles. Finally, we are part of "Generation Jones" with "Baby Boomer" parents. So much commonality between us!
One caveat, this is a real and raw story with mentions of alcohol consumption, drug usage, and recovery. If that bothers you, please do not read this book.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
Adam writes extremely well, but like the attorney that he is.
However, at times, I wanted more detail. Adam wrote descriptively enough that I could imagine and viscerally feel some of the scenes that he describes.
Narration: 4.5 stars
Adam read more slowly than I like, but one can always adjust the speed. It is him telling HIS story and I liked how he spoke so well and with natural inflection.
Character Arc: 4.5 stars
The audiobook is basically told chronologically. The story ends with Adam coming full circle with his father by speaking on Yom Kippur - that final chapter was beautiful and so emotional.
Adam writes about the good and bad in his family, chosen family, and friends. There was drug addiction, alcohol addiction, multiple deaths, and major family dysfunction. But, Adam is determined that the generational trauma ends with him which is exactly what I have done.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
The biggest takeaway is that 12-step Programs work for folks who really work the program. It is not easy but sobriety and amends can make all the difference to familial relationships. There is always hope!!
Entertaining: 4.5 stars
It was not so much entertaining as informative. I appreciated that.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
A perfect father-son portrait.
Book title: 5.0 stars
On point!
STRONG recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
The Most Human by Adam Nimoy
Dreamscape Media
9 hours, 18 minutes
Release date of 6/4/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
June 2024 - Monthly Wrap-up
Hi, everyone!
Well, June was only four
books, but who is counting???
I have listened to my
first audiobook that I was interested in reading for the first time in a long time. I hope that many more audiobooks are in my
future!
June's overall scores
improved over May with a score of 4.5-starred books. Yes, I did have a 5.0-starred book – it was
an excellent audiobook!
2nd ANNUAL
“booksbydorothea” BEST BOOKS OF 2024:
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore (January) 5
stars
Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles
(February) 5 stars
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer (March) 5 stars
How To Read A Book by Monica Wood (April) 5 stars
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarity (May) 4.5 stars
The Friday Afternoon Club (June) 5.0 stars (audiobook)
GOODREADS READING GOAL:
For 2024, my goal will be 100 from
the very start!!! As of 06/30/2024, I have read 46 books, or 46% of my goal.
JUNE 2024 STATISTICS:
4 total books
3 e-books; 1 audiobook; 0
physical books
1 book was an ARC (Advance
Reader Copy)
3 books were library books
0 books were purchased
0 books were an Amazon
First Reads
0 books were a Book Club
Girl
Audio listening time in June:
12 hours, 19 minutes
Pages read in June: 912
pages
Average review rating: 4.50
stars
JUNE BOOK RATINGS with
BOOK COVERS:
5.0-star book (1)
The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne (audiobook) LINK
4.5-star books (2)
Betrayal at Blackthorn
Park by Julia Kelley (ebook) LINK
4.0-star book (1)
The Marriage Sabbatical by Lian Dolan (ebook) LINK
3.5-star book (0)
3.0-star book (0)
If you want to read my full review of any of these books, there are individual review links for each ebook or audiobook next to the book title and author. Click on the specific book link to get to that book review!!
Happy reading!
Dorothea 💜
P.S. For more information
about my book ratings, you can find out more at this LINK.
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