REVIEW - It. Goes. So. Fast (audiobook)

It. Goes. So. Fast by Mary Louise Kelly (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

My family, especially my husband, are huge NPR and our local LAist radio stations. Our daughter grew up listening to it on her way to school with her dad and her love of politics grew from this exposure. 

So when I saw this audiobook, the name seemed familiar as did the voice. The premise was to enjoy and be involved in every moment of her older son's last year at home before college. It did do that, but it all strayed from the original premise and was told in a random order that was difficult.   

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

Mary Louise can write and I would expect nothing less from a world-renowned NPR journalist. But, she misses it with the heart and soul I was expecting. I wanted and expected more emotion and nitty gritty. My expectations were very high with her writing. 

Narration: 4.0 stars

Mary Louise narrates well as I expected, but again the emotion and real feeling were not there as I wanted and expected. There was some emotional reading, but it needed more, IMHO. 

Character Arc: 4.0 stars

The audiobook is in random order and seems haphazard at times. It is fine to tell backstories to add depth and character. But in this memoir, it was constant backstories and it was sometimes off-putting. It spans the birth of her sons to her older son's high school graduation in 2022.

Memorable:  4.0 stars

Mary Louise's stories about being on assignment in multiple war zones were fascinating and scary. But, again, I wanted more. 

Entertaining:   4.5 stars

The author sprinkled some funny stories throughout the memoir, but the most entertaining was the guinea pig in Ukraine. 

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Appropriate!  

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Truth!

DEFINITE recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

It. Goes. So. Fast by Mary Louise Kelly (audiobook)

MacMillan Audio

7 hours, 1 minute

Release date of 4/11/2023

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Mary Louise Kelly

My Goodreads review

Macmillan Audio

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

 The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly (ebook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - The Light Over London (ebook)

 The Light Over London by Julia Kelly (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This is the fifth book that I have read by Julia Kelly. I have enjoyed her historical fiction mystery series (Parisian Orphan) and her historical fiction novels.  

In this historical novel, the author has two timelines - WWII and a contemporary timeline. As a personal aside, I have a personal embargo on reading more WWII books, but Julia is one of the few exceptions.  

I learned about another piece of British history I knew nothing about - the "gunner girls" of WWII. These women were incredible heroines who saved many British lives by downing Luftwaffe planes before they dropped bombs over cities and military targets. 

This novel has some twists and turns so I am being vague about the plot and the characters.

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

As always, Julia Kelly writes so beautifully! She ties the two timelines together by weaving historical information to create a multi-layered story. I loved learning about British history in the novel, but it was written in such a well-done manner as to be pleasant and not scholarly.  

Character development: 4.5 stars

The main characters are Louise (a WWII character) and Cara (a contemporary character).  

The secondary characters are Paul (Louise's friend), Liam (Cara's friend), Iris (Cara's grandmother). Paul, Liam, and Iris are yin and yang characters. 

The tertiary characters are Kate (Louise's cousin), Nicole (Cara's friend), assorted military characters, and Cara's boss. 

Storyline:  4.5 stars

The storyline begins when Cara finds Louise's diary while working on an estate consignment sale with her boss. Cara becomes curious and wants to return the diary to Louise's family. She reads the diary and begins to research Louise while also trying to convince Iris to share about her WWII service. 

The main locations were Cornwall, London, and Gloucestershire England. 

Memorable/Informative:  4.5 stars

The British female gunners in WWII were brave, smart, and patriotic. They were real heroines who helped Britain win the war over Germany. 

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Lovely!

Book title: 4.5 stars 

Very appropriate!

STRONG recommend

BOOK INFORMATION

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)

The Light Over London by Julia Kelly

305 pages 

Gallery Books

Release date of 1/8/2019

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Julia Kelly

My Goodreads review

Gallery Books

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next audiobook is...

 It Goes So Fast by Mary Louise Kelly (audiobook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

 The Light Over London by Julia Kelly (ebook)

I am slowly reading Julia Kelly's previous books that I have missed. Since this one became available from the library, I decided to read it now. 

Of course, I am also reading Framed, but it is a deep topic and I need to break away from it when it becomes overwhelming. It is excellent but difficult to read. 

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

P.S. I also need to find a new audiobook!

REVIEW - What a Fool Believes (audiobook)

 What a Fool Believes by Michael McDonald (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

I grew up listening to Michael McDonald primarily in junior high and high school when he was in Steely Dan (I had no clue) and The Doobie Brothers. He has such a hauntingly beautiful voice. 

So when I saw this audiobook, I knew I had to listen to it especially as Michael narrates it himself. This is not a hugely "tell-all" book, but he does share some stories about his life that are real, raw, and gritty. It is told from his childhood to the current time. This audiobook came out this year and I somehow missed it! 

There is one caveat about this book. There are lots of mentions of extreme alcohol consumption, drug usage, and finally recovery. If any of these trigger you, please do not read this book. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

Michael writes prose, lyrics, and music beautifully. I was impressed that the writing was so strong especially as Michael didn't finish high school! Impressive!

Narration: 5.0 stars

Michael read like a professional narrator with his amazing speaking voice (just as good as his amazing singing voice). He read with feeling and emotion as appropriate. 

He also has a great sense of humor and made me laugh out loud. Michael's book is sprinkled liberally with curse words including my favorite that begins with an "F". It didn't bother me at all as it was all appropriate! 

Character Arc: 4.0 stars

The audiobook is told chronologically from his childhood in St. Louis to his current life in California. The story ends in 2023 with Michael in a good place in his life with his career, marriage, and family. 

The only real issue for me is that Michael knows a lot about music from writing lyrics and music to playing multiple instruments and being a music producer including forming his own record label. He talks about chord progression and I was lost as I have no natural musical ability. I wish Michael had explained more about the music as it would have been helpful!

Memorable:  5.0 stars

I loved how he shared how his life was not perfect including his wife's breast cancer diagnosis and their joint drug and alcohol recovery. He also shared his difficult relationship with his father.  But my favorite parts are when Michael takes ownership of his behavior and calls himself an "a-hole" which was a correct analysis. 

Entertaining:   5.0 stars

Michael told funny stories, but the best anecdotes were about his son when he was little. The story about the coffee shop and the cookie was hysterical to me as a parent! 

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Perfect - showcasing his beautiful blue eyes.  

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Oh, so perfect - he wrote this song AND Michael has imposter syndrome thinking he is the fool!

STRONG recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

What a Fool Believes by Michael McDonald

Dey Street Books

10 hours, 57 minutes

Release date of 5/21/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Michael McDonald

My Goodreads review

Dey Street Books

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

 Framed by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey (ebook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - The Little Shop of Found Things (ebook)

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston (ebook)

 

OVERVIEW

This is the second book that I have read by Paula Brackston. It is also the first in a four-part series! I am so excited to read more about these wonderful characters!

This book is basically about a woman with psychometry who travels through time. It is similar to the Outlander series with time travel, but is set about a century earlier in England and the reason for the journey is a silver chartelaine. 

Please note that I am being careful with many details not to spoil the twists in this lovely book. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

The author writes beautifully in a lovely educating way about the two time periods in the book. I loved learning about the history in the novel, but it was written in a manner that wasn't a schoolbook way. 

Character development: 4.5 stars

The main character is Xanthe who is the time traveler in this novel. She had to bridge two time periods in Wiltshire during the early 1600s and late 2010s.  The two time periods collide making for some interesting dialogue and plot twists! 

The secondary characters are Flora (Xanthe's mother and owner of an antique shop), Liam (Xanthe's friend), and Samuel (Xanthe's friend). 

The tertiary characters are the assorted supporting characters in both times.   

Storyline:  4.5 stars

The storyline is about Xanthe traveling back in time to ensure her mother's safety through psychometry and a chartelaine. Xanthe had a mission to time travel to the early 1600s and correct a wrong. She also finds friendship and love in the past. 

The main location was Wiltshire England, but specifically Marlborough and Salisbury.   

Memorable/Informative:  4.5 stars

I learned two new words that intrigued me in this book: psychometry and chartelaine. They are both fascinating in their definitions!!

Book cover: 4.5 stars

So pretty!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Excellent!  

STRONG recommend

BOOK INFORMATION

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston

336 pages 

St. Martin's Press

Release date of 10/2/2018

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Paula Brackston

My Goodreads review

St. Martin's Press

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next audiobook is...

 What A Fool Believes by Michael McDonald (audiobook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - Drama (audiobook)

 Drama by John Lithgow (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

I knew John Lithgow from his series and a few movies. It was fascinating to learn how many prestigious awards he has won for theatre, television, and movies. There are so many he has a separate Wikipedia page for just his awards!!

It was an "all-in" audiobook as he went from his childhood to 2011 (when the book was written) including the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

I must confess that I didn't know many of the actors, actresses, and directors, John spoke about; however, he made everyone accessible and real.

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

John writes beautifully. But, he made the writing relatable, real, and funny. 

Narration: 5.0 stars

John had perfect narration with appropriate emotion, but not like an actor. He read like an American who acts who grew up in multiple states and went to numerous schools as a child. His diction is just lovely.

Character Arc: 4.5 stars

The audiobook is told chronologically. The story ends with John in 2011 reflecting on his life and new life trajectories. 

His life was fascinating - he moved all over the eastern United States as a kid. It is evident that he is intelligent so Harvard made sense, but he did not get a theater or drama degree. John talks about his theatre acting in the U.S., England, and Canada and how he prefers it to television and motion pictures. He is an actor's actor so theatre is a joy for him. 

Memorable:  4.5 stars

The biggest takeaway is that John went through adolescence later at the age of 30. He was always the "good boy" which mirrors my life of being the "good girl". It explains so much about me and John!  

Entertaining:   4.5 stars

John has a hysterical funny bone! I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir! 

Book cover: 4.5 stars

So appropriate. 

Book title: 4.5 stars 

On point with double meanings! 

STRONG recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

Drama by John Lithgow

HarperAudio

10 hours, 16 minutes

Release date of 9/29/2011

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

John Lithgow

My Goodreads review

HarperAudio

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston (ebook)

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

Paris 2024 Olympics

 

Hi, everyone!

Well, the Paris 2024 Olympics affected my reading totals for both July and August! However, watching the athletes, especially the Americans, was worth every second!

Hopefully, I will have time to get more ebooks and audiobooks in before the Paris 2024 Paralympics begin at the end of the month!!

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

REVIEW - What Does It Feel Like? (ebook)

 What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This is the fourth novel by Sophie Kinsella that I have read. This book is a total departure from her usual fun, fun reads. 

This is a semi-autobiographical fictionalized novel. Sophie tells her cancer journey through the use of fictionalized characters. This methodology is used to protect her and her family's privacy.  It is a powerful and moving story, but not a memoir. So if you are looking for salacious details, this book is not for you. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars

Writing: 5.0 stars

The author writes in a lovely and easy style. You feel what the characters are going through without being too invasive or too precious. 

It was done beautifully! This will be a wonderful book for cancer survivors and their supporters to read for hope and inspiration. 

Character development: 5.0 stars

The main character is Eve (wife, mother, and cancer patient). She is the reason for the story and enough of her life story is shared to understand who she is! 

The secondary characters are her husband, Nick. and their five children. 

The tertiary character is the glioblastoma tumor. The tumor is in charge as it determines healing, treatment, and health. 

Storyline:  5.0 stars

The storyline is about Eve's glioblastoma tumor which parallels the author's diagnosis. It is her journey through pre-therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and after-care therapy. It also is about how Eve, Nick, and their kids deal with the diagnosis of cancer and the after-effects. 

The main location was Wimbledon, London, England.  

Memorable/Informative:  5.0 stars

This novel helped me realize that cancer isn't always a death sentence. 

However, it was a melancholy read as my husband's sister passed away from the same horrible disease. 

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Pretty!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Excellent!  

HIGHLY recommend

BOOK INFORMATION

NetGalley ARC (ebook)

What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

146 pages 

The Dial Press

Release date of 10/8/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Sophie Kinsella

My Goodreads review

The Dial Press

NetGalley

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜

My next ebook is...

 What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

Happy reading! 

Dorothea 💜

NEXT BOOK POST and REVIEW - Natural Selection

Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This was a VERY short novelette or short story about a millennial woman who is ready to board a flight from Quito to a cruise around the Galapagos Islands with her older boyfriend. Then there is a phone call and everything changes. 

This was the second book that I have read by this author.

OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

The author writes in a light, breezy style. This was a fast and easy read.

Character development: 3.0 stars

There really was no character development as the book was so short. 

The main character is Sophia. She is a millennial realtor from New York City who is very self-absorbed. 

The secondary character is her boyfriend, JP. He is an older divorced father of three. He works in New York and travels home to Oklahoma for his kids. He is a perfect man with no noticeable character flaws.

Storyline:  3.5 stars

This short story just didn't do it for me. There were a lot of storyline holes and so many characters that it was impossible to become invested in the story.

After the call at the airport, I kept expecting something to happen, but nothing really happened. There was the expected twist at the end of the book.

The main location is the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.  

Memorable/Informative:  3.5 stars

There was nothing memorable about this book other than to use a travel agent. 

Book cover: 4.0 stars

Pretty.

Book title: 5.0 stars 

A great play on words that accurately describes this book.   

LUKEWARM recommend

BOOK INFORMATION

Amazon First Reads Kindle short-story ebook

Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand

54 pages 

Amazon Original Stories

Release date of 09/01/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Elin Hilderbrand

My Goodreads review

Amazon Original Stories

Amazon First Reads - August 2024

Happy reading,

Dorothea 💜

P.S. There is no next book post. It was such a fast read that the new book post and review post are combined. 

REVIEW - The Briar Club (ebook)

 

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This is the fifth novel by Kate Quinn that I have read. I enjoy her 20th-century historical fiction books because they are set in a time and/or place I know little about. Her books encourage me to do research on my own and learn more! Who doesn't want to learn more??? 

I am being purposefully vague in the details of the following review. I am afraid to ruin the wonderful plot twists!

OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars

Writing: 5.0 stars

The author, Kate Quinn, writes in a very educational and informative way about the period that the novel is set in. But, it is not written like a textbook or history book. It is set with characters, places, and events that are historical. 

The author has a great ability to write about history without being too academic. Kate hits the perfect balance! 

Character development: 5.0 stars

The main character is Grace (boarder). She is the reason for the story from beginning to end. She was an incredibly unique and resilient character. I loved her! 

The secondary characters are the other seven characters: Pete (son of the owner); Nora, Reka, Fliss, Bea, and Arlene who are all boarders. 

The tertiary character is the boarding house, Briarwood House. It even has Interstitials written about it!  

The main and secondary characters each have a chapter dedicated to them and their back story. Their lives and backstories are intricately woven throughout the novel. 

Storyline:  5.0 stars

The storyline begins with Grace renting a room at Briarwood House and goes forward in time. Interestingly, once Grace begins living at the boarding house, everything changes - some for the better, some not. She is the catalyst for change including the Briar Club (Thursday night supper club)!

The main location was Washington, DC.  

Memorable/Informative:  5.0 stars

I enjoyed learning about the early 1950s. It sounds like a scary time in the United States and the world.  

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Perfect!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

On point!  

HIGHLY recommend

BOOK INFORMATION

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

432 pages 

William Morrow

Release date of 7/9/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Kate Quinn

My Goodreads review

William Morrow

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜