Patriot by Alexei Navalny (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, October 31, 2024
REVIEW - Sonny Boy (audiobook)
Sonny Boy by Al Pacino (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This memoir is Al Pacino's love letter to his friends, family, colleagues, and acting. He has lived a long, productive, and artistic life. I had no idea he had won so many major awards - all he needs is a Grammy to win an EGOT. This audiobook may be the reason that he earns that distinction.
Al narrates it himself with so much panache. It is as if he is sitting in front of you telling his life stories which are incredibly interesting and funny. He is a natural storyteller.
There are some people in his book specifically older or Broadway actors whose names that I wasn't familiar with. But it didn't matter at all. It was still entertaining with his anecdotes and storytelling.
NOTE: If you are looking for a gossipy or tell-all memoir, this isn't that type of book.
PERSONAL NOTE: The Godfather is one of my favorite movies, so I'm biased toward Al aka "Michael".
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Al mentions early in the book that English was the only subject he liked in school (he didn't finish high school). So, his strong writing is due to his voracious personal reading and varied material as an actor especially as he is self-read.
Narration: 5.0 stars
As a professional actor, Al does a great job. But, what takes it to a higher level is that he is self-deprecating, humble, and a fantastic storyteller. I loved his scratchy and distinctive voice which set his words off to perfection.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically from his early life through early 2024. Of course, he deviates in parts to add context, but it was done really well.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Al has lived a tough life with very young parents and a father who left when Al was two. He came from an Italian-Sicilian family and grew up with his mother and grandparents who struggled to make ends meet in the South Bronx. Unfortunately, Al didn't learn money management and other pertinent life skill sets from his family so he was burned by unscrupulous people multiple times.
But, Al doesn't live a pity party. He could have been like his friends from the neighborhood who died of heroin overdoses. Al credits his mother, especially, for helping him survive and thrive - the last bit of the book is a beautiful tribute to her.
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
Oh, my goodness, Al can really tell a good story!
His stories remind me of my dad and his friends reminiscing about growing up south of the I-10 freeway near Downtown Los Angeles. The neighborhoods, people, and socio-economic levels sound so very similar!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
So very appropriate!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Sonny Boy by Al Pacino
Penguin Audio
12 hours, 28 minutes
Release date of 10/15/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Junie (ebook)
Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is a debut book. This historical fiction novel is just amazing. It is beautifully written, with incredible characters, and an otherworldly storyline.
This is the first historical novel I have read that is focused on the lives of the enslaved people and not the white oppressors. Most stories about enslaved people are written in a manner that skims over their lives and instead focuses on the white folks. This novel turns that narrative on its head!!
This novel is loosely based on the author's 3rd great-grandmother Jane. What a life that Jane lived that is mirrored in the main character of Junie.
NOTE: I am being careful to not spoil anything as there are some major twists and turns in this novel so I am vague at times!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
This is Erin's debut novel and she has hit it out of the park. Her writing is just so lusciously nuanced, appropriately descriptive, and thought-provoking. I will reminisce about this story for a long time as it has touched me deeply.
I cannot wait to read whatever books that Erin chooses to write. I predict that she will be a superstar writer!!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main character is Junie. She is the name of the book, the story that the book is about, and is THE book! Junie is an enslaved young woman who is a ladies' maid in Alabama just before the start of the Civil War.
The secondary characters are Violet (Junie's enslaver), Caleb (Junie's friend), and Minnie (Junnie's sister).
The tertiary characters are Junie's family and the Violet's family on the plantation.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is the first book about enslavement I have read that allows you to learn so much about the inner thoughts, dreams, and wishes of the enslaved people. The family bonds are fully explored even the heartbreak of a family member dying or being sold off. The Black story was the story and took its place at center stage!
The main location was Montgomery, Alabama, and the surrounding environs.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
The biggest takeaway is how inherently evil the white enslavers were. Even though some enslavers were "kind" or "friendly", the enslaved were still owned "property" by the enslavers living according to their wishes and not their own. Some of the storylines almost broke me because I could feel what these enslaved human beings had to live like. Horrific!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Appropriate. Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Short and sweet.
HIGHEST recommendation
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (ebook)
Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine
368 pages
Ballantine Books
Release date of 2/4/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, October 24, 2024
REVIEW - What I Ate In One Year (audiobook)
What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This audiobook is sort of a memoir, but it is sort of a 2023 diary. It's so hard to place.
Basically, Stanley Tucci talks about what he ate, very descriptively, on specific dates in 2023 along with the appropriate musings or explanations. It is interesting, boring, self-aggrandizing, and lovely all at once.
I loved when Stanley talked about his five kids, two wives, parents, and close friends. I didn't like the name-dropping, British pronunciations, and usage of British terms (he IS an American after all!).
Stanley has a dry wit and can cook! I loved that he shared many simple recipes using what was on hand or leftovers.
Note: this is an audiobook for foodies, fans of Stanley's cooking show, or fans of Stanley. If none of these are you, it may not be for you which is okay!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
Stanley can write! He writes descriptively and sometimes too descriptively as I was lost. But, overall, he is a good writer!
Narration: 4.5 stars
As a professional actor, Stanley definitely can narrate well and with emotion. He has a lovely reading voice that was so soothing that it often lulled me to sleep.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically throughout 2023. As always, I prefer it this way.
Memorable: 4.5 stars
Stanley is a very well-known and talented actor. However, I loved his emotion and rawness when talking about his late wife, his love for his family specifically his parents, and his mortality.
Stanley has to have two Stanleys for self-preservation (professional and personal). However, when the two Stanleys collided, was when this audiobook shined!
Entertaining: 4.5 stars
Stanley has my favorite type of humor - snarky and dry! But at times, it was hard to tell if he was kidding especially about his wife.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Nice.
Book title: 4.5 stars
Could there be anything else?
STRONG recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci
Simon & Schuster Audio
7 hours, 48 minutes
Release date of 10/15/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, October 21, 2024
My next audiobook is...
What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Third Gilmore Girl (audiobook)
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This has been the best month for memoir audiobooks!! This is my fifth female memoir in October, another great one!
I knew that Kelly Bishop was much more than "Emily Gilmore"! She is a classically trained dancer, a Broadway performer with a Tony for "A Chorus Line", and an all-around talented actress ("Dirty Dancing", anyone?). So impressive!
Gosh, I would love to sit down with Kelly and listen to her read the newspaper to me with her amazing voice. Or drink coffee and listen to her life advice or stories. She comes across as the most humble, honest, and amazing person in this memoir!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Kelly is a great writer and was so real and honest. She wrote about her turbulent childhood with an abusive father, but a wonderful mother. Kelly also writes about her mistakes, triumphs, and dreams without sugar-coating them!
Narration: 5.0 stars
Kelly has that gorgeous, gravelly voice that I have always wanted. She could read anything for me and I would love it.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is mostly told chronologically which is what I prefer in memoirs.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
I knew Kelly was incredibly talented, but I had no idea about her Emmy winner for "A Chorus Line". I have seen it several times in local theater because I love it! Kelly explains how "A Chorus Line" came about which is a fascinating story!
The best part for me is that Kelly always stayed true to Kelly. She spoke up for what was right and advocated for herself in the male-centric theater eras and in Hollywood.
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
Kelly was funny, open, and just a great storyteller. She is the type of individual you could talk to for hours and not realize how much time had passed.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So pretty.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
Simon & Schuster Audio
6 hours, 49 minutes
Release date of 9/17/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, October 19, 2024
REVIEW - When We Flew Away (ebook)
When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman (ebook)
OVERVIEW
I have no words. This book gutted me. But, I must review it and highly recommend it as it is an amazing historical novel.
I read The Diary of Anne Frank sometime in junior high which is the target audience for this novel. It is a powerful, thought-provoking, and intense read about the time before Anne started her diary in 1942 while in hiding with her family. Reading this historical novel and Anne's diary will help our young people stop events like the Holocaust from happening again.
The premise of this book is purely fiction; although, Alice Hoffman has done extensive research into the Frank family to write this beautiful book.
I hope this amazing novel helps us learn from history, but I am terrified that we haven't learned enough. Anne's motto at the end of the book, "remember me" is so moving and our marching orders for today and the future.
NOTE: This is a historical novel written for middle schoolers. It is not the same as Alice Hoffman's other historical novels. The writing is for a middle-school audience, but is still written amazingly well. Please do not read or denigrate this book because of its target audience.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Alice Hoffman is my absolute favorite author. Her writing style is just so lovely and thought-provoking. The specific details of the horrors by the Germans in the Netherlands, against most specifically the Jews, are appropriate for the targeted age group. This novel was not watered-down for the age group as it was real, raw, and terrifying. I hope Alice's beautiful writing creates intense discussions about what happened in Europe during WWII and how to avoid it from happening again.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main character is Anne Frank, period.
The secondary characters are Anne's family, Otto Frank (father), Edith Frank (mother), Margot Frank (older sister), and Oma (grandmother).
The tertiary characters are the people living in Amsterdam, the Frank family helpers, the German army, and the Dutch police.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline broke my heart. The Franks left Germany around Kristallnacht and emigrated to the Netherlands feeling that they would be safe there. They were wrong. Once they realized what was happening there, it was too late to emigrate to England, Switzerland, or the US. They were horribly struck with no real options or no way out other than to go into hiding when Margot was called up for one of the "labor camps".
The main location was Amsterdam and the environs.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
Since the Netherlands was considered the most welcoming and progressive country in Europe, it was a natural place for the Jews to flee. However, it was heartbreaking to read about how many of the non-Jewish Dutch became indoctrinated in the cult of Hitler and were cruel and hurtful to the Jewish people.
Additionally, approximately 75% of the Dutch Jewish population was murdered by Hilter. This is the largest percentage of any Western country.
Finally, there are many similarities between what is happening in our country now and what happened in Germany, but to a lesser degree. The parallels are terrifying as Trump admires Hitler. We have a recourse that the German people didn't - we can vote.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Appropriate. Look for the symbolism on the cover!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfection.
HIGHEST recommendation
BOOK INFORMATION
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)
When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman
196 pages
Scholastic Press
Release date of 9/17/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, October 17, 2024
My next audiobook is...
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
My next audiobook AND Review - Be Ready When the Luck Happens (audiobook)
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten (audiobook)
First, how did I forget to post that I was reading this audiobook! Maybe, because I enjoyed it so much?!? Who knows?
Ina Garten has a beautiful, spontaneous, and realness about her that comes through on her FoodNetwork show. It was good to be validated in my impressions as this audiobook proved. She is real, raw, and honest about her early family life, marriage, and mistakes made in her education and career.
The titles of her chapters are just hysterically funny! I feel like Ina gives great advice throughout the book without being condescending or preachy. She is a woman who had rough patches in life but came out on top because she did what she loved and followed her dreams.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Ina writes beautifully. That is no surprise as she used to work for Presidents Ford and Carter!
I love how she talks about food, friendship, and life with it all being interconnected. It was lovely.
Narration: 5.0 stars
Great narration. Ina is not a perfect speaker or an on-camera personality which she readily admits in the audiobook. But that nervousness and imperfection make her so approachable and so likable. She is real!
She is funny, a swear word dropper, and a straight-shooter - my kind of gal!
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
She spills her guts, so to speak, about her life and how she rose above a harsh family life in an affluent part of Connecticut. Something that her father said to her resonates with me deeply and sadly.
Ina found her love, Jeffrey, very early in life. But, she also knew what she needed in her marriage which she asked for and received.
I was shocked at what happened when Ina and Jeffrey applied for a mortgage in the early 1970s. The loan officer wouldn't consider her income because "she would get pregnant and stay home". Geez, how sexist and misogynist!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
Ina was so funny. She has a great sense of humor and would be a hoot to have a meal with.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So pretty.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Words to live by.
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Random House Audio
8 hours, 47 minutes
Release date of 10/1/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - A Death in Diamonds (ebook)
A Death in Diamond (Her Majesty The Queen Investigates #4) by S.J. Bennett (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the fourth book in a five-book series. I would describe the series, Her Majesty the Queen Investigates, as a "cozy mystery series. I say "cozy" because the book isn't horribly graphic. I also love the idea of Queen Elizabeth II solving crimes - it just tracks for me.
The premise of this book is a double murder in Chelsea with potential involvement with aristocrats and royals. The time frame is in 1957, a departure from the rest of the series. In this book, the Queen begins her working relationship with Joan McCraw, acting APS (Assistant Personal Secretary).
This book takes place primarily near multiple royal residences in England and Scotland.
I hope the fifth and next book isn't the last (say it isn't so, S.J. Bennett)!!!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing is good. It is not overly descriptive but rather a crisp, no-nonsense style like how the Queen comes across.
I loved that the Queen's clothing and jewels were described in detail. She was still young and coming into her personal power as a monarch and woman.
Character development: 4.0 stars
The character development of the two main characters of Queen Elizabeth II and Joan, her Assistant Personal Secretary (APS) is in its infancy. But, the Queen trusted herself and found someone she could trust in Joan. Both are strong women which I always love reading about.
The secondary characters are the Queen's extended family, local nobility, acquaintances, and her secretaries.
The tertiary characters are the police investigators, victims, and witnesses.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline was a good whodunit. The twists and turns made this mystery so much fun. Of course, I had no clue who the killer or killers were.
The main locations were the many royal residences and surrounding areas in Great Britain.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I am a huge Anglophile as many of my ancestors immigrated from that area.
I was shocked that Joan was perceived by many of the male aristocrats and the Queen's male secretaries as disreputable because she was Irish. This was 1957!
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Nice.
Book title: 4.5 stars
On point.
Suggestion:
An explanation of the titles and how to correctly address the nobility and royalty would be helpful for this clueless American reader!
DEFINITE recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (ebook)
A Death in Diamond (Her Majesty The Queen Investigates #4) by S.J. Bennett
407 pages
Zaffre
Release date of 1/21/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, October 13, 2024
REVIEW - From Here to the Great Unknown (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
One of my most vivid memories is finding out that Elvis Presley had died from a newspaper. I was 16 years old and my family was on vacation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We saw a newspaper that read, "The King Is Dead" and were confused as England had a queen. It was shocking and sad to discover that Elvis was gone.
So I cannot imagine what Lisa Marie Presley must have felt seeing her dad on his bathroom floor dying as CPR was performed. I cannot imagine the horror of watching someone that you love at such a young age being taken away from you. Truly I believe that the generational trauma in the Presley family began with Elvis's death.
NOTE: If you are offended by "f-bombs" or triggered by drug usage and death by suicide, this is not the book for you.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars
Writing: 3.0 stars
Unfortunately, this book is not well written.
It is based on tapes Lisa Marie recorded to begin the foundation of her autobiography. Riley Keough, her daughter, fills in some of the gaps in the audio to make it more understandable and add a back story.
I am surprised that it is an Oprah's Book Club pick.
Narration: 3.5 stars
This book has three narrators. First is Lisa Marie whose poorly recorded excerpts are included and are the most powerful and raw part of this audiobook. Second is Riley who read well but was emotionally flat (as I think she is still processing so much). Finally, Julia Roberts does an outstanding job for most of the audiobook.
Due to the three narrators, an audiobook is the way to go with this memoir, IMHO.
Character Arc: 3.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My real issue is that this book is just too short due to huge time gaps in Lisa Marie's story. Her life was not fully explored which is disappointing.
Memorable: 3.0 stars
Yes, there are some salacious parts, but most don't add depth to the story. It is all personal decisions and I support Lisa Maria in them all.
The biggest takeaway for me is what would Lisa Marie's life have been IF her father hadn't died on that fateful day. Good, better, or worse - we will never know. This book is all about grief and loss along with generational trauma including drug and alcohol abuse.
Entertaining: 3.0 stars
It wasn't entertaining per se. It was just what it was.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
A much better picture could have been picked.
Book title: 3.0 stars
Unsure if it is a good title.
LUKEWARM recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley/Riley Keough
Random House Audio
6 hours, 42 minutes
Release date of 10/8/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Lisa Marie Presley/Riley Keough
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, October 11, 2024
REVIEW - The Author's Guide to Murder (ebook)
The Author's Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the fifth book written by three author friends (Williams, Willig, and White) AKA The Three W's. The only author of the three I have read is Beatriz Williams which is how I found this book. This is my first novel by the three authors in collaboration.
I know this book was satire and tongue-in-cheek, but I liked the book rather than loved it.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing is good. I could not determine who wrote what chapters so it is a well-done collaboration.
I liked that the three main characters had their own chapters and at the beginning of the novel each started with a police interrogation. The interrogations were hysterically funny!
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main characters were Kat, Emma, and Cassie. They are three diverse writers who meet to write a book together at a Scottish castle. The three main characters were as different as their individual genres.
The secondary characters are Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) McIntosh (the police officer investigating a murder), Calum (castle caretaker), Morag (castle housekeeper), and Archie (estate manager).
The tertiary characters are the murdered individual, townspeople, and other characters that move the story along.
Storyline: 3.0 stars
The storyline is told in flashbacks with police interrogations and then the chapter focuses on one of the three main characters. This was the best part of the book.
The book was long and could have been edited more. This novel is slow for the first 75% of the book other than the police interrogations. Then it takes off for the last 25% and is fast-moving and fun. So for me, the chapters with the police interrogations could have been very edited.
The main location was Inner Hebrides, Scotland.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed learning a small amount about the Inner Hebrides and how each island community is connected.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Okay.
Book title: 4.0 stars
Meh.
DEFINITE recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (ebook)
The Author's Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
416 pages
William Morrow
Release date of 11/5/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
My next audiobook is...
From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Connie (audiobook)
Connie by Connie Chung (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
As a "born, raised, and never left" Angeleno, I was fortunate to watch Connie Chung on our local CBS affiliate. I was impressed by this smart, talented, and beautiful Chinese-American woman co-anchoring the news. She was impressive and awe-inspiring to me as very few women were on the news then and almost no Asian-Americans.
Connie did a fantastic job with this audiobook. It was written and narrated beautifully as I would expect from such an accomplished journalist. It did not disappoint.
Since it was a memoir, there were some self-aggrandizing moments, but the majority of the book was humble and self-effacing.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Connie writes beautifully, efficiently, and eloquently. I wished for a little more "heart" in the writing, but she did a great job considering her background. I had to remind myself that Connie is a trained journalist who avoids personal feelings while reporting. There are some "tell-all" moments especially about male anchors and those in power - disgusting.
Narration: 5.0 stars
Perfectly narrated. Connie has a voice that is just so lush and professional. I could listen to her read the Constitution and wouldn't be bored.
She is also funny and a straight-shooter - my kind of gal!
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is told chronologically which I thoroughly enjoyed. She discussed her childhood, career, and finding love. Such a happy ending.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Many of the sexist issues that Connie dealt with in the 70's, I was dealing with in the 90's. Unbelievable.
I loved that so many Asian-American women were named Connie in the 70's-90's after her. It is a great honor and a living testament to her hard work and what she meant to many.
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
It was so funny at times with her wicked sense of humor and double-entendre comebacks. I loved her honest take on people without being snarky and how she owned her mistakes.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Short and sweet.
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Connie by Connie Chung
Grand Central Publishing
11 hours, 35 minutes
Release date of 9/17/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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