These Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming Ma (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, June 30, 2025
REVIEW - The Year of Magical Thinking (audiobook)
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is my first and last book by Joan Didion. Honestly, I do understand why she is so revered, as I found her writing to be boring, self-important, and self-aggrandizing.
Apparently, she was part of the New Journalism literary trend in the 1960s and 1970s. I didn't like any of the other authors that I am aware of in this trend. Interesting.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars
Writing: 2.5 stars
Joan's writing is just not for me. It is the lack of description, repetition, and sparseness. She writes like a journalist, and I don't read books for that - I read the newspaper.
Additionally, the place-dropping, name-dropping, and event-dropping were tedious and overdone. For me, I didn't have a clue who these people were, so it was unnecessary.
Narration: 3.0 stars
The narration was not done by Joan, which is what I prefer.
I felt that the narration was emotionless and flat, considering the subject matter of death and grief.
Character development: 3.0 stars
The main characters are Joan (the author), John (her husband), and Quintana (her daughter).
The secondary characters are Gerry (Quintana's husband), friends and family of the Didion/Dunn family, and the medical professionals.
The tertiary character is death and grief.
There is a huge cast of "famous" friends, but I really didn't know who they all were and really didn't care.
The character development was poor. The three main characters seemed shallow, boring, and self-important.
Memorable: 3.0 stars
What I remember from this book is that money doesn't buy happiness. Also, death and grief affect everyone in different ways. Joan wrote this book as a way to process her personal grief, but her writing about it didn't work for me.
Entertaining/Educational: 2.5 stars
There really wasn't anything entertaining or educational.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
Spare and boring like the book.
Book title: 4.0 stars
The best part of the book.
Lukewarm recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
5 hours, 5 minutes
HughBridge
Release date: 9/30/2005
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Death, grief, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, June 29, 2025
REVIEW - The Matchmaker's Gift (ebook)
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is my second book by Lynda, and somehow, with the pandemic ending, I missed reading it!
This is the most beautiful and lovely book. It was what my heart needed, with the current chaos in the country. I loved it!
As someone who is married to an ABC (American Born Chinese), it was surprising to discover so many similarities with match-making in the two cultures. The ABC in the United States does not have an equivalent to a shadchan (male matchmaker) or a shadchanteh (female matchmaker). Interestingly, my Chinese-born in-laws had an arranged marriage, as did some of my husband's Chinese-born cousins.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Lynda writes so well that it is almost as if you are IN the story! She adds gorgeous descriptive details, sprinkles Yiddish throughout, and shares Jewish traditions, which I love!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The two main characters are Sara (a first-generation immigrant from Kalarash and a matchmaker) and Abby (Sara's granddaughter and a divorce attorney). They are at the polar opposites of marriage!
The secondary characters are all of the matches that Sara has made over her eighty years of matchmaking.
The tertiary characters are Sara and Abby's family and friends, the Lower East Side Jewish community, and Abby's boss and clients.
The character development was excellent, especially as Sara had to fight to be a female matchmaker and Abby learned to be herself in her career. It was done so very well!
Storyline: 5.0 stars
There are two storylines, but they do intersect. The first storyline is Sara's, 1910-1994, and the second is Abby's, 1994-1995, with flashbacks in both.
The main location was New York City.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This was a beautiful education about the intricacies of Jewish culture. It was a fantastic learning experience!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
So pretty!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Highly recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
320 pages
St. Martin's Press
Release date: 9/20/2022
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, death of a parent, grief, infidelity, misogyny, anti-semitism, domestic violence, pregnancy.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, June 27, 2025
My next ebook is ...
The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman (ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Midnight Library (ebook)
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This book was originally published in 2020, and was on many "recommended book lists", and won multiple awards. So I had very high expectations.
Well, I liked the book, but didn't love it. I truly thought it was about a library, and "real books" would help the main character find her way again. Boy, was I disappointed!
There was a lot about physics and parallel universes, which would be a great way to really lean into the speculative fiction aspects. It could have been even wilder and included magical realism more heavily. Yes, there was some of both, not enough for my taste. For some reason, while reading this book, I kept thinking of A Wrinkle in Time and how it took speculative fiction to the nth degree.
The last twenty pages or so were the best of the book, and I would have liked that powerful writing throughout the book.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars.
Writing: 3.0 stars
Matt has written approximately twenty-five books, including fiction, non-fiction, and children's genres.
His writing just didn't do it for me. It wasn't beautiful, descriptive, or elegant.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are Nora (a young woman) and Mrs. Elm (Nora's former school librarian).
The secondary characters are Joe (Nora's brother), Dan (Nora's friend), and Ash (Nora's friend).
The tertiary characters are all the various people, including friends and family, whom Nora interacts with throughout the book. I cannot say much more, or I will ruin the book for anyone who reads this review.
The character development was okay. It felt as if Nora was led by Mrs. Elm to make the changes, which resulted in her introspection and her growth. I really wanted so much more.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
The storyline about Nora, who has lost her way in her life, finds a library that helps her find her way. I wish that speculative and fiction had been turned up. The storyline was the best part of the book - it was scientific and different. Being purposefully vague here again.
The locations were Bedfordshire, Cambridge, and London, England.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
There were some powerful quotes, but I have already forgotten them, so that says a lot.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
Meh!
Book title: 3.0 stars
Somewhat misleading.
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
288 pages
Viking
Release date: 8/13/2020
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol; alcoholism; suicide; death of a parent; grief, strong cursing; cancer; gun violence; medical content
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
My next audiobook is ...
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
DNF - Better Small Talk (audiobook)
Better Small Talk by Patrick King (audiobook)
Somehow, this was NOT the book that I checked out! How did I do this? There ARE multiple audiobooks with similar names! I have returned the wrong book and will look for another audiobook to listen to tonight!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, June 26, 2025
REVIEW - We Might Just Make It After All (audiobook)
We Might Just Make It After All by Elyce Arons (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is a memoir of the personal and professional relationship between Elyce and Kate. They met as undergrads at the University of Kansas in 1981, and their friendship took off from there!
Most of the memoir covers their friendship before Kate Spade New York was sold to Liz Claiborne in 2006. This is a love letter from Elyce to Kate about their friendship. They had a very normal best-friendship, which included the normal difficulties of any relationship.
If you are looking for a tell-all with details about Kate Spade's death by suicide, this is not the book for you.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing was strong with real and raw anecdotes that are true of any long-term friendship. Elyce was the only person who could have written this book about her best friend.
Narration: 5.0 stars
Elyce does a great job with the narration. I love it when the author narrates the audiobook. Especially as it is her and Kate's lives before, during, and after the loss of her best friend. Elyce was never the "face" of any of the companies with Kate, but she rocks it!
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main characters are Elyce (the author and BFF) and Kate (the eponymous designer and BFF).
The secondary characters are the other partners (both professional and personal), parents, friends, and family.
The tertiary character is Kate Spade New York - the company.
There is a huge cast of characters (especially New York fashion folks), which makes it hard to follow who is who, as I am from Los Angeles.
The character development was good, but most especially for the two main characters. We are let into their entire friendship and backstories.
Memorable: 4.0 stars
Kate and Elyce, along with their partners, create an international and multi-million-dollar empire out of basically nothing. Of course, they make mistakes along the way, but what entrepreneurial spirit during the wild 1990s!!
Entertaining/Educational: 4.0 stars
I had always thought that I had bought Kate Spade during the heyday, but I was wrong! I didn't realize that Kate, Elyce, and their partners sold their final stake in Kate Spade New York in 2006.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
There had to be a better picture!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfection on ALL levels! (Read the book to find out WHY!)
Strong recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
9 hours, 25 minutes
Simon & Schuster Audio
Release date: 6/17/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Moderate cursing, sexism, misogyny, suicide, pregnancy
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
REVIEW - A Resistance of Witches (eARC/ebook)
A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.
Oh, my goodness! This is Morgan's debut novel, and I can guarantee that this will not be her last novel.
This is a book about World War II (I know, dear readers) and British witches who are fighting against Hitler and the Nazis. How could I ever resist such an incredible premise?
The topic of witches has always fascinated me from the Harry Potter series to the Practical Magic series to the A Discovery of Witches series, plus throw in Stevie Nicks's music, and you get my vibe!
This novel was freaking amazing!! I inhaled it and I loved it!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
I honestly cannot believe that Morgan is a first-time writer! She writes so descriptively, elegantly, and beautifully as if she has lived in this book's world. So incredibly talented!
I loved the main character of Lydia, her friends, and her coven. Please make this a series, Morgan!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are: Lydia (a British witch), Rebecca (a French resistance fighter), and Henry (an American art historian). What a triumvirate of incredible and diverse characters!
The secondary characters are: Evelyn (Lydia's mother), the British coven, and French resistance fighters.
The tertiary characters the bad guys: bad witches, Nazis/Gestapo, Hitler, and everyone working against the Allied forces.
The character development was strong, which I so enjoy! Most especially due to the addition of witchcraft (read the book to find out more)!
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is about a British witch coven fighting against the Nazis while searching for the Grimorium Bellum (an evil grimoire or book of magic) before the Nazis discover it. The timeline covers from November 1940 to Victory in Europe Day (May 8, 1945).
World War II was not the main focus of the book (I was so glad), but rather the politics of the witch coven and its impact on the war.
The locations were primarily London, England; Dordogne, France; and Bavaria, Germany.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This novel was a creative way to think about "what if" about World War II.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Beautiful!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
Highly recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan
415 pages
Viking
FUTURE release date: 7/15/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Anti-semitism; violence; death of a parent; murder; grief, mild cursing; war; gun/knife violence; medical content; witchcraft.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
My next audiobook is...
We Might Just Make It After All by Elyce Arons (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, June 22, 2025
REVIEW - The Names (ebook)
The Names by Florence Knapp (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is Florence Knapp's debut novel. OMG! This novel delivers on its premise in a big, beautiful way. This novel features three timelines, all of which follow the same main characters. But one character has a different name in each timeline.
This novel reaches out and grabs you by the throat at the cellular level. How does our name impact who we are and who we become? Would our lives have been different if our names had been different? This novel lays it all out for one character and how it impacts others!
As someone with an unusual first name, Dorothea, it makes me wonder what people think of me just knowing my name. Really heady and deep things to ponder!
I. LOVED. THIS. NOVEL!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
This author has artistic and beautiful writing. It was descriptive, powerful, and so realistic.
I truly hope this author writes more books, as she is unbelievably talented!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Cora (wife to Gordon Sr and mother to Bear/Julian/Gordon Jr); Gordon Sr (Cora's husband and father to Bear/Julian/Gordon Jr); Maia (the older sister); and Bear/Julian/Gordon Jr (the younger brother).
The secondary characters are SÃbhe (Cora's mother and the kids' grandmother); Cian (SÃbhe's friend); Mehri (Cora's friend); and Fern (Mehri's daughter).
The tertiary characters are all the various people, including friends, lovers, and others, with whom the main characters are involved in that specific storyline (there is some overlap at times).
The character development was strong. Each timeline reflected the differences in the characters and lives that Bear/Julian/Gordon Jr would have had with a different name and circumstances. Beyond well done and fascinating!
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is focused on Bear/Julian/Gordon Jr in three distinct timelines in 1987, 1994, 2001, 2008, 2015, and 2022.
The main and secondary characters are represented in each of the three timelines. But the tertiary characters may or may not be in the different timelines. Each timeline tells a different story about how Bear/Julian/Gordon Jr's life unfolds in each timeline. It may seem confusing, but it is creative and unique!
The locations were primarily cities in England and Ireland, and Paris.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
What's in a name? This novel answers that for Bear/Julian/Gordon Jr.
It doesn't, however, answer how YOUR name impacted your life and what would have happened had you been named differently. Strong food for thought!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
Highly recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Names by Florence Knapp
336 pages
Pamela Dorman Books
Release date: 5/6/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Domestic violence; death of a parent; violence; murder; grief, mild cursing; pandemic; gun violence; medical content
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Friday, June 20, 2025
My next book and REVIEW - 25 Alive (ebook)
25 Alive (Women's Murder Club series) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (ebook)
OVERVIEW
I totally forgot to post. I started and finished this book today, with about ten pages last night. That may sound like a lot of reading, but the book had a LOT of white space!
This is the 25th+ book in the very, very, very long (too long) Women's Murder Club series. Of course, it ended on a cliffhanger AGAIN!
Normally, I would say read the previous novels in the Women's Murder Club series to get the full backstory and understand the characters. Don't do it - this series is not worth that much time!
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars.
Writing: 3.0 stars
The writing is like assembly-line writing to me. I wonder how much involvement James Patterson has with this series anymore, since he has had an "assistant" writer since the first book in this series.
Character development: 3.0 stars
The main characters are Lindsay (SFPD detective), Yuki (assistant district attorney), Claire (chief medical examiner), and Cindy (newspaper reporter). These four women have been personal and professional friends for a very long time.
The secondary characters are the personal partners, work partners, and assorted friends and family.
The tertiary character is Martha, Lindsay's dog.
There has not been any real or interesting character development with any of the main or secondary characters for a long time. The only real changes are the different "guest" characters, and this time, there were two separate groups.
Storyline: 3.0 stars
There were some horrible and shocking murders, but nothing really happened to the main characters. Plus, a cliffhanger - shocker! There was no setup to end the series, so there are obviously more bland novels to come.
The main locations were primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Memorable/Informative: 2.5 stars
This series is getting tired. Please, James Patterson, bring it to a conclusion so I know how all of the characters end up. I have invested too much time.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
I have no idea what the book cover has to do with the story.
Book title: 3.0 stars
The rhyme of the two words, twenty-five and alive, is possibly where the book title comes from. There is no connection to the story at all.
Lukewarm Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
25 Alive (Women's Murder Club series) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
330 pages
Little, Brown and Company
Release date: 4/28/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Death, grief, child death, death of a parent, violence, gun violence, murder, cursing, bombing, medical content, blood, gore
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, June 19, 2025
REVIEW - The Poppy Fields (ebook)
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is Nikki Erlick's second novel. Her first novel, The Measure, was a huge success.
However, this book is not The Measure and covers a completely different topic - grief. It is speculative fiction, which may or may not appeal to the readers of her first novel.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it!
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars.
Writing: 3.5 stars
The writing was the weakest part of this book for me. This is not "The Great American novel", but it was a nice escape from the heavy books that I have recently been reading.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are Ava (an artist traveling to connect with her estranged sister), Ray (a firefighter trying to find answers to a recent death), and Sasha (an occupational therapist recovering from her fiancée's death).
The secondary characters are Emmy (Ava's sister) and Sky (a young traveling free-spirit).
The tertiary characters are the mysterious "Poppy Fields", the clients, and the employees/scientists.
There were the appropriate number of characters, but they weren't developed as I prefer. The character development could have been stronger.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline is about the "Poppy Fields," where people with grief trauma can gain relief from the pain with a drug.
Ava, Ray, and Sasha meet after a tornado at the Kansas City airport. They rent a car to travel to the "Poppy Fields," which is their final destination. Along the way, they meet Sky, who joins them on the journey. They eventually arrive at the "Poppy Fields," and all is revealed (no more details as this is a non-spoiler blog).
The locations were primarily Kansas City, Missouri, and the route to the Southern California desert.
Memorable/Informative: 3.0 stars
The question is whether it is better to heal from grief naturally or try to take a shortcut. It really doesn't get fully answered for me.
Book cover: 3.0 stars
Pretty, but it wasn't what the storyline was about.
Book title: 3.0 stars
It isn't about the "Poppy Fields," but rather about the main character's journey to them.
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick
316 pages
William Morrow
Release date: 6/17/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Death, grief, child death, death of a parent, cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Eternal Flame (audiobook)
Eternal Flame by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is an authorized biography of THE BANGLES by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike. Unfortunately, Micki (bassist) did not participate in the development with the author (which I didn't realize until I read a few reviews, bummer).
This memoir was a muddled, repetitive, and monotonous mess. As an audiobook, it didn't work at all, and it may be better as a physical or digital book. But, I wouldn't count on it.
Full disclosure, I saw THE BANGLES at the now-defunct Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre as the opener for THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS in 1984. This was after their first corporate record came out. Remember, Nancy?
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.0 stars
The writing was stilted, repetitive, and uninteresting. Even the few juicy tidbits didn't make up for the bad writing!
This was not the right person to write this book. So many qualified writers could have done a better job.
Narration: 3.0 stars
The narration was by the author and was horrible. She tried to add sighs, groans, and the appropriate responses, which sounded silly. It was not her story to narrate.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are the band members, both current and former.
The secondary characters are the parents, record label, producers, and managers.
The tertiary characters are the fans - the good, bad, and the ugly.
There is a huge cast of characters, and so many names that it was hard to remember who was who.
Memorable: 4.0 stars
What was most interesting to me was that "The Girls" (as the band refers to themselves per the memoir) played their own instruments well, wrote many of their songs, harmonized well, and were from Los Angeles.
The ganging up on one another, whining, and not speaking up to resolve issues was sad. They broke up before their legacy could be fully established.
Entertaining/Educational: 4.0 stars
This book made me reminisce about the 1980s, as I was close in age to them. Many of the locations, clubs, and local places mentioned are very familiar to me as a native Angeleno. Also, I had similar hair, totally!
But if you are looking for gossip, this isn't the book for you. Other than the "Prince connection" and the band's infighting, THE BANGLES were solid.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Okay.
Book title: 4.0 stars
Weird, as The Girls didn't like this song!
Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
11 hours, 58 minutes
Da Capo Press
Release date: 2/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Cursing, family dysfunction, sexism, misogyny, bullying
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
REVIEW - Smoke on the Wind (eARC/ebook)
Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is my first book by Kelli Estes, and it won't be my last! It combines my 21% Scottish heritage with the mysticism of the Scottish Highlands. The two created a lovely story!
As a lover of historical fiction, I was thrilled that it had nothing to do with World War II (yeah, me)! I'm looking forward to reading Kell's previous books and anything else that she writes!!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Kelli's writing is so descriptive, intense, and poetry-like. She writes for two time periods and nails them both!
The use of the Gaelic language is so gorgeous, and she liberally sprinkles it throughout the novel like little pieces of fairy dust!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The four main characters are two pairs of mother and son: Sorcha and Aonghas in 1801, and Keaka and Colin in the present day. Both sets experience similar situations and yet different situations. Two hundred years do not change a mother's love or sacrifice for her son.
The secondary characters are bad guys in 1801 and fellow hikers on the West Highland Way in the present day. Also, both mothers are widows, and their deceased husbands play fairly big roles in their lives.
The tertiary characters are the West Highland Way and Highlands mysticism (I cannot say too much, or it will ruin the plot).
This book developed the characters well. The four main characters develop individually and as family groups.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is told in two timelines. Sorcha and Aonghas are fleeing an erroneous murder charge in 1801, Highlands, Scotland, while Keaka and Colin are hiking the West Highland Way as a last adventure before Colin matriculates at Glasgow University. Their lives mysteriously intertwine together into a beautiful and satisfying ending.
The location was primarily the West Highland Way, the Scottish Highlands, and Glasgow.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I learned something new again by reading historical fiction. I knew absolutely nothing about the Highlands Clearances from 1750 to 1860. Now, I need to review my Scottish ancestry to see if this is the time when they emigrated to the United States.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Pretty.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes
390 pages
Lake Union Publishing
Future release date: 7/24/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Fire, murder, war, physical assault, confinement, hunger, death of a parent, medical content, blood, gore, mild cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, June 13, 2025
REVIEW - The Eights (ebook)
The Eights by Joanna Miller (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is Joanna Miller's debut book, a historical fiction novel. What an intense, but wonderful story. She has a great career ahead!
It took me a while to get into as I didn't know many of the British terms, specifically the unique Oxford language. Of course, AFTER I finished the book, I found the glossary! UGH!
I hadn't considered the proximity of World War I to the time covered in this historical novel. The flashbacks by each of the four main characters involved the war in some way and were difficult to read, which is why we need to read books like this!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was a dichotomy. At times, the prose was like reading beautiful poetry. Also, it was very raw, real, and horrific. Joanna combined the two so well without stabbing our hearts with more than we could take.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Otto, Marianne, Dora, and Beatrice, who share Corridor Eight at Oxford in 1920. They are among the first women to matriculate for degrees and full membership.
The secondary characters include the friends, family, and classmates of the four main characters' Freshman year (1920-1921) and in flashbacks. Unfortunately, I cannot elaborate too much about the Freshman year and the flashbacks, as it could spoil the plot of the book.
The tertiary characters are World War I and Oxford.
This was one of the best books I have read with such exceptional character development. I can visualize and picture the main characters in my mind and heart, even if they are fictional.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline details how the four main characters, who are incredibly different, become fast friends. They go through being newbies, testing, and hazing by male students. Yet they each have a buried secret that eventually is shared during the school year.
The location was primarily Oxfordshire, England.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I did not realize that Oxford admitted women to matriculate earlier than either Harvard (1953), Yale (1969), or Caltech (1970), but later than Stanford (1891). This is so fascinating to me. My big question is why?
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
A great double entendre.
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Eights by Joanna Miller
382 pages
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Release date: 4/15/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
War, sexual content, sexual assault, pregnancy, death of a parent, medical content, blood, gore, mild cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
My next audiobook is ...
Eternal Flame by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Boat Baby (audiobook)
Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is Vicky's memoir. I absolutely loved this audiobook!
I must confess that I didn't know who Vicky was or anything about her memoir until I saw a reel on Instagram. Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I have not watched any network television news, so I am out of the loop.
Interestingly, my niece, Julia, is reading this book also. I hope her career trajectory is similar to Vicky's, as she is also a television reporter.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Vicky writes strongly, beautifully, and so well.
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was powerful and well-done. Vicky is an on-air journalist, so I am not surprised, but rather incredibly impressed.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Vicky and her parents, who were Vietnamese refugees who immigrated to the United States in 1979.
The secondary characters are Brian (Vicky's husband) and his parents, as well as her three children.
There is a huge cast of characters, from the assorted family in Vietnam and the United States, friends from various aspects of Vicky's life, co-workers, and her mentors.
There are so many characters whose names I have already forgotten, but it wasn't important for me. It was about understanding how Vicky and her family developed into better people due to the kindness of strangers.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
What was most interesting to me was the similarities between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures. So many stories resonated with me as my husband is an ABC (American Born Chinese), and it was as if Vicky was talking about his extended family.
Side note: Vicky mentions that the "West Coast is the best coast"! I agree with her wholeheartedly!
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
Vicky made me laugh out loud a few times and helped me understand how difficult and brave it was to escape Vietnam.
Basically, it is exactly like the immigrants who are currently being harassed and kidnapped in Los Angeles by ICE. The vast majority commit no crimes and just want to live in peace and support their family.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Adorable.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen
7 hours, 50 minutes
Simon & Schuster Audio
Release date: 4/1/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: War, racism, xenophobia, death of a child, murder, violence, family dysfunction, pandemic
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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