Happy reading 📚!
Dorothea 💜
Happy reading 📚!
Dorothea 💜
Happy reading 📚!
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing was very strong and descriptive. The authors wrote so well together and created a beautiful historical novel. They both did a lot of intense research to write this amazing novel and it shows.
My only little nitpick is at times it was a little too descriptive. I'm not sure that I needed to know about their lipstick brand/colors as well as the perfume that they wore.
On the other hand, there were musicians/singers mentioned in Ella's storyline referred to by their first names that I was not familiar with at all, and some backstory would have been helpful.
Character development: 4.0 stars
There are two main characters - Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald. Due to the racism of the time, there is much more known and written about Marilyn than there was written about Ella which is such a shame. I would have loved to have learned a little more about Ella and her music especially as she was a self-taught artist which is extremely impressive.
The secondary characters are the supporting characters in either or both of their lives from their agents, managers, record labels, and Hollywood studios to their friends, families, and lovers/husbands. Again, as it was a historical novel there are a lot of secondary characters needed to support the story.
The tertiary character is their friendship. Throughout their friendship, they were there for each other for the highs, lows, and in-betweens.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
This historical novel is all about Marilyn's and Ella's friendship including their careers and loves. It takes place between 1952-1962 when they meet until Marilyn's passing.
The main locations were New York City, Los Angeles, and various international locations.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
One of the biggest takeaways was that Ella endured intense prejudice not just in the U.S. due to Jim Crow laws, but in England as well as the territory of Hawaii. Honestly, I can only assume that this ugliness happened regularly to her even though she was a world-renowned singer. If she was treated this way, what was the ordinary person subjected to during this time?
Also, I learned that Marilyn was a supporter of the early Civil Rights Movement and supportive of her friend, Ella, even helping to publicize her performances with reporters.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Just lovely! Both Ella and Marilyn are smiling at each other!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
EBOOK DETAILS
NetGalley ARC (ebook)
Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight
384 pages
William Morrow Paperbacks
Release date of 03/05/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading 📚!
Dorothea 💜
Happy reading 📚!
Dorothea 💜
Endangered Eating by Sarah Lohman (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing was good, but not of the level of beautiful writing of novels. It did feel more like the writing of an academic which is not a bad thing. It just wasn't as pretty as what I am used to - I am spoiled.
Narration: 4.5 stars
Sarah is a very good narrator. She is passionate, real, and funny in her narration. I would have loved to accompany her on some of these amazing food trips as I love to eat good food.
Character Arc: N/A
There really wasn't a real character arc. It was specific chapters about specific foods in a specific region or area.
Memorable: 4.0 stars
I loved how the loss of these specific foods made it difficult for the most vulnerable among us - BIPOC folks, especially Native and Black people. Many of these lost foods were important to their heritage, lifestyle, and religious beliefs.
Entertaining: 3.5 stars
I would say that this book was more educational than entertaining. It was a deep dive into these heirloom foods, their region, and what was being done to save them. At times, I did need to listen to a section again to fully grasp what was being explained.
Book cover: 3.5 stars
It isn't pretty enough to attract the attention of random readers in bookstores!
Book title: 4.0 stars
On point.
DEFINITE recommend
STATISTICS
11 hours, 6 minutes
Release date of 10/24/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading 📚,
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing was strong and descriptive, but efficient. It was surprisingly easy to read even with some of the difficult subject matter. The writing did not hold back when dealing with some of the most difficult storylines, but it was not gratuitous.
Character development: 4.5 stars
There is one main female character - Cecily. The novel takes her from a four-year-old girl being dropped off at an orphanage by her mother in 1924 to an elderly woman in 2015. She had one heck of a life that was a fun ride from beginning to end of the book!
The secondary characters are Liz, 2015 (daughter) and Molly, 2015 (granddaughter) plus other people who are impacted by the same DNA. DNA testing uncovers secrets that disrupt their lives in both positive and negative ways.
The tertiary character is the normal folks one would encounter in each period and place including partners, family members, and friends. There are a lot of characters again as this is a normal historical fiction novel.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
This novel is about Cecily in multiple periods. Honestly, she is a fascinating character who lived through so many tragedies, but her life was filled with love! Love is what makes Cecily who she is!
The main locations were Minnesota, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
The biggest takeaway is that women have been abused and continue to be abused by the patriarchy. The big issue is that women support the men in their abuse to get a "step up". Men manipulate the women to manipulate other women. What a horrific mess. We need to stop this cycle for our daughters and granddaughters.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Just lovely!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Outstanding!
HIGHLY recommend
EBOOK DETAILS
NetGalley and Book Club Girl ARC (ebook)
The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker
384 pages
Mariner Books
Release date of 02/20/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading 📚!
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing was powerful with lovely prose. It was a very interesting and easy read! I most especially loved the descriptions of nature including the birds, insects, and plants. It was as if I could hear and feel what the characters were experiencing. However, at times, I felt that the language was repetitive and could have been a bit more diverse. Since this is Emilia's first book, she is going to be a powerhouse in the future and I cannot wait to read more of her books!
Character development: 4.0 stars
There are three main female characters - Altha, 1619; Violet, 1942; and Kate, 2019. These women are descended from a long line of women who are healers as well as have the "gift" of witchcraft.
The secondary characters are the normal folks that one would encounter in each period including partners, family members, and friends. There are a lot of characters, specifically secondary ones in this novel, as this is a normal historical fiction novel.
The tertiary character is the "gift" of witchcraft that each of the main characters possesses and learns to manipulate and control
.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
Since this novel is divided into three distinct periods, at times it felt like the storyline for Altha was weaker than the other two storylines. It would have been nice to know how Altha's life progresses as she is the first Weyward woman in the novel. For me, the post-medieval period is the most interesting, but is, unfortunately, the most difficult to explore and research.
The main locations were England specifically Cumbria and London.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
The biggest takeaway is that women have been abused and continue to be abused by the patriarchy. The "good" men in this novel and in real life need to become more vocal and step up to help end this abuse.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Very pretty!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
EBOOK DETAILS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)
Weyward by Emilia Hart (ebook)
336 pages
St. Martin's Press
Release date of 02/02/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
Happy reading! 📚
Dorothea 💜
OVERVIEW
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing was good, but at times it felt off because of the Danish and English languages interplay. It didn't flow well as the combination of English and Danish combined with the descriptions of designer clothing, wine, and restaurants bogged it down a bit. Yes, the main character, Gabriel Præst, is totally into the better things in life, but it could be scaled back and still define his character beautifully. Also, the alphabet soup of Danish police organizations got confusing just like the American ones do.
The pacing was insane. I was so anxious to find out what happened at the end of the book. I actually almost finished the book before midnight last night, but I knew that I would not sleep after finishing it so I completed it this morning. That is the sign of a good book!
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main character is Gabriel Præst who is one of my favorite characters ever. I love his loyalty, non-judgment, and concern for the people in his life. I would be thrilled to have him as a neighbor and friend! Gabriel is a former Copenhagen police detective who is well-connected with powerful, diverse, and trustworthy friends.
The secondary characters are Gabriel's good friends who range from a rich banker's daughter to the Copenhagen Police Chief to a motorcycle gang member. A very eclectic group of friends and characters support this story.
The tertiary characters are the "bad guys", various American and Danish police organization folks, and journalists/bankers trying to get to the nefarious reason for the death of the Copenhagen Bank employee.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
This was an intense and wild ride of a storyline. The main plot is about the investigation of the employee's death, but it goes in a lot of varied directions bringing in more and more "bad guys". But, it does have a balance with "good guys" appearing from a lot of unexpected places.
It was interesting to learn more about Danish culture and the country as a whole. There is a big sub-plot about the Danish banking industry acquiring Belarusian and other Baltic banks which sounds like a recipe for disaster, if true.
The main locations were Denmark specifically Copenhagen and New York City.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
The biggest takeaway is that women are sexually abused in every country even in the most progressive of egalitarian countries. Shameful and sad.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Nice.
Book title: 5.0 stars
A really GREAT title.
DEFINITE recommend
EBOOK DETAILS
From the author's newsletter ARC (ebook)
Backlash Blues (Gabriel Præst series #2) by Amulya Malladi
377 pages
Nordic Noir Publishing or self-published (unable to verify)
Release date of 02/26/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading! 📚
Dorothea 💜
