Never: The Autobiography by Rick Astley (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, January 27, 2025
REVIEW - Let's Call Her Barbie (audiobook)
Let's Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This was one of those books you assume will be one thing, and then it is very different and better! Initially, I thought this book would be about Barbie and the development of the entire line, various types, and clothing. But, it was so much more. The people behind the invention and development were much more interesting than Barbie. That is a lot as I am a Southern California girl who grew up with Barbie and a Mattel factory near my childhood home.
One of my early memories involves playing with my cousin, Deana's, Barbies while listening to The Mamas and Papas on American Bandstand and her shushing me. I was five or younger.
TRIGGER ALERT: Foul language, alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual content, eating disorders
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Renée writes beautifully. It is as if you can feel the minds and hearts of the characters. So well done!
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was wonderfully done. The narrator had a perfect voice for this audiobook.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is a chronological story of Barbie from her development in 1956 to 1976. This twenty years is the heyday of Barbie with some flashbacks to explain some of the characters' backstories. The characters most involved with Barbie included Ruth and Elliot Handler, Jack Ryan, and Charlotte Johnson.
The stories of the four main characters and many secondary and tertiary characters are more fascinating than the development and creation of Barbie. I was shocked, but so intrigued!
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Ruth Handler was an incredible force of nature. I would have loved to meet her as she invented Barbie and then developed her from a prototype to a toy dynasty. Ruth was badass!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
This book was full of wild and crazy stories! There was never a moment to be bored.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Awesome title!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Let's Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen
Penguin Audio
12 hours, 51 minutes
Release date of 1/21/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, January 25, 2025
My next eARC/eBOOK is...
The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall (eARC/eBOOK)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Memory of Cotton (eBOOK)
The Memory of Cotton by Ann K. Howley (eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
Okay, for full transparency, I have known the author, Ann, for a long time. Our sisters have been friends since junior high. Ann and I graduated from CSULA and took some college classes together.
But, when Ann asked me to read her book and give an honest review, I knew I could be fair and truthful. She gave me a free Kindle copy to read and review.
I always knew Ann could write well, but I didn't realize how well. This gem of a young adult fiction book is exactly what middle and junior high school students should be required to read in English classes. This is also a good book for deep discussion and openness for parents to easily cover difficult topics with their kids.
TRIGGER WARNING: Reference to murders, some Ku Klux Klan interaction, LGBT+ prejudice, loss of a child, bullying, physical violence
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Ann writes vividly and beautifully. Descriptive, yet not overly so.
This is a perfect mix of writing for young adults with some SAT words to prepare them for college. But, it is also a good read for adults.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The three main characters are Shelby (a 15-year-old girl), Darrin (Shelby's best friend), and Margaret/Grandma (Shelby's grandmother). Shelby and Darrin are on an adventure with Grandma from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
The secondary characters are Miss Rose (Grandma's childhood best friend), Mr. Robert (Miss Rose's brother), and Charlie (Shelby's brother). These characters add so much character and depth to this lovely story.
The tertiary characters are Shelby's and Darrin's parents and the people of Finley, NC.
This novel had many varied characters to round out the storyline and dive deeply into the main characters' personas including the difficult subject matter.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This novel is told chronologically, but there are some slight flashbacks to explain what is happening currently. Some of this is done via journal entries.
But the story is about Shelby finding a Ku Klux Klan robe while helping her Grandma pack to move. This discovery sets off a chain of events impacting Grandma's hometown and three families.
The main locations were Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Finley, North Carolina.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I did not know about the three cycles of the Ku Klux Klan. But, I despise everything they stand for, period. However, learning about them prepares me for how to deal with them.
Unfortunately, this novel is incredibly relevant due to the changes occurring in our federal government with the current presidential administration.
I did not think I would enjoy a novel that included the Ku Klux Klan, but I did.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Pretty!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Kindle eBOOK gifted by the author
The Memory of Cotton by Ann K. Howley
184 pages
Independent
Release date of 5/1/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
StoryGraph
A friend of mine, Alexandra (THANK YOU!), recently reminded me to check out StoryGraph. Incidentally, we met at a Taylor Swift concert - serendipity. We love books and Taylor!
I just set up my StoryGraph account - booksbydorothea - and I absolutely adore it already!! It is so personalizable and easy to use. You can even import your Goodreads information. I tweaked my reads as it all didn't transfer perfectly, but that usually happens with any file transfer!
So I will use Goodreads and StoryGraph concurrently this year and see who performs the best. I have a feeling already! But, I will give it the full year.
As an aside, I am trying to avoid making more money for billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. I also love that StoryGraph is not connected with either and was created by a Black woman! I am also looking for an app that is like Instagram, but not attached to Meta. Supposedly, Bluesky is doing that now. Fingers crossed!
As a reminder, contact information is:
Email: booksbydorotheablog@gmail.comGoodreads: BOOKSBYDOROTHEABlog: booksbydorothea.blogspot.com
StoryGraph: booksbydorothea
Instagram: booksbydorothea
If you follow me on any of these platforms, please let me know so I can follow you back!!
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, January 23, 2025
REVIEW - Come Fly with Me (eARC/eBOOK)
Come Fly With Me by Camille Di Maio (eARC/eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
I have read all of Camille Di Maio's books and this is the best so far! The period, the setting, the characters, and the premise were so fascinating. Plus, all the twists and turns were incredible.
I knew little to nothing about this time in aviation at all. I also didn't know that Pan Am did not fly domestically!! Flying during the Golden Age of transcontinental flight sounds so different from our flying experiences today. My only regret after reading this book is that I never had the opportunity to fly on Pan Am!
TRIGGER WARNING: Reference to spousal physical and mental abuse
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Camille writes so beautifully and realistically for the period in the book. I could visualize every scene and character in my mind as I was reading. It was as if it were playing out before me. Well, done!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The two main characters are Beverly and Judy, flight attendant students in Miami, Florida. Beverly is escaping a restrictive Park Avenue life and Judy is fleeing her abusive husband.
The secondary characters are Henry (Judy's husband), Joe (Judy/Beverly's instructor), and Mark (Beverly's friend). These characters are what create the tension and interest in this story.
The tertiary characters are Beverly and Judy's family and friends, the beautiful foreign cities they discover, and Pan Am.
This novel had many varied characters to round out the storyline and dive deeply into the main characters' personas.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This novel is told chronologically, but there are out-of-order series of vignettes. They are integral to the final story and are beautifully written.
I enjoyed that this novel shows a deep and real female friendship that becomes like a chosen family. My best friend and I have known each other for over 50 years and we are like Beverly and Judy in many ways. You'll have to figure out who is whom!
The main locations were Miami, Florida; San Francisco, California; and Honolulu, Hawaii. Also, many other foreign cities make cameo appearances.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I have never enjoyed flying, just like Camille. But, I have always admired flight attendants, referred to as stewardesses during the time of the book. They are there to keep us safe and I am grateful for their training and calm under pressure. Getting a little peek at their intense training makes me feel a little better for my next flight!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC (eARC/eBOOK)
Come Fly With Me by Camille Di Maio
327 pages
Lake Union Publishing
FUTURE release date of 2/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
REVIEW - Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old (audiobook)
Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
I'm unsure how I feel versus how I should think about this audiobook. In some ways, this pseudo-memoir was a positive treatise on aging and the systemic erasure of women over forty. But, at times, it was a commercial for Shields' new hair product line product, Commence.
There are some gossipy tidbits, but most have been discussed on morning shows and in celebrity magazines. So if you are looking for her to "spill the tea", this isn't the memoir for you. But, if you want a cheerleading session and her experience as an aging woman, you will enjoy this memoir.
Brooke and I are only four years apart and are later in life moms so I relate to much of what she discusses in this book. But some just didn't apply or work for me.
TRIGGER ALERT: Post-partum depression, alcoholism, medical violence, and sexual assault.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Brooke writes well as she has a Princeton education. She writes deeply, emotionally, and hopefully which is how she comes across as a person.
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration by Brooke as a professional actress was strong, emotional, and gut-wrenching at times. But, also fun and self-deprecating. Her voice is perfect in this audiobook.
Character Arc: 3.5 stars
The audiobook is a chronological grouping of essays set in chapters. Each chapter could stand alone except for some of the backstories in the early chapters. This memoir covers Brooke's personal and professional life from birth to current with most spent on her life after forty.
At times, the discussion of Commence got repetitive. Yes, I understand it is her new "baby", but it grated on me.
Also, Brooke discusses her celebrity friends a lot. A lot! But, I understand that that is her social circle, but her "civilian friends" sounded interesting also.
Finally, she quotes a lot of studies and articles. The reference material could have been handled with footnotes instead of quoting the citations as it slowed the narration.
Memorable: 3.5 stars
I had no clue that Brooke had had two major health scares. Older women unfortunately must deal with this as we age. I would have appreciated some suggestions or treatments to help with physical aging.
Some of her stories were horrifying, disgusting, and rude. My heart hurt for the young Brooke who I wanted to give a big hug!
Entertaining: 4.0 stars
This book was entertaining and informative, at times. Brooke has an engaging personality even when discussing difficult topics. She is real and raw in this memoir.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Beautiful.
Book title: 4.0 stars
I like it, but long. It reminded me of Fall Out Boy song titles. IYKYK!
DEFINITE recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields
Macmillan Audio
9 hours, 1 minute
Release date of 1/14/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, January 20, 2025
REVIEW - The Bookstore Keepers (eARC/eBOOK)
The Bookstore Keepers (Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories #3) by Alice Hoffman (eARC/eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
This was another great short story by the amazing Alice Hoffman. This is the third and final short story in The Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories about a family bookstore on the fictional island of Brinkley's Island, Maine. I loved this sweet and lovely series.
Caveat: Please read the first two books in this short story before this one!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Alice Hoffman is my favorite author, period. Her writing is beautifully spectacular, poetic, and brilliant. This short story was another great read!
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 husband) and Violet (Sophie's daughter).
The tertiary character was the island and the bookstore.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This short story concerns family, loss, grief, and unconditional love.
Johnny and Isabel receive bad and good news plus a secret. Violet returns home from college with a secret. Isabel guilts Violet into staying to run the bookstore.
We receive a lovely ending to this wonderful short story series!
The main location is the fictional Brinkley's Island, Maine.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This was a perfect read with today being Inauguration Day and having finished a heavy WWII book yesterday. It isn't a life-changing book, but it made my heart and soul happy!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley
The Bookstore Keepers by Alice Hoffman
50 pages
Amazon Original Stories
FUTURE release date of 2/4/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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