The Next Day by Melinda French Gates (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, April 19, 2025
REVIEW - Everything is Tuberculosis (audiobook)
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This audiobook is the definitive book for laypeople to understand the scope and devastation of tuberculosis. Over 1.5 million people die each year of this preventable, treatable, and avoidable disease; yes, you read that right!
The impetus for this book started when John Green learned about James Watt seeking a cure for tuberculosis. It was fully cemented when he met a young boy, Henry, at a tuberculosis hospital in Sierra Leone in 2019 with Partners in Health. Due to his research and their friendship, John has advocated for tuberculosis treatment, including drug availability for all, pharmaceutical price reductions, new drugs and treatment, and getting to the root cause of the spread of the disease (poverty, overcrowding, malnutrition, poor healthcare, and pharmaceutical greed).
John weaves the incredible story of Henry with the history of tuberculosis, including some very famous people, such as Arthur Conan Doyle (what a story)!
FULL disclosure: my daughter is a huge John and Hank Green fan. She even met them at Vid-Con several years ago.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was fantastic. John is an incredible writer, and I have read all of his novels, which are equally as good!
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration by John is first-rate. Tuberculosis is a life passion for John, and his concern, care, and drive to eradicate this horrific disease are palpable in his narration.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The character arc is told fairly chronologically, with the history and backstory of tuberculosis treatment and non-treatment throughout time. I was shocked by how many famous and infamous historical figures died from this disease, including John's great-uncle, sadly.
John's friendship with Henry is beautifully woven throughout the book. Touching, raw, and beautiful.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
The lack of tuberculosis treatment really makes me angry! It is inexpensive and could save millions of lives, literally. Because it is relatively rare in wealthy countries, there is little research done on tuberculosis. If tuberculosis were like COVID-19 and spread worldwide, there would be increased research immediately. It comes down to the "haves" and the "have-nots". Wrong, wrong, wrong!
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
This was not an entertaining book per se. It was rather an educational book done in a very subtle way. John shares the brutality and horrific nature of tuberculosis and convinces the reader to be as outraged as he is. It walks the perfect tight-rope! Well done, John!
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Meh.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
Penguin Audio
5 hours, 35 minutes
Release date of 3/18/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Blood, medical content, terminal illness, poverty, child death, death
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, April 18, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Marsha (eARC/ebook)
Marsha by Tourmaline (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
What a powerful and beautiful tribute to the pioneering Marsha P. (Pay It No Mind) Johnson! She was an incredible Black trans woman who was one of the rioters at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 and a leader of the LGBTQIA+ movement, specifically for the trans community.
I knew about Marsha, but now I know who she is inside and out! An amazing human who was taken from us too soon. As a straight, cis gender woman, I recommend everyone who wants to be more understanding and intersectional about the LGBTQIA+ community read this book.
This is not an easy or fun read, but it is an important book to read.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing was strong, but it was overly long and detailed at times. Some editing would have made this biography even stronger. However, I understand this because this is the first definitive and heavily researched memoir of Marsha's life and impact. This book is needed for historical purposes for the LGBTQIA+ generations to come.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main character was Marsha P. Johnson. She was one of the most charismatic and intersectional leaders of the trans movement in New York City. The story is told from Marsha's childhood to identity discovery to death and legacy.
There were so many secondary characters in Marsha's life that are too numerous to mention (and I got lost at times, but that doesn't detract from the storytelling). The most important friend, however, was Sylvia Riviera, co-leader of the trans movement and STAR (Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries), with Marsha.
The tertiary character is Christopher Street in New York City.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is informative, painful, and heartbreaking. Marsha's life was not easy from beginning to end as she struggled with her physical and mental health as well as her sexual identity. She worked as a sex worker and actress to make ends meet while advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically her trans "girlies".
It was not an easy read, but it was an important story to understand the trans movement and to be intersectional. Unfortunately, there were difficult sections where Marsha was brutalized by "Johns", abused by the police, misdiagnosed by medical professionals, and denigrated by members of the LGBTQIA+ community and her family.
The locations were: Elizabeth, New Jersey; New York City; Los Angeles
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I knew about Stonewall, but didn't realize what a dump the bar actually was or the horrific police brutality. I now understand why this was the flashpoint in the LGBTQIA+ movement.
The issue for me is that nothing has changed! Marsha (and Sylvia) accomplished so much, but the trans movement is the "step sister" of the LGBTQIA+ movement, and this is so wrong. If we want true intersectionalism, all in this community must be respected and included.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Stunningly gorgeous! Marsha in all of her glory!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Marsha by Tourmaline
320 pages
Tiny Reparations Books
FUTURE release date: 5/20/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNING: Racism, sexism, transphobia, dead-naming, homophobia, gun violence, sexism, biphobia, police violence, murder, suicide, terminal illness
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, April 14, 2025
My next audiobook is...
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Fahrenheit-182 (audiobook)
Fahrenheit-182 by Mark Hoppus (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This audiobook had the good, the bad, and the ugly of Mark's life including lots of f-bombs and d-pick references. Mark covers everything from his childhood to his parents' acrimonious divorce to his cancer diagnosis and recovery.
I was hoping to love this audiobook, but I only liked it. I know that blink-182 is known for being the "naked guys", but the antics and language wore on me. I guess I am too old for their sh$t!
FULL disclosure: my daughter is a huge blink-182 fan! We do listen to their music and were even at the Los Angeles concert when Kourtney told Travis she was pregnant.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing was good. Mark did have a ghostwriter, Dan Ozzi.
Narration: 4.0 stars
The narration by Mark is well done. As it is Mark's life and story, he relives it through the narration. Appropriately funny and emotional.
But again the f-bombs and d-pick references got old very quickly.
Character Arc: 4.0 stars
The character arc is Mark's life from childhood to the blink-182 reunion at Coachella 2023. The book is told chronologically in many concise chapters.
Mark is from Ridgecrest, California (a high desert town in Kern County, California) where his father worked in naval weapons at the nearby base. His parents' acrimonious divorce led Mark to San Diego where he met Tom DeLonge and co-founded blink-182.
The many tragedies in Mark's life including Travis Barker's airplane accident and his cancer diagnosis helped him seek therapy for his OCD, anxiety, and depression. As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, I appreciate Mark's honesty about his mental health struggles and his cancer treatment journey.
Memorable: 4.0 stars
Mark tells so many wild stories about his life including his antics with blink-182 are insanity personified. But, the stalker, Robert Smith, and Saddam Hussein stories are WILD! Again, the f-bombs and d-pick references got old very quickly.
However, the best stories are when Mark talks about his wife and son and when I could totally relate to him and his life. Additionally, his raw emotions when blink-182 broke up are heartbreaking.
Entertaining: 4.0 stars
There were many sad, funny, and introspective stories in the audiobook. It was something!
There were a lot of pop-punk band references and performers that I didn't know and some that I did know. But, it didn't matter.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Totally Mark.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Great pun!
DEFINITE recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Fahrenheit-182 by Mark Hoppus
Little, Brown Audio
7 hours, 13 minutes
Release date of 4/5/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Sexual references, strong cursing, divorce, cancer, addiction, alcoholism
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, April 12, 2025
REVIEW - Where the Rivers Merge
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
This was my first book by Mary Alice Monroe. I absolutely adored this book which according to the Author's Notes is the first book in a two-part series. I could not be more thrilled and eagerly await the next book.
I have always loved the South Carolina low country's customs, heritage, and history. This book is set in that same low country where many of my ancestral lines originated.
Also, this is my fiftieth book this year! What a wonderful one to pick for the halfway point in my reading goal for the year!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was beyond beautiful. Mary Alice is exceptional at capturing the nuanced dialogue of the two time periods in South Carolina. Her descriptions of the region's land, food, dress, and food are incredible. I could use my imagination to capture my five senses being tickled where the story is told.
I also loved the charming and descriptive poetry at the beginning of the five parts of the book: Homecoming, Halcyon Days, The Charleston Years, The War Years, and The Wedding. Additionally, each chapter had flora, fauna, or other issues important to the low country.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The character development was excellent! The main characters were: Rawlins, Sloane, Heyward, Lesesne, and Eliza Rivers. The Rivers family-owned, Mayfield, plantation/rice farm in South Carolina is always in difficult times.
Wilton (Mayfield's overseer) and Covey (Wilton's daughter) are secondary characters. Tripp and Hugh, family friends, play substantial roles in this novel.
The tertiary character is Mayfield itself - the land and house.
There were many characters as usual for historical fiction novels.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The dual storyline centers around Eliza from her childhood to marriage (1900-1926). The second storyline is in 1988 when she is retiring and telling her life story to her granddaughter and great-niece. Perfect!
The locations were: South Carolina low-country including Beaufort and Charleston, and the ACE Basin (Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Basin).
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
The issue of primogeniture rears its ugly head in the first timeline. If you were the second son or a daughter, you usually received little to nothing as an inheritance and had to marry for land, money, or social status.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
Book Club Girl
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
352 pages
William Morrow
FUTURE release date: 5/13/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNING: Pregnancy, racism, gun violence, war, segregation
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Friday, April 11, 2025
REVIEW - Source Code (audiobook)
Source Code by Bill Gates (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This audiobook was lovely for the first two-thirds of the book. Bill (AKA Trey by his family) shared about his supportive and loving family including generations of grandparents. He had an All-American upbringing with understanding parents who knew he was different and helped him become who he is today.
Then it dissolved into bits, bites, and chips, OH MY! Once the technical information about early personal computing started, it was boring.
I really liked this audiobook and wanted to love it. But, it just missed the mark for me with all the technical jargon.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing by Bill was strong. He included anecdotes about his family, childhood, and friends that explained why Bill is Bill.
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration is by Wil Wheaton who is always incredible! This is a book that I recommend as an audiobook!
Bill did the forward, prologue, and epilogue. He does not have the best voice for narration or the smoothest delivery. It was a brilliant choice to have Wil Wheaton narrate and bring this audiobook to life!
Character Arc: 4.0 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Bill discussing his childhood in Seattle. He and his sisters had the advantage of college-educated parents in the 1960s who were forward-thinking and progressive. Bill was able to explore his interests which eventually turned into Microsoft due to his privilege of being middle-class, white, and male. This memoir covers his grandparents/parents, childhood, high school and college years, and the nascent Microsoft in New Mexico before landing in Seattle.
Once Bill began programming at Harvard, it was over my head. I didn't understand the programming, but I did appreciate his hard work, creativity, and intelligence.
The programming part of the book is for "nerds" like my husband who knew the history discussed. Since it was so niche-driven, maybe it could have been "dumbed down" for programming illiterates like me. Just a thought.
Memorable: 4.0 stars
The stories that Bill tells about his adventures with his sisters are hysterical. The tornado and rollerskating over the sprinkler were two of my favorites.
Bill was very close to his Grandmother (Grammy) and his parents. He learned the importance of service, work ethic, curiosity, and generosity from all of them. This explains his long-term friendships, strong family ties, and the creation of his foundation.
Entertaining: 4.0 stars
There were many sad, funny, and introspective stories in the audiobook.
But again, I just pushed through the technical parts I didn't understand to enjoy this book.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
On point!
STRONG recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Source Code by Bill Gates
Random House Audio
11 hours, 41 minutes
Release date of 2/4/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Mild cursing, death, death of a child, death of a parent
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
Where The Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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