The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (ebook)
I am also reading an eARC/ebook. However, since this is a library book with a borrowing time limit, I will finish this book first!
Happy reading,
Dorothea💜
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Review - Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight (audiobook)
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is a beautifully written memoir about a horrific time in Africa. It was difficult to absorb and understand, so I listened to it slowly, so I could "try" to understand it. But, honestly, I don't understand it all.
I don't understand the recent colonialism in Africa (or anywhere, actually), the subjugation and discrimination against the African Blacks, and the civil wars with the white minority fighting to retain their power.
Additionally, I wouldn't say that I enjoyed this memoir, but it was an enlightening and important book to read.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Alexandra writes beautifully about the good, bad, and ugly during her childhood in multiple countries in Africa.
This was written in first person, so it was shocking to know and understand that a child experienced these horrific, tragic, and violent events. It was exceedingly graphic, at times.
Also, this was not a linear memoir so it can be a little confusing at times.
Narration: 4.5 stars
The narration was done by Lisette Lecat, who did a fantastic job with the various voices and accents. However, I prefer that the author narrate their own memoir.
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main character is Alexandra (Bobo).
The secondary characters are Alexandra's parents, Tim and Nicola, and her sister Vanessa.
There are many characters throughout the memoir, but they are all the same stereotypical individuals transplanted in different places. That is how they seemed to me, honestly.
The character development was incredible for Alexandra as she is shocked and surprised by so much throughout the book. Alexandra's parents and sister are developed, but they are not the focus of the book.
I must be honest and state for the record that I despised Alexandra's parents as well as the other white colonizers.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
I was shocked at the entitlement and superiority of the white colonists, in general. This memoir was set during the 1970s/80s, which is somewhat recent.
There was a comment by the mother, Nicola, that asked why there isn't a white country for whites in Africa. That was and is the core of the problems in Africa - everyone wants their piece.
Entertaining/Educational: 4.5 stars
This memoir made me realize how much has been taken from Africa and the individual governments by the colonizers, but little is given back to the native peoples. It is a very uneven and abusive set of relationships.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect - loved the black and white picture.
Book title: 5.0 stars
On point.
Definite recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller
10 hours, 11 minutes
Recorded Books, Inc.
Release date: 12/1/2001
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic blood, gore, and violence, death of an animal, death, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, alcohol, alcoholism, colonialism, racism, xenophobia, cursing, pregnancy, loss of a child
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Witch's Orchard (eARC/ebook)
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is Archer's debut novel! What a great start to a long writing career. This novel is a love letter to the small towns, families, and life in the Appalachians.
This is a multi-genre novel that includes contemporary fiction, storytelling, mystery, and Appalachian folklore, with a sprinkle of romance for good measure.
I thought multiple times that I figured out the plot twist and solved the mystery - I was wrong over and over again! I really love the main character, Annie Gore, and would love a series about her, please, Archer!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing is strong. It flowed like a mystery novel with choppy endings and cut-outs, which is to be expected in this genre.
However, at times, Archer hit her poetic stride with beautiful writing with her exquisite storytelling. I would love for her to expand upon this in her next book, even if it is another mystery. I love beautiful words with storytelling!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Annie (a private investigator), AJ (a local police deputy), and Max (the client from Appalachian North Carolina).
The secondary characters are Jessica, Olivia, and Molly (missing girls whom Annie is hired to find), Shiloh (the town baker and Annie's friend), and Susan (the town psychic and herbalist).
The tertiary characters are the missing girls' parents and families, the townspeople, neighbors, and friends.
The character development was strong. I really understood the well-developed back story for the main and secondary characters.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline focuses on finding the three missing girls by Annie, who is hired by Max (Molly's brother). The small town where this occurs is very similar to where Annie grew up. Annie comes to town, pokes the hornet's nest, and all hell breaks loose.
The location was primarily fictional, Quartz Creek, North Carolina.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
It is heartbreaking that little towns, like the fictional Quartz Creek, are dying out as people leave them for jobs and lives elsewhere. We are losing our Americana traditions.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
It was a little creepy and weird, but it was exactly the point.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
Strong recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan
304 pages
Minotaur Books
FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, drug use, drug production, murder, kidnapping, violence, gun use, death of a parent, grief, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, July 7, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Ever After (eARC/ebook)
Ever After by Amanda Prowse (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love Amanda's books because they are based on real-life family situations, from new love to loss of love and everything else in between. Most of Amanda's books are contemporary fiction or women's fiction, but she has also written two very personal non-fiction books.
I have read over twenty books written by Amanda and will continue to read them as long as she is willing to write them! What a great symbiosis.
This book was another lovely, perfect, and palate-cleanser for the chaos in the world!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Amanda wrote this book beautifully, descriptively, and thoughtfully. There were many sensitive issues covered, but she handled them with grace and sensitivity.
Plus, Amanda always throws in a few author words that I don't know, but not in a pretentious way. I always love learning new vocabulary.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Enya (a widow and Aiden's mother), Aiden (Enya's son and Holly and Iris's friend), Holly (Aiden's neighbor friend), and Iris (Aiden's "airplane friend" - read the book to understand this reference).
The secondary characters are Jenny (Enya's BFF and neighbor), Angela (Enya's sister), and Jonathan (Enya's deceased husband).
The tertiary characters are the other neighbors, friends, and family of the main characters (as well as the secondary characters). primary and secondary characters, and lots of "throw-away" characters.
The character development was strong, as always. The main characters grow, develop, and learn together.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline focuses on Enya's grief over the loss of her husband, Jonathan, while trying to keep everyone else together, putting her needs last. Aiden travels to Italy for a work trip, and everything changes for everyone during the three weeks that he is gone.
The locations were Essex and Bath, England, and Portugal.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
This book is about serendipity. You never know who or how you will meet a person who will become special in your life!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Lovely!
Highly recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Ever After by Amanda Prowse
412 pages
Late Union Publishing
FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, July 6, 2025
My next audiobook is ...
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, July 5, 2025
REVIEW - The Women at Ocean's End
The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the sixth book by Faith Hogan that I have read. I have a one-word summation of them all - LOVELY!
I love that this book was based on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland. Apparently, there are many uninhabited and inhabited islands, so adding to my bucket list!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Faith writes so beautifully. It is so descriptive that I can picture it all in my mind while I am reading it! That is the best writing for any reader!
Character development: 4.5 stars
The main characters are Constance and Dotty (best friends), Heather (Dotty's daughter), and Ros (park ranger).
The secondary characters are Maggie (Constance's mother), as well as Norman and Sylvie (Dotty's parents).
The tertiary characters are all the various people, including friends and family, primarily on the fictional Pin Hill Island. It is a large cast of characters!
The character development was strong. I just always want more. Most especially about the secondary characters.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline is told in two main storylines with a lot of overlapping of different times, also told in flashbacks. But, basically, Constance and Dotty are best friends. Constance and her mom move to Pin Hill Island, and Dotty and her mom join the move. Time continues to pass until secrets are revealed and discovered.
The locations were fictional Pin Hill Island, Dublin, and London.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
It was wonderful to learn about the islands off the coast of Western Island.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Faith ALWAYS has beautiful covers!
Book title: 4.5 stars
There appears to be confusion as to the correct title on various book sites. Either one is perfect!
Strong Recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: ebook
The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan
401 pages
Aria
Release date: 6/5/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, death of a parent, grief, cancer, medical content, death of an animal, and mild cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Walking with Ghosts
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Walking with Ghosts by Gabriel Byrne (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is a beautiful, albeit difficult, memoir to read. It primarily focuses on Gabriel's childhood and young adulthood, with important life experiences in his adulthood sprinkled throughout.
I knew there was a difference between an autobiography and a memoir. But this link puts it succinctly, "A memoir is a nonfiction narrative in which the author shares their memories from a specific time period or reflects upon a string of themed occurrences throughout their life. An autobiography is a factual and historical account of one’s entire life from beginning to end." The more you know, LINK.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Gabriel's writing is so poetic, lyrical, and beautiful. This is a very personal, real, and raw memoir - he spills all of his secrets, and it appears to have been cathartic for him. He has a gift for writing and should write more books, seriously.
There are very few mentions of famous people or name-dropping, so if you are looking for that, this is not the book for you. Additionally, there are many triggers, so please be aware.
Narration: 5.0 stars
The narration was done by Gabriel, and it was perfection. He read the truly horrific parts with raw emotion and sincerity.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main character is Gabriel.
The secondary characters are Gabriel's friends and family in Ireland, England, and the U.S.
There are many Catholic priests and nuns, as they were at the heart of the Irish community at the time Gabriel was growing up. Also, some Hollywood hangers-on once Gabriel became a "name".
The character development was incredible for Gabriel, specifically. The secondary and tertiary characters don't really change or grow much.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
I was shocked at the ubiquity of alcoholism and depression in Ireland. It seems that the local pub is the heart and soul of the community, like the parish church.
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
The abuse by Catholic clergy was horrifying. It included emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, which created shame and humiliation for Gabriel and all of the other boys involved.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect - loved the black and white picture.
Book title: 5.0 stars
On point.
Highly recommend
California Bookshelf borrow: audiobook
Walking with Ghosts by Gabriel Byrne
6 hours, 57 minutes
Recorded Books, Inc.
Release date: 1/12/2021
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Death, grief, death of parent, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, child-adult relationships, alcoholism, sexual content, cursing, drug use.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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