Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight (ebook)
Happy reading 📚!
Dorothea 💜
Thursday, January 18, 2024
REVIEW - Endangered Eating audiobook
Endangered Eating by Sarah Lohman (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This was a fascinating book about was something that I never thought about. Food. For me, food was just bought in the supermarket, from friends's gardens, or in the meat department. I never had food insecurity nor did I think about what foods I purchased. I knew about some really quality lemons like Meyers and tomatoes like Big Boys, but what about heritage chicken? However, I never considered that there were endangered, heirloom, and extinct foods from all over our country. I am guilty at the supermarket of only picking out pretty produce, but does the ugly produce taste better? Yes, I have favorite produce or meat, but I never really stopped to consider that it could all go away. The other thing is that I know that produce is not ripened naturally, but picked early and expected to ripen later, but not all produce works that way. I want to eat delicious real food! So this has made me want to find local food at Farmer's markets and do a lot of research including CSAs!
Sarah was very knowledgeable and truly interested in learning about these unique food products. Now to find out even more myself as I am fortunate to live in California with access to so much locally.
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
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Endangered Eating by Sarah Lohman
Dreamscape Media
11 hours, 6 minutes
Release date of 10/24/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading 📚,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson
The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This book totally intrigued me and I was not disappointed by any of it at all. It was offered as an ARC by Book Club Girl which offers a free Kindle ARC every two weeks usually on Monday. I normally find out about ARCs via Instagram, but I only read the books that really interest me like this one did.
This multiple-time period historical novel is all about secrets, DNA testing, and the real meaning of family. The characters were so interesting and varied plus the plot line hooked me especially as I have friends who have had family secrets unearthed because of DNA testing. Honestly, I am shocked that nothing has bubbled up yet for me, but one never knows!
This novel had three female protagonists and was a female-centered novel which was incredible and enjoyable. However, this is a novel where women help women, but also a novel where take advantage of other women. When will we, as women, ever learn?
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 💜
Friday, January 12, 2024
REVIEW - Weyward ebook
Weyward by Emilia Hart (ebook)
OVERVIEW
I didn't read this book when it first came out as I wasn't sure about it for some weird reason. However, it won multiple Goodreads awards and friends loved it so I decided to give it a try and I am so glad that I did!
This debut effort by Emilia Hart was a great historical novel. It had similar themes to the Practical Magic series by Alice Hoffman and The Discovery of Witches series by Deborah Harkness both of which I adore! As you may not know, there is a little bit of a witch in every woman - she just has to find it and use it.
This novel had three time periods and three female protagonists which was a lovely way to show how the "gift" of witchcraft is passed from woman to woman in the Weyward line. The similarity between the three timelines and women is that the women have been abused and used by men in their lives and that there are signs that are ignored by loved ones. The biggest takeaway is if you believe a woman is being abused, she probably is.
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 💜
REVIEW - Backlash Blues ebook
Backlash Blues (Gabriel Præst series #2) by Amulya Malladi (ebook)
OVERVIEW
Full disclosure, this is not the first or will be the last book that I read by this author. I enjoy her books immensely especially this foray into a completely new genre of mystery thriller.
This is the second book in the Gabriel Præst series by Amulya Malladi. The series is enjoyable as the characters, location, and plot are very fun and entertaining! It is not your typical mystery thriller at all.
This novel takes place in the current time beginning with Gabriel Præst, a Private Detective, being asked to investigate an employee's death by the Human Resource Director from Copenhagen Bank. Then the novel takes off quickly and intensely in many directions and keeps one guessing until the very end.
Since this novel takes place primarily in Copenhagen, it makes me really want to visit Denmark. The city, restaurants, people, and landmarks sound wonderful. The Danish culture totally aligns with my personal world and life views. However, it does show that even in forward-thinking Denmark, sexual harassment and corruption occur. There is a lot of work still to do everywhere.
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 💜
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
My next ebook is...
Backlash Blues (Gabriel Præst series #2) by Amulya Malladi (ebook)
Happy reading!!! 📚
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, January 7, 2024
REVIEW - The Phoenix Crown ebook
The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang (ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is my fourth book of 2024 and my first 5-star book!! This was a team writing effort by Kate Quinn (who I have read) and Janie Chang (who was new to me). What an incredible collaboration!
This was a historical fiction novel with the 1906 San Francisco earthquake as the plot twist. As someone who was born and raised in Southern California, the authors got the whole visceral earthquake ordeal down on paper exactly as it feels like (especially as both grew up in earthquake-prone areas).
San Francisco was "the city" of the West Coast in 1906. It had a very cosmopolitan feel with an opera house, grand hotels, and elegant restaurants, but it still had the underlying tensions of xenophobia especially against the Chinese. It was horrible to read about this again in a historical novel about how bad it was and how dangerous it was for the Chinese, period.
It was a wonderful book that was written beautifully about my home state - the good, the bad, and the ugly. If we don't learn about our history, we can never do better as a society.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was beautiful and detailed but flowed so well. I could not determine who wrote what part of this amazing novel - the authors write so well together. The prose was just lovely and dovetailed both authors' strengths together. This was a fantastic collaboration and hope that they write more books together.
Character development: 5.0 stars
There are four main female characters - Gemma, an opera singer; Suling, an embroideress; Alice, a botanist; and Reggie, an artist. There is also a villainous main character Henry Thorton. These four women are looking for justice against the villainous man who horribly wronged them.
The secondary character is San Francisco, California, and the 1906 Earthquake. The earthquake allows a huge plot shift to take place and characters to interact in incredible ways.
There are a lot of tertiary characters as is normal for a good historical fiction novel. All of these characters add so much depth and color to the storyline.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This novel begins about two weeks before the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and ends about five years afterward. The story is just so creative and well-written that it is an intense experience to read this book. All I wanted to know was what happens at the end?!? It was a very good ending, but not at all what I expected!
The main locations were mainly San Francisco, California, and Paris, France and vicinity.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
The novel made me realize how San Francisco was destroyed in 1906 not so much by the earthquake but by the fires. That is still a very scary possibility with any earthquake even now.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHEST recommendation
EBOOK DETAILS
NetGalley ARC (ebook)
The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang
384 pages
William Morrow
Release date of 02/13/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading! 📚
Dorothea 💜
My next audiobook is...
Endangered Eating by Sarah Lohman (audiobook)
Happy reading! 📚
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, January 6, 2024
REVIEW - Yellowface audiobook
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is one of those books that people have been talking about since it was published in May 2023. It is a raw and ugly portrayal of writers, editors, literary agents, and the publishing business. Also, the nastiness of social media plays a huge and horrible role in the direction and plot line of this novel.
The two main characters, Athena Liu and Juniper "June" Hayward are "frenemies". They both attended Yale together and reconnected after June moved to Washington D.C. A horrible accident occurs and June takes Athena's recently finished novel and portrays it as her own. Then the book really takes off with all the twists and turns and ups and downs. It is one crazy, wild ride.
It was a gut-wrenching and sad tale of our society. Stereotyping, racism, and elitism are all tied together with the insanity of social media.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
The writing was just okay, but it was popular culture writing. It was written with all of the slang and foul language that Gen Z's use all the time. Additionally, it was a first-person narrative from June's point of view.
The problem for me was that the writing didn't dig deep enough for me. Without the deep dive, this novel was too superficial and just about writing and publishing. Why, really, were Athena and June friends? Were they really talented or did the publishing industry need another "next thing"? What caused Athena and June to be who they are - what happened in their lives?
Overall, I am an outlier who just didn't "get" this book and what was so special about it.
Narration: 4.0 stars
Helen Laser is a strong narrator. She really captured both Athena and June really well and brought them to life. Overall, it was a good listen, but more for the narration than the writing.
Character Arc: 3.0 stars
I really wanted more. It was written in a somewhat chronological order, but there were some flashbacks. However, it just didn't get deep into the characters so we could understand who they were, why they behaved so horribly, and how they could justify the obnoxious things that they did. Without the background character information, it just didn't sit well with me.
Memorable: 3.0 stars
The biggest thing for me is that we continue to learn nothing as a society about race, social media, and entitlement.
Entertaining: 3.5 stars
It was entertaining at times, but it was very dark and satirical.
Book cover: 3.5 stars
It could have been so much more.
Book title: 4.0 stars
Very good!
Recommend
AUDIOBOOK DETAILS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
8 hours, 39 minutes
Release date of 5/16/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading! 📚
Dorothea 💜
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