Medicine River by Mary Annette Pember (audiobook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Monday, April 28, 2025
REVIEW - Change the Recipe (audiobook)
Change the Recipe by José Andrés (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This was a beautiful memoir filled with so much good life advice. It may be my new gift for college graduates, as this was the book I needed when I started adulting!
However, I would have enjoyed it more as a physical or digital book instead of listening to it as an audiobook. There was just so much material that I would have absorbed it all better visually rather than verbally.
Full disclosure: The charity, World Central Kitchen (WCK), that José co-founded, is one of two charities our family regularly supports. WCK was in Southern California almost immediately after the January 2025 fires and fed many people I know in Altadena and Pasadena.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
The writing was passionate, powerful, and real. It was completely from José's heart. There was a ghostwriter, but it didn't affect Jose's message.
Narration: 5.0 stars
José is not a professional actor or speaker, but he read this audiobook with so much emotion.
Of course, I am sure some people will complain that José has a Spanish accent on the audiobook, making it difficult to understand. I call bullshit! I have a Southern California accent - we all have accents!
The best thing to do is to read or listen to this book. It is an important book!
Character development: 5.0 stars
There were no main characters per se. It is all about José, cooking, and WCK. José believes in good food, food that tells a story, and food for all. All three are beautifully interwoven throughout the book.
José's family of origin, his own family, WCK family, and extended chef networks play prominent roles throughout the book. Additionally, the customers who pay in his restaurants or folks helped by WCK are treated with grace, care, and hospitality.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
For me, José takes way too much heat for feeding both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian war. Both sides are hungry and thirsty.
His altruistic work of feeding the hungry is what José is passionate about. He has tried to stay out of the political drama, but it keeps rearing its ugly head. José's focus is getting food and water where it is needed quickly and efficiently while cutting through the idiotic red tape.
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
José hits the mark when he talks about endless wasteful meetings, while agencies wait instead of reacting to help after disasters. This is the same issue in the U.S. with our businesses and government - we talk too much about doing without doing anything at all.
José and WCK get it done because they are creative, forward-thinking, and on the ground quickly. They assess the needs, speak to the helpers already there, and use the available resources at the disaster site. This is much better than waiting for supplies to arrive!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Appropriate!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect, especially with the subtitle.
HIGHLY recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Change the Recipe by José Andrés
4 hours, 36 minutes
Harper Audio
Release date: 4/22/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNING: Mild cursing, classism, colonialism, war, violence, lack of food and water, xenophobia
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, April 27, 2025
REVIEW - The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club (eARC/ebook)
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
This is the second book I have read by Martha Hall Kelly. But there was something so personal about this novel due to the presence of book clubs, book lovers, and book readers! Plus, the magical setting of Martha's Vineyard during WWII created a perfect combination for a historical fiction novel!
Yes, of course, this is another WWII book! With books at the center of this novel, how could I resist reading another WWII historical fiction novel?!?!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Martha writes beautifully, vividly, and descriptively. She is a writer who helps you use all of your senses to imagine exactly what takes place in this novel.
Character development: 5.0 stars
This was a dual timeline story with 1942 main characters of friends/sisters on Martha's Vineyard during WWII: Cadence (older sister), Briar (younger sister), and Besse (friend). The 2016 main characters were Mari (a young painter) and Mrs. Devereaux (a famous painter).
The secondary characters are Gram (Cadence and Briar's grandmother), Tom (Cadence and Briar's brother), and Margaret (another friend).
The tertiary characters are the extended friends, family, tourists, visitors, Army officers and soldiers, and "Islanders" on Martha's Vineyard (a beautiful character in its own right).
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is typical of what so many American families endured during WWII. Their child(ren) went off to fight for our freedoms in Europe, Africa, or Asia. The main communication was the radio, with little detail about specific individuals, so the families worried yet had to carry on at the home front. I cannot imagine the fear and anxiety!
The locations were: Martha's Vineyard, almost exclusively.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I had no idea that German U-boats were so flagrant, visible, and close to our shores during WWII. My family lived on the West Coast in Los Angeles and had rationing and blackouts, but nothing as terrifying as Martha's Vineyard!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Lovely!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Great title!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly
336 pages
Ballantine Books
FUTURE release date: 5/27/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNING: War, sexual situations, mild cursing, classism, pregnancy, medical content, death, gun violence
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
REVIEW - Time to Thank (audiobook)
Time to Thank by Steve Guttenberg (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
Oh, my! This is the most beautiful tribute of a memoir to a parent. Steve Guttenberg wrote and narrated this amazing story of caregiving for his beloved father. Interestingly, both Steve's dad and mine passed away from the same insidious disease: renal failure (and heart issues).
The organization of this memoir was unique and perfect. Steve writes about his regular weekly (and sometimes more) road trips from Los Angeles to Phoenix to help care for his dad as the base for this book.
NOTE: I always knew I liked Steve as an actor, but after this memoir and his actions during the recent Palisades fire, I adore him as a beautiful human.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Steve heartfully writes with emotion, passion, and love for mom, siblings, but most especially his dad. I loved this tribute memoir so very much!
Narration: 5.0 stars
I don't know how Steve could narrate such difficult, heartbreaking, and personal parts of his relationship with his family without crying. I was in tears, and I rarely cry when reading books.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The character arc is organized quite differently, but I loved it! Steve would start each chapter with a story about a portion of the drive to Arizona; an update on his dad; and then ends with a remembrance of when he was young, when he moved to Los Angeles, and/or when he was an established actor with a dad anecdote.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Steve and his dad's relationship is what we all want to have. We all want our dads to be our heroes. With his service as an Army Ranger in Korea and as an NYPD police officer, Steve's dad was an actual hero. Thank you for your service, Mr. Guttenberg.
But the biggest takeaway is that any relationship takes work. Steve and his dad put in the work!
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
Although parental caregiving is not an easy topic, Steve manages to make it entertaining and educational. The Guttenberg family is not perfect, and the imperfections are what make them real, accessible, and funny!
I also learned about end-stage kidney disease and dialysis treatment. It sounds horrible, but Steve's dad made it to the end with his heart and soul intact.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Absolutely on point!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Time to Thank by Steve Guttenberg
Tantor Audio
7 hours, 7 minutes
Release date of 9/17/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Terminal illness, medical content, blood, death, death of a parent
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
My next eARC/ebook is ...
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - The True Happiness Company (eARC/ebook)
The True Happiness Company by Veena Dinavahi (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
I will think about this memoir for a very long time. Veena writes about her slow descent into a cult and how she came out the other side. I grew up in what I personally believe is a cult: Jehovah's Witnesses. There are so many similarities and so many differences for me to unwrap. My biggest question is this: Can an "organized religion be a cult?"
This book may not appeal to everyone because of the subject matter, but it worked for me. YMMV.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Veena writes so beautifully. The writing changes somewhat depending on where she is in the "cult cycle". She writes from the heart and soul.
My only issue is that it could have been edited more, but Veena is purposeful in all aspects of this memoir, as she indicates in her Endnote.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters were Veena (a teenager suffering from situational depression), Bob (a pseudo-therapist), and Charlie (her boyfriend). They are fully fleshed out individually and together (as it is a triangle relationship).
Veena's family is the secondary characters: Amma, Nanna, and Venkat (mother, father, and brother).
The tertiary characters are the extended friends, family, therapists, the Mormon church, and the True Happiness Company cult.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is so scary. Veena is a driven, first-generation daughter in an immigrant family who lives in a town with a reputation for teenage death by suicide. She is surrounded by semi-regular deaths by suicide. Veena half-heartedly tries to die by suicide, and then the chaos, misdiagnosis, and mind-games begin. Horrible!
Additionally, this book is told in real-time chronological order, which could be confusing, but it does pay off in the end!
The locations were: Connecticut, New York City, Georgia, and California.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
It is terrifying how easily Veena and her family got sucked into an unhealthy and dangerous cult. They were looking for answers and help for her, but instead, things became much worse.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Beautiful!
Book title: 5.0 stars
So on point!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The True Happiness Company by Veena Dinavahi
320 pages
Random House
FUTURE release date: 5/20/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNING: Cursing, infidelity, classism, sexual abuse, cult, drug use, forced institutionalism, pregnancy, mental health issues, gaslighting
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
DNF - Sisters in Science (audiobook)
Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell (audiobook)
I will not be finishing this book. It was about four women physicists who escape Nazi Germany. Unfortunately, I missed the terms physicists and WWII.
Life is too short and there are too many other books to read!
This book will definitely work for another audience - just not me!
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Sunday, April 20, 2025
REVIEW - The Next Day (audiobook)
The Next Day by Melinda French Gates (audiobook)
OVERVIEW
This is the second audiobook by Melinda French Gates that I have listened to. This is very emotional, real, and personal. It is a short but powerful book.
This book really showcases how emotionally aware Melinda really is. She gets that she came from privilege and was fortunate to have the opportunities in her life. Interestingly, she is very spiritual as a lapsed Roman Catholic, and she shares poems, quotes, and inspirations from her favorite writers (including Malala's father) throughout the book. Some of it worked for me, and some didn't. But it was motivational and beautiful.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Melinda writes beautifully with a rawness and personal depth that is just spectacular.
Narration: 5.0 stars
Melinda is an excellent narrator. I prefer that memoirs be read by the person who wrote the book; she does an incredible job narrating her life.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The character arc is told fairly chronologically, starting with her childhood and ending post-divorce and post-COVID.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
The story of her best friend, John, passing away was so powerful and beautiful. What a friendship.
She shared the "ring theory" to best assist those in a life crisis due to illness, death, or another life challenge. It is brilliant.
Entertaining/Educational: 5.0 stars
Melinda shares personal stories that are so touching and beautiful, such as the "nail polish incident", "a good enough parent", and becoming a grandmother.
She discusses the difficult breakup of her marriage and subsequent divorce. If you expect her to "spill the tea", this is not the book for you.
The best takeaway from Melinda is to always trust your inner voice. If you don't hear your inner voice, find it! Also, after an event (good, bad, or ugly), start your focus on the next day. It is a way to stay in the present!
Yes, Melinda, you are on point!
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Boring.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
STATISTICS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
The Next Day by Melinda French Gates
Macmillan Audio
3 hours, 44 minutes
Release date of 4/15/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Death, pregnancy, divorce, infidelity, cancer
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
Saturday, April 19, 2025
My next read is ...
The True Happiness Company by Veena Dinavahi (eARC/ebook)
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
REVIEW - Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding (eARC/ebook)
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (eARC/ebook)
OVERVIEW
What a fun and enjoyable book by Lian Dolan! This is the sixth book I have read that Lian has written. I have loved them all! Her novels are not great literary works like Shakespeare's, and not all books need to be - that would be boring. Lian's books serve the best purpose in being fun, pure escapism, and easy reading! Win-win!
This was a unique take on a book about weddings - it was from the point of view of the MOB (Mother of the Bride) and the MOG (Mother of the Groom). Usually, these two important women don't get to know each other well before the wedding, and are sometimes adversaries. But, not in this book!
Now, I want my daughter to get married so I can be the cool and calm MOB! LOL!!
NOTE: I read this book in less than 24 hours. I had to stop myself so I could go to sleep last night!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Lian writes so beautifully. She writes like I think. Just perfect!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The characters were so fun and yet so different! The main characters are Abigail (MOG; a married Connecticut Yankee through and through) and Alexa (MOB; a single California-Greek entrepreneur). The two of them get on like fire and gasoline!
Penny (the California bride) and Chase (the Connecticut groom) are the secondary characters. They come from very different backgrounds, life experiences, and families.
The tertiary characters are the friends, family, and extended acquaintances. The proposal, engagement party, wedding planning, rehearsal dinner, and wedding also play prominent roles throughout different stages in this book.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is so easy-peasy. Boy and girl fall in love; boy proposes; the wedding planning begins, and chaos ensues.
The locations were: Connecticut, New York City, and California, specifically, Montecito.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I loved how a wedding planner columnist's reminder continued, "This is not your wedding!" throughout the book. I wish that had been the mantra at my wedding. But, I do know how to act when (not if) my daughter gets married after completing her PhD (priorities, people!).
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect for Abigail and Alexa!
Book title: 5.0 stars
So on point!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan
388 pages
William Morrow
FUTURE release date: 5/20/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNING: Mild foul language, infidelity, classism, alcohol, death of a parent
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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 💜
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