Review: Sadie by Courtney Summers

Sadie by Courtney Summers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published: September 2018

Mattie and Sadie are sisters. Sadie does her very best to care for Mattie. Their mother is no help. When Matties is found dead, Saide is determined to find her killer and get revenge. When Sadie's car is found with everything, but her inside, her neighbor May Beth gets concerned. The police will not help, so she turns to West McCray, a radio personality with a true crime podcast to help find Sadie. Told from two points of view, Sadie's and West's serial podcast, we find out more about each girl, especially Sadie and what drove her to the point she is.

This is another book I couldn't put down. A lot of people have suggested that this is a great audiobook to listen to. I tried that, but I got confused when listening to the podcast part since there are a slew of characters that are portrayed during those parts and I got confused.

Sadie is a young woman, who I don't think has even reached her 21st birthday. Her mother is a drug addict and after practically raising herself, she has to also raise her younger sister. After their mom disappears, Sadie is sure that she will be able to keep a better hold on her sister, but it proves to be harder and harder. Sadie does her best and is devastated when her sister is killed. Having to grow up way too fast, she shows the strength all women possess to care for what is most important to them.

I highly recommend this book. I gave it a 4 rating because I had so many questions at the end that need answers.

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Review: Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon

Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published: October 2018

I read this after I read Hunger by Roxane Gay. This book really hit me in a different place. Sometimes we can forget that men can go through a lot of the same issues when it comes to their bodies as women. Kiese Laymon takes us into his life through this memoir. From living with his mother and grandmother who did their best to raise him. His mother, a professor, would frequently spend their money gambling. The author himself also becomes a professor in his adult life and finds himself following in his mother's footsteps in more ways than one.

From sexual abuse to getting kicked out of college, this book has some of everything. This is a hard book to review. I listened to this book and was totally engrossed in the story. When I read a book, I feel like a fly on the wall and I can see what is going on in the story and this story was heartbreaking. I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, but it is still sitting heavy on my heart.

If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend that you do right away.  You can read the mother's response to the book, by clicking here.

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Review: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: August 2018
 

Kya has lived in the marsh her entire life. Slowly her family members leave until she is the only one left. Most of the townspeople won't have anything to do with her. Although there are a few who treat her well and look out for her. When one man who is considered a local hero is found dead, everyone blames, "The Marsh Girl", but did she really do it?

This was the April selection for our book club. I have seen this book all over my social media for a while now, but it wasn't really on my radar to read. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I was really routing for Kya from the start. She didn't have anything, but she made the most of it. She didn't allow the haters to get her down.

By the end of the book, I was in tears, and I think if you read this book you will be too. You have no choice, but to feel for Kya and her situation.

I highly recommend this book.

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Review: Verity by Colleen Hoover

Verity by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published: December 2018
 

When Lowen Ashleigh is chosen to finish writing two book in a series for author Verity Crawford, she's not sure why. But the offer couldn't have come at a better time since Lowen is broke and about to be evicted. The Crawford family has experienced an unprecedented amount of tragedy in the past few months with the loss of two children and Verity's accident. Will Lowen's presence make things easier on this family or are there secrets that Verity is hiding? Will the secrets come to light or be hidden forever.

This is quite a change from Colleen Hoover's typical books. She usually writes romance, but this book, even though it has some romantic elements, is pure thriller. I had heard so many different things about this book, I couldn't wait to read it and I wasn't disappointed one bit. It held my attention from start to finish.

Lowen Ashleigh is an author and she has written a few things, but not enough to make a living. She is working on a new novel when she is approached by Verity Crawford's publication company to finish her series, since she's been in an accident and can't. Lowen is invited to stay at the Crawford home with the family in order to do the research she needs to do to finish the books. But things in this house aren't as everyone claims them to be. When Lowen finds an autobiography that Verity has been working on, it will reveal things no one could imagine. Lowen is torn about whether or not to share this information with Verity's husband. Will this information destroy a family that is already broken or will Lowen lose her position as the ghost writer?

This is an excellent book that I will recommend to everyone.


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Audio Book Review: John Woman by Walter Mosley

John Woman by Walter Mosley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Published: September 2018

Cornelius Jones was born to a white Italian mother and an uneducated black man from Mississippi. His mother was an excellent cook and his father was the most intelligent person he knew. When his mother abandoned him and his father fell ill, Cornelius took it upon himself to take care of the family. When he loses his father, there is no one left, so he must take care of himself. He reinvents himself as John Woman and becomes an admired University professor. Though his life comes with trials and tribulations, he finds a way to make it through.

I have read several Walter Mosley books and none have ever been like this one. You never knew what was going to happen next and what surprises Professor John Woman had up his sleeves. From prostitutes to circumstantial evidence his life is definitely not boring, but is it fulfilling?

Professor John Woman is not your typical professor. He likes for his students to think outside of the box and question everything. And while his students adore him, his colleagues are ready to get rid of him, and the board of directors is ready to extend his contract. But maybe it's time to move on, maybe his past is catching up with him.

John Woman is a character you have to get to know and make your own assumptions about.


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Audio Book Review: Let Me Hold You by Alexandria House

Let Me Hold You by Alexandria House
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: June 2018
 

Leland McClain is a basketball player who just got traded from Miami to St. Louis. When he first moves to St. Louis he decides to volunteer at a youth center with his teammates and help some of the kids during the basketball camp. He is shocked to see who the director is. He knows her from his time in Miami. Kim Hampton's son plays for Miami. She herself has just moved to St. Louis to run the youth center that her son recently invested in. She has a holiday for every day to help and bring joy into her life. She isn't looking for love when Leland come into her life, but he is different than every other man in her life, so how could she not fall for him. Leland isn't looking for love either and Kim isn't typically the woman he would go for, but there is just something about her that he can't resist. Can they both get through this season without falling in love?

This is the second book in the McClain Brothers series. A family of good looking men who are all accomplished in their own right. Leland's preference is older women. While Kim is older than he is, she is still a lot younger than women he typically is interested in. In reality they should stay as far away from each other as possible. Leland has already had some beef with Kim's son in reference to him looking at her while they played together in Miami. And Armond, Kim's son is very particular when it comes to his mother. It's almost as if he is her man.

Kim has not had a very good track record when it comes to the men in her life. Leland has never wanted to settle down with any of the women he has dated nor has he ever wanted children. But there is something about Kim that makes him want to change all of that.

I can't wait to continue this series and see what other books Ms. House has.

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Book to Movie Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: July 2018
 

Juliet Ashton has just published her first book in 1946 and her publisher is eager for her to start on the next one. Her book was a great relief during war time. But she's having trouble coming up with a subject that is interesting to her and will keep her readers entertained. When she receives a letter from a man name Dawsey who found her in a book he had by Charles Lamb, they begin a correspondence. When Dawsey tells her about his book club, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society Juliet is intrigued and wants to learn more about the group. Each member writes her a letter to explain how they became a part of the group. Juliet is so enthralled by their stories, she feels she has to go to Guernsey so she can write a book about this group. Told through a series of letters, telegrams, and packages we learn about Juliet's journey from London to Guernsey.

I listened to this book on audio and when it first started, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, especially books having to deal with wars. But this one was really good and it stuck with me. I could feel a connection to Juliet and her wanting to know more about these amazing people on the island of Guernsey.

Netflix now has this out as a movie, and I'm on my way to go and watch it now. I can't wait to put faces to the names I kept hearing. It's interesting how they can put a movie together with letters and telegrams.

If you haven't read this book, I suggest that you pick up a copy right away. This is an intriguing story with characters you will fall in love with.

Now on to the movie.  The movie was enjoyable, but there were things missing that I wish I could have seen more of in the movie.  Without giving away spoilers, I would say the top thing was the way she met the American, I can't think of his name right now and I wish we would have seen more of the letter writing between the Literary Society and Ms. Ashton.  In the movie, when she shows up on Guernsey, it's more of a shock to the people instead of something they were looking for.

You can find the movie on Netflix.  Let me know if your thoughts on both the book and the movie. 

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Audio Book Review: Let Me Love You By Alexandria House

Let Me Love You by Alexandria House
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: February 2018
 

Jo is pretty content in her life, but when she meets Big South, all of that changes. Working for Beju Park she is sent to his hotel room to deliver a piece of jewelry that he had commissioned. When Big South met Jo, there was something about her that he found irresistible. She was mean, but it didn't bother him at all, he had to have her. Jo wasn't sure if she wanted a life with Big South, but Everett McClain, was one good looking and thoughtful man. Will they be able to make it through his fame and her past in order to have a future together?

I read this book on recommendation from a Facebook group. It reminded me of Zane books that I read in my early 20's. It was ratchet and I was all for it. I loved the narrators of this novel. The male made me want to jump into the book and see him in real life.

Jo is just a single mother trying to make it after a crazy divorce. Everett "Big South" McClain has had his share of hurt as well, and finds love when he least expects it. I can say one thing, this book had me and my man doing a few more things in the bedroom after reading it. Got me all hot and bothered. I loved listening to this book. This is the first book I've read by Alexandria House and it won't be my last. This is a good author to read when you fall into a reading slump. She is sure to bring you right on out of it.

Recommended for those who like romance with a little ratchet!

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Audio Book Review: Bad Men and Wicked Women by Eric Jerome Dickey

Bad Men and Wicked Women by Eric Jerome Dickey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: April 2018
 

Ken Swift is seeing his daughter, Margot for the first time in nearly 20 years. But, she's got the story about him all wrong. Using his past as a blackmail technique, she asks for money without telling him what it's for. The next 24 hours will be trying for the both of them. Will Ken Swift survive his latest San Bernadino job in order to help Margot and will she be able to tell him why she really needs the money?

Earlier this year, I read the sequel to this book which is actually the story of what happened before. So in my mind, I was reading the books in order. Bad Men and Wicked Women starts right where Before We Were Wicked ends.

Even though the work Ken Swift does isn't above board, the life he lives is very honorable. When his daughter comes to him out of the blue asking for money and accusing him of things that happened in hs past. He's not sure how to take it and having this on his mind affects the rest of his day and the work he has to get done. Determined to find out what is going on with his daughter as well as do the work he has to do, Ken has quite the day in front of him.

The book moves slowly, but the story is captivating.

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Review: Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: May 2018
 

   

Claudia and Monday have been friends forever. You never see one without the other. When Claudia returns from spending the summer with her grandmother, she looks forward to hooking back up with Monday to see how her summer was. But Monday is no where to be found. She doesn't even show up for school, the first week or the first month. No one but Claudia seems to care that Monday is no longer around. Where is Monday and why won't anyone tell Claudia.?

I have heard so many mixed emotions about this book I had to read/listen to it for myself. Usually I just listen to books during my commute to and from work, but I found myself wanting to listen whenever I could.

What would you do, if you couldn't find your best friend and no one seemed to care? You asked teachers, her family, friends, but no one could tell you where she could possibly be. It drove Claudia absolutely crazy with worry trying to figure out what was going on. The story takes you back and forth from when Monday was around through the time when she wasn't. Claudia has to remember herself all the things that happened in the past to find her friend.

This book will leave you with your mind swirling at the end. Highly recommended.

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Audio Book Review: Pride by Ibi Zoboi

Pride by Ibi Zoboi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published: September 2018

Zuri Benitez is one of five daughters living in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York. She has lived in the same house her entire life. When the Darcy's move in across the street, it's clear right from the start to Zuri, that they are from different worlds. But there is something about Darius Darcy that makes her curious. When her sister Jenay starts dating older brother, Ansley, Zuri is forced to face Darius more than she wants. Will she discover that they have more in common than she originally thought?

I was torn between several audio books to listen to when friends suggested I give this one a try. I read Pride and Prejudice when I was a freshman in high school, but I really don't remember it at all. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and I couldn't stop listening until I reached the end. I usually only listen to audio books during my work commute, but with this one, I listened at every chance I got.

Young love is something I think most of us experienced. It seems like the most important thing in your life at the time, but there is so much more in life to discover. When Zuri meets Darius Darcy, she immediately decides she doesn't like him. He is not from her world and he does not understand her or the ethics of living in Bushwick. Will they be able to find common ground, or will they forever be enemies. Their relationship takes a turn when Zuri visits Howard University in Washington, D.C. and Darius offers to drive her home instead of her taking the bus. They have four hours uninterrupted by themselves to see if they can actually be friends. They discover a lot about each other as well as themselves during this journey.

Loved this book highly recommend for everyone.

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Audio Book Review: The Poet X Elizabeth Acevedo

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: 2018
 

Xiomara Batista is a 15 year old Dominican American living in New York. She has a twin brother and lives with both of her parents. She's at the point in her life where boys are an interest, but her parents would never approve of her dating a boy. They are strict Catholics and Xiomara's mother tells her Jesus is the only man she needs to worry about. But Xiomara needs a way to express herself that she is unable to do with her family, so she writes poems. Her teacher thinks she is talented and encourages her to share her writing. But with her mother always on her about church, will Xiomara be able to find an outlet for her writing.

This book has been on my TBR and I have heard great things about it. This is a great road trip audio book to listen to. Since it's on 3.5 hours long, you can listen to the whole thing on a plane ride or long drive which is what I did.

I liked Xiomara character. I can understand how it feels to be a misunderstood teenager. Where you want to do the things you want to do, but also you don't want to disappoint your family. How do you live in both of those worlds? How do you please your parents and yourself? Being a teenager is tough, especially when you don't have someone who you can trust to share your problems with. Writing is a good outlet to get out the emotions that are hard to share with others.

This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Acevedo. I look forward to reading her next book, .

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Audio Book Review: Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: August 2018

Andi Oliver and her mother, Laura have been living an idyllic life in Belle Isla, Georgia when everything gets turned upside down. A gunman disrupts their lunch and Laura's actions during that ordeal send their whole world in a tailspin. Laura immediately kicks Andi out of her home and Andi is confused by her mom's decision. Following instructions given by her mother, Andi finds a person she never knew existed.

I really enjoyed this book. It was pretty long though, so it took me a while to get through it. There are twists and turns around every corner and you never know what is going to happen next. Just when you think you know what is going on, there is another surprise around the corner.

Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was surprised.  This is an unbelievable story that is going to be on Netflix next year.  I can't wait to see it.  Click here to learn more about it.

Karin Slaughter really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. My heart raced, and I could feel myself riding along with Andi as she tried to find out the truth about her mother. If you have never read a Slaughter book, this is a great one to start off with.


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Audio Book Review: The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: March 2018

Cassie Bowden is a flight attendant who works international flights out of JFK airport in New York City. On a flight to Dubai, Cassie meets, Alex Sokolov, a finance guy who is in town on business. They decide to have dinner after they are both settled in the city and that leads to much more. Cassie ends up spending the night with Alex, there's only one problem. She wakes up in the morning and he does not. Laying in a pool of his blood, Cassie doesn't know whether she is responsible or not. She is known for her drunken escapades, but has never encountered anything like this. Instead of telling anyone, she returns to the U.S. She will grapple back and forth with herself, her friends, family, attorney, and FBI about what really happened that night in Dubai and who is Alex Sokolov.

I have loved Chris Bohjalian's books from the first one I read, Midwives.

There was a time in my life when I wanted to be a flight attendant. I'm not sure what happened that I didn't go through with it. I would have loved to travel the world seeing different places no matter how briefly. Although I here the flight attendant life isn't as glamorous as it may seem.

This book really grabbed me from the start. Cassie liked to get drunk and make bad decisions. This time she thought she found a nice guy, but who would want him dead. The FBI thinks she may have been in on it, but she's nothing but a flight attendant, not a spy. Will she continue her wild behavior, or will this incident be a wake up call for her?

Travel with Cassie all over the world as she tries to figure out her life and where it all went wrong. Will she make it out of this situation or will she spend the rest of her life somewhere she doesn't belong?



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