I don’t think I have ever done a back to back book review before but in the interest of time that is what I am doing here. These books are too good not to share but until I share them here I cannot put them to bed for good or share a few with friends. Fall is not usually a good season for me to read so many books but this year it worked out well. So I did think I should at least post them but this time with a much shorter review and if you find you might like to try one you can always go to Amazon for a much longer review. So let’s get started with these great books that I read between the falling leaves that is Fall in New England.
Fates and Fury by Lauren Groff Well, I had heard so much about this book. Supposedly it was supposed to have been one of President Obama’s favorite books of 2019. About a marriage, told from the perspective of both the husband and wife. Honestly, it was the most confusing book I have ever tried to read and I gave it my best shot reading almost 150 pages before setting it aside and saying “that’s enough of that” and moved on. Didn’t finish 2 stars for trying.
Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate Thank goodness for favorite authors. I loved Tending Roses. I have read other books of Lisa Wingate, another favorite being Before We Were Yours. A touching story about a woman, Kate, and her family that move back in with her Grandmother in Missouri to take care of her and to get her to give up her house because she can no longer handle it. She is sent there because other family members need her to watch over her grandmother and try to get her to go into a nursing home. Well, it doesn’t exactly go like that. Don’t be so quick to toss granny under the bus. A really lovely story of the love of one’s Grandmother and the home that Kate grew up in. 5 stars…look this book up…she got 4.5 stars on Amazon.
Roads of the Heart by Christopher Tilghman This is another author that I really like and I have read other books by him. He writes wonderfully, tells a tale in a slow, fine manner. This is a story about a grown man and his father. A once commanding figure his father has broken the family because of a sex scandal. The son has also been unfaithful. Interestingly enough the father suggests they go on a trip together through the deep south and the American Heartland…I always think Christopher Tilghman is worthy of 4 stars.
More by Barbara Crooker This is very different for me. I don’t often read poetry but this was suggested reading by Elizabeth Berg and of course when she suggests something I like to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. A sweet little poetry book about everyday life. What instantly caught my eye and made me smile was this lovely little quote right at the beginning, “Everybody’s got a hungry heart” Bruce Springsteen. It will make more sense in a minute…5 stars and yes, I will try her again.
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen by far my most favorite book of this group. Mind you, I was not a Springsteen fan growing up. I did like his music, who didn’t, but I never followed him or his life story. This was a memoir of a young man’s dream. A dream he could not let go of and so he pursued with all his heart and soul. I fell in love with him and his music. I think I related to his lifestyle and hard times growing up but his courage to make his dream happen pulled me in. He is wonderful. It is a long book but honestly, not long enough. I could have read more and yes, now I listen to him all the time. We come from the same background. Pore and gritty but we survive. So many stars for this one.
When Mother was eleven-foot-four by Jerry Camery Hoggatt So by now it was getting closer to Christmas so I thought I would get in the Christmas spirit and read a few little books that I had been saving for just this time. This book was so much fun. It was a memoir about the author’s Mother, whose romantic nature and love for Christmas left a lifelong impression on her son. The memoir takes place in 1963 and once again, like Springsteen, I could relate. A delightful little book and the perfect gift to share over the holidays. 5 stars
The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh I always have two books going. One, a memoir or a novel and the second on sits on my nightstand and waits…waits for me to be in the mood, waits for me to read a few chapters when I’m too tired to read my “regular book”. This is one of those books. I love Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings. He’s good to read when your mind strays and takes you places you don’t want to go. Lots of quotes underlined in this one as I continue on my journey of mindful meditation. Chris gave me this book. It is his actually, between his highlights and mine it was an interesting awakening…5 stars.
Cost by Roxana Robinson This was a tough read. I almost didn’t think I could do it. The subject matter was a real problem to read about and I’m weak when it comes to sickness and heartache. This book artfully portrays a family transformed by the far-reaching consequences of a son’s heroin addiction. It was real, honest and it affects every member of this family. A very hard read but I could not put it down. I was so moved and in the end, I cried. It’s been a long time since a book did that for me. A keeper and I have already bought another of this writer's books. A masterful writer in my opinion. Another, so many stars.
Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. After Cost, I needed something light and fun. This book was perfect. I read it just a few weeks before Christmas so that was nice to get me in the holiday mood. The story follows a progression of letters between a spirited female journalist, a bookish new-minted soldier, and the various bright young people who make up their band of friends, charting the slow, heartbreaking passage of years as the war grinds away youthful dreams and ideals. Humor, love, tragedy, and hope make for a moving, uplifting novel. From the inside cover. Enjoy…4 stars.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas and A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. I’ve grouped these two together because they are small books and very easy reads. Kind of a one seating book. Both are very lovely little Christmas stories and I read them every year right before Christmas. I love a Christmas memory where a 6-year-old boy visits his old maid cousin becomes and she becomes his best friend. Delightful. A Childs Christmas in Wales is also very short and a bit more poetic. Both just great, classic Christmas stories. Buy them now and save them for next year…build a fire, pour a glass of “cheer” and settle in. 5 stars. You have to give Christmas books 5 stars…
So there you have it and that catches me up. I’ve been thinking of these book reviews and next year I think I’m going to change it up a bit. When I have a really good, exciting book I’m going to post it over on Instagram so you don’t have to wait so long to see what’s happening and then I don’t have to spend hours writing this big long page. I do love sharing our books together though and I thank you all for stopping by whenever you can. If you have a lovely book that I should read, please send the name over.
We have a new year and lots of new books waiting for us out there. I am on Goodreads and last year my challenge was to read 50 books. I missed 5. I’m o.k. with 45 books. In between, I’m reading magazines and anything else with writing on it. So carry on. Break open that cover and explore new places, meet new friends, learn about life and loss. Also, learn about the good stuff. Mostly learn that life is pretty much the same for all of us, it’s what we do with the life we have that makes the difference. Books…keep them coming.
All the book photos here with taken with the iPhone 11 Pro.
I appreciate all of your visits and comments. The book review is one of my favorite posts to do. What did you read this past year that was a real fav? Also, do you have a favorite Christmas story that you like to read over and over each year? I’d love to know about that also…Thanks always, for stopping by. I will answer all of your comments when you visit..Happy New Year, Happy Reading.
I cannot read a book about books without a pencil handy…
