Month: May 2022

ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), Fiction, Magical Realism

The Matchmaker’s Gift, by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Kristie

AVAILABLE September 20, 2022

Right now I’m experiencing a combined euphoria and frustration that only happens when I’ve finished a book that is so good, I wonder if I can do it justice. Even explaining what The Matchmaker’s Gift is about does not come easily, but I know it is about things that mean a great deal to me, personally: family, ancestors, tradition, connections, intuition, and a bit of the unknown.

In two brilliantly woven story lines we learn about Sara and Abby. Sara is an immigrant in the early 1900’s. Crammed into New York tenement housing with her traditional Jewish family, she learns early on that she has a gift for matchmaking. A gift that borders on the supernatural. This does not bode well with the community matchmakers, a bullying group of stodgy men who care more about profit than people. Add to that, the fact that Sara is a young, unmarried girl who demands no fee. Most importantly, she is never wrong.

Fast forward to the 1990s. Abby is Sara’s granddaughter. An attorney who works in family law (i.e. divorces and prenups,) Abby has grown up listening to her grandmother’s stories and imparted wisdom. Jaded by her parents’ divorce, her father’s broken promises, and continual office drama, Abby’s expectations for love are pretty low. Thankfully, her innate sensitivity and relationship with her grandmother sustain her.

When Sara dies and leaves Abby several notebooks for her to read, the parallels begin. Side by side we see a young Sara and Abby, the struggling lawyer, navigate a harsh world that is all about the bottom line. Both crusade to improve their own little corners, rallying against others who think they know better. They have their allies, their obstacles and–through a special gift–they have each other.

The more we learn about those they help, the more we see that thread that binds us all. I even found myself making guesses about which characters were destined for each other. “A lid for every pot,” as Grandma Sara would say. And, speaking as someone who met her future spouse in the most unlikely way in 2009, you just never know.

Mark your calendars for September 20 when this book becomes widely available. It’s a gem.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy.

9.5/10 Stars

Technology

Kindle Models: Let’s take a look…

Kristie
Coke or Pepsi? Apple or Android? Kindle or Nook? (Answers: Pepsi, Apple, Kindle.)

Now that that’s settled–WHICH Kindle? Since I’m currently between two advanced copies of books, let’s take a quick look at these snazzy little e-readers. Amazon doesn’t reinvent the wheel too much when it comes to the Kindle (since getting rid of the keyboard and adding an internal light) but there have been some upgrades in the last year.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Budget
  • Resolution
  • Size
  • Need for a waterproof device (i.e. Are you a clumsy tub reader? Do you read by the pool and have kids that love to do cannonballs?)

My desire to spend was low when I upgraded in 2020 from my 2012 Kindle Keyboard (RIP) to a smaller one with a built-in light. I opted for the Basic Kindle (on the far left.) I chose to have no ads (ads only show when it’s powered down, but still.) And I chose black because I wanted as little contrast as possible. I have a slim, third party cover in Sky Blue, found HERE. (Make sure the cover matches the Kindle model you’re purchasing.)

Now, my middle aged eyes are not the best these days. Still, the resolution on the basic model suits me fine (for now). I adjust the brightness based on the light around me and appreciate the different font and size options. (Sorry paperbacks, this is where you get left behind.)

A simple breakdown of the models. Not including the Kindle Kids Paperwhite.

Currently, the Kindle Paperwhite is the most popular Kindle of all time. It has a flush screen, smaller bezels, 300ppi resolution, and it’s waterproof. A link is HERE and, if you scroll down on that page, you’ll find comparisons and links to all models. Remember that an Amazon account is required to manage the titles on your Kindle. Just like a smartphone, there is a cloud for titles not downloaded. This means that, even with only 8GB of space, you can have HUNDREDS of books in your library. Speaking of libraries, you can also borrow ebooks from your local library, which is just the best thing ever. *wink* (How I would’ve loved a Kindle when I was a child!)

Here are two videos that discuss the different models. Remember–take into consideration what is best for YOU. Hope this was helpful! Happy Reading!

UPDATE January 2023: in June of 2022 I caved and bought a Kindle Paperwhite Signature (the 32GB version of the Paperwhite.) I. LOVE. IT. I’m reading more than ever before, as evidenced by my monthly reading wrap-ups and more frequent reviews. 32GB isn’t for everyone–and probably not even necessary for me, but I don’t care–because I love the reading experience on the Paperwhite. It is hard to see the difference between the Basic and the Paperwhite in videos and photos, yet it’s obvious in person when they’re side by side. So, yes, I endorse and highly recommend the Kindle Paperwhite.

Fiction, Young Adult

A Quiet Kind of Thunder, by Sara Barnard

Kristie

It’s always unexpected to find a book that speaks to you on a very personal level, but that is how I felt while reading A Quiet Kind of Thunder, by Sara Barnard. And, although it is a Young Adult novel that explores much of the angst all teens experience, it is so much more.

Our narrator is Steffi Brons, age sixteen. Steffi has crippling social anxiety. Crippling to the point that she is a selective mute, which makes her an interesting choice as narrator. Steffi taught me a lot. For one thing, the word “selective” does not mean that the person selects when they do or don’t talk. On the contrary, she wants to talk, especially when the alternative is getting stared at and bullied. It’s her anxiety level that chooses when she speaks. Anxiety is not rational, but she’s usually OK with her family, best friend, and boss. But parties? Shops? And, Heaven forbid, school? Big N-O.

Steffi is fortunate to have some anchors in her life. Her dad is patient and kind. Her friend, Tem (September,) is her advocate and cheerleader. Her mom? Not so much. Speaking as someone who has anxiety (to a much lesser degree but still very real,) little victories are to be celebrated and pushing usually has the opposite effect. “C’mon, Steffi…just try harder…” Well meaning but definitely not helpful.

As a child, Steffi’s uncle suggested that she learn BSL (British Sign Language) as a way to compensate for those times when communication was necessary but speech was not forthcoming. This skill makes her the prime candidate to be paired up with Rhys Gold, a new student who is deaf. Rhys is friendly, outgoing, and fairly adorable.

Yes, you can guess correctly that Steffi and Rhys go from classmates to friends to more. But that does not make the story predictable. At the heart of everything is communication, its variations, its inclusiveness, and its means as a tool to validate people. Whether it’s speaking, signing, gesturing, writing, etc.–it connects us with others. And, in some cases, it isolates. The story is also about Steffi’s growth, her wavering confidence, the kind of support she gets, and its importance.

I loved this book. It has the language and sexual experimentation that you would expect from a contemporary Young Adult novel about teenagers and first love, but the explanation of anxiety is SO on point. I rooted for these two and appreciated the fact that there was no ridiculous drama, just the normal ups/downs/questions that we have at that age. A wonderful discovery that touched my heart.

9/10 Stars

ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), Fiction, Suspense

The Water Keeper/The Letter Keeper/The Record Keeper, by Charles Martin

Kristie

Beyond the comfort of our iPhones, Kindles, and smart TVs lies a grim world that we rarely, if ever, think about. It is the world of sex trafficking. Flesh for sale. If you’ve read Timothy Ballard’s Slave Stealers, which I highly recommend, you also know that it is one of the largest, fastest growing, most lucrative, horrifying industries on our entire planet.

These are not hardened women or shiny gigolos. These are children as young as five or six years old. Some are stolen, some are lured. All are deceived, sold, or auctioned off to the highest bidder. In the eyes of their captors they are simply chattel. A means to an end. A dollar sign with terrified eyes, but easily replaceable.

When I applied to read an advanced copy of The Record Keeper, by Charles Martin, I had no idea what lay ahead, yet I felt compelled to read the first two books in the Murphy Shepherd series before tackling the final installment. Little did I know I would be discovering an amazing author and a series that will stay with me forever.

Think of the novels as a jigsaw puzzle. The Water Keeper keeps those puzzle pieces relatively scattered, but organized enough to motivate the reader to pursue the second and third books. Our main character, Murphy Shepherd, is broken yet heroic. He is solitary but part of a network. He is spiritual but a man of action. Lots of action. He is also covert, compassionate, philanthropic, and mysterious.

But, above all, Murphy is selfless. His mentor, Bones, chose and trained him because of this specific quality. The person to be rescued is always, ALWAYS the first priority. Exhaustion, hunger, and even gaping wounds come second. We see examples of Murphy’s drive and skill in The Water Keeper. We also meet important characters whose lives will intertwine with our hero in the future.

In The Letter Keeper, we learn more about Murphy Shepherd’s backstory. More of the puzzle pieces come together with each rescue. We understand what drives him, his greatest loss, and his ultimate catharsis. Humble man that he is, even Murphy doesn’t realize the extent of his positive influence.

Last in the series is The Record Keeper, due out in July 2022. Before a shepherd is needed to rescue the sheep, there is the wolf that first endangers them. This wolf is the worst of the worst and he sold his soul long ago. But to pursue him we must first understand him. How did he become that way? There are always reasons.

I will admit, I had to take breaks with this series. It is intense. It is also beautifully written in an old-world style that forces our imaginations to do all the work. The way Charles Martin is able to craft such a bleak underbelly of society without graphic language or vulgar scenes shows his genius. He creates a brilliant balance of darkness and light. I highly, highly recommend these three books and very willingly give them a rare 10 Stars on this site. They are worth your time.

10/10 Stars

***It is impossible not to feel helpless when reading about this subject. Please take a moment to visit “real-life Murphy Shepherd,” Timothy Ballard’s site Operation Underground Railroad. They always need donations to fund their worldwide efforts to bring children home. Thank you.

Fiction

The Library, by Bella Osborne

Kristie

Sometimes a book speaks to you so much that you have to crawl inside it at the risk of anything else you had planned. That is what happened today with Bella Osborne’s The Library.

Since childhood I’ve been a sucker for stories about unlikely friendships, especially when it is an adult and a child who meet on equal terms with mutual respect. Roald Dahl was a master at this and I’m certain it was his books that made me love this type of plot. Catherine Ryan Hyde achieved it recently in Dreaming of Flight, but I think I like the different characters’ voices in The Library even better.

Tom is an awkward, sensitive teenager. His mother died when he was young, his father drinks, he gets bullied at school, and the future looks bleak. The only shiny part of his life is Farah Shah, the luminous girl he likes from afar. On a whim he seeks the sanctuary of the local library, using it as a safe connection to his late mother, and clumsily exits with a bag full of romance novels. In doing so he happens upon a mugging. Widowed seventy two year old Maggie is pretty scrappy but she is, after all, seventy two. Tom’s rescue attempt, besides rewarding him with a black eye, sets a new friendship in motion.

It begins with weekly chats on Saturday at the library. For the first time in a very long time Tom feels seen. He feels validated. Unlike his struggling father, Maggie is easy. She’s not fussy, demanding, or judgemental. Just easy. Easy is nice. Plus, she finds Tom interesting, with great potential, and an old soul. Over time, as you would expect, Tom and Maggie come to rely on each other, filling the gaps in each other’s lives.

The Library isn’t really about the library, although it does act as a secondary character. Instead, it reminds us that the local library brings people together with the common goal of stepping outside their worlds and into the imaginative adventures that only books can provide. Books have no demands except that you love to read and give them a chance. It’s unconditional. But finding that kind of love from a living, breathing friend? Even better.

I adored this book. The characters feel so real. Tom’s teenage hangups, dreams, and expectations are right on the mark. Maggie–on the other hand–is wise, quirky, and more forgiving after years of dodging Life’s curve balls. Together they make a marvelous pair.

The Library is available for free digital reading with an Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription or only $5.49 to purchase. I highly recommend it.

9.5/10 Stars

P.S. If you want to see a film that has a very similar, sweet friendship, I recommend Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, with Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend. Also wonderful.

Fiction

Two by Boo…

Kristie

I was hoping to read Boo Walker’s Red Mountain Chronicles series before adding more of his books here, but since that doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon, I would be remiss if I did not talk about the wondrous An Unfinished Story (2020) and The Singing Trees (2021.) What really lit a fire under me was seeing a Facebook post this morning where he talked about “killing his darlings” (scrapping 8000 words he just wrote–ouch) and starting over. It was this unsolicited admission of a writer’s blood, sweat and tears that reminded me of his character, author Whitaker Grant, in An Unfinished Story, and I knew I had to add these today.

An Unfinished Story: Claire Kite is attempting to reassemble her life after the death of her husband, David. Among his belongings, she discovers his final, unfinished manuscript. In an effort to give it the ending it deserves, Claire seeks out disillusioned writer, Whitaker Grant. Whit is suffering from “one hit wonder” syndrome. His debut novel was an instant success that became a hit film, but the pressure has crippled him from writing anything else.

The plot is unique, the twists unexpected, and the ending wholly satisfying. Both Claire and Whit have something that the other needs to put the pieces of their lives back together. Only by getting to know each other, as well as unlocking secrets about Claire’s late husband, can the unfinished story take flight.

I gave this book 5/5 Stars on Goodreads, but I’m not going to rate it here. Between Whitaker Grant’s personal angst and the real author’s willingness to share his process with the rest of us, I feel it would be unfair. Let me just say that An Unfinished Story is a beautiful book that I highly recommend.

The Singing Trees: Maine, 1969. Annalisa Mancuso has just lost her parents in a car crash and is living with her grandmother. She has artistic aspirations, but the town of Payton Mills is suffocating. She’s talented and determined to make her way to the thriving art scene in Portland. What she doesn’t expect is the impact that Thomas, an Ivy Leaguer, and his troubled younger sister, Emma, will have on her plans. Like flipping magnets, these three are drawn together and pushed apart over a series of years.

As other reviewers mention, The Singing Trees addresses love in many forms: family, friendship, and romance. Some of that love is healthy, some is toxic, a lot of it is self-sacrificing with lasting consequences. There is betrayal and redemption with lessons learned by all. Another winner that I highly recommend with 5/5 Stars on Goodreads.

Visit Boo’s page: http://www.boowalker.com/

Fiction

Five Quick Reviews:

Kristie

Currently I’m working on reading the Murphy Shepherd series by Charles Martin, which is marvelous. It’s slow-going because they are so full and so well-written. In the meantime, here are 5 quick reviews of some books I’ve read recently. The rating is based on the Goodreads 5 Star system. Happy Reading!

Available June 7, 2022

The plot of this book reads like a semi-modern Les Miserables. There were many things to like, but it was also a bit too saccharine–like a Hallmark Movie–especially the ending, which is slightly ridiculous.

Available now (on Kindle Unlimited)

Oh, Jake and Kassie! This story was beautiful and unique and had some wonderfully heartfelt moments. But, alas, there were some scenes, language, and horrible characters that detracted. If those were stripped away, this one would be a 5 Star book.

Available now

This novel’s characters reminded me a lot of Jane Eyre and Rochester in a current setting. There’s even a scene near the end that mirrors the classic almost word-for-word. The 3 stars are just because it was a tad bland and, if you are a Jane Eyre fan, you’ll see right through it as not completely original.

Available now

OK, NOW, we’re talking literature. Charles Martin books– how have they eluded me until now? The Water Keeper is the first in the Murphy Shepherd series–the story of a broken man who has the wits, skill, and resources to help others. The writing is beautiful and the story has a little of everything: action, humor, romance, depth. Plus it is incredibly touching. For those who shy away from fiction, you’ll feel differently after this novel. Book 2 is The Letter Keeper, available now. Book 3 is The Record Keeper, due out on July 5, 2022. More on this series in a future post.

Available now

Part of Your World is a new book and it’s already incredibly popular. I read it as a mental palate cleanser after The Water Keeper. I loved the premise of a 38-year old lady ER doctor from the city and a 28-year old burly small town carpenter trying to find a way to merge their different worlds. But I wish I could take a giant melon baller and clean this book up. Alexis and Daniel are wonderful characters and the majority is very well-written, but there is a lot of language and some scenes that take away from its potential greatness. A shame, really, because I’d read a cleaner version again and again.

Autobiography, Memoir

Deaf Utopia, by Nyle DiMarco

Kristie
“As a Deaf person, I came from a beautiful and unique heritage that included a multilayered culture, a visual language, and a wealth of stories.”

I cannot remember the last time, if ever, that I learned so much from a memoir. Nyle DiMarco’s Deaf Utopia should be required reading for everyone.

Nyle DiMarco won hearts by winning both America’s Next Top Model and Dancing With the Stars, breaking barriers and bringing awareness to a beautiful silent world that many of us, myself included, don’t think about much. Part of a multi-generational Deaf family, this love letter to Deaf culture is sometimes joyful and, at other times, heart-breaking.

The writing is exquisite. I learned about the frustratingly slow evolution of allowing Deaf students to use American Sign Language, as opposed to forcing speech and oral education, in schools for the Deaf. I learned about the Milan Conference, a group of decision makers in the 1800s who made crucial choices about educating Deaf children when only one of the members was Deaf himself. I learned about Alexander Graham Bell, who has always been heralded as a pioneer, and his belief that if Deaf couples didn’t marry and procreate, the “deaf gene” would eventually be “bred out” of the human race.

As an elementary school teacher, I firmly agree with DiMarco’s statement “Kids need a language rich environment for their brains to acquire the rhythm and pattern of language.” It seems so basic, and this is why we sing a lot of songs in kindergarten about numbers, the days of the week, the months of the year, etc. It is why, even when I taught fifth grade, I still set aside at least half an hour a day for “story time,” where I read to my students and tried to exemplify a love of words and language.

In a school for the Deaf, this love is best conveyed through their native language, ASL, which DiMarco describes as “…something uniquely ours, a beautiful creation made with Deaf minds, hands, and bodies. When we use it, we feel truly content, truly ourselves.” Which makes the decades of systemic resistance to using it even more shocking. The more Deaf children have access to ASL-rich classrooms, the more they thrive and learn a variety of subjects. When the emphasis is all about speech and lip-reading, gaps can form in the child’s education. His family has members across the spectrum with all these experiences. The consequences, both good and bad, last a lifetime.

Discussing the book would not be complete without mentioning Nyle DiMarco’s amazing mother, Donna, who is also Deaf, and raised her three Deaf sons pretty much single-handedly. The way she fought for them, advocated for their education, nurtured them, and supported them is nothing short of heroic. If there was a school that was better, they moved there. If there was unfairness in the system, she challenged it. All of her sons are graduates of the prestigious Gallaudet University. Seriously, this lady deserves her own biography.

This book is revelatory. It is also fun and anecdotal. There’s mischief, love, setbacks, and creative solutions on nearly every page. I recommend it highly. Like with any culture, the only way to understand it better is to learn about it. I was honored to learn about Deaf culture, which is larger than we realize and has much to teach us.

10/10 Stars

May 8, 2022 video addition: There are lots of videos of Nyle DiMarco modeling, dancing, and being interviewed. But if you read this book you’ll learn that the foundation for all of his success was early language acquisition. (Not speech, but LANGUAGE. There’s a difference.) He’s very passionate about it. (I agree!) In that respect, I think these two videos are the best ones to post here.

This is so powerful.
Fiction

A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman

Kristie
“People can say whatever they like about you, Ove. But you’re the strangest superhero I ever heard about..”

I suppose we all have days where we think to ourselves, “The world is a fine place, except for the people.” There’s nothing wrong with having days like that, unless you’re Ove and it’s every day.

Ove lives in a black and white world. People are soft, people are lazy, people have no skills, people drive the wrong cars, people don’t follow rules, people are out to swindle and inconvenience him. Essentially, with the exception of his late wife, people have no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Or dogs. Or cats. Or children. They barely qualify as people.

And yet, in Ove’s Swedish neighborhood of row houses, there is one person determined to connect with him. His new neighbor, Parvaneh, “The Pregnant One.” She’s married to the equally affable Patrick “The Lanky One.” Most people are beneath Ove’s notice for him to even learn their names.

Yes, he’s cranky. Yes, he’s infuriating. But though it’s easy to be as dismissive with Ove as he is with everyone else, you cannot help but pity him and wonder why? Why is he like this? And so you read on in this witty character study of a man who is, for better or worse, shackled to his principles to the point of obsession. Why? Because in his mind, they are the only things that have never failed him.

Having principles does have its benefits. A person of principles is not a hypocrite. A person of principles is honest. A person of principles does not abandon someone he can help. Even when helping someone can ruin all his plans for the day. Very important plans.

You will want to slap Ove. You will want to slam the door in his face. But you will also want to save him. He’s worth saving. Everyone is worth saving.

“You know, Ove, sometimes one almost suspects you have a heart…”

9.5/10 Stars

P.S. There is a Swedish movie based on the book, available for viewing on Amazon Prime. An American version, with Tom Hanks as Ove, is currently in production.

ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Beyond the Moonlit Sea, by Julianne MacLean

Kristie

AVAILABLE June 14, 2022

I’ve never read a book by Julianne MacLean before, but she is an author I will definitely seek out in the future. I absolutely LOVED Beyond the Moonlit Sea. It is nothing like what I expected, but that’s OK. It’s fun to be surprised and intrigued!

The synopsis said it is about a woman named Olivia Hamilton whose husband, Dean, goes missing around the Bermuda Triangle in a plane he was piloting alone. True. It also said there was a woman named Melanie Brown, a student doing a dissertation on why planes disappear in that section of the ocean. Also true. I knew these women’s paths would eventually intertwine–which they do–but not all at like I initially guessed. I like being wrong! Predictability is much less entertaining.

This novel has the mystery, romance, high-quality writing, and momentum of The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave, which is one of the highest compliments I can offer. I could NOT put it down. Many plots have multiple points of view from different characters, but this one did it expertly, allowing the reader to really see inside the minds of Olivia, Dean, and Melanie. We get a glimpse of the three main characters’ motivations and inner turmoil over several years. We’re also reminded that sometimes our circumstances are the results of our own choices and sometimes by the choices of others. Sometimes a tangled combination of both.

Beyond the Moonlit Sea is a winner and one of the best novels I’ve read all year. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.

9.5/10 Stars