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General Recommendations
The Darla Doodles Favorite Reads for 2019: Adult Genres
By:
d
darladoodles
Mid-Continent Public Library
Community-created list
This reading year has so far encompassed a collection of more than 450 books, so I spent some time reviewing the titles I have read this year and put together a list of my favorites.
By:
d
darladoodles
Mid-Continent Public Library
Book - 2017
Ludwig does an amazing job taking us inside Ginny Moon's world. Ginny is living with her Forever Mom and Forever Dad when the imminent appearance of a For...Show more
Ludwig does an amazing job taking us inside Ginny Moon's world. Ginny is living with her Forever Mom and Forever Dad when the imminent appearance of a Forever Baby Sister awakes memories of Ginny's Baby Doll. Was her Baby Doll a real baby? Will Ginny be able to reunite with her birth mother Gloria and make sure Baby Doll is okay? It was a frustrating read at times. You want to tell Ginny not to put glue on her teacher's chair. You want to advocate for Ginny, but ultimately she has to learn to do that for herself. Will she? Readers who enjoyed "The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night" will also find this book to be a compelling read.
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Ludwig does an amazing job taking us inside Ginny Moon's world. Ginny is living with her Forever Mom and Forever Dad when the imminent appearance of a For...Show more
Ludwig does an amazing job taking us inside Ginny Moon's world. Ginny is living with her Forever Mom and Forever Dad when the imminent appearance of a Forever Baby Sister awakes memories of Ginny's Baby Doll. Was her Baby Doll a real baby? Will Ginny be able to reunite with her birth mother Gloria and make sure Baby Doll is okay? It was a frustrating read at times. You want to tell Ginny not to put glue on her teacher's chair. You want to advocate for Ginny, but ultimately she has to learn to do that for herself. Will she? Readers who enjoyed "The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night" will also find this book to be a compelling read.
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Audiobook CD - 2012
I am so glad I decided to listen to this quirky novel on audio. It was a totally unexpected combination of emails, letters, articles, captain's reports a...Show more
I am so glad I decided to listen to this quirky novel on audio. It was a totally unexpected combination of emails, letters, articles, captain's reports and more. I really hesitate to say too much more about it as I don't want to spoil the experience for anyone. Despite Bernadette's obvious social phobias, you are still rooting for her and her daughter Bee is a delight. I am on the fence regarding the husband. He is an odd duck. Any which way, I would recommend this for road trips!
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I am so glad I decided to listen to this quirky novel on audio. It was a totally unexpected combination of emails, letters, articles, captain's reports a...Show more
I am so glad I decided to listen to this quirky novel on audio. It was a totally unexpected combination of emails, letters, articles, captain's reports and more. I really hesitate to say too much more about it as I don't want to spoil the experience for anyone. Despite Bernadette's obvious social phobias, you are still rooting for her and her daughter Bee is a delight. I am on the fence regarding the husband. He is an odd duck. Any which way, I would recommend this for road trips!
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A Novel
Unknown - 2020
It begins with a bullet. That bullet was just the beginning. Bookstore owner Lydia and her son Luca have lost their whole family and must flee from their ...Show more
It begins with a bullet. That bullet was just the beginning. Bookstore owner Lydia and her son Luca have lost their whole family and must flee from their home. They are on the run and heading for the promise of El Norte. Will they survive the perils of travelling to the border via La Bestia? Their journey will take them 2,645 miles away from that massacre. But can they ever escape Los Jardineros and the boundless reach of the man who rules that cartel with an iron fist and was once Lydia's dear friend and customer ? Despite the terror that can almost be debilitating, love and hope triumph and give promise for the future. Fans of "Pachinko" and "Girls Burn Brighter" will find that this trek from Acapulco to "American Dirt" does not disappoint.
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It begins with a bullet. That bullet was just the beginning. Bookstore owner Lydia and her son Luca have lost their whole family and must flee from their ...Show more
It begins with a bullet. That bullet was just the beginning. Bookstore owner Lydia and her son Luca have lost their whole family and must flee from their home. They are on the run and heading for the promise of El Norte. Will they survive the perils of travelling to the border via La Bestia? Their journey will take them 2,645 miles away from that massacre. But can they ever escape Los Jardineros and the boundless reach of the man who rules that cartel with an iron fist and was once Lydia's dear friend and customer ? Despite the terror that can almost be debilitating, love and hope triumph and give promise for the future. Fans of "Pachinko" and "Girls Burn Brighter" will find that this trek from Acapulco to "American Dirt" does not disappoint.
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Book - 2019
This is a gritty, powerful story about Eli and August Bell. They grow up in Brisbane in the midst of the drug trade. Their babysitter is a 70-something ex...Show more
This is a gritty, powerful story about Eli and August Bell. They grow up in Brisbane in the midst of the drug trade. Their babysitter is a 70-something ex-convict who was legendary for his alleged crime and escape. Two revelations tie the book together: 1) The phrase "your end is a dead blue wren" and 2) The name Caitlyn Spies. These two items are revealed written in the air by older brother Gus. Eli tells us the story of how everything comes together in the ocean of the universe. In this magical coming of age story, a red phone gives Eli hope and encourages him to persevere in bringing his family back together and pursuing his dream career in journalism. Readers who enjoyed the recently released "Bridge of Clay" will find this appealing.
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This is a gritty, powerful story about Eli and August Bell. They grow up in Brisbane in the midst of the drug trade. Their babysitter is a 70-something ex...Show more
This is a gritty, powerful story about Eli and August Bell. They grow up in Brisbane in the midst of the drug trade. Their babysitter is a 70-something ex-convict who was legendary for his alleged crime and escape. Two revelations tie the book together: 1) The phrase "your end is a dead blue wren" and 2) The name Caitlyn Spies. These two items are revealed written in the air by older brother Gus. Eli tells us the story of how everything comes together in the ocean of the universe. In this magical coming of age story, a red phone gives Eli hope and encourages him to persevere in bringing his family back together and pursuing his dream career in journalism. Readers who enjoyed the recently released "Bridge of Clay" will find this appealing.
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Book - 2019
Take a flawed heroine (Zee), an autistic young man who hears voices and speaks in Olde English (Gentry) and add in a prison escape with Zee's sister held ...Show more
Take a flawed heroine (Zee), an autistic young man who hears voices and speaks in Olde English (Gentry) and add in a prison escape with Zee's sister held hostage, Zee's hoarding mother aka The Dragon, Gentry's racially diverse adopted family, Ren Fair re-enactment and a dash of the KKK and out pops this unique novel set in Wichita, KS. Gentry has sworn an oath to be Zee's champion. What Zee wants most is to rescue her sister from her captors. Thus their quest is set in motion with unexpected consequences. This gritty romance will appeal to readers who enjoy Laura McHugh's books. If you like the gritty, unexpected duo that is Gentry and Zee you may also want to read "Two Girls Down" by Louise Luna.
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Take a flawed heroine (Zee), an autistic young man who hears voices and speaks in Olde English (Gentry) and add in a prison escape with Zee's sister held ...Show more
Take a flawed heroine (Zee), an autistic young man who hears voices and speaks in Olde English (Gentry) and add in a prison escape with Zee's sister held hostage, Zee's hoarding mother aka The Dragon, Gentry's racially diverse adopted family, Ren Fair re-enactment and a dash of the KKK and out pops this unique novel set in Wichita, KS. Gentry has sworn an oath to be Zee's champion. What Zee wants most is to rescue her sister from her captors. Thus their quest is set in motion with unexpected consequences. This gritty romance will appeal to readers who enjoy Laura McHugh's books. If you like the gritty, unexpected duo that is Gentry and Zee you may also want to read "Two Girls Down" by Louise Luna.
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Book - 2019
Call the chiropractor. This book gave me mental whiplash and I loved it. Talk about a mind bender! What if you could undo something in your past and reliv...Show more
Call the chiropractor. This book gave me mental whiplash and I loved it. Talk about a mind bender! What if you could undo something in your past and relive your life from just before that point? Would you? In Blake Crouch's genre-bending thriller set in present day, FMS (False Memory Syndrome) is an unwanted side effect to using the device invented to give you a "do over." Told from the perspective of Barry (a police officer investigating the phenomenon) and Helena (the inventor), you will find yourself hop-scotching through time and staying up late to see how it all ends.
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Call the chiropractor. This book gave me mental whiplash and I loved it. Talk about a mind bender! What if you could undo something in your past and reliv...Show more
Call the chiropractor. This book gave me mental whiplash and I loved it. Talk about a mind bender! What if you could undo something in your past and relive your life from just before that point? Would you? In Blake Crouch's genre-bending thriller set in present day, FMS (False Memory Syndrome) is an unwanted side effect to using the device invented to give you a "do over." Told from the perspective of Barry (a police officer investigating the phenomenon) and Helena (the inventor), you will find yourself hop-scotching through time and staying up late to see how it all ends.
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Book - 2019
One of my favorite discoveries of the 2017 new releases was "The Child Finder," so I picked up the sequel and felt like I was sitting down to co...Show more
One of my favorite discoveries of the 2017 new releases was "The Child Finder," so I picked up the sequel and felt like I was sitting down to coffee with an old friend. In her Acknowledgements, Denfeld says, "Life is a story we tell ourselves and each other--we can make the story full of justice, kindness, and redemption. It's up to us." One cannot read one or both of the Naomi Cottle books and still have a lack of empathy for the plight of children who have become victims of the adults in their lives. Sometimes it is their own family; for others it is a stranger. Nevertheless, Naomi Cottle has a gift for finding and help these children. Visiting her world through the lyrical narrative spun by Denfeld is like watching butterflies. Her writing reminds me of Emma Donoghue and Marilynne Robinson.
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One of my favorite discoveries of the 2017 new releases was "The Child Finder," so I picked up the sequel and felt like I was sitting down to co...Show more
One of my favorite discoveries of the 2017 new releases was "The Child Finder," so I picked up the sequel and felt like I was sitting down to coffee with an old friend. In her Acknowledgements, Denfeld says, "Life is a story we tell ourselves and each other--we can make the story full of justice, kindness, and redemption. It's up to us." One cannot read one or both of the Naomi Cottle books and still have a lack of empathy for the plight of children who have become victims of the adults in their lives. Sometimes it is their own family; for others it is a stranger. Nevertheless, Naomi Cottle has a gift for finding and help these children. Visiting her world through the lyrical narrative spun by Denfeld is like watching butterflies. Her writing reminds me of Emma Donoghue and Marilynne Robinson.
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Book - 2019
You may not want to read this chilling standalone mystery after dark. Clare Cassidy is an English teacher and working on a biography of R.H. Holland, the ...Show more
You may not want to read this chilling standalone mystery after dark. Clare Cassidy is an English teacher and working on a biography of R.H. Holland, the author of the atmospheric and enigmatic tale "The Stranger." Her friend and fellow faculty member Ella is murdered and Clare's life begins to take on a very sinister turn. She finds a message in her personal diary and then there is another murder. Is there a serial killer on the loose? Why do these crimes all connect back to Clare and mimic "The Stranger?" I could not put this down and read it at breakneck speed to get to the end -- totally shocked by the reveal of the facts behind all the evil acts in the narrative. Then at the end you get to read the entire text of "The Stranger" and its chilling conclusion. Goosebumps!
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You may not want to read this chilling standalone mystery after dark. Clare Cassidy is an English teacher and working on a biography of R.H. Holland, the ...Show more
You may not want to read this chilling standalone mystery after dark. Clare Cassidy is an English teacher and working on a biography of R.H. Holland, the author of the atmospheric and enigmatic tale "The Stranger." Her friend and fellow faculty member Ella is murdered and Clare's life begins to take on a very sinister turn. She finds a message in her personal diary and then there is another murder. Is there a serial killer on the loose? Why do these crimes all connect back to Clare and mimic "The Stranger?" I could not put this down and read it at breakneck speed to get to the end -- totally shocked by the reveal of the facts behind all the evil acts in the narrative. Then at the end you get to read the entire text of "The Stranger" and its chilling conclusion. Goosebumps!
Show less
Book - 2018
Read this a second time for a book group and found it to be an even more enjoyable read the second time around. Meissner has a gift for immersing us in th...Show more
Read this a second time for a book group and found it to be an even more enjoyable read the second time around. Meissner has a gift for immersing us in the time periods she writes about and gives us information about a subject that is not as well known to many. Her characters jump off the page and into our hearts. You will need tissues!
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Read this a second time for a book group and found it to be an even more enjoyable read the second time around. Meissner has a gift for immersing us in th...Show more
Read this a second time for a book group and found it to be an even more enjoyable read the second time around. Meissner has a gift for immersing us in the time periods she writes about and gives us information about a subject that is not as well known to many. Her characters jump off the page and into our hearts. You will need tissues!
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Book - 2019
This book deserves all the big adjectives like sweeping, epic and devastating. Hanna and Max's story is told in such an engaging way. It is historical fic...Show more
This book deserves all the big adjectives like sweeping, epic and devastating. Hanna and Max's story is told in such an engaging way. It is historical fiction with a little sci fi, a lot of violin and an epic love story. My favorite from Cantor so far.
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This book deserves all the big adjectives like sweeping, epic and devastating. Hanna and Max's story is told in such an engaging way. It is historical fic...Show more
This book deserves all the big adjectives like sweeping, epic and devastating. Hanna and Max's story is told in such an engaging way. It is historical fiction with a little sci fi, a lot of violin and an epic love story. My favorite from Cantor so far.
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Book - 2019
One of my favorite reads this year! Cussy Mary Carter will ride her mule Junia right into your heart. She is one of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky (l...Show more
One of my favorite reads this year! Cussy Mary Carter will ride her mule Junia right into your heart. She is one of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky (later found to have a congenital condition called methemoglobinemia) and a Pack Horse librarian for the WPA. The year is 1936 and the folks in the hollers near Troublesome Creek are suffering. Cussy takes pride in her role as a provider of books and other written materials for the patrons on her route despite the prevailing prejudice concerning her skin condition. The Blues rank below the Negroes in the economy of people in these parts. This story will remind you of the power of books and introduce you to the scrappy Book Women who enlightened the lives of the people in Appalachia. Reminded my of the classic book "Christy" and would make a fantastic book group read.
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One of my favorite reads this year! Cussy Mary Carter will ride her mule Junia right into your heart. She is one of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky (l...Show more
One of my favorite reads this year! Cussy Mary Carter will ride her mule Junia right into your heart. She is one of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky (later found to have a congenital condition called methemoglobinemia) and a Pack Horse librarian for the WPA. The year is 1936 and the folks in the hollers near Troublesome Creek are suffering. Cussy takes pride in her role as a provider of books and other written materials for the patrons on her route despite the prevailing prejudice concerning her skin condition. The Blues rank below the Negroes in the economy of people in these parts. This story will remind you of the power of books and introduce you to the scrappy Book Women who enlightened the lives of the people in Appalachia. Reminded my of the classic book "Christy" and would make a fantastic book group read.
Show less
Book - 2015
A fascinating deep dive into the dreams of a young bookseller named Kitty. She dreams about being a happily married woman who goes by Katharyn. Her husban...Show more
A fascinating deep dive into the dreams of a young bookseller named Kitty. She dreams about being a happily married woman who goes by Katharyn. Her husband Lars is the love of her life and they have two adorable children -- twins? As the dreams continue, Kitty begins to compare her "real life" with her "dream life." Why do her dreams seem so real? Why are there gaps in her "real life?" I loved all the book and pop culture references and the historical setting in the early 1960's. The resolution seemed rushed although it did make sense. Will make for a lively book group discussion.
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A fascinating deep dive into the dreams of a young bookseller named Kitty. She dreams about being a happily married woman who goes by Katharyn. Her husban...Show more
A fascinating deep dive into the dreams of a young bookseller named Kitty. She dreams about being a happily married woman who goes by Katharyn. Her husband Lars is the love of her life and they have two adorable children -- twins? As the dreams continue, Kitty begins to compare her "real life" with her "dream life." Why do her dreams seem so real? Why are there gaps in her "real life?" I loved all the book and pop culture references and the historical setting in the early 1960's. The resolution seemed rushed although it did make sense. Will make for a lively book group discussion.
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Audiobook CD - 2019
This book enticed me with its gorgeous cover and enigmatic title. What is a "Dutch house?" It is the house that Danny Conroy lives in from birth...Show more
This book enticed me with its gorgeous cover and enigmatic title. What is a "Dutch house?" It is the house that Danny Conroy lives in from birth and is ejected from as a teenager. He and his sister Maeve costar with the house in this new historical fiction title from Ann Patchett. Also included is a tapestry of characters who come and go in the lives of Danny and Maeve. This rich and meaty character-driven novel should be on the top of the list for book clubs this fall. Groups will find so much to discuss in the motivations, actions and achievements of the inhabitants who surround "The Dutch House." Heck, I want to live there myself!
Read this in e-book form as an ARC. Now that I know Tom Hanks narrates the audio version, I plan to reread!
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This book enticed me with its gorgeous cover and enigmatic title. What is a "Dutch house?" It is the house that Danny Conroy lives in from birth...Show more
This book enticed me with its gorgeous cover and enigmatic title. What is a "Dutch house?" It is the house that Danny Conroy lives in from birth and is ejected from as a teenager. He and his sister Maeve costar with the house in this new historical fiction title from Ann Patchett. Also included is a tapestry of characters who come and go in the lives of Danny and Maeve. This rich and meaty character-driven novel should be on the top of the list for book clubs this fall. Groups will find so much to discuss in the motivations, actions and achievements of the inhabitants who surround "The Dutch House." Heck, I want to live there myself!
Read this in e-book form as an ARC. Now that I know Tom Hanks narrates the audio version, I plan to reread!
Show less
by Spera, Deb
Book - 2019
Outstanding debut novel that should make the short list for book group selections. Three diverse women find their lives intertwined in the pre-Depression ...Show more
Outstanding debut novel that should make the short list for book group selections. Three diverse women find their lives intertwined in the pre-Depression South. The character development is stellar. Each of them has a unique voice that clearly distinguishes one from the other. Without a doubt, the opening sentence will ambush you like a gator on the edge of the swamp. Readers who enjoyed "The Help" will also find this worth reading. Highly recommended.
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Outstanding debut novel that should make the short list for book group selections. Three diverse women find their lives intertwined in the pre-Depression ...Show more
Outstanding debut novel that should make the short list for book group selections. Three diverse women find their lives intertwined in the pre-Depression South. The character development is stellar. Each of them has a unique voice that clearly distinguishes one from the other. Without a doubt, the opening sentence will ambush you like a gator on the edge of the swamp. Readers who enjoyed "The Help" will also find this worth reading. Highly recommended.
Show less
Book - 2019
This moving and epic new-release puts the bloom on my rosebush. I can just picture that canoe with its precious cargo making its way down the Gilead, then...Show more
This moving and epic new-release puts the bloom on my rosebush. I can just picture that canoe with its precious cargo making its way down the Gilead, then the Minnesota and on to the Mississippi. Those precious vagabonds floated their way into my heart. Let me tell you--there were times when I had to slap my hand over my mouth in despair over the events these four orphans lived through on their odyssey. "Ordinary Grace" is one of my favorite books EVER and it was such a treat to spend some time in New Bremen in this second standalone for Krueger. I would contend that in addition to ties to Homer's Odyssey and Huckleberry Finn, you could also make a case for Robinson's "Gilead" and the classic from Kansas "The Wizard of Oz." Can I get an amen?
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This moving and epic new-release puts the bloom on my rosebush. I can just picture that canoe with its precious cargo making its way down the Gilead, then...Show more
This moving and epic new-release puts the bloom on my rosebush. I can just picture that canoe with its precious cargo making its way down the Gilead, then the Minnesota and on to the Mississippi. Those precious vagabonds floated their way into my heart. Let me tell you--there were times when I had to slap my hand over my mouth in despair over the events these four orphans lived through on their odyssey. "Ordinary Grace" is one of my favorite books EVER and it was such a treat to spend some time in New Bremen in this second standalone for Krueger. I would contend that in addition to ties to Homer's Odyssey and Huckleberry Finn, you could also make a case for Robinson's "Gilead" and the classic from Kansas "The Wizard of Oz." Can I get an amen?
Show less
Book - 2019
There are so many reasons for me to love this book. I live adjacent to the state of Kansas where Oz is ever present. My childhood fell right in those gold...Show more
There are so many reasons for me to love this book. I live adjacent to the state of Kansas where Oz is ever present. My childhood fell right in those golden years when watching "The Wizard of Oz" was an annual tradition for so many. A well-told story fill with symmetry is so appealing to my linear, librarian brain. Of course, I did find the book to be a delight. It went beyond my expectations and I heartily recommend it. So many historical connections for Maud Baum and not just to the plot of the book. I can just see her independent spirit being nurtured by her mother Matilda Gage, "Aunt" Susan (B. Anthony) and "Aunt" Elizabeth (Cady Stanton). Maud most certainly carried the torch onward and so many of us don't realize the part she has played. Thank you, Elizabeth Letts, for sharing her story as well as the story of the classic novel and movie it inspired.
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There are so many reasons for me to love this book. I live adjacent to the state of Kansas where Oz is ever present. My childhood fell right in those gold...Show more
There are so many reasons for me to love this book. I live adjacent to the state of Kansas where Oz is ever present. My childhood fell right in those golden years when watching "The Wizard of Oz" was an annual tradition for so many. A well-told story fill with symmetry is so appealing to my linear, librarian brain. Of course, I did find the book to be a delight. It went beyond my expectations and I heartily recommend it. So many historical connections for Maud Baum and not just to the plot of the book. I can just see her independent spirit being nurtured by her mother Matilda Gage, "Aunt" Susan (B. Anthony) and "Aunt" Elizabeth (Cady Stanton). Maud most certainly carried the torch onward and so many of us don't realize the part she has played. Thank you, Elizabeth Letts, for sharing her story as well as the story of the classic novel and movie it inspired.
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by Rowe, Mike
Downloadable Audiobook - 2019
I am still listening to this one and loving it! Each chapter has a "The Rest of the Story" type reveal followed by connected anecdotes from Mike Rowe's past. Includes laugh out loud moments and sentimental observations. Highly recommended!
I am still listening to this one and loving it! Each chapter has a "The Rest of the Story" type reveal followed by connected anecdotes from Mike Rowe's past. Includes laugh out loud moments and sentimental observations. Highly recommended!
Show less
I am still listening to this one and loving it! Each chapter has a "The Rest of the Story" type reveal followed by connected anecdotes from Mike Rowe's past. Includes laugh out loud moments and sentimental observations. Highly recommended!
I am still listening to this one and loving it! Each chapter has a "The Rest of the Story" type reveal followed by connected anecdotes from Mike Rowe's past. Includes laugh out loud moments and sentimental observations. Highly recommended!
Show less
A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love
Book - 2019
A powerful and moving memoir that takes a deep dive into the world of reproductive technology. Dani is 54 and discovers through DNA testing that a man she...Show more
A powerful and moving memoir that takes a deep dive into the world of reproductive technology. Dani is 54 and discovers through DNA testing that a man she has never met is actually her bio dad. The father she grew up with is technically her social dad.
"I had spent all my life writing my way through darkness like a miner in a cave until I spit into a plastic vial and the lights blinked on."
This discovery sends her life into a tailspin and she has chosen to share the intimate details of her journey in this book.
"Now, I was in a crisis of the soul. If I didn't know how to locate myself--in the roots of my history, in the geography that had formed me--how was I supposed to make sense of the rest of my life?"
Because Dani and I are the same age, I found that reading this book prompted reflection on my own heritage. As Dani explores the circumstances of her conception, she is reminded by an aunt that she is not an "accident of history." None of us are. This is closely tied to a conversation she has with the founder of the California Cryobank and asks him how many potential souls are stored at his facility.
This is most certainly a book with a timely message. The many ways people can access DNA testing are colliding with the anonymity promised in the past to sperm donors. This book showcases a situation where the parties involved found a compassionate way to move forward with love. Inspiring and thought-provoking!
Show less
A powerful and moving memoir that takes a deep dive into the world of reproductive technology. Dani is 54 and discovers through DNA testing that a man she...Show more
A powerful and moving memoir that takes a deep dive into the world of reproductive technology. Dani is 54 and discovers through DNA testing that a man she has never met is actually her bio dad. The father she grew up with is technically her social dad.
"I had spent all my life writing my way through darkness like a miner in a cave until I spit into a plastic vial and the lights blinked on."
This discovery sends her life into a tailspin and she has chosen to share the intimate details of her journey in this book.
"Now, I was in a crisis of the soul. If I didn't know how to locate myself--in the roots of my history, in the geography that had formed me--how was I supposed to make sense of the rest of my life?"
Because Dani and I are the same age, I found that reading this book prompted reflection on my own heritage. As Dani explores the circumstances of her conception, she is reminded by an aunt that she is not an "accident of history." None of us are. This is closely tied to a conversation she has with the founder of the California Cryobank and asks him how many potential souls are stored at his facility.
This is most certainly a book with a timely message. The many ways people can access DNA testing are colliding with the anonymity promised in the past to sperm donors. This book showcases a situation where the parties involved found a compassionate way to move forward with love. Inspiring and thought-provoking!
Show less
(being A Faithful Account of the Final Years and Earthly Days of Doctor David Livingstone and His Last Journey From the Interior to the Coast of Africa, as Narrated by His African Companions, in Three Volumes)
Book - 2019
The fascinating story of the expedition to carry David Livingstone's body to the sea so he could be buried at Westminster Abbey in England. The plaque on ...Show more
The fascinating story of the expedition to carry David Livingstone's body to the sea so he could be buried at Westminster Abbey in England. The plaque on his grave says, "Brought by faithful hands over land and sea here rests David Livingstone, missionary traveller, philanthropist, born March 19, 1813, at Blantyre, Lanarkshire, died May 1, 1873, at Chitambo's Village, Ulala."
Gappah in her Acknowledgements indicates that she spent almost twenty years writing this book. Her research shines as we find ourselves immersed in the journey to the sea. We view life with the Livingstone and the labor of love through two lenses. Halima, the cook, gives us the native view and her perspective is full of Swahili references (glossary included in the back of the book) and peppered with humor. Jacob Wainwright is the earnest servant who delivers his story to the accompaniment of "Pilgrim's Progress." The two rarely agree, but the narrative is all the richer due to their contributions. This new novel is a memorable and inspiring tale that you will not soon forget.
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The fascinating story of the expedition to carry David Livingstone's body to the sea so he could be buried at Westminster Abbey in England. The plaque on ...Show more
The fascinating story of the expedition to carry David Livingstone's body to the sea so he could be buried at Westminster Abbey in England. The plaque on his grave says, "Brought by faithful hands over land and sea here rests David Livingstone, missionary traveller, philanthropist, born March 19, 1813, at Blantyre, Lanarkshire, died May 1, 1873, at Chitambo's Village, Ulala."
Gappah in her Acknowledgements indicates that she spent almost twenty years writing this book. Her research shines as we find ourselves immersed in the journey to the sea. We view life with the Livingstone and the labor of love through two lenses. Halima, the cook, gives us the native view and her perspective is full of Swahili references (glossary included in the back of the book) and peppered with humor. Jacob Wainwright is the earnest servant who delivers his story to the accompaniment of "Pilgrim's Progress." The two rarely agree, but the narrative is all the richer due to their contributions. This new novel is a memorable and inspiring tale that you will not soon forget.
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Nine Ways the Bible's Story Changes Everything About your Story
Book - 2018
We all have a story. In this relevant volume, Guthrie shows us nine aspects of our stories that began in Eden and will find their ultimate culmination in ...Show more
We all have a story. In this relevant volume, Guthrie shows us nine aspects of our stories that began in Eden and will find their ultimate culmination in the new heavens and the new earth. With each theme, she walks us through scripture from Genesis to Revelation showing the coherence and cohesion of the biblical message. Her covenant theology is well supported by her references to scripture and other commentators. From clothing to housing to food and beyond, there is not an aspect of our daily lives that is not addressed by this book. Included are discussion questions making this a wonderful book for group study as well as personal reflection. Would make a great sermon series with chapter study in small groups during the week. I was encouraged in my story and reminded of the temporal nature of my pilgrimage here on this earth.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4
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We all have a story. In this relevant volume, Guthrie shows us nine aspects of our stories that began in Eden and will find their ultimate culmination in ...Show more
We all have a story. In this relevant volume, Guthrie shows us nine aspects of our stories that began in Eden and will find their ultimate culmination in the new heavens and the new earth. With each theme, she walks us through scripture from Genesis to Revelation showing the coherence and cohesion of the biblical message. Her covenant theology is well supported by her references to scripture and other commentators. From clothing to housing to food and beyond, there is not an aspect of our daily lives that is not addressed by this book. Included are discussion questions making this a wonderful book for group study as well as personal reflection. Would make a great sermon series with chapter study in small groups during the week. I was encouraged in my story and reminded of the temporal nature of my pilgrimage here on this earth.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4
Show less
Book - 2019
4+ stars for this second chance love story with timelines ten years apart. Annika and Jonathan met over a chess game in college and became a devoted coupl...Show more
4+ stars for this second chance love story with timelines ten years apart. Annika and Jonathan met over a chess game in college and became a devoted couple until tragedy strikes and their plans to be together in New York fall apart. Annika is on the spectrum, but at a time when such things were not discussed or diagnosed as they are now. She is also a librarian. Yay! Fast forward ten years and they bump into each other in a grocery store in Chicago. Their romance is rekindled and we get a front row seat from both of their perspectives and on both timelines. By the end of the book you realize how effectively plotted the setting was. I was moved to tears at times by the friends and family around Annika who supported her and helped her to be independent.
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4+ stars for this second chance love story with timelines ten years apart. Annika and Jonathan met over a chess game in college and became a devoted coupl...Show more
4+ stars for this second chance love story with timelines ten years apart. Annika and Jonathan met over a chess game in college and became a devoted couple until tragedy strikes and their plans to be together in New York fall apart. Annika is on the spectrum, but at a time when such things were not discussed or diagnosed as they are now. She is also a librarian. Yay! Fast forward ten years and they bump into each other in a grocery store in Chicago. Their romance is rekindled and we get a front row seat from both of their perspectives and on both timelines. By the end of the book you realize how effectively plotted the setting was. I was moved to tears at times by the friends and family around Annika who supported her and helped her to be independent.
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Book - 2019
You had me at "Tom Hanks." This is such a delightful read! It does help that Kerry Winfrey features three of my favorite romcoms of all time. Ho...Show more
You had me at "Tom Hanks." This is such a delightful read! It does help that Kerry Winfrey features three of my favorite romcoms of all time. How did she know I was waxing nostalgic last Christmas and put all three of them on my Amazon wish list? This book just came along at the right time for me. I also appreciate the fact that the s-e-x is left up to our imagination. I am not a big fan of the explicit sex scenes in books. The bantering, flirting and ratcheting up of the sexual tension is much more fun to read about in my opinion. Stick this book in your pool or beach bag. Or just read it on your day off. It makes for a fulfilling escape.
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You had me at "Tom Hanks." This is such a delightful read! It does help that Kerry Winfrey features three of my favorite romcoms of all time. Ho...Show more
You had me at "Tom Hanks." This is such a delightful read! It does help that Kerry Winfrey features three of my favorite romcoms of all time. How did she know I was waxing nostalgic last Christmas and put all three of them on my Amazon wish list? This book just came along at the right time for me. I also appreciate the fact that the s-e-x is left up to our imagination. I am not a big fan of the explicit sex scenes in books. The bantering, flirting and ratcheting up of the sexual tension is much more fun to read about in my opinion. Stick this book in your pool or beach bag. Or just read it on your day off. It makes for a fulfilling escape.
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Book - 2019
Love, love, love this midwestern tale that pays tribute to family values and to beer! I am going to be recommending this one all around. I learned so much...Show more
Love, love, love this midwestern tale that pays tribute to family values and to beer! I am going to be recommending this one all around. I learned so much about the craft of brewing beer and now I want to go and try some new ones with different eyes. There are so many women learning the art of brewing in this book and they kick butt at it. Delightful. This was even better than Kitchens in my opinion. Highly recommended!
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Love, love, love this midwestern tale that pays tribute to family values and to beer! I am going to be recommending this one all around. I learned so much...Show more
Love, love, love this midwestern tale that pays tribute to family values and to beer! I am going to be recommending this one all around. I learned so much about the craft of brewing beer and now I want to go and try some new ones with different eyes. There are so many women learning the art of brewing in this book and they kick butt at it. Delightful. This was even better than Kitchens in my opinion. Highly recommended!
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Book - 2019
If a book were to speak to you -- which one would it be? What would its message be? In this new novel, Sarah hears books speaking to her. They choose thei...Show more
If a book were to speak to you -- which one would it be? What would its message be? In this new novel, Sarah hears books speaking to her. They choose their next reader and can be quite stubborn. This touch of magic realism enhances the narrative in this sweetly Southern small-town story. I was charmed by both Sarah Dove and Grace Wheeler in this new novel. Will the Dove Pond Social Committee be able to revive the town and save it from extinction? I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!
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If a book were to speak to you -- which one would it be? What would its message be? In this new novel, Sarah hears books speaking to her. They choose thei...Show more
If a book were to speak to you -- which one would it be? What would its message be? In this new novel, Sarah hears books speaking to her. They choose their next reader and can be quite stubborn. This touch of magic realism enhances the narrative in this sweetly Southern small-town story. I was charmed by both Sarah Dove and Grace Wheeler in this new novel. Will the Dove Pond Social Committee be able to revive the town and save it from extinction? I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!
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Book - 2018
This rich tapestry of Greek myths has given me the opportunity to look at them through a new lens and I don't want to go back. Circe is the daughter of a ...Show more
This rich tapestry of Greek myths has given me the opportunity to look at them through a new lens and I don't want to go back. Circe is the daughter of a titan and a nymph. Exiled to an island as a scapegoat. Yet, Madeline Miller still finds a way to showcase many well-known myths and stories in a new way through Circe. The happily-ever-after we imagined for those Greek heroes may not have been all we envisioned. Simply astounding and so beautifully written. The little girl in me who fell in love with the Greek gods and goddesses as a 3rd grader rejoices.
"For me, there was nothing. I would go on through the countless millennia, while everyone I met ran through my fingers and I was left with only those who were like me."
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This rich tapestry of Greek myths has given me the opportunity to look at them through a new lens and I don't want to go back. Circe is the daughter of a ...Show more
This rich tapestry of Greek myths has given me the opportunity to look at them through a new lens and I don't want to go back. Circe is the daughter of a titan and a nymph. Exiled to an island as a scapegoat. Yet, Madeline Miller still finds a way to showcase many well-known myths and stories in a new way through Circe. The happily-ever-after we imagined for those Greek heroes may not have been all we envisioned. Simply astounding and so beautifully written. The little girl in me who fell in love with the Greek gods and goddesses as a 3rd grader rejoices.
"For me, there was nothing. I would go on through the countless millennia, while everyone I met ran through my fingers and I was left with only those who were like me."
Show less