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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Eight Hundred Grapes in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Georgia Ford had just arrived at her childhood home, dressed in her wedding dress, but it's not her wedding day. As she was having her final fitting, she saw her fiance in a way she had never expected to see him. So she runs home to her parents and brothers only to find that there are even more problems there. Always being the fixer in the family, will she be able to solve all the issues she runs into by running away from her own? Or will this be a time when fixing isn't going to work?
Synchronization is the theme of this novel. All things happen for a reason. Because this happened(or didn't)thatwas able to take place(or not). Georgia Ford is living as an attorney in Los Angeles when her world is turned upside down. She runs home to her family's winery in Sebastopol during the final harvest of the year. Final harvest is always a big deal for the Ford family and this year, even more so.
I LOVED this book! It showed so many different family dynamics and so many emotions. It made me laugh and cry. This novel felt so real to me, I could see myself in this setting. I picture myself reading this novel on the porch of the winemaker's cottage looking out over the winery, enjoying a glass of Block-14. The imagery is that vivid. I could definitely see this book becoming a major motion picture.
Kudos to Laura Dave for writing an incredible novel that many will love.
Synchronization is the theme of this novel. All things happen for a reason. Because this happened(or didn't)thatwas able to take place(or not). Georgia Ford is living as an attorney in Los Angeles when her world is turned upside down. She runs home to her family's winery in Sebastopol during the final harvest of the year. Final harvest is always a big deal for the Ford family and this year, even more so.
I LOVED this book! It showed so many different family dynamics and so many emotions. It made me laugh and cry. This novel felt so real to me, I could see myself in this setting. I picture myself reading this novel on the porch of the winemaker's cottage looking out over the winery, enjoying a glass of Block-14. The imagery is that vivid. I could definitely see this book becoming a major motion picture.
Kudos to Laura Dave for writing an incredible novel that many will love.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Who Do You Love in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Rachel grows up the beloved daughter of wealthy parents in Florida. They are extra attention as she is born with a heart problem and requires multiple surgeries as a child. At age eight, in the ER, she meets Andy, also age 8. Waiting alone in the ER, he has a broken arm, and Rachel calms him down with stories. While it's a short meeting, the two leave a clear impression on each other, even as children.
Obviously, the premise of the novel is that Rachel and Andy will meet again, so when they do so in high school it doesn't come as a big shock. In fact, one of things Weiner does so well with this story is weaving a compelling tale, despite the reader knowing that Rachel and Andy will run into each other, over and over. It's definitely rough in some spots and jumps around a bit, but it's an enjoyable read. Rachel is an interesting character, if not always a likable one, but she comes across as human and real. Andy is a little harder to get to know, but he too is an intriguing character. The book makes a big show comparing Rachel's wealthy upbringing and Andy's impoverished childhood in Philadelphia - sometimes it seems a bit forced, but it brings up some good points about the class system. Some of the plot is a little unrealistic and it wraps up rather predictably, but I still found this a fun read and more enjoyable than some of Weiner's last couple of books.
Obviously, the premise of the novel is that Rachel and Andy will meet again, so when they do so in high school it doesn't come as a big shock. In fact, one of things Weiner does so well with this story is weaving a compelling tale, despite the reader knowing that Rachel and Andy will run into each other, over and over. It's definitely rough in some spots and jumps around a bit, but it's an enjoyable read. Rachel is an interesting character, if not always a likable one, but she comes across as human and real. Andy is a little harder to get to know, but he too is an intriguing character. The book makes a big show comparing Rachel's wealthy upbringing and Andy's impoverished childhood in Philadelphia - sometimes it seems a bit forced, but it brings up some good points about the class system. Some of the plot is a little unrealistic and it wraps up rather predictably, but I still found this a fun read and more enjoyable than some of Weiner's last couple of books.
Brown_Flopsy (3 KP) rated The Dry in Books
Feb 4, 2018
Excellent debut novel!
What a great book!
Set in Australia, police investigator Aaron Falk is called back to his rural childhood home to attend the funerals of his old friend Luke and his family.
However, Kiewarra is experiencing a crushing drought, which is killing the town; it looks like Luke killed himself and his family; and Aaron and his father were run out of town 20 years ago in connection with the death of Aaron and Luke's friend Ellie. Tempers and temeratures are boiling and Aaron is not welcomed by many who remember the past, especially when Luke's parents ask him to look into the circumstances around his death and that of his wife and child. Did Luke really kill them and them turn the gun on himself? Did Luke kill Ellie too?
This story is beautifully crafted by Jane Harper. It is a very impressive debut novel - atmospheric and tense, with lots of red herrings along the way. I loved that you were with Falk, and local policeman Raco, through every lead, and I was just as convinced as them that they were on the right track each time....and shared their disappointment and frustration when the leads did not pan out.
I really enjoyed the twist in Ellie's story at the end too - just when you thought you knew what had happened to her.
I think this will be one of my top reads this year! Now on to Harper's new Aaron Falk thriller Force of Nature!
Set in Australia, police investigator Aaron Falk is called back to his rural childhood home to attend the funerals of his old friend Luke and his family.
However, Kiewarra is experiencing a crushing drought, which is killing the town; it looks like Luke killed himself and his family; and Aaron and his father were run out of town 20 years ago in connection with the death of Aaron and Luke's friend Ellie. Tempers and temeratures are boiling and Aaron is not welcomed by many who remember the past, especially when Luke's parents ask him to look into the circumstances around his death and that of his wife and child. Did Luke really kill them and them turn the gun on himself? Did Luke kill Ellie too?
This story is beautifully crafted by Jane Harper. It is a very impressive debut novel - atmospheric and tense, with lots of red herrings along the way. I loved that you were with Falk, and local policeman Raco, through every lead, and I was just as convinced as them that they were on the right track each time....and shared their disappointment and frustration when the leads did not pan out.
I really enjoyed the twist in Ellie's story at the end too - just when you thought you knew what had happened to her.
I think this will be one of my top reads this year! Now on to Harper's new Aaron Falk thriller Force of Nature!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated All of Us and Everything in Books
Feb 13, 2018
The Rockwell sisters are returning home. Now grown, Esme, Liv, and Ru grew up with their slightly eccentric mother, Augusta, on the Jersey Shore. As kids, Augusta told the girls their Dad was a spy, and the girls were never quite sure what to believe. Each sister has her own struggles. Esme's marriage is failing and her daughter, Atty, has had a major breakdown at school. Liv is doing great -- when it comes to rehab and divorce. Ru is struggling with her engagement and the contract to write her second book. When they all arrive home, they discover that Hurricane Sandy has unearthed something related to their childhood. Will it finally cause Augusta to tell them the truth about their father?
This was certainly a quirky book. At times, a little too much quirk and angst, to be honest. The whole "your father is a spy" thing seems a bit crazy at times. The girls quibble and bicker, but don't really appear to be real characters you can get behind. Neither does their supporting cast. The exception is Atty, who was quite hilarious, even if her tweeting gets out of hand (that is the point, though). The book grows on you, however, as the girls reunite at home and learn more about their past. It's all a little crazy and over the top, but if you embrace it, it's a fun, quick read, with some real emotion thrown in by the end.
(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
This was certainly a quirky book. At times, a little too much quirk and angst, to be honest. The whole "your father is a spy" thing seems a bit crazy at times. The girls quibble and bicker, but don't really appear to be real characters you can get behind. Neither does their supporting cast. The exception is Atty, who was quite hilarious, even if her tweeting gets out of hand (that is the point, though). The book grows on you, however, as the girls reunite at home and learn more about their past. It's all a little crazy and over the top, but if you embrace it, it's a fun, quick read, with some real emotion thrown in by the end.
(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Try Not to Breathe in Books
Feb 19, 2018
Try Not to Breathe is a terrific thriller from a first time novelist, and I'm already looking forward to her next book. Touted as being "for fans of Paula Hawkins", I was expecting another unreliable narrator thriller, but this story is different. As it says in the description, it is told from both Amy and Alex's points of view, but also from Amy's childhood boyfriend's point of view. Two of the narrators are not unreliable. Alex and Jake / Jacob just don't have all of the answers yet, and we learn any new information right along with them. Amy is another story. In her dream-like state, sometimes she remembers things, and sometimes not. When she does have useful information she is unable to communicate it to anyone.
This book is a great mystery, but it is also a heartbreaking story of a girl left to live inside her own mind after a terrible attack left her in a near vegetative state, and the effect that her attack has on her family and those who love her. However much liberty the author may have taken in creating Amy's world, she did a great job of bringing life to a character who was seen as already dead by so many.
I would recommend this one to all mystery / thriller fans. Whether you are a fan of the unreliable narrator trope or not, this is an enjoyable read.
NOTE: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a great mystery, but it is also a heartbreaking story of a girl left to live inside her own mind after a terrible attack left her in a near vegetative state, and the effect that her attack has on her family and those who love her. However much liberty the author may have taken in creating Amy's world, she did a great job of bringing life to a character who was seen as already dead by so many.
I would recommend this one to all mystery / thriller fans. Whether you are a fan of the unreliable narrator trope or not, this is an enjoyable read.
NOTE: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Merissa (13115 KP) rated The Scarecrow & George C in Books
Jun 17, 2019
The Scarecrow & George C by Mia Kerick
The Scarecrow & George C is the third book of Mia Kerick's I have read, and whilst I didn't enjoy it as much as The Princess of Baker Street, I still thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters.
Van (Donovan) is the Scarecrow in this scenario. Through childhood trauma, he is too scared of people to behave 'normally'. So he pushes everyone away, makes them afraid of him, and then feels the loss inside when they believe his facade. George C doesn't believe it though. He sees past that false veneer to the young man inside, scared, hurt, and oh so alone. Both Van and George C have a past though, which could affect their future.
With an interesting and sometimes sorrowful story, this book gripped me from the start. I wanted to see Van change, become all he could be. With George C by his side, it seemed a possibility. And with Van by his side, the world was an oyster for George C. One of the best things about this book was seeing their relationship slowly change, as their feelings did.
There were no editing or grammatical errors in this book, and the characters were excellent. With quirkiness and romance, tragic pasts and hopeful futures, this was a great read I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Van (Donovan) is the Scarecrow in this scenario. Through childhood trauma, he is too scared of people to behave 'normally'. So he pushes everyone away, makes them afraid of him, and then feels the loss inside when they believe his facade. George C doesn't believe it though. He sees past that false veneer to the young man inside, scared, hurt, and oh so alone. Both Van and George C have a past though, which could affect their future.
With an interesting and sometimes sorrowful story, this book gripped me from the start. I wanted to see Van change, become all he could be. With George C by his side, it seemed a possibility. And with Van by his side, the world was an oyster for George C. One of the best things about this book was seeing their relationship slowly change, as their feelings did.
There were no editing or grammatical errors in this book, and the characters were excellent. With quirkiness and romance, tragic pasts and hopeful futures, this was a great read I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Surviving R. Kelly in TV
Oct 21, 2019
A disturbing watch
I've never been a R Kelly but I remember how huge he was during my childhood and teenage years and it's horrible for me to think that this was going on during that time
This is not a pleasant watch. Like the Michael Jackson documentary before it, this really doesn't shy away from the disturbing and rather graphic detail about R Kelly's crimes. It's a fascinating watch and hugely interesting, especially for someone like me who is mostly unaware of the true extent of everything that has been going on. This is truly awful to watch, yet in a gripping and interesting manner. To think that this has still not been resolved to this date and these events are still happening makes me sick to my stomach, especially when there's still people that believe his innocence (and probably still do even after watching this).
The documentary series itself is well made although it is irritating in parts when it constantly recaps bits from earlier in the same episode or other episodes, or when it repeats the "parental guidance" message multiple times during each episode. I'm assuming it was meant to be shown on TV with multiple ad breaks, but even still these bits are overkill even for someone with the shortest of attention spans. They really should've been cut out for the Netflix version.
Despite this slight issue, this is still a thought provoking yet highly disturbing series that I'd encourage everyone to watch and raise awareness.
This is not a pleasant watch. Like the Michael Jackson documentary before it, this really doesn't shy away from the disturbing and rather graphic detail about R Kelly's crimes. It's a fascinating watch and hugely interesting, especially for someone like me who is mostly unaware of the true extent of everything that has been going on. This is truly awful to watch, yet in a gripping and interesting manner. To think that this has still not been resolved to this date and these events are still happening makes me sick to my stomach, especially when there's still people that believe his innocence (and probably still do even after watching this).
The documentary series itself is well made although it is irritating in parts when it constantly recaps bits from earlier in the same episode or other episodes, or when it repeats the "parental guidance" message multiple times during each episode. I'm assuming it was meant to be shown on TV with multiple ad breaks, but even still these bits are overkill even for someone with the shortest of attention spans. They really should've been cut out for the Netflix version.
Despite this slight issue, this is still a thought provoking yet highly disturbing series that I'd encourage everyone to watch and raise awareness.
Merissa (13115 KP) rated Without Regret (Pyte/Sentinel, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Chris has had it tough. Not only was his childhood nothing to write home about but when a Master attacks their home in Book 1, it is Chris who ends up being shot and severely wounded. Through sheer grit and determination, he has made it back to full health. But along the way he has lost that cheekiness that I loved about him. The responsibility he feels towards his family and making sure that no one can hurt them again is what makes him get up in the morning. His mate is still out there and he imagines she will be just like him. Isabella is the perfect partner for Chris. He needs someone to bring laughter back into his life and she manages to do this even when she doesn't mean to. Isabella shows Chris that you don't always need physical strength. Yes, she is the helpless and hapless female on more than one occasion but she also has a mind and isn't afraid to use it. Her wit is rapier sharp too and once she sets her mind on something, it takes a very good reason for her to change it.
This book is the second in the series and doesn't disappoint. The plot moves along swiftly and we reconnect with characters from book 1 which too often isn't the case. This book is once again filled with action and humour. We get some depth in the lives of all the characters too which is also good to read. Absolutely brilliant with lots of spicy moments. Recommended!
This book is the second in the series and doesn't disappoint. The plot moves along swiftly and we reconnect with characters from book 1 which too often isn't the case. This book is once again filled with action and humour. We get some depth in the lives of all the characters too which is also good to read. Absolutely brilliant with lots of spicy moments. Recommended!
Anne (15117 KP) rated Into the Hourglass (The Evermore Chronicles, #2) in Books
Nov 4, 2019
This book had a lot of meat to it, a lot to digest and think about as the story continues. It flowed well with the transition from the first book, picking up right where it left off at the beginning.
Theres a lot more development of the story, characters, whats going on - you learn and understand quite a bit more as Everley continues her harrowing journey to reach her goals. Her goals and wishes seem to shift some in this part of the story as well and it brings others goals and stories more to light some.
Things get way more intense here in this book and it left me feeling a lot - so many emotions that Im not sure what to do with them.
There are so many nods and spins and retellings on fairytale/ folklore stories/ stories I remember from my childhood etc, its fun and wild.
Even though this part of the series ended on a happy note, I have conflicting emotions about leaving this part of the story behind and Im sad about parts of it too. Im having a slight book hangover here and Im nervous about what happens next when the end of this series comes out.
If you havent read the first in this series, Before the Broken Star then you need to get on that before you read this and get ready for some awesomeness mixed with all the emotions. You dont want to miss this continuing adventure.
Theres a lot more development of the story, characters, whats going on - you learn and understand quite a bit more as Everley continues her harrowing journey to reach her goals. Her goals and wishes seem to shift some in this part of the story as well and it brings others goals and stories more to light some.
Things get way more intense here in this book and it left me feeling a lot - so many emotions that Im not sure what to do with them.
There are so many nods and spins and retellings on fairytale/ folklore stories/ stories I remember from my childhood etc, its fun and wild.
Even though this part of the series ended on a happy note, I have conflicting emotions about leaving this part of the story behind and Im sad about parts of it too. Im having a slight book hangover here and Im nervous about what happens next when the end of this series comes out.
If you havent read the first in this series, Before the Broken Star then you need to get on that before you read this and get ready for some awesomeness mixed with all the emotions. You dont want to miss this continuing adventure.