Book Chat - 7/28/2022

We are just back from our driving trip; so, here are the final books I read on the road:

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Set in the 1960s, a scientist has to work within the system to gain validation for herself. It’s the same old, same old that women have been (and are still) fighting for centuries. It’s not as heavy as I’m making it sound. It’s humorous and it’s a delightful read.

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin 

A dying 17-year-old girl and an 83-year-old woman meet in a hospital art class. They learn many life lessons from each other. It was very good.

Razorblade Tears by SA Cosby

Two ex-con dads go looking for the murderers of their sons. Gripping!

MK out.

Book Chat - 7/21/2022

More books read on the trip:

Valencia and Valentine by Suzy Krause

The book is about two women, one young and one old. The young one suffered from OCD and the old one has imaginary friends. The writing is very good and the story keeps the reader engaged and wanting to know what happens next. It was cute.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

An historical novel based on true events, two concentration camp prisoners navigate their new realities vowing to survive to live the rest of their lives in a better world. It was very good.

MK out.

Book Chat - 7/14/2022

We are on a driving trip. I’ve read some really good books so far.

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

In the early 1920s, wealthy Osage Indians were being murdered. It finally took a new crop of federal investigators to solve the crimes. This group was the birth of what we now know as the FBI. Very good nonfiction book.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Written in an interview/documentary style, the novel is about a rock-n-roll band that acquired a female lead singer. She is highly reminiscent of Stevie Nicks. It is very good.

Seven Days of Friday by Alex A. King

Greek American Vivi’s (shirt for Paraskevi) marriage has fallen apart. Between her mother’s meddling and her teenager’s sullen attitude, it’s time for a change. She up and moves to her parents’ village in Greece. It’s a beach read, but most enjoyable. Maybe, because I could relate to a lot of it.

Saving Sandcastles by Meredith Summers

A pastry baker in a small seaside town feels threatened by the bread store opening across the street. She and her two best friends help each other navigate their issues. Another beach read and it’s cute.

Adulting by Liz Talley

This rom-com is about a drugged out actress who was sent to rehab yet again. The producer of her next film needs to insure her, but in order to do that, the rehab will have to stick. It was cute.

Here’s one I read a while back:

Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor

A photographer is asked to photograph a wedding at an historic estate. She has memories of visiting the property with her mother when she was very young. Soon she discovers family secrets that tie to the present. It was good.

MK out.

Book Chat - 7/7/2022

 Last week, I finished my 24th novel this year. My goal was to read 24 over the whole year. These days, under committing is so much less stressful; so, I’m gonna roll with that. I’m quite behind in sharing them here, but I hope to catch up over the next few weeks.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

I loved this book - the characters are wonderful. It’s a bit science fictionish - one of the main characters is an octopus who has special abilities. Again, I loved it.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

This novel is set in Korea, from during the time of Japanese occupation to the present. The main characters are two women from different backgrounds who had become closer than sisters. Of course, it’s not all ribbons and bows given the time period and political upheaval, plus secrets tear the young women apart. It was very good.

The Round House by Louise Erdrich

A teenaged boy sets out to seek revenge for the brutal attack on his mother. It was good!

That’s it for now.

MK out.

Movie Monday - 7/4/2022

It’s not good film season yet but some movies worth seeing are being released.

Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas Star in Official Competition, one of the artsiest films I’ve watched in a while. It's in Spanish with English subtitles. A wealthy man wants to leave something behind to always be remembered. He hires an avant-garde filmmaker (Cruz) to direct a movie that he will produce. Banderas plays one of the actors she casts in the film. The acting and the characters were very good. The story didn’t come together as well as it could have. It was, however, entertaining.

Recently Binged:

The First Lady - Showtime/Hulu

Happy Firework’s Day!!!

MK out.