All That Is Mine I Carry with Me by William Landay

Rating:           9.5 General Rating:  Clever. That’s my biggest comment on this age-old did-the-husband-kill-his-wife story. Skip factor:  None. Not a word.   Who should read:   Anyone who likes whodunits. Favorite line: That’s what rich guys with small penises do. They buy Porsches.  (If this doesn’t decrease Porsch buying, nothing will. I’m surprised they … Read more

The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks

Rating:           9 General Rating:  I’m not a historical-fiction fan, but who isn’t interested in the Lindbergh kidnapping? Skip factor:  Less than 1%. Who should read:   Historical fiction lovers (of course), people interested in kidnap crime, the Lindberghs, or good writing. Summary:   This is the story of the 1932 Lindberg kidnapping as seen through the eyes of … Read more

The Whispers of Valentine’s Day, 2024

Valentine’s Day can be hard. My husband, Jeff, and I understand. We buried our sweet little girl, Jackie, thirty-nine years ago today. She lived only a day.  And though the decades have been good to us, the memory of her lingers like a soft whisper. A quiet breath you hear but can’t make out, so … Read more

Mad Honey by Picoult & Boylan

Rating:           9.5 General Rating:  Mad Honey is a book for the soul. It coaxes compassion and empathy from its readers. While fiction, its storyline is pertinent in today’s world and a widely important theme. I wish everyone would take the time to read. Skip factor:  0%. That’s how you know it’s a good one. I … Read more

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

Rating:           9 General Rating:  If you enjoyed Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, you’ll also like The Book of Lost Names. Seventy-six percent of over 28,000 readers rated this book five stars. Skip factor:  Nothing. Who should read:   If you love good writing or World War II stories, this book is definitely for you. Most heart wrenching line: … Read more

Valencia and Valentine by Suzy Krause

Rating:                              9.0 General Rating: A wonderful story that jumps between the lives of thirty-something Valencia and eighty-something Mrs. Valentine.   Skip factor:  0% I skipped nothing. This is the second book I’ve read by Krause and I’ve skipped 0% in both. Simply, I love her writing. Who should read:  Women who like good writing and unique stories, … Read more

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Rating:           10 General Rating:  Kristin Hannah’s best novel. There’s a reason 81% of over 280,000 people have rated this five stars. I’m not a fan of World War books but loved this. The Nightingale should go down as one of the best war books ever written, a classic.    Skip factor:  Nothing. Who should read:   Everyone. This … Read more

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Rating:           8 General Rating:  Typically, I’m not a fan of memoirs but this one is worth reading. Skip factor:  2%. A little wordy but not much for a memoir. Who should read:  Men and women who enjoy narrative history and especially those of Irish descent. Summary:  I’ll be brief as the voice and writing kept me … Read more

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Rating:           9.5 General Rating: This is more than a great story. It’s spectacular writing, too. Skip factor:  0%. Nothing. The writing was way too good to skip a word. Who should read: Women, young and old, black and white. Summary/storyline: This is the story of twins, Desiree and Stella Vignes, light-skinned black women who grew … Read more

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Rating:           10 General Rating:  Cried like a baby over this one. I bought this by mistake when my book club was reading American Dirt. (I loved that, too.) BEST book mistake I ever made. Skip factor:  Less than 1%. Only when I couldn’t stand to wait for the next paragraph. Who should read:   Every. Single. White. … Read more