Educated by Tara Westover

Rating:     9    This book challenged me. Yet, once I got past the Westover’s junkyard and herbal world, I was mesmerized by Tara’s journey. Skip factor: 8%    At around 30% I called a friend and asked if the story improved. I did not like the junkyard or herbal lore at all. However, I hung … Read more

Defending Jacob by Michael Landay

Rating:                       10 BEST BOOK CLUB RATING General Rating:        This novel is great from the beginning, meaty in the middle, and unable-to-put-down in the end. One of my all-time favorites, Defending Jacob is one of only two books I’ve read cover to cover twice. The surprise for me? … Read more

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

Rating:           7 General Rating: A fun summer read. Skip factor:  4%. I skipped a little, not much. Who should read: If you are a single, unappreciated mom or a woman immersed in the dating world, you’ll like this book. Summary: Amy Byler’s ex-husband up and left three years ago, so when she runs into him … Read more

My Husband’s Wife by Jane Corry

Rating:           7.5 General Rating:  Great suspense but a little congested. Found this gem at a reading library at a NC Preserve! Who should read:  Mystery and Women’s fiction lovers. Skip factor:  2% toward the end. I’m not rating this as high but it did keep my attention. Summary: I began writing this summary and realized there are … Read more

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Rating:           9.5 General Rating: Reading this book is a little like going on a dinner date with a genius. You can’t insult him by leaving too soon, but he’s a tad confusing. Long-winded. Using proper utensils. Announcing the origins and imported flavors of every bite—in French. Then Latin. You’re out of your element, aren’t sure what … Read more

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Rating:           10 General Rating:  A hat trick! This is the third ten I’ve given Fredrik Backman. Appropriately, it’s a hockey story. Backman keeps outdoing himself. Skip factor:  Another one where I skipped nothing. Not a word. Favorite line: “It doesn’t take a lot to be able to let go of your child. It takes everything.” … Read more

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Rating:                       5 General Rating:   This was a can’t-put-down novel for me. Confession: Not sure I would have LOVED this book as much if I hadn’t watched the Netflix series. Reese Wetherspoon’s voice echoed through my head with the turn of every page. (I love that girl.) Skip factor:    O% This doesn’t happen very often, but I … Read more

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Rating:           9 General Rating: Excellent writing and character development. I even loved the mule, Junia, named for the single female apostle. (Google to verify.) This novel reminded me of The Whip, only I enjoyed it much more. Skip factor:  Nothing. Who should read: If you like fabulous writing about simple people but with deep meaning, you’ll love … Read more

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

Rating:                              6 General Rating: No, no, no, no, and no. I don’t usually bad-mouth other authors or books but this is a hard no. I give it an 8 for writing but a 4 for content. Skip factor:  20% At least. I skipped much. I don’t like reading the sex details between a pervert and … Read more

Hadley and Grace by Suzanne Redfearn

Rating:           8 General Rating: This is Lucy and Ethel turned Therma and Louise. Skip factor:  6%. I skipped a bit a quarter of the way through along with long paragraphs thereafter. Who should read: You’ll like. People who need a break from deep should read this.  Or, enjoy humor? You’ll like. Summary: Thelma—I’m sorry—Hadley is … Read more