Category: Reading

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Arctic Fury

The Arctic Fury by Greer Macallister

First line: In the front row sit the survivors.

Summary: Virginia Reeve has spent years as a guide for settlers trying to cross the mountains to California until one day she receives a request for a new adventure. Upon meeting her new benefactor she learns that she is going to be leading a group of women into the arctic to find the ships and crew of the Terror and Erebus. Many men have tried and now it is time to let women try to succeed where the men failed. However, not everything turns out like Virginia and her hopeful crew had planned.

My Thoughts: I went into this book really excited because I loved the author’s debut novel, The Magician’s Lie. And I am not saying I didn’t like the book. I did. I found the story interesting and the setting fascinating but it just didn’t have the same magic as her first book. I liked how the author linked several very tragic events together in one book. Virginia kept referring to the Very Bad Thing. I guessed early on what this was but I liked that twist. I definitely did a lot of reading on the internet to get better informed about the true events behind the story.

One thing that surprised me was that there was very little time in the book dedicated to the actual time on the ice of the arctic. But the descriptions were stunning. I cannot imagine trying to spend time, especially months in the winter, in the arctic. I could tell that the author did research on survival skills, the time period and life on the ice.

FYI: Perfect for fans of historical fiction.

Linda’s Favorite Books: Wreck the Halls

Wreck the Halls by Sarah Graves

First Line: Blood was everywhere, so much of it that at first Ellie and I didn’t realize what it was or understand what we’d walked into.

Summary: So opens the story, WRECK THE HALLS, the fifth book in the Home Repair is Homicide series with Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree. An ex-Wall Streeter, Jake has bought a fixer-upper in small town, Eastport, Maine with her son, Sam, and her boyfriend, Wade and learns small towns have their own secrets.

When Jake and her best friend Ellie arrive at the kitchen of Faye Anne Carmody’s they find her dazed and covered in blood and her no-good husband, the town butcher, Merle, who is missing. Then Jake discovers his body wrapped in his own butcher paper and the town residents all have an idea of what happened, an open and shut case against the wife, Faye Anne.

Jake and Ellie aren’t convinced of Faye Anne’s guilt as take it upon themselves to find the real killer and when another citizen of the town is murdered they realize the murderer’s trail began long before the death of Merle the butcher.

Thoughts: This book is another of my cozy mystery authors I enjoy reading. The way it is written you also glean a few details on home repair, especially older ones worn by the weather off the coast of Maine. The author uses several twists and turns to keep the story moving along and I kept guessing at the real villain. I like this series and would recommend it to anyone.

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Cousins

The Cousins by Karen McManus

First line: I’m late for dinner again, but this time it’s not my fault.

Summary: On a resort island lives the Story family. They have lived there for generations. But one day the Story children are disinherited by their mother. The only clue is a note that reads…You know what you did. For over twenty years the four siblings had no contact with their mother or even returned to the island.

Then one day a letter arrives for the next generation of Storys. It is inviting them to the island for a job at the family owned resort and to get to know their grandmother. Everyone is shocked by this change of events but each grandchild is willing to see if they can get a chance to earn back their grandmother’s approval.

My Thoughts: Once again McManus writes a fun and twisty mystery. There are mysterious people, family secrets and ominous warnings. Everything you could want from a good story. Each of the characters if very different. We even get a peak into what happened on the island before the Story kids were disinherited.

I liked the characters. I loved the drama. I was constantly trying to think of what the big reveal would be. And I have to say that it was not what I thought it would be. Maybe my thoughts were a little too wild but sometimes authors do those things. This book, especially near the end, gave me all the Rebecca vibes. Hopefully that doesn’t give too much away! I like that YA authors are writing books for teens that are just as good as the ones for adults.

FYI: Perfect for fans of Megan Miranda and Sara Shepard.

What’s Megan Listening To?: In Death series

In Death series by J. D. Robb

This series is by far the longest running and favorite series I’ve followed. It’s Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb, and I was already a fan of her books, so when my friend & coworker Kristy told me about them, I jumped right in!

It takes place in the future starting in the 2050’s and follows Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas through her cases and her personal life. Currently there are 50 in the series, and several extra books in between.

She always starts the book with a quote that has to do with that story, then you follow the whole case through, beginning to end, going to the crime scene, interviewing witnesses, what Eve is thinking, giving a little from the killers side, and then the satisfying take down. You also delve into her personal life with Roarke, her complicated past, her inner circle of friends, and her hatred for fashion & social life. I have laughed, cried, gasped out loud, and sat in stunned silence.

I would love to list my favorite characters, but there are way too many, and I would feel bad if I left anyone out. In the beginning Eve was a loner, but throughout the book she develops relationships that really makes a family unit. I can’t describe J.D. Robb’s talent at making these fictional characters feel like real life people. I would love if she did spin off series of any of the cast of characters.

I also have to add that I have listened to the series on audio, and the narrator Susan Erikson probably contributes a little to my love of the series, if you haven’t listened to them, I highly recommend it! The way she voices each person is distinct and incredible, their voices have been permanently cemented in my mind.

*A necklace my sister made me*
A necklace my sister for made me.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Hedy Lamarr, An Incredible Life

Hedy Lamarr: An Incredible Life by William Roy and Sylvain Dorange

First line: Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, it’s time for our mystery celebrity.

Summary: Hedy Lamarr, once considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world, was an actress and an inventor. She was born and grew up in Austria. However, when Europe seemed to be on the brink of world war, she fled to England and then the United States. Upon arrival she started her career in Hollywood. She starred in blockbuster films, married multiple times and lived the life of celebrity. But she also had a secret. She was a scientist. She loved inventing things and learning about the world around her.

My Thoughts: Several years ago, I read The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict, where I learned about Hedy Lamarr for the first time. It was a wonderful story about a fantastic woman. She was greatly overlooked for her inventions and only remembered for her looks. I love that people are now realizing her greatness.

I loved this version of her life. Graphic novels are becoming a form of literature that I have been more open to recently. I loved the artwork. It was all beautifully done and had lots of detail. Sometimes I find myself overlooking the art in a graphic novel but this one I took my time to look longer at the scenes before turning the page. If you are looking for a quick read and want to learn something new then this is perfect for you.

FYI: This is available on Hoopla only.

Courtney’s Book Chat: The Girl From Everywhere

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

First Line: It was the kind of August day that hinted at monsoons, and the year was 1774, though not for much longer.

Summary: Nix has been on her father’s ship for her whole life. As long as Slate has a map for it, they can travel to any time or any place, real or mythological. But Slate is obsessed with finding a map of 1868 Honolulu, the time before Nix’s mother died. When Slate enters a plot that will help him acquire the map, Nix must decide how far she is willing to help her father, when her own existence could be erased.

My Thoughts:

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Girl From Everywhere. Heidi Heilig created a rich world and characters that I was invested in, along with an extremely intriguing premise.

    Each twist and turn kept the plot enticing and the stakes high. There was never a dull moment. Throughout it all, Heilig deftly weaves in elements of mythology to create a cohesive world that one would expect for time-traveling sailors. It influences the characters’ banter and colors the metaphors. Not only that, but the use of myths contributes to a greater, more interconnected story that is slowly revealed.

    I really enjoyed Nix’s personality; she felt distinct to me, with her love of language and knowledge of myths, in a way that many YA characters haven’t. The secondary characters were also great. Kashmir, her friend and primary castmate, was charismatic and fun. And surprisingly, I ended up enjoying Slate’s character. Even though he neglects his daughter in favor of recklessly obtaining the correct map, Heilig builds a sympathetic portrayal.

My favorite part was the complex and interesting relationships between the characters, especially that of Nix and Slate. The main conflict centers around them, giving a glimpse into the messy bonds of family. Even though they are at opposing ends, they deeply care about each other, and it was interesting to see the facets of their relationship explored.

    Nix and Kashmir also had wonderful banter and chemistry, and I loved their romance. It made the love triangle kind of annoying at first, but that surprisingly added depth to both Nix’s characterization and the book’s theme.

    Heilig presents a striking world with an enticing plot and authentic character dynamics. Highly original, The Girl From Everywhere pulls readers it with its unique concept, but remains familiar with its themes of family, ambition, and love.

What’s Ashley Reading?: A Deadly Education

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

First line: I decided that Orion needed to die after the second time he saved my life.

Summary: The Scholomance is a school for wizards. However, this is not your ordinary school. There are no teachers, monsters lurk around every corner and allies are more important than friends. El has spent her years here trying to stay alive, literally. And even though she has extraordinary powers she has to keep them in check otherwise she could destroy the school and everyone in it. With her reputation as a dark wizard and her grumpy attitude she has never made any friends but that all changes when Orion Lake decides to save her life, again.

My Thoughts: This book was crazy! The first few chapters had so much information, world building and magic system in it that it nearly overwhelmed me but I stuck with it. It was worth it! There are many books that are trying to be like Harry Potter but this takes it to another level. Monsters creep out of every nook and cranny. The school is forever changing. Fellow students may try to ally themselves with you or kill you. No teachers or even any adults are in the school. And graduation is a life or death situation.

Everything about this book was different and exciting. I loved the ending. It was thrilling and fast paced. I wish it didn’t have to end but it gave such a good cliffhanger that I am eagerly anticipating the next book. It cannot come soon enough!

FYI: Lots of death, violence and magic.

Dylan’s Book Recommendation: Proof of Heaven

Proof of Heaven by Dr. Eben Alexander

First line: When I was a kid, I would often dream of flying.

Summary: Dr. Eben Alexander had an NDE (near death experience) that completely contradicted all of his knowledge that would suggest that consciousness resides only within the brain. Dr. Eben Alexander’s NDE was brought on by a meningitis induced coma. Coming back from his experience, Dr. Eben Alexander took the risk of being completely ridiculed by the scientific community for sharing his story.

Thoughts: NDE’s are very interesting to study. The thought of the afterlife is one of the very pillars that holds up the ceiling of society. Surely everyone will ask the question, those of a faith and those without faith. Dr. Eben Alexander shows through his experiences that consciousness does not reside in the brain.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Dark Tides

Dark Tides by Philippa Gregory

First line: The ramshackle warehouse was on the wrong side of the river, the south side, where the buildings jostled for space and the little boats unloaded pocket-size cargos for scant profit.

Summary: Twenty-two years have passed since the events at Foulmire. Alinor and Alys have established themselves in a warehouse along the Thames with a decent income from sailors and merchants. But on the same day two people happen into their lives that will change it once again. Sir James who has spent years in exile is looking for his child. And Rob’s widow from Venice arrives with their young son. The women try to deal with these changes the best they can.

On the other side of the ocean, in New England, Ned has traveled in the hopes of starting a new life where he is free and far from the reaches of the King he hates. But even with an ocean between his old and new life he finds that things are still the same. He has befriended the native people and learned much from them but he is looked down upon for this from his fellow Englishman. He is stuck between two worlds and doesn’t know which side to choose.

My Thoughts: Once again Philippa Gregory writes a stunning book! I loved this just as much as the first one in the trilogy but for different reasons. The first part was very character driven and where the landscape plays an important role. This one is more plot driven but has strong characters and amazing locations. From the very beginning I was strongly invested in the story. At one point I had to put the book down because I was so frustrated with the characters.

I loved being back with Alinor even though she was not the main character anymore. This centered more on her brother, daughter and granddaughter. A new generation of the Reekie family in a new time. The picture of these poor women striving for a living along the Thames is perfectly done. And then we visit Venice in the second half of the story. I can picture the canals, gondolas, and beautiful buildings. I visited Venice years ago and loved the city on the water.

Ned’s life in New England reminded me so much of Gregory’s book, Virgin Earth, with her beautiful descriptions of the forests of America before the settlers cleared the lands. The plants, the people and wildness of the land comes alive in her telling. It is so hard to read about the past at times when you see all the injustices that were done. Settlers took advantage of the natives and treated them terribly.

FYI: This is book two in the Fairmile Trilogy.

Terese’s Thoughts: Voodoo Histories

Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History by David Aaronovitch

First Line: “In 1919, The European citizen–who five years earlier had perhaps, like the young Hitler, celebrated the outbreak of war–now surveyed a world that was utterly changed.

Summary:

Aaronovitch breaks down a number of conspiracy theories, from the bogus Protocols of the Elders of Zion to the theory that Barack Obama isn’t a U.S. citizen to a conspiracy theory involving an elderly English woman who was passionate about growing roses. For each conspiracy, Aaronovitch meticulously traces its origins and details the ways in which it spread. Each falsehood is contradicted by the presenting of evidence, much of which has gotten lost over the years as the often more exciting version of the story spread.

This is a great book for anyone interested in how conspiracy theories start and what allows them to proliferate. It also provides useful information for anyone looking to arm themselves with facts that can be used to debate these conspiracy theories.

My Thoughts:

This book is wonderful in its thoroughness, but it can sometimes make for a dense read. That being said, I learned a lot. As the book states, at one point in time, a majority of U.S. and U.K. citizens believed that the government was somehow involved in the assassination of JFK. When I was in high school, a retired police officer was invited every year to give a presentation on the JFK assassination, the theme of which was that his death was a government conspiracy theory. This is a conspiracy theory that is readily accepted as fact among many communities. I can say that it is certainly something my father believes, as did the author’s mother. But what I didn’t know before reading this book was that Lee Harvey Oswald had attempted the assassination of an army major general just seven months prior to the assassination of JFK!