Alexander McCall Smith has a gift for crafting book titles that stop you in your tracks. They pique your curiosity and compel you to dive into the pagAlexander McCall Smith has a gift for crafting book titles that stop you in your tracks. They pique your curiosity and compel you to dive into the pages to uncover their meanings. His current title, “The Great Hippopotamus Hotel,” is a perfect example. Other captivating titles in this series include “Tears of the Giraffe” and “A Song of Comfortable Chairs.” The hotel in this book becomes a metaphor for the author’s broader themes of finding joy in simplicity and meaning in the seemingly small details of life.
McCall Smith’s writing, as always, is rich with wit and wisdom. He has an exceptional ability to create an atmosphere of quiet, almost meditative humor. His descriptions of the African landscape, the local customs, and the interactions between the characters are infused with a sense of respect for the setting and its people. The story may not be fast-paced or plot-driven in the conventional sense. Its quiet beauty lies in its exploration of life’s small but significant moments. A perfect read for anyone in need of a little light-hearted escape with a touch of depth.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and five minutes. Bianca Amato does a good job narrating the book.
“Chaotic Futures” is book nine in the Gate Ghost Series by S. J. Jucha. Jucha is a master storyteller and he also excels in character development, mak“Chaotic Futures” is book nine in the Gate Ghost Series by S. J. Jucha. Jucha is a master storyteller and he also excels in character development, making each individual relatable and layered. The author’s ability to blend science fiction with philosophical questions about fate and free will adds depth to the story. The pacing is expertly handled, balancing action-packed sequences with quieter, introspective moments. The plot twists are well-placed, keeping the suspense alive and making the eventual resolutions satisfying and meaningful. If you enjoy a good tale, you must try this series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and two minutes. Nicole Poole does a good job narrating this series. ...more
Particular Passions by Gaylen Moore is a short book providing brief biographies and conversations with 45 women of various disciplines. The e-book I oParticular Passions by Gaylen Moore is a short book providing brief biographies and conversations with 45 women of various disciplines. The e-book I obtained is a section only about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It covers only her time at law school, work and ends with her appointment to the Supreme Court. It contains a limited amount of personal information. Ginsburg received an academic scholarship to Cornell University where she graduated with high honors and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She met Martin David Ginsburg when they both were at Cornell. They married when he was in the second year of Harvard Law School and Ruth was starting her first year. He was a year ahead and when he graduated he got a job in New York City, Ruth had to transfer to Columbia Law School where she graduated. She found it difficult to obtain a job as companies did not hire Jews or women and she was both. With the help of her professor Gerald Gunther she was hired as a law clerk to Judge Edmund L. Palmieri. At that time very few Judges would hire a women clerk. After her clerkship she joined the Columbia Project on International Civil procedures. She did basic research on foreign civil procedures. She went to Sweden to study their system and learned Swedish. After she completed the project she was hired as a teacher at Rutgers law school. As part of her clinic work with students she became involved in women rights. Complaints were referred to her “because sex discrimination was regarded as a women’s job’. She later became a professor at the Columbia University law school. On June 14, 1993 Ginsburg was nominated by President Clinton to the Supreme Court. She was the second women appointed, the forth Jew and the first Jewish Woman. She was the first Justice to have suffered double discrimination in her career. I read this as an e-book on the Kindle app for my iPad.
Mike Maden is the fourth author to write the Oregon Series since the death of Clive Cussler. I am still adjusting to the different styles of writing eMike Maden is the fourth author to write the Oregon Series since the death of Clive Cussler. I am still adjusting to the different styles of writing even though they attempt to keep Cussler’s style. The Oregon Series was by far my favorite of the various series that Cussler wrote. Cussler had a way of getting the hero out of trouble only to immediately get him into bigger trouble. I found myself exhausted by the end of the book. Maden does not seem to catch that relief I felt when they got out of situations and the sudden anxiety I felt when they suddenly are in bigger trouble. It is a difficult thing to describe but Cussler was a master in building this tension in his story. I will continue to read this series as I feel like I am a crew member of the Oregon.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and twelve minutes. One of my favorite narrators, Scott Brick, does an excellent job narrating the story. ...more
This is the second book of the Detroit I’m Dying Trilogy. This is a new author for me.
The author grabbed my attention immediately and held it throughoThis is the second book of the Detroit I’m Dying Trilogy. This is a new author for me.
The author grabbed my attention immediately and held it throughout the story. John Giordano is a teacher who is involved with his students. He is laid off from his teaching job along with many other teachers as the school district is struggling with budget cutbacks. One of his students is murdered so he follows up on the rest of this students and is dismayed with how many have dropped out of school and are using and pushing drugs. Charlie Watts is a private detective and Steve Monelli is a mafia narcotic importer. These three men become the key players in a sad tale.
The book is well written. The author has a crisp and modern writing style. There are many ongoing plots that eventually come together in an interesting manner. The story is sad about the decay of a failing city. The action is nonstop and the pace is fast. The ending does leave the reader feeling uplifted.
I read this on my kindle app for my iPad. The book is 250 pages and makes for a fast read.
Disclaimer: My thanks to the author from whom I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Merged review:
This is the second book of the Detroit I’m Dying Trilogy. This is a new author for me.
The author grabbed my attention immediately and held it throughout the story. John Giordano is a teacher who is involved with his students. He is laid off from his teaching job along with many other teachers as the school district is struggling with budget cutbacks. One of his students is murdered so he follows up on the rest of this students and is dismayed with how many have dropped out of school and are using and pushing drugs. Charlie Watts is a private detective and Steve Monelli is a mafia narcotic importer. These three men become the key players in a sad tale.
The book is well written. The author has a crisp and modern writing style. There are many ongoing plots that eventually come together in an interesting manner. The story is sad about the decay of a failing city. The action is nonstop and the pace is fast. The ending does leave the reader feeling uplifted.
I read this on my kindle app for my iPad. The book is 250 pages and makes for a fast read.
Disclaimer: My thanks to the author from whom I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review....more
I had read all of the J. A. Jance Series about Sheriff JoAnn Brady. I thought the series was finished and she was busy writing the Ali Reynolds SeriesI had read all of the J. A. Jance Series about Sheriff JoAnn Brady. I thought the series was finished and she was busy writing the Ali Reynolds Series. I was looking for something to read and decided to check out some of the authors I followed but had not read recently. I was so surprised to find a new episode of the Brady Series. Jance is a master storyteller. She has a way of grabbing your attention and pulling you into the story and not letting you go. The plot was complex and the pace was fast. Jance makes her characters so real and the dialogue is believable. In this story maybe the ending worked out better than in real life.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and twenty-eight minutes. Hillary Huber does a good job narrating the story. ...more
This is a fairly fast-moving, action-packed story about John Hawk, an Army scout in the Montana territory. This is the first book in a series about HaThis is a fairly fast-moving, action-packed story about John Hawk, an Army scout in the Montana territory. This is the first book in a series about Hawk. The story takes place in the 1800’s and Hawk is a friend of the Crow and the Blackfoot. The Sioux have sent war parties into Montana. This all gets very exciting as Hawk hunts for a missing couple. If you enjoy a good western story with no foul language etc., this story is for you.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is seven hours and thirty-eight minutes. Eric G. Dove does a good job narrating story.
S. H. Jucha is a fantastic storyteller. His books always keep me enthralled. In this book we meet a new race called the Dwerves and discover what happS. H. Jucha is a fantastic storyteller. His books always keep me enthralled. In this book we meet a new race called the Dwerves and discover what happened to Fredia and the 12 expelled sisters. I cannot wait to start the next installment of this exciting series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and seven minutes. Nicole Poole does a good job narrating the story. ...more
“The Conditions of Unconditional Love” is book fifteen in the Isabel Dalhousie Series by Alexander McCall Smith. Isabel is a philosopher so the book h“The Conditions of Unconditional Love” is book fifteen in the Isabel Dalhousie Series by Alexander McCall Smith. Isabel is a philosopher so the book has lots of musings about odd situations. I have found that readers either love or hate Smith. I happen to love several of his series including this one. He makes one stop and think about odd but important things.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and twenty-nine minutes. Sally Masterson does a good job narrating the book. ...more
“The Art of Power” by Nancy Pelosi is a memoir and overview of recent political events. I was somewhat disappointed because from the title and an inte“The Art of Power” by Nancy Pelosi is a memoir and overview of recent political events. I was somewhat disappointed because from the title and an interview with her about the book, I thought the book would be about how a woman executes power in the halls of Washington. I noted in a comment near the end of the book she said if she had known that by being in office she risked the lives of her family, she would not have run for office. That situation could have profound effect upon our country. If men and women stop running for local, state and federal office, what happens to our democracy?
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and forty-five minutes. Nancy Pelosi narrated the book.
Rock Creek is a bit of a different story than the other C. J. Petit books I have read. I was expecting more of an action, shoot them up type story butRock Creek is a bit of a different story than the other C. J. Petit books I have read. I was expecting more of an action, shoot them up type story but this is a love story. If one is going to read it for sex scenes, foul language etc., you will be disappointed. Petit is an excellent storyteller and he grabbed my interest right away. I enjoyed this story but not as much as his other books. However, I will keep reading his interesting stories.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and twenty-six minutes. Michael Alan White does a good job narrating the story. ...more
I found the biography of Senator Sam Ervin most interesting considering the similar problems we face today. I remembered Senator Ervin from the WatergI found the biography of Senator Sam Ervin most interesting considering the similar problems we face today. I remembered Senator Ervin from the Watergate hearings but knew little about him except he was a southern democrat against civil rights. I learned from this book that I can thank him for his long fight for individual rights to privacy both related to job applications and to police searches. He also led the fight for limiting consolidating power in one area of government which led to his battles with Nixon and the Army surveillance of American citizens. If I had read this book two decade ago, I would not have learned how Senator Ervin’s battles in the past relate to the current times. It is interesting how looking at information from different viewpoints we can learn so much more. I can remember my great-grandmother say don’t wear blinders you are not a horse.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fourteen hours and fifty-four minutes. David Stampone does a good job narrating the book.
This is a tale of fact and fiction taking place in the Lake District in 1910 in England. The story features Beatrix Potter who is at her farm for the This is a tale of fact and fiction taking place in the Lake District in 1910 in England. The story features Beatrix Potter who is at her farm for the summer. The story wanders among the people of the village and surrounding farms. A haystack is burnt and a path is blocked to walkers. This makes a nice change of pace read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The story is nine hours and forty-seven minutes. Virginia Leishman narrates the story. ...more
I have read all the Maisie Dobbs Series. In the beginning it was about WWI, but now it is about the ending of WWII in Britian. Maisie was a nurse in WI have read all the Maisie Dobbs Series. In the beginning it was about WWI, but now it is about the ending of WWII in Britian. Maisie was a nurse in WWI but now she is a counselor and investigator. This story is about orphaned teenagers who were recruited and trained to sabotage and fight the invading Nazi Army. Now that there is peace, what is to happen to these children.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and six minutes. One of my favorite narrators, Orlagh Cassidy, does a great job narrating the book. ...more
This is a historical fiction story about a little-known incident during World War II. The little-known incident was the meeting of Lyudmila PavlichenkThis is a historical fiction story about a little-known incident during World War II. The little-known incident was the meeting of Lyudmila Pavlichenko and Eleanor Roosevelt. Kate Quinn does an excellent job telling the story of Pavlichenko. The research was meticulous. Unlike other historical fictions, all of the story is true except at the end: there was no attempt to assassinate FDR during the Soviet delegation’s visit. Pavlichenko’s nickname, Mila, was that of a female Ukrainian sniper during WWII. She had over 309 kills. Quinn describes the Battle for Sevastopol from the sniper’s viewpoint. Quinn is an excellent story-teller.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and fifty-one minutes. Saskia Maarleveld does an excellent job narrating the story. ...more
Like most people I have been curious about the mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie. In this book Marie Benedict makes an educated guess at whaLike most people I have been curious about the mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie. In this book Marie Benedict makes an educated guess at what might have happened. Ms Benedict did extensive research about Mrs. Christie before deciding to write the book. I found the book easy to read and interesting.
I read the book as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is seven hours and twenty-two minutes. Nicola Barber does an acceptable job narrating the book. ...more
I hadn’t bothered to read any reviews or information about “The Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham. I just started reading it. I was surprised it startI hadn’t bothered to read any reviews or information about “The Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham. I just started reading it. I was surprised it started off with two boys playing baseball in Little League. I must say Grisham got my curiosity going and he kept me interested in the sweeping saga throughout the story. The vivid characters and the history of Biloxi kept me glued to the book. I have read most of Grisham’s books, but this is the first time I started reading without knowing anything about the story. Was kind of fun. If you are looking for a summer read, try this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is seventeen hours and twenty-two minutes. Michael Beck does a good job narrating the book. ...more
This book takes place in China during the 1980s to the present time. There is lots of information about the growing, curing and aging of tea. I found This book takes place in China during the 1980s to the present time. There is lots of information about the growing, curing and aging of tea. I found this information about tea most interesting. The protagonist is from an ethnic minority called Akha. The story primarily takes place in the Yunnan province. The author provides information about their ancient traditions as well as their making pu’ir tea. The story is winding, but the characters are well developed and interesting. The basis of the story is about the massive number of female children that were adopted to other countries from China due to the one child law.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fourteen hours and seven minutes. There were eight narrators. ...more
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