An absolute delight to read as an adult - I truly wonder what my response would have been as a younger me - the depths it took me now, surely would haAn absolute delight to read as an adult - I truly wonder what my response would have been as a younger me - the depths it took me now, surely would have been missed in those shallow years.
Regardless, a 5 star recommendation. I'm eagerly seeking out the #1 and #2 of this series to fill in the gaps. For all those who've been in a circle quilting, tending home, being tended or birthing. . .this world will feel familiar and known....more
WARNING: This is Probably Not Your Kind of Book. Think Before Proceeding.
At first didn't think it was my kind. . .until I started in and was flipping WARNING: This is Probably Not Your Kind of Book. Think Before Proceeding.
At first didn't think it was my kind. . .until I started in and was flipping pages as fast as possible - had to get a hold of myself, and limited myself to 1 story, or not more than 10 pages. That lasted one day, 40 pages.
These are fractured fairytales at their best. . .dark, devious and not a bit sorry about it. No regret here. I've turned total fangirl for this author, and that's really not becoming at this late date in my journey here, but I'm going with it. You'll need to deal. If you're wincing at that, then my first sentence stands. Here's the bones (TOC) and a drop of my favorite bits in each:
Sundown at the Eternal Staircase Rules, warnings and cautionary tales about the Eternal Staircase (Heaven? Hell? Limbo? Amusement Park?) A Diviner's Abecedarian Divination methods described by and through sassy, spell-casting students The Thread Boy MY FAVORITE - if you only read one. . .read this one. . . Fox Jaw A steamy tail. Tale. The War of Fog This must have been pulled from a larger archived catalog of Named Wars (as opposed to Numbered Wars). Most interesting - having only lasted 9 days, but such damage. . . Drowning Lessons Sibling power here, for sure! The Autumn Kill Beware this one. . .still. . .we should appreciate the warning words, advice for what's ahead. Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart A whimsical collection of 50 - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS! Huzzah! I'm intrigued by the Corvosts, Lylits, and Rausts. A Lily is a Lily Just another quirky relationship tale. . .or maybe something a lot darker. . . Dear Henrietta Surely a welcome letter from an old friend. . .or. . . Possessions A swiss knife is involved, as well as a rooster who expressly denies being cocky. Homebody Paint, painting and considerations thereof, and the remarkable consequence thereby. (Keep your Office Jobs, people!) A Haunted Calendar Specifically, a 31-day month. Would be a different tale entirely for a 30-day month, I suspect. The Plums at the End of the World Just what you long for - a 12-chapter tale with a needy yet alluring goat, an understanding vampire who fixes everything, and plums for the taking. (I just ate one myself, as the story seemed to require it.)
If you had the least bit of interest, I dare you. Probably a perfect book for one of your Halloween reads. . .or Samhain Festival. From me, to GennaRose? All the stars. Odd Perfection 'tis. Awl the Stars. . .
*A sincere thank you to Gennarose Nethercott, Vintage Anchor, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #FiftyBeaststoBreakYourHeart #NetGalley...more
This author is new to me, so I traveled slowly through Hecate's world.
I loved the map, the griffin, Hecate's backstory and her sensitivity to all thiThis author is new to me, so I traveled slowly through Hecate's world.
I loved the map, the griffin, Hecate's backstory and her sensitivity to all things paranormal. Also enjoyed the fiance found, all the haunts, the supportive family, as well as the many tangibles with minds of their own - totally enjoy this kind of fantasy.
My three stars suffered from an ending that fell short - considering all that had been sacrificed to arrive at that last page, I needed more than I got. But. . .did get the griffin and that was Not Nothing. Will be reading more of this author!
*A sincere thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
Mattie, who starts out a little cranky, but soon gets curious had me from the first few pages. All the odd aspects of her family's quirky house in IvyMattie, who starts out a little cranky, but soon gets curious had me from the first few pages. All the odd aspects of her family's quirky house in Ivy Ridge, George, the advocacy of animals, plants and home appliances - along with her humans were compelling, and I couldn't break away. Before I knew it, we were done and settled. Book closed. *sigh*
She's got a gift. All her girls have a gift. She has mysteries to unwrap, problems to solve, a house that talks to her, a treasure map left by her dead mother, and a cat named Enid. Who wouldn't love to read about all that?
Gotta go. Am looking up my next read by Jennifer Moorman.
*A sincere thank you to Jennifer Moorman, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #The MagicAllAround #NetGalley...more
Ezra and his struggles caught me up - dealing with bullies, being an outsider, all the accelerated awkwardness of youth, together with its natural wonEzra and his struggles caught me up - dealing with bullies, being an outsider, all the accelerated awkwardness of youth, together with its natural wonder found me curious as to his resolutions and problem-solving. He's Ojibwe, and lucky to have a grandfather who can teach him the old ways, and lucky us, Reader, we have the chance to go along. There are explicit bits about animal kills, but the use of 100% of the creature, and the respectful manner in which it was done helped me over that hump (mostly). It brought up many thoughts of what if things 300-200 years ago had gone differently. . .how and where would we be today? Would we be today?
Ezra's grandfather is his cornerstone, and it was encouraging to see that relationship heal them both, and extended remedies to shorten the distance between Ezra and his father and mother as well.
Anton Treuer's book is hopeful, while being mindful of the unique cultures of indigenous peoples and the value of honesty when considering the past troubled history - all while living a 2024 life and managing the everyday challenges families face, no matter where their generations of dna point.
*A sincere thank you to Anton Treuer, RB Media, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 52:46...more
A family-in-dither read. . .felt very familiar, especially reading it in summer, just at the tail-end of vacations nested in other family members' vacA family-in-dither read. . .felt very familiar, especially reading it in summer, just at the tail-end of vacations nested in other family members' vacations as families do when a number of separate moments coalesce into a huge joint vacation. That's what this reminded me of. Big joint ponders on life and how it gets ya. Especially the girls, young, old, frisky, Not Frisky, indifferent, jaded, alarmed, Ever Helpful, and grouchy. Boys happened, but they were good for one thing (ok. three: bringing in the groceries, wandering off and well, yeah. That.)
It moved slower than I expected, but warm moments happened that left me with a smile, and there were a lot of sandwiches consumed.
*A sincere thank you to Catherine Newman, Harper, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
A lovely read, that felt more like private journaling than a birder's collection book (which is what I was expecting). A surprise all around: thoroughA lovely read, that felt more like private journaling than a birder's collection book (which is what I was expecting). A surprise all around: thoroughly elegant, thoughtful and full of earnest concern and worry for the future even if changes are quickly implemented.
My favorite part of this read was the bright orange tanager who becomes the author's shoulder angel. We all need friends from nature to guide us through this world, and teach us ways to have ongoing conversations with the natural parts of this world of ours. . .I was utterly charmed by her sharing of that relationship with her readers.
*A sincere thank you to Priyanka Kumar, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
Eleven stories. . .all heading in wild directions. Every one made me laugh out loud at some point.
There's death, fairy tales, dogs (with medieval nameEleven stories. . .all heading in wild directions. Every one made me laugh out loud at some point.
There's death, fairy tales, dogs (with medieval names! the minute I get a dog I will name them one of those - but don't hold your breath), sentences and endings that give an abrupt reader wedgie, foxes, violets, a man I'd like to meet named Franklin, queens and kingdoms, scriptures, trolleys, multiple references to Green Acres**, reincarnation (next life: cat!) - sidebar: there are 23 instances of "cat", "dogs in fairy tales (normal rules don't apply,"), soooo many eggs (15 and there may be others implied), one carpe diem, an avid list maker (an admirable choice if one is pulling random stereotypes), instances of sewing and quilt verbs - as is evident, all directions are present.
Bottomline, for me this read was a palate cleanser that had me chuckling. Funny, twisty tales.
**If anyone can help me, all the references to Green Acres have me baffled. Surely we aren't talking about the US Green Acres show? There was a book in 1941 written by Doreen Wallace named Green Acres (hard to find her books. . . there were many. . . ?)
*A sincere thank you to Kate Atkinson, Doubleday books, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #NormalRulesDontApply #NetGalley...more
A tale you must work at, but it is worth the labor involved. Allegorical, cross-cultural, forensic historical skills needed, or a willingness to join A tale you must work at, but it is worth the labor involved. Allegorical, cross-cultural, forensic historical skills needed, or a willingness to join free-floating ride on the lyrical beat of the stories intertwined. It has dark shadows, and terrorific happenings - this isn't a beach read. Unless, I would say, you are at or near those very beaches and could feel it all about you. . .basically this is a song that laments all the way through.
Hard truths, gather into a difficult read, and on top of it all, arrows of epiphanies heart-aimed - my favorite and the one I cannot stop thinking about:
You are never free if you have only one choice. That's what oppression is built on. That one single choice, no matter how persuasively the convincement is drawn, remember Celia says: It is a lie.
I listened to this book, and was leaning toward 5 stars afterward; until I pulled up a written copy, where I could more clearly see and properly assign the asides of Mink, of the Serpent, of the indigenous commentary on the [white] reality that was being unfolded. Until that was laid out for me in stark contrast, my mind was busy reinterpreting the author's work. (Alarming thought: how often is that happening???!?) I am now re-reading the book, slowly, and charting characters and events, and googling as questions arise.
All the stars. Go Lee Maracle! Keep dancing, keep singing, keep the spirits happy and show the hope there may come a day when all is back in balance (understood that difficult choices and happenings will require such a reconciliation of Turtle Island).
*A sincere thank you to Lee Maracle, ECW Press Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #CeliasSong #NetGalley 52:46...more
In March 2017 this author began her quest. It lasted until December of that same year. She followed along the Monarch migration from Mexico to Canada In March 2017 this author began her quest. It lasted until December of that same year. She followed along the Monarch migration from Mexico to Canada and back again. It takes a number of generations for the butterflies to complete the journey. By the end of the journey it was clear to this reader that this author is dedicated to conservation and committed to getting out the message of great declines in butterfly, insect and animal populations due to human imposed changes on the natural environment of these first inhabitants of our world.
It was educational to "go" along with Sara Dykman on her Big Ride, fun to read of her many visits with the people she met along the way, acknowledge her bravery when in the long solitary stretches in her journey. I appreciated her soapboxing about the impact my life has on the disappearing environment, helping me rethink some of those aspects of life we have decided are "necessary" (lawns? meat? pesticides? our daily debris?). While she doesn't pull punches, she understands there must be give and take. Encouraging a path that moves forward, she accepts the hope offered by every step toward change that leans into humanity accepting the biodiversity in our world. Further, she's all in on every effort that supports educating us - the top predator - to realize and embrace our duty of stewardship as the top steward in this fragile model. Our lives and those of our future generations depend on it.
As one interested in plants, another interesting take-away for me - we need to be planting more milkweed for danaus plexippus! It's the only food for their caterpillars, and still a favorite once they've got their wings.
A read that was eye-opening, fresh and bringing a new perspective to readers who have a chance to meet the Olympic aspects of the Monarch Butterfly, and one passionate Butterbiker riding a trusty bike for all it was worth!
Some books you want to race through. . . this is not one of them. Amy Tan's beautifully illustrated chronicles of her birdie besties is one that is a Some books you want to race through. . . this is not one of them. Amy Tan's beautifully illustrated chronicles of her birdie besties is one that is a treat with which is it worth taking time to consider and explore. Compare your world as you turn pages through your time with her. If you can do it outside, even better, especially if you are in an area where birds are in your daily vistas.
Listening is my usual choice, but it wasn't for this one, and I'm glad. I found it is one to read, hold in your hands, and keep your binoculars at the ready!
*A sincere thank you to Amy Tan, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #TheBackyardBirdChronicles #NetGalley...more
A child of the 60's, just like Corky, the experiences of the young people in this book caught on the sticker bushes of my memories and I was dragged aA child of the 60's, just like Corky, the experiences of the young people in this book caught on the sticker bushes of my memories and I was dragged along. . .and it was a good thing. White kids of those days lived a rather curated life - more than you'd think unless you lived it. Lines were drawn, boundaries were closely guarded and the grownups in our lives felt like they weren't paying attention, but I assure you they were. . .I had a friend like America. . .so this took me back. I didn't get it either, for a long time. Maybe haven't yet. . .but am working on it, and books like this help.
Corky's experience with Mockingbird was eerily close to mine. The question about a new word, shut down fast, mother-fish-eyes applied to the situation and I never asked again. It was a dictionary, encyclopedia that finally popped that bubble for me. This read gave me the chance to follow Corky and her brave brother around and was a trip right back to night-lit ball fields, wide open parks and shadowy corners without parental surveillance - at once both exciting and terrifying.
A read that brought up new thoughts, and old ones; one that shows where and how we've changed and how we've still got a long way to go. But friendships, one built at a time, further the ground gained.
Keep up the insightful, compassionate writing, Lynda Rutledge: You've got an earnest fan in this reader!
*A sincere thank you to Lynda Rutledge, Lake Union Publishing, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #MockingbirdSummer #NetGalley...more
What a delightful discovery! I will be looking for more of this kind of comfort and gentle truths shared from the pen of Simon Van Booy. . .
Helen CartWhat a delightful discovery! I will be looking for more of this kind of comfort and gentle truths shared from the pen of Simon Van Booy. . .
Helen Cartwright is a woman ready to go, listening hard to the tick-tock of her clocks, and checking every box on her daily list. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. She is the last one standing of her beloved tribe, and she's ready to join them. Waiting. By the first few pages I was convinced, persuaded, and figured I knew the sum of who and how Helen C was here at the end of her days, but puzzled because this book had just begun and there were many pages to go. . .
About then Helen found she had company. Unusual company, in whose care of she finds new a outlook, the comforts offered by the outside world and remembers a few things she's forgotten.
Here's a tale to gladden you, whisk away jadedness, and restock a robust reliance in cosmic conjunctions.
*A sincere thank you to Simon Van Booy, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #Sipsworth #NetGalley 52:32...more
Achtriel's home is Rouen, a place of which I'd never heard. Her time is 7th century AD. The cover overlooks a valley fenced in by far off mountains, aAchtriel's home is Rouen, a place of which I'd never heard. Her time is 7th century AD. The cover overlooks a valley fenced in by far off mountains, and a path on which are pictured two young women: a blonde not looking particularly comfortable, and a darker girl with black every-where hair holding fabrics, with an "i-dare-you" look on her face. For these shallow reasons, I requested this ARC, and was so granted.
I liked the character of Achtriel, who has been abandoned in an alley by her mother. Two days later Tahto, an elderly man of learning who has a following, finds the infant and takes her in. He renames her after an angel who "frequented the outlying realms". Tahto becomes her adopted "grandfather" holding back nothing as he teaches this new student so thoroughly that at age 3 she can read and write Latin, Greek and Hebrew. For me that was a reach, but I stayed in. . .other complications in her life - it is thought she was disabled in the birthing process that result in a clenched right hand, and twisted right foot. Tahto and his other family members help Achtriel to overcome (except for a limp and ungraceful physical presentation) challenges as she can.
Within a few pages, the origin is told, and Achtriel is 8 and 1/2. And so begins the life path of Achtriel living in 603 AD in Rouen, France. It goes to page 589. . .where she may be 11? There is a hint of womanly shaping, but nothing firm, and ends with "to be continued. . ." A long read, about the time and community which has Christian and Jewish members, and where conflicts abound on a personal level.
*A sincere thank you to Jeannie Troll, Page Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
One of my favorite reads this year! Couldn't stop picking it up to find out what happened next. . .work be damned! to hell with the laundry!
ShelterOne of my favorite reads this year! Couldn't stop picking it up to find out what happened next. . .work be damned! to hell with the laundry!
Shelterwood weaves the life stories of Olive Radley, a fiesty 11-year old (1909) and a park ranger looking for new experiences Valerie Boren-Odell. Both stories swirl around the Horsethief Springs Trail National Park, where one traverses Cedar Lake environs, including the atmospheric Winding Stair Mountain. The story stuck to my heart a little more every time I read.
I'm a family history sort of girl, and soon it came to me why this was feeling uncomfortably close to my sensitivities. . .my gr-gr-grandfather, born in MO, ran in that race for homesteads on the land that would become Oklahoma, and was a person of some means and authority a very close 51 miles from the Winding Stair Mountain. This read had just become personal, and it still is.
The author's notes at the books end pointed me in the direction of Angie Debo books for further information, which I've now been gathering - was delighted to find I've read a few of them in my youth.
All the stars for Shelterwood, and Lisa Wingate!
*A sincere thank you to Lisa Wingate, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #Shelterwood #NetGalley...more
I was a NEVER HORROR girl not so very long ago. Now I have a special carve out, specifically for T. Kingfisher, the EverSeeker of Butterfly Eye ContacI was a NEVER HORROR girl not so very long ago. Now I have a special carve out, specifically for T. Kingfisher, the EverSeeker of Butterfly Eye Contact.
This is a surprise to many of my peeps, who know of my strong aversion to horror - especially "crunchy" horror - that which comes with explict, slick and slimy detail. TK doesn't pull punches or details for that matter, but when I weigh what I'll miss if I stand firm, I buckle. My next go-to would be to skim over the uncomfortable bits. . .but devious She weaves essential within. So bear it I must, and do, and oh, my . . . .
Here's another gem - Cordelia, her wicked-evil mater, Hester (who is the one I'd audition for), and my fav, Falada, a horse with HistoriTude. Seriously - and I'm not a horsey girl. Cordelia wraps it up as neatly as if she were in a Bronte novel. . .
TK - can't wait to see (and read) what's under your quill now - keep that ink well full and flowing!
*A sincere thank you to T. Kingfisher, Tor Publishing Group, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
Penryth Hall is set in Cornwall. . . .not a resistable setting in my world (fell in love with it during episodes of Doc Martin and Poldark). So when RPenryth Hall is set in Cornwall. . . .not a resistable setting in my world (fell in love with it during episodes of Doc Martin and Poldark). So when Ruby Vaughn (making her debut in this author's debut offering to readers) showed up, I accepted the call.
Ruby has resources, an elderly (but dear) partner, and a rare bookstore (lucky her). Times are tough, though, the conclusion of the Great War leaving societal debris in its wake. Short-staffed she has to deliver a special order herself, and finds the location is quite close to the home - a fancy one - of someone from her past. When she shows up on the doorstep, a reunion is had. Before long she realizes there's something off-putting. Within a page or so, murder has occurred, and she is stuck, and this reader was engaged.
Particularly enjoyable for me was the introduction of a new kind of person from the occult world affording me a dictionary moment: a pellar. I found this is a good witchy sort - a healer, a diviner and breaker of spells - including curses. As the title of this book gives out, a curse is involved in this tale and so Ruby has a basket full of challenges.
As this is a mystery with many parts and pieces to unwind, I will leave you here with my hearty recommendation to, if you are intrigued, read it! As for me, I look forward to book 2 of Ruby Vaughn's further adventures.
*A sincere thank you to Jess Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* 52:52...more
The granddaughter / grandmother relationship that this author's narrative wraps around the reader is what had me rapt and paying attention to every deThe granddaughter / grandmother relationship that this author's narrative wraps around the reader is what had me rapt and paying attention to every detail. The swim, the token on the house the love story. . .
Out of all of the battles this author chose to fight with her characters, perspectives and words she rises victorious in my opinion. There were so many fronts: life in Japan as a young woman just before WWII, dreams and desires of life where others arrange life choices for young people, then changes and terrors of WWII in occupied Japan - this is the grandmother before she is even a mother, Mineko who starts out in Osaka. Granddaughter Lia is an American, a Texan, a citizen of Curtain, a brand new architect, and her storyline is in the 90's. She's trying to figure out the events that led to her existence as it relates to Mineko. Their awkwardness convinced me - if you have been apart and are then thrown by life circumstances (like grandma's house burning to the ground) together and told "don't worry! you're going to love her! She's your grand X" can present its own kind of difficulties. These two had them . . . .
Pages will fly as you recognize much of the feelings these two discover when their very different stories sum up to the same kinds of love, hope and yearnings, and some of the very same kind of challenges, wearing different calendars. A great read!
*A sincere thank you to Amanda Churchill, Harper, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #TheTurtleHouse #NetGalley...more
A reader won't want to turn their back on this book! Itchy, urgent and compelling all at once. Will have you looking at every moving thing on the windA reader won't want to turn their back on this book! Itchy, urgent and compelling all at once. Will have you looking at every moving thing on the windowsills, screens and walls.
Nature is having her day with these characters, having the last word without a moment of regret. A family of determined members each headed into the world driven by their own spirit of curiosity and discovery - from bugs, to weather, to snakes, to alligators. . . .abused nature will have her way with them. Come hell or high water.
Um-hum. A read guaranteed to make you feel guilty - in a good way.
*A sincere thank you to T. C. Boyle, W. W. Norton & Company, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #BlueSkies #NetGalley...more
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