Reads_A_Lot
St. Joseph County Public Library
Reads_A_Lot's Completed Shelf
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Mockingbird SummerMockingbird Summer, BookA Novel
by Rutledge, LyndaBook - 2024 | First editionBook, 2024. First edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Feb 25, 2024
Blood of My Mother, TheBlood of My Mother, The, Streaming Audiobook
by Hill, RoccieStreaming Audiobook - 2023Streaming Audiobook, 2023
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jan 07, 2024
Comment:
I read the kindle version.
This is the story of Eliza who is mixed race with a Melungeon mother and a white father. She learns at a young age that her looks will be a problem. Born in Florida, but her father moves them to Texas after the death of her mother. This begins her journey through the wilderness of Texas and the frightening times of civil war.
The story follows Eliza’s struggle to survive and her willingness to shelter strangers, all while facing both the beauty and the ugliness of both the landscape and the people,I read the kindle version.
This is the story of Eliza who is mixed race with a Melungeon mother and a white father. She learns at a young age that her looks will be a problem. Born in Florida, but her father moves them to Texas after the death of…
The Key to EverythingThe Key to Everything, eBookA Novel
by Valerie Fraser LuesseeBook - 2020eBook, 2020
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Dec 24, 2023
Comment:
Inspired by a true event, this is a nice, feel good story set in a simpler time. I enjoyed Petyon’s bike adventure and the connections he made with people he met along the way.
The MadstoneThe Madstone, BookA Novel
by Crook, ElizabethBook - 2023 | First editionBook, 2023. First edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Dec 17, 2023
Comment:
I’m not sure why this book isn’t advertised as a sequel to The Which Way Tree on either the book jacket or on Goodreads. It wasn’t until I was about half way thru the book and Benjamin was telling Horhay about his sister that I realized the connection. So once again in this book Benjamin is on a journey that is not of his choosing with characters he meets along the way. Although this book did entertain me, I didn’t think it was quite as good as The Which Way Tree.I’m not sure why this book isn’t advertised as a sequel to The Which Way Tree on either the book jacket or on Goodreads. It wasn’t until I was about half way thru the book and Benjamin was telling Horhay about his sister that I realized the…
A Trail of CrumbsA Trail of Crumbs, eBookA Novel of the Great Depression
by Finkbeiner, SusieeBook - 2017eBook, 2017
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Dec 12, 2023
Comment:
Book #2 in this Christian Historical fiction series set during the 1930’s dust bowl years. This series is told from 11 yr old Pearl’s point of view. She’s an endearing narrator. I enjoyed the new characters in this book as they made their new home in Michigan.Book #2 in this Christian Historical fiction series set during the 1930’s dust bowl years. This series is told from 11 yr old Pearl’s point of view. She’s an endearing narrator. I enjoyed the new characters in this book as they made their new…
Sisters Under the Rising SunSisters Under the Rising Sun, Book
by Morris, HeatherBook - 2023 | First U.S. editionBook, 2023. First U.S. edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Dec 05, 2023
Comment:
Historical fiction based on a real group of woman interred in Japanese prison camps during WWII. The strength, guts, and sheer determination of these women to survive was amazing and their story needs to be shared. However the book is written in a way that keeps the reader at a distance so you don’t really get attached or overly emotional about their situation. I did shed a few tears during the last 2 chapters. I was appreciative of the extra information on the women that was included in the Author’s note at the end of the book.Historical fiction based on a real group of woman interred in Japanese prison camps during WWII. The strength, guts, and sheer determination of these women to survive was amazing and their story needs to be shared. However the book is written in a…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Dec 05, 2023
Comment:
Cute, simple, predictable story, but sometimes that’s just what I need.
The Home for Wayward GirlsThe Home for Wayward Girls, eBookA Novel
by Bradley, MarciaeBook - 2023eBook, 2023
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Dec 05, 2023
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Nov 02, 2023
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Oct 27, 2023
Comment:
This is a gem of a book centered around a heartwarming family. Although Bertha is the title character, Flossie steals the show. She’s a feisty preteen with no filter and tons of personality. Alternating POV’s between the sisters makes this an engaging read.
Amanda’s Goodreads review pretty much sums up my feelings:
Susie Finkbeiner has mastered the art of writing family stories that tenderly balance heartbreak and hope. The All-American will draw you into the lives of the Harding family, and you won’t be able to help rooting for them at every turn—whether it be the woes familiar to coming of age or those of historical significance. This story will remain wrapped around your heart long after the final page is read, and you’ll wish you could call up Flossie and Bertha and ask them to be your best friends forever.This is a gem of a book centered around a heartwarming family. Although Bertha is the title character, Flossie steals the show. She’s a feisty preteen with no filter and tons of personality. Alternating POV’s between the sisters makes this an…
Lone WomenLone Women, eBookA Novel
by LaValle, VictoreBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Oct 21, 2023
Comment:
Boy, what the heck did I just read?! I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this western. Giving it an average rating because I’m still trying to decide if liked it or not. It’s definitely a story I won’t forget.
Pam G’s review on Goodreads pretty much says it all:
The author has managed to combine horror, mystery, suspense, historical fiction, and the supernatural in a western set in 1914-1915. Featuring thirty-one-year-old Adelaide Henry, the novel also sheds light on the little-known historical fact that single, widowed, divorced, or deserted women who where at least 21 could become homesteaders and through “proving” their claim, own their own land
The writing is vivid and atmospheric. Readers slowly learn Adelaide’s secret and experience the west with its good and bad. Neighbors tended to help neighbors in time of need. However, there is also racism and vigilantism. Diverse characters, secrets, death, loneliness, difficult socioeconomic conditions, theft, curiosity, vengeance, rage, freedom, the supernatural, and retribution are also weaved into the storyline.
Overall, this was a shocking, unique, and dark story.Boy, what the heck did I just read?! I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this western. Giving it an average rating because I’m still trying to decide if liked it or not. It’s definitely a story I won’t forget.
Pam G’s review on…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Oct 17, 2023
Comment:
I was drawn in from the beginning of this mystery/suspense story. Although the subject matter is grim, good storytelling, fully flushed sympathetic characters with lots of heart, and a strong sense of place made this book a quick read.
Added Oct 15, 2023
Only the BeautifulOnly the Beautiful, eBook
by Meissner, SusaneBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 3 on 1 copy
Holds: 3 on 1 copy
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Oct 09, 2023
Comment:
This is the 2nd book I’ve read in the past year that deals with eugenics and the overreach of the U.S. government on the reproductive rights of those they deem unfit to have children. In the book “Take My Hand” it was poor people of color, in this book it’s the patients at an institution for the infirm. Some who have been wrongly put there by family members. Unbelievably, the U.S. was doing this before Hitler and was still doing it into the 1970’s. Shameful. Despite the sad circumstances, I liked this story centered around Rosie who has synesthesia and learned some things I didn’t know before along the way.This is the 2nd book I’ve read in the past year that deals with eugenics and the overreach of the U.S. government on the reproductive rights of those they deem unfit to have children. In the book “Take My Hand” it was poor people of color, in this…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Sep 28, 2023
Black CakeBlack Cake, BookA Novel
by Wilkerson, CharmaineBook - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Sep 23, 2023
Comment:
This wasn't a bad read for me, I think the good outweighed the not-so-good. Kerrin’s review on Goodreads describes how I also felt about this book:
“Because the author decided to cover a plethora of social issues, including an arranged marriage, parental abandonment, workplace rape, police brutality against blacks, gambling, racial and gay discrimination, forced adoption, domestic abuse, and protection of the ocean, the story seemed weighed down at times. Many of the chapters are short and out of order chronologically, giving the story a disjointed feeling. On the positive side, I enjoyed the historical aspects of island life and the emphasis on the importance of food and traditions.”This wasn't a bad read for me, I think the good outweighed the not-so-good. Kerrin’s review on Goodreads describes how I also felt about this book:
“Because the author decided to cover a plethora of social issues, including an arranged marriage,…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Sep 12, 2023
Comment:
Christian historical fiction set in Atlanta in the 1930’s. This is a sweet story of two girls who forge an unlikely friendship as they each try to adapt to the extreme changes created by their new living situations. The religion might get a little heavy handed for some but I was able to glean some good lessons from it. The story is full of likeable characters an I found it to be an enjoyable read.Christian historical fiction set in Atlanta in the 1930’s. This is a sweet story of two girls who forge an unlikely friendship as they each try to adapt to the extreme changes created by their new living situations. The religion might get a little…
Remarkably Bright CreaturesRemarkably Bright Creatures, eBookA Novel
by Shelby Van PelteBook - 2022eBook, 2022
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Sep 01, 2023
Comment:
Well as I was reading the beginning of the book I kept thinking the synopsis was false advertising. Yes, we meet Tova and we get a page here and there from Marcellus, but the start of the book is more about Cameron whose is kind of drifting thru life with no purpose. I didn’t really care for his character too much and was wondering why he was taking up so many pages when he isn’t even mentioned in the book description. I struggled to get thru the first half of the book, but Cameron eventually grew on me and of course everything comes together and makes sense by the end. The best part of the book for me was Marcellus and his relationship with Tova and learning a little bit about octopuses.Well as I was reading the beginning of the book I kept thinking the synopsis was false advertising. Yes, we meet Tova and we get a page here and there from Marcellus, but the start of the book is more about Cameron whose is kind of drifting thru…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Aug 23, 2023
Comment:
Another quick-paced survivor/thriller from this author. Not a whole lot of depth to the characters but it was entertaining. Her first book (Falling) is being made into a movie. I could see this one being a movie also.
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Aug 11, 2023
Comment:
This is a little lighter look into the dark subject of surviving an abusive relationship. The author includes a note at the beginning about triggers. I like survivor stories, so even though this was very predictable I still enjoyed it. I liked the bond between Rowan and Gabriel and their home setting in Oklahoma. A quick read.This is a little lighter look into the dark subject of surviving an abusive relationship. The author includes a note at the beginning about triggers. I like survivor stories, so even though this was very predictable I still enjoyed it. I liked…
Beyond That, the SeaBeyond That, the Sea, Book
by Spence-Ash, LauraBook - 2023 | First U.S. editionBook, 2023. First U.S. edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Aug 09, 2023
Comment:
This had so much potential be a great story with good characters but the way it was written ruined it. Short chapters from many POV’s that gloss over chunks of time and keeps the reader at a distance. Disappointed.
A Cup of DustA Cup of Dust, eBookA Novel of the Dust Bowl
by Finkbeiner, SusieeBook - 2015eBook, 2015
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 23, 2023
Where Coyotes HowlWhere Coyotes Howl, Book
by Dallas, SandraBook - 2023 | First editionBook, 2023. First edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 17, 2023
Comment:
Just what the description says. A glimpse at a simple, everyday, hard scrabble life in Wyoming during the early 1900’s.
Closer by SeaCloser by Sea, Book
by Chafe, PerryBook - 2023 | Scribner Canada editionBook, 2023. Scribner Canada edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 08, 2023
Comment:
Although this book is in the adult section, it could easily be enjoyed by older grade school kids and teens. It’s narrated by a 12 yr old boy who lives in a small fishing community off the coast of New Foundland that’s on the brink of economic collapse as the fish population dwindles. The story has small town charm and is full of sea life, friendship, bullies, crushes, and a mystery.Although this book is in the adult section, it could easily be enjoyed by older grade school kids and teens. It’s narrated by a 12 yr old boy who lives in a small fishing community off the coast of New Foundland that’s on the brink of economic…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 02, 2023
Comment:
Christian fiction about a West Virginia man who dedicates his life to spreading the word of God via a home made radio station. This book is told from 2 POVs: Billy’s and an angel. Billy’s story is good and he is a very likable character. The chapters by the angel are a little heavy on religion. Nevertheless there are some good nuggets of wisdom and life lessons for those who are open to them.Christian fiction about a West Virginia man who dedicates his life to spreading the word of God via a home made radio station. This book is told from 2 POVs: Billy’s and an angel. Billy’s story is good and he is a very likable character. The…
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