Reads_A_Lot
St. Joseph County Public Library
Reads_A_Lot's Completed Shelf
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A Brilliant Night of Stars and IceA Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice, eBook
by Connolly, RebeccaeBook - 2022eBook, 2022
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Nov 27, 2022
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Nov 16, 2022
Comment:
For Native American Heritage month I picked this book which brings to light a period in the 1800s when the US was taking Native American children from their culture and putting them into boarding schools where they were treated cruelly and forced to dress like us, talk like us, and act like us even though they had no desire to leave their homes and families. They were torn from their culture and forced to integrate into a white society where they were not accepted. This book centers around Alma, whose father runs just such a school. It alternates between Alma’s childhood at the school making friends with Native American children, and as an adult when one of her former classmates is accused of murder. This book provides a good starting point for thinking about the atrocities committed against American Indians. A shameful part of US history.For Native American Heritage month I picked this book which brings to light a period in the 1800s when the US was taking Native American children from their culture and putting them into boarding schools where they were treated cruelly and forced to…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Nov 04, 2022
Comment:
Historical Christian fiction set in 2 time periods: 1930’s and 1840’s. It was interesting to learn about the Federal Writer’s Project that was part of President Roosevelt’s WPA program. I’ve read other historical fiction about different WPA programs like the packhorse librarians, the CCC, and forestry projects. But this book is about a girl who enters a program started in 1936 to send writers across the south to interview former slaves who were aging and whose stories would be lost forever if not documented. Rena who has lived a privileged life is deeply affected by the story she hears from 101 yr old Frankie. Her schooling only briefly taught the existence of slavery and Rena is horrified to find out what slaves actually endured at the hands of their owners. Rena and Frankie quickly form a bond and friendship. I enjoyed their story.Historical Christian fiction set in 2 time periods: 1930’s and 1840’s. It was interesting to learn about the Federal Writer’s Project that was part of President Roosevelt’s WPA program. I’ve read other historical fiction about different WPA…
ElvisElvis, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Oct 28, 2022
Comment:
What a disappointment! I’ve been looking forward to this movie since I saw the first trailer at the beginning of the year. Got even more excited when the movie was released and saw Austin Butler interviews and clips from the movie. I don’t go to theaters so I waited patiently until the DVD was released. What a mess. The movie was put together in such a weird, jumbled, disjointed way I just couldn’t enjoy it. It skipped it’s way thru his young career with tidbits and flashes of famous moments. It didn’t actually slow down and flow like a regular movie until his Las Vegas days which was the least interesting and saddest part of his life. Dang, I feel gypped.What a disappointment! I’ve been looking forward to this movie since I saw the first trailer at the beginning of the year. Got even more excited when the movie was released and saw Austin Butler interviews and clips from the movie. I don’t go to…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Oct 25, 2022
Comment:
I’ve been reading Jodi Picoult’s books for years. I enjoy the heavy topics and social controversy they usually include and many times gain some insight on the topic. This one had a twist at the half way point that I wasn’t expecting and is where the controversy comes in that made the story interesting. Unfortunately, it also became a little preachy at that point. I prefer books that flow from beginning to end in real time, so the jumping back and forth between both POV’s and past and present made it a bit of task to read for me. However, I did enjoy the book overall and did learn some things about both bees (who knew?) and the controversial subject matter which I won’t specify so as not to ruin the twist for others.I’ve been reading Jodi Picoult’s books for years. I enjoy the heavy topics and social controversy they usually include and many times gain some insight on the topic. This one had a twist at the half way point that I wasn’t expecting and is where…
Stars of AlabamaStars of Alabama, eBookA Novel by Sean of the South
by Dietrich, SeaneBook - 2019eBook, 2019
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Oct 18, 2022
Comment:
This book has 3 sets of characters and jumped around between their 3 different stories. I liked all the characters and their stories but it was all very disjointed and the way they came together at the end was kind of anticlimactic. So this one was just OK for me, but the author’s writing was good enough that I would probably give him another try on a more singular story.This book has 3 sets of characters and jumped around between their 3 different stories. I liked all the characters and their stories but it was all very disjointed and the way they came together at the end was kind of anticlimactic. So this one was…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Oct 06, 2022
Comment:
Christian historical fiction - this won’t be for everybody as it has a good amount of religion in it but in a subtle way through notes left from Momma. The main character is a little spitfire who is stubborn and outspoken and willing to fight for the young orphans who have come to her for help. Along the way she tries to learn the life lessons her Momma shared with her in the notes she left. These lessons don’t come easily to her, but she has devoted neighbors and a rascally pastor to help her along the way. Written in a way that the characters feel like family and draw you into the story. I really enjoyed it.Christian historical fiction - this won’t be for everybody as it has a good amount of religion in it but in a subtle way through notes left from Momma. The main character is a little spitfire who is stubborn and outspoken and willing to fight for…
The Island We Left BehindThe Island We Left Behind, Streaming Audiobook
by Hewitt, KateStreaming Audiobook - 2022Streaming Audiobook, 2022
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Sep 25, 2022
Comment:
This is the 4th and last novel in the Amherst Island series. My library only has this one audio book. I read the series for free with kindle unlimited and really enjoyed it. The books follow the life of Ellen Copley from her humble beginnings in Scotland to her time living with relatives on Amherst Island, to the brutal battlefields of the First World War, and ultimately her return to beautiful Amherst Island. A very good series that I recommend.This is the 4th and last novel in the Amherst Island series. My library only has this one audio book. I read the series for free with kindle unlimited and really enjoyed it. The books follow the life of Ellen Copley from her humble beginnings in…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Sep 23, 2022
Comment:
This has been on my TBR list and after the Queen’s death and while she lay in state I decided it was a good time to read it. I admire and respect the Queen’s long dedication to the job that was thrust upon her at such a young age. Although this is historical fiction it has the ring of truth to it. You can see how even at a young age Elizabeth new what would be expected of her and acted in accordance. She learned much by watching how her parents interacted with personal staff and the public. She learned to cherish her time at Balmoral where she could be more herself enjoying nature and animals. And even though Philip wasn’t as smitten with Elizabeth as she was with him at first, he came to love and appreciate her inner goodness, calmness, and kindness. I enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of The Crown series, you probably will too.This has been on my TBR list and after the Queen’s death and while she lay in state I decided it was a good time to read it. I admire and respect the Queen’s long dedication to the job that was thrust upon her at such a young age. Although this is…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Sep 14, 2022
Comment:
I like the strength of spirit depicted in survivor stories of all kinds. This one is about a teenager surviving the aftermath of escaping from a cult. This book deals with some heavy subjects and the author has included a note at the beginning to forewarn the reader of what to expect. The book grabbed me right from the beginning with some harrowing events the children must endure. Wanting to know who would escape, how they would escape, and what would happen to them in the real world kept me turning the pages. I thought this was a good debut by this author.I like the strength of spirit depicted in survivor stories of all kinds. This one is about a teenager surviving the aftermath of escaping from a cult. This book deals with some heavy subjects and the author has included a note at the beginning to…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Sep 03, 2022
Comment:
This book is eye opening and educational. The author sheds a light on the overreach of the U.S. government on the reproductive rights of poor black and Hispanic women through forced sterilization in the 1960’s and 70’s.
The story is centered around Civil Townsend, a young black nurse who wants to make a difference in her community. Her first job is at a family planning clinic that provides birth control to girls and women. She gets attached to the two young girls who are assigned to her care and becomes concerned about the shots they are receiving that are not FDA approved. The situation goes from bad to worse and the family ends up in a lawsuit against the government agencies responsible.
The author does a good job of turning this little known part of history into an interesting story. It deals not only with government overreach, but also with the consequences that can occur when someone believes they know what’s best for someone else and takes matters into their own hand. This is a good example of the importance of stories like this to be told, for them to be heard, and for them to be acknowledged and remembered.This book is eye opening and educational. The author sheds a light on the overreach of the U.S. government on the reproductive rights of poor black and Hispanic women through forced sterilization in the 1960’s and 70’s.
The story is centered around…
Hatchet IslandHatchet Island, Book
by Doiron, PaulBook - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Aug 26, 2022
The Book Woman's DaughterThe Book Woman's Daughter, BookA Novel
by Richardson, Kim MicheleBook - 2022Book, 2022
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Aug 26, 2022
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Aug 25, 2022
Comment:
This book is told in alternating chapters from the present and the 1930-40’s era. I liked the story from the past best about the friendship between Dale and her best friend Tommy and their love of horses. I also learned some history about the Coast Guard Mounted Patrol that guarded the east coast from German threat during WWII. A good story about friendship, love, courage and a little mystery. I liked it.This book is told in alternating chapters from the present and the 1930-40’s era. I liked the story from the past best about the friendship between Dale and her best friend Tommy and their love of horses. I also learned some history about the…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2022
Comment:
Historical fiction loosely based on the brilliant career of the racehorse Lexington during the mid 1800’s. But the book isn’t just about a racehorse but also about race. Horse racing was immensely popular in antebellum life and was built on the labor and skill of black horsemen. After Reconstruction black horsemen were pushed aside and white jockeys conspired to put the black jockeys at grave risk during races. This book follows a fictional young black stable boy who was with Lexington through the horse’s entire life - being sold from owner to owner along with the horse. Although written in one of my least favorite formats - changing time and characters each chapter - I still found the story compelling and learned a bit of history I didn’t know about before.Historical fiction loosely based on the brilliant career of the racehorse Lexington during the mid 1800’s. But the book isn’t just about a racehorse but also about race. Horse racing was immensely popular in antebellum life and was built on the…
Mirror GirlsMirror Girls, Book
by McWilliams, KellyBook - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 20, 2022
Comment:
This was a good southern gothic tale. It takes place in the 1950’s Jim Crow era in a small Georgian town. It includes segregation, colorism, and sundown laws blended with ghosts and how “the veil” is thinner down South. It centers around biracial twins who must break a curse that was cast upon them when they were separated at birth
Charlene’s Nana always told her “For colored girls, there’s no such thing as happily ever after.” But after Charlene is reunited with her twin sister she believes “Even if we have to change the whole world, we will find our happily ever after. That’s the thing about colored girls. When we finally see ourselves for who we truly are, we can’t help but realize that we deserve happily ever after too.”
I really enjoyed this book of 2 strong young women of color. I found it interesting, entertaining and thought-provoking.This was a good southern gothic tale. It takes place in the 1950’s Jim Crow era in a small Georgian town. It includes segregation, colorism, and sundown laws blended with ghosts and how “the veil” is thinner down South. It centers around biracial…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 20, 2022
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 20, 2022
The Screaming StaircaseThe Screaming Staircase, Book
by Stroud, JonathanBook - 2014 | First trade paperback editionBook, 2014. First trade paperback edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 20, 2022
Comment:
My son liked this book and asked me to read it. It’s not my usual genre but it was entertaining. Kind of cross between Harry Potter and Odd Thomas. Set in a time where killer ghosts come out after dark but only children can see and fight them. The story centers around 3 kids who run their own ghost fighting agency. First book in a series.My son liked this book and asked me to read it. It’s not my usual genre but it was entertaining. Kind of cross between Harry Potter and Odd Thomas. Set in a time where killer ghosts come out after dark but only children can see and fight them.…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jul 20, 2022
The Children on the HillThe Children on the Hill, Book
by McMahon, JenniferBook - 2022 | First Scout Press hardcover editionBook, 2022. First Scout Press hardcover edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2022
Comment:
This was a little bit different book than I normally read but I occasionally like to read something a little outside the box. So kids obsessed with monsters and one of them potentially becoming a monster (serial killer) sounded interesting. This isn’t a scary creature feature type of story. It’s more of a slow burn, dark suspense, family drama. The book alternates chapters between then and now. It has a good little twist at the end that I was sort of expecting but I got it wrong. Entertaining - I liked it.This was a little bit different book than I normally read but I occasionally like to read something a little outside the box. So kids obsessed with monsters and one of them potentially becoming a monster (serial killer) sounded interesting. This…
Under the Golden SunUnder the Golden Sun, BookA Novel
by Ashcroft, JennyBook - 2022 | First U.S. EditionBook, 2022. First U.S. Edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added May 23, 2022
Comment:
I like books set in Australia and the premise of a young woman hired to escort a little boy from London to Australia during WWII sounded interesting. The first half the book is her and Walter getting to know each other as she develops a deep maternal bond with him, and the months long journey by ship to Australia. The 2nd half is them adjusting to life in Australia with Walter’s relatives who were not expecting them. Historical fiction, family drama and a little romance bundled together made for an entertaining read.I like books set in Australia and the premise of a young woman hired to escort a little boy from London to Australia during WWII sounded interesting. The first half the book is her and Walter getting to know each other as she develops a deep…
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Apr 30, 2022
Comment:
This is the 2nd book in this series. It’s fast paced and has a lot of snappy dialogue that makes it a quick read. Wilde’s backstory is revealed thru his dna tests. Some of the story revolving around the dna and how people are related gets a little confusing at times but it gets cleared up in the end. I actually liked this a little more than the first book and will continue to read this series if there are future books.This is the 2nd book in this series. It’s fast paced and has a lot of snappy dialogue that makes it a quick read. Wilde’s backstory is revealed thru his dna tests. Some of the story revolving around the dna and how people are related gets a little…
Girl in IceGirl in Ice, Book
by Ferencik, EricaBook - 2022 | First Scout Press hardcover editionBook, 2022. First Scout Press hardcover edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Apr 28, 2022
Comment:
This is an atmospheric and slow burn novel set on a remote island off the coast of Greenland. I was intrigued by the premise of a young girl found frozen in the ice and thawed out alive. Wanting to know where the girl came from and how she survived being frozen kept me turning the pages. The book has a claustrophobic feel to it since the characters have to live in a small building most of the time. They can only go out into the arctic cold for short periods. None of the characters are very likable and the sense that all is not what it seems adds a foreboding. It was an interesting book that was worth the read, but I was glad it was only 300 pages because I was ready to leave the cold, dark setting by the end.This is an atmospheric and slow burn novel set on a remote island off the coast of Greenland. I was intrigued by the premise of a young girl found frozen in the ice and thawed out alive. Wanting to know where the girl came from and how she…
The Oceanography of the MoonThe Oceanography of the Moon, BookA Novel
by Vanderah, GlendyBook - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
Reads_A_Lot's rating:
Added Apr 22, 2022
Comment:
This is the 2nd book I’ve read by this author. She has a talent for combining characters that you care about with the healing power of nature and a touch of magical realism. This one is about two broken souls who suffer from grief, guilt and regret. When they meet they recognize and are drawn to the brokenness in each other. With love, understanding and forgiveness maybe they can both heal and have a happy future. Well written with beautiful imagery and symbolism. Also have to add how much I like the beautiful cover on this book.This is the 2nd book I’ve read by this author. She has a talent for combining characters that you care about with the healing power of nature and a touch of magical realism. This one is about two broken souls who suffer from grief, guilt and…
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