Book Nook Cafe discussion

Here is the Folder and thread to tell us what your monthly reads for February 2023 were.

Gosh, two months gone in 2023 already. The months do fly by.

Please provide:
~ A GoodReads link
~ A few sentences telling us how you felt about the book.
~ How would you rate the book

River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Simon wrote: "River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

** This was one of my historical fiction reads to celebrate Black History Month 2023 **

Sounds like an interesting read, Simon Thanks !

Thanks for the title & your review, Simon. What a neat title and cover. I don't recall having read a novel about those islands previously.

I read The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk and I think that's it. That was certainly enough.

I actually liked some things about the book, though I thought it was overlong. I liked learning the history of Jacob Frank and what the Jews in Eastern Europe went through during the 18th century. I didn't like the fact that the entire book, except for a few snippets of dialogue was told rather than dramatized in scenes, but I get it that the author wanted to remain true to her research, and she did do a lot of research.

I don't know how I'd rate this book. I'm still trying to decide. I think if people liked My Name Is Red by Orhan Pamuk, they will like The Books of Jacob.

In February, I finished reading:

How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide (2-star). I didn't like the message of using all conversations as a way of finding the path to changing your conversation partner's mind to your thoughts.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

American Dirt (1-star). I found that the story sensationalized the situation and turned what should have been a suspenseful, thought provoking story and made it melodramatic.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Golden Enclaves (4-star). The final book of a very good trilogy. A sort of dark, Hogwarts setting where the stakes are high. The story is well told, well put together and with a touch of humor and wit.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Petra, I enjoyed American Dirt more than you did. I hope next month is a better reading month for you.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I read The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk and I think that's it. That was certainly enough.

I actually liked some things about the book, though I thought it was o..."

Thanks for sharing about this 1000 page book, Kiki.

Here are my February reads.


Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
Audio book
Narrator: Will Damron
Non Fiction
Rate: 4/5- Better than my expectations
This was my favorite read of the month. The author is a two time winner of the Pulitzer Prize. He broke the story for the Wall Street Journal which finally brought down this house of cards.

I enjoyed the book and the writing. The story kept me fully engaged as I just couldn't believe all the shenanigans that Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes and her business partner and boyfriend Sunny Balwani were getting away with.

The Narration of the audio book also was good.

Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine by Robert H. Lustig
Rate 4/5 better then expectations
Non Fiction
The title of the book is a portmanteau of metabolic and diabolical.
The author is Dr. Robert Lustig. He's a pediatric neuroendocrinologist.

The book basically is an indictment of the food industry, the FDA, USDA, the medical profession and corporate greed which promotes sugar and processed foods to the detriment of our health.

I thought the book was well written and researched. The book will certainly make you aware of how much sugar is in your diet and motivate you to limit it.

Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Rate 3/5 - Good read
Tyson answers questions from his StarTalk podcast. I know zero about physics and cosmology. This book helped me understand a bit more. I like Tyson's humor and easy going style.

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
Rate: 3/5 A good Read
The book is written in an easy going tone which I liked a lot. It feels like a good friend talking with you. It covers similar ground as the first book but this one is perhaps has more of a self help vibe. It contains a lot of practical advice on how to deal with the difficult trials one encounters in life. Mrs. Obama shares how she deals with life's trials and how this may help you. A good book for young adults starting out in life.

Intimacies by Katie Kitamura
Rate: 2/5 - Did not meet expectations
I didn't like the writing style at all. The plot had potential. Young lady gets a job as an interpreter at the Hague Court. On trial is an ex-president for crimes against humanity. Throw in a bit of a love story. The problem is the story doesn't go anywhere.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I read The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk and I think that's it. That was certainly enough...."

Congratulations on that one Big Book read, Kiki. The point you shared about the action being told rather than dramatized is a good one. It makes for more concentrated reading, imo, but, as you note, it allows the author to be true to the research. I like that and will keep it in mind the next time i run across that in novels.

Petra wrote: "In February, I finished reading:

How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide (2-star). I didn't like the message of using all conversations as a way of finding the..."

What an unfortunate change in this book, Petra. One wonders about a mind which must train itself to "win" conversations. I understand an exchange of views with ensuing debate. Once repetition enters the exchange, you left civility long behind--you are illustrating that you believe you cannot be wrong and will not entertain any other lines of thought. Pity.

Although one wonders if both "conversationalists" used these techniques on one another, how long the discussion would remain civil.

I'm glad your last book was a rewarding end to the series. At least you have that after the other two books.

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my February reads. ..."

You had a good reading month, Alias. Bummer about the last book, though.

I like your note that Michelle Obama's book would be good for young adults. It's not something i would have thought, given the description, but what a lovely idea. And from someone who has had a variety of experiences and can guide readers through them.

Alias Reader wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I read The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk and I think that's it. That was certainly enough.

I actually liked some ..."

You're welcome, Alias. I think I also read Less in February, too.

madrano wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I read The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk and I think that's it. That was certainly enough...."

Congratulations on..."

Thank you, Madrano. There were a few conversations in the book, but not many and what dialogue was there, was very short. The author has all of her source material listed and it is exhaustive.

Alias Reader wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I read The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk and I think that's it. That was certainly enough.

I actually liked some ..."

Great going, Alias. Sorry the last book of the month was such a disappointment for you. I'm not a fan of books that just don't go anywhere, either. I'm reading one now. Beautifully written, but there really is no plot to speak of and all the characters are so very unlikeable. At least Arthur Less was a funny guy. He didn't mean to be, but he was.

While i read a number of books, most were quite short. In fact, i read three in one sitting. If i was a star person, most of these would be 3 stars.

William Howard Taft: The Travails of a Progressive Conservative--Jonathan Lurie. Looking at Taft via his self-described "progressive conservative" label. It's an odd approach to a biography but it worked.

Shiny Water--Anna Salter. Her first novel about a therapist whose clients are almost exclusively victims of sexual abuse, often children.

Where the Dead Sit Talking--Brandon Hobson. Native American teenager adjusting to his most recent foster home, while his mother is in prison.

Shutter--Ramona Emerson. Thanks to James on this board, i tried this unusual mystery about a criminal scene photographer, who was raised in her earliest years by her grandmother on a New Mexico reservation. As an added bonus, this young woman can see dead people, not great when you photograph the dead, right?

How to Lie with Statistics--Darrell Huff. Written in the early 50s, you'd think things would have changed. Nope, ads, newspapers, businesses and politicians seem no better today with their use of grafts, polls, and other statistics than back then. Shameful, but at least he offers a way to read "the numbers" with a discerning eye.

The Rodeo Queen--Marcella Bell. Typical romance in a bit of an unusual setting. And the Main Characters are people of color, which, in the rodeo circuit, is still an issue of personal levels.

The Revolt of the Black Athlete--Harry Edwards. Mine was the 50th anniversary issue, so Edwards fleshed out the history and subsequent events nicely. For the original book, which was small, there were valid facts about the Olympic issues in the '68 games, including the gloved fist held high awards ceremony for Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

August: Osage County--Tracy Letts. A well-written play about an Oklahoma family and their belittling language, acts and results.

Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name--Vendela Vida. Novel mostly set within the Arctic Circle, where a woman is seeking to find her biological father, after learning the man who raised her wasn't him. Great cold weather setting and characterization.

Ask the Dust--John Fante. In his day, the 40s-60s, he was a well-known novelist & screenwriter. This novel is said by some to be the definitive one on Los Angeles. While i can see that, it was hard to overcome the mean spirited and racist romances depicted. But the writing itself, i liked.

Foster--Claire Keegan. Very Short novella. Extremely well written, imo. About a young girl who is taken to live with a married couple in Ireland for the summer. This will not be my last Keegan, who is known for her sparse novels which depict much in few words.

madrano wrote: "While i read a number of books, most were quite short. In fact, i read three in one sitting. If i was a star person, most of these would be 3 stars.

[book:William Howard Taft: The Travails of a Pr..."

Congratulations, Madrano! That's a lot of books for one month, even if they were short.

madrano wrote: "While i read a number of books, most were quite short. In fact, i read three in one sitting. If i was a star person, most of these would be 3 stars.

[book:William Howard Taft: The Travails of a Pr..."

A very productive reading month, deb. Also quite an eclectic selection. Well done.

One 4 day ice storm gave me plenty of time to read, as well. Thanks for your comments.

One of the pleasures of the 100 Challenge is that our selection become more eclectic. At least mine have, which is delightful.

Sadly, I did not get anything read in the month of February.

Kim, you will get back on track with reading. I hope it brings you some comfort when you do. Be kind with yourself during this difficult time.

I read
Black Wings: African Americans in Aviation and Space- Von Hardesty.
The Glass Lake and A Few of The Girls- Maeve Binchy.
Madly, Deeply- Alan Rickman.
Long cold and snowy month in the PNW, makes for great reading time ;)

Kim, i echo the sentiments Alias expressed. Time will bring back your pleasure in reading and books.

Cathy wrote: "I read
Black Wings: African Americans in Aviation and Space- Von Hardesty....[I edited the quote}
Madly, Deeply- Alan Rickman...."

[book:Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African Americans in Aviation and Space History|2636747]--Von Hardesty sounds up my alley. Just recently i read an extremely brief biography of Charles Alfred Anderson, considered the father of black aviation. It described the fact that no one would teach him how to fly, so he bought his own plane and joined a flying club and they still wouldn't teach him. Here's a link to what i read, if you are interested, although i'm sure he was mentioned in the book you read. https://info.mysticstamp.com/happy-bi...

Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman I still miss Rickman and that marvelous voice of his. THIS is one i'd listen to in audio form, if he read it himself, but i see he didn't do so. Still, i'd like to read this one.

Thanks for sharing about your reading, Cathy, as i got two titles to explore.

Cathy wrote: "I read
Black Wings: African Americans in Aviation and Space- Von Hardesty.
The Glass Lake and A Few of The Girls- Maeve Binchy.
Madly, Deeply- Alan Rickman.
Long cold and snowy month in the PNW, m..."

Welcome to Book Nook Cafe, Cathy.

Thank you for sharing your February reads.

Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African Americans in Aviation and Space History sounds interesting.

Did you enjoy your Feb. reads ?

I completely enjoyed the books! I need to mix it up and nonfiction is continuing education to me. All the things I didn’t learn in school, right?! AND Maeve is/was a master storyteller. Miss her very much, but have so many I return to when I want to revisit. The Alan Rickman diaries are like going to an estate sale. Reading someone’s own thoughts on his daily life and thoughts. He was so very busy. So talented.

Cathy wrote: "The Alan Rickman diaries are like going to an estate sale. Reading someone’s own thoughts on his daily life and thoughts. He was so very busy..."

Perfect description of the Rickman book, Cathy!

When folks tell me i'm "smart", i tend to say, "Nope, i just read nonfiction." As you note, it really is a continuing education.

Here are my books for February:

Slayer by Andy Peloquin - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Hollow House by Greg Chapman - 1 star.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Night Weaver by Brian G. Berry - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Dark Observation by Catherine Cavendish - 5 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A Bloody Bloody Mess In the Wild Wild West by Justin Bienvenue - 3 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Primal Terra by Tim Meyer - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Demonic by Jeff Strand - 4 stars
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Nemesis of the Gods: Trilogy by Catherine Cavendish - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A Time of Dread by John Gwynne - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


I read two books by Catherine Cavendish this month so that was fun as she always has some creepy books to step into! :)

Not too many books for me this month but a couple of them were super long.

One dud with the book the Hollow House - I have owned that one for about three or four years and it wasn't what I thought.

Otherwise a good month for me. :)

Cathy wrote: "I completely enjoyed the books! I need to mix it up and nonfiction is continuing education to me. All the things I didn’t learn in school, right?! AND Maeve is/was a master storyteller. Miss her ve..."

Thanks for the recap, Cathy. I'm glad to hear they were fine reads.
You are so right about non fiction. Hopefully we are all life long learners.

Marie wrote: "Here are my books for February:

Slayer by Andy Peloquin - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Hollow House by [au..."

Sorry you had a dud but otherwise you had a really fine month, Marie. Thanks for sharing with us.

Marie wrote: "Here are my books for February:

Slayer by Andy Peloquin - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Hollow House by [au..."

Congratulations on reading so many books!

Marie wrote: "Here are my books for February:

Slayer by Andy Peloquin - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"

Marie, thanks for sharing these reviews with us. Only one lousy one in the batch is good news, imo. I'm impressed you stayed with it but can understand the "there must be more" feeling.

Your comment on the Peloquin fight scenes is flattering to the author. For myself, such depictions go on way too long. Since it was the essence of the book, it's a good thing they were good.

Two historical novels read this month. The one with Churchill caught my attention, as it seems with a World War going on, no one needed any thing other-worldly. Interesting.

The month of February was a rough month for me. I was in the hospital the entire month due to mental health. I did finish Lightlark by Alex Aster while in the hospital lobby. I read the whole book in three hours and I rated it 5/5 stars. It is now one of my favorite books I've read recently.

Lilli Gilliam wrote: "The month of February was a bad month for me. I was in the hospital the entire month due to mental health. I did finish Lightlark by Alex Aster while in the hospit..."

I hope March is better for you, Lilli.

Thank you for sharing your 5 star read with us !

Lilli Gilliam wrote: "The month of February was a rough month for me. I was in the hospital the entire month due to mental health. I did finish Lightlark by Alex Aster while in the hosp..."

Sorry to hear of you hospital visit, Lilli. I'm sure things have improved and will continue to do so. Here's hoping reading good books which capture your creative mind will help you during rough times. Lightlark sounds intriguing, so i hope there will be more in the series for you.

Alias Reader wrote: "Marie wrote: "Here are my books for February:

Slayer by Andy Peloquin - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[book:Hollow House|30...

Sorry you had a dud but otherwise you had a really fine month, Marie. Thanks for sharing with us"

Thank you, Alias! And you are welcome! :)

madrano wrote: "Marie wrote: "Here are my books for February:

Slayer by Andy Peloquin - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"

Marie, thanks for..."

You are welcome, Deb! Love sharing reviews over here. :)

You might like that book Dark Observation - even though it is super creepy - but the author went deep into research for that time era. Lots of history wrapped within the pages as the author has actually visited the places she wrote about. :)

Thank you for the suggestion. As i noted, the WWII era and Churchill had me intrigued. I think i will investigate, Marie.

Sorry to be so late, but life had gotten in the way at Goodreads expense ...

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro ⭐⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


One Nation, Under Gods: A New American History by Peter Manseau ⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


The Road Out: A Teacher's Odyssey in Poor America by Deborah Hicks ⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

John wrote: "Sorry to be so late, but life had gotten in the way at Goodreads expense ...

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro ⭐⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
..."

John, your The Remains of the Day review takes me to a book called something else, I can't remember what.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "John wrote: "Sorry to be so late, but life had gotten in the way at Goodreads expense ...

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro ⭐⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review..."

Don't know how that happened, but should be fixed.

John wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "John wrote: "Sorry to be so late, but life had gotten in the way at Goodreads expense ...

The Remains of the Day by [author:Kazuo Ishig..."

There must be something wrong with the GR software because now it takes me to my books. I've had trouble with the software myself. Does the link take you where you want it to?

It now takes me to the main page of the book rather than review itself. Don't know what more I can do as I pasted the correct link.

John wrote: "Sorry to be so late, but life had gotten in the way at Goodreads expense ...

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro ⭐⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"


You were more forgiving of the butler than I was. I know his upbringing and station in life was a major factor in his behavior. Yet I couldn't get passed the way he treated people. Especially his father when he became ill. Work and his employer always came first. I found him to be a pathetic character.

Know that you have been missed, John. I hope life gets back on track for you and all is well soon.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: John, your The Remains of the Day review takes me to a book called something else, I can't remember what.

.."

When I click on the link in John's post his links work perfectly for me.

If the link in his post is not working for you, click on John's avatar. That will take you to his page with his reviews.

Many thanks on kind words. March will be fewer books than usual, but I hope to post a bit quickerm

John wrote: "It now takes me to the main page of the book rather than review itself. Don't know what more I can do as I pasted the correct link."

It seems glitches with the software happen quite often here now. It can be very frustrating.

Alias Reader wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: John, your The Remains of the Day review takes me to a book called something else, I can't remember what.

.."

When I click on the link in John's po..."

Thank you, Alias.

John, thank you for your reviews. I particularly liked the Ishiguro comments. I still may try the Manseau but the Hicks, not.

I hope you have a good March for reading.

Oh, all the links worked for me, too.

madrano wrote: "John, thank you for your reviews. I particularly liked the Ishiguro comments. I still may try the Manseau but the Hicks, not.

I hope you have a good March for reading.

Oh, all the links worked f..."

None worked for me, so it must be something in my profile. One did take me to John's profile page, though, and I found his review there.