“Something tells me that Ronald Treeve’s death wasn’t an end but a beginning.”
I love when an old classic mystery finds its way to my LittlCatching up…
“Something tells me that Ronald Treeve’s death wasn’t an end but a beginning.”
I love when an old classic mystery finds its way to my Little Free Library Shed. It reminds me of some of the stories I enjoyed discussing with friends. And, this was one of them.
“Henry James’s definition of the purpose of a novel: “To help the human heart to know itself.”
Oh, how our heart loves what novels do for us, right?
This story begins with a suspicious death in a location in which Commander Dalgliesh is supposed to be heading off to holiday. And, just as an aside, this is the 11th in the Dalgliesh series, so you can read this as a stand-alone, but you might miss out on all the nuances of fully understanding his character and history.
Anyway, back to the story. Well, we know that this holiday for him is going to be derailed. Especially when the murder takes place at a location familiar to Dalgliesh…he spent a summer at St. Anselm College, thus giving us more background on his own knowledge of theology and church history. (It appears that each story provides more background on Dalgliesh, that is why I said, you could probably read this as a stand-alone.)
The characters are beautifully constructed. The murdered son was unpopular. So, in many respects it is a victim others are not mourning. Which means his murderer could be anybody.
Although James stories are typically slow burns, they move thoughtfully and satisfactorily with a nice tidy ending reveal. ...more
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is Catching up…
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is what happened for me when I read it.
This is what she said.
“You belong. Everywhere. Yes, you – with all your history, anxiety, pain. Yes, everywhere – in every culture, community, circumstance. You belong in this body. You belong in this very moment. You belong in this breath…and this one. You have always belonged.”
Sebene Selassie was sharing this in her book. It is as if we need to have someone tell us a few times just how important we are, because sometimes we forget. Yes? This life. This present moment. This complicated, messy time. You are Here. Now. Important. To me. To us. To everyone. You belong.
Maybe that is what we need. Reminders like this. From books like this.
“You belong in this world just as much as anyone else. No matter how others see you, or how you see yourself.” – Morgan Harper-Nich’Ols...more
This is the last book in the Theodore Boone series. I had “co-read” the first one, “Kid Lawyer,” with my grandson. Review here: https://wwCatching up…
This is the last book in the Theodore Boone series. I had “co-read” the first one, “Kid Lawyer,” with my grandson. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... When this one was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I decided to go ahead and read it.
In this story, we find Teddy ready to graduate 8th grade and in the midst of taking a series of standardized tests. When the results come back mixed for him and his friend April, she tells him it is because teachers had changed the scoring because of pressure from the district. Because this affected her, she decides to do something about it. This creates headlines, and now teachers are accused of cheating and await their punishment.
There is also a side story in which Teddy helps a classmate who is concerned about his father’s actions against his mother and himself.
Since Teddy is considered a “teen lawyer” there is an expectation for lawyering to occur, as much as can be expected of a 13-year-old who isn’t a lawyer, but his parents are. With a courthouse scene, young readers will get a sense of what does take place in addressing these key issues of what happens when there is wrongdoing. Could there have been more substance in the story? Yes. But it still was fun to visit the idea of a young boy motivated to help fellow classmates because of the positive influence from his parents....more
When I went in to my local library to pick up books, I found this one on the shelves. (I forgot to put this in my currently reading list.) It had beenWhen I went in to my local library to pick up books, I found this one on the shelves. (I forgot to put this in my currently reading list.) It had been a long time since I had read a Decker/Lazarus novel, but I was up for it. So, what does that mean? Well, it means that it is probably best that you follow the series from the beginning, so you know who the characters are, but you can pick up after a long absence and still feel like you are family because the characters are so rich.
Rina (Lazarus) is Peter Decker’s wife. Peter is a former detective lieutenant with the LAPD who now works for the local Greenbury Police in upstate New York.
While walking a local trail and wanting to photograph the area, Rina stumbles upon skeletal remains. What happened here? And, what does this mean when 2 more skeletal remains are discovered that are related to missing students in the area? Does this nice college town have a serial killer?
As Decker investigates, much is discovered, and the heartache of families who have been missing these kids becomes front and center. But what happens when a fresh crime occurs?
This is an excellent police procedural, with well-developed characters, short chapters and an unknown killer that will keep readers guessing till the very end....more
Amira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodneAmira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodness for the distraction and a way out of that messy date. Her decision to go directly to her aunt’s lawyer’s office sets this story in motion. Because now she meets Naveen. The San Francisco lawyer who is working for his uncle’s small practice. Surprisingly, he is also looking for love. Oh, what could this mean in the rom-com world of love matches?
The problem is, Naveen is someone Amira has been matched with before and dumped. Oh no! What will readers be in for now? Well, it is a bit more complicated than a love match. We’ve got criminals in this story and a kidnapping, too. And, here you have this couple, Amira and Naveen who don’t want to be together, suddenly together on a madcap adventure. What is in store for them? Is this how one gets to a HEA?
If you want a light read this book will give you… Silly. Cute. Charming. Entertaining and Fun....more
I wanted to read this book because I knew the author had passed (2019) before this was published, and, I really enjoyed his book, “Frindle.” Review heI wanted to read this book because I knew the author had passed (2019) before this was published, and, I really enjoyed his book, “Frindle.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I also appreciate that this is simplistically illustrated by Brian Selznick (other than the beautifully detailed cover), who is well-known for “Wonderstruck” and “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.”
Back in the 90’s, a kid named Nate, called a pen a “Frindle” which caught on. So, now sixth-grader Josh finds a pen with “Frindle” emblazoned on the side (a souvenir from his mom’s childhood). His curiosity and research leads him to challenge his teacher Mr. N. (Echos of Frindle?)
Taking the Frindle story into this era brings on online research and media acumen. There are also references to books, “The Elements of Style (about writing in English) and “The Zen of Python” (about writing code for computers), and “Charlotte’s Web.”
Could the children’s curiosity lead to a computer virus? How will that affect what they are doing?
Readers will gain insights into internet safety, the study of how language works; and, the how-to on viral internet campaigns.
This story gives a strong sense of friendship, teamwork, learning from mistakes and finding respect.
Be sure to read the note by Brian Selznick at the end of the book.
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunCatching Up…
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunity to re-visit this one.
Mickey Haller is back defending a very important client. Himself. Apparently, someone decided to stuff a corpse into the trunk of his car. And, of course, the police discovered it, and thus, he has been accused of this individual’s murder. And, it doesn’t help that he was an ex-client. That doesn’t make Haller look so innocent, right?
“The law of innocence is unwritten. It’s not a true legal term, can’t be argued in a court of law and doesn’t exist on the books. In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man out there who is. And to prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
And, then there is Harry Bosch. Because he is on team Haller in finding out the truth. Of course, if you aren’t familiar with who Haller or Bosch is, don’t start reading the series with this book. These are a couple of the most important characters in Connelly’s book character ensemble. Mickey Haller is the Lincoln Lawyer who has conducted his “lawyering” in the backseat of his Lincoln vehicle. And, Harry Bosch is the author’s well-known L.A. cop. Readers will love his brooding presence in this one as the two and other returning characters intend to prove Haller’s innocence.
“When it came to opening statements, I was from the Legal Siegel school of law. He always said, save your powder, meaning less is more; don’t reveal your case or its surprises until it’s time to present your evidence.”
Those who love stories with justice/legal proceedings and good investigative work will enjoy this one. Also, the pandemic looms in the background.
This children’s book was quite the adventure. Four children crash-land when their pilot suffers a heart attack. They are alone and in peril in the lush Amazon rainforest. How will they manage on their own?
What the author does is provide a rich scene which will mesmerize young readers. Swimming with river dolphins. Discovering a ruined city. Eating bugs. What more could they ask for? Perhaps a mystery in which a map is discovered that the kids can follow?
Readers will enjoy the 4 young characters as they take off on their journey of self-discovery and immense bravery to tackle the unknown. There is a sense of warmth, love, hope and courage that permeates throughout the pages that makes this an enticing read....more
This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would be enchanted by its story, as well.
It has also won many awards. In 2014 it won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (an annual award given to a work of children’s literature that uncovers hidden talent in children’s writing); and, the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story (a set of literary awards for children’s books conferred by the BBC television program Blue Peter). It was also short-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Writing (a British literary award that recognizes outstanding English-language books for children and young adults).
What makes this story so beautiful is its message…
Follow your dreams.
Sophie, our protagonist, started off her life, floating in a cello case, recovered from a shipwreck. Charles, who finds her, becomes her loving father. He also allows Sophie undisciplined freedom as a child.
As Sophie gets older, she wonders if her mother is still alive. Charles tells her…
“Never ignore a possible.”
So, with that, she convinces Charles to go with her to Paris to find her mother. Of course, there are other reasons for Charles to do so, which I won’t state here, because that is a spoiler.
In Paris, Sophie meets Matteo. And, with Matteo they go in search of her mother.
Music fills the story, and certainly the mystery of Sophie being found in a cello case can certainly be added to that experience. Readers will feel a sense of adventure, music, joy, and connection with these characters....more
This is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful cThis is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful colors.
The story takes readers to a pond (a small body of still water formed naturally) that explores pond life. Who lives in the pond? What do they do with their day? How do they grow and develop as creatures and/or plants from something small to mature?
The writing is poetic and thoughtful.
The author also provides notes about the animals and plants that inhabit the pond, which makes this a great learning adventure for kids.
This is part of a “baby animal series,” that captures the story of a baby sea otter utilizing an actual photograph of a baby otter throughout within tThis is part of a “baby animal series,” that captures the story of a baby sea otter utilizing an actual photograph of a baby otter throughout within the illustrations. It shares what the otter experiences in the ocean, and what he learns from his mother.
Readers will be captivated by the fun and exploration and learning that the otter experiences.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various lifeThis is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various life and sounds that it provides.
Readers will be engaged in learning about sea life and sounds that will give them an appreciation of the beauty of ocean life.
This is the story of Wendell, a narwhal, a species of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic. And, Wendell just wants to make music. But for whateThis is the story of Wendell, a narwhal, a species of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic. And, Wendell just wants to make music. But for whatever reason he can’t seem to do it like his other fish friends, because of his tusk. Until one day he learns something more about what he can do.
With fun illustrations, kids will learn about how they can be something more.
“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape o“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape of exceptional happenings, had never stopped there.”
Catching up…
I know. This is a book that has been around for a while. But when it became a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I knew it was time to re-visit it and share my thoughts.
This book actually began as a New York Times murder story that transformed itself into spine-tingling suspense. Can you imagine picking up your newspaper and devouring this headline story with your breakfast coffee?
Capote felt he could tell the story of this Midwest killing that featured sinister murderers in a way that would capture readers’ interest.
A 4-member family of a prosperous farming family are viciously murdered at close-range with a shotgun. No apparent motive. Limited clues. A local FBI investigator, Alvin Dewey is shocked at how meaningless and cruel the crime appears. Who would do this and why? And, how could Capote get the details he needed to write his story beyond headline grabbers?
“Imagination, of course, can open any door – turn the key and let terror walk right in.”
He turned to friend and fellow author, Harper Lee, obviously known for “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She had a way of penetrating the silence that seemed to be protecting the remote Kansas community entrenched in the murders.
Once he was in, Capote conducted his own investigation which would encompass the manhunt, arrest and trial of the culprits. Capote shared…
“…the greatest intensity in art in all its shapes and sizes is achieved with a deliberate, hard and cool head.”
It truly is a real-crime drama that captivates as readers turn pages. And, even if we think we know the story already, probably through endless documentaries we have watched, it still is a privilege to read Capote....more
Sadly, the author passed away before he completed this novel, and thus his son finished with the writing of it.
Prior to passing away“We did it, Pop.”
Sadly, the author passed away before he completed this novel, and thus his son finished with the writing of it.
Prior to passing away, Michael Palmer had discussed his vision for the story with his son. He was already proud of his son for his own published accomplishments, and so, would completing his story be something he could accomplish for his Dad?
And, will having two author voices affect the feel-flow of the story?
M. Palmer was known for medical thrillers, and this one follows that theme. In this story, we have Carrie, a surgery resident expected to assist her boss with a difficult brain surgery. But something goes wrong during the surgery which causes Carrie to resign in shame before completing her residency. Returning home, she is addressing her brother, Adam’s PTSD from his time spent in combat.
The VA Medical Center has an opening for Carrie to join them in their neurosurgical unit. But no sooner does she start, but she suspects something isn’t quite right as to what the VA Medical Center is doing in that unit. Because of her sensitivity about what happened to her earlier, she feels shy about saying anything. So, she lines up with an investigative journalist, to get answers.
What will be discovered? Will Carrie be able to survive another controversy? Stop whatever is wrong from continuing? What will happen to her brother?
Suspenseful. Riveting. Page-turner. But some may get lost in the medical jargon, which could get confusing, at times. Otherwise, it proves to be a fairly worthy accomplishment in honor of his Dad, on behalf of his son.
When I first saw this book cover, I thought it was a true story. The way the lone girl was standing on the highway, I wondered, is this a missing persWhen I first saw this book cover, I thought it was a true story. The way the lone girl was standing on the highway, I wondered, is this a missing persons story that someone felt compelled to write?
“This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.”
Even though the book cover felt a bit misleading, please don’t pass the book by. It is not a true story. It is something more. Just open it. What comes up from page one through the end will keep readers engaged.
And, as readers, we get to hear Nina’s voice first.
What follows is a story told in multiple points of view that is engrossing and intriguing.
Is this story giving us a sense of a parent’s worst nightmare?
As readers we experience, what happened between Nina and Simon. And, how the parents of both Nina and Simon navigate the landscape of what happened when it becomes clear that Nina is missing.
Readers already are given a sense of what could have been with Nina’s opening voice. But what more lies between the pages to get the answers we as readers are so desperate to find? Lots. That is how page-turning, gut-wrenching, soulful interesting this story plays out.
But what kind of story is this truly?
Is this a mystery or a thriller or a character study of personalities, and what anyone would do in these circumstances?
Of course, we can label it a mystery because we are uncertain what really happened to Nina. We can label it a thriller because as readers we are racing to the end to find out what happened. As readers we may want closure and justice, because we believe something terrible could have happened. But mostly we are left with an interesting look at, what would I do in these circumstances if something happened to my daughter or son? How would I behave?
In this way, it becomes a stirring tale, as we as readers, consider and observe where the moral fiber lies. Especially as parents....more
“Our class is just like a farm. We all help each other grow, and everyone grows up to be what they’re supposed to be. Everybody in their own way.”
This“Our class is just like a farm. We all help each other grow, and everyone grows up to be what they’re supposed to be. Everybody in their own way.”
This is a wonderfully illustrated story of children in a classroom getting ready to present a play to their community. Readers will have the opportunity to watch the creativity, the inner play and activity, as well as, the conversations. Especially when it becomes clear that Ari doesn’t identify as simply a boy or a girl, he sees himself as a “they.”
In this experience, kids can learn about acceptance, of self and others, just as they are, and appreciate how much it makes a difference in building powerful and positive self-esteem about oneself.
Being alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But thatBeing alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are lonely.
Only, the bird, knows this well. And, thus it becomes confusing for his other bird friends to understand. But Only, the bird, has a way of showing them. And, in so doing, everyone learns about the beauty of savoring alone time, but still having others in your life.
This is a wonderful little illustrated story that helps kids understand the difference between alone and lonely.
There is something on the hill, and it is making field mouse very curious. So, moving through the melting snow, off field mouse goes and collects a loThere is something on the hill, and it is making field mouse very curious. So, moving through the melting snow, off field mouse goes and collects a lot of friends on the way to find out what could possibly be on the hill.
This is a lovely little picturesque adventure for a lot of forest animals moving together to explore what could be on the hill.
It will be a wonderful reading adventure to guide kids to the various types of animals that live in the forest.
“We made the world we’re living in, and we have to make it over.” – James Baldwin
Senator Bernie Sanders described the author as a “leader in our coun“We made the world we’re living in, and we have to make it over.” – James Baldwin
Senator Bernie Sanders described the author as a “leader in our country working to take on poverty and economic injustice. He knows that we can bring about great change by building a multi-racial, multi-generational coalition of working-class people. Building a mass movement of ordinary people is how we end today’s unprecedented levels of greed and economic inequality.”
So, how do we make people want to do that, especially if there is a faction out there that may only be concerned about their own interests to get rich?
I’m not sure there is an easy answer, other than to open our minds to books like this one. Where authors that care, and do the hard work also take time to study the problem.
The author opens with…
“This is a book by a Black man about white poverty in America. I’ve written this because I believe the racist images of Black mothers on welfare that have dominated the imaginations of Americans are not merely demeaning to Black people; they are also based on a myth that obscures the poverty of tens of millions of white people. Until we face the reality of white poverty in America, we cannot comprehend what is truly exceptional about the inequality that persists in the richest nation in the history of the world.”
The author has quite the extensive resume. He preached at President Biden’s 2020 inaugural prayer service. He has held a lot of prominent positions that gave him the opportunity whether on the pulpit or at the podium, to denounce injustice and economic disparity with righteous indignation. People have described his penetrating stare as someone looking into America’s soul.
And, this book is him in action doing just that, looking into America’s soul.
The author provides through this book a well-documented and informative discussion on poverty in the United States. He takes on the racial myths and he puts greed front and center.
“We are pitted against one another by politicians and billionaires who depend on the poorest among us not being seen…by cable news and social media memes and politicians who depend on tired narratives to rally their base against imagined enemies of their ‘values.’”
Even as he shares that white supremacy is a myth “as poisonous to white people as it is to people of color,” he is also letting us know that “it dehumanizes the people it claims to elevate; it uses the very people it claims to champion.”
But he doesn’t leave us hanging with this, he wants us to move on through understanding so that we can mitigate it. This comes through in his well-researched chapters.
His thoughts are compelling and insightful. He showcases personal stories that are heart-felt and inspiring. But mostly, he just doesn’t put it out there and leave it, he presents an action plan to help guide us, through uplifting chapters like, “why we must lift from the bottom,” and “rediscovering the ties that bind us.” He gives us hope that we can have meaningful change. Finding humanity. The potential to unite a movement for genuine change....more
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