Four books in the Prairie River series (Kristiana Gregory)

Why I have these books: I had the whole series in paperback before, and I remember LOVING them. They came up on a good deal on Kindle, so I bought them to read again.

I gave them each three stars this go-around. (I think I read them the first time before I had Goodreads.) They are written for mid-to-upper elementary kids, and are kind of along the lines of Little House on the Prairie in tone. I didn't remember them being as religious in nature as they are, and I actually think I was confusing them in my mind with another book series or book that I read? There were things that I thought were going to happen that never did, so now I'm wondering what other book or series I was thinking of.

Anyway, I did enjoy them. I like the simplicity of life set in those times. The simple faith, the simple lifestyle without a lot of the modern distractions, the sense of community, etc. I fully realize they dealt with challenges that we don't worry about: harsh weather conditions, lack of medical help, growing all our own food, survival in the early days of settling the land, worrying about "Indian" attacks (or from the perspective of the Native Americans, worrying about attacks and losing land to the white people), etc.

Yeah, life wasn't simple at all for them, but I guess it was nice to imagine a time without all the distractions and information and crazy stuff that is happening in our day. It was a small escape from the things that are on my mind right now.

Side note: In one of the books, the author talks about the different tribes of Indians a character had encountered in his travels. One was the "Utahs." I have never heard of a Utahs tribe. I think she meant the "Utes." When I googled, it did say that early explorers used variations like Yuta, Eutaw, and Ute-ahs for the Ute tribe. Interesting new information for me! 

Also, the Kindle versions of these books had some weird formatting, so that's too bad. It was a little distracting.

Clean. There were some deaths and descriptions of things early settlers dealt with, but again, it is geared toward elementary readers, so it's not overly graphic.

Part of Your World (Abby Jimenez)

Why I have this book: My daughter recommended it, so I did three free months of Kindle Unlimited so I could read the series. Sadly, it turns out that only the first and third of the series were on KU, so I had to buy the second one, but it's fine. Blah blah blah...

I gave this three stars on Goodreads. I was surprised by the amount of editing it needed (especially repeated phrases... "he ran his hand down his face" "she squeezed her lips into a flat line") considering it's a pretty popular series that was written by a pretty popular author. Where are the editors??? 

I have to laugh because my friend has just taken up reading as a serious hobby for the first time in her life, and she commented about the repeated phrases in the book she was reading. She asked, "Where are the editors???" Right! I know!

Anyway, the story was cute. Very unrealistic in several ways, but that's fine when you're just wanting a light read.

Lots of sex (moderately descriptive), profanity (not too extreme). Typical book for this day and age.

Project Hail Mary (Andy Weir)

Why I have this book: My son was listening to it, and said we should both read it and then go see the movie when it comes out next spring. There was a deal when you bought both the ebook and the audio, so I bought them with the idea that everyone in my house could have a chance to read it one way or the other.

I enjoyed the audio version a lot! The narrator did an amazing job, and I actually could follow the storyline better listening to the audio version than reading it myself. Super fun and cute, and still enjoyable even though I did not understand the physics and chemistry parts at all. 

I gave this one four stars on Goodreads. I'm looking forward to the movie.

Profanity (not extreme), death, and a couple very weird conversations about sex by two side characters. I didn't like that part since my teenage son was also reading it. It was very strange.

Pictures of You (Emma Grey)

Why I have this book: It was getting a lot of attention online, so I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I gave this one three stars. It felt pretty implausible (although I know trauma can create memory loss/repression), and it left some significant loose ends with no indication that there would be a sequel. I'm not an expert, though. Maybe it's entirely plausible.

The good guy was a little "too good" in that he seemed very sweet and ideal, but probably not realistically so. There were also a couple of obvious editing issues.

It's too bad, since I did like the other book by this author that I read, and I even had a short messaging exchange with her about that one.

It was good, but maybe not as good (for me) as the hype made me expect. Looks like it took me a while to get through this one, but that's because we had company, and like I mentioned on the previous review, we had some extra stress going on. It was difficult to focus on this.

I think there was some profanity (but I don't remember because I'm halfway through my next book), and there are people having sex, but it's not described.

 

Prairie Tale (Melissa Gilbert)

Why I have this book: I read the memoir of Alison Arngrim (who played Nellie on Little House on the Prairie), and since she mentioned that she and Melissa Gilbert were the best of friends during the filming of the show, I wanted to read Melissa's book, as well.

Backstory: My mom never liked Melissa Gilbert for some reason. I just remember her commenting negatively about Melissa more than once when we were watching the show. This was back when Melissa was just a child. Of course, that got planted in my head, but I realized as I was reading Alison's book that my opinion was only based on what my mom said, and I decided that should give her a chance.

Soooo... I wanted to read Melissa's book, but it was so expensive and not available at the library. I put it on my wish list on Amazon, and finally the price dropped to $1.99.

What to say...?

The book definitely kept my interest. Celebrity lifestyles are interesting, but nothing to admire for the most part. There is so much dysfunction. The way she paints Hollywood in the 1980's is pretty gross, although I guess it was normal to the participants. Lots of casual sex, drugs, and drinking. It surprised me that she was involved in all that because you just kind of categorize actors based on the characters they play. She played Laura Ingalls for years, so I just didn't think of her as a wild celebrity. 

I was surprised that she dated quite a few of the heartthrobs of that time (Tom Cruise, for example), was engaged to Rob Lowe (which I did vaguely remember), and she hung with the "Brat Pack" of the 80's. 

She experienced some rough things in her life, for sure.

Anyway, the book takes us through the early 2000's, and ends with her in her second marriage (with a dedication to her "true companion"). Apparently they divorced within a year or so of the publication, and she's now married to her third husband.

She has another book out, but the reviews are mixed. I'm not sure if I'll read it. 

I gave the book three stars on Goodreads. I enjoyed reading it, but she does seem to do a lot of name-dropping, and for someone who claims to be insecure, she doesn't come across that way. Maybe she just doesn't understand what her life looks like from the view of regular people. Incidentally, she didn't really talk about her friendship with Alison as much as Alison talked about it in her own book. 

She probably lived the way she was conditioned to live in that environment, but it's really a lifestyle that is messed up. I never got the impression that she's risen above it.

There's no descriptive sex, but she does talk about "flings" and affairs she and her partners (and others) had. There's swearing, including the F-word. It's kind of the typical sleazy Hollywood lifestyle shown to you (the reader), but without you having to actually see it.

A Place to Hang the Moon (Kate Albus)

Why I have this book: My friend recommended it, so I borrowed it from Audible (didn't even know that was possible).

Such a great story! The narrator was fantastic, the storyline was sweet and fun, and it was just an all-around cozy and feel-good listen.

One reviewer on Amazon made the point that some of the words were American instead of British (for example, "diaper" instead of "nappy"), but even so, she gave it a stellar rating and review. I'm not sure I would have noticed had I not read that review first (surprisingly, since I usually catch those things) because I was so engrossed in the story. Even though it had that small (in my opinion) imperfection, I still gave it five stars on Goodreads. I loved it, and I'm hoping my daughter will read or listen to it.

Oh, and I just thought of another issue... my friend pointed this out to me. On the "cover" of the audio version, the artist portrayed Edmund as being younger than his sister Anna. In reality, Edmund is older. I'm not sure how that got past the editors, but it did. They really should fix it because if a listener saw the cover, they'd have the wrong idea in their heads as they begin the story and will be all sorts of confused about their ages.

Clean. There is the use of a couple of derogatory terms from WWII era in describing wartime evacuees and Germans.

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living (Shauna Niequist)

Why I have this book: I bought it on Audible after a friend recommended it. (I used a "credit," to be more precise.)

Meh. I gave this two stars on Goodreads. I didn't love the way the author narrated it... it was a little too soulful (which I might have expected, given the title). What she's looking for in life and what I'm looking for in life are somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum. She apparently had a really busy life and wanted to slow down. I have a somewhat unexciting existence (which isn't a bad thing), and have been looking for things to do. 

I did find a few ideas of hers that I appreciated:

We can shape our own lives. Sometimes I know I let life just kind of happen instead of shaping how I would like it to be.

Friends support each other and carry each other's secrets, fears, worries, etc.

We shouldn't give our pen to others to write our life story. That's up to us.

Take time to listen to our minds and bodies to know if we're living the life we want to be living.

Live more lightly... don't crowd it with things and busyness.

There may have been another thought or two, but those were the ones I jotted down. Good thoughts, but other than those, I really was ready for the book to be over before it was even close to done.

This Christian book is clean.

The last two Penderwicks books (Jeanne Birdsall)

The Penderwicks in Spring

The Penderwicks at Last

Why I have these books: I borrowed them from the ebook library to finish up the series.

I enjoyed the whole series thoroughly. I do wish there would have been some resolution with a couple of things, but that would probably require more books. (I'll be sure to read them if more come out!)

All the books were fun, clean, wholesome, and entertaining. The writing is delightful, and the characters are all well-developed. I did love these books.

Clean

The next two books in the Penderwick series (Jeanne Birdsall)

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette 

Why I have these books: I borrowed them from the ebook library after reading the first in the series.

I gave both books four stars on Goodreads. I really, really like them. I wish I had a child who would read them, too! They are so cute and uplifting and fun (even though there are some hard situations that occur), and delightful.

The writing flows so well and drew me in easily. I looked forward to picking up my Kindle and reading whenever I had a free moment, and that's been rare lately. Overall... well done, Jeanne Birdsall! Really, she's a very good writer, and I love the "classic" feel of these modern books.

I highly recommend for the intending reading age (I think 8-12?), but I'm also recommending to my adult friend who I know appreciates this type of writing.

Clean.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (Jeanne Birdsall)

Why I have this book: I bought it years ago, probably on a good deal for Kindle.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It has the feel of old books like The Boxcar Children or The Bobbsey Twins, but it's in a contemporary setting (the dad has a computer). It didn't seem modern, though... the children just acted more old fashioned than kids today. It was cute, though, and light-hearted and super clean. I'd say it's for middle-elementary and up.

There are five books in the series, so I'm probably going to read them as they come available to borrow. This one was a fast read, so I admit that part of my motivation is to get some quick reads under my belt since I've had a hard time keeping up with my Goodreads goal. Haha...

I gave this four stars on Goodreads.

Clean.

Passport to Heaven (Micah Wilder)

Subtitle: The True Story of a Zealous Mormon Missionary Who Discovers the Jesus He Never Knew

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I gave this book three stars on Goodreads. The writing was fine. I was more enthralled in some parts of the story than in others. I did skim a few parts. There could have been a bit more editing, but it wasn't bad. I also found a few parts to be a bit dramatic and unrealistic.

I did find that I agreed with (or recognized) some of the things he pointed out about the LDS Church and the culture that's been created amongst its membership.

The story he told gave me things to think about. I'm glad I read it, but I definitely don't feel like I can embrace his story 100%.

Clean. I don't think there was even any swearing.

Pax (Sara Pennypacker)

Why I have this book: My friend recently read it, and she recommended it to me. I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I liked this book okay. Could be my "brain fog" from my recent bout with the current popular illness. I can't seem to keep my brain focused on anything lately. 

The book is written for kids about 8-12, I believe, but I wonder how well children of that age would follow the writing. I doubt very many would be able to read between the lines and see the deeper stories that are happening.

It's also set in an "indeterminate" time and place (that's how my friend put it), so that makes it a little confusing. It appears to be in the US, but there's a war going on in the country, and it's not set back in history. That was hard to settle into for me. I like knowing where and when things are happening soon after a story opens.

I gave this book 3 stars on Goodreads. I probably would have gone with 2.5 if that was an option. There is a sequel, but I don't think I'll read it.

Clean'ish. There is some description of war-time violence and violence against animals from the animals' points of view.

The Printed Letter Bookshop (Katherine Reay)

Why I have this book: I really liked other books by this author, and I do like "bookshop" themed books, so...

I really liked this one. A lot. I wish I could have given it 4.7 stars, but (again) I can't, so I went with four stars. I almost did five stars, but then I remember books like Unbroken or classics that earned five stars, and it's just not in the same category... but man, it was close. I really, really liked it. A lot. (Haha... I should just give it five stars.)

It reminded me of The Newport Ladies' Book Club books because it was told from different perspectives. I loved the theme of friendship and womanhood (and the struggles we seem to have as life goes through different phases) and the books... the quotes from books and the book list in the back. It was all just perfect for me right now.

I loved this quote: "Love in action is a hard and dreadful thing compared to love in dreams."

And... it's clean. I don't remember any swearing. (Wait... I just mentioned this in the last review I did of one of her books a few days ago.) I LOVE this about this author. Thank you for writing clean books! (In case she ever sees this... haha...) There is a backstory of an extramarital affair, but it's with regret and sorrow, not acceptance.

The Passing Storm (Christine Nolfi)

Why I have this book: It was an Amazon Prime First Reads option this month or last month...

I gave it two stars on Goodreads. The story itself was good, but there were some uncommon words used more than once (which interrupted the flow). There was at least one pretty big unanswered question (where was Griffin the night he was supposed to meet Rae in the parking lot?), and there was a lot going on that didn't feel quite fleshed out like it could have been. It was a weird combo of depth and surface writing.

It was also hard to get into at first. Lots of hints at whatever was going on, but not enough mapped out to really sink into the story for a good chunk of time.

And... I can think of at least three times that one character "flicked" another character on the nose. And not in a mean way... it was like a little affectionate gesture, I guess. Maybe the author meant "tweaked her nose," and not "flicked her nose." That seems like it would be painful, right?

Overall, it kept my interest, but it was just okay. I don't like that the "bad guy" didn't have to pay for his crime. Women should never give that kind of evil a pass, in my opinion. Maybe it's more complicated in some circumstances, but in a book like this, maybe it sends the wrong message. I don't know.

There may have been some mild swearing. A rape occurs, but it's not graphically described. A child is born out of wedlock. A high school couple have the hots for each other. The story also deals with death.

The Prodigal Daughter (Mette Ivie Harrison)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

Well, of all the books in the series, this is the first that has rated 4 stars from me. (I think the rest were given 3 stars.) I think I could talk myself down to 3 stars if I wanted to... it wasn't as long as the first four, so it didn't necessarily have as many plot twists as the others. Some of it seemed a little unlikely or unrealistic, in my opinion.

For whatever reason, though, this one got me a little deeper than the others. I think it was because it was just so sad in the sense of how life isn't very black and white. It's also not always fair or just. Sometimes we try to do good and be good, and then discover that the expectations we had don't really work out. I don't know... this book was sad, but I appreciated the message.

The next book won't be out until 2022 (no idea which month), but I'll need to keep my eye out for it. I know the author's life has taken some turns, so I'm curious how that will play out with the protagonist's life in the books.

There may have been a swear word or two? The plot centers around a gang rape (not descriptive), and there is an attempted murder.

A Patchwork Past (Leslie Gould)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it after reading the first book in the series.

I gave it two stars on Goodreads. It kept my attention for the most part, but it felt like it had an agenda. While I don't disagree with the point the author was trying to make (about immigrants), I just don't like when a book seems to be pushing an agenda. Maybe I'm wrong and she was just telling a story about a subject that matters to her.

Clean.

The Promise Girls (Marie Bostwick)

Why I have this book: I bought the Kindle edition a while ago because I've liked other books by the author.

I really liked this book for the first 5/6 or so. Then it all wrapped up with these wonky revelations that everyone just accepted and moved on from like they were no big deal. All is forgiven, everyone is happy, no emotional turmoil, no scars.

So just because I was entertained, I gave it three stars on Goodreads. It would have been four stars if the ending would have been more plausible.

Mostly clean. I don't think there was any swearing (if I missed it, it was mild and infrequent), but there was premarital sex mentioned or implied. Nothing described.

Piecing It All Together (Leslie Gould)

Why I have this book: Someone on a quilting IG account recommended it, so I borrowed it from the ebook library. I also have liked other books by Leslie Gould.

I gave this three stars on Goodreads. It kept my interest, but honestly, now that it's been a week or so since I finished it, I had to look it up on Amazon to remind myself what the storyline was. Haha...

Clean.

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown (Heather B. Moore)

Why I have this book: It sounded good, so I bought it on Kindle. I then borrowed the audio version so I could listen while sewing.

I liked this book to the level of three stars on Goodreads as far as the writing went, but I bumped it up to four stars because of all I learned. (I kind of feel like the writing wasn't as deep as the topic deserved, but I did listen to most of it on audio, so maybe I would feel different had I read the whole thing myself.)

The narrator did a great job. I just sometimes get distracted while listening.

I guess our world has been messed up in every time and in every place when it comes to the abuse of women and girls. Interestingly, the women of this era and situation (Chinese women in the late 1800's and early 1900's in California) were treated very similarly to the women in the book I recently read and reviewed called The Last Girl. 

I hope each and every person who participates in this kind of evil human trafficking gets their eternal comeuppance. It infuriates me.

And I'm pretty sure all those who work to save the victims of human trafficking will be blessed and honored for eternity.

As clean as can be considering the topic of human trafficking and forced prostitution.

Pearls of Wisdom (Barbara Bush)

Why I have this book: It must have come up on a "recommended for you" list somewhere, and because I'm a huge Barbara fan, I bought it on Kindle. Note: It's not actually written by Barbara Bush. It's more of a book about things she taught or said to people that inspired them or stuck with them.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I think Barbara Bush was a wonderful down-to-earth lady, and I wish I could have been part of her circle of friends. She wasn't perfect (and was even a little harsh at times), but she was so real and wanted to do and be good. She succeeded.

I also love her love story with George.

I gave this four stars on Goodreads.

Clean. I don't even remember any swear words, but if there were, they would have been mild and infrequent.