Between Shades of Gray (Ruta Sepetys)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library after a friend recommended it to me.

I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads. It's not always an easy one to read (as it deals with war crimes), but it's definitely worth it. It's written as a YA book, so it's probably "softer" than it would be if adults were the primary audience.

I've read a ton of books about WWII, but I've never heard of this particular part of history. It deals with the Russian invasion of the Baltic States.

Even though the subject is difficult, the overall theme includes the humanity that often comes out during such horrible events.

This book is mostly clean, although there are typical war crimes described (not graphically) and a few swear words.

The Holy Secret (James L. Ferrell)

Why I have this book: Our son actually gave this book to his dad, but I listened to it on my Deseret Bookshelf audio app. (Loving the audio option! I never thought I would say that!)

I really liked this book. I'm not sure that every conclusion discussed in the book is absolute truth, but it gave me a lot to think about. It was inspiring and interesting. The author read the story for the audio version, and he did a great job. I do recommend this book, and probably even recommend the audio version more than the book.

I do wish the author would have written about how Albert was reconciled to his wife and made his way back to his covenants. Maybe I missed it in a moment of distraction (one challenge with audio books for me), but if it really isn't in there, I think it should be.

Clean.

The Secret of Pembrooke Park (Julie Klassen)

Why I have this book: I bought it on Kindle a few years ago when I had some birthday Amazon cards.

I enjoyed this book a lot — until the end. And even then, I still liked it.

I could hardly get my nose out of the book. I was so intrigued by the secrets and mysteries in the story. It was a great escape and I admit to neglecting other duties to read, read, read!

The ending fell a tiny bit flat for me, and the religious aspect seemed like the author couldn't decide whether it was a religious book or not. (I noticed it was by Bethany House after I finished it, so it was supposed to be a religious book.) The protagonist went from not really being a church-goer to sharing the gospel . . . but I never really "saw" her conversion.

Some on Goodreads said some situations in the love story don't mesh with "propriety" of the era, and I can see their point. I'm not that invested in that concern, so I didn't really care. I can see, though, how there was a modern slant to their behavior.

If I could, I would have given this about 3.7 on Goodreads, but since my choices are limited, I gave it a 4.

Clean... unless you are bothered that a courtship of this era has a few passionate emotions going on.

Larkspur Cove (Lisa Wingate)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library on the recommendation of a friend.

I liked this book. I found myself highlighting several thoughts in the book, and liked that it was clean and uplifting while still having some emotional depth. I'm looking forward to the other books in the series.

*Clean.

A Sound Among the Trees (Susan Meissner)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because I've enjoyed other books from the author.

I liked this one, as well. I was pretty sucked into the story and was curious to see what would happen. It wasn't a perfect book. I would have liked to know more about Caroline's journey, for instance, and I'm not sure it explored Adelaide's feelings enough, but it was good. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.

Clean. I don't remember any swearing, but I can't be completely sure on that. One character writes to her aunt about the physical relationship she shares with her new husband, but it's nothing graphic. More just an observation of how it made her feel emotionally.

Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me (Howie Mandel)

Why I have this book: I borrowed the audiobook from the ebook library after seeing a clip of an interview where Howie talks about his OCD.

I did not finish this book. It has too much disgusting stuff in it. Too much profanity, too many stories of what an obnoxious punk Howie can be... There is nothing inspiring here. I was hoping it would move into more about his OCD and treatment — something more mature and substantial. I checked on Amazon and according to the one-star reviews, it never gets there. It's just about him, him, him and his "shenanigans." But then, he does point out multiple times (in just the little bit I listened to) that he is super needy for attention even if it's negative attention.

I had neutral feelings for Howie Mandel prior to listening to the little bit I heard in this audiobook. Now I'm definitely not a fan. I kind of just feel sad for him. It would be one thing if he outgrew his immature behavior, but the Amazon one-star reviews indicate that he really never has.

Not clean at all. I don't recommend this book.

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants (Malcolm Gladwell)

Why I have this book: My friend convinced me to give audiobooks a try and this is one she recommended.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Malcolm Gladwell has a wonderful voice which makes listening a soothing experience. The stories included are interesting and the points he is making are fascinating. I would have given this a solid 4 on Goodreads if there weren't so many F-words. Granted, he only used them when he was quoting someone else, but I really don't want to hear them anytime. I'm sure he could have edited them out if he wanted to, but I realize that most of the world doesn't find it that offensive. In any case, I gave it a 3, but wish I had the option to give it a 3.7 or so.

In any case, I'd probably listen to more of his books and hope that they don't have the F-word in them.

Clean, with the exception of the profanity he uses when quoting others. I honestly don't think he used profanity otherwise.