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SKEETOR'S 50 BOOKS READ IN 2017
Thank you, Bentley! Have a great New Year!
Mod
JANUARY1.
by Arlette Farge (no photo) and
Michel FoucaultFinish date: January 7, 2017
Genre: History
Rating: B
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. A book about, and of, lettres de cachet. Although the flowery salutations and humble closings were a bit tedious to read, I understand why they were included. The letters contained in the book are a compilation by the authors of what they felt represented the types of letters received during the years of 1728 and 1758. They are categorized into two major groups (Marital Discord, Parents and Children) with an analysis preceding each group and an analysis of these letters in general and how they affected history.
The book has extensive notes, a glossary of places and a listing of names for reference.
A few of the selected letters were a bit entertaining in their descriptions of the affronts committed. Some inclusions are really a collection of letters (the initial requests for containment, requests for release, requests for continued detention, rebuttals from the accused, etc.). I found these groups of letters to render a sort of “snapshot” of time from someone’s life.
The translator (Thomas Scott-Railton) decided to translate the letters into equivalent eighteenth-century English and I feel that was the best method to properly convey them.
Mod
2.
by
Bud HarrisFinish date: January 10, 2017
Genre: Self-help, Psychology
Rating: B
Review: I received this book free from Goodreads Giveaways. The author is a practicing Jungian analyst in Asheville, North Carolina.
I think this book is good for anyone wanting to age well and live a more dynamic life. It encourages and helps the reader to look inside themselves for new possibilities and goals during their senior years; to recognize and overcome any resentments, fears and insecurities they might still have.
3.
by
Spencer QuinnFinish date: January 19, 2017
Genre: Humor, Detective, Mystery
Rating: B+
Review: Chet & Bernie #3. An elephant disappears from a circus, dead bodies, cheating spouses. Chet the Jet and the smartest human in the room (Bernie) are on it. Another fun read.
Skeetor wrote: "3. by Spencer QuinnFinish date: January 19, 2017
Genre: Humor, Detective, Mystery
Rating: B+
Review: Chet ..."
Should these be read in order?
Like any series, it's slightly better if you do, but I think they would be fine as a stand alone.
4.
by Alex Berenson (no photo)Finish date: January 24, 2017
Genre: Thriller, Espionage
Rating: A
Review: I won an "uncorrected proof" via Goodreads Giveaways.I loved this book!
This is the 11th in a series featuring John Wells but the first work I have read from this author. I will definitely be looking for the first 10!
The characters are interesting and the dialogue believable. An espionage thriller that is a real page turner.
FEBRUARY5.
by
Gina L. MulliganFinish date: February 2, 2017
Genre: Romance, Epistolary
Rating: B-
Review: I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. -Eloquent writing with romance, family relations and a little intrigue.
The author does a great job of conveying the story through letters. You are only privy to the writer’s letters, but through them the other characters are quite thoroughly developed.
The large number of quotes in the letters felt a little false to me – but the writer of those letters was an author – so maybe authors write a lot more dialogue in their letters? I also think towards the end the timeline was off in an instance. In one letter he states “it has been over a month”, but from his previous letters I believe it couldn’t have been more than 20 days. No other reviewer has mentioned this, so perhaps I have misread something?
In spite of the relatively insignificant problems cited above, it is still a very enjoyable read.
6.
by Catherine Shanahan (no photo)Finish date: February 10, 2017
Genre: Health, Nutrition, Epigenetics
Rating: B+
Review: I won an uncorrected proof through Goodreads Giveaways. I think this is a great book for those interested in learning more about good nutrition, especially for anyone planning a family. It covers a lot of science but the author explains it well in layman’s terms.
I must admit I wish this book would have been around during my reproductive years, but it is never too late to start to improve your health! There is a ton of great information in here. (I’m not sure I am sold on the Marquardt’s mask, but still it was interesting to read.)
I also appreciate that the author includes a few recipes, FAQs and resources - which include (but are not limited to) “Helpful Websites”, “Recommended Brands” and “Suggested Reading”
7.
by
Kendra ElliotFinish date: February 11, 2017
Genre: Mystery, Detective, Romance
Rating: B-
Review: I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. Someone is killing off doomsday preppers in and around the small town of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. FBI special agent Mercy Kilpatrick (a former resident of Eagle’s Nest) and her partner have been sent to help the local law - but a teenage Mercy left the town and her family behind 15 years ago, never planning to return.
A solid mystery with a little romance thrown in. I think I would have liked a little less “family drama”, though.
Mod
Hi Skeetor,You're doing a terrific job. Let me provide you a quick bit of help for your formatting, as there are just a few small things that need to be changed.
In message 11, please put a blank line between the month and the citation.
In message 12, there should be blank lines between the paragraphs of your review, like this:
I think this is a great book for those interested in learning more about good nutrition, especially for anyone planning a family. It covers a lot of science but the author explains it well in layman’s terms.
I must admit I wish this book would have been around during my reproductive years, but it is never too late to start to improve your health! There is a ton of great information in here. (I’m not sure I am sold on the Marquardt’s mask, but still it was interesting to read.)
I also appreciate that the author includes a few recipes, FAQs and resources - which include (but are not limited to) “Helpful Websites”, “Recommended Brands” and “Suggested Reading.
In message 13, we again need a blank line between paragraphs in your review. Also, no need to have a paragraph where your second sentence starts - just bring it into the first paragraph, like this:
Review: I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. Someone is killing off doomsday preppers in and around the small town of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. FBI special agent Mercy Kilpatrick (a former resident of Eagle’s Nest) and her partner have been sent to help the local law - but a teenage Mercy left the town and her family behind 15 years ago, never planning to return.
A solid mystery with a little romance thrown in. I think I would have liked a little less “family drama”, though.
That's it! Nice job, overall, and now I've got some great books to add to my "To Read" pile - thanks!
Mary
Admin (T) - Russia and Russian History
Skeetor, wonderful! Thanks for helping me with my training.
8.
by Mechtild Borrmann (no photo)Finish date: February 18, 2017
Genre: Mystery, Detective
Rating: B+
Review: I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. This is a solid, slightly dark murder mystery with great characters.
The story takes place in a small peaceful town in Germany where the inhabitants don’t normally lock their doors. However, suddenly one of their neighbors is found killed in a brutal way and the killer has already placed the victim’s obituary in the local paper. Inspector Böhm thinks the cryptic message in the notice indicates a connection to some occurrence in the town’s past.
9.
by
Matthew IdenFinish date: February 19, 2017
Genre: Thriller
Rating: B
Review: I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. This book would make a great movie!
This thriller takes place in an Antarctic research base that has a newly acquired management company. The “winter over” crew is the skeleton crew that stays at the base during the winter. Due to the winter storms, extreme cold and 24-hour darkness, physical contact with the rest of the planet during winter is restricted to only the most dire situations. For some of the crew the stress of the long isolation and some suspicious equipment failures is a little too much.
10.
by M. Frank Lyons II. (no photo)Finish date: February 21, 2017
Genre: Health, Nutrition
Rating: B
Review: I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. Dr. Lyons (a practicing Gastroenterologist) puts forth a strong argument for why the health of Americans has been plagued with an explosive increase of so many diseases in the past few decades. The Lyons Lifestyle is a list of seven simple things to do to immediately improve your health.
I would recommend this book for someone who wants to understand why some products are considered unhealthy. The book is relatively short and easily read.
MARCH11.
by
Bethany BlakeFinish date: March 1, 2017
Genre: Cozy, Mystery
Rating: B+
Review: I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways
This is the first in a new series featuring Daphne Templeton, owner of Lucky Paws Petsitting. Daphne lives with her veterinarian sister, Piper, in the small town of Sylvan Creek. When Piper’s ex boyfriend turns up dead, Piper becomes the primary suspect. However, there are a whole lot of people who would’ve like to see the man dead and Daphne is determined to find the real killer to prove her sister’s innocence - Even if the police don’t appreciate her help.
What a fun cozy filled with great characters!
12.
by
Iris JohansenFinish date: March 4, 2017
Genre: Thriller, Romance, Fantasy
Rating: C+
Review: I won an advance uncorrected proof through Goodreads Giveaways. My copy is titled No Easy Prey which I think was a better title but I suppose “they” had their reasons for changing it. This story features Margaret Douglas, a character from the author’s series featuring Eve Duncan.
Margaret is working at a zoo using her special talent with animals when she gets word that someone has been looking for her. Three years ago, Margaret escaped from a drug and arms dealer, Nicos, and has been running since. Fearing Nicos has someone on her trail, she plans to flee the area but before she can, she is captured by Lassiter, who seems intent on returning her to Nicos.
I’ve read other books from this author that I have enjoyed more. I liked most of the story but there were some parts I had to “push through”. I just didn’t feel the two main characters in the story made sense, they didn’t seem to stay true to themselves and the romance was too contrived. The supporting characters were a lot more believable.
13.
by
Rob DoyleFinish date: March 5, 2017
Genre: Short Stories
Rating: D-
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. I’m sorry but I really did not find the worth in reading this book. The author can definitely write well, but in this book it seems like that was all he did. Eloquent sentences without anything to really say.
There were a couple of stories that I started to like, but then they just ended - abruptly. And in other places it seemed that the author was trying to come up with some idea for a story but the story eluded him. And still in other parts, it appeared that when he could not come up with anything to write about, he just threw in some graphic sex.
14.
by John S. Marshall (no photo)Finish date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Humor, Satire
Rating: A-
Review: I won an Advance Reader Copy from Goodreads Giveaways. Simon (aka Frankie) is running a health food store when his father, a mob boss, goes to “swim with the fishes”. So everyone is looking to Simon to take over and lead the Family business. Simon has some new "green" ideas for organized crime.
The book is an extremely witty satire of the health food/environmental movement, organized crime and law enforcement. It would make a great spoof movie and in places even seemed to read more like a play than a novel.
15.
by
C.S. ChallinorFinish date: March 11, 2017
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Review: 3.5 stars I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways. This is the eighth book in the “Rex Graves Mystery” series but the first that I have read.
Scottish barrister Rex Graves is called on by one of his university buddies, Malcolm, to investigate the brutal murders of four neighbors. Malcolm, who initially discovered the bodies, tampered with some key evidence and needs Rex’s help.
Not a high action thriller but a nice mystery. I enjoyed the characters enough to look for the other books in the series.
16.
by
Michael ConnellyFinish date: March 11, 2017
Genre: Detective, Mystery
Rating: B-
Review: This is the 18th book in the “Harry Bosch” series by Michael Connelly. I haven’t listened to all the books in the “Harry Bosch” series in order, but have still enjoyed all of them. I’m a big fan of the Harry Bosch Universe but this story just wasn’t quite as interesting for me and was a little too slow moving in sections. Still, it’s Harry Bosch…
Harry tries to solve a murder that occurred during a riot in Los Angeles. Harry was present the night they discovered the body, but because the scene could not be contained the case went pretty much directly into the cold case files. Now, 20 years later, Harry is determined to finally find justice for the victim.
17.
by Jay Sekulow (no photo)Finish date: March 11, 2017
Genre: History/Terrorist Groups
Rating: D+
Review: This quick read would have received a higher rating had it not been a case of “bait and switch”. While the title would indicate that the book deals chiefly with ISIS, in reality there are only maybe two out of eleven chapters that do. The rest of the book deals with the Hamas.
Skeetor wrote: "17. by Jay Sekulow (no photo)Finish date: March 11, 2017
Genre: History/Terrorist Groups
Rating: D+
Review: This quick r..."
Thanks for your review. I almost bought this book - will be giving this a pass.
18.
by Gard Sveen (no photo)Finish date: March 18, 2017
Genre: Detective, Mystery
Rating: C+
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. This is the second book in the Tommy Bergmann series. I loved the story’s twists and turns but really didn’t like any of the main characters. All of them were pretty dark and did a lot of stupid things. Just too depressing for me - but the actual mystery plot itself was good.
19.
by
Daniel RosenbergFinish date: March 19, 2017
Genre: Alternate History
Rating: A-
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. 4.5 stars. The author describes an alternative history in which the original 9/11 terrorist plan goes awry. The hijacked planes that were to hit the towers crash into each other instead. An advisor to the US president, Virgil Walker, tries to convince top officials that the terrorists had something more in mind for the planes. Meanwhile, the towers are still in the sights of the terrorists.
A great story with believable characters and lots of suspense.
Mod
If only I could win the lottery.... :)
20.
by
Kathi DaleyFinish date: March 24, 2017
Genre: Cozy, Mystery
Rating: B
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I think the author does an exceptional job at dialogue and I like that she didn’t over dramatize the romance. However, I almost had the feeling that the story took place against a white backdrop with a minimal stage setup. I didn’t feel that the atmosphere was set as well as it could have been.
21.
by
Han KangFinish date: March 24, 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Rating: A+
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. What a wonderfully written book about such a dark occurrence. Based on the 1980 Guangju Uprising in South Korea, the story is told through the accounts of various participants. The author’s method of conveying the scenes and feelings is simply superb.
It’s interesting that Park Geun-hye (Park Chung-hee’s daughter) has just recently been placed under arrest following her removal from office.
By Koreans about Koreans... a new, unknown novel-ty thing added. thx Skeetor!
APRIL22.
by
Ken L. GouldFinish date: April 8, 2017
Genre: Science Fiction, Science Thriller
Rating: A
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. A scientist’s wife is dying of cancer and the authorities believed he killed her. Before Dr. Hodges can be formally charged, he is presumably killed during a boating accident, however the body is never found. His only child, Sharon, who has come of age, has her doubts about what actually happened to her parents. She wants to learn the truth and to that end lands an intern position at a newspaper where she enlists the help of a Chicago Tribune reporter.
A great story with a lot of twists and turns.
23.
by
M.C. BeatonFinish date: April 25, 2017
Genre: Detective, Mystery, Humor
Rating: B+
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. This is the 32d installment of the Hamish Macbeth series. This is the first I have read in the series and enjoyed it as a standalone. The characters are entertaining and I will be looking for books from the rest of the series.
Macbeth is a Scottish policeman with a sharp sense of humor who has no ambitions for promotion. He credits others on the force with solving cases so that he can maintain his current post at a police station without fear of reassignment. In this book, Macbeth and his sidekick Charlie are to investigate a ”haunting” at a castle where they discover a dead body.
Mod
24.
by
Lee GoldbergFinish date: April 18, 2017
Genre: TV series, Humor
Rating: B
Review: I needed a book on audio for a long drive and this fit the bill. What can I say, I love the Monk character and the reader did an excellent job.
MAY25.
by Beth Underdown (no photo)Finish date: May 1, 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. This historical fiction follows the cruelty and absurdity regarding the witch hunts that occurred in England.
The story is related in first person by Alice, whose husband died in an accident which left her without means. She has returned to Manningtree from London in hopes that her brother, Matthew Hopkins, will provide for her. She is also pregnant but is afraid to tell her brother as her brother never accepted the man she married. Alice is shocked to discover that her brother is involved with the witch hunts but shies away from voicing her opinion too strongly due to her circumstances.
26.
by
Spencer QuinnFinish date: May 1, 2017
Genre: Mystery, Humor
Rating: A-
Review: Chet and Bernie #4. I listened to this fun Chet and Bernie caper. Narrator Jim Frangione does an excellent job conveying Chet's personality.
In this one, Bernie Little and Chet get hired as bodyguards to protect a woman from her ex-husband when she goes to pick up her son from camp. Bernie is to pose as the woman’s boyfriend but when they get to the camp, her son is missing! Chet and Bernie set out to find the boy presumably lost in the wilderness. Of course they find there’s more to that story, including some dead bodies.
Jim Frangione
Mod
Type Jim's name as you would normally do and then cite him as you would authors at the bottom of the text. This applies to narrators too.
Then you can add photo plus link.
Jim Frangione
Bentley wrote: "There is a problem with the link in 41.Type Jim's name as you would normally do and then cite him as you would authors at the bottom of the text. This applies to narrators too.
Then you can add ..."
Sorry, I have still been traveling a lot so didn't see this until today.
I just thought since you didn't want me to cite translators that you didn't want the narrators cited either.
Mod
Mod
27.
by
Mary BeardFinish date: May 30, 2017
Genre: History
Rating: B-
Review: I read this along with the group but couldn't participate due to traveling and generally not having time. I feel the author did a great job on her research but for me the book bounced around the timeline a little too much. I also didn't really like the rambling on about what seemed to be her opinions contradicting past observations without really providing a good foundation for the repudiations.
28.
by
Joby WarrickFinish date: May 30, 2017
Genre: History, Terrorist Groups
Rating: A
Review: Another group read. I would have liked more facts and details but I believe this book is fantastically easy to read for anyone who'd like to know more about ISIS. If the book were not written as it is, almost like a novel, I think a lot of people would give up and not learn anything about the group and that would be a shame.
29.
by
Philip KerrFinish date: May 30, 2017
Genre: Detective, Mystery
Rating: A+
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. Bernie Gunther #12 but the first one I have read. A thriller set in 1956 in France but the mystery cuts in when the protagonist reflects back upon a mystery that took place in Germany in 1939. A lot of atmosphere in this one. Another new series for me to hunt for!
JUNE30.
by
Donna LeonFinish date: June 13, 2017
Genre: Detective, Mystery
Rating: C
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. # 17 in the Commissario Brunetti series but the first I have read. I really liked the Brunetti character but the story moved really slow. It was not exciting, nor did it pique my curiosity. There was also this second investigation intertwined that didn’t seem to belong and didn’t really lead anywhere. It functioned to simply distract me more than anything else. I may try another since I really did like the protagonist, just not this story.
31.
by
Lucinda RosenfeldFinish date: June 23, 2017
Genre: Fiction
Rating: D---
Review: I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. I did not enjoy this book at all. The writing is not what this type of book demands. The supporting characters are extremely shallow and the protagonist is simply not believable. The ending is just thrown together and not realistic either.
The History Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Murder on the Moor (other topics)The Widow's House (other topics)
Class (other topics)
The Girl of His Dreams (other topics)
Prussian Blue (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Julianna Deering (other topics)Carol Goodman (other topics)
Lucinda Rosenfeld (other topics)
Donna Leon (other topics)
Philip Kerr (other topics)
More...
Please follow the standard required format below - I hope you enjoy your reading in 2017. Here is also a link for assistance with the required guidelines:
Link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Our Required Format:
JANUARY
1.
Finish date: January 2017
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.
IMPORTANT - THE REVIEW SHOULD BE SHORT AND SWEET - THERE ARE NO LINKS OF ANY KIND IN THE BODY OF THE REVIEW ALLOWED. NONE. DO NOT REFER TO ANY OTHER BOOK IN YOUR BRIEF REVIEW. THE ONLY BOOK CITED IN YOUR REVIEW IS THE ONE YOU ARE REVIEWING - NO OTHERS. ALL LINKS TO OTHER THREADS OR REVIEWS ARE DELETED IMMEDIATELY - THERE WILL BE NO WARNING. WE CONSIDER THIS SELF PROMOTION AND IT IS NOT ALLOWED AND IS IN VIOLATION OF OUR RULES AND GUIDELINES.