Book Nook Cafe discussion

Here is the Folder to tell us what your monthly reads for February 2021 were.

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

My review of A Gracious Plenty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


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


My review of A Gentleman's Murder ⭐⭐⭐

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


My review of Lot Six ⭐⭐⭐

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


My review of Night and Day ⭐⭐⭐

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



My review of About This Life ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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



My review of The Mansion of Happiness: A History of Life and Death ⭐⭐⭐

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



My review of The Mandelbaum Gate ⭐⭐

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

Two five star reads in one month! That's a good reading month, John.

Your review of A Gracious Plenty goes to the book page, not your review. The book description sounds good.

You must be a time reader since you read it in Feb 2022! The heading needs to be changed!

Petra wrote: "Two five star reads in one month! That's a good reading month, John.

Your review of A Gracious Plenty goes to the book page, not your review. The book description sounds good."

Thank you - I've now corrected that.

John, what a healthy mix of books. I'm sorry the Spark novel disappointed, as i know you generally like her work. Your comments about the novel perhaps being her personal catharsis sounds similar to what i feel when reading specific poems.

I like Gilbreth's work Gilbreth Lillian Evelyn 1878-, so might pick that chapter out of the book to read. Thanks.

The Virginia Woolf book you reviewed isn't one i've read. Maybe i will just skip it, as nothing about your review or the GR synopsis calls to me.

My favorite review from your list is David Adjmi's Lot Six because i recognize your personal feelings as you read. Often i don't figure out that it's me & not the author that is the hangup, so i appreciate that you've shared your own experience, John, even if it wasn't a positive one. Thank you very much.

I appreciate that you posted about the Sheri Reynolds novel, as i was curious.

Finally, you are pretty adamant about the Barry Lopez book, so i've added it to my TBR. It sounds good and, while i like nature to a degree, i'm not avid about reading nature stuff.

It appears to be a positive month for you, so hurrah! And thanks for sharing.

For full comments on books read below that have an *, click here, the number by the book/author will be the # of the message on this link. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Two Years Before the Mast: A Sailor's Life at Sea -- Richard Henry Dana Jr. * #24. I still like the adventure this true story tells. The nautical descriptions of ship bits was quite full & not illuminated in my edition, so i felt no wiser on that front. Still, to read about the California coast from this 1800s view, outstanding.

Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief--Maurice Leblanc* #32. First in a long series of mysteries. I'm not a fan, although i can see the appeal in 1907, when first introduced.

Burial Rites- Hannah Kent * #35. I liked the story, the description of Iceland & Icelanders in 1820s. This novel, based on a true story, was wonderful, as Annette wrote in her review.

The Man Who Walked Backward: An American Dreamer's Search for Meaning in the Great Depression -- Ben Montgomery * #42 & 48. Innocuous story of a man who walked backward from Abilene, Texas during the Depression. Montgomery shares short histories of some places where he stopped, including massacres of African Americans, Hitler's beginning, being conned and treated very well by strangers. I liked the book.

Daddy-Long-Legs--Jean Webster. Epistolary novel, 18 year old orphan Jerusha Abbott has been given an education by a board member of the orphanage, name unknown. She must write him a letter monthly, telling him about her life and studies there. This short novel is endearing and i hope to read the sequel, DEAR ENEMY someday soon.

I Have Something to Tell You--Chasten Glezman Buttigieg, spouse of politician South Bend, Indiana, mayor & former Democratic Presidential hopeful, Pete,  tells his own story in this autobiography. His writing is simple, as are most of his stories. I felt as though he was a friend chatting, no fancy writing or editing. Everything about the book is authentic, even the pain and confusion about his own experience & those he met during Mayor Pete's (Pete Buttigieg) presidential campaign.

Prefecture D--Hideo Yokoyama. Four novellas set in one Police Prefecture in Japan. They are instructive in learning about the politics and plots for promotion within the department. Such planning! I liked them but they are not your usual "mystery" works.

Absolution by Murder--Peter Tremayne. First in series about a 7th century Irish nun, Sister Fidelma. In this one, a synod is being held at Whitby between the Roman & Celtic Christian churches when a participant is killed. She is asked to solve the case for the Celtic Church and is assigned a priest from the Roman Church, Brother Eadulf, as a helper. Informative and different (for me) mystery.

The Crossing Places & The Janus Stone --Elly Griffiths. While awaiting my turn at a different series by Griffiths, i sampled these two, set in the UK, which i liked quite a bit. In the series forensic paleontologist Ruth Galloway is often called in by the police to see if uncovered bones are ancient or recent missing people. I like the marsh-side setting of her home but also the bits about the cultures covered in each book, in these cases,  Celtic & Iron Age, and ancient Romans.

The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras--J. Michael Orenduff. In my latest search for mysteries based on archaeology, i found this series which features Hubert Schuze, a potter and dealer in pots. He's been known for digging illegally in New Mexico, where the series is set. This reminded me how much i like NM. I like his character, as well as that of his drinking buddy, a female college student. I also like how he incorporates historic folks and ideas into his mystery, such as Pythagorus.

Effigies--Mary Anna Evans. This is the 3rd in her Faye Longchamp series. Faye is an African-American woman who has  been doing archaeological research on her own family's island off Florida. Now she is working toward getting a degree in the subject. In this installation she's at a Mississippi dig, where she believes she espies an ancient tribal effigy in the shape of a bird. There is murder, of course, but mostly i like the bits about artifacts and other US sites of ancient cultures.

madrano wrote: "John, what a healthy mix of books. I'm sorry the Spark novel disappointed, as i know you generally like her work. Your comments about the novel perhaps being her personal catharsis sounds similar t..."

Thanks for the thorough feedback! I think you'd appreciate the Lepore, Lopez and Reynolds books.

madrano wrote: "For full comments on books read below that have an *, click here, the number by the book/author will be the # of the message on this link. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/......"

Wow! Talk about a busy month!

The Japanese book and Depression walk appealed to me more than others.

I somewhat feel guilty listing mysteries i read because, for the most part, i finish them so quickly. However, in this case i wanted to mention that i have found mysteries with neat aspects to them. And, surprisingly, considering how i've been lately, i intend to continue with the last two series. Me? LOL

I think Ben Montgomery is creating a nice group of books about long-forgotten people. They are enjoyable. However, each one feels a tad lightweight & i'm not sure why. Erik Larson writes about similar topics but his works seem hefty. They both share newspaper articles, details of the era and people, even when they seldom answer the "why" of the person. I hope that Montgomery will grow more but until then, he is quite satisfactory.

John wrote: "My review of A Gracious Plenty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


You had a busy reading month, John. Nice !

madrano wrote:The Man Who Walked Backward: An American Dreamer's Search for Meaning in the Great Depression -- Ben Montgomery * #42 & 48. Innocuous story of a man who walked backward from Abilene, Texas during the Depression. Montgomery shares short histories of some places where he stopped, including massacres of African Americans, Hitler's beginning, being conned and treated very well by strangers. I liked the book.
.."

Nice reading month, deb.

I shared that title with my friend and she quickly got the book and read it. She said she enjoyed it quite a bit. Thank you.

Alias, thank you. That makes me feel good.

February was a great reading month.

The Confederacy of Dunces. I started reading this in November. My husband said it would get better but I didn't think it did. However, I slogged on and on. I finally gave up after about 50%, and I don't miss it a bit.

Apeirogon. Loved this book SO much. It's about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and grief. ***** stars.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. I enjoyed this book. It was a little difficult to get into but once I figured out the Japanese names and places, it became easier. **** stars.

The Old Maid: The 'Fifties. I enjoyed this tragic story by Edith Wharton. **** stars.

Little Women. Such an innocent story of four sisters. **** stars

Cat's Cradle. I read about half of the story, then it was due at the library so I returned it and didn't feel the need to continue it.

Letter from a region in my mind. James Baldwin writes a telling point of view about racism in America. Rated this ***** stars.

Gina wrote: "February was a great reading month.

The Confederacy of Dunces. I started reading this in November. My husband said it would get better but I didn't think it did. However, I slogged..."

Wow! Someone else who disliked Dunces, too!!!

Another tragedy from Wharton: Bunner Sisters

Deb, that's an impressive listing of books.
I'm glad you list mysteries. I don't read them often enough to know the good ones and appreciate hearing of them. I follow your reviews & thoughts closely.

Gina and John, I join you in not liking Dunces. I stuck with it because I was told it got better and came together in the end. It didn't.

Gina, nice mix of reads. The Thousand Autumns sounds interesting.

Gina wrote:
The Old Maid: The 'Fifties. I enjoyed this tragic story by Edith Wharton. **** stars.."

Gina, thank you so much for alerting me to the New York series by Wharton. I've added it to my TBR list.

Old New York Series
4 primary works • 5 total works
Set in the New York of the 1840s, '50s, '60s, and '70s, the four short novels in this collection each reveal the tribal codes and customs that ruled society, portrayed with the keen style that is uniquely Edith Wharton's. Originally published in 1924 and long out of print, these tales are vintage Wharton, dealing boldly with such themes as infidelity, illegitimacy, jealousy, the class system, and the condition of women in society Included in this remarkable quartet are False Dawn, The Old Maid, The Spark, and New Year's Day.

Gina wrote:
Letter from a region in my mind. James Baldwin writes a telling point of view about racism in America. Rated this ***** stars."

I am putting this on my TBR list. I am very much interested in the topic. Thank you, Gina, for bringing it to my attention.

I see that it was an article published in The New Yorker.

John wrote: "Another tragedy from Wharton: Bunner Sisters."

Thanks for the title, John. I'm adding it to my TBR notebook.
I have my books in storage at the moment. I know I have a bunch
of Wharton that I got at second hand stores. Which books survived the Great Purge when I moved? Your guess is as good as mine. :(

Maybe change this thread name as it says “February 2022” lol

A Confederacy of Dunces-John Kennedy Toole

Petra wrote: "Gina and John, I join you in not liking Dunces. I stuck with it because I was told it got better and came together in the end. It didn't.

I read it a very very long time ago, so I don't recall the story at this point. Though I do know I did enjoy it.

I guess it's one of those books you either love or hate.

madrano wrote: "I somewhat feel guilty listing mysteries i read because, for the most part, i finish them so quickly. However, in this case i wanted to mention that i have found mysteries with neat aspects to them..."

Deb, many here love mystery books and look forward to your reviews.

My February reads were two old classics.

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
Fiction
Audio book and eBook
Rate: 4/5
This novel was published in 1913. I listen to the audio which was read by Lorna Raver while I followed along with the eBook. I know that probably sound odd, but I enjoy doing that sometimes. The only downside is it takes a long time to finish a book that way. Ms. Raver was an excellent narrator.

The novel took me about 40 or so pages to get into the flow of the writing but once I did I enjoyed the book quite a bit. It's the story of antiheroine Undine Spragg and her insatiable desire for wealth and status.

Passing by Nella Larsen
eBook
Fiction
Rate 4/5
This book was written in 1929. It reads like a contemporary novel. It's tightly written and packs a punch. I don't want to say too much about the plot and give anything away. This slender novel covers a lot of ground it's about racism, status and sexuality. I highly recommend this novel.

According to Wiki, the film "had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021, and will be released by Netflix later in the year."

Read the book first !

I am joining the chorus of "didn't like" for Confederacy of Dunces". Seeing others here felt similarly is helpful because i kept thinking i was missing something grand. What a relief. Alias, you are probably correct, it's a love or hate book.

deb, still relieved

Gina, back in the '70s i really, really liked Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s work & couldn't get enough of them. It is unwise for me to reread them. The one time i tried, in the '90s, i was disappointed. Perhaps some authors were made for their era and may now serve more as examples of "breakthrough" work, rather than "best of" work.

Cat's Cradle was one of my favorite by him. Part of this reason (& part of why i liked his writing) was the science i learned reading the novel. While i know Ice-nine was a whimsical notion, the idea that scientists could flush something into the world's water or atmosphere isn't necessarily the stuff of fiction. It was my own personal alert system regarding science. Leave it to fiction!

I'm such a fan of Louisa May Alcott's book, that i'm tickled when i see someone else mention it. I recently saw the most recent filmed version, which turns out to have been my favorite. I think director Greta Gerwig got the spirit better than any other iterations.

And thanks for the Edith Wharton title. I enjoy her short stories so very much. One thing i like about her writing is that i enjoy her novels as much as her short stories. I cannot say that about all well-known novelists. (John, thanks for that title by Wharton. I haven't read it but the story appeals to me.)

Finally, what i savor about James Baldwin's writing is its exquisite style. I marvel at his wording, sometimes to the extent that i forget his point, so must reread. Thanks for the reminder of his writing.

madrano wrote: "I am joining the chorus of "didn't like" for Confederacy of Dunces". Seeing others here felt similarly is helpful because i kept thinking i was missing something grand. What a relief. Alias, you ar..."

I have no problem with folks saying a popular book was not for them, as a matter of fact as a moderator at Audiobooks I encourage it as long as the person clearly states what didn't work.

While we're at it, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was another book with rave reviews that absolutely didn't work for me.

Petra & Alias, i appreciate what you wrote about mysteries and how others here like them, so i shouldn't work myself up about posting on them. Thank you for the comments.

However, i do not feel as though the ones i read are necessarily wonderful works of art. I know there are many, many better written mysteries around. The ones i post usually address a specific area of interest i have and may not be the best in writing or even mystery, but they satisfy my need. In the cases from February, that "itch" to read mysteries about archaeologists.

I feel kinda guilty sharing the titles & my reactions because i can read them in one day, partly because i "know" the characters and such. Neither the writing nor the characters are particularly challenging. Of course i know that is true of many, many series, i'm just the one who feels guilty about sharing them. Sad!

So, again, thanks for your encouragement. If i write about them, i did enjoy them, particularly when i "learn stuff". :-)

Alias, as you no doubt know, i savor posts about classics. Even more so when i haven't read the book discussed, as in the Wharton. It's one i've been "saving", i suppose. Your post is lighting a candle--time to see if i can locate the box holding that book.

Great news about the film based on the Larson novel. I hope they film her other well-known novel, Quicksand. Not only did i really like it, but i'd be curious to see how it is depicted on film today.

You had a good reading month, i must add.

madrano wrote: "Petra & Alias, i appreciate what you wrote about mysteries and how others here like them, so i shouldn't work myself up about posting on them. Thank you for the comments
However, i do not feel a..."

One reason to mention mysteries would be if set outside your local area, but after reading a book you felt a string sense you'd "visited" that place. The Navajo books by Tony Hillerman did that for me. Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead had natives gushing about how well Sara Gran nailed the city's atmosphere!

John, i liked, but didn't love, that Mark Haddon novel for the insight into Aspergers syndrome. It was one of my first novels about the topic. (Well, which was obvious to me, that is.) However, i must admit i have had no desire to read anything else by him. I also don't think i intentionally read any other novels on the syndrome.

I hasten to add that i like reading reviews and comments on those who have read further about Aspergers, i just am not interested in reading a novel about it. I like that those books are being written because i know they can be helpful as "one size doesn't fit all".

Ok, i'm rambling...yet again.

Time to address the day, eh?

madrano wrote: "John, i liked, but didn't love, that Mark Haddon novel for the insight into Aspergers syndrome. It was one of my first novels about the topic. (Well, which was obvious to me, that is...."

What I truly disliked about the book were the portrayals of the character as violent (potentially homicidal).

I had a fairly good reading month. All the books were pleasant, interesting reads.

A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Edited and Abridged (5-star) - this is a well documented and open look at the residential school system in Canada. I found it well laid out, interesting, to the point. It lays out the system and it's effects on the First Nations people. It then goes on to give recommendations to lead towards true healing and reconciliation. These recommendations are points all societies and individuals would be wise to live. I found this book to be a very good introduction to the system and what came out of it.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

They Were Found Wanting (4-star) - the second in the Transylvania trilogy. I'm enjoying this trilogy. It reminds me of War & Peace in it's layout: there's a section of family saga, then a section of the political changes happening in Hungary & around Europe. I'm enjoying the family's story and their place in the history. This read as the middle of a trilogy; it relies on the first book and continues the story well, and it leaves the reader wanting more and looking forward to the last book.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Milkman (audio; 2-star) - I was hard on the rating for this book. I did enjoy listening to this story. Yet when I got to the end, I thought that the characters & story hadn't moved forward and my thought about the story was "why tell this?".
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Indian Horse (3-star) - Again, I was hard on the rating for this book. Richard Wagamese is a wonderful author. His writing is touching and poignant. This story had too much play-by-play hockey moves in it. Too much ice and trick shots and such for me to be fully engaged.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Good German (3-star) - an interesting alternative history. In this story, Hitler is murdered but the world becomes worse because of it. It's a book about good intentions gone wrong. It's also about sacrifice for the greater good. I'll read more by this author in time.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Petra, i'm one who hasn't heard of Miklós Bánffy, so i thank you for this introduction to him & this trilogy. Thank you for sharing about it and your thoughts about the series.

Reading your thoughts & conclusions about the Anna Burns book interests me. Sometimes i find myself feeling a bit curious in where/how authors place their stories, particularly when a reader doesn't even realize the times. Was it meant to be indifferent or was there something there i missed? As one who doesn't read dust covers & tries to avoid detail-specific reviews i usually feel that burden. Still, why do it, if you don't make it obvious. ANYway, i'm glad you mentioned this point.

The alternative history book sounds interesting because Hitler dies, yet things still get worse. There must be a good point the author wants to make.

Nice month of reading for you, even if not tremendous. Of course, the reconciliation book should call to many of us. Thanks.

John wrote: "What I truly disliked about the book were the portrayals of the character as violent (potentially homicidal)...."

This is re. the Haddon novel. I can understand that dislike. I was perplexed by it, i remember.

madrano wrote: And thanks for the Edith Wharton title. I enjoy her short stories so very much. One thing i like about her writing is that i enjoy her novels as much as her short stories. I cannot say that about all well-known novelists. (John, thanks for that title by Wharton. I haven't read it but the story appeals to me.).."

A friend who knows I just read and enjoyed Wharton's The Custom of the Country sent me these two YouTube stories of Wharton. Enjoy !

Edith Wharton - “A Lady Doesn’t Write”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fucxn...

Bewitched by Edith Wharton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3b-g...

John wroteWhile we're at it, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was another book with rave reviews that absolutely didn't work for me..."

Oh no ! I enjoyed that one, too.

I read it. I didn't listen to an audiobook.

Petra wrote: "I had a fairly good reading month. All the books were pleasant, interesting reads."

A nice reading month, Petra. And a diverse selection, too !

Thanks for the links to other Wharton stories, Alias. My tome of her short stories is packed in a box i cannot get to (horrors!) at present. These shorties should tide me over.

madrano wrote: "Thanks for the links to other Wharton stories, Alias. My tome of her short stories is packed in a box i cannot get to (horrors!) at present. These shorties should tide me over."

You're welcome. :)

Well it seems I am behind....again!

I read quite a few in February so will try to fit them all in here. :)

A House in London by Amy Cross - four star read. A creepy story about a woman that becomes a baby sitter for an eccentric couple.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Til Death Do Us Part by Sea Caummisar - 4 star read. This one is an extreme horror story and you will need a gore suit for this one! lol
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager - 4 star read.
This book is about a haunted house and it was really creepy. The author did a great job of building up the suspense.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Lucy by Alan Aspinall - 5 star read.
This one is about a serial killer that thinks he can overpower a woman named Lucy but he gets a surprise when he finds out she is not what she seems. This is also a debut author. The book is also part of a trilogy.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Shepherd: The Fading Light Book 2 by Alan Aspinall - 4 star read. The book continues within the "Lucy" realm - the second book in the trilogy.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Small Town Nightmare by Anna Willett - 5 star read. This book is a crime thriller about a woman whose brother goes missing in a small town and she goes there to find out what happened - she gets no results from the local sheriff. Chock full of mystery and suspense.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Black Acres: The Complete Collection by Ambrose Ibsen - 5 star read. This story was spooky and it is about a haunted house. The suspense buildup was perfect!
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Fear by Ronald Kelly - 5 star read. Southern horror at its best with this book as only Ronald Kelly can write with a southern twang (lol). This one is about a snake creature that goes on the prowl and starts killing......things. :)
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Game of the Wolf by William Massa - 5 star read. Found another series by this author that is just as awesome as the last series I read. This series is about a man that harbors a demon inside of him. He hunts down diabolical people that dabble in the dark arts and that like to prey on the innocent.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Snowbeast!: A Harrowing Thriller by Peter Tremayne - 4 star read. This book is about a creature called a snowbeast that likes to kill people. The book was more suspense and mystery than anything as there wasn't a lot of blood in this one which was surprising for a creature book.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Lazarus Child by Jay Raven - 5 star read.
This is the third book in the Blood Riders trilogy - lots of action mixed with vampires.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Where Old Acquaintances Be Forgot by Jay Michael Wright II - 4 star read.
This was about a couple of friends that wanted to party in an abandoned asylum and things go bad real quick!
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Put on a Happy Face by Terry M. West - 4 star read. This book is about a brother that takes care of his sister, but they live out in the woods. When an intruder enters their place where they live - things are turned topsy turvy quickly as the intruder learns that a brother can be protective.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Remorseful Monster by Stephen McGrann - 4 star read. This true crime was a rough read as this serial killer not only kills his victims - he dismembers them too.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Well that is all for the month of February. Will try to gather my March reads together and get back over here. I read a lot in February it seems! lol :)

What a busy book reading February you had, Marie! It's a good way to settle into the winter nights. As usual, your reviews are fun to read for the gore suit, splatter stars and other ratings.

That Lucy series by Alan Aspinall sounds very good. How exciting to find a new author who is creating buzz for his work.

It's fascinating to learn about books which tell the story of people moving into new-to-them homes and how that turns out. It would make me shudder as i considered moving in. Still, the appeal of some places does the trick.

For me, the scariest book of all is that last one, about a true life serial killer. So much worse than the fiction.

That's quite a reading month. Well done, Marie !

madrano wrote: "What a busy book reading February you had, Marie! It's a good way to settle into the winter nights. As usual, your reviews are fun to read for the gore suit, splatter stars and other ratings.

Tha..."

I didn't realize how many books I read until the end of the month and I was like "phew, that was quite a reading romp"! lol

The true crime books are scarier most of the time as you can really see true evil that roams this world.

I am always happy when I find new authors to explore and even more so when they also have a series out there. :)

Alias Reader wrote: "That's quite a reading month. Well done, Marie !"

Thank you so much, Alias! :)

Marie wrote: "madrano wrote: "What a busy book reading February you had, Marie! It's a good way to settle into the winter nights. As usual, your reviews are fun to read for the gore suit, splatter stars and othe..."

Doesn't get much more evil than the woman who murdered a pregnant acquaintance, then attempted to pass off the viable fetus she'd... removed, as her own"preemie"!

I'm shivering at so many parts to such a story, John.

Nice batch of books for February Marie. 😃