Book Nook Cafe discussion

Here is the Folder and thread to tell us what your monthly reads for March 2023 were.

Gosh, two months gone in 2023 already. The months do fly by.

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

Here are my March reads.

The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally by Jason Fung
Non Fiction
eBook
Rate 2/5 did not meet my expectations
I don't have diabetes but I am trying to eat less sugar. So I thought this book would be of interest. I knew Jason Fung was a fasting advocate. I already try for 12 hours fasting with a goal of 16 hours. However, in this book he advocates for 24 hour to 36 hour fasts 2-3 times per week for 2 weeks. That is a bit too much for me. Perhaps if I was diabetic I would try it. Still, I was with him for most of the book until I read the recipes. There was bacon and sausage in recipes. Really? Processed meats? That is a carcinogenic. Nope. Do not recommend.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Hannah Green
semi-autobiographical
eBook
Rate: 2/5- Did not meet my expectations
At age 16 the author was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She was institutionalized for 3 years from 1948 to 1951. Unfortunately, there are very large sections where she discusses her imaginary kingdom of Ye with it's own language. Those sections got a bit tiresome to read. I found it hard to connect with the book and it became a bit of a slog for me. It's also is very dated and doesn't hold up well, iMO.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Fiction
eBook
Rate: 4/5 - exceeded my expectations
This is a young adult novel. It's not a genre I usually read. Even though I am not the target audience, I enjoyed the book quite a bit. The story mainly revolves around teen Aza Holmes. Aza suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and hypochondria. The author, John Green, also suffers from severe anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Therefore his descriptions of Aza's thought spirals that debilitate her certainly ring true and make you feel for Aza and hopefully better understand people who are tormented by this mental illness.

Beginner's Mind by Yo-Yo Ma
Memoir
Rate: 5/5
Audible Original book read by Yo-Yo Ma
This book was included in my Audible subscription.
A wonderful memoir that is interspersed with his beautiful cello music.

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
Non fiction
eBook
Translation from German to English
Rate: 3/5 Good
This is book 1 in the The Mysteries of Nature Series 3 book series. The author is a German forester. He relates how trees have a vibrant social network. We learn that trees can and do communicate with each other. Peter explains the delicate balance between trees, birds, insects, and fungi.
The books focus mainly is on the trees he tends to in the German forest. I do wish the book contained photos and wasn't so limited.

The Beauty of Dusk by Frank Bruni
Memoir
Rate: 5/5- Exceeded my expectations
eBook and Audio
I listened to both the audio and read along with the eBook. The narration was excellently done by Bruni. The book is beautifully written. Bruni has worked for the NY Times for around 25 years.
In 2017 at age 52 Frank Bruni woke up one morning and had difficulty seeing out of one eye. He had suffered a stroke. This book is not maudlin or depressing. It's also not rah-rah every cloud has a silver lining. Bruni hits the sweet spot between both. I definitely recommend this book.

Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday
Audio book
Rate: 4/5
Ryan narrates the book very well. I also listen and enjoy his podcast, The Daily Stoic. This is a three book series. They are all stand alone.
Ryan Holiday's books are all about the Stoic philosophy . The book is divided into three sections: the mind, the spirit, and the body. Some of the people he discusses are: JFK, Fred Rogers, Anne Frank, Queen Victoria, Tiger Woods, Socrates, Napoleon, Rosanne Cash, da Vinci, Steve Jobs, to name a few. I found it interesting how he connected their trials and tribulations with the stoic philosophy. I found the advice to be very practical.

Here are my March 2023 Reads

Five Survive ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this in one sitting and I really, really enjoyed it. I was invested the entire book. This book was fast paced, and I had no idea what was coming next.

Beach Read ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I started this book September of last year, and I put it away after 100 pages. I decided to pick it up again after I found out Emily Henry was publishing another book this year. It was slow at first, but it slowly got better. I thought this was a cute book and I was flying through the second half of the book to find out what happens next.

The Scapegracers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is one of my favorite reads of the year so far.

Night ⭐⭐⭐
This book was heartbreaking. This is the first nonfiction book I read this year. I read it for my English class.

The Mist ⭐⭐
I had high expectations going into this book considering King is a popular author, but these high expectations were very short lived. I liked what the book was about, just not how it was executed. The ending made me very mad.

Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List ⭐⭐⭐
This book confused me. I felt the characters were childish and the plot didn't go anywhere.

Devil in Ohio ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a quick read for me, and I was invested the entire time.

The Ghost Files ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ghost Files 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Both were quick and easy reads, and I had a good time reading them.

Unlikely Heroes: 37 Inspiring Stories of Courage and Heart from the Animal Kingdom ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was super cute and made me want a pet sea otter.

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait to watch the movie.

Even If We Break ⭐⭐
I did not like any of the characters.

Baby Teeth ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was really good.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time ⭐⭐
I thought the plot was interesting, I just didn't like how the author executed it.

The Inheritance Games ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book.

This Girl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I also loved this book.

One of Us Is Next ⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of Us Is Lying was one of my top reads last year. I enjoyed this book a lot, just not as much as the first one.

The Truth About Forever ⭐⭐
This book did not have enough romance for me, and I was bored.

The Boys in the Boat: The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was very interesting.

Wow ! You certainly read a lot in March !

I've read three of the books you read.
I also enjoyed The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. I enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time more than you did. Night The book is a must read for all. I cried so hard at the end I couldn't even see the pages.

Congratulations on an excellent month, Lilli !

Alias Reader wrote: "Wow ! You certainly read a lot in March !

I've read three of the books you read.
I also enjoyed [book:The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympi..."

There's more haha, my hand started to hurt from the typing. I'll finish the rest tomorrow.

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my March reads....."

Nice month of reading, Alias!
I have wanted to read The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World for some time now. Thanks for the reminder.

Lilli Gilliam wrote: "Here are my March 2023 Reads

..."


Lilli, you've also had a good month! Only 2 2-star books! I'm glad you enjoyed the rest.

I had a pretty good month, too:

What Happened to Paula: On the Death of an American Girl (audio; 3-star) - a strange book. It's about the murder of an 18-year old girl; a cold case. There are very few clues or leads. The book moves away from the case and into musings on Society & expectations that leave a woman vulnerable. I found this part interesting. However....a big "however".....the author inserted herself into the story too much.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Turbo Twenty-Three and Hardcore Twenty-Four (audio; each gets 3-stars) - these were fun adventures to listen to while out jogging. Nothing spectacular, very formulaic but lots of fun characters and antics.
Review for 23: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for 24: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Notes on the Death of Culture: Essays on Spectacle and Society (3-star) - an interesting look as aspects of today's society that are changing and dumbing down (in the author's views) society in ways that can't be recovered. Interesting thoughts for discussion and thought.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Where the Crawdads Sing (4-star) - a wonderful tale of murder, prejudice and strength. I really enjoyed this book.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Let There Be Light (graphic novel; 3-star) - a graphic retelling of some of the stories of the Old Testament. Some stories are told in modern time cities, which gives a different perspective. The artwork was rather simple.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Petra wrote: "I had a pretty good month, too:

[
Turbo Twenty-Three and Hardcore Twenty-Four (audio; each gets 3-stars) - these were fun adventures to listen to while out jogging. Nothing spectacular, very formulaic but lots of fun characters and antics."

Very nice month with a wide range of books.

I haven't read a Stephanie Plum book in a long time. Listening to it on audio is a good idea as they are simply plot lines. Thanks for the idea.

I'm intrigued by the graphic novel you read. I've only read one graphic and I enjoyed it. The different spin on the OT sounds interesting.

Alias, I haven't read a single Stephanie Plum book. I enjoy them in audio, occasionally, but think the simplicity of the stories could be irksome in print. I'm not sure why I think that. However, I do enjoy them while out jogging, so save them for that purpose.

I enjoy graphic novels as memoirs or historical events but am not interested in the Super Heroes ones. Some graphic novels are very good.
If you read this one, I hope you enjoy it. I found it good, but not the best. It was interesting, for sure.

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my March reads.

The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally by [a..."

Interesting approach with the diabetes fasting. My sister-in-law has battled her diabetes for over 45 years but i've never heard her try this. I'll at least pass the title on to her. Thanks for this info.

Which reminds me, my last dr. visit my A1C number was up & she said she wasn't going to worry much about it now, as this occurs in older people. While i'd heard older folks first got the diagnosis, i didn't realized that it happens more than i thought. She felt (she's a DO, so tries to avoid drugs as a first step) restricting my diet should control it. We regroup later this month to see.

ANYway, rather than make this thread about ME and my health...you had a wide-topic reading month, Alias. I agree with you on the [author:Peter Wohlleben|4110912] book. Photos, rather than the few drawings he offered, would have been welcome.

Good month, Alias. I hope April is as rewarding.

Lilli Gilliam wrote: "Here are my March 2023 Reads

Five Survive ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this in one sitting and I really, really enjoyed it. I was invested the entire book. This ..."

I knew you were having a busy reading month, Lilli, but had no idea how good. Thank you for your post and comments on them. Now we have a feel for the book's topic. I'm very much drawn to Baby Teeth--Zoje Stage.

Again, thank you for sharing with us, Lilli.

Petra wrote: "I had a pretty good month, too:

What Happened to Paula: On the Death of an American Girl (audio; 3-star) - a strange book. It's about the murder of an 18-year old girl; a cold case..."

How unfortunate that the author included her own story into this powerful topic without adding to the overall strength of the book. I like the idea behind telling the story, so am cautiously (noting the problem you mentioned, esp.) adding it to my TBR. I know there was recently a book on the topic of murders of Native American women (forgotten & cannot find the title, of course), but i haven't seen it reviewed in our group. Important yet sad topic.

Your comments on the Janet Evanovich mysteries remind me why i keep notes, Petra. In my notes i include the spoiler, who did it, because otherwise i reread the mysteries, which is a waste of valuable Reading Time. This solves it, as most of the story is recalled with the villain named.

Intriguing book from Mario Vargas Llosa, with excellent questions. Thanks for this title, Petra. Over the years i recall older folks making the "things were better" comments and always thinking i don't want to be that person when i am old. Yet, here i sit, gripping! I suspect one thing which occurs is that our vision/notice of life (politics--world and local, environment and crime) broadens & we are dismayed where we find ourselves. Yet easily forget all that has enhanced our lives, such as medicine, computers and healthier food availability. ANYway, thanks for this title.

I'm happy you enjoyed Delia Owens novel as much as i did. Honestly, i had forgotten there was a murder trial, that is how enthralled i was by Kya's upbringing and science work.

I added the Liana Finck novel. I'm always Very Open to reinterpretations of religious scriptures. It's a way to see if faith can truly be global as we hope. It will be a challenge for me, as i'm not a graphic novel fan. :-)

What a nice reading month, Petra. Thank you for sharing your reviews with us.

Petra wrote: "Alias, I haven't read a single Stephanie Plum book. I enjoy them in audio, occasionally, but think the simplicity of the stories could be irksome in print. I'm not sure why I think that. However, I..."

This exchange between you & Alias makes sense to me. I don't listen to books much (the last one was 4 years ago, i think) but such predictable but enjoyable stories, such as Plum mysteries, sound perfect for listening. Thank you both for this.

Nice reading month, with a number of prompts fulfilled, as well.

Foster--Claire Keegan. A short but very well written novella about a child spending sometime with what i guess are her grandparents. Lovely...and i will read more Keegan.

The Annual Migration of Clouds--Premee Mohamed. This is another novella, science fiction this time. I liked the dystopian world created by Mohamed and really liked the title.

Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime--Val McDermid. Full of good science information and how those techniques help find criminals. It was slow going for me but i think this is because the author, whose usual genre is mystery, tried to present pros and cons of how the science has actually been used, which muddied what i was reading.

City Under One Roof--Iris Yamashita. I was intrigued with the idea of a community all sharing the same roof, once Alaska's tourist "season" ends and they resume their usual lives. In this case, body parts have appeared on the beach and a mystery begins. I'm not sure others would like it as much as i do--the chapters switch narrators, usually between three females, a cop, a teenager and a mentally challenged woman.

A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance: Portrait of an Age--William Manchester. I liked that Manchester gave details about life in those centuries but for anyone historically informed, much was rehash but with details. Mostly, it's a very long essay illustrating that only centuries later can people see what combined to make those years what they were. I wasn't as much of a fan of this as i presumed i would be.

Thanks to Michele for mentioning her own reading of The Windeby Puzzle--Lois Lowry. It's listed as a YA but i would think along the lines of Middle Schoolers, given the writing. It is a mix, Lowry explaining about the bog body of a teen found in Germany in '52 and the stories Lowry created about said body. There is a reason Lowry is well known for reaching young audiences and this is proof.

Cuisine Chinoise: Five Tales of Food and Life--Zao Dao. Lovely art work with bizarre stories attached. At the end, the translators seemed to apologize for the lack of cohesion because they were only allowed to translate the book from the French, rather than the original Chinese.

Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction--Lynne Olson. Not only does Olson relate the life of French archeologist Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, she also tells a history of Egypt (particularly 19th & 20th century) and the repositioning of temples when the creation of the Aswan Dam flooded the plains. Good story. Olson's coup, i think, is that she learned about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's contribution to the project. Wanting her husband/President to receive the "credit", she asked that her own contribution go unmentioned by others.

Madrano, you've read some intriguing titles this month! I immediately borrowed the audio version of The Annual Migration of Clouds from the library.
I'm eyeing the forensics book, as well as Empress of the Nile.

The bodies found in peat interest me. The fact that they are so well preserved after years in the bog is fascinating. It does make one think about the person and the life they led, more than a pile of bones might.

Nice month! Very interesting titles. Thanks for posting these.

Petra wrote: "Alias, I haven't read a single Stephanie Plum book. I enjoy them in audio, occasionally, but think the simplicity of the stories could be irksome in print. I'm not sure why I think that. However, I..."

I used to read the Plum series but stopped as they seemed too repetitive and the same jokes over and over. It's been years since I last read one. It would probably make a good change of pace between weightier books. I'll have to remember that.

My library doesn't have Let There Be Light graphic novel as an eBook. Maybe they will get it at some point.

Super Heroes are a total no go for me, too.

madrano wrote: "
Which reminds me, my last dr. visit my A1C number was up ."

You may want to check out:

The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes---Joel Fuhrman

Dr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs--Neal D. Barnard

From what I read it is not only simple carbs that one needs to be aware of but also saturated fat.

Good luck !

madrano wrote:
Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime--Val McDermid. Full of good science information and how those techniques help find criminals. It was slow going for me but i think this is because the author, whose usual genre is mystery, tried to present pros and cons of how the science has actually been used, which muddied what i was reading.."

Deb, thanks for reminding me about this one. I didn't have it on hold at the library as there was no wait. Thus it slipped from my brain.

Congratulations on a very nice reading month !

Lilli Gilliam wrote: " The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time ⭐⭐
I thought the plot was interesting, I just didn't like how the au..."

The Boys in The Boat was a great read!

Petra wrote: "I had a pretty good month, too:

What Happened to Paula: On the Death of an American Girl (audio; 3-star) - a strange book. It's about the murder of an 18-year old girl; a cold case..."

Evanovich's series are fun reads!

Footprints Under the Window ⭐⭐
Mystery on October Road ⭐⭐
The Miserable Mill ⭐⭐
I read all three while in the hospital. I did not enjoy reading any of them.

Two Can Keep a Secret ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a quick and interesting read for me and I didn't see any of the plot twists coming.

Kingdom of the Wicked ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed reading this and was not expecting the ending.

A Court of Thorns and Roses ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This sat on my shelf for almost a year because I was nervous I wouldn't like it, but I ended up loving it and can't wait to continue the series.

Where the Crawdads Sing ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would.

What Was the Plague? ⭐⭐
What Was the Titanic? ⭐⭐⭐
I read this for a challenge in another group. I love learning about the Titanic so I thought all the facts were interesting.

You Will Be Mine ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed both of these books and am planning on reading more of her books in April.

The Hawthorne Legacy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this series.

Fear Street The Beginning: The New Girl; The Surprise Party; The Overnight; Missing ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I thought each story was interesting and had good plots.

Not If I Save You First ⭐⭐⭐
I was pretty bored with this book.

Big Boned ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this in the vet while my dog gave birth. I really, really enjoyed this book. I thought it was cute and I flew through it.

Chosen Ones ⭐
I did not like this book. At all.

Alias Reader wrote: "madrano wrote: "
Which reminds me, my last dr. visit my A1C number was up ."

You may want to check out:

The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes--..."

The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes cured my brother of Type II Diabetes, but a person does have to stick to the diet and exercise plan. It doesn't mean they can eat anything they want, which I expect you know. My brother loves the book, though.

Lilli Gilliam wrote: " Big Boned ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this in the vet while my dog gave birth. I really, really enjoyed this book. I thought it was cute and I flew through it. ..."

Congratulations ! 🐕

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote:
The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes cured my brother of Type II Diabetes, but a person does have to stick to the diet and exercise plan. It doesn't mean they can eat anything they want, which I expect you know. My brother loves the book, though.
..."

Congratulations to your brother ! It can be a big change for some people. However, it's worth it. Thank you for sharing. It's always motivational to know it works.

Petra wrote: "Madrano, you've read some intriguing titles this month! I immediately borrowed the audio version of The Annual Migration of Clouds from the library.
I'm eyeing the forensics book, a..."

Thank you, Petra, for your comments. I was pleased with almost all the books. Any problems seemed more about me.

We were in Ireland in 2017, where i first learned about bog bodies. Seeing one, an 18th century woman, i believe, astonished me. She looked leathery and dark grey but still well preserved.

Since then, i've read quite a bit about those bodies. This is part of what made Lowry's short book (read in one sitting) intriguing. She wrote one story, based on the facts learned in the '50s, only to find many of the facts were wrong, once scientists with newer equipment were allowed to examine it. That was really cool.

I hope i haven't led you astray on any of the titles. Sometimes i like a book for one thing and focus on that, only to be told it was really about, for instance, WWII. It's not that i'm surprised, only that that aspect wasn't what fascinated me. :-)

Alias Reader wrote: "It's been years since I last read one. It would probably make a good change of pace between weightier books. I'll have to remember that.."

Alias, i think you've hit the nail on the head with that comment. Mysteries of the sort i read cozies, more or less, are a break from heavier reading. Often, i'll finish them off in one day because so much is dialogue. I enjoy them for the change they offer.

Alias Reader wrote: "From what I read it is not only simple carbs that one needs to be aware of but also saturated fat.

Good luck !-..."

Thank you, Alias, both for the wishes & the titles. I'm intrigued with this saturated fat issue because the above mentioned sister-in-law & her husband have dramatically increased their consumption of same. Sadly, neither my husband nor myself can recall why they decided to do this but it's been going on for over a year. They even used full, heavy cream in their coffee! On the other hand, they have eliminated beef.

The real tragedy is that because he is an avid reader of science magazines, we hate to ask him about things like this because he breaks into "lecture mode". Darnit! Now i'm going to have to ask them again, as her diabetes is not as controllable as it once was. Thank you for the info, the more i read, the more their choices confuse me. :-)

Alias Reader wrote: "madrano wrote:
Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime--Val McDermid....Deb, thanks for reminding me about this one. I didn't have it on hold at the library as there was no wait. Thus it slipped from my brain..."

I snipped the above quotes. I've done the same thing, Alias. Usually i try to add it to my wish list, so i won't forget the titles. This isn't as successful as i'd hope, as i now have over 80 books on my wish list!

Lilli Gilliam wrote: " Footprints Under the Window ⭐⭐
Mystery on October Road ⭐⭐
[bookcover:The ..."

Lilli, what a lot of reading accomplished in March. It's great you could read in the hospital, as it helps time fly. I hope April is as full of reading pleasure as March was. Thank you for sharing your honest opinion of the books you read.

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes cured my brother of Type II Diabetes, but a person does have to stick to the diet and exercise plan. It doesn't mean they can eat anything they want, which I expect you know. My brother loves the book, though...."

I've heard Fuhrman's book is most useful in that way. As noted, it is a commitment that many aren't willing to handle, though. For the first time ever, my sister-in-law told us she totally mishandled her diabetes in the beginning and she's paying for it now. I'm not exactly sure how but there were things we noticed which sounded off. I suspect some of it was just the fact that she was just married, in a car accident and pregnant. That is overwhelming on its own, through in a major life-altering disease and she went off the deep end. That's a lot to carry at 19.

Bottom Line: Kiki, kuddos to your brother for taking his problems in hand. Continued success.

Sadly, I did not finish the book that I started in February. My wish list keeps growing, as does my TBR (since I get the free Kindle book each month), so I'm hoping I can get back into the swing of things here soon.

Alias Reader wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote:
The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes cured my brother of Type II Diabetes, but a person does have to stick to th..."

You're welcome, Alias.

madrano wrote: "Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes cured my brother of Type II Diabetes, but a person does have to stick to th..."

You're welcome, Madrano, and I hope your sister-in-law is doing better now.

I follow Dr. Fuhrman's book for heart disease because I have AFib, probably from running ultra-marathons, and the commitment to diet and exercise is very difficult to keep. One has to give up a lot of favorite foods.

~*Kim*~ wrote: "Sadly, I did not finish the book that I started in February. My wish list keeps growing, as does my TBR (since I get the free Kindle book each month), so I'm hoping I can get back into the swing of..."

One positive, Kim, which we sometimes complain about, is that there are always fresh options to try next. And what a gift of a free book each month from Kindle! Enjoy!

Kiki (Formerly TheGirlByTheSeaOfCortez) wrote: "I follow Dr. Fuhrman's book for heart disease because I have AFib, probably from running ultra-marathons, and the commitment to diet and exercise is very difficult to keep. One has to give up a lot of favorite foods..."

Thanks for the in-law encouragement, Kiki.

I recall a friend years ago who said she felt silly mourning the loss of eating doughnuts. She knew they were bad for her but the idea of not eating any again was akin to the stages of grief. She succeeded, knowing the benefits, as you've stated. She just felt silly about her sadness.

I reviewed:
The Look Alike, Erica Spindler
A Study in Sherlock, ed by Leslie Klinger and Laurie King
Secluded Cabin, Sleeps Six, Lisa Unger
One By One, Frieda McFadden

I read about 5 other books but didn't have time to review them.

madrano wrote: "One positive, Kim, which we sometimes complain about, is that there are always fresh options to try next."

I'm actually enjoying the book I'm reading, I just didn't get to finish it. It's the first one that I've picked up since my dad passed away and it's actually hilarious. But our most recent move got in the way and I'm trying to get back into reading now that we're settled (for the most part).

Only a couple for me I'm afraid ...


The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane ⭐⭐⭐⭐


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



One More Croissant for the Road by Felicity Cloake ⭐⭐⭐


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

Barbara wrote: "I reviewed:
The Look Alike, Erica Spindler
A Study in Sherlock, ed by Leslie Klinger and Laurie King
Secluded Cabin, Sleeps Six, Lisa Unger
One By One, Frieda McFadden

I read about 5 other books ..."

Barbara, i'm impressed when anyone can read a book & write reviews. It's hard work, imo. But always welcome!

Thanks for sharing your March books with us.

John wrote: "Only a couple for me I'm afraid ...

The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane ⭐⭐⭐⭐..."


I've seen holloways, it appears, without knowing they had a name all their own. Interesting. Not that i'd read a book about them, but i appreciate that you mentioned it, John.

As for the cycling/noncroissant book. Nope.

Thanks for the reviews, John.

~*Kim*~ wrote: "I'm actually enjoying the book I'm reading, I just didn't get to finish it...."

I'm glad i misunderstood your post, Kim. Once you are settled in, you will resume the book and be comfy while doing so. Enjoy!

John wrote: "Only a couple for me I'm afraid ...


The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane ⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


I like how you stated in your review the reader the book would appeal to and which reader it would not. That's very helpful.

Alias Reader wrote: "I like how you stated in your review the reader the book would appeal to and which reader it would not. That's very helpful ..."

Yes, me too. Often i see that there is an audience for a book i dislike but fail to mention it. Thanks, again, John, for that, too.

I am behind over here on listing book reads. So my March books - I read 12 books.

The Pumpkin Man by John Everson - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Ahab by David Kempf - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Chasing Ghosts by Justin Boote - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Horror Collection: Sapphire Edition by Kevin J. Kennedy - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The House at Phantom Park by Graham Masterton - 5 stars.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Crimson Deep by Anthony M. Strong - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Churn the Soil by Steve Stred - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Through the Surface by Juliet Rose - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Cursed Among Us by John Durgin - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Summoning by Bentley Little - 3 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Decimated Dreams by Brennan LaFaro - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Shot Girl by J.A. Konrath - 3 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I had quite a few 5 star reads. I was disappointed with the Konrath book - normally I give his books four to five stars but I stay depressed with that story and normally those kind of stories I would probably have given out a dnf but it being Konrath I stuck with it to the end.

Otherwise it was a great month in March. :)

Marie wrote: "I am behind over here on listing book reads. So my March books - I read 12 books.

The Pumpkin Man by John Everson - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/..."

You had another stellar month, Marie. Thanks for sharing. Even though the Konrath was a 3/5 for you, April was a good month for you !

Marie, your enthusiasm for books you read shines through your reviews, whether you like a book or not. It’s a pleasure to read about them.

Your disappointment in the Konrath sounds valid, which is a pity, as he was on such a roll.

Thanks for sharing about the books you read last month. I also appreciate that you share the covers. This genre consistently has some of the most interesting covers i’ve seen.