75 Books...More or Less! discussion

Hoping for a good reading year, and reaching the 75 book goal.

Welcome back, Karol! We've missed you! Looking forward to seeing what you read!

Thank you, Elyse. It is good to be back. I retired a few months ago, so I have more time now to read and to chat.

Karol wrote: "Hoping for a good reading year!"

Hoping the same! Welcome back!

#1 The Hunt for Red October, by Tom Clancy. Finished 1/10/2024, 5/5 stars

It's hard for me to be objective in my review of this book, because I've seen the movie maybe 5-6 times. Obviously, the book has more characters and scenes than the movie and of course the book moves at a slower pace due to explaining more of the technical stuff.

I did enjoy FINALLY reading the book, though. I will probably read others from the Jack Ryan series in the future.

Karol wrote: "#1 The Hunt for Red October, by Tom Clancy. Finished 1/10/2024, 5/5 stars

It's hard for me to be objective in my review of this book, because I've seen the movie maybe 5..."

I've never seen the movie or read the book but I'm not sure I'll be seeking out any Tom Clancy books anytime soon. If I just happened to be out of books to read, maybe. lol. But he's not an author my mind strays to when I'm looking for my next read.

#2 True North: Discovering God's Way in a Changing World, by Gary Inrig. Finished 1/8/2024, 4.0 stars

Inspiring Christian viewpoint about, using comparison of the journey of faith with naval navigation. An interesting take.

#3 Without a Country, by Ayşe Kulin. Finished 1/16/2024, 5 stars

This is very well written historical fiction covering 4 generations of a family after the 1st generation need to fled their German homeland in the 1930's. The patriarch and matriarch of the family were Jewish and found their way to a promising life in Turkey.

In Turkey, however, they were not entirely safe from anti-semitism but the generations did carve out meaningful and full lives there. I can't say much more without giving things away.

The story covered mostly the lives of the patriarch and matriarch and then the "daughter" of each new generation. It was interesting to see how these women coped with their times. Definitely a sweeping story with very individualistic characters and an interesting but often sad slice of life.

#4 The Knowledge, by Martha Grimes. Finished 1/19/2024, 5 stars.

I loved in this book all the things I love about Martha Grimes: the way she poses and solves a mystery, the characters she has developed, and in particular the way she writes about very intelligent children.

This book was unique in the series, as it took me all the way to Nairobi, Kenya.

In this book, the author brings in a lot of things amongst Richard Jury and Melrose Plant's social circle that I found funny or touched my emotions in other ways because of how these characters have interacted and evolved over the prior 23 books. I still think this is a great stand-alone novel but I can't help thinking that it would be more enjoyable to someone familiar with the series than with a person reading the author for the first time.

#5 The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty, and Unexpected Love in the Azores, by Diana Marcum, finished 1/26/2024, 3/5 stars

Several trips to the Azores are described in this enjoyable book. What interested me most was how the author saw changes to this remote society on each visit. Some of the things that made the society unique on her first visit changed - but the depth of the culture remained. Also portrayed was the angst between those who stayed and those who left for a better life but returned to visit - and this angst seemed to match the author's feelings about where she belonged.

#6 The Old Success, by Martha Grimes, finished 1/29/2024, 5/5 stars

I loved this book. I'm sad only because I've reached the end of the series. What a joy it has been to read this series - it is one of my favorites.

The Old Success is wonderful in its storytelling as well as the mystery. I was surprised, this time, at how the mystery was solved. To me, this novel checked the box for "mystery".

But what makes the series delightful to me was very evident in this book: the character development, a bit of quirkiness, and a wonderful use of humor. I just loved it.

#7 The Hope Jar, by Wanda E. Brunstetter, finished 2/6/2024, 4/5 stars

This is the first of three books in a trilogy . . . and since these are romance novels (very clean Amish ones) and it's February I will probably read all three this month.

I like Wanda Brunstetter's writing partly because she explains some of the differences between the different Amish groups - so much depends on what district they are in and on what their bishop allows.

I enjoy reading about farm life as well, because I remember fondly the years I spent at my grandparents' farm. In particular I remember their huge garden, and their animals: cattle, chickens, and pigs. And in my new post-retirement house where my husband and I moved last year, we are in the Kentucky bluegrass region and are surrounded by cattle and horse farms. And we recently got acquainted with a couple of Amish-owned farm stores not far from us. So all in all, this trilogy is a great pick for me right now.

#8 The Forgiving Jar, by Wanda E. Brunstetter, finished 2/7/2024, 3/5 stars

I didn't like this one quite as much as the first in the trilogy, but still found it fun to read.

#9 The Healing Jar, by Wanda E. Brunstetter, finished 2/11/2024, 4/5 stars

Enjoyed the final book in the Prayer Jar trilogy. It was a satisfying story and also tied up the loose ends from the previous two books.

#10 Valencia and Valentine, by Suzy Krause, finished 2/15/2024, 4/5 stars

The book drew me in with a great opening. After that, I got confused and then a bit enlightened as I started putting some pieces together. I didn't realize that the book involved mental health struggles before I started reading it. I don't want to give any more away, but while it seemed very lighthearted in the beginning, it had themes that were indeed very dark. It was engaging, but I admit there were two times I was so frustrated with one of the characters that I wanted to set aside and not finish reading it. But then hours later I wanted to pick it up again and keep going.

It is this desire to keep returning to the book that led me to rate it 4 of 5 stars.

#11 Poland, by James A. Michener, finished 2/24/2024, 5/5 stars

Long but interesting and insightful historical fiction. I understand the history of Poland a little better after reading this masterful book by James Michener.

#12 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs, finished 2/29/2024, 3/5 stars

Extremely creative approach to storytelling. Well written, although it felt like a stretch to wind the story around a few of the photos that were included. There were a couple of photos that were mentioned only in passing and I don't think we learned anything about those children. That distracted me because I really wanted to know! But all in all, this book was so much fun to read.

#13 The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon, finished 3/4/2024, 4/5 stars

Intriguing novel - part murder mystery, and part historical fiction. Well worth reading. (Rounding up my rating from 3.5 stars).

Looks like some great books Karol x

Fiona (Titch) wrote: "Looks like some great books Karol x"
Thanks, Fiona. Yes - I've enjoyed my reading so far this year. Quite a variety and many have been very good!

#14 Homecoming, by Kate Morton, finished 3/11/2024, 2/5 stars

I had high hopes for this book based on a recommendation. However, I found the story to be presented in a very frustrating way. First, I very much disliked the "book within a book" aspect of the story. Secondly, I found the switching back and forth between three time periods to be awkwardly done. Third, there were so many awful revelations during the course of the story that in became maddening and far from believable. Rarely do I exclaim, "Oh, come on!" while reading a novel but this one provoked that to happen . . . twice. Finally, the pace was terribly slow.

I see that in Goodreads this book is categorized as both historical fiction and mystery. I found the book very weak in both of these aspects.

I'm giving it 2 stars because despite its flaws, I was curious about how it would all come together and that curiosity did keep me reading to the end.

#15 A Friend In Knead, by Judith Jackson, finished 3/14/2024, 3/5 stars

This is a cute cozy mystery with fun characters and the mystery itself is a pretty good one. I didn't find the humor very funny, though, and it didn't quite grab me enough to want to read more in the series.

#16 The Wisdom of St. Patrick, by Greg Tobin, finished 3/17/2024, 4/5 stars

I timed the reading of this book to end on St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick left two main writings behind that have survived the centuries. Both are contained in this book and I gained a lot by reading them. In addition to these writings, the book contains a history of St. Patrick's life and several devotionals based on the writings.

I must say that I believe St. Patrick would be appalled at how his memory is celebrated today. We would do better in honoring him to practice humility, and service to others as a reflection of our devotion to God.

#17 Deception, by Randy Alcorn, finished 3/24/2024, 3/5 stars

This book was multi-faceted and parts of it were outstanding. The detective aspect and the solving of a complex murder was quite well done.

I love Randy Alcorn as a non-fiction author. But this fictional story had some drawbacks for me. These were around how Christianity, heaven and hell were addressed. I didn't necessarily disagree with anything the author presented along those lines, but I did have issues with how they were included in the story telling. Seems like they could have been handled differently so as not to be such a huge distraction.

#18 Pushing Up Daisies and #19 Berry Murderous, by Katherine Hayton, finished 3/29 - 3/20, 2 stars

I have a boxed set on Kindle for several books from this author. In the Tea Shop Cozy Mystery series that I started reading, the books are very short and each is easily readable in one day. The characters are fun, but the mysteries themselves are just OK. And with such a short book the characters are not that well developed. Still, these were fun and a nice change of pace. 2/5 stars but I think this series will get better as it continues.

#20 Deathbed of Roses and #21 Orange Juiced, by Katherine Hayton, finished 4/1 - 4/2, 3 stars

I'm not sure whether the books in this series do get better after the first couple, of whether I am just getting used to the author. But I am definitely enjoying them more.

#22 Keeping Mums and #23 Hibiscus Homicide, by Katherine Hayton, finished 4/2 - 4/3, 3 stars

I kind of enjoyed my 6 Tea Shop Cozy Mystery series books. It's sort of a switch for me, reading novels in easy 1-day sittings. These aren't exactly great literature, and usually I like more character development than one could possible get in a 2-hour read. But still, I got a kick out of these books. Definitely more enjoyable as the series went on.

#24 Tangled Threads, by Sandy Hill, finished 4/9/2024, 3.5/5 stars

Historical fiction from a time when lives were very hard, which covered 1898 - 1918 amongst North Carolina mill workers. Working conditions were awful before the days of OSHA and child labor laws. Then there was World War I, and the Spanish Flu on its heals.

I had a love/hate relationship with the book. Definitely loved the main character but felt that the looking back on the emotional past dragged out a bit too long. Didn't get frustrated with that enough that I wanted to quit reading, though.



#25 The Spice King, by Elizabeth Camden, finished 4/13/2024, 3/5 stars

Historical fiction / Christian romance. On the historical fiction aspect I would rate this book very highly. There were some interesting sub-plots, too.

For me, the "romantic" nature of the book was melodramatic, and detracted from the rest.

#26 The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, finished 4/18/2024, 5/5 stars

I basically knew the plot of this book before I started reading it, having heard of it so many times during my life. I'm glad I finally sat down to read the thing.

By today's terms, the book is slowly paced. But I think it deserves a high rating. The author skillfully painted a picture of the characters, and then there was the way the plot fell together so interestingly. What I mostly got from the book is that shame can eat you alive if you try to hide what it is that you are ashamed of. But if you come right out with it - own up to it and live your life in light of it - there is plenty of room for redemption and a meaningful life.

#27 Sold on a Monday, by Kristina McMorris, finished 4/26/2024, 4/5 stars

Excellent book. Many people assume it is going to be the story of a child who is "sold" during the Depression based on the title and the cover. It is more about the impact on people who unwittingly get involved and how they are impacted - but yes, the story does circle back to the kids in the end.

Great storytelling. I was drawn in right away and remained interested throughout.

#28 Special Heart: A Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage and Love, by Bret Baier, finished 5/2/2024, 3/5 stars

I picked this book up on Kindle a few years ago. Because Bret Baier is in the news industry, some of the things he mentions in the book are a bit dated, but they did provide an interesting context.

The book is about the challenges his newborn son faced as an infant and for several years, having to have multiple serious heart surgeries to correct how arteries were connected to his heart. The story, with its ups and downs, was told very well.

#29 Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly, finished 5/7/2024, 4/5 stars

Compelling story. The author crafted an interesting and well-researched book about three African American women who secured jobs at Langley during the early days of America's quest to explore outer space.

I saw the movie when it first came out . . . the book, of course, brings in many more details. I found it well worth the time to read.

#30 Let God Be God: Life-Changing Truths from the Book of Job, by Ray C. Stedman, finished 5/8/2024, 5/5 stars

Outstanding exposition on the book of Job (from the Bible), and the topic of suffering - in particular, where is God in our human suffering? I learned so much from Stedman's book found it very helpful.

#31 Star Trek Memories, by William Shatner, finished 5/10/2024, 4/5 stars

I was so lucky to find this book in a stack of freebies - especially since it was a hard-cover, first edition! I truly enjoyed reading it.

The book came out quite a while ago, but by then Shatner was understanding the importance of the series (which he had previously tried to distance himself from), and he was beginning to understand how he had offended several other members of the cast. So, in this book he tries to give cast members, writers, and producers a voice by quoting them extensively. I was fascinated and enjoyed all the behind-the-scenes looks at how Star Trek came into existence and survived on NBC for three years.

#32 Cupcakes and Conspiracies, by Katherine Hayton, finished 5/12/2024, 3/5 stars

Very enjoyable first book in a cozy mystery series. It takes place in New Zealand, which is kind of interesting. Until I realized that, however, there were a few phrases that didn't make sense - like "I'll shout you dinner" meaning (in America) "my treat" or "I'm buying".

Anyway, I liked this book quite a lot. It was a good quick read with likeable characters and an interesting mystery. I'd like a bit more about the characters, so it's a little shy of a 4-star rating for me.

#33 Strawberries and Suffering, by Katherine Hayton, finished 5/14/2024, 2/5 stars

This book was a bit of a let down for me, after what I felt was a very promising first book in the series. Mostly, I didn't find a lot of things believable.
- The lack of common sense displayed by the main character and the trouble it led to in the first two chapters
- How the bride acted towards the main character
- How the groom acted towards the bride
- The actual solving of the case

I did buy a 6-book electronic boxed set of this series so will continue on, in hopes that I like the next ones a bit more.

#34 When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan, by Peggy Noonan

I have owned this book for many years, and finally got around to reading it. The author did a wonderful job writing about her own memories of President Reagan as well as including stories from others inside his political and personal circle. I especially found his daughter Patty Davis's comments interesting.

#35 Blueberries and Bereavement, by Katherine Hayton, finished 5/28/20247, 2/5 stars

Another "just OK" book in a cozy mystery series. This is book #3 . . . I have an E-Book boxed set of 6 and I've decided to remove the last 3 books from my To Read list. I find myself very anxious to move onto something that I will like a lot more.

#36 My Unscripted Life, by Lauren Morrill, finished 5/31/2024, 4/5 stars

Young adult read about an artist who gets turned down for an exclusive summer art camp she had applied for, and finds herself instead working in the props department of a movie set. It's a fun read that a young woman I mentor wanted to share with me and I really did enjoy it.

#37 The House on Tradd Street, by Karen White, finished 6/5/2024, 4/5 stars

Enjoyed this book that is outside my typical genre, in that it involves the paranormal. (Which is to say, fantasy).

I found the story and its characters engaging, be they full-bodied or translucent. It's hard to beat the setting of Charleston, South Carolina. There were a few snippets of history in the book that I enjoyed.

Overall, a very good book and a fun read.


With this, I am at a the halfway point for 75 books this year, with a bit more than half of the year to go!

#38 Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe, finished 6/7/2024, 3 stars

I was surprised that this book is a bit of a classic - I had not heard of it until recently. I liked it and feel that it was worthwhile to read. However, I found it a bit stark. I might have liked more context, or for the author to have provided a bit more nuanced understanding of some of the characters.

#39 The Night Agent, by Matthew Quirk, finished 6/11/2024, 4 stars

I loved this thriller - decided to read it after getting a few shows into the Netflix series by the same name.

Who can you trust in D.C.?

If you'd be inclined to answer "just about nobody", as I would in real life, then you'd get the gist of the book. Yet there were enough breath-catching surprises for a hardened cynic like myself to keep turning those pages until the very end.

#40 Leaving Blythe River, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, finished 6/14/2024, 4.5 stars

Absolutely loved this wilderness adventure/coming of age young adult book.

#41 An Eye at the Top of the World: The Terrifying Legacy of the Cold War's Most Daring C.I.A. Operation, by Pete Takeda, finished 6/18/2024, 3 stars

Fascinating look at Indian culture, a CIA operation, and mountain climbing - mostly about a climbing expedition that touched on some cold war and other history of the area.

#42 Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert, finished 6/23/2024, 5 stars

Exceptional writing. The author focuses us on a group of people who, by no fault of their own, brought fear into the hearts and minds of others. I would have never thought a book about a "leper colony" - actually a combination prison/hospital for those with Hanson's disease - would be a story I'd enjoy. There were many terrible things that happened in this book, but there was also the beauty of the Hawaiian surroundings, and the beauty of the love for others, for heritage, and the land.

The author's descriptions helped me to see the whole story clearly in my mind's eye. The way he discussed everything made me feel many emotions.

All in all, an impressive novel with an emotionally moving story.

#43 The Stationery Shop, by Marjan Kamali, finished 6/28/2024, 4 stars

This book is rich in description and emotion. The story takes place in Iran in 1953, when Prime Minister Mossadegh is overthrown by a coup, replacing his leadership with the Shah.

The main character is caught up in ways she cannot understand at the time.

I enjoyed this book from many angles - but especially how a very significant event in history impacted the lives of all the characters in many and surprising ways.

#44 Southern Sass and Killer Cravings, by Kate Young, finished 7/3/2024, 4/5 stars

Delivers on expectations for a cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Karol wrote: "#12 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs, finished 2/29/2024, 3/5 stars

Extremely creative approach to storytelling. Well written, although ..."

I loved this series!

Karol wrote: "#26 The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, finished 4/18/2024, 5/5 stars

I basically knew the plot of this book before I started reading it, having heard of it so m..."

I really enjoyed this when I read it in high school. I think I'd listen to it in the future.

Karol wrote: "#42 Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert, finished 6/23/2024, 5 stars

Exceptional writing. The author focuses us on a group of people who, by no fault of their own, brought fear in..."

I still have this on my TBR and he wrote a sequel to it in 2019!

Elyse wrote: "Karol wrote: "#42 Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert, finished 6/23/2024, 5 stars

I still have this on my TBR and he wrote a sequel to it in 2019!"

Elyse, I've heard the sequel isn't as good so I'm not sure I will read that one. But I absolutely enjoyed Moloka'i.