All We Were Promised

 “All We Were Promised” by Ashton Lattimore
Published by Ballantine Books

 First let me just say that I cannot believe this is the author’s debut novel.  Hats off to her – fabulous job!  I absolutely loved the three strong, female lead characters as well as a couple of the male characters.  Their passion for trying to make a difference to bring an end to slavery and help those enslaved was absolutely inspiring.  The only negative I have is that the spoken words don’t always match the characters’ education level – a prime example would be a speech made at the end that was much more sophisticated and well-spoken than it should have been for that particular character.  I still loved the book though.

Please make sure to read the author's note at the back.  There are a good number of historical facts and people built into the story that I didn’t realize until reading her notes.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books (Random House) for the complimentary copy of this e-book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 Finished 4/19/24 – 5/5 stars!!
 
#allwewerepromised
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I Am Malala

“I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
Published by Hachette Audio
 
The strength, passion, bravery, and determination this young girl has is truly inspirational.  She knew speaking up and continuing her education could get her killed by the Taliban, yet she did it anyway.  Her compassion for others continued after the assassination attempt, as she was more concerned for how her family would be affected financially than for her own wellbeing.  And after all she went through, she continues her activism today for the right for all boys and girls to be educated.  She definitely deserved the honor of winning the Nobel Peace Prize and I’m very glad her acceptance speech was included at the end of the book.  There is no telling the difference this young lady will make in the world. 
 
If you are in need of a little inspiration….read or listen to this book.
 
Finished 4/16/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#iammalala
#malalayousafzai
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Remember

 

“Remember:  The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting” by Lisa Genova
Published by Penguin Random House
 
I love Lisa Genova’s fictional books and was quite curious as to how her non-fiction would read – fully scientific or layman’s terms?  I was pleased to find it easy to follow and very interesting.  As a bonus, I learned a lot.  There are actual reasons as to why I forget things and ways to try to remember things.  I also now have an excuse to take naps and/or go to bed earlier to help commit information to memory.  Who doesn’t like more sleep??
 
Finished 4/8/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#Remember
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The Truth About the Devlins

 

“The Truth About the Devlins” by Lisa Scottoline

Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons

 

I can always count on Lisa Scottoline’s stand-alone novels for my reading enjoyment.  They are always a 4 or 5 star read for me, which is why I’ve read so many of them.  They are normally easy to follow page-turners with likeable characters and entertaining storylines.  This one is no different – I became hooked right away.  It’s a family drama that includes troubles with addiction and its effects on both the addict and their loved ones as well as some criminal/legal issues thrown in there to keep you on your toes.

 

Thank you to NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 

Finished 4/5/24 – 4/5 stars

 

#thetruthaboutthedevlins

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“What’s Mine and Yours” by Naima Coster
Published by Grand Central Publishing
 
This book started out really strong but then it turned out to just be an OK book.  Part of that might simply be my disappointment in the meat of the storyline.  I knew it would be a dual family drama but was expecting the main story to be centered around school integration via busing.  Instead, that was just a minor plot line that didn’t even come about until halfway through.  So, if you like family drama, I would recommend it because there is plenty of it.  If you want something deeper or inspirational, this isn’t it.
 
Finished 3/30/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#whatsmineandyours
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Bye, Baby

“Bye, Baby” by Carola Lovering
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
I really enjoyed this book!  It’s not a mystery because you learn in the opening chapter that Billie takes Cassie’s baby.  It is suspenseful though, as you find out about their past, how it shaped their current relationships, and wonder just how it will all turn out (which I will not give away here).  I will say, Billie and Cassie’s relationship is a toxic one – Cassie wants to be the center of attention and Billie just wants to be loved.  And neither character is really likable.  As for the storyline, I found it to be pretty far-fetched.  That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it – it is a work of fiction, after all. 
 
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 3/12/24 – 4/5 stars
 
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Year of Yes

 

“Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
 
Whereas I consider this a 4-star read, I can see where others would rate it differently.  This is a book of making changes in your life, finding another side of you.  I think ratings will be reflective of what people get out of the reading experience.  Personally, I really enjoyed it.  I think Shonda is a powerful woman and can be an inspiration to others – find her commencement speech on YouTube for just a taste.  I wish I had the courage to have a year of yes but honestly, it scares me.  And my “yeses” wouldn’t be nearly as big as hers.
 
Finished 3/11/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#Yearof Yes
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