The House on Beartown Road

 

“The House on Beartown Road: A Memoir of Learning and Forgetting” by Elizabeth Cohen
Published by Blackstone Audiobooks
 
I think the writing of this book was the author’s personal therapy.  Whether it was frustration with her sister, her mother, or her husband….it all came through loud and clear but those feelings were all valid.  I was frustrated with them as well.  The love she had for her daughter and father was constant though.  Did it bother me that she referred to him as Daddy the entire time?  Yes, I’ve never liked hearing an adult woman calling their father Daddy rather than Dad.  I also had issues with the way some situations were handled but those were also personal preferences.  There was plenty I did enjoy but overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this one.  The exception might be for someone who is also taking care of a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s and wants another person’s perspective and insight.  They’d probably be better off with an actual support group though.
 
Finished 4/28/25 – 2.5/5 stars
 
#thehouseonbeartownroad #elizabethcohen #blackstoneaudiobooks #2025reads #genxreads

Waltraud

“Waltraud: A True Story of Growing Up in Nazi Germany” by Tammy Borden
Independently published
 
I first heard about this book on TikTok and I’m glad I did.  It’s the story of young girl growing up in war torn Nazi Germany, but without the holocaust aspects.  There are hints of it, like some people just go missing, but that’s about it.  It’s more about the Hitler requirements that had to be followed, the lack of food, the air strikes, etc.  Because she was young and in a small town, I believe they probably were sheltered from the hatred and aggression towards the Jewish population that was very prominent in larger towns and cities.  It certainly wasn’t going to be in the German news but it was odd to read a book that takes place during WWII without it.
 
I definitely recommend it and if you do read it, make sure to read the author’s notes in the back.  This is her mother’s story so at the back you get pictures and an update on the rest of Waltraud’s life.
 
Finished 4/26/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#waltraud #tammyborden #indyauthor #2025reads #genxreads
 

The Dutch House

“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett
Published by Harper Audio
 
I listened to Tom Hanks read this to me and really enjoyed it.  Ann Patchett has yet to let me down in the books I’ve read of hers so far.  This one is a family drama with a strong brother and sister bond.  It covers many years with multiple hurdles to overcome, holding my interest the entire time.  I definitely recommend it.
 
Finished 4/20/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#thedutchhouse #annpatchett #tomhanks #harperaudio #genxreads #2025reads

 

Magic Hour

 

“Magic Hour” by Kristin Hannah
Published by Ballantine Books
 
This book is heavier on the romance side than the mystery side of things, to the point that at times I got frustrated that they weren’t focused on finding out what happened. But I love a good mystery so that’s probably why I was wanting more in that aspect.  There is a lot more than just romantic love within this story though.  There is the love between sisters that grows to be much stronger as adults than they were as children as well as the love a care giver will have for a child.  If I were to rate it simply on the storyline it would probably be a 3 but the emotional attachment to a few of the characters brings it up to a solid 4.  I do recommend it.
 
Finished 4/19/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#magichour #kristinhannah #ballantinebooks #genxreads #2025reads

Unsheltered

 

“Unsheltered” by Barbara Kingsolver

Published by Harper Collins

 

This book is broken into 2 storylines – 1 in the late-1800s and 1 in the mid-2010s.  The story taking place in the 1880s is very science vs religion and completely boring.  The story taking place in the more current day is entertaining but also quite political.  Both come across a little preachy.  By the middle of the book, I found myself skimming the 1880 chapters and really only reading the current day story.  I’ve enjoyed other Kingsolver books, just not this one.

 

Finished 4/17/25 – 2/5 stars

 

#unsheltered #barbarakingsolver #harpercollins #2025reads #genxreads

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

 

“The Heaven & Earth Grocery Stone” by James McBride
Published by Riverhead Books
 
Another hit for me from James McBride.  I really enjoyed reading this one.  There are multiple storylines and multiple characters, all blended into one main story with plenty of emotions to be felt.  I will admit, I was surprised at the “N word” being used freely within such a newer book, however, it was correct usage for the time it takes place and the author is a person of color so he is absolutely free to use it in his writing.  It just made me uncomfortable initially.
 
If you do read this book, please make sure to read the acknowledgement section in the back to find out what inspired the author to write this story.
 
Finished 4/14/25 – 4/5 stars
 
#theheavenandearthgrocerystore #jamesmcbride #riverheadbooks #2025reads #genxreads

Lock Every Door

 

“Lock Every Door” by Riley Sager

Published by Dutton

 

The first half of the book is pretty slow and at times it seems repetitive.  The second half definitely picks up the pace and it becomes more of a page turner.  Overall, the entire story is pretty far-fetched though, especially the revelation of just what is happening within the building.  Full disclaimer, I can’t read sci-fi or fantasy because I need books to be realistic.  Not that this book falls into either of those categories, it’s just a possibility as to why I didn’t enjoy it as much as others.  If you enjoy mysteries, suspense, and unrealistic fiction, you would probably enjoy this one.

 

Finished 4/6/25 – 3/5 stars

#lockeverydoor #rileysager #dutton #botm #2025reads #genxreads