The Connollys of County Down

 

“The Connellys of County Down” by Tracey Lange
Published by Celadon Books
 
This is a family drama with plenty of disfunction but mainly likable characters.  Three siblings who lost their mother and then their father abandoned them, leaving the oldest in charge.  They have their differences, but their bond is very strong.  The story starts when the youngest sister is being released from jail.  The family has to adapt to living together again and the changes it brings.  I enjoyed the majority of the story but felt there were some plot holes as well as some far-fetched situations.  Still an enjoyable read though.
 
Finished 2/29/24 – 3/5 stars
 
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The Boys

 

“The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family” by Ron Howard and Clint Howard
Published by William Morrow (HarperAudio)
Finished 2/20/24 – 4/5 stars
 
I was not disappointed – Ron Howard seems to be just as genuine and wholesome as he comes across on the screen and in interviews.  He must be one of the nicest people in Hollywood.  I imagine actors and crew must truly enjoy working with/for him.
 
You also learn about his parents and get to know his brother Clint, another child actor.  He’s been sober now for a number of years but you can include him in the group of child actors who have drug and alcohol abuse issues.
 
If you are a Ron Howard fan or are like me and grew up watching The Andy Griffith Show (reruns), Happy Days, and a slew of movies he’s directed, then I think you’ll enjoy listening to this audio or reading the actual book.
 
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The Babysitter

 
“The Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer” by Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan
Published by Atria
Finished 2/11 – 3/5 stars
 
This is a true crime non-fiction that reads like a novel.  It’s actually 2 stories in one – the story of Cape Cod’s serial killer, Tony Costa, and the story of a local girl’s dysfunctional upbringing that occasionally included Tony taking her with him to run errands (babysit).  Both were interesting storylines but, for the most part, unrelated.
 
I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes true crime or murder mysteries.  It was only a 3-star read for me, personally, but I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I’d already read a book about these killings so sometimes it felt like a “re-read”, which I don’t enjoy doing.  I have a feeling this would have been 4-star review if I hadn’t read the other book first, but I can’t rate it based on what ifs.
 
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The Women

 “The Women” by Kristin Hannah

Published by St. Matin’s Press
Finished 2/5/24 – 4/5 stars
 
If I had to rate this book simply on the emotional overload I felt when I turned the last page, it would be a 5-star read.  But I can’t.  Those tears freely flowing down my face while finishing this book were not related to the story itself.  Those were completely related the love and admiration I have for my dad, a retired Air Force Lt Colonel and Vietnam vet who, thankfully, came home all in one piece, although I know it took a toll on him mentally (not that he would ever admit it).
 
As for the book, I loved the story and subject matter, bringing needed light to the fact that women did in fact serve in Vietnam, the mental toll it took on all the vets, the horrific “welcome” they received upon their return from war, the addiction and suicidal thoughts so many have endured, as well as the mixed emotions brought about by the memorial being built.  I also loved the bond the female characters had during and after the war.  Their unwavering support for one another was a show of true friendship.
 
When you read this book, please also make sure to read the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments.  In this instance, I feel like they are actually meaningful and not just a blanket, required thank you included at the end of some books. 
 
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.  And thank you to Kristin Hannah for writing a story that needed to be told.
 
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