Oh William!

“Oh William!” by Elizabeth Strout

Published by Random House

Finished 10/24 – 3/5 stars

Well, at least I’m consistent with my ratings of the books in this series.  I looked back and I gave both “My Name is Lucy Barton” and “Anything is Possible” 3 stars as well.  Granted, you don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one.  It probably gives you more insight into the characters and their relationships but it’s been 4 years since I read the other 2 books so I don’t think I pulled much from my memory.  However, it didn’t go by me when Ms. Strout gave a shout out to the Burgess brothers from another book of hers and I read that one about 8 years ago (that was a 4 star read).

This story is about Lucy and her ex-husband William whom she has remained friends with over the years.  After taking one of those genetic tests, William finds out that he has a sister that he never knew existed.  He is recently separated and Lucy is widowed so she decides to be his needed support and join him on his journey to find out more about his past.  There is no romance on this journey, just a true friendship.  Although not written in a diary format, it has that feel because Lucy is telling the story and while doing so, she is also reflecting on her past.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel so that I might share my honest opinion – I enjoyed it and recommend it to others.

All the Children are Home

 

“All the Children are Home” by Patry Francis

Published by Harper Perennial

Finished 10/11/21 – 4/5 stars

 

Lots of dysfunctional characters, but what else would you expect when the main setting is a foster home.  Obviously, each child comes with a troubling past but even the foster mom has her own personal demons to contend with.  I wouldn’t change a thing about any of them though.  As a family put together by chance, they share a loving bond and come to greatly rely on each other.

The story is told from different perspectives to allow you to get to know and understand each character better.  Each chapter’s heading tells you which point of view you are about to have so there is no confusion.  The ending does leave you wanting more but I don’t think a sequel is needed.  You can leave the ending to your imagination as to how each character’s life ends up.

Don't You Cry

 

“Don’t You Cry” by Mary Kubica

Published by MIRA Books

Finished 9/9/21 – 3/5 stars

Whereas I’m giving the book 3/5 stars I would give the concept 5/5 stars. It’s a mystery revolving around a young woman who goes missing from her apartment and her roommate who decides to play detective on her own.  There are a few twists and turns during the story with it all becoming clear in the last 50 pages.  Until then you are given small clues and insights to try and solve the mystery but I’m betting you won’t get it 100% right. 

Side note – I think it a good screenwriter could turn it into a decent movie.

The World Without You

 

“The World Without You” by Joshua Henkin

Published by Pantheon

Finished 8/31/21 – 2.5/5 stars

This is the story of a family coming together to memorialize their younger brother/son on the one year anniversary of his death in Iraq.  The storyline only held my interest part of the time, had no real climax within the story, and then felt like an incomplete ending that was a little rushed.  Maybe others will find it a little better but it definitely wasn’t for me.  Although I did finish it so it wasn’t horrible, just not very enjoyable.

When the Summer Was Ours

 

“When the Summer Was Ours” by Roxanne Veletzos

Published by Atria Books

Finished 8/21/21 – 4/5 stars

This is a love story that begins in Hungary, 1943.   As Eva’s wedding date approaches, she goes to relax at her family’s country home.  While there she befriends a gypsy who sweeps her off her feet.  A tragic event and World War II then interrupts their lives and Eva is left with neither man in her life, at least for a little while.  Whereas their lives all go in different directions, eventually their paths will cross again.  But which man is her heart’s true love?  Time will tell.

This is the first WW II historical fiction I’ve read that takes place in Hungary.  The city streets of Budapest and the small country town of Sopron make a beautiful setting, especially for a love story.  There is sadness and heartbreak but there is also love, courage, and determination.  I definitely recommend this one. 

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Fallen

 

“The Fallen” by David Baldacci

Published by Grand Central Publishing

Finished 8/12/21 – 3/5 stars

 This is the first Baldacci book I’ve read in quite a while.  I’m not sure why I haven’t picked one up before now because I always enjoy the ones I read.  Like this one, full of twists and turns that I always love.  I changed my mind multiple times as to who the murderer was.  And yes, at one point I had it right….but then I changed my mind again.

 This is the 4th book in the “Memory Man” series.  I haven’t read the others yet but plan to (didn’t realize it was a series when I started).  In this book, Alex Decker, is on vacation when he comes across a murder scene.  Come to find out, there have been other recent murders in this little town that could be related.  Vacation over – time to work with local law enforcement to try and solve the case.

Kitchen Confidential

“Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” by Anthony Bourdain

Published by Bloomsbury

Finished 7/31/21 – 3/5 stars

This book was written before the world got to know Anthony Bourdain through his TV shows on the Travel Channel and CNN but the personality we fell in love definitely comes through in his writing.  Granted, if you have never seen his shows, he might come across as a little brash and/or egotistical and you may be shocked to read of all his drinking and drug use but his love of food and compassion for others and their cultures still shines through.

The book takes you behind the scenes in restaurants Tony has worked for in Cape Cod, New York City, Baltimore, France, and Tokyo as well as a glimpse into the Culinary Institute of America.  You learn how he went from dishwasher, to student, to chef and all the steps in between molding him into the person he became.  Through his story telling, you will also learn things like when not to order certain foods, what items to avoid altogether, and when best to actually go to a nice restaurant (not the weekend).  There are times when the book has a little too much detail (unless you’re in the business maybe) and it’s slow at times but overall, it’s a good book.  I will warn you, there are a couple sections that will make your heart ache knowing that he sadly took his own life in 2018, like when he talks about another chef’s suicide and the last chapter of the book when he’s speaking of how far he’s come as a chef.  He could have taught us so much more if he had just stuck around a little longer.