Dolly Parton, Songteller

 

“Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics”
By Dolly Parton with Robert K Oermann
Published by Chronical Books
Finished 1/25/24 – 4/5 stars
 
If you are thinking about picking this one up, LISTEN to it rather than read it.  It’s actually Dolly Parton telling stories of her life and the songs she’s written, with some snippets of songs thrown in there.  It’s an interview, not scripted.  I’m not sure how good the transcribed version would be without her chuckles and smiles that come through while she talks.  The audio book is wonderful though – she’s just so sweet.  I’m not a fan of country music but I do like Dolly as a person which is why I picked it up.  I think anyone would enjoy it, country fan or not.
 
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Twenty-Seven Minutes

 “Twenty-Seven Minutes” by Ashley Tate
Published by Poisoned Pen Press
Finished 1/22/24 – 3.5/5 stars
 
This is the author’s debut novel and I’d say she did a very good job with storyline and character development (none are likable).  It is told in multiple points of view, taking place in both present day and 10 years prior, but it’s very easy to follow along because chapters are labeled and the past is in a different font.  Although I don’t think it was her intention, I did find the ending to be predictable.  Even though I was pretty sure how it was going to end, I still continued on the ride because I was enjoying it (and to make sure I was right).  Overall, I would recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
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Pageboy

 

“Pageboy” by Elliot Page
Published by MacMillan Audio
Finished – 1/19/24 – 3/5 stars
 
To be fair, I think this might have been a higher star rating had I read the book rather than listen to it.  Elliot Page is just very monotone during the majority of it, and I prefer more emotion from the narrator.  With that said, I did enjoy learning about their path in finding their true self.  Becoming a trans man was not a decision he came to quickly or lightly.  It was a lifetime of discovery, step by step.  I appreciate his willingness to share his story because books like his can possibly help others understand the choices trans people make.
 
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Idaho

 

“Idaho” by Emily Ruskovich
Published by Random House
Finished 1/15/24 – 3/5 stars
 
There is a lot going on in this book with some information not necessarily needed for the story.  It also bounces between storylines and timelines, which could be confusing at times. I did enjoy it though, even though it ends without providing answers to everything I wanted to know.  I just used my imagination to finish up a few pieces for my own closure instead.  With all that said, I would recommend this to most but not for those that struggle following books that bounce around a lot.
 
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Northwoods

 “Northwoods” by Amy Pease

Published by Atria

Finished 1/8/24 – 3/5 stars

 

This is the author’s debut novel. I think she did a pretty good job and has potential.  It’s a short mystery that touches on a lot of deep topics – PTSD, alcoholism, drug addiction, and big pharma.  Lots of dysfunction for a little vacation town with a police force of just 4 people.  I believe the intention was for there to be some twists/surprises along the way but as a reader of a lot of mysteries, I found them fairly predictable.  I did enjoy it though – I really liked the main character and it definitely kept my attention, pulling me along to conclusion.  I would recommend it.

 

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

 

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The Book of Fire

 

“The Book of Fire” by Christy Lefteri
Published by Ballantine Books
Finished 1/5/24 – 5/5 stars
 
What a way to start off the new year!  I absolutely loved this beautifully written book!  The descriptive scenes and wholesome characters pull you right in.  The story centers around a tragic forest fire in Greece but is filled with hope, love, kindness, and self-reflection.  It’s definitely a “feel good” book, but not at all the sappy kind.  I highly recommend it.  I have a copy of her critically acclaimed “The Beekeeper of Aleppo” unread in my bookcase – based on how much I enjoyed this one, it will now be moving towards the top of my to read list so that review will be coming out this year as well.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
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The First Ladies

“The First Ladies” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Published by Berkley

Finished 11/20/23 – 3/5 stars

 

I went into this knowing nothing about Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune but came out with nothing but respect for them both.  I know this book is historical fiction, but the efforts these women made towards equal rights and ending racism are non-fiction.  Yes, President Roosevelt was the one to actually put the bills and policies in place and made the crucial appointments to offices, but these women are the ones who should be given credit as well.  Now, with regards to the book itself…..it was just OK.  I would have preferred more storyline.  Once we got to know the ladies in the 1^st half of the book, we no longer got much “story”.  The 2^nd half almost read like just a timeline of meetings and accomplishments.  It no longer felt personal.  I do recommend it though because I feel like it’s a part of history we should all know more about.

 

I won this book via a Goodreads contest.  Thank you to Goodreads and Berkley for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 

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