Review: Daisy Jones & The Six (Audio)

Summary: Everyone knows DAISY JONES & THE SIX, but nobody knows the reason behind their split at the absolute height of their popularity . . . until now.

Daisy is a girl coming of age in L.A. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleeping with rock stars, and dreaming of singing at the Whisky a Go Go. The sex and drugs are thrilling, but it’s the rock ’n’ roll she loves most. By the time she’s twenty, her voice is getting noticed, and she has the kind of heedless beauty that makes people do crazy things.

Also getting noticed is The Six, a band led by the brooding Billy Dunne. On the eve of their first tour, his girlfriend Camila finds out she’s pregnant, and with the pressure of impending fatherhood and fame, Billy goes a little wild on the road.

Daisy and Billy cross paths when a producer realizes that the key to supercharged success is to put the two together. What happens next will become the stuff of legend.

The making of that legend is chronicled in this riveting and unforgettable novel, written as an oral history of one of the biggest bands of the seventies. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a talented writer who takes her work to a new level with Daisy Jones & The Six, brilliantly capturing a place and time in an utterly distinctive voice. -- Random House Audio

I could barely contain myself when the novel DAISY JONES & THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid showed up in Volumes. I absolutely love Ms. Reid's novels and this one sounded like it was right up my alley. I am not a huge listened of audio books, but I made an exception for this one. The cast was absolutely amazing, and I was hearing some pretty special buzz about the audio version.

DAISY JONES & THE SIX tells the story of the 1970s mega rock band, Daisy Jones & The Six. The band split up when they were the biggest rock band in the country, and no one knew why. This novel, written as an oral history of the band, finally tells that story.

Daisy was a young girl growing up in L.A. in the late sixties. From the time she was a teen, she was sneaking into bars and clubs, sleeping with famous singers, and even dabbling in drugs. She also figured out that she wanted to be a performer. She started to get buzz for her sexy voice, but it didn't hurt that she was absolutely drop dead gorgeous too!

Meanwhile, the band The Six, led by Billy Dunne and his brother, were also getting some attention. Right before the band was ready to head out on their big tour, Billy learned that his girlfriend was pregnant. Billy wasn't quite sure how to handle this news, and he ended up going a little wild. That's actually an understatement. Billy began drinking and doing drugs and actually missed the birth of his first daughter.

When a producer decided to introduce Daisy and Billy, the history of rock music was forever changed. These two had major chemistry... and I don't just mean on-stage! As the band began to gain fame, the bandmates, especially Daisy and Billy, had to deal with many issues and make some difficult choices about the band's and their own future.

I loved, loved, loved DAISY JONES & THE SIX! I felt as if these characters were real, and Ms. Reid brought their stories to life in the very best possible way. I adored both Daisy and Billy and their complicated lives (even though I felt like hitting them upside the head a few times), and I thought the supporting cast was equally well developed. The way the author captured the time period and the dynamics of the band were just so good! I honestly didn't want their story to end... although I admit that I loved how everything was wrapped up.

However, I think what really made this book extra-special to me was the performance of the narrators. I almost can't believe I'm saying this, but I know I preferred the audio version to the written one. This audio book will go down as one of my favorites ever because of performances by Jennifer Beals, Pablo Schreiber, Julia Whelan, and Judy Greer...although every narration was spot on. This was an amazing production, and I'd like to just list the entire cast because it was so special:

Daisy Jones, read by Jennifer Beals
Billy Dunne, read by Pablo Schreiber
Graham Dunne, read by Benjamin Bratt
Eddie Loving, read by Fred Berman
Warren Rhodes, read by Ari Fliakos
Karen Karen, read by Judy Greer
Camila Dunne, read by January LaVoy
Simone Jackson, read by Robinne Lee
Narrator / Author, read by Julia Whelan
Jim Blades, read by Jonathan Davis
Rod Reyes, read by Henry Leyva
Artie Snyder, read by Oliver Wyman
Elaine Chang, read by Nancy Wu
Freddie Mendoza, read by P.J. Ochlan
Nick Harris, read by Arthur Bishop
Jonah Berg, read by Holter Graham
Greg McGuinness, read by Brendan Wayne
Pete Loving, read by Pete Larkin
Wyatt Stone, read by Alex Jenkins Reid
Hank Allen, read by Robert Petkoff
Opal Cunningham, read by Sara Arrington

Book clubs should so read DAISY JONES & THE SIX! I am happy to say that there is an excellent discussion guide with 15 thought-provoking questions. Some of the themes you might want to explore include sacrifice, the role of women in society, drugs, addiction, family, finding one's self, sibling relationships, commitment, faithfulness, and memory. I truly think you could talk about this novel and these characters for hours!

I adored DAISY JONES & THE SIX and highly recommend it to fans of women's fiction!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy on Volumes.

Review: Y is for Yesterday (Audio)

Summary: Private investigator Kinsey Millhone confronts her darkest and most disturbing case in this #1 New York Times bestseller from Sue Grafton.

In 1979, four teenage boys from an elite private school sexually assault a fourteen-year-old classmate—and film the attack. Not long after, the tape goes missing and the suspected thief, a fellow classmate, is murdered. In the investigation that follows, one boy turns state’s evidence and two of his peers are convicted. But the ringleader escapes without a trace.

Now, it’s 1989 and one of the perpetrators, Fritz McCabe, has been released from prison. Moody, unrepentant, and angry, he is a virtual prisoner of his ever-watchful parents—until a copy of the missing tape arrives with a ransom demand. That’s when the McCabes call Kinsey Millhone for help. As she is drawn into their family drama, she keeps a watchful eye on Fritz. But he’s not the only one being haunted by the past. A vicious sociopath with a grudge against Millhone may be leaving traces of himself for her to find… -- Random House Audio

It is bittersweet that I finally finished listening to Y IS FOR YESTERDAY by Sue Grafton -- the last book in her Kinsey Millhone series. Ms. Grafton passed away the end of 2017, and I have been holding onto this audiobook and listening to it in very small increments. I just didn't want it to end. I probably didn't enjoy it as much as I would have if I had listened to it regularly, but I wanted to savor her last novel.

That's not to say that I didn't like Y IS FOR YESTERDAY a lot because I did. It's just difficult to come to terms that one of my favorite authors is gone. It made me listen to the book in a different light, with an almost sadness and dread rather than my normal appreciation of her writing. It's definitely true to me and all fans of Ms. Grafton's -- the alphabet now ends with Y!

Y IS FOR YESTERDAY is a mystery that was rather disturbing. The original crime takes place in 1979 when four high school boys from a prestigious private school film a sexual assault on one of their female classmates. The tape ends up going missing and the boys suspect another classmate... who just happens to get murdered. Two of the boys are convicted after one of the boys ends up cooperating with the police, and the last boy disappears without a trace.

Fast forward to the present day (which just happens to be 1989) and Fritz McCabe, one of the perpetrators, has served his time for the crime and is getting released from prison. A copy of the tape shows up at his house with a ransom note, and Fritz's parents call Kinsey Millhone to do what she does best -- investigate. Meanwhile, she is also dealing with a twisted individual from her past. Can Kinsey get to the bottom of these crimes while also saving herself from a dangerous and disturbed man?

Y IS FOR YESTERDAY is Ms. Grafton at her best. It goes without saying that Kinsey Millhone is one of the best private investigators in fiction -- I just love her. In addition, Ms. Grafton has created some fascinating characters and an intriguing mystery. She managed to transition the stories between 1979 and 1989 flawlessly, while also balancing the crimes of the teens and her personal nemesis. There's a lot going on in this novel with a lot of characters; however, it's very, very well written.

The audiobook version of Y IS FOR YESTERDAY was read by Judy Kaye. If I'm being entirely honest, I kind of wish I had read this novel instead of listening to it. I don't know if there was inherently anything wrong with the narration; however, I just didn't find her voice to be what I was expecting. It's probably my fault for even having expectations for what Kinsey might sound like, but Kinsey really isn't that old... and Ms. Kaye's voice seemed a little too mature to me.

Y IS FOR YESTERDAY is a great end to an amazing series -- but would you expect anything less from Ms. Grafton? Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audiobook.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Review: Tell Me More (Audio)

Summary: It’s a crazy idea: trying to name the phrases that make love and connection possible. But that’s just what Kelly Corrigan has set out to do here. In her New York Times bestselling memoirs, Corrigan distilled our core relationships to their essences, showcasing a warm, easy storytelling style. Now, in Tell Me More, she’s back with a deeply personal, unfailingly honest, and often hilarious examination of the essential phrases that turn the wheel of life. 

In “I Don’t Know,” Corrigan wrestles to make peace with uncertainty, whether it’s over invitations that never came or a friend’s agonizing infertility. In “No,” she admires her mother’s ability to set boundaries and her liberating willingness to be unpopular. In “Tell Me More,” a facialist named Tish teaches her something important about listening. And in “I Was Wrong,” she comes clean about her disastrous role in a family fight—and explains why saying sorry may not be enough. With refreshing candor, a deep well of empathy, and her signature desire to understand “the thing behind the thing,” Corrigan swings between meditations on life with a preoccupied husband and two mercurial teenage daughters to profound observations on love and loss. 

With the streetwise, ever-relatable voice that defines Corrigan’s work, Tell Me More is a moving and meaningful take on the power of the right words at the right moment to change everything. -- Random House Audio

I decided to listen to TELL ME MORE: STORIES ABOUT THE 12 HARDEST THINGS I'M LEARNING TO SAY by Kelly Corrigan after Kathy's (aka Bermudaonion's) review of it. I have been running more lately and I like to listen to audiobooks while I exercise; however, I usually listen to thrillers. In fact, I rarely listen to (or read for that matter) books like this... but I am so glad I did.

TELL ME MORE was exactly the right book for me at the right time. In this book, Ms. Corrigan chooses phrases that make a difference in her life... and it translates well into readers' lives too. Her book is oh so ever honest -- painfully so at times; and as a mother, wife, daughter, and friend, I could totally relate to her stories. I absolutely love that this book made me laugh and cry (and oh boy did I ever cry!) Honestly, I can't rave enough about this book.

The book is divided into sections by certain phrases that are essential to Ms. Corrigan's life including "I Don't Know," "No", and "I Was Wrong." You might notice that the three phrases I mentioned are ones that aren't always easy to say, but so important to keep the important relationships in our lives running smoothly. For each phrase, Ms. Corrigan told stories from her personal life including hilarious ones about her mother, her daughters and husband, and even her childhood. However, the real beauty of this book was in the touching stories about her friend and her father in their final days.

Ms. Corrigan lost her best friend and her father within a short time period, and as a reader, I could tell that these events rocked her world. I love that, after these losses, she decided to evaluate her own life. It makes me feel like there's hope even after horrible things happen. And because Ms. Corrigan is so insightful and witty, her words made me evaluate my own life. Can you really ask more from a book?

I read a past memoir about Ms. Corrigan's diagnosis of cancer with two little kids; however, I think TELL ME MORE just resonated with me more. I also think that listening to the audio version of the book made a huge difference for me. Ms. Corrigan narrated her story and she did an outstanding job. I think Kathy said it best when she said it felt like a friend sharing her story with her. I appreciated Ms. Corrigan's candor and emotion when it came to her observations on life, and I loved her sense of humor too. All of these things came through loud and clear through the audiobook version.

TELL ME MORE is a wonderful memoir and just might go down as one of my favorite books of the year. Highly recommended!

I downloaded this audiobook from Volumes.

Review: The Shark Club (Audio)

Summary: A warm and wonderfully vivid novel about taking second chances—in life and in the sea

One summer day on the beach in Florida, two extraordinary things happen to Maeve Donnelly. First, she is kissed by Daniel, the boy of her dreams. Then, she is bitten by a blacktip shark.

Eighteen years later, Maeve has thrown herself into her work as a world-traveling marine biologist discovering more about the minds of misunderstood sharks. But when Maeve returns home to the legendarily charming and eccentric Hotel of the Muses where she was raised by her grandmother, she finds more than just the blood orange sunsets and key lime pies she’s missed waiting for her.

While Maeve has always been fearless in the water, on land she is indecisive. A chance meeting on the beach with a plucky, irresistible little girl who is just as fascinated by the ocean as Maeve was growing up leaves her at a crossroads: Should she re-kindle her romance with Daniel, the first love she left behind when she dove into her work? Or indulge in a new romance with her colleague, Nicholas, who turns up in her hometown to investigate an illegal shark-finning operation?

Set against the intoxicating backdrop of palm trees, calypso bands, and perfect ocean views, The Shark Club is a story of the mysterious passions of one woman’s life: her first love and new love; the sea and sharks that inhabit it. -- Penguin Audio

Just when I think I've reviewed all of my "beach books," I find another one! I know, I know -- you'd think I'd be more on top of the books I've read this summer. I have a bit of an excuse with this one because it's an audio book... so it wasn't in my need-to-be reviewed pile. The book is called THE SHARK CLUB by Ann Kidd Taylor, and it's been on almost every recommendation list for the summer.

THE SHARK CLUB is a great summer read because it primarily takes place at a beach in Florida, but it's also a fun escape read because it deals with family, love and second chances. Maeve Donnelly is a marine biologist who travels the world researching sharks. Her choice of professions is interesting, to say the least, because she was actually bit by a shark as a kid... right after she was kissed by the love of her life, Daniel.

Maeve and Daniel continued a romance for years and were even engaged to be married until they weren't. Maeve threw herself into her career, often times becoming closer to sharks than people. When Maeve returns home to her grandmother's hotel (which just happens to have a literary theme - LOVE!), she is looking forward to the comfort of her hometown; however, she quickly realizes that she can't escape her past. In fact, she actually runs into a little girl who is fascinated by the ocean and sharks only to learn that she is Daniel's daughter.

Maeve is planning to leave at the end of the summer to continue her work with sharks, but she finds herself still drawn to Daniel despite recently starting something with her co-worker Nicholas. Needless to say, she has some major decisions to make like should she try again with Daniel? Should se stay back in Florida and give up her career aspirations? Would she be happy marrying Daniel and being a mother to Hazel?

As if Maeve doesn't have enough going on with her personal life, there is also something sinister going on in this idyllic beach setting. Someone is killing tons of sharks so they can sell their fins. Naturally, Maeve is outraged and decides to investigate on her own (and with the help of Nicholas who just happens to show up) even if it means that her life is in danger!

I really enjoyed THE SHARK CLUB and it was a definitely a fun way to kill time on my morning walks and runs! The story is perfect for the summer (so hurry up and read it!), and it has just the right blend of romance and action (although it's really more about Maeve and her self-awareness journey.) I found myself really liking so many of the characters (even the secondary ones) in this novel from Maeve, to Hazel, to Nicholas, to Maeve's grandmother. And of course, I loved the hotel with all of its literary references!

I admit I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this novel. At first glance, it kind of sounds like a chick lit book (not that there's anything wrong with that!) However, Maeve's journey in this novel is actually pretty insightful. She and her brother lost their parents at a young age, and their deaths affected each one of them very differently. In addition, Maeve's return to her home forced her to confront some unfinished business from her past. I appreciated how the author delved into her psyche and how she learned from the mistakes she made.

Another aspect of the novel that I enjoyed was the mystery surrounding who was responsible for the illegal shark finning operation. It wasn't a major storyline but it was an interesting one with a few surprises thrown in. I also liked how the author made sharks likable... and almost lovable through Maeve's voice.

As far as audio books go, I thought Emily Rankin did a great job. She totally captured the essence of Maeve which was definitely her strength, but she also did a good job with the other characters. The novel is a little under 10 hours, and I thought it flew by! And if you know me, then you know it takes me forever to read an audio book!

THE SHARK CLUB is a truly enjoyable read and I can see what it received so much praise. Highly recommended for fans of women's fiction!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audio book.

Review: Here's to Us (Audio)

Summary: Three romantic rivals. One crowded house. Plenty of room for jealousy.

Laurel Thorpe, Belinda Rowe, and Scarlett Oliver share only two things; a love for the man they all married, Deacon Thorpe--a celebrity chef with an insatiable appetite for life--and a passionate dislike of one another. All three are remarkable, spirited women, but they couldn't be more different. Laurel: Deacon's high school sweetheart and an effortlessly beautiful social worker; Belinda: a high-maintenance Hollywood diva; and Scarlett: a sexy southern belle floating by on her family money and her fabulous looks. They've established a delicate understanding over the years--they avoid each other at all costs.

But their fragile detente threatens to come crashing down after Deacon's tragic death on his favorite place on earth: a ramshackle Nantucket summer cottage. Deacon's final wish was for his makeshift family to assemble on his beloved Nantucket to say good-bye. Begrudgingly, Laurel, Belinda, and Scarlett gather on the island as once again, as in each of their marriages, they're left to pick up Deacon's mess. Now they're trapped in the crowded cottage where they all made their own memories--a house that they now share in more ways than one--along with the children they raised with Deacon, and his best friend. Laurel, Belinda, and Scarlett each had an unbreakable bond with Deacon--and they all have secrets to hide.

Before the weekend is over, there are enough accusations, lies, tears, and drama to turn even the best of friends--let alone three women who married the same man--into adversaries. As his unlikely family says good-bye to the man who brought them together--for better or worse--will they be able to put aside their differences long enough to raise a glass in Deacon's honor? -- Hachette Audio

Every summer, I look forward to reading Elin Hilderbrand's new beach book! This summer it was titled HERE'S TO US, and I received an audio copy for review. I am the first to admit that I tend to read books more quickly in print form; however, this audio book took me an especially long time to read. I think my summer schedule (or lack thereof) was one of the reasons, but I also didn't really enjoy this Hilderbrand book like I normally do.

HERE'S TO US reads a little bit like The Real Housewives of Nantucket or maybe I should say The Real Ex-Wives of Deacon Thorpe. Deacon Thorpe was a famous chef and restaurant owner who had his fair share of demons including drugs, alcohol and women. Ironically enough, he died unexpectedly after he came clean!

A few weeks after his death, his two ex-wives and current estranged wife as well as his children all arrive at Deacon's Nantucket beach house to celebrate the man's life. It probably shouldn't surprise you that Deacon's ex's don't get along... at all... and that's putting it mildly. There's Laurel, his first wife and high school sweetheart, who continued to "keep in touch" with Deacon even after he left her for Belinda, an Oscar winning actress. Belinda is everything you'd think (if you think the worst) about a Hollywood actress. She was incredibly selfish and vain and bitter about her divorce from Deacon. And then there was Scarlett, a young Southern girl who was Belinda and Deacon's nanny. It was obvious that there would be plenty of opportunity for drama with these three women and their kids living in a small beach house.

When the three women all arrive at Deacon's favorite place in the world, they learn from Deacon's best friend (and business manager) that the cottage is willed to all three of them! If that's not bad enough, the house is in foreclosure and they need to come up with a ton of money if they want to save it. As the family remembers Deacon's life (both the good and the bad), many secrets are brought to light that could forever change the way these women look at their lives... and the meaning of family.

I really wanted to like HERE'S TO US, but it just didn't work for me. I thought the premise sounded fun, especially for a beach book; and maybe it would have been if I had read it in a day or two while lying by the beach. However, I listened to it while I walked and ran; and it just wasn't intriguing enough for me to make an effort to come back to it. Evidently, it's me though. The novel has four stars on Amazon, so I have a feeling that this book just didn't resonate with me for some reason.

I don't want to bash this novel just because it didn't work for me, but I do want to give you a reason or two why I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of Ms. Hilderbrand's books. If I had to sum it up in one word, I'd say "characters." I just didn't like many of them, and I actually couldn't stand quite a few of them. Now I know I don't have to like the characters to appreciate a book, but this was more extreme. The pettiness and selfishness of the characters was over-the-top -- just too much and too stereotypical.

Having said that, a few of the characters did show growth in the story; and I appreciated that. It was just a long way for me to get to that point. Ultimately, I liked how things worked out for most of the characters, but I will say it was fairly predictable. I still think that's okay because a book like this (i.e. a breezy beach book) because that's what readers expect; however, I did feel as if the ending of the book had a much quicker pace than the rest of the story.

One thing many readers will enjoy is the vivid descriptions that Ms. Hilderbrand uses to describe her characters and the setting. She does a great job in detailing the characters' appearances and clothes and an even better job of bringing the town Nantucket to life. And as far as food goes, this book will keep foodie readers very happy. She does a wonderful job of describing some decadent dishes and even includes a few recipes!

I actually listened to HERE'S TO US rather than reading it, and it might have made a difference in my appreciation of the story. That's not a knock against the narrator Erin Bennett because I thought she did a fine job. Rather, I'm just not a huge fan of listening to books unless they knock me off of my feet!

Overall, HERE'S TO US was not my favorite of Ms. Hilderbrand's novels; however, I do think her loyal fans will enjoy the story.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: What Was Mine (Audio)

Summary: Simply told but deeply affecting, in the bestselling tradition of Alice McDermott and Tom Perrotta, this urgent novel unravels the heartrending yet unsentimental tale of a woman who kidnaps a baby in a superstore—and gets away with it for twenty-one years.

Lucy Wakefield is a seemingly ordinary woman who does something extraordinary in a desperate moment: she takes a baby girl from a shopping cart and raises her as her own. It’s a secret she manages to keep for over two decades—from her daughter, the babysitter who helped raise her, family, coworkers, and friends.

When Lucy’s now-grown daughter Mia discovers the devastating truth of her origins, she is overwhelmed by confusion and anger and determines not to speak again to the mother who raised her. She reaches out to her birth mother for a tearful reunion, and Lucy is forced to flee to China to avoid prosecution. What follows is a ripple effect that alters the lives of many and challenges our understanding of the very meaning of motherhood.

Author Helen Klein Ross, whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, weaves a powerful story of upheaval and resilience told from the alternating perspectives of Lucy, Mia, Mia’s birth mother, and others intimately involved in the kidnapping. What Was Mine is a compelling tale of motherhood and loss, of grief and hope, and the life-shattering effects of a single, irrevocable moment. -- Gallery

I remember when my good friend Kathy was listening to WHAT WAS MINE by Helen Klein Ross. She really enjoyed it and I was so excited because she was able to share it with me via Audible's new policy! It took me awhile to get around to listening to it, but I'm really glad I did. I have to agree with her that this was a compelling story.

WHAT WAS MINE centers around one woman's desire to be a mother and the extent she would go through to live that dream. Lucy Wakefield and her husband have been trying to have a child for years. It becomes all consuming for Lucy, so much so that she and her husband's marriage fails partly because of it. Lucy throws herself into her advertising career, yet she still longs for a child.

One day when Lucy is browsing in IKEA, she sees an infant left alone in a shopping cart. Something overcomes her and she leaves the story with the baby girl. Despite her intentions that she was just taking the baby outside to warm up, she ends up taking the baby home with her. She names the baby Mia and creates an elaborate set of lies... and the two live together and mother/daughter for two decades.

Meanwhile, Mia's biological mother Marilyn is devastated to lose her daughter. She and her husband try to keep hope alive, but their marriage eventually falls apart too. Marilyn ends up moving to California after some time and finding a new career, husband, and family. However, she never forgets about her daughter.

When Mia eventually discovers the truth about her mother, she is extremely confused. She's also furious with Lucy and decides she never wants to speak with her again. She goes to California and tries to live with her biological mother and new family; however, that proves to be difficult too. Lucy flees to China (where there just happens to be no extradition agreement with the U.S.) and prays that some day Mia will contact her.

Needless to say, there's a heck of a lot going on in WHAT WAS MINE. It's a touching story about mothers and the love they have for their children. However, it also explores some other universal topics including grief, loss, and guilt. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version which was read by Julia Whelan, Cassandra Campbell and Amanda Carlin (with: Rebekkah Ross and Jonathan Todd Ross.)

One of my favorite things about WHAT WAS MINE was the way the author decided to tell the story. The book was written in multiple viewpoints -- mainly Lucy and Marilyn's eyes; however, Mia, the husbands, and even a few minor characters also had their turn. I really appreciated how the author captured each of their voices, and I think the narrators further helped with their interpretations.

I also thought WHAT WAS MINE gave me a lot to think about. And that's always a good thing when it comes to a book! While I obviously didn't think what Lucy did was right, I did feel some compassion towards her. (That's also a credit to the author!) I could feel Lucy's desperation and it was a one second decision that forever changed her life... as well as other's lives. While I've never made a decision quite like Lucy's, it does make you think about how your choices alter your future!

I also thought the author did a great job in showing the fall-out from Mia's kidnapping. Her portrayal of Lucy's constant paranoia was extremely realistic to me, but she also did a wonderful job in her portrayal of Marilyn and the path she took with her life. And Mia's reaction to learning the truth just resonated with me -- it was perfect. Overall, I found all three characters' reactions to be very believable, and that was refreshing because I did have some issues with believing that Lucy would just steal a baby.

WHAT WAS MINE would make an excellent book club pick. There is so much to uncover about these three women, and I do think groups with moms will embrace this novel. There is a reading guide available with twelve questions along with some suggestions to enhance your meeting. Some of the themes you might want to explore include guilt, desire, mother/daughter relationships, marriage, secrets, faith, grief, identity, and forgiveness.

I really enjoyed WHAT WAS MINE and highly recommend it to fans of women's fiction.

Thanks to Kathy (aka Bermudaonion) for sharing her audio copy of this novel.

Review: Blood on Snow (Audio)

Summary: From the internationally acclaimed author of the Harry Hole novels—a fast, tight, darkly lyrical stand-alone novel that has at its center the perfectly sympathetic antihero: an Oslo contract killer who draws us into an unexpected meditation on death and love.

This is the story of Olav: an extremely talented “fixer” for one of Oslo’s most powerful crime bosses. But Olav is also an unusually complicated fixer. He has a capacity for love that is as far-reaching as is his gift for murder. He is our straightforward, calm-in-the-face-of-crisis narrator with a storyteller’s hypnotic knack for fantasy. He has an “innate talent for subordination” but running through his veins is a “virus” born of the power over life and death. And while his latest job puts him at the pinnacle of his trade, it may be mutating into his greatest mistake. . . . -- Random House Audio

I know there are some fans out there that swear by Jo Nesbo. I have only read one of his Harry Hole books and I liked it a great deal; and I've added them to my "need to read" list. However, in keeping with my lifelong theme of "too many books, too little time," I decided to first listen to a stand-alone novella that he wrote called BLOOD ON SNOW. I hate to say it, but I wasn't exactly what I was hoping for.

BLOOD ON SNOW tells the story pf Olav, a "fixer" for Daniel Hoffman, a major crime boss in Oslo. It probably goes without saying that Olav has committed his fair share of crimes in his life including brutal murders; however, Olav is also a sensitive soul. When he is hired to "fix" the crime boss's wife Corina, Olav stakes out her apartment. He soon discovers that Corina has a lover who beats her and he finds himself drawn to her. Olav is in a bind because he can't exactly refuse to kill her, but he also knows that he can't kill her because he has fallen in love with her.

Desperate, Olav comes up with a plan... and it's a doozy. He makes a deal with the other major crime boss to take out Hoffman instead. His plan is far from perfect and much can and will go wrong!

I didn't love BLOOD ON SNOW, nor did I hate it. I actually didn't have much feeling either way about this audiobook. It was just okay to me. Olav was an interesting character and I did like how the author juxtaposed his brutal job with his ability to fall in love. He actually was intriguing and likable despite his choice of careers; however, there were parts of the story that I just didn't buy.

On the plus side, there were quite a few twists and turns that made the story exciting. I definitely got the sense that Nesbo can tell a story, and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up more of his books. What I found a little disappointing, though, was that the story was a little predictable. I could see what was coming and I would have appreciated the novella more had I been surprised.

The audiobook was read by Patti Smith and she definitely wasn't one of my favorite narrators. I think I understand what she was trying to do with Olav's character -- he wasn't supposed to be very bright, but her voice and tone sounded very monotone to me... almost to the point where I zoned out when listening. I also was confused by the choice of a woman to narrate the story when it was told through the eyes of a man.

Overall, I think I might have enjoyed BLOOD ON SNOW more had I read it instead of listened to it. Recommended to fans of Nesbo's, but I'm not sure the audio version is the way to go.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an audio review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Giveaway: Fodors on the Go!

Hit the road this summer with Fodor’s Travel and Listening Library! 

Summer is right around the corner and planning your family vacation has never been easier thanks to Fodor’s Travel. For 80 years Fodor’s has been a trusted resource offering expert travel advice and in celebration of the National Park Service Centennial in 2016, their experts unveiled a new suite of online tools and updated guidebooks to help travelers plan an unforgettable family trip to America's incredible natural wonders. Throughout 2016, all parks, including the venerable Yellowstone and Yosemite, will celebrate the centennial with activities and initiatives that allow visitors to revel in their natural, historical, and cultural splendor.

There’s no better way to explore a national park (or a few!) than to hit the road and let’s face it, picking which parks to visit and what scenic routes to take can be overwhelming. Fodor’s National Park Road Trip Itineraries, found on Fodors.com, include the most road-trip worthy adventures to parks across various states. And that’s not all you’ll find - National Parks 101 tells you everything you need to know about planning a trip to the national parks, including booking, budgeting and packing tips; and National Parks Finder helps you find and compare national parks based on activity, region or season. When you use these tools with Fodor’s National Parks of the West, on sale May 10, which includes completely updated coverage of the best sites, dining, and lodging in and around each park, you’re sure to have the best summer trip yet.

And while you’re on the road with your family, you’re going to need some travel entertainment. The solution: Listen to an audiobook! With an audiobook, you can completely lose yourself in the journey, enjoying the scenery while listening to a great narrator tell you a story. Ideal listening with kids in the car, audiobooks expand vocabulary, teach pronunciation and improve reading comprehension. In fact, 85% of what we learn, we learn by listening. Whether it’s a charmingly, quirky tale for your middle grader like Jennifer L. Holm’s THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH, a brain-teasing mystery like Chris Grabenstein’s ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY, or Jack London’s classic THE CALL OF THE WILD read by Emmy Award winner Jeff Daniels, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

AUDIO CLIPS 





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Giveaway alert: Thanks to the fine folks at Penguin Random House, I have an amazing Fodor's On the Go Prize Pack to share with one lucky reader!

- One (1) winner receives: FODOR'S THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST
- Three audiobooks to listen to on the drive: THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH, ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY, and THE CALL OF THE WILD

To enter, just fill out the form below before June 7th at 11: 59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Review: Career of Evil (Audio)

Summary: When a mysterious package is delivered to Robin Ellacott, she is horrified to discover that it contains a woman's severed leg.

Her boss, private detective Cormoran Strike, is less surprised but no less alarmed. There are four people from his past who he thinks could be responsible--and Strike knows that any one of them is capable of sustained and unspeakable brutality.

With the police focusing on the one suspect Strike is increasingly sure is not the perpetrator, he and Robin take matters into their own hands, and delve into the dark and twisted worlds of the other three men. But as more horrendous acts occur, time is running out for the two of them...

Career of Evil is the third in the highly acclaimed series featuring private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott. A fiendishly clever mystery with unexpected twists around every corner, it is also a gripping story of a man and a woman at a crossroads in their personal and professional lives. -- Hachette Audio

Some of you probably know this but I am a huge fan of J. K. Rowling's (writing as Robert Galbraith) mystery series starring Cormoran Strike. This is rare for me but I've actually listened to all three books rather than reading them in print. I am not the most avid audio book fan so it says a lot about both the writing and the narration that I can listen to these books. The latest novel, CAREER OF EVIL, came in at 18 hours!

CAREER OF EVIL begins when Robin, Cormoran's secretary and assistant at his private detective office, receives a package that contains a woman's leg. Cormoran immediately begins assessing who would send a severed leg to his office and comes up with four people from his past that he thinks might do it. (Imagine knowing four people who would cut off a woman's leg and mail it to an innocent woman? That gives you an idea of Cormoran's life and the dangerous people he's encountered!)

Cormoran lets the police know about the incident and they immediately focus on a suspect... a man that Cormoran is pretty sure isn't the culprit. Robin and Cormoran decide to lead their own investigation into the other three suspects. These men are extremely dangerous and both of their lives are at risk as more disgusting incidents take place.

I adored CAREER OF EVIL -- truly loved it! Once again, Ms. Rowling (or Mr. Galbraith) has written an intriguing, well thought out mystery that is extremely clever. She's created a fantastic cast of characters. I especially love Cormoran's dark and brooding personality, and she's also created the right amount of tension, both professionally and personally, between Robin and her boss. All in all, the story is just a fantastic mystery.

In the third book, the reader sees Robin with a bit more of a role. She's really been coming into her own in the last two books; however, in this one, we realize just how much of an important role she plays in helping Cormoran (although I think most of us already knew!) There is more revealed about her past, and there definitely is a focus on her wedding to Matthew in this novel. For those of us who want to see Robin and Cormoran as more than co-workers, there was definitely a fair amount of dramatic tension in their relationship.

As much as I love the characters in this series, I do have to say that the mystery in CAREER OF EVIL was excellent. There were some pretty nasty suspects and I thought the way Robin and Cormoran explored them was great. Needless to say, I think readers will be satisfied with how they solve the  mystery as well as the many twists and turns.

CAREER OF EVIL is read by Robert Glenister, and he's truly incredible. I am always impressed by his narration, and he seems to tackle different accents with a certain ease. I pretty much love everything about his voice including his inflections, his comedic timing, his sense of drama, and more!

I really don't know what else to say about CAREER OF EVIL and the other two books in the Cormoran Strike series. I adore these books and highly recommend them to fans of mysteries.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Review: The Doll Maker (Audio)

Summary: Detectives Byrne and Balzano return to the streets of Philadelphia to put an end to a macabre succession of murdered children.

A quiet Philadelphia suburb. A woman cycles past a train depot with her young daughter. There she finds a murdered girl posed on a newly painted bench. Beside her is a formal invitation to a tea dance in a week's time.

Seven days later, two more young victims are discovered in an abandoned house, posed on painted swings. At the scene is an identical invitation. This time, though, there is something extra waiting for Detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano: a delicate porcelain doll.

It's a message. And a threat. With the killers at large, Detectives Byrne and Balzano have just seven more days to find the link between the murders before another innocent child is snatched from the streets. -- Hachette Audio

I don't listen to many books, but when I do I usually decide on a mystery or thriller. For some reason, I just prefer this genre to others in the audio format. The latest audio book that I finished was THE DOLL MAKER by Richard Montanari. This is the eighth book in the Byrne and Balzano series, and for some reason, I wasn't familiar with this author or his books. I normally don't like starting part-way through a series, but I can definitely say that I am happy I did just that!

THE DOLL MAKER tells the story of a group of murders where the child victims are left in posed positions. Besides the unique staging of the crime, there is also formal invitations to tea left with the victims; and eventually, there is even a doll left there that looks like the victim of an earlier murder.

The culprit (or culprits) are almost toying with Detectives Byrne and Balzano with the clues they leave with the bodies, and the detectives feel a sense of urgency to find them before they kill another innocent child.

I left my description of the book especially vague because there really is a lot going on in this story and I didn't want to give too much away. I actually wasn't sure how much to tell or not tell! THE DOLL MAKER begins with a gruesome murder of a prostitute before jumping to a police procedural starring Detectives Byrne and Balzano. I admit I didn't think I was going to like this book after that first chapter. The opening scene was extremely graphic, and it didn't seem like my style of book. However after that first chapter, it didn't take long before I was hooked on both these characters and the mystery.

For much of the novel, THE DOLL MAKER kept me fully engrossed in the murder of these children. The events surrounding these murders kept getting creepier and creepier (albeit in a good way!), and I really wasn't sure what was going on. I appreciated that I discovered clues about the crimes along with the detectives; however, there were a few times when I got frustrated by the details of the story. That's not a knock on the author and the pacing of the story. Rather, I think it was that I was experiencing some of the same emotions and anxiety of the Byrne and Balzano!

One thing that I loved about this book was the setting. It takes place in Philadelphia, and the author did a wonderful job of bringing this city to life. In addition, I was extremely impressed with how he portrayed the Philly police department and the inner workings of its employees. His descriptions of the police force seemed to be authentic, and I enjoyed the interactions between its various members.

Despite the title of this book, something I found surprising about this thriller was how much of the story was spent on discussing a famous doll maker as well as the history of doll making. I definitely wasn't expecting the book to go there (even though the title was THE DOLL MAKER), and I can honestly say that I found these details really interesting.

I really enjoyed so many things about the mystery in this novel. It was gripping, suspenseful, disturbing, and more; and the culprits were definitely interesting individuals. I could go on and on about this, but suffice it to say that the story was well done. However what I enjoyed, maybe even more than the mystery, were the characters of Byrne and Balzano. I loved them! The were complex and very likable and the dynamics between the two were excellent. I also appreciated that there was enough included about their pasts and their personal lives to make them even more human.

The audio version of THE DOLL MAKER was read by Scott Brick, and I've heard wonderful things about him. I'm pretty sure I've never listened to a book read by him, and boy have I been missing out! He was absolutely fantastic. I think he's read most of the earlier Byrne and Balzano books (although not Book 7), and between Montanari's storytelling ability and Brick's narration, I definitely intend to go back and read/listen to more of this series!

Overall, THE DOLL MAKER was a pretty solid mystery/thriller. I enjoyed the characters quite a bit as well as the twists and turns. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audio book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Review: The Rumor (Audio)

Summary: A friendship is tested in this irresistible page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand. 

Nantucket writer Madeline King couldn't have picked a worse time to have writer's block. Her deadline is looming, her bills are piling up, and inspiration is in short supply. Madeline's best friend Grace, is hard at work transforming her garden into the envy of the island with the help of a ruggedly handsome landscape architect. Before she realizes it, Grace is on the verge of a decision that will irrevocably change her life. Could Grace's crisis be Madeline's salvation? As the gossip escalates, and the summer's explosive events come to a head, Grace and Madeline try desperately to set the record straight--but the truth might be even worse than rumor has it. -- Hachette Audio

Summer wouldn't be summer with a novel by Elin Hildebrand -- although I suspect I might be saying the same thing about the holiday season if she continues to write Christmas books. I was a little late to the Hildebrand party this summer because I only had an audio version of her latest novel THE RUMOR. I just can't read audiobooks at the same pace as print ones. So it's now fall and pumpkin spice season and I'm just getting around to reviewing THE RUMOR.

THE RUMOR takes place in Nantucket (no surprise there!) and shows the impact that rumors can have on a small town. Madeline is writer who once had success but is now experience writer's block. She's under a strict deadline from her publisher and has her fair share of bills that need to be paid. Meanwhile her best friend Grace is working a little too closely with her handsome landscape architect whose bill is being footed by none other than her husband.

Grace is confiding in her best friend Madeline about her affair, and when Madeline can find absolutely nothing to write about, she turns to her best friend's story. When the manuscript gets into the wrong hands, rumors start flying about Grace. However, Madeline also finds that her actions result in some rumors being spread across the island. As the gossip escalates about these women and their families, Grace and Madeline try to do damage control but ultimately find that the truth just might even worse than the rumors.

THE RUMOR is an entertaining story that fans of Ms. Hildebrand will enjoy. It has the gorgeous setting of Nantucket which Ms. Hildebrand brings vividly to life... as she always does. And once again, her characters and their lives are complex. I found the way she wrote this book to be very clever, and I especially appreciated how the tension between the characters escalated throughout the story.

THE RUMOR is a fun story with some memorable characters. I found it interesting that I didn't actually love any of the characters. Of course, some are more likable than others, but for the most part, Grace and her husband Eddie (and even Madeline at times) weren't characters that resonated with me. That's not to say that I didn't find them interesting. Grace was having an affair and was pretty much obsessed with her gardener -- so much so that she was willing to give up her family for him, while her husband Eddie was having major financial problems that "forced" him to start a small prostitution ring. I really didn't "like" either one of them, but what was interesting is that I cared very much about their stories. By the end of the novel, I almost felt bad for Eddie and Grace despite some of their actions.

Even though I only mentioned Grace, Madeline, and Eddie's actions that caused rumors, there were also side stories about their teen-age children. Grace and Eddie were the parents of twins girls while Madeline and her husband had a teenage son who just happened to be dating one of Grace and Eddie's girls. There was lots of teenage drama in the story with a good twin/bad twin storyline, and as a mother to a daughter close to their ages, I found it interesting albeit a little scary!

One thing's for sure in THE RUMOR -- the main characters all learned valuable lessons. I actually thing that's one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. There were plenty of secrets and lots of gossip, but those involved in these actions paid a price. The toll on the relationships was pretty severe but eventually the characters' love for each other persevered. It was a satisfying ending, and in many ways, justice was served -- both good and bad.

As I mentioned earlier, I listened to the audiobook version of THE RUMOR. It was read by Kathleen McInerney, Erin Bennett, and Rick Zieff. I enjoyed having the variety of narrators for the different characters, and I thought they all did a great job. I've listed to quite a few books read by Kathleen McInerney and she's always a treat!

As a big fan of Elin Hildebrand, I really enjoyed THE RUMOR. Definitely recommended to fans of women's fiction and fans of Hildebrand's other novels.

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this audiobook.

Review: After Perfect (Audio)

Summary: In the tradition of New York Times best sellers What Remains by Carole Radziwill and Oh the Glory of It All by Sean Wilsey, Christina McDowell's unflinching memoir is a brutally honest, cautionary tale about one family's destruction in the wake of the Wall Street implosion. 

Christina McDowell was born Christina Prousalis. She had to change her name to be legally extricated from the trail of chaos her father, Tom Prousalis, left in the wake of his arrest and subsequent imprisonment as one of the guilty players sucked into the collateral fallout of Jordan Belfort (the "Wolf of Wall Street"). Christina worshipped her father and the seemingly perfect life they lived...a life she finds out was built on lies. Christina's family, as is typically the case, had no idea what was going on. 

Nineteen-year-old Christina drove her father to jail while her mother dissolved in denial. Since then Christina's life has been decimated. As her family floundered in rehab, depression, homelessness, and loss, Christina succumbed to the grip of alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity before finding catharsis in the most unlikely of places. From the bucolic affluence of suburban Washington, DC, to the A-list clubs and seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, this provocative memoir unflinchingly describes the harsh realities of a fall from grace. Full of '90s nostalgia and access to the inner circles of the Washingtonian societal elite, Christina McDowell's beautiful memoir is a Blue Jasmine story from a daughter's perspective. -- Audible

One of the books I discovered at this year's BEA was AFTER PERFECT: A DAUGHTER'S MEMOIR by Christina McDowell. I don't read a lot of memoirs, but this one sounded like it might be interesting. When the folks at Audible asked if I was interested in giving it a listen, I didn't even hesitate.

AFTER PERFECT is Christina McDowell's story of what happened to her and her family after her father's arrest. The Prousalis family seemingly had it all. They were living an extravagant life in the DC suburbs. Christina thought her family was just about perfect. Her father, Tom, who she idolized, was a successful attorney; and her mother served on various charities. Christina and their sisters were all popular girls who had everything money could buy...

until Tom was arrested and imprisoned for his involvement with Jordan Belfort (the "Wolf of Wall Street.") As Christina discovered more and more about her father, she realized that their entire life was built on lies. Christina, her sisters, and her mom had no idea what was going on, but it didn't take long for them to find themselves without the life-style they were accustomed to.

Christina took her father's incarceration particularly hard. She moved to Los Angeles to try her hand at an acting career. Her life fell apart as she began drinking too much, taking drugs and falling into bed with men. Fortunately she was able to get the help she needed, come to terms with her father's deceptions, and put her life back together.

AFTER PERFECT is definitely an interesting story about a family's tragic fall. I was extremely impressed with the author's honesty, sometimes brutal, about her father and her own life. The story was very sad and I found myself hoping that Ms. McDowell came to her senses before doing some permanent damage. There were times that it was almost difficult to listen to her path towards self-destruction. And many of the scenes with her father just made me sick. He really did shatter Ms. McDowell's world and it wasn't just because of their financial ruin.

However, if I'm going entirely honest, there were also times when I had a hard time feeling pity for Ms. McDowell and her family. That's not a knock against Ms. McDowell or her story. It's just that they had so much and took so much of it for granted. As I reflect back on Ms. McDowell's privileged childhood, I realize that this life is all she and her sisters ever knew. There would be almost no way possible that they could just up and change their lifestyles after their father's fall.

And I think that's actually the beauty of this book. Ms. McDowell is so darn honest about herself and her family's circumstances that it's almost hard to be resentful towards them. (I say the term family without including her father!) Her story is one about redemption and it's hard not to respect her by the end of her story. Despite the challenges she faced, she eventually found the inner strength to make the changes she needed to and get herself out of the mountain of debt she was facing.

I listened to the audio version of this book which was read by the author. Normally I would be hesitant to listen to a book narrated by the author, but Ms. McDowell has worked as an actress so she's not the typical author reading her story. I thought she did a great job. Her voice definitely lent an air of authenticity to the story and you could actually hear her pain.

I enjoyed AFTER PERFECT and recommend it to fans of memoirs.

Thanks to Audible for providing a review copy of this audiobook.

Kid Konnection: What Pet Should I Get?

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a brand new picture book by none other than Dr. Seuss.

Summary: This never-ever-before-seen picture book by Dr. Seuss about making up one’s mind is the literary equivalent of buried treasure! What happens when a brother and sister visit a pet store to pick a pet? Naturally, they can’t choose just one! The tale captures a classic childhood moment—choosing a pet—and uses it to illuminate a life lesson: that it is hard to make up your mind, but sometimes you just have to do it!

Told in Dr. Seuss’s signature rhyming style, this is a must-have for Seuss fans and book collectors, and a perfect choice for the holidays, birthdays, and happy occasions of all kinds.

An Editor’s Note at the end discusses Dr. Seuss’s pets, his creative process, and the discovery of the manuscript and illustrations for What Pet Should I Get? -- Random House

There has been so much press about the publication of GO SET A WATCHMAN by Harper Lee, but there's another new book by a very famous author that's also been recently found. It's called WHAT PET SHOULD I GET? by Dr. Seuss, and it was discovered in 2013 in a box in Dr. Seuss' office. This is the first Dr. Seuss book published since OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO in 1990. How exciting is that?

There are some familiar characters in WHAT PET SHOULD I GET? -- the kids from ONE FISH TWO FISH RED FISH BLUE FISH; and in this book, they are given the opportunity to select a pet. They head to the pet store and discovers lots of potential pets; and naturally, they disagree on which pet to get. (Now I sound like a little like Dr. Seuss!)

It's a difficult decision for the kids to agree on just one pet, but they realize they have to make up their minds. It's definitely not an easy decision, but together they pick out the perfect pet! I had to wonder if maybe these two picked out the fish that starred in ONE FISH TWO FISH RED FISH BLUE FISH.

WHAT PET SHOULD I GET? is another great addition to the Dr. Seuss library. Of course, it's a fun book with a cute story; however, it also has an important message about making difficult choices. Kids and parents alike will also adore the colorful illustrations and the catchy rhyming cadence that are trademark Dr. Seuss.

I especially appreciated the last few pages of the book. There are notes from the publisher about WHAT PET SHOULD I GET? There is an explanation about the discovery of the manuscript in addition to some fun facts about Dr. Seuss' life, writing, and his art. There are also some words of advice about adopting a pet since the kids went to a pet store in this book instead of a shelter or rescue organization.

Needless to say I was very excited to receive a copy of WHAT PET SHOULD I GET?, and things got even better a few days later when I opened the audiobook version of the book. The audiobook includes both WHAT PET SHOULD I GET? read by Rainn Wilson and ONE FISH TWO FISH RED FISH BLUE FISH read by David Hyde Pierce. I enjoyed listening to both of these books and found both narrators to be entertaining. The audiobook is another great way to share Dr. Seuss with your little ones.

Dr. Seuss fans, and I know there are tons of you out there, might enjoy this website which is dedicated to all things Dr. Seuss. Seussville.com has more information on WHAT PET SHOULD I GET? along with all of Dr. Seuss' books. There are also games, activities, videos and more... including resources for educators!

How can I not recommend both the print and audio versions of WHAT PET SHOULD I GET? It's classic Dr. Seuss and it doesn't get much better than that!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: I Was Here (Audio)

Summary: Cody and Meg were inseparable.
Two peas in a pod.
Until . . . they weren’t anymore.

When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington. About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, and some secrets of his own. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open—until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.

I Was Here is Gayle Forman at her finest, a taut, emotional, and ultimately redemptive story about redefining the meaning of family and finding a way to move forward even in the face of unspeakable loss. -- Listening Library

I have heard some really great things about Gayle Forman's novels. It's taken me awhile, but I finally decided to listen to her latest I WAS HERE. I had no idea that I'd feature this book as part of Mystery Mondays (I thought it would work for Kid Konnection); however, there is definitely a mystery aspect to this story. While it might not be what I remember most about this story, it still is a major part of the plot... and why I decided to include it as part of Mystery Mondays.

I WAS HERE is a touching story about Cody, a young woman whose best friend commits suicide. Cody and Meg had been best friends since kindergarten, so when Meg decided to swallow a bottle of industrial strength cleaner, Cody's life is turned upside-down. She thought she knew everything about her friend!

Cody wasn't only dealing with the physical loss of Meg, but she also was trying to come to terms with the "why" of her friend's suicide. Cody acknowledged that some things had changed when Meg left town after high school graduation to attend college. However, she still considered Meg to be her best friend. When Cody travels to Meg's college town to pack up her things, she quickly realizes that Meg had a lot going on that Cody never knew about... including Ben McAllister, a guitar player that Meg fell hard for!

Cody also finds some encrypted computer files on Meg's computer, and she gets some help in breaking the code. What she discovers on Meg's computer puts an entirely new spin on Meg's death, and Cody is determined to get to the bottom of it. As Cody tries to make sense of Meg's secret life, she ends up questioning everything she thought she knew about her friend and their friendship.

I found I WAS HERE to be a terrific listen! Granted, it was a difficult read at times because of the subject matter; however, it was a beautifully written and honest portrayal of what happens after a loved one takes their own life. This book did an excellent job of showing the effects of suicide on those that remain including the grief and even guilt that comes with the loss.

One thing I truly loved about I WAS HERE was the character of Cody. She was so darn honest and sad that it broke my heart. Naturally, I felt bad for Meg because she was truly suffering, but it was the portrayal of Cody that really touched me and made me think. Cody not only was dealing with the loss of her best friend. She was also coming to terms with the guilt associated with Meg's death -- how could she not know her friend was hurting this much?

As a result of Cody's guilt, she decided to try to make sense of Meg's suicide. With the help of a friend or two, she discovered some pretty scary things about Meg and the weeks leading up to her death. I don't want to give too much away about this "mystery aspect" of the novel, but Cody definitely took it upon herself to uncover the truth behind the encrypted files on Meg's computer.

Despite being a bit of a downer, I WAS HERE was a redemptive story. In many ways, Cody grew up and learned a great deal about not only Meg but also herself. She was able to grieve and forgive herself while also forging ahead with a new relationship. In addition, she began the healing process that is necessary for her to move forward in life!

I listened to the audio version of I WAS HERE and I thought it was very well done. The story was read by Jorjeana Marie. She did a fantastic job of sounding like a troubled young woman. Her voice accurately depicted the variety of emotions that Cody faced, and she also was convincing in all of the different characters she played.

Overall, I WAS HERE is a touching book about loss and friendship. It also happened to be a pretty darn good mystery story too!  

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audio book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Review: So That Happened (Audio)

Summary: If it can happen in show business, it’s happened to Jon Cryer. Now he’s opening up for the first time and sharing his behind-the-scenes stories in a warmly endearing, sharply observed, and frankly funny look at life in Hollywood.

In 1986, Jon Cryer won over America as Molly Ringwald’s loyal and lovable best friend, Duckie, in the cult classic Pretty in Pink in a role that set the tone for his three-decade-long career in Hollywood. He went on to establish himself as one of the most talented comedic actors in the business, ultimately culminating in his current turn as Alan Harper on the massively popular sitcom Two and a Half Men.

With the instincts of a natural storyteller, Cryer charts his extraordinary journey in show business, illuminating his many triumphs and some missteps along the way. Filled with exclusive behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Cryer offers his own endearing perspective on Hollywood, the business at large, and the art of acting.

Cryer has worked with some of the biggest and most provocative names in the business, and here, for the first time, he details his experiences with Charlie Sheen, John Hughes, Robert Altman, Molly Ringwald, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, and Christopher Reeve, among many others. He shares the intimate details of his friendships and relationships, pays tribute to his mentors, and explores the peculiar combination of heart, talent, and wisdom it takes to survive not just the bad times in a notoriously fickle industry but even the good times.

In this revealing, humorous, and introspective memoir, Cryer offers readers a front-row seat as he reminisces about his life and experiences in showbiz over the past thirty years. -- Penguin Audio

Usually, I listen to mystery or thrillers when I run on the treadmill; however, I decided I needed something a little different -- a little lighter if you will. I figured SO THAT HAPPENED, written and narrated by Jon Cryer, would fit the bill. Jon Cryer has had a pretty amazing Hollywood career, and I thought his life story might be interesting... and funny. Plus, I admit I wanted to hear the scoop on working with Charlie Sheen!

I found SO THAT HAPPENED to be pretty much what I expected. It was both interesting and funny, and I enjoyed getting the inside scoop on some famous Hollywood stars. I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of Mr. Cryer's, but I watched Two and a Half Men for years and was fascinated by the downfall of Charlie Sheen. I knew much of the book probably wouldn't thrill me; however, there were a few parts of Mr. Cryer's life that I wanted to know more about -- namely, when he starred in Pretty in Pink.

SO THAT HAPPENED takes the reader (or listener in this case) from Mr. Cryer's early life as the son of stage performers living in New York City. He was definitely given a lot of freedom as a teen; and I was pretty impressed that he not only pursued a stage career, but also kept out of trouble for the most part. The stories about being mistaken for Matthew Broderick were pretty cute, and Mr. Cryer's self-deprecating humor added a nice touch!

There were definitely two highlights to the book for me -- Mr. Cryer's days making Pretty in Pink and Two and a Half Men. I have to say that these weren't disappointing. Like many teens who grew up in the 80s, I absolutely loved Pretty in Pink and especially Duckie. No matter what role Mr. Cryer plays, I know Duckie will be my favorite! I enjoyed hearing about the relationship ups and downs with his co-stars as well as how the last scenes were worked and reworked.

Of course, I was also terribly interested in Mr. Cryer's relationship with Charlie Sheen. While all of the drama was going on with Sheen and Lorre, I never really considered the toll it must have taken on the other members of the cast. My heart did go out to Mr. Cryer and I think he handled the situation as well as he could considering the circumstances. The way the entire thing went down was pretty incredible... even by Hollywood standards.

I listened to the audio version of SO THAT HAPPENED, and I honestly think I appreciated the book more because I could hear Mr. Cryer tell his story. There were times when I felt like I was listening to Alan Harper talk, but that made me enjoy it even more. I especially liked Mr. Cryer's dry wit and his ability to laugh at himself.

Overall, SO THAT HAPPENED was a full story about Jon Cryer's action-packed life in Hollywood. Fans of Duckie and Alan Harper will enjoy this book!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audio book.