My Five Book Reading Wrap-Up and Review, May 2020
(There is an Amazon link to each book. If you are interested in a bit more information, just click on the link. I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you click on the link and buy anything at all, I get a percent of the sale with no cost to you...thanks:-)
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Book 1
Spectacle
by Jodie Lynn Zdrok
Spectacle
by Jodie Lynn Zdrok
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Good Reads Rating-3.56/5
My Rating is 3/5
Overview I found on GoodReads
Sixteen-year-old Nathalie Baudin writes the daily morgue column for Le Petit Journal. Her job is to summarize each day's new arrivals, a task she finds both fascinating and routine. That is, until the day she has a vision of the newest body, a young woman, being murdered--from the perspective of the murderer himself.
When the body of another woman is retrieved from the Seine days later, Paris begins to buzz with rumors that this victim may not be the last. Nathalie's search for answers sends her down a long, twisty road involving her mentally ill aunt, a brilliant but deluded scientist, and eventually into the Parisian Catacombs. As the killer continues to haunt the streets of Paris, it becomes clear that Nathalie's strange new ability may make her the only one who can discover the killer's identity--and she'll have to do it before she becomes a target herself.
When the body of another woman is retrieved from the Seine days later, Paris begins to buzz with rumors that this victim may not be the last. Nathalie's search for answers sends her down a long, twisty road involving her mentally ill aunt, a brilliant but deluded scientist, and eventually into the Parisian Catacombs. As the killer continues to haunt the streets of Paris, it becomes clear that Nathalie's strange new ability may make her the only one who can discover the killer's identity--and she'll have to do it before she becomes a target herself.
Quote
“Nathalie was never afraid of the dark, even as a child.
If anything, she wanted to know what was in it.”
― Spectacle
If anything, she wanted to know what was in it.”
― Spectacle
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I thought the book sounded interesting. I liked the photo on the front of the book and the quote "She sees the Truth...but the killer terrorizing Paris sees her."
My Thoughts After I Read the Book
Right away I did not like what this poor girl did for a living. She wrote the morgue column for a local paper. She would go to the morgue and see the bodies on display and report on her findings. There was no attempt to make the bodies look good, they just put the bodies on display and what you see is the reality of a death or perhaps a murder.
Nathalie, the protagonist, not only viewed the bodies but she had a connection with them. If she touched the morgue window she would witness snippets of how they died. She somehow also had a connection with the killer.
The downside for me was I did not connect with any of the characters. When I don't connect I don't look forward to my next reading session so that means I am ready to move onto the next book. That being said I did finish the book and gave it a 3/5 on my reading scale.
Nathalie, the protagonist, not only viewed the bodies but she had a connection with them. If she touched the morgue window she would witness snippets of how they died. She somehow also had a connection with the killer.
The downside for me was I did not connect with any of the characters. When I don't connect I don't look forward to my next reading session so that means I am ready to move onto the next book. That being said I did finish the book and gave it a 3/5 on my reading scale.
My Final Thought
I did a bit of research and found that in Paris they did have Paris Morgue viewings. Here is a link to tell you more about that "Death as Entertainment at the Paris Morgue". I am glad this no longer an attraction.
Movie
I could not find a movie based on the book or a book trailer.
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Book 2
The Guest List
by
Lucy Foley
Genre-Mystery, Thriller, Fiction
4.03 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I would give this book 4/5
I would give this book 4/5
Overview From Good Reads
Set on a remote island off the Irish coast, this is one guest list no one would want to be on, just as no one would have wanted an invitation to the New Year's Eve party in Foley's previous novel, The Hunting Party. Lives unravel amid the revelry on an eerie and remote island as family and friends assemble for a glam wedding in an updated Murder on the Orient Express. Each of the principal characters has a reason to want one of their number dead, there are old secrets, and one of them is murdered.
Quote
“The rage is growing inside me, overtaking the shock and grief. I can feel it blossoming up behind my ribs. It’s almost a relief, how it obliterates every other feeling in its path.”
My Thoughts Before Reading the Book
I was thinking that this book could be an exciting read. The quote on the book jacket sucked me in a bit,
"All have a secret, all have a motive, but only one is a murderer."
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
The first chapter of the book had me hooked. There was a wedding party on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. The party was in high gear when the lights went out and a scream was heard and the mood of the party quickly changed.
So initially I was all in. After the first chapter, the focus of the writing changed. It was no longer a search to find the source of the scream but it was now a focus on the characters. Sadly many of the characters were just crude and disgusting. There were less than loving sex scenes to endure of which I was not a fan. I nearly stopped reading but decided I would keep trying. I did come to like many of the characters as I pressed on.
If I were to rate the book on the first chapter it would have gotten a high score. After the crass moments, my score dropped considerably. As I ventured into the last third or so of the book the story became engrossing. The character development was done well and I knew who I liked and did not like.
The story is told from many perspectives. As the story built so did the tension. It was clearly evident that something big was going to happen and I found myself quickly turning the pages to learn the outcome.
Basically, there is one main character that has done many bad things and has made many people angry. Most of the people that have been touched by this mans narcissistic ways are at the party. As the story builds I like the way the chapters shorten as there are being told by the people at the wedding. Many are relating the story of wrongs in their life done by this person and at the end of their thoughts you are left with one sentence, "and then the lights go out". This final sentence ended several of the chapters leaving you knowing someone was going to do something but the question is what would happen and who would act on the opportunity. It was exciting to read to say the least.
Based on how intense the last part of the book was I had to increase my score of the book. I probably would have given the book a 4.5 or a 5 but with the crudity, I lowered my score to 4/5. It is a very good book.
So initially I was all in. After the first chapter, the focus of the writing changed. It was no longer a search to find the source of the scream but it was now a focus on the characters. Sadly many of the characters were just crude and disgusting. There were less than loving sex scenes to endure of which I was not a fan. I nearly stopped reading but decided I would keep trying. I did come to like many of the characters as I pressed on.
If I were to rate the book on the first chapter it would have gotten a high score. After the crass moments, my score dropped considerably. As I ventured into the last third or so of the book the story became engrossing. The character development was done well and I knew who I liked and did not like.
The story is told from many perspectives. As the story built so did the tension. It was clearly evident that something big was going to happen and I found myself quickly turning the pages to learn the outcome.
Basically, there is one main character that has done many bad things and has made many people angry. Most of the people that have been touched by this mans narcissistic ways are at the party. As the story builds I like the way the chapters shorten as there are being told by the people at the wedding. Many are relating the story of wrongs in their life done by this person and at the end of their thoughts you are left with one sentence, "and then the lights go out". This final sentence ended several of the chapters leaving you knowing someone was going to do something but the question is what would happen and who would act on the opportunity. It was exciting to read to say the least.
Based on how intense the last part of the book was I had to increase my score of the book. I probably would have given the book a 4.5 or a 5 but with the crudity, I lowered my score to 4/5. It is a very good book.
Is there a Movie?
I could not find any information on this book becoming a movie.
I looked for a book trailer but I was unsuccessful in finding one.
I looked for a book trailer but I was unsuccessful in finding one.
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Book 3
"Little Beach Street Bakery"
Jenny Colgan
Genre- Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance
3.88 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I gave this book a 3/5
I gave this book a 3/5
From Good Reads
Amid the ruins of her latest relationship, Polly Waterford moves far away to the sleepy seaside resort of Polbearne, where she lives in a small, lonely flat above an abandoned shop.
To distract her from her troubles, Polly throws herself into her favorite hobby: making bread. But her relaxing weekend diversion quickly develops into a passion. As she pours her emotions into kneading and pounding the dough, each loaf becomes better than the last. Soon, Polly is working her magic with nuts and seeds, olives and chorizo, and the local honey-courtesy of a handsome local beekeeper. Drawing on reserves of determination and creativity Polly never knew she had, she bakes and bakes . . . and discovers a bright new life where she least expected it.
To distract her from her troubles, Polly throws herself into her favorite hobby: making bread. But her relaxing weekend diversion quickly develops into a passion. As she pours her emotions into kneading and pounding the dough, each loaf becomes better than the last. Soon, Polly is working her magic with nuts and seeds, olives and chorizo, and the local honey-courtesy of a handsome local beekeeper. Drawing on reserves of determination and creativity Polly never knew she had, she bakes and bakes . . . and discovers a bright new life where she least expected it.
Quote
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
Reading the book jacket I became interested when I read it was about a woman that had been heartbroken and her attempt to change her life for the better. Plus I liked the photo of the delicious looking cupcake on the cover.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
Polly has gone through a very painful breakup and now finds herself having to make some changes in her life. She decides to move away and finds herself on a small seaside town in a home that is falling apart. As she slowly fixes up her home she also finds herself doing the thing she loves, baking.
The people Polly meets in her new town are for the most part lovely. but, what would a book be without a few negative people thrown into the mix? In the book you see relationships grow and situations change. Oh, and did I mention there is a pet puffin?
This was not my favorite book but it was an ok read. I did not have a strong connection with the characters but I did want to sample many of the items that Polly made in her bakery, they sounded amazing.
In the back of the book there are recipes. I plan on trying the cinnamon rolls:-)
The people Polly meets in her new town are for the most part lovely. but, what would a book be without a few negative people thrown into the mix? In the book you see relationships grow and situations change. Oh, and did I mention there is a pet puffin?
This was not my favorite book but it was an ok read. I did not have a strong connection with the characters but I did want to sample many of the items that Polly made in her bakery, they sounded amazing.
In the back of the book there are recipes. I plan on trying the cinnamon rolls:-)
Is there a movie?
I could not find any info on a possible movie related to this book or a book trailer.
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Book 4
"The Child Finder"
by Rene Denfeld
Genre-Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime
3.96 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 5/5 stars.
I gave this one 5/5 stars.
Quote from Amazon,
A haunting, richly atmospheric, and deeply suspenseful novel from the acclaimed author of The Enchanted about an investigator who must use her unique insights to find a missing little girl.
"Where are you, Madison Culver? Flying with the angels, a silver speck on a wing? Are you dreaming, buried under snow? Or—is it possible—you are still alive?"
Three years ago, Madison Culver disappeared when her family was choosing a Christmas tree in Oregon’s Skookum National Forest. She would be eight-years-old now—if she has survived. Desperate to find their beloved daughter, certain someone took her, the Culvers turn to Naomi, a private investigator with an uncanny talent for locating the lost and missing. Known to the police and a select group of parents as "the Child Finder," Naomi is their last hope.
Quote
“Everyone needs faith: faith that even though the world is full of evil, a suitor will come and kiss us awake; faith that the girl will escape the tower, the big bad wolf will die, and even those poisoned by malevolence can be reborn, as innocent as purity itself.”
― The Child Finder
(As I find myself reading the quotes on Goodreads I also find my self recalling the emotion that this book produced in me during my reading and after. As I read I feel myself fighting the tears.)
― The Child Finder
(As I find myself reading the quotes on Goodreads I also find my self recalling the emotion that this book produced in me during my reading and after. As I read I feel myself fighting the tears.)
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I don't recall why I decided to pick up this book. I avoid at all costs any content that has to do with child abduction and abuse.
The premise is that during a trip to find a Christmas tree a young girl goes missing. The question is was she abducted or lost in the wilderness. The family decides to hire "the child finder" to hopefully find the answers they so desperately seek.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
As I started this book I knew if there was graphic abuse I would have to put it down because I knew my heart and mind could not endure it. What I found in this book was a subtleness in its description. You knew the pain of what was happening but without the graphic description.
I thought the character development was exceptional. You will know the emotions and thoughts of all involved and come to understand them at least to a point. You will read about coping mechanisms, helping others in need, and self-sacrifice. You will even get some insight into the mind of the abductor. You will learn that the child finder has life experience that propels her to help the missing.
Like I mentioned it is subtle in its descriptions but still painful and descriptive enough that it still makes me cry.
I think what I love about the book is that even in the pain there is hope and resilience. Plus I liked the ending.
Is there a movie?
I could not find anything on a movie related to this book.
Here is the book trailer...
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Book 5
"Raising The Dead"
by Chauncey Crandall MD
Genre-non-fiction, medical
4.6 stars on Amazon out of 5 stars
I give this book 2.5-3/5
I give this book 2.5-3/5
Quote from the Book Jacket
With that prayer and Dr. Crandall's instruction to give the man what seemed one more useless shock from the defibrillator, Jeff Markin came back to life--and remains alive and well today.
But how did a Yale-educated cardiologist whose Palm Beach practice includes some of the most powerful people in American society, including several billionaires, come to believe in supernatural healing?
The answers to these questions compose a story and a spiritual journey that transformed Chauncey Crandall.
Quote
I don't remember a quote that stood out to me.
My thoughts before reading the book
I have worked in the medical field and I believe that there are miracles so I couldn't wait to read about his experiences.
My thoughts after reading the book
It is hard to rate a non-fiction book. You can't put a score on people's life experiences. So as a non-fiction book I give it a 5. What made me lower my score on this book was my expectation based on the book description. The focus did not seem to be about miracles as much as it is about the author's life, his family, his relationship with his wife, his faith, and medical situations that were occurring in his son's life. All these themes are interesting but I think I was looking for mostly miracles so I was a bit disappointed.
Is there a movie?
I could not find anything related to a movie.
Here is the book trailer.
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KathieyV:-)
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