Five Book Reading Wrap-Up Feb. 2021
Join me for my five book reading wrapup!
(There is an Amazon link to each book. If you are interested in a bit more information, 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 at no cost to you...thanks:-)*********************************************************************************Book 1
"The Escape Room"by Megan Goldin
(There is an Amazon link to each book. If you are interested in a bit more information, 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 at no cost to you...thanks:-)
*********************************************************************************
Book 1
"The Escape Room"
"The Escape Room"
by Megan Goldin
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller
Good Reads Rating-3.85/5My Rating is 4/5
(click photo below to go to Amazon)
Overview I found on Amazon.Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are ruthlessly ambitious high-flyers working in the lucrative world of Wall Street finance, where deception and intimidation thrive. Getting rich is all that matters, and they'll do anything to reach the top.
When they are ordered to participate in a corporate team-building exercise that requires them to escape from a locked elevator, dark secrets of their team begin to be laid bare.
The biggest mystery to solve in this lethal game: What happened to Sara Hall? Once a young shining star—”now gone but not forgotten.”
This is no longer a game.
They’re fighting for their lives.
Quote“For everyone who has ever been made to feel powerless, trampled upon, or scorned, this book is for you.”
― The Escape Room
My Thoughts Before I Read the BookI liked the idea of trying to escape from an escape room. Of course, I saw it as a benign task with little consequence, that is, until I read this book.
My Thoughts After I Read the BookI found this book to be a page-turner. There are several twists and turns that keep you wanting to go back for more. As you read this book, you are entering a corporate world where the only thing that matters is power and money. Many in this book will be swept away by this power, and many will become victims of its consequences. It begins with a team-building exercise and ends in a much darker and also somewhat satisfying conclusion. I have only been to one team-building event. It was put on by a nursing manager that had lost all control of her employees. I was new to the unit, and the infighting within this nursing unit was horrible. I was hoping the result of the team building event would bring some peace. The event itself was nothing but chaos, and the result for me after listening to the venom spewed during the meeting led me to resign. So not all team building events have a positive outcome.
My Final ThoughtGood book. It is worth the read.Book TrailerI did find a book trailer.
MovieI could not find a movie based on this book. There is a movie called The Escape Room, but it is a horror film unrelated to this book.Just for fun, I am adding a trailer that is unrelated to the book.I am intrigued, and I may watch it,, but the trailer made me really nervous. Yikes!
*********************************************************************************Book 2"The Dollmaker of Krakow"by R. M. RomeroGenre-Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magical Realism4.09 stars on Goodreads out of 5 starsI would give this book 5/5
Amazon Link below...
Overview From Good ReadsKarolina is a living doll whose king and queen have been overthrown. But when a strange wind spirits her away from the Land of the Dolls, she finds herself in Krakow, Poland, in the company of the Dollmaker, a man with unusual power and a marked past.
The Dollmaker has learned to keep to himself, but Karolina's courageous and compassionate manner leads him to smile and to even befriend a violin-playing father and his daughter--that is, once the Dollmaker gets over the shock of realizing a doll is speaking to him.
But their newfound happiness is dashed when Nazi soldiers descend upon Poland. Karolina and the Dollmaker quickly realize that their Jewish friends are in grave danger, and they are determined to help save them, no matter what the risks.
Quote “You can destroy a person, Karolina, but destroying their story is far more difficult. No one is ever really lost as long as their story still exists.”
― The Dollmaker of Krakow
My Thoughts Before Reading the BookI loved the cover. There is a contrasting theme to this book cover. The top portion is all beauty and light, and the lower half is darkness and war; the exception being the dollmaker and the doll standing in the midst of war. They are a light in the devastating darkness.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
There are two worlds in this book—the land of the dolls and the country of Poland during the holocaust.
War was raging in both worlds, but there was hope to be found through the good people and dolls willing to sacrifice all to help others. Both worlds fuse for good in this wonderful and hopeful yet extremely painful book.
Is there a Movie or Book Trailer?I could not find a book trailer for this book.I could not find a movie based on this book. I think it would make an excellent movie.
********************************************************************************Book 3"Destination TruthMemoirs of a Monster Hunter"by Josh GatesGenre-Nonfiction, Autobiography, Travel, Adventure, Humor4.47 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I gave this book a 4.5/5
Amazon Link Below...
Book overview as found on AmazonTruth is stranger than legend . . . and your journey into both begins here.
World adventurer and international monster hunter Josh Gates has careened through nearly 100 countries, investigating frightening myths, chilling cryptozoological legends, and terrifying paranormal phenomena. Now, he invites fans to get a behind-the-scenes look at these breathtaking expeditions.
Follow Gates from the inception of the groundbreaking hit show (at the summit of Kilimanjaro) to his hair-raising encounters with dangerous creatures in the most treacherous locations on earth. Among his many adventures, he unearths the flesh-crawling reality of the Mongolian Death Worm, challenges an ancient curse by spending the night in King Tut’s tomb, descends into a centuries-old mine to search for an alien entity in subterranean darkness, pursues ghosts in the radioactive shadow of Chernobyl, and explores sightings of Bigfoot from the leech-infested rain forests of Malaysia to the dizzying heights of the Himalayas.
Part journey into the unexplained, part hilarious travelogue, part fascinating look at the making of a reality-based TV show—and featuring never-before-published photographs— this Destination Truth companion takes readers on the supernatural expedition of a lifetime.Book Quote“As travelers, it is our responsibility to adapt, otherwise we miss the whole point: the opportunity to gain a new perspective.”
― Destination Truth: Memoirs of a Monster Hunter
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This book was not on my radar but I received it as a Christmas gift. I host a PJ and book exchange before Christmas and I believe the reason this book was selected for me was because I used to love the TV show Destination Truth. I also loved thie host, Josh Gates. He is funny and he reminds me of my brother David.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
Well, they picked the right book for me becasue I loved it. All of his adventures to seek the truth brought back fond memories of the show. If you read it you will learn about his adventures as he searches for Big Foot, the Death Worm, and Ghosts just to mention a few. You will learn about the good experiences and the not so good ones as he travels the world in search of the truth.
Book TrailerSadly, I could not find a book trailerMovieNo there is not a movie associated with this book but you can watch the TV show. You can watch it on Amazon but it is not free.It is not on Hulu although his new show is and it is called Expedition Unknown. It is not as much fun as his first show, but still worth checking out.It is not on Netflix.
*******************************************************************************Book 4"The Ghost of Lizard Light"
by Elvira WoodruffGenre- Childrens Fiction, Middle Grade3.65 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 3.5/5 stars.
Amazon Link Below...
Good Reads Rating-3.85/5
My Rating is 4/5
Overview I found on Amazon.
Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are ruthlessly ambitious high-flyers working in the lucrative world of Wall Street finance, where deception and intimidation thrive. Getting rich is all that matters, and they'll do anything to reach the top.
When they are ordered to participate in a corporate team-building exercise that requires them to escape from a locked elevator, dark secrets of their team begin to be laid bare.
The biggest mystery to solve in this lethal game: What happened to Sara Hall? Once a young shining star—”now gone but not forgotten.”
This is no longer a game.
They’re fighting for their lives.
When they are ordered to participate in a corporate team-building exercise that requires them to escape from a locked elevator, dark secrets of their team begin to be laid bare.
The biggest mystery to solve in this lethal game: What happened to Sara Hall? Once a young shining star—”now gone but not forgotten.”
This is no longer a game.
They’re fighting for their lives.
Quote
“For everyone who has ever been made to feel powerless, trampled upon, or scorned, this book is for you.”
― The Escape Room
― The Escape Room
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I liked the idea of trying to escape from an escape room. Of course, I saw it as a benign task with little consequence, that is, until I read this book.
My Thoughts After I Read the Book
I found this book to be a page-turner. There are several twists and turns that keep you wanting to go back for more. As you read this book, you are entering a corporate world where the only thing that matters is power and money. Many in this book will be swept away by this power, and many will become victims of its consequences.
It begins with a team-building exercise and ends in a much darker and also somewhat satisfying conclusion.
I have only been to one team-building event. It was put on by a nursing manager that had lost all control of her employees. I was new to the unit, and the infighting within this nursing unit was horrible. I was hoping the result of the team building event would bring some peace. The event itself was nothing but chaos, and the result for me after listening to the venom spewed during the meeting led me to resign. So not all team building events have a positive outcome.
My Final Thought
Good book. It is worth the read.
Book Trailer
I did find a book trailer.
Movie
I could not find a movie based on this book. There is a movie called The Escape Room, but it is a horror film unrelated to this book.
Just for fun, I am adding a trailer that is unrelated to the book.
I am intrigued, and I may watch it,, but the trailer made me really nervous. Yikes!
*********************************************************************************
Book 2
"The Dollmaker of Krakow"
by
R. M. Romero
Genre-Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magical Realism
4.09 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I would give this book 5/5
Overview From Good Reads
Karolina is a living doll whose king and queen have been overthrown. But when a strange wind spirits her away from the Land of the Dolls, she finds herself in Krakow, Poland, in the company of the Dollmaker, a man with unusual power and a marked past.
The Dollmaker has learned to keep to himself, but Karolina's courageous and compassionate manner leads him to smile and to even befriend a violin-playing father and his daughter--that is, once the Dollmaker gets over the shock of realizing a doll is speaking to him.
But their newfound happiness is dashed when Nazi soldiers descend upon Poland. Karolina and the Dollmaker quickly realize that their Jewish friends are in grave danger, and they are determined to help save them, no matter what the risks.
The Dollmaker has learned to keep to himself, but Karolina's courageous and compassionate manner leads him to smile and to even befriend a violin-playing father and his daughter--that is, once the Dollmaker gets over the shock of realizing a doll is speaking to him.
But their newfound happiness is dashed when Nazi soldiers descend upon Poland. Karolina and the Dollmaker quickly realize that their Jewish friends are in grave danger, and they are determined to help save them, no matter what the risks.
Quote
“You can destroy a person, Karolina, but destroying their story is far more difficult. No one is ever really lost as long as their story still exists.”
― The Dollmaker of Krakow
― The Dollmaker of Krakow
My Thoughts Before Reading the Book
I loved the cover. There is a contrasting theme to this book cover. The top portion is all beauty and light, and the lower half is darkness and war; the exception being the dollmaker and the doll standing in the midst of war. They are a light in the devastating darkness.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
There are two worlds in this book—the land of the dolls and the country of Poland during the holocaust.
War was raging in both worlds, but there was hope to be found through the good people and dolls willing to sacrifice all to help others. Both worlds fuse for good in this wonderful and hopeful yet extremely painful book.
Is there a Movie or Book Trailer?
I could not find a book trailer for this book.
I could not find a movie based on this book. I think it would make an excellent movie.
********************************************************************************
Book 3
"Destination Truth
Memoirs of a Monster Hunter"
by Josh Gates
Genre-Nonfiction, Autobiography, Travel, Adventure, Humor
4.47 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I gave this book a 4.5/5
I gave this book a 4.5/5
Amazon Link Below...
Book overview as found on Amazon
Truth is stranger than legend . . . and your journey into both begins here.
World adventurer and international monster hunter Josh Gates has careened through nearly 100 countries, investigating frightening myths, chilling cryptozoological legends, and terrifying paranormal phenomena. Now, he invites fans to get a behind-the-scenes look at these breathtaking expeditions.
Follow Gates from the inception of the groundbreaking hit show (at the summit of Kilimanjaro) to his hair-raising encounters with dangerous creatures in the most treacherous locations on earth. Among his many adventures, he unearths the flesh-crawling reality of the Mongolian Death Worm, challenges an ancient curse by spending the night in King Tut’s tomb, descends into a centuries-old mine to search for an alien entity in subterranean darkness, pursues ghosts in the radioactive shadow of Chernobyl, and explores sightings of Bigfoot from the leech-infested rain forests of Malaysia to the dizzying heights of the Himalayas.
Part journey into the unexplained, part hilarious travelogue, part fascinating look at the making of a reality-based TV show—and featuring never-before-published photographs— this Destination Truth companion takes readers on the supernatural expedition of a lifetime.
Book Quote
“As travelers, it is our responsibility to adapt, otherwise we miss the whole point: the opportunity to gain a new perspective.”
― Destination Truth: Memoirs of a Monster Hunter
― Destination Truth: Memoirs of a Monster Hunter
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This book was not on my radar but I received it as a Christmas gift. I host a PJ and book exchange before Christmas and I believe the reason this book was selected for me was because I used to love the TV show Destination Truth. I also loved thie host, Josh Gates. He is funny and he reminds me of my brother David.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
Well, they picked the right book for me becasue I loved it. All of his adventures to seek the truth brought back fond memories of the show. If you read it you will learn about his adventures as he searches for Big Foot, the Death Worm, and Ghosts just to mention a few. You will learn about the good experiences and the not so good ones as he travels the world in search of the truth.
Book Trailer
Sadly, I could not find a book trailer
Movie
No there is not a movie associated with this book but you can watch the TV show.
You can watch it on Amazon but it is not free.
It is not on Hulu although his new show is and it is called Expedition Unknown. It is not as much fun as his first show, but still worth checking out.
It is not on Netflix.
*******************************************************************************
Book 4
"The Ghost of Lizard Light"
by Elvira Woodruff
Genre- Childrens Fiction, Middle Grade
3.65 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 3.5/5 stars.
Amazon Link Below...
I gave this one 3.5/5 stars.
Description as Found on Amazon,Fourth-grader Jack Newton is miserable: his family is moving across the country and he might never see Iowa--or his best friend--again. But Jack can't help but cheer up when he sees his new home: an old lighthouse keeper's lodge, right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. As it turns out, there's another 10-year-old boy who calls the lighthouse home--and he materializes in Jack's room one foggy night. He's a ghost! After Jack's terror subsides, he listens to Nathaniel's tale of the shipwreck that cost him his life...and of the mystery surrounding his father's death. Can Jack help the ghost discover the truth about his dad and that stormy night long ago? This haunting middle-grade ghost story from the acclaimed author of Dear Levi and Dear Austin will have reluctant readers and mystery fans racing to uncover this 150-year-old secret.way.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This book was a gift. I had ordered The Christmas Doll by Elvira Woodruff. The people who sent the book sent me a second book The Ghost of Lizard Light. It was a very nice gift.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
I really enjoyed this book. The story centers around a young boy, Jack, who is dealing with a move away from his friends. Jack finds himself living at the base of a lighthouse, his only two friends are his Lizard, Ned, and a ghost named Nathaniel. Nathaniel needs Jack's help in answering some questions about the past. So, Jack, begins to learn the history of the past with the help of a boy ghost. Jack is also having problems with his relationship with his father. All of Jack's experiences lead to a turning point in his family dynamic and there are many lessons are learned.
Is there a movie?
I could not find a book trailer or any info on a movie related to this book.
*******************************************************************************Book 5 "NOS4A2"by Joe HillGenre-Horror, Fiction, Paranormal, Thriller4.07 stars on Good Reads out of 5 stars
I give this book 2/5
Link to Amazon Below.....
Book Description from GoodReadsNOS4A2 is a spine-tingling novel of supernatural suspense from master of horror Joe Hill, the New York Times bestselling author of Heart-Shaped Box and Horns.
Victoria McQueen has a secret gift for finding things: a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph, answers to unanswerable questions. On her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike, she makes her way to a rickety covered bridge that, within moments, takes her wherever she needs to go, whether it’s across Massachusetts or across the country.
Charles Talent Manx has a way with children. He likes to take them for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate. With his old car, he can slip right out of the everyday world, and onto the hidden roads that transport them to an astonishing – and terrifying – playground of amusements he calls “Christmasland.”
QuoteI don't have a quote to share.
Description as Found on Amazon,
Fourth-grader Jack Newton is miserable: his family is moving across the country and he might never see Iowa--or his best friend--again. But Jack can't help but cheer up when he sees his new home: an old lighthouse keeper's lodge, right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. As it turns out, there's another 10-year-old boy who calls the lighthouse home--and he materializes in Jack's room one foggy night. He's a ghost!
After Jack's terror subsides, he listens to Nathaniel's tale of the shipwreck that cost him his life...and of the mystery surrounding his father's death. Can Jack help the ghost discover the truth about his dad and that stormy night long ago? This haunting middle-grade ghost story from the acclaimed author of Dear Levi and Dear Austin will have reluctant readers and mystery fans racing to uncover this 150-year-old secret.way.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This book was a gift. I had ordered The Christmas Doll by Elvira Woodruff. The people who sent the book sent me a second book The Ghost of Lizard Light. It was a very nice gift.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
I really enjoyed this book. The story centers around a young boy, Jack, who is dealing with a move away from his friends. Jack finds himself living at the base of a lighthouse, his only two friends are his Lizard, Ned, and a ghost named Nathaniel. Nathaniel needs Jack's help in answering some questions about the past. So, Jack, begins to learn the history of the past with the help of a boy ghost. Jack is also having problems with his relationship with his father. All of Jack's experiences lead to a turning point in his family dynamic and there are many lessons are learned.
Is there a movie?
I could not find a book trailer or any info on a movie related to this book.
*******************************************************************************
Book 5
"NOS4A2"
by Joe Hill
Genre-Horror, Fiction, Paranormal, Thriller
4.07 stars on Good Reads out of 5 stars
I give this book 2/5
I give this book 2/5
Book Description from GoodReads
NOS4A2 is a spine-tingling novel of supernatural suspense from master of horror Joe Hill, the New York Times bestselling author of Heart-Shaped Box and Horns.Victoria McQueen has a secret gift for finding things: a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph, answers to unanswerable questions. On her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike, she makes her way to a rickety covered bridge that, within moments, takes her wherever she needs to go, whether it’s across Massachusetts or across the country.
Charles Talent Manx has a way with children. He likes to take them for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate. With his old car, he can slip right out of the everyday world, and onto the hidden roads that transport them to an astonishing – and terrifying – playground of amusements he calls “Christmasland.”
Quote
I don't have a quote to share.
My thoughts before reading the book
I had heard some very good reviews on this book so I thought I would give it a try. I decided to make this my audio book of the month.
My thoughts after reading the book
This book was too crude for me. I can take a little swearing and mild crudeness but this book was way to graphic, in this regard, for my taste. I didn’t like any of the characters. I made it to chapter 27 or 37 and I just could not take it any longer so I DNF this book. I know some people really like it but it was not for me.
I don't even know what the book was about because, for me, the theme was overshadowed by its nastiness.
Is there a movie?
I guess it has been made into a TV show. Here is the trailer.
Its kinda creepy but as crude as the book.
There are two seasons on HULU. Will I watch it? I am not sure yet.
**************************************************************************Check out my YouTube Video below
I would love to know what you are reading. If you have read any of the above books, did you enjoy them? Please drop me a note in the comment box.
Take care and happy reading!
**************************************************************************
Check out my YouTube Video below
I would love to know what you are reading. If you have read any of the above books, did you enjoy them? Please drop me a note in the comment box.
Take care and happy reading!
KathieyV:-)
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