Five Book Reading Wrap-up for Oct 2021
Join me for my five-book reading wrap-up!
Oct 2021
Here is my Youtube Video
(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 Plot"by Jean Hanff KorelitzFiction, Thriller, Mystery, Books About Books
*********************************************************************************
Book 1
"The Plot"
"The Plot"
by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Books About Books
Good Reads Rating is 3.92My Rating is 4.5/5 stars
(click photo below to go to Amazon) 
Overview I found on GoodReads.Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he's teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what's left of his self-respect; he hasn't written--let alone published--anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn't need Jake's help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then... he hears the plot.
Jake returns to the downward trajectory of his own career and braces himself for the supernova publication of Evan Parker's first novel: but it never comes. When he discovers that his former student has died, presumably without ever completing his book, Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that--a story that absolutely needs to be told.
In a few short years, all of Evan Parker's predictions have come true, but Jake is the author enjoying the wave. He is wealthy, famous, praised, and read all over the world. But at the height of his glorious new life, an e-mail arrives, the first salvo in a terrifying, anonymous campaign: You are a thief, it says.
As Jake struggles to understand his antagonist and hide the truth from his readers and his publishers, he begins to learn more about his late student, and what he discovers both amazes and terrifies him. Who was Evan Parker, and how did he get the idea for his "sure thing" of a novel? What is the real story behind the plot, and who stole it from whom? Quote
My Thoughts Before I Read the BookThis book was one of the book choices in my Literati Book Club for October. It sounded interesting to me, so I thought I would give it a try.My Thoughts After I Read the BookThis story is about a man named Jacob. Jacob is a published author who has received a bit of fame for his writings but now finds himself in a rut that he can't seem to crawl out of. He comes across a young man, Evan, in one of his classes with a plot for a book with all the earmarks of a best seller. Jacob is a bit jealous of this student because he seems to have come up with the perfect plot. When Jaboc learns of Evan's death and that this perfectly plotted book has not been published, Jacob decides to take the plot and write the book himself. The book is taking off and is highly successful, and suddenly Jacob starts receiving correspondence from "someone" who seems to know that this story is not Jacobs to tell, calling him a thief. From the beginning, it seemed someone was out to get Jacob, and we ride along with Jacob as he deals with the guilt of taking the plot and seeks to find out the truth of who could be contacting him.
My Final ThoughtI enjoyed The Plot. It held my attention throughout my reading. I thought the character development was well done. There are twists and turns, and it is a bit dark. The Plot is an excellent read.Book Trailer/MovieI could not find a book trailer but here is a video of an interview with the author by Jimmy Fallon.
*********************************************************************************Book 2"The Invisible Life Of Addie Larue"by V. E. SchwabGenre- Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction4.25 stars on Goodreads out of 5 starsI give this book 4/5
The Amazon link is below. Just click the photo. 
Overview From Good ReadsFrance, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.Quote 
My Thoughts Before Reading the BookThis book got amazing reviews on YouTube, so I decided to read it. My Thoughts After Reading the BookThe story started off with Addie in France in 1714. Addie finds herself in a desperate situation, and rather than face what is coming her way, she sells her soul to a "dangerous stranger." In exchange for her soul, Addie will live forever, with the caveat being that she will be remembered by no one.
Addie can give up this new challenging life where she is not remembered by surrendering her soul to this stranger, but instead, she decides to live her life.
What seemed to be the most difficult thing for Addie was meeting someone and becoming instant friends or lovers, and the minute she is out of sight, she is forgotten. Until one day, she meets someone who remembers her, and things begin to change. Is there a Movie or Book Trailer?
Here is the book trailer...
I did find that a movie is in the works for this book.
********************************************************************************Book 3"Our House"by Louise CandlishGenre-Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Crime3.69 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I gave this book a 3.5/5
Click the photo below for the Amazon Link...
Book overview as found on GoodReadsWhen Fiona Lawson comes home to find strangers moving into her house, she's sure there's been a mistake. She and her estranged husband, Bram, have a modern co-parenting arrangement: bird's nest custody, where each parent spends a few nights a week with their two sons at the prized family home to maintain stability for their children. But the system built to protect their family ends up putting them in terrible jeopardy. In a domino effect of crimes and misdemeanors, the nest comes tumbling down.
Now Bram has disappeared and so have Fiona's children. As events spiral well beyond her control, Fiona will discover just how many lies her husband was weaving and how little they truly knew each other. But Bram's not the only one with things to hide, and some secrets are best kept to oneself, safe as houses.Book QuoteI don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
It sounded like a good mystery, and the reviews were pretty solid, so I decided to read it.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
This is a domestic suspense novel. Fiona and Bram, a separated couple, tell their story. Yes, Fiona does come home to another family moving into her home. This story is all about everything that leads up to this event in her life. There are lies, infidelity, and crime, to mention a few things that occur in the book.
I liked this book, but I did not love it. It seemed to drone on and on at times. I would get bored, but I still continued to read. I am glad I finished it.
Book Trailer or Movie
I could not find anything related to a movie.
*******************************************************************************Book 4"The Whisper Man"
by Alex NorthGenre- Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Horror4.0 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 4/5 stars.
Amazon Link Below, just click on the photo... 
Good Reads Rating is 3.92
My Rating is 4.5/5 stars
Overview I found on GoodReads.
Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he's teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what's left of his self-respect; he hasn't written--let alone published--anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn't need Jake's help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then... he hears the plot.Jake returns to the downward trajectory of his own career and braces himself for the supernova publication of Evan Parker's first novel: but it never comes. When he discovers that his former student has died, presumably without ever completing his book, Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that--a story that absolutely needs to be told.
In a few short years, all of Evan Parker's predictions have come true, but Jake is the author enjoying the wave. He is wealthy, famous, praised, and read all over the world. But at the height of his glorious new life, an e-mail arrives, the first salvo in a terrifying, anonymous campaign: You are a thief, it says.
As Jake struggles to understand his antagonist and hide the truth from his readers and his publishers, he begins to learn more about his late student, and what he discovers both amazes and terrifies him. Who was Evan Parker, and how did he get the idea for his "sure thing" of a novel? What is the real story behind the plot, and who stole it from whom?
Quote
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This book was one of the book choices in my Literati Book Club for October. It sounded interesting to me, so I thought I would give it a try.
My Thoughts After I Read the Book
This story is about a man named Jacob. Jacob is a published author who has received a bit of fame for his writings but now finds himself in a rut that he can't seem to crawl out of. He comes across a young man, Evan, in one of his classes with a plot for a book with all the earmarks of a best seller. Jacob is a bit jealous of this student because he seems to have come up with the perfect plot. When Jaboc learns of Evan's death and that this perfectly plotted book has not been published, Jacob decides to take the plot and write the book himself. The book is taking off and is highly successful, and suddenly Jacob starts receiving correspondence from "someone" who seems to know that this story is not Jacobs to tell, calling him a thief.
From the beginning, it seemed someone was out to get Jacob, and we ride along with Jacob as he deals with the guilt of taking the plot and seeks to find out the truth of who could be contacting him.
My Final Thought
I enjoyed The Plot. It held my attention throughout my reading. I thought the character development was well done. There are twists and turns, and it is a bit dark. The Plot is an excellent read.
Book Trailer/Movie
I could not find a book trailer but here is a video of an interview with the author by Jimmy Fallon.
*********************************************************************************
Book 2
"The Invisible Life Of Addie Larue"
by V. E. Schwab
Genre- Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction
4.25 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I give this book 4/5
The Amazon link is below. Just click the photo.
Overview From Good Reads
France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.
Quote
My Thoughts Before Reading the Book
This book got amazing reviews on YouTube, so I decided to read it.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
The story started off with Addie in France in 1714. Addie finds herself in a desperate situation, and rather than face what is coming her way, she sells her soul to a "dangerous stranger." In exchange for her soul, Addie will live forever, with the caveat being that she will be remembered by no one.
Addie can give up this new challenging life where she is not remembered by surrendering her soul to this stranger, but instead, she decides to live her life.
What seemed to be the most difficult thing for Addie was meeting someone and becoming instant friends or lovers, and the minute she is out of sight, she is forgotten. Until one day, she meets someone who remembers her, and things begin to change.
Is there a Movie or Book Trailer?
Here is the book trailer...
I did find that a movie is in the works for this book.
********************************************************************************
Book 3
"Our House"
by Louise Candlish
Genre-Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Crime
3.69 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I gave this book a 3.5/5
I gave this book a 3.5/5
Click the photo below for the Amazon Link...
Book overview as found on GoodReads
When Fiona Lawson comes home to find strangers moving into her house, she's sure there's been a mistake. She and her estranged husband, Bram, have a modern co-parenting arrangement: bird's nest custody, where each parent spends a few nights a week with their two sons at the prized family home to maintain stability for their children. But the system built to protect their family ends up putting them in terrible jeopardy. In a domino effect of crimes and misdemeanors, the nest comes tumbling down.Now Bram has disappeared and so have Fiona's children. As events spiral well beyond her control, Fiona will discover just how many lies her husband was weaving and how little they truly knew each other. But Bram's not the only one with things to hide, and some secrets are best kept to oneself, safe as houses.
Book Quote
I don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
It sounded like a good mystery, and the reviews were pretty solid, so I decided to read it.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
This is a domestic suspense novel. Fiona and Bram, a separated couple, tell their story. Yes, Fiona does come home to another family moving into her home. This story is all about everything that leads up to this event in her life. There are lies, infidelity, and crime, to mention a few things that occur in the book.
I liked this book, but I did not love it. It seemed to drone on and on at times. I would get bored, but I still continued to read. I am glad I finished it.
Book Trailer or Movie
I could not find anything related to a movie.
*******************************************************************************
Book 4
"The Whisper Man"
by Alex North
Genre- Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Horror
4.0 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 4/5 stars.
I gave this one 4/5 stars.
Description as Found on GoodReads,In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of a father and son caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.
After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town: Featherbank.
But Featherbank has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed "The Whisper Man," for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.
Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter's crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man. And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window. A Quote I Like
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I needed a scary book to read in October. My daughter loved this book, so I could not wait to read it. The killer was dubbed The Whisper Man because he would whisper outside his next victim's window at night. Although the murderer was captured and put in prison, similar crimes began to happen 20 years later in the same town of Featherbank.
In the book, you will follow as detectives try to solve this seemingly copycat crime, and you will learn to the lengths fathers will go to protect their kids.
I will leave you with another quote.
"If you leave a door half-open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken.If you play outside alone, soon you won’t be going home.If your window’s left unlatched, you’ll hear him tapping at the glass. If you’re lonely, sad, and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you".
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
I enjoyed this read. It held my attention, and I thought it was well written.
Book Trailer
Is there a movie?
According to one site, The Whisper Man will be headed to the big screen. I can't wait to see it!
*******************************************************************************Book 5 "Apples Never Fall"by Liane MoriartyGenre-Fiction, Thriller, Mystery4.02 out of 5 stars on Good Reads
I give this book 2/5
Click on the photo below to go to amazon.
Book Description from GoodReadsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Liane Moriarty comes a novel that looks at marriage, siblings, and how the people we love the most can hurt us the deepest
The Delaney family love one another dearly—it’s just that sometimes they want to murder each other . . .
If your mother was missing, would you tell the police? Even if the most obvious suspect was your father?
This is the dilemma facing the four grown Delaney siblings.
The Delaneys are fixtures in their community. The parents, Stan and Joy, are the envy of all of their friends. They’re killers on the tennis court, and off it their chemistry is palpable. But after fifty years of marriage, they’ve finally sold their famed tennis academy and are ready to start what should be the golden years of their lives. So why are Stan and Joy so miserable?
The four Delaney children—Amy, Logan, Troy, and Brooke—were tennis stars in their own right, yet as their father will tell you, none of them had what it took to go all the way. But that’s okay, now that they’re all successful grown-ups and there is the wonderful possibility of grandchildren on the horizon.
One night a stranger named Savannah knocks on Stan and Joy’s door, bleeding after a fight with her boyfriend. The Delaneys are more than happy to give her the small kindness she sorely needs. If only that was all she wanted.
Later, when Joy goes missing, and Savannah is nowhere to be found, the police question the one person who remains: Stan. But for someone who claims to be innocent, he, like many spouses, seems to have a lot to hide. Two of the Delaney children think their father is innocent, two are not so sure—but as the two sides square off against each other in perhaps their biggest match ever, all of the Delaneys will start to reexamine their shared family history in a very new light.
QuoteI could not find a quote.
Description as Found on GoodReads,
In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of a father and son caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.
After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town: Featherbank.
But Featherbank has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed "The Whisper Man," for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.
Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter's crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man. And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window.
After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town: Featherbank.
But Featherbank has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed "The Whisper Man," for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.
Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter's crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man. And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window.
A Quote I Like
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I needed a scary book to read in October. My daughter loved this book, so I could not wait to read it. The killer was dubbed The Whisper Man because he would whisper outside his next victim's window at night. Although the murderer was captured and put in prison, similar crimes began to happen 20 years later in the same town of Featherbank.
In the book, you will follow as detectives try to solve this seemingly copycat crime, and you will learn to the lengths fathers will go to protect their kids.
I will leave you with another quote.
"If you leave a door half-open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken.
If you play outside alone, soon you won’t be going home.
If your window’s left unlatched, you’ll hear him tapping at the glass.
If you’re lonely, sad, and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you".
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
I enjoyed this read. It held my attention, and I thought it was well written.
Book Trailer
Is there a movie?
According to one site, The Whisper Man will be headed to the big screen. I can't wait to see it!
*******************************************************************************
Book 5
"Apples Never Fall"
by Liane Moriarty
Genre-Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
4.02 out of 5 stars on Good Reads
I give this book 2/5
I give this book 2/5
Click on the photo below to go to amazon.
Book Description from GoodReads
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Liane Moriarty comes a novel that looks at marriage, siblings, and how the people we love the most can hurt us the deepestThe Delaney family love one another dearly—it’s just that sometimes they want to murder each other . . .
If your mother was missing, would you tell the police? Even if the most obvious suspect was your father?
This is the dilemma facing the four grown Delaney siblings.
The Delaneys are fixtures in their community. The parents, Stan and Joy, are the envy of all of their friends. They’re killers on the tennis court, and off it their chemistry is palpable. But after fifty years of marriage, they’ve finally sold their famed tennis academy and are ready to start what should be the golden years of their lives. So why are Stan and Joy so miserable?
The four Delaney children—Amy, Logan, Troy, and Brooke—were tennis stars in their own right, yet as their father will tell you, none of them had what it took to go all the way. But that’s okay, now that they’re all successful grown-ups and there is the wonderful possibility of grandchildren on the horizon.
One night a stranger named Savannah knocks on Stan and Joy’s door, bleeding after a fight with her boyfriend. The Delaneys are more than happy to give her the small kindness she sorely needs. If only that was all she wanted.
Later, when Joy goes missing, and Savannah is nowhere to be found, the police question the one person who remains: Stan. But for someone who claims to be innocent, he, like many spouses, seems to have a lot to hide. Two of the Delaney children think their father is innocent, two are not so sure—but as the two sides square off against each other in perhaps their biggest match ever, all of the Delaneys will start to reexamine their shared family history in a very new light.
Quote
I could not find a quote.
My thoughts before reading the book
This book had great reviews, and I was hoping it would hold my interest as I listened to it on Audible.
My thoughts after reading the book
*************************************************************************
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!
*************************************************************************
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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