Five Book Reading Wrap-up for September 2021
Join me for my five-book reading wrap-up!
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 Land of Roar"by Jenny McLachlanMiddle Grade, Fantasy, Dragons, Adventure
(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 Land of Roar"
"The Land of Roar"
by Jenny McLachlan
Middle Grade, Fantasy, Dragons, Adventure
Good Reads Rating is 4.08My Rating is 4.5/5 stars
(click photo below to go to Amazon)
Overview I found on GoodReads.When Arthur and Rose were little, they were the heroes of Roar, a magical world they invented where the wildest creations of their imaginations roamed. Now that they’re eleven, Roar is just a distant memory. But it hasn’t forgotten them.
When their grandfather is spirited away into Roar by the villain who still haunts their nightmares, Arthur and Rose must go back to the world they’d almost left behind. And when they get there, they discover that Grandad isn’t the only one who needs their help.
This enchanting, action-packed novel is perfect for readers who’ve always dreamed of exploring Narnia and Neverland. QuoteI can't remember a specific quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the BookI had received this in a children's subscription book box called Literati. I decided to keep it because Caleb loves dragons, and so do I thus, I had high hopes for this book.My Thoughts After I Read the BookThe Land of Roar is a portal magical world with dragons, scarecrows, ninjas, the lost girls, mermaids, and magic that all began with an invented world called Roar.
This book begins with two siblings Rose and Arthur, and their grandfather. The world that Rose and Arthur had invented years ago was now just an afterthought, and a world they believed was only to be found in their imagination. When their grandfather is taken through the portal to The Land of Roar, the kids soon learn that their world is true, and they must return to rescue their grandfather. My Final ThoughtThis book was fun and imaginative. I found myself getting lost in the story. The storyline kept me interested. This book is part of a series but can stand alone but it does leave an opening at the conclusion for a second book. I could not help myself and I ordered the second book as soon as I finished the first one. The second book is called Return to Roar. I can't wait to read it.
Book Trailer/MovieI could not find a book trailer but I did find a promotion for the book by a library.
I could not find anything on a movie but I think it would make a good one!*********************************************************************************Book 2"Grump"by Liesl ShurtliffGenre- Fantasy, Middle Grade, Retelling, Adventure, Fairy Tales4.07 stars on Goodreads out of 5 starsI give this book 4/5
The Amazon link is below. Just click the photo. 
Overview From Good ReadsFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Rump comes the true story behind another unlikely hero: a grumpy dwarf who gets tangled up in Snow White's feud with the wicked queen.
Ever since he was a dwarfling, Borlen (nicknamed "Grump") has dreamed of visiting The Surface, so when opportunity knocks, he leaves his cavern home behind.
At first, life aboveground is a dream come true. Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) is the best friend Grump always wanted, feeding him all the rubies he can eat and allowing him to rule at her side in exchange for magic and information. But as time goes on, Grump starts to suspect that Queen E.V.I.L. may not be as nice as she seems. . . .
When the queen commands him to carry out a horrible task against her stepdaughter Snow White, Grump is in over his head. He's bound by magic to help the queen, but also to protect Snow White. As if that wasn't stressful enough, the queen keeps bugging him for updates through her magic mirror! He'll have to dig deep to find a way out of this pickle, and that's enough to make any dwarf Grumpy indeed.Quote 
My Thoughts Before Reading the BookI decided to listen to this book on Audible because I had heard good reviews on YouTube. I also enjoy retellings. My Thoughts After Reading the Book This book is a retelling of the fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. This retelling is from Grump's perspective. The story begins with Grump's childhood. You get to know his parents, the other dwarves he comes in contact with, and his pet bat named Leaf. Dwarves are born underground and typically have no contact with the world above. Grump has visions of seeing what occurs above the ground and this leads us on the adventure with Snow White and the Wicked Queen.I found this book to be whimsical and fun. I loved the characters and felt a connection with most of them. Great story and perspective.FYI-Did you know if you encounter a dwarf that if you grab him by the beard and pull he has to follow all your commands? According to this book, it is true:-)
Is there a Movie or Book Trailer?
Here is the book trailer...
I could not find anything about a movie.
********************************************************************************Book 3"The Salt Path"by Paynor WinnGenre-Non-Fiction, Memoir, Travel, Biography4.11 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I gave this book a 4/5
Click the photo below for the Amazon Link... 
Book overview as found on GoodReadsJust days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, their home and livelihood is taken away. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall.
They have almost no money for food or shelter and must carry only the essentials for survival on their backs as they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter, and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey.
The Salt Path is an honest and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt, and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.Book Quote
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This is a book I was reading with the Literati book club for adults. As I looked over my book options for the month, this one caught my eye. I love a good non-fiction book, so I was excited to read this book.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
This is the true story of a man and his wife who had had a wonderful life and then lost everything. They had a home and a business, a family and a farm they loved, and through a bad business deal, they were left homeless.
This story details their pain as they try to pick up and move on after a devastating life blow. They are in their 50's and must start over. They decide to walk the salt path to come to terms with their circumstances.
On their difficult journey, you will learn of their regrets, their hopes, and the difficulties they face along the way. It is an inspiring story of hope when all seems lost. Great story of rediscovery and hope.
Book Trailer or MovieI could not find a book trailer but I did find a short interview with the author. I found this interview to be uplifting.
I could not find anything related to a movie.
*******************************************************************************Book 4"Soulmate Equation"
by Christina LaurenGenre- Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult4.08 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 2/5 stars.
Amazon Link Below, just click on the photo...
Good Reads Rating is 4.08
My Rating is 4.5/5 stars
Overview I found on GoodReads.
When Arthur and Rose were little, they were the heroes of Roar, a magical world they invented where the wildest creations of their imaginations roamed. Now that they’re eleven, Roar is just a distant memory. But it hasn’t forgotten them.When their grandfather is spirited away into Roar by the villain who still haunts their nightmares, Arthur and Rose must go back to the world they’d almost left behind. And when they get there, they discover that Grandad isn’t the only one who needs their help.
This enchanting, action-packed novel is perfect for readers who’ve always dreamed of exploring Narnia and Neverland.
Quote
I can't remember a specific quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I had received this in a children's subscription book box called Literati. I decided to keep it because Caleb loves dragons, and so do I thus, I had high hopes for this book.
My Thoughts After I Read the Book
The Land of Roar is a portal magical world with dragons, scarecrows, ninjas, the lost girls, mermaids, and magic that all began with an invented world called Roar.
This book begins with two siblings Rose and Arthur, and their grandfather. The world that Rose and Arthur had invented years ago was now just an afterthought, and a world they believed was only to be found in their imagination. When their grandfather is taken through the portal to The Land of Roar, the kids soon learn that their world is true, and they must return to rescue their grandfather.
My Final Thought
This book was fun and imaginative. I found myself getting lost in the story. The storyline kept me interested. This book is part of a series but can stand alone but it does leave an opening at the conclusion for a second book. I could not help myself and I ordered the second book as soon as I finished the first one. The second book is called Return to Roar. I can't wait to read it.
Book Trailer/Movie
I could not find a book trailer but I did find a promotion for the book by a library.
I could not find anything on a movie but I think it would make a good one!
*********************************************************************************
Book 2
"Grump"
by Liesl Shurtliff
Genre- Fantasy, Middle Grade, Retelling, Adventure, Fairy Tales
4.07 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
From the New York Times bestselling author of Rump comes the true story behind another unlikely hero: a grumpy dwarf who gets tangled up in Snow White's feud with the wicked queen.
Ever since he was a dwarfling, Borlen (nicknamed "Grump") has dreamed of visiting The Surface, so when opportunity knocks, he leaves his cavern home behind.
At first, life aboveground is a dream come true. Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) is the best friend Grump always wanted, feeding him all the rubies he can eat and allowing him to rule at her side in exchange for magic and information. But as time goes on, Grump starts to suspect that Queen E.V.I.L. may not be as nice as she seems. . . .
When the queen commands him to carry out a horrible task against her stepdaughter Snow White, Grump is in over his head. He's bound by magic to help the queen, but also to protect Snow White. As if that wasn't stressful enough, the queen keeps bugging him for updates through her magic mirror! He'll have to dig deep to find a way out of this pickle, and that's enough to make any dwarf Grumpy indeed.
Ever since he was a dwarfling, Borlen (nicknamed "Grump") has dreamed of visiting The Surface, so when opportunity knocks, he leaves his cavern home behind.
At first, life aboveground is a dream come true. Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) is the best friend Grump always wanted, feeding him all the rubies he can eat and allowing him to rule at her side in exchange for magic and information. But as time goes on, Grump starts to suspect that Queen E.V.I.L. may not be as nice as she seems. . . .
When the queen commands him to carry out a horrible task against her stepdaughter Snow White, Grump is in over his head. He's bound by magic to help the queen, but also to protect Snow White. As if that wasn't stressful enough, the queen keeps bugging him for updates through her magic mirror! He'll have to dig deep to find a way out of this pickle, and that's enough to make any dwarf Grumpy indeed.
Quote
My Thoughts Before Reading the Book
I decided to listen to this book on Audible because I had heard good reviews on YouTube. I also enjoy retellings.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
This book is a retelling of the fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. This retelling is from Grump's perspective. The story begins with Grump's childhood. You get to know his parents, the other dwarves he comes in contact with, and his pet bat named Leaf.
Dwarves are born underground and typically have no contact with the world above. Grump has visions of seeing what occurs above the ground and this leads us on the adventure with Snow White and the Wicked Queen.
I found this book to be whimsical and fun. I loved the characters and felt a connection with most of them. Great story and perspective.
FYI-Did you know if you encounter a dwarf that if you grab him by the beard and pull he has to follow all your commands? According to this book, it is true:-)
Is there a Movie or Book Trailer?
Here is the book trailer...
I could not find anything about a movie.
********************************************************************************
Book 3
"The Salt Path"
by Paynor Winn
Genre-Non-Fiction, Memoir, Travel, Biography
4.11 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I gave this book a 4/5
I gave this book a 4/5
Click the photo below for the Amazon Link...
Book overview as found on GoodReads
Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, their home and livelihood is taken away. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall.They have almost no money for food or shelter and must carry only the essentials for survival on their backs as they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter, and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey.
The Salt Path is an honest and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt, and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
Book Quote
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This is a book I was reading with the Literati book club for adults. As I looked over my book options for the month, this one caught my eye. I love a good non-fiction book, so I was excited to read this book.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
This is the true story of a man and his wife who had had a wonderful life and then lost everything. They had a home and a business, a family and a farm they loved, and through a bad business deal, they were left homeless.
This story details their pain as they try to pick up and move on after a devastating life blow. They are in their 50's and must start over. They decide to walk the salt path to come to terms with their circumstances.
On their difficult journey, you will learn of their regrets, their hopes, and the difficulties they face along the way. It is an inspiring story of hope when all seems lost. Great story of rediscovery and hope.
Book Trailer or Movie
I could not find a book trailer but I did find a short interview with the author. I found this interview to be uplifting.
I could not find anything related to a movie.
*******************************************************************************
Book 4
"Soulmate Equation"
by Christina Lauren
Genre- Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult
4.08 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 2/5 stars.
I gave this one 2/5 stars.
Description as Found on GoodReads,Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparents--who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno--Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father's never been around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn't "father material" before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard...and lonely.
But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that's predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98% compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly's founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can't wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we'll pay you. Jess--who is barely making ends meet--is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the "Diamond" pairing that could make GeneticAlly a mint in stock prices, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist--and the science behind a soulmate--than she thought.A Quote I LikeI don't have a favorite quote.My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I received this through a book subscription box. It had gotten excellent reviews, so I thought I would give it a try.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
Being single myself, I thought it would be fun to read a book about a scientifically selected date.
Sadly this book did not appeal to me at all. I was not crazy about the characters; I could not relate to any of them. Many comments about male and female body parts were supposed to be funny, but this type of humor is lost on me.
There were some good aspects to this book, and I made it about 75% through, but I just did not care, so I DNF' this book; although I think many of you would enjoy this read it was just not for me.
Is there a book trailer?
I could not find a book trailer.
Is there a movie?
I could not find any plans to make a movie based on this book.
*******************************************************************************Book 5 "The Hit List"by Holly SeddonGenre-Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Thriller4.05 out of 5 stars on Good Reads
I give this book 4/5
Click on the photo below to go to amazon.
Book Description from GoodReadsWhen Marianne's husband Greg is knocked off his bike and killed on the way to work, she must unpick the life he left behind. Numb with grief, Marianne consoles herself by scouring Greg's laptop, finding comfort in reading his old emails and tracing his footsteps across the web. Until one day, she discovers that he had been accessing the dark web. Why was Greg, a principled charity worker and dedicated husband, logging on to a website that showcases the worst of humanity's cruel impulses and where anything is available for a price? Marianne steels herself and logs on. After tentative searching, she discovers her name on a hit list.
In this fast-paced, powerful and exceptionally plotted novel, Marianne must figure out whether Greg was trying to protect her or whether he was complicit in the conspiracy for her murder. As she is pulled deeper into the depths of the underworld that Greg was seemingly hostage to, she gets closer and closer to coming face to face with Sam - the assassin hired to kill her. The dark truths that Marianne uncovers speak volumes about the dark underbelly of our society and forces us to question how far we would go to protect those we care most about.
QuoteI could not find a quote.
Description as Found on GoodReads,
Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparents--who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno--Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father's never been around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn't "father material" before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard...and lonely.
But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that's predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98% compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly's founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can't wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we'll pay you. Jess--who is barely making ends meet--is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the "Diamond" pairing that could make GeneticAlly a mint in stock prices, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist--and the science behind a soulmate--than she thought.
But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that's predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98% compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly's founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can't wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we'll pay you. Jess--who is barely making ends meet--is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the "Diamond" pairing that could make GeneticAlly a mint in stock prices, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist--and the science behind a soulmate--than she thought.
A Quote I Like
I don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I received this through a book subscription box. It had gotten excellent reviews, so I thought I would give it a try.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
Being single myself, I thought it would be fun to read a book about a scientifically selected date.
Sadly this book did not appeal to me at all. I was not crazy about the characters; I could not relate to any of them. Many comments about male and female body parts were supposed to be funny, but this type of humor is lost on me.
There were some good aspects to this book, and I made it about 75% through, but I just did not care, so I DNF' this book; although I think many of you would enjoy this read it was just not for me.
Is there a book trailer?
I could not find a book trailer.
Is there a movie?
I could not find any plans to make a movie based on this book.
*******************************************************************************
Book 5
"The Hit List"
by Holly Seddon
Genre-Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
4.05 out of 5 stars on Good Reads
I give this book 4/5
I give this book 4/5
Click on the photo below to go to amazon.
Book Description from GoodReads
When Marianne's husband Greg is knocked off his bike and killed on the way to work, she must unpick the life he left behind. Numb with grief, Marianne consoles herself by scouring Greg's laptop, finding comfort in reading his old emails and tracing his footsteps across the web. Until one day, she discovers that he had been accessing the dark web. Why was Greg, a principled charity worker and dedicated husband, logging on to a website that showcases the worst of humanity's cruel impulses and where anything is available for a price? Marianne steels herself and logs on. After tentative searching, she discovers her name on a hit list.In this fast-paced, powerful and exceptionally plotted novel, Marianne must figure out whether Greg was trying to protect her or whether he was complicit in the conspiracy for her murder. As she is pulled deeper into the depths of the underworld that Greg was seemingly hostage to, she gets closer and closer to coming face to face with Sam - the assassin hired to kill her. The dark truths that Marianne uncovers speak volumes about the dark underbelly of our society and forces us to question how far we would go to protect those we care most about.
Quote
I could not find a quote.
My thoughts before reading the book
I needed an audible listen to keep me engaged on my long morning hikes and this one sounded interesting
My thoughts after reading the book
This is a stand-alone psychological thriller. The focus is a young woman whose husband is killed while riding his bike. She thinks it was an accident. The as she is exploring her husband's computer she finds he was on the dark web. Also while she is exploring the dark web she finds that she is on a hit list and finds herself thinking maybe her husband's accident was not accidental.
This story takes a path with many twists and turns and leaves you to wonder what is going on and what can possibly happen.
Overall this was a good listen on Audible.
Book Trailer/Movie
I could not find a book trailer or any information on a movie related to this book
*************************************************************************I will leave you with a quote......“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” – James Baldwin
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 will leave you with a quote......
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”
– James Baldwin
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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