Five Book Reading Wrap-Up And Book Reviews for Nov 2021
Join me for my five-book reading wrap-up!
Nov 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
"Infinite"by Brian FreemanFiction, Thriller, Science Fiction
*********************************************************************************
Book 1
"Infinite"
"Infinite"
by Brian Freeman
Fiction, Thriller, Science Fiction
Good Reads Rating is 4.05My Rating is 4.5/5 stars
(click photo below to go to Amazon) 
Overview I found on GoodReads.From bestselling author, Brian Freeman comes an explosive new psychological thriller that pushes the limits of reality as we know it.
One rainy night, the unthinkable happens: Dylan Moran’s car plunges off the road into a raging river, his beautiful wife drowning as he struggles to shore.
In the aftermath, through his grief, Dylan experiences sudden, strange visions: wherever he goes, he’s haunted by glimpses of himself. Dylan initially chalks it up to trauma, but that changes when he runs into a psychiatrist who claims he’s her patient. She says he has been undergoing a unique hypnotherapy treatment built on the idea that with every choice, he creates an infinite number of parallel universes.
Now those parallel universes are unlocked—and Dylan’s doppelgänger has staked a claim to his world. Can Dylan use these alternate realities to get a second chance at the life that was stolen from him? Or will he lose himself…to himself? QuoteI don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the BookI again was looking for a book to hold my attention on my long walks. I downloaded it from Audible, and I found it to be an enjoyable listen.My Thoughts After I Read the BookIn this book, you will become familiar with the term doppelganger. I had heard the term, but I really did not know what it meant. Here is a definition I found online... "an apparition or double of a living person.
"he has been replaced by an evil doppelgänger."What a wild and crazy ride. It all begins with a car accident and a sighting of Dylan, the protagonists, doppelganger. You soon will be thrown between parallel universes, not knowing what is real and what is not. I would call it a psychological thriller where there is a definite line between good and evil. There are murders but wait could that murdered person be alive in another universe? There are many twists and turns to the storyline. It is a bit mind-bending for my non-science fiction mind. Other than being a bit slow at times, I found it a good read. My Final ThoughtI did enjoy the listen. It was over 9 hours on Audible, but the time seemed to fly by. There were times I got a bit confused by all of the Dylan's, but overall, it was a good book.
Book Trailer/MovieI could not find a book trailer or anything on a movie related to this book.
A 5-star and -star review I found on Amazon.Five-star review-"This writer reminds me of Dean Koontz. I started reading this book expecting yet another mediocre free Kindle Book from a new author learning to write by publishing their second or third draft and using the feedback as a sounding board for future revisions. This was an astonishingly good read by an accomplished author and after researching a bit, they have been writing for a while and are one of the top three authors I have read in the past five years, and I typically read over one hundred books annually. The plot is a bit dark initially with characterization and plot setting that is well done and appealing to the average reader. This book could be called Science Fiction but like Dean Koontz's writing, the book defies conventional categories. Some readers will not care for this, but many or most will think it is the best book of the year. Highly recommended".
One-Star Review-"If you like a whiny, self-involved, aggressively stupid protagonist with serious anger issues, this book is for you. Poorly written, with vapid psychology and low rent physics, it is unreadable. I very rarely quit on a book but I was getting headaches from rolling my eyes. I don't like to throw good time after bad, but I am writing this as a PSA. Even at $0.00, the price is too high".
I would lean more toward the 5-star review. It was definitely worth reading and I found it enjoyable.
*********************************************************************************Book 2"We Are The Brennans"by Tracey LangeGenre- Fiction, Contemporary, Family, Drama3.93 stars on Goodreads out of 5 starsI give this book 3/5
The Amazon link is below. Just click the photo.
Overview From Good ReadsWhen twenty-nine-year-old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital, bruised and battered after a drunk driving accident she caused, she swallows her pride and goes home to her family in New York. But it's not easy. She deserted them all—and her high school sweetheart—five years before with little explanation, and they've got questions.
Sunday is determined to rebuild her life back on the east coast, even if it does mean tiptoeing around resentful brothers and an ex-fiancé. The longer she stays, however, the more she realizes they need her just as much as she needs them. When a dangerous man from her past brings her family's pub business to the brink of financial ruin, the only way to protect them is to upend all their secrets—secrets that have damaged the family for generations and will threaten everything they know about their lives. In the aftermath, the Brennan family is forced to confront painful mistakes—and ultimately find a way forward, together.
Quote I don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before Reading the BookThis was a book of the month club pick. It had excellent reviews, so I decided to buy it.
My Thoughts After Reading the BookFor me, secrets, lies, deception, and betrayal are all things that are trigger warnings for me, and that is what you will find in this book.Basically a story about a family and all that is hidden in their closets. Other than the triggers, I found the story to be very slow. I did finish it, but I did not like the book or any of the characters. I was glad to finish this book.I debated giving this book 2 stars. As I thought more about the rating I realized I was rating it based on my personal trigger warnings. With that in mind, I gave it a 3/5. Aside from the trigger warning, I found the book to be slow and I could not connect with the characters.Is there a Movie or Book Trailer?
I could not find a book trailer or anything on a movie for this book.
A 5-star and 1-star review I found on Amazon.
5 star review-Five stars this book was amazing. I loved it from start to finish did not want it to end all the Brennans were so lovable. 1 Star Review-Characters not well developed. No descriptive language. Not a very good book.
With this book, I lean more toward the 1-star review. I agree the characters were not well developed.
********************************************************************************Book 3"The Fortune Cookie Writer"by Nina NaviskyGenre-Fiction, Relationships, Community4.10 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 GoodReadsDog walker by day and fortune cookie writer by night, Marissa is broke. Blindsided by divorce, she's determined to support her young son, Owen, musically gifted and struggling to hide his peculiar behaviors from the world. When a stranger offers her a week's pay to cook dinners for a widow who lives one floor down, Marissa accepts. She'd be a fool to turn down such easy cash. But the arrangement isn't simple with ninety-four-year old Rose, who tends to lapse into Yiddish and has no interest in visits from an unfamiliar neighbor.
Soon Marissa discovers clues about Rose's unspoken history: a piano, silent for decades, yet still in tune; a locked case with an unbreakable code; and three hidden photos bearing an inscription. As Owen's future darkens, Rose's past is revealed--leaving Marissa to decide how to create good fortune for the three of them.
"Nina Navisky writes with a warm hand that leads readers into thought-provoking moments...With its delicate probe into circles of life, restarts, and processes of discovery, The Fortune Cookie Writer will delight..."Book QuoteI don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This book sounded heartwarming to me so I decided to buy it.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
I loved the characters in this book, they were well developed. Everyone in this book had a challenge to face and the story is about how they faced these challenges and many times with the assistance of each other.
I really enjoyed this book both the characters and the storyline.
Book Trailer or MovieI could not find a book trailer or a movie related to this book
A Five and One Star Review as Found on AmazonFive Star Review-"Navisky is a talented writer who has created an evocative tale with compelling, complex characters. Single mom, Marissa, finds herself cooking dinners for widowed Rose, and what begins as a challenge for both reveals the moving lessons of life and loss. A tender read you won't soon forget."
One Star Review- There was a one-star rating but no written review.
I am in agreement with the 5-star review.
*******************************************************************************Book 4"The Homework Machine"
by Dan GutmanGenre- Fiction, Middle Grade, Humor, Science Fiction3.85 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 2.5/5 stars.
Amazon Link Below, just click on the photo...
Good Reads Rating is 4.05
My Rating is 4.5/5 stars
Overview I found on GoodReads.
From bestselling author, Brian Freeman comes an explosive new psychological thriller that pushes the limits of reality as we know it.One rainy night, the unthinkable happens: Dylan Moran’s car plunges off the road into a raging river, his beautiful wife drowning as he struggles to shore.
In the aftermath, through his grief, Dylan experiences sudden, strange visions: wherever he goes, he’s haunted by glimpses of himself. Dylan initially chalks it up to trauma, but that changes when he runs into a psychiatrist who claims he’s her patient. She says he has been undergoing a unique hypnotherapy treatment built on the idea that with every choice, he creates an infinite number of parallel universes.
Now those parallel universes are unlocked—and Dylan’s doppelgänger has staked a claim to his world. Can Dylan use these alternate realities to get a second chance at the life that was stolen from him? Or will he lose himself…to himself?
Quote
I don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I again was looking for a book to hold my attention on my long walks. I downloaded it from Audible, and I found it to be an enjoyable listen.
My Thoughts After I Read the Book
In this book, you will become familiar with the term doppelganger. I had heard the term, but I really did not know what it meant. Here is a definition I found online...
"an apparition or double of a living person."he has been replaced by an evil doppelgänger."
What a wild and crazy ride. It all begins with a car accident and a sighting of Dylan, the protagonists, doppelganger. You soon will be thrown between parallel universes, not knowing what is real and what is not.
I would call it a psychological thriller where there is a definite line between good and evil. There are murders but wait could that murdered person be alive in another universe? There are many twists and turns to the storyline. It is a bit mind-bending for my non-science fiction mind. Other than being a bit slow at times, I found it a good read.
My Final Thought
I did enjoy the listen. It was over 9 hours on Audible, but the time seemed to fly by. There were times I got a bit confused by all of the Dylan's, but overall, it was a good book.
Book Trailer/Movie
I could not find a book trailer or anything on a movie related to this book.
A 5-star and -star review I found on Amazon.
Five-star review-"This writer reminds me of Dean Koontz. I started reading this book expecting yet another mediocre free Kindle Book from a new author learning to write by publishing their second or third draft and using the feedback as a sounding board for future revisions. This was an astonishingly good read by an accomplished author and after researching a bit, they have been writing for a while and are one of the top three authors I have read in the past five years, and I typically read over one hundred books annually. The plot is a bit dark initially with characterization and plot setting that is well done and appealing to the average reader. This book could be called Science Fiction but like Dean Koontz's writing, the book defies conventional categories. Some readers will not care for this, but many or most will think it is the best book of the year. Highly recommended".
One-Star Review-"If you like a whiny, self-involved, aggressively stupid protagonist with serious anger issues, this book is for you. Poorly written, with vapid psychology and low rent physics, it is unreadable. I very rarely quit on a book but I was getting headaches from rolling my eyes. I don't like to throw good time after bad, but I am writing this as a PSA. Even at $0.00, the price is too high".
I would lean more toward the 5-star review. It was definitely worth reading and I found it enjoyable.
*********************************************************************************
Book 2
"We Are The Brennans"
by Tracey Lange
Genre- Fiction, Contemporary, Family, Drama
3.93 stars on Goodreads out of 5 stars
I give this book 3/5
The Amazon link is below. Just click the photo.
Overview From Good Reads
When twenty-nine-year-old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital, bruised and battered after a drunk driving accident she caused, she swallows her pride and goes home to her family in New York. But it's not easy. She deserted them all—and her high school sweetheart—five years before with little explanation, and they've got questions. Sunday is determined to rebuild her life back on the east coast, even if it does mean tiptoeing around resentful brothers and an ex-fiancé. The longer she stays, however, the more she realizes they need her just as much as she needs them. When a dangerous man from her past brings her family's pub business to the brink of financial ruin, the only way to protect them is to upend all their secrets—secrets that have damaged the family for generations and will threaten everything they know about their lives. In the aftermath, the Brennan family is forced to confront painful mistakes—and ultimately find a way forward, together.
Quote
I don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before Reading the Book
This was a book of the month club pick. It had excellent reviews, so I decided to buy it.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
For me, secrets, lies, deception, and betrayal are all things that are trigger warnings for me, and that is what you will find in this book.
Basically a story about a family and all that is hidden in their closets. Other than the triggers, I found the story to be very slow. I did finish it, but I did not like the book or any of the characters. I was glad to finish this book.
I debated giving this book 2 stars. As I thought more about the rating I realized I was rating it based on my personal trigger warnings. With that in mind, I gave it a 3/5. Aside from the trigger warning, I found the book to be slow and I could not connect with the characters.
Is there a Movie or Book Trailer?
I could not find a book trailer or anything on a movie for this book.
A 5-star and 1-star review I found on Amazon.
5 star review-Five stars this book was amazing. I loved it from start to finish did not want it to end all the Brennans were so lovable.
1 Star Review-Characters not well developed. No descriptive language. Not a very good book.
With this book, I lean more toward the 1-star review. I agree the characters were not well developed.
********************************************************************************
Book 3
"The Fortune Cookie Writer"
by Nina Navisky
Genre-Fiction, Relationships, Community
4.10 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
Dog walker by day and fortune cookie writer by night, Marissa is broke. Blindsided by divorce, she's determined to support her young son, Owen, musically gifted and struggling to hide his peculiar behaviors from the world. When a stranger offers her a week's pay to cook dinners for a widow who lives one floor down, Marissa accepts. She'd be a fool to turn down such easy cash. But the arrangement isn't simple with ninety-four-year old Rose, who tends to lapse into Yiddish and has no interest in visits from an unfamiliar neighbor. Soon Marissa discovers clues about Rose's unspoken history: a piano, silent for decades, yet still in tune; a locked case with an unbreakable code; and three hidden photos bearing an inscription. As Owen's future darkens, Rose's past is revealed--leaving Marissa to decide how to create good fortune for the three of them.
"Nina Navisky writes with a warm hand that leads readers into thought-provoking moments...With its delicate probe into circles of life, restarts, and processes of discovery, The Fortune Cookie Writer will delight..."
Book Quote
I don't have a favorite quote.
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
This book sounded heartwarming to me so I decided to buy it.
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
I loved the characters in this book, they were well developed. Everyone in this book had a challenge to face and the story is about how they faced these challenges and many times with the assistance of each other.
I really enjoyed this book both the characters and the storyline.
Book Trailer or Movie
I could not find a book trailer or a movie related to this book
A Five and One Star Review as Found on Amazon
Five Star Review-"Navisky is a talented writer who has created an evocative tale with compelling, complex characters. Single mom, Marissa, finds herself cooking dinners for widowed Rose, and what begins as a challenge for both reveals the moving lessons of life and loss. A tender read you won't soon forget."
One Star Review- There was a one-star rating but no written review.
I am in agreement with the 5-star review.
*******************************************************************************
Book 4
"The Homework Machine"
by Dan Gutman
Genre- Fiction, Middle Grade, Humor, Science Fiction
3.85 stars on GoodReads out of 5 stars.
I gave this one 2.5/5 stars.
I gave this one 2.5/5 stars.
Description as Found on GoodReads,
The unlikely foursome made up of a geek, a class clown, a teacher's pet, and a slacker -- Brenton, Sam "Snick,", Judy and Kelsey, respectively, -- are bound together by one very big secret: the homework machine. Because the machine, code named Belch, is doing their homework for them, they start spending a lot of time together, attracting a lot of attention. And attention is exactly what you don't want when you are keeping a secret.
Before long, members of the D Squad, as they are called at school are getting strange Instant Messages from a shady guy named Milner; their teacher, Miss Rasmussen, is calling private meetings with each of them and giving them pop tests that they are failing; and someone has leaked the possibility of a homework machine to the school newspaper. Just when the D Squad thinks things can't get any more out of control, Belch becomes much more powerful than they ever imagined. Soon the kids are in a race against their own creation, and the loser could end up in jail...or worse!
A Quote I Like“The way your life plays out depends on which dominoes you chose to push over and which ones you leave alone.”
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I love middle-grade books so I thought this sounded like a good book
My Thoughts After Reading the BookThis story is about a group of several kids in 5th grade that live near the grand canyon, They are not what you would expect to be in a group of friends but after being seated together because their last name began with a D they became The D Squad. The reason they began to hang out together was that they all shared something in common, the Homework Machine.They attempt to keep the homework machine a secret but things do not always go as planned. The police get involved as well as parents and a stalker. What will happen to the D Squad and the homework machine? You will have to read it to find out.This book was enjoyable but not great. I thought there was a lack of character development and the book became slow at times. It was pretty good.Book Trailer
I could not find anything on a book trailer or a movie based on the book.
A Five and One Star Review as Found on GoodReads
A Five-Star Review-"I remember reading this when I was in 5th grade with my class. We loved the book because of how relatable it was – I think every student at one point has always wanted a homework machine. Well, I think this book portrays those fantasies well! Such a great read!"
A One-Star Review-"Just couldn't bring myself to read this. I was on the fifth or sixth chapter and it seeemed boring and definitely not worth reading".
I think I lean more toward the one-star review. There were several times I nearly DNF'd the book but I trudged on. I would give it a 2.5-star rating.*******************************************************************************Book 5 "After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again"by Dan SantatGenre-Children's, Fiction, Story Time4.38 out of 5 stars on Good Reads
I give this book 5/5
Click on the photo below to go to amazon.
Book Description from GoodReads
My name is Humpty Dumpty. I'm famous for falling off a wall.
(You may have heard about it.)
But that's only half the story...Because I decided to get back up.And when I did, something amazing happened.
This story is about my life...AFTER THE FALL.
Inspiring and unforgettable, this epilogue to the beloved classic nursery rhyme will encourage even the most afraid to overcome their fears, learn to get back up--and reach new heights.
Quote"Life begins when you get back up!"
Description as Found on GoodReads,
The unlikely foursome made up of a geek, a class clown, a teacher's pet, and a slacker -- Brenton, Sam "Snick,", Judy and Kelsey, respectively, -- are bound together by one very big secret: the homework machine. Because the machine, code named Belch, is doing their homework for them, they start spending a lot of time together, attracting a lot of attention. And attention is exactly what you don't want when you are keeping a secret.
Before long, members of the D Squad, as they are called at school are getting strange Instant Messages from a shady guy named Milner; their teacher, Miss Rasmussen, is calling private meetings with each of them and giving them pop tests that they are failing; and someone has leaked the possibility of a homework machine to the school newspaper. Just when the D Squad thinks things can't get any more out of control, Belch becomes much more powerful than they ever imagined. Soon the kids are in a race against their own creation, and the loser could end up in jail...or worse!
A Quote I Like
“The way your life plays out depends on which dominoes you chose
to push over and which ones you leave alone.”
My Thoughts Before I Read the Book
I love middle-grade books so I thought this sounded like a good book
My Thoughts After Reading the Book
This story is about a group of several kids in 5th grade that live near the grand canyon, They are not what you would expect to be in a group of friends but after being seated together because their last name began with a D they became The D Squad. The reason they began to hang out together was that they all shared something in common, the Homework Machine.
They attempt to keep the homework machine a secret but things do not always go as planned. The police get involved as well as parents and a stalker. What will happen to the D Squad and the homework machine? You will have to read it to find out.
This book was enjoyable but not great. I thought there was a lack of character development and the book became slow at times. It was pretty good.
Book Trailer
I could not find anything on a book trailer or a movie based on the book.
A Five and One Star Review as Found on GoodReads
A Five-Star Review-"I remember reading this when I was in 5th grade with my class. We loved the book because of how relatable it was – I think every student at one point has always wanted a homework machine. Well, I think this book portrays those fantasies well! Such a great read!"
A One-Star Review-"Just couldn't bring myself to read this. I was on the fifth or sixth chapter and it seeemed boring and definitely not worth reading".
I think I lean more toward the one-star review. There were several times I nearly DNF'd the book but I trudged on. I would give it a 2.5-star rating.
*******************************************************************************
Book 5
"After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again"
by Dan Santat
Genre-Children's, Fiction, Story Time
4.38 out of 5 stars on Good Reads
I give this book 5/5
I give this book 5/5
Click on the photo below to go to amazon.
Book Description from GoodReads
My name is Humpty Dumpty.
I'm famous for falling off a wall.
(You may have heard about it.)
But that's only half the story...
Because I decided to get back up.
And when I did, something amazing happened.
This story is about my life...
AFTER THE FALL.
Inspiring and unforgettable, this epilogue to the beloved classic nursery rhyme will encourage even the most afraid to overcome their fears, learn to get back up--and reach new heights.
Quote
"Life begins when you get back up!"
My thoughts before reading the book
I was looking for a positive book for story reading time with the grandkids.
My thoughts after reading the book
Book Trailer
A Five and One Star Review as Found on Amazon
A Five-Star Review-I love this story! HD is afraid after his fall and doesn’t want to climb the wall again. He notes that his fear of heights keeps him from some of his favorite things on the funniest page of a children’s book - ever. He’s in the cereal aisle in a grocery. The cereals he cannot reach include free toy! and just marshmallows. I read just this page with my kids for ten minutes, laughing the whole time. Ultimately, HD overcomes his fear and climbs the wall. And the surprise ending? The egg... hatches!A One-Star Review-Having read it myself first I decided not to read it to my child. The book was advertised as teaching persistence... well it did in a way... Humpty dumpty was persistent in achieving his goal just to fall apart in the end ie die. Not only do I find it stupid but also the colors are so dark and gloomy. I'm returning this.
Looking over the reviews I lean more toward the five-star review. I felt Humpty overcame his fears. I felt the book was encouraging and uplifting.
*************************************************************************
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:-)
Comments
Post a Comment