Bark of Night (Andy Carpenter, #19) by David Rosenfelt

Bark of Night by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Andy rescues Truman, a French Bulldog and takes on a new case in number 19. Narration by Grove Gardner was perfect, a laugh a minute all the while solving the mystery of the murdered owner.

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Spying on the South: Tavels with Frederick Law Olmsted in a Fractured Land by Tony Horwitz

Spying on the South: Travels with Frederick Law Olmsted in a Fractured Land by Tony Horwitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Since I read and Loved Horse by Geraldine Brooks, I decided to read one of her husband's books that he was researching at same time as she was writing Horse. I loved his dedication to Geraldine and this book was a compare/contrast to Frederick Olmsted travels through the South, his beliefs, and his life of abolition and change in career to land planner (as well as other changes in his beliefs, etc). I highly recommend this audiobook narrated by Mark Deakins and Tony Horwitz as it also compares our current political conflicts with Olmsted's time period.

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Meena Meets Her Match (Meena Zee, #1) by Karla Manternach

Meena Meets Her Match by Karla Manternach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this first book in the Meena Zee series, I will definitely be reading these and passing along to my granddaughters! Meena looks at the world in terms of bright colors and how "anything" (including trash & other disgusting stuff) cab be used for her art projects in school and at home. But the bright colors darken when Meena has a medical event that turns her world upside down. Also her best friend, Sophie stays in now at recess and Meena is upset and angry about this. I loved all the characters, the plot was so enjoyable, and all of the resolutions were authentic. I especially liked the Author Note at the end. I also liked that this book was for 3rd graders, a middle grade beginner book, readers will enjoy and ask for more!

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Borrowing Bunnies: A Surprising True Tale of Fostering Rabbits by Cynthia Lord

Borrowing Bunnies: A Surprising True Tale of Fostering Rabbits by Cynthia Lord
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to MaryAlice Briggs-Dicker for this awesome recommendation! I love Cynthia Lord and this book will really speak to children about caring for and loving bunnies but also about letting them go to good homes. The pictures and photos were totally awesome. I think really anyone should read this book!

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The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow

The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my cousin, Colleen Bresnahan for recommending this true story of David Crow, his father and David's family as they are targeted many times throughout their life by their bully of a father. Pontificating all the time, just being a blow hard, David and his brother and sister live in a reign of terror during their entire life as their father tries to draft them to kill their mother and others he abhors. Told by David, who is a hell cat himself, David has a side that feels empathy, while his father only feels empathy for animals. Constantly telling David about the people he killed and got away with, his convict father also has a side that beguiles others---like the doctor in jail that gets him out early and the women who marry him. Despite his learning disabilities David loves to read and continues to go to school to better himself. It is only through counseling and forgiving his mother, father and himself that David feels he can have a relationship and makes his way successfully in the world.

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Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my niece Casey Ciocca, for this awesome audiobook/podcast recommendation. Ronan Farrow's narration was totally mesmerizing, his research was thorough, and the way he captures the world of NBC news, sexual abuse, lies, intimidation, power, money, status, and the long haul to report and help the women who were raped, abused, threatened in order to silence them and keep their tormentors free to plunder other women. A must read/listen to!

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Give and Take by Elly Swartz

Give and Take by Elly Swartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It all begins with the day her grandmother does not remember her anymore, Maggie, fearful that she won't remember things anymore, begins at home and school, with "special" boxes containing items she wants to remember- a baby binky, milk cartons, that attract ants, gum wrappers, her grandmother's gecko necklace...). No one is allowed to know about them and when her little brother or mother do---Maggie responds with white hot anger and yelling. Even more upsetting to Maggie is that her beloved all female trapshooting team is broken up. I love Elly Swartz books, they really deal so well with tough subjects, while treating her readers to great chapters of the characters lives and how they deal with many issues. I highly recommend this book and loved the chapters at the end that include information on topics middle grade readers will want to know more about.

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Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, many thanks to Ben Gartner @BGartnerWriting for this recommendation. I could not put this debut down---the mystery, the strong female characters, and the best ending in the world, had me turning those pages, falling in love with Jo, Ursa, Gabe and Tabby. Jo has endured a lot the past few years and now that she is healthy and feeling good, she jumps headlong into her school project in a remote area with nesting birds. One day a disheveled little girl appears and with a fantastical story of her being from another planet. Jo does what she should and contacts the police, the girl bolts and the policeman does not give her good advice. So when this girl comes back, we all fall in love with her wit, she is very very smart, and she is adventurous, helpful, and insightful. When they both become friends with Gabe, this little trio is perfect, until it wasn't (reality!!!). Gabe's family, his depression, and his belief that Jo should give Ursa over to the authorities is a major conflict but it also brings them closer and I rooted for them the whole book. Glendy Vanderah's writing is beautiful, with the beauty of the area, and the characters being so so real. I can't wait to read more from this author!


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If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen

If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, I could not put this true crime fiction story down! What those sisters suffered, and that mad, evil, awful mother, Shelly, was a BAD SEED! Gregg Olsen does a stellar job and tells a true story of an unbelievable childhood suffered by not one but three sisters and how their mother kept them as silent prisoners and made them watch and endure as their mother and then father beat, tortured, and verbally abused 3 others (brother figure Shane, Kathy, supposedly Shelly's best friend and Ron, another friend she hoodwinked with her pretended love and caring). A must read! I hope all three of those girls got counseling!

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Repeat (The Larson Brothers #1) by Kylie Scott

Repeat by Kylie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This audiobook was converted into a book which I totally enjoyed as part of the Larsen Brothers series. this book will be enjoyed by adults as well as new adults. Clementine has been attacked and has no memory of her relationship with tattoo artist; as she tries to find out information--she is met with anger by Ed and all of his employees because she is the reason they broke up. When she tells Ed she has no memory of their relationship and she would really like answers; almost everyone warns her away from Ed (even her cop sister!) and it is up to the new Clementine to ask the questions - what will happen to Clementine as she realizes she is falling for Ed as the new person she is. I could not stop reading this romance but even more the mystery aspect-- is someone after her?

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Bad Apple by Elle Kennedy

Bad Apple by Elle Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book--the plot was awesome-way busy girl, Maggie has a standing date crazy, sex, sleeping with Tony (he is just as busy too) but when she gets to the hotel room---she jumps into bed NOT with Tony but a sleeping Hollywood movie STAR, bad boy, Ben Barrett! I loved their relationship, their chemistry, and the slow burn as they get to know each other better. Elle Kennedy throws in some great curveballs that keep you turning the pages, a real sizzler!

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Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany Jackson

Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Korey Jackson , Nile Bullock , Adenrele Ojo , Adam Lazarre-White; I loved this book- the characters were so real, likable, funny, and dealing with their own issues. Steph, Jasmine's big brother and all around good guy has been murdered; Jasmine and his 2 best friends, Quadir and Jarrell feel keenly Steph's music needs to be heard and hatch a plot to get everyone listening to Steph as if he is alive but they call him The Architect. When each of them begins delving into Steph's life their are mysteries and secrets Steph was keeping and now the 3 friends are keeping secrets. Loved the music world aspect look into the making of a demo, learning the history of music, of rappers, being represented by a label and fame. The narrators were so good; I enjoyed the authenticity they brought to the teens' language, dress, social status and racism. Jackson's book was awesome; teens will love the 90s portrayal of the music scene, the loyalty of friends, and the grief after a loved one dies.

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When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the Albright College Zoom Book Discussion---it was recommended by Sue's husband and what a great read!!! It is about a family that has suffered death, earthquakes, and neglect and what happens when a sister thought dead is alive--the world of Kit and her mother is rocked. What transpires is a sister searching for another sister, meeting a wonderful man in New Zealand, and how life is affected by the many horrors that can befall a person. I loved Kit, Dylan, and Josie and wept for their neglect by their parents and what happens as a result. The mystery and romance were so suspenseful I could not put this book down.

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Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this fictional audiobook, awesomely narrated by: Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, Pablo Schreiber, and Julia Whelan about a band's rising popularity in the 70s and the interplay of all the band members, managers, and journalists. What I liked about the plot was the interview process and how there were so many differences in people's points of view. There was lots of drug usage and it was considered normal. The Dunne brothers band was known as The Six and then they expanded to include Daisy Jones. Where they all seemed to get along before as a band, as time wore on---Billy did not always ask permission (which he did before) when he made changes, decisions, etc. It was interesting to see the band's thoughts on these disagreements. I loved this audiobook!

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Noise: a Graphic Novel Based on a True Story by Kathleen Raymundo

Noise: A graphic novel based on a true story by Kathleen Raymundo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Based on a true story, I assume this is based on Kathleen Raymundo's life but I was unable to find any information about the true story. I loved the bright illustrations; Cathryn's eyes and her hair were realistic and as a 7th grader who does not like noise, she meets new 4th grader Tyler on the bus. She rebuffs Tyler when he asks too many questions. Cathryn resolves her spurning of Tyler and learns important information about Tyler. Cathryn and Tyler become school bus friends. Caring about others is represented perfectly with words and illustrations.

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A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, loved this awesomely narrated YA mystery by: Bailey Carr , Marisa Calin , Michael Crouch , Gopal Divan , Robert Fass , Kevin R. Free , Sean Patrick Hopkins , Carol Monda , Patricia Santomasso , Shezi Sardar , Amanda Thickpenny , full cast! Pippa is a nice, friendly girl who embarks on a senior thesis to solve the 5 year old death of Andie Bell. And from the first page, I was in!!! Pip gets full into the project and as her list of suspects grow, the reader is totally enthralled with Pip's mind, her research, her questioning of suspects (they don't all know they are suspects). I loved the thread of Ravi, Sal's brother who helps Pip with her investigation, supporting her, and wanting the truth to free his brother as the murderer. There is trolling social media, pouring through old investigations, conning others by following their my friend phone apps...as Pip slips deeper and deeper into the project, not telling anyone about the threats and exposing herself and family and friends to the fiend who does not want to be identified, the suspense continues to build. A great mystery!!!

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Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was voted YALSA TOP 10 for Teens 2020. I found it disjointed, scary, and how adults let down teens in their care. No wonder the teens love it!!! There are girls at a school that have been infected by the Tox which manifests itself all kinds of horrible mutations, pain, and body changes. Hetty tells the story but Byatt her best friend is also a narrator. Why these girls are under quarantine with no food, no cure, and no family is creepy and awful. What Hetty and Reese find out about this Tox is strange and horror-filled. Horror is my least favorite genre and this one turned my stomach, so I guess that is why teen readers love it.

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We Hunt the Flame (We Hunt the Flame, #1) by Hafsah Faizal

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, loved this book! It is also the YALSA/HUB Top Ten chosen by teens for the year 2020. The worldbuilding was lavish, the characters deep and elaborate, and the plot was mesmerizing. I loved the Huntress/Hunter, Zafira and rooted for her as she embarks on a dangerous, thrilling quest when she receives an invitation to retrieve the lost artifact that will return magic, but she could also die too. I also liked her struggle---women are looked down upon by the rulers, hence her title Hunter---she clothes herself as a boy to help her people. The evil in this book was tough, thankfully there were characters that counteract it, so the reader is compulsively turning the pages, as each chapter flies by. Highly recommended for teens and adults who love fantasy and so exciting, the 2nd book will be available in Jan 2021, I can't wait!!!

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Heartstopper, Volume Two by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper: Volume Two by Alice Oseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the cover for this 2nd in the series; Nick and Charlie are so cute together and the angst they go through is real but adorable as Nick realizes he has true feelings for Charlie. When Nick tells/shows Charlie, your heart will melt because they really belong together, but first the friends and family have to approve, and will they? Charlie was bullied when he was outed and Nick remembers and wonders why he did not do anything to help. But now he is claiming his feelings and showing them to Charlie all the time and I so love the dog! Oseman also excels in showing the homophobic behavior as well as the affirming behavior. I can't wait for the 3rd comic/graphic novel in this series!

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The Huntress by Kate Quinn

The Huntress by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellently narrated by Saskia Maarleveld (loved all of her voices both male and female!!!), thanks so much to Pat Graham for recommending The Alice Network and then others telling me I must read The Huntress. OMG, it was 18 hours long and I still did not want it to end. I was thoroughly invested in the story, the characters, the suspense and Kate Quinn delivered! Written back and forth between WWII and years later in Boston and narrated back and forth by Ian, Nina and Jordan, Ian and Tony are hunting for a cool, heartless killer (the Huntress) who shot Polish children and Tony's brother after befriending them and feeding them. Jordan's dad has fallen for Anna and her daughter Ruth, proposing marriage. Nina's story was thoroughly crazy, Russian Dad who tried to drown her, crazy pilot skills and "family" of sisters she flies with. The hunt for the huntress was full of suspense, psychological daring do, lots of angst and the way these characters lived and breathed made me fall in love with them all, except the bad ones! This is a must read for any who love WWII stories, Holocaust stories, and the hunt for justice after the Holocaust!

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