Instant Karma (Fortuna Beach, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did not necessarily like Prudence's personality but as the story progresses but as she gets to know Quint and the sea animal rescue center she realizes many things & I could not put this book down! The plot was excellent and the character development was awesome. I am going to be reading her latest book, With a Little Luck---can't wait!

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Muzzled (Andy Carpenter, #21) by David Rosenfelt

Muzzled by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great audiobook mystery in the Andy Carpenter series, Andy helps his friend, Beth reunite a dog with his owner, only he is dead, or is he! Another legal thriller with Andy's brand of humor!

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Fever by Mary Beth Keane

Fever by Mary Beth Keane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this very very sad book for November Albright College Zoom Book Club. Mary's life as an immigrant was far from easy and when Mary becomes the 1st known healthy carrier of Typhoid, her life is irreparably changed. I ached for Mary as she was judged, shunned, and imprisoned on North Brother for 3 years but really her whole life because she was hunted by Dr. Soper who was not a dr. but a medical engineer. A must read, but Mary was tough but she had a rough life.

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The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this thriller as part of my Albright College Zoom Book Club and oh did I love it! Zig zagging between 3rd person description and Rose's journal entries, the reader learns about twins, Rose and Fern, as they grow up and present day. I think Fern is on the spectrum--- she does not like to be touched, going into public like swim meets, restaurants, bowling, all assault her vision and auditory processes (so she does not go) and she is a librarian with such an awesome love for books and the library (yay!) although she does not like to deal with the many questions about printers and computer problems:)
Rose can't have a baby, her husband left her and is away on a job, and Fern thinks she would love to help her sister and will try to have a baby for her. When Wally (Rocco Ryan) enters Fern's life while Rose is away trying to rekindle her marriage, things Fern did not like begin to change as her friendship grows with Wally.
I enjoyed the way Hepworth told this story weaving in and out about the sisters, their relationship with their mother, and their very entwined relationship. Suspenseful, a must read, and I will be reading other Sally Hepworth books!

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The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found (The Vanderbeekers, #4) by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this 4th book in The Vanderbeekers series---what a great family in a wonderful community, with laughs and drama--I could not stop turning the pages! There is the continued pet zoo that is just so cute, drama with the Homecoming dance and Benjamin; and Orlando with his aunt and uncle, getting ready for the New York Marathon and meetings at the Cat house- all just so important, funny and getting the reader into the loving arms of this big, diverse family in a Harlem neighborhood. A must read!

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Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book, writer, etc...but the totally depressing topics, the Glasgow dialect made it difficult for me to gush about loving this book. I am now listening to Young Mungo, so we will see if the narration makes it easier to enjoy... Shuggie's life is so dismal- his mother drinks and she becomes abusive to her family and gets on the phone and crank calls people who have wronged her, goes thru men, is totally irresponsible and leaves her children hungry and disillusioned. As this continues, the older children plot to leave...and poor Shuggie is left to watch over his mother, hungry, cashing her child support checks and missing lots of school. I ached for Shuggie and all the difficulties he encounters, will he be able to escape this life?

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City Spies (City Spies, #1) by James Ponti

City Spies by James Ponti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Laurie Hnatiuk @lhnatiuk for recommending James Ponti as a must read author, I have read his first book in the Framed series and gave the book to my granddaughter. I have both of the follow up books next to my bed. City Spies was exciting, riveting, and Ponti's writing was compelling but light with the characters, awesome locations, and just great spy drama with Brooklyn (Sara) and her crew led by Mother (a British spy who knows a lot), Monty and Reggie as they try to foil the Purple Thumb attacks/murders. With fun names, writing, and top notch kids who can hack, code break, evaluate equations, etc. this series is another that I am very excited to read! the villains are diabolical but these kids use their wits against them!!!

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Deacon King Kong by James McBride

Deacon King Kong by James McBride
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Dominic Hoffman, this was a good story about a varied community in South Brooklyn in 1969 witnessing the shooting of a drug thug, Deems, by an old guy a deacon, Sportcoat, in the Five Ends Church for seemingly no reason at all. As the reader delves into finding out the circumstances that led to this act, we meet many of those in the neighborhood, as well as the police, as leads are sought, witnesses interviewed. I did not really like/relate to many of the characters; I liked the story but found myself irritated MOST of the time with Sportcoat, Deems and Elephante.

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Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this book (thank you to my friend, Michelle Romash and Jean Norman) flawlessly narrated by Robin Miles. This is a must read but a difficult read. Isabel Wilkerson's research was thorough, she also used narratives in history, and the dates and data were so important too. Wilkerson discusses race and caste (in the United States, Germany and India) and it's effects throughout history. It is honest and very painful. Highly recommended.

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The Good Turn (Cormac Reilly, #3) by Dervla McTiernan

The Good Turn by Dervla McTiernan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I do not want this series to end!!! I love Cormac Reilly and Peter Fisher! I hope Dervla McTiernan continues with the Cormac or makes a Peter and Carrie spin off. The police corruption in this book really kept me turning the pages, the murders/deaths of seniors, the drug busts and the horror that resulted was documented perfectly by McTiernan, the suspense was relentless and I could not stop listening to this audiobook awesomely narrated by Aoife McMahon.

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We Keep the Dead Close: A Murder at Harvard and a Half Century of Silence by Becky Cooper

We Keep the Dead Close: A Murder at Harvard and a Half Century of Silence by Becky Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Becky Cooper's ten year investigation into the murder of Jane Britton was thoroughly investigated. A thick tome the reader thoroughly investigates Jane 1969 murder, about Harvard and the anthropology dept and police cover-ups.

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With a Star in My Hand: Ruben Dario, Poetry Hero by Margarita Engle

With a Star in My Hand: Rubén Darío, Poetry Hero by Margarita Engle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow I just continue to love all the novels in verse Margarita Engles writes and Ruben Dario's life was depicted authentically in this poetic rendering. I loved how Engle uses poetry to tell his story, also how he created the Modernismo literary movement blending poetry and prose. From his first beginnings as a cast away child, listening to the magical stories from his uncle and others and vowing to be like them wandering and speaking and writing like the storytellers who grew up listening to. With the passing of his uncle, life moves on and known as Felix Ruben Garcia Sarmiento as a lad, his adopted family decides to change his name to Ruben Dario and so begins his journey in nature, life and adventures in poetry. This is a must read!

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Oracle Code//A Graphic Novel by Marieke Nijkamp and Manuel Preitano

The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this graphic novel from Marieke Nijkamp about DC Comics Barbara Gordon's teen years! She is shot, lands in a wheelchair and goes to rehab at a place that doesn't sit right with her. As she struggles with her new life, she is angry at her father and exasperated because he will not listen when she tries to sound the alarm that things are not okay here! I loved Barbara and her determination, her friends at the center and Benjamin, her best friend. Artist Manuel Preitano's illustrations were awesome, spooky when they needed to be. Teens will love this DC Comic!

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Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosch

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I finally finished this laugh out loud graphic novel that covers many topics with awesome wit, illustrations and where needed personal author ideas/realities/discussions. Enjoyable with awesome illustrations and funny ideas.

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Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely Narrated by Nikki Massoud; Soroya who is cursed and hidden away by her royal family. She leads a life of loneliness, walks in her garden and through the secret passageways, until one day she sees a young soldier from her solitary place atop the castle. This dashing soldier is not afraid of her poisonous touch and as they begin to talk and walk and explore; she becomes emboldened by her friendship and begins to try to find a way to wipe out her curse. Soroya wants to be part of her family and since she isn't she feels anger that she uses to search for the removal of the curse. I loved Soroya's quest; it was scary and so many times hopeless but I kept rooting for Soroya and as she learns about her heritage, her mother's part in the curse and her twin brother's aloofness---I kept listening and could not stop! I loved the many demons (and the author notes at the end were super helpful), the Persian influence (OMG the food was mouthwatering). Such a great retelling of so many myths!

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This Is My America by Kim Johnson

This Is My America by Kim Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Jennifer LaGarde (@jennlagarde) for this recommendation from her Purposeful Prose Summer Reading Exploring Inequity in the US Criminal Justice System!!! OMG, everyone needs to read this debut author book, Kim Johnson has spent her life being involved in social justice and organizations, her Author's Note is especially relevant stressing this book is a work of fiction but also calling out racism, police brutality, wrongful incarceration, white supremacy and hate groups and the death penalty. She gives facts and figures too. But her story about Tracy Beaumont and her family's troubles was haunting; I could not put it down. Tracy is an awesome protagonist, her friends are supportive, and her family is tight---Tracy's letters to Innocence X (she writes them monthly for the 7 years her father is in prison) and with the troubles visited on them and how they are viewed in their community and society; this is a must read for all----highly recommended!

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Paola Santiago and the River of Tears (Rick Riordan Presents) by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With a rip roaring introduction by Rick Riordan, this 1st book in Rick Riordan Presents by Tehlor Kay Mejia was nonstop tension, adventure, ghosts and friendship as Paoala and her two friends, Dante and Emma, become involved in a mystery of missing children. But this is so far out of Pao's world because she is a scientist believing in facts but what this mystery involves is so out of reality---but involves sinister forces, evil gods and goddesses. These are what her mother has believed in since Pao's childhood with her scary tales of La Lorona, who lures children into the river. I held my breath with all the awesome Latinx food, culture, religion, and beliefs author Tehlor Kay Mejia weaves seamlessly and suspensefully in this first book about a fierce protagonist and her 12 year old nightmares, insecurities and friendship woes. A must read!!! Highly recommended!

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Wild Child (Soul Sister, #1) by Audrey Carlan

Wild Child by Audrey Carlan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Simone, now all grown up---she was a foster child (along with her sister) in a caring home run my Mama Kerrighan with 8 feisty, supportive girls and foster mother. After losing her parents she didn't think anything worse could happen in her life. When The Backseat Killer is lying in wait, Simone is stopped by a hunky FBI guy, Joan Fontaine---their connection is immediate and when he saves her, Simone does not let go --she is thankful, she is interested in getting to know Jonah more and that happens because she needs to hide from this ruthless killer who will do anything (killing those close to her and Jonah) to get to Simone. There was so much to like about this story--Simone known as the wild child has a carefree, forgiving outlook on life and this is something Jonah needs because he is suffering loss from his past. She doesn't take no for an answer, she is outgoing and carefree but also has the wonderful sisters in Kerrighan Home to look out for her and each other. But she is trying to finish school, working 3-4 jobs and not making enough money ---and with the backseat killer taking all her money, credit cards, keys and car---Simone has every reason to give up. But she pushed forward and with the help of Jonah and her family---Simone works hard to help all close to her.

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Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins

Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hannah has a cousin, Cal who comes to live with them and upsets her life with her parents, gymnastics, and school, because his sense of humor is not always appreciated. Once again Hopkins brings the reader a raw real book about the meaning of family and what it takes to become family. I especially liked Hannah's mom, Taryn, as she accepts Cal into the family after her sister's death and her evil husband's incarceration. Cal has many problems Hannah is unaware of because of his abusive, drug addicted and alcoholic father. But with Cal coming to live with Hannah's family fissures in her mom and dad's relationship becomes even more fractured. Their grandmother dislikes Cal and compares him to his father and this also aggravates Cal's behavior and responses. I could not stop turning the pages as Hannah's POV and Cal's POV, both real and haunting, reveal their staunch desire to keep their family together. I can't wait to read Hopkins next middle grade novel in verse, What About Will, when it comes out in September 2021.

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We Are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin

We Are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, what a mesmerizing gut wrenching read/listen! Awesomely narrated Jenna Lamia , Catherine Taber , MacLeod Andrews , Kirby Heyborne there are 3 main characters and their POV telling this compelling mystery. Wyatt is the 1st narrator, he talks to his dead sister and as a trucker, finds a comatose girl in a field with dandelions all around her. Wyatt calls old lover and friend from high school, Odette-now a police officer with a prosthetic leg and an undying wish to find out what happened to Wyatt's sister, Trumanell (and her father) ten years ago. Odette is the 2nd narrator and we follow her quest into past and present as she tries to uncover what happened to her friend and Wyatt's beloved sister (heroine to the town) and the closer she gets, the reader sees she is compelled to silence because she does not trust anyone---not her husband, not Wyatt, not her partner. I ached for Odette and wanted so much for her, she was drowning and my heart ached as she pushed forward following clues all these years later. The final narrator is Angel, the silent girl Wyatt found on the road. Now 18, Odette changed/saved her life and she promised herself and Odette she would give one full week to try to solve her disappearance. Her voice (I was so glad she was finally speaking---I wished she had done it for Odette) is positive, all knowing, and willing to put herself in danger to get answers. What will she uncover? A compelling suspenseful read!

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