The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar

The Museum of Failures: A Novel by Thrity Umrigar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome Thrity Umrigar novel; this audiobook narrated by Vikas Adam was addictive; Remy was such a likable character & as his life implodes on a visit to India to adopt a child & visit an ailing mother. What happens in this novel is so sad with decisions made and lived with; will Remy be able to forgive? 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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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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New From Here by Kelly Yang

New from Here by Kelly Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again Kelly Yang has me turning those pages and just loving Knox's family as they quickly move from Hong Kong to California at the onset of the corona virus. The biggest problem is that Knox's beloved dad must remain behind due to his job. He was really the one who cooked, cleaned, and picked up Knox, his brother, Bowen and sister, Lea from school. This book really got all the feelings of hopelessness, fear, and racism that occurred during Covid. Yang's writing is authentic with Knox and his family dealing with so so many issues that happened (this story is autobiographical, see Author Notes). I loved this book, but I also felt the sadness, fear, anger, greed, the characters dealt with on a daily basis in their new home and school and neighborhood. Knox finding out he has ADHD is such a shock but explains alot too, now he really needs to work on not blurting things out. There was also humor---I loved the whole LinkedIn part where the kids miss Dad so much they hatch a plot to get him to the US, have a yard sale to sell things but also get his father the needed contacts for LinkedIn. There was so much growth between their mom and her children; in Hoing Kong she was always working---in the US she had to do wash (remember to wash!!!) but for all her failings, the kids helped her out by taking on more responsibility. They may have had their fights and conflicts, but this family was very service oriented---even when they got more money or food---they shared with others. Like all of Kelly Yang's book, this is a must read---it shines a light on families, other nationalities, and what we have all gone through since Covid!

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The Liar's Daughter by Megan Cooley Peterson

The Liar's Daughter by Megan Cooley Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrated by Melissa Moran, this book about a girl involved in a cult was mesmerizing as the narrator, Piper age 17, alternates between BEFORE and AFTER telling of her life that she loves in the cult with Father and Mother and her many brothers and sisters and friends, Caspian and Luke (?). The author reeled me in with Piper's love of father and mother in BEFORE and it is as time goes on and others question father and mother that the reader sees how indoctrinated Piper has become. It is AFTER when the compound is invaded by the authorities and Piper is now in a home with a woman, child and dog, that things roll out of control for Piper as she stops eating, sleeping, bathing and plots escape all the while talking to a therapist, making friends with the girl next door. The Authors Note was so important to read, this is a book teens will enjoy as a story and cautionary tale that can and does happen.

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Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 2nd book was just as beautiful as the first and I absolutely loved the authentic, beautiful narration by Lin-Manuel Miranda. As men are dying of AIDS Ari and Dante remain in love but conflicted about being gay and what it will mean for their futures. I loved the different yet lovable personalities of Ari and Dante, their supportive and worried parents, friendships lost but found, and their profound love for each other in an uncertain world. I would love to read a 3rd book about them in college or maybe after? A must read, YA readers will relate on many levels.

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One Two Three by Laurie Frankel

One Two Three by Laurie Frankel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a good story BUT I sometimes had a problem keeping the chapters of One then Two then Three throughout the WHOLE book was disconcerting for me and took away from the story--a disturbing story of a town being poisoned by a chemical company and with all the money in the world how the town was upended---people and animals died, water is green and brown and children born with disabilities....and this company proves to the world THIS is normal so the town Bourne becomes invisible with no one moving in or out, all are unemployed while the main characters ---the triplets hence One, Two Three (we get their POV and history of the town) make a sister pact to uncover and expose the new chemical company in town. I wanted to like River Templeton, the teen son of the corrupt grandfather who ruined their town, but Frankel chose to make him a one dimensional character and I did not like at all his duplicity with Mab. But I loved the sisters and rooted for them and their town!

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The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron

The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

another awesome middle grade novel in verse by Chris Baron which touches on so many important themes and topics. Set in 1989 San Francisco the book begins with earthquake drills, they are the norm but no one ever takes them for granted. Etan is a boy who has lost his ability to speak since his mother went away (a mental institution) but he has the strong relationship with his jeweler grandfather, as well as community members who understand Etan. Delivering a package to a remote island home, he hears Malia singing and begins a friendship. Both Etan and Malia understand what it is like to be alone--- Etan because of his silence and Malia because of her skin condition that has cruel people referring to her as "The Creature" I loved their way with each other; I loved Malia's grandmother just like I loved Etan's grandfather but I was riveted by the parents and their treatment/relationship with their children. There was so much to learn about in this book--the immigrants to Angel Island, the exciting World Series, the debilitating aspects of eczema, Etan's grandfather's religion. Such a great story---I recommend all readers will love this book!

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The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MANY SPOILERS so do not read if finding out about the awful ending! I loved this audiobook so much; tremendously Narrated by Julia Whelan. but oh did I hate the ending... it says in the Goodreads summary it is a book about hope---certainly the ending with Elsa's death--shot by a Welty hired gun, had no hope for this reader at all!!! I loved Kristin Hannah's books and find them all redemptive, BUT NOT THIS ONE!!! Taking place before the Dust Bowl and then going into horrid Dust Bowl--her husband has left her, then beacuse her son Ant becomes so ill the doctor recommends leaving Texas because he has sand and dust in his system and it will kill him if he stays. Once Elsa and her children head toward California which is being touted as a land of hope with lots of jobs (Rafe's parents were going but decide at the last minute to stay with their farm) another devastating reality hits---the mass migration to California has produced Hoovervilles, tent towns that breed disease and death as well as the town people calling them Oakies and driving them away all the time. Yes Elsa has many issues since her family raised to her with no love, telling her she was sick and ugly, and did not want to hear from her---she tries to be brave like her grandfather told her but more often she tries to be invisible hoping everyone understands where she is coming from. We all know this does not work---her daughter hates her, blames her for her father leaving and blames her for not becoming a Communist and fighting for better pay. Along comes Jack who is a union organizer and over hard times and conversations they fall in love and she becomes this woman who will speak her mind, fiercely protective of her children, but wanting better for them all. As the situation on the Welty cotton farm becomes desperate Elsa with her daughter's pushing becomes a spokesperson for her friends in the fields. I felt like I was eating dust the whole time and crossing my fingers for Elsa, rooting for her and what does Kristin Hannah do? Kills her off---I would have loved so much more of the new family unit they were becoming with Jack---why not kill off someone else or wound Jack or Elsa but they recover?!? So no hope at all with this ending---this key protagonist was needed---a redemptive, hopeful ending was needed, not what poor Loreda, Ant, Jack and Rafe's parents have to live with-- a deep aching hole for Elsa's absence. Again, I loved the book, hated the ending---it could have been better and different!


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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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Charming As A Verb by Ben Philippe

Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 2nd book of Ben Philippe's is a must read; realistic, humorous but angst ridden about the college acceptance process, readers will love the saga of Henri and Corinne's friendship/romance. I loved Henri's dog walking job, his sneaker design obsession, his debate prowess, his friendship with Ming, and his popularity in school. BUT I did not like his obsession with Columbia and his all around weirdness! I loved Corinne's refreshing honesty, her index card system, her dog, Palm Tree and her blackmail of Henri. YA readers will love this book- the friendships, the family dynamics, the senior year drama will have them turning those pages! A must read! Highly recommended.

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GodPretty in the Tobacco Fields by Kim Michele Richardson

GodPretty in the Tobacco Field by Kim Michele Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not stop listening to this amazing historical fiction audiobook, excellently narrated by Katie Schorr, this story of Nameless, Kentucky involves RubyLyn, adopted by her uncle Gunnar, who is a mean, nasty father figure to her. He was fired as an executioner and raised RubyLyn without affection, always having her mouth washed with acidic liquids because she speaks her mind to her uncle's strict requirements. She is lifelong friends (and more) with black neighbor Rainey who works for Gunnar and lives with his Mom. But for all Gunnar's negativism, RubyLyn is a positive, honest girl in a racist town. I did not like the way this book unfolded but it was reality in 1969 Kentucky. I have read and loved all of Kim Michele Richardson's book despite their horror, they were a real picture into the hard scrabble life of uneducated, biased, poor Kentucky backwoods people.

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The Sisters of Glass Ferry by Kim Michele Richardson

The Sisters of Glass Ferry by Kim Michele Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrated by Marguerite Gavin, this was a hard hitting historical fiction novel juggling between the time periods 1952 and 1972 as sister's Patsy and Flannery set the stage for what happened prom night to Patsy and the 2 Butler Brothers, Hollis and Danny. Kentucky in the 50s was whiskey and HoneyBee and devoutly religious mother. But the twins once so close and best friends are now fighting, angry with Patsy keeping secrets. The plot was suspenseful, sinister, and psychologically damaging for Flannery and her mother. Marguerite Gavin was a good narrator but mispronounced many words, but her voices and inflections were pure Kentucky. I ached for the deceit, lies, and sexism that existed for the sisters but Flannery is able to rise above the abuse and become stronger as a result.

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Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca

Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and loved this book as part of my 2nd #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge a book published in 2021 worth 15 points. Just as I loved her debut, Midsummer's Mayhem, I could not put down this affecting, touching novel in verse (which I totally loved) about Reha, a young Indian American girl who was born and raised in America but by Indian parents who migrated to the United States and married. Reha loves her life with her mother and father but feels so constrained by their expectations which are opposite what her daily American life is in school. This book deftly portrays the double world Reha lives in; I enjoyed learning about the Indian mythology especially Savitri, Amma's letter writing known as Aerogramme, and the Indian foods and culture. Especially noteworthy is Reha's friendship with her Indian friends on the weekends, and the support from the kids at school like Pete, Penelope, and Rachel when Amma is sick. This is a book that all must read--there is much to be learned about Reha's life that AA readers can and will identify with, learn from, and understand about family struggles such as illness, expectations, and differences. Highly recommended!

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Ways To Make "Sunshine" by Renee Watson

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Ryan Hart, her grit, her happiness, her drama, and her cooking. Ryan is a 6th grader with good friends, and a brother she constantly fights with. When her father loses his job at the post office, Ryan faces challenges and ways to make "sunshine" out of the new drama in her life and school. I liked her relationship with her parents and the way she and her friends figure things out. Middle grade readers will enjoy this first in the series with family, friendship and school dynamics!

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My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray

My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG such a great read, that plunged my heart many times into a thousand pieces but also lifted my listening pleasure as I listened to and loved Narrator, Cassandra Campbell as Betsey/Eliza throughout her years with and without Alexander Hamilton. There was so much I did not know about American History and the founders and so much I learned. And what was even more crazy was the time period Eliza lived in with young America establishing itself after war with England and trying desperately to preserve their freedom while others tried to wipe it out was so close to what is going on today in our government! I will definitely be reading other Stephanie Dray books; her research is thorough, exhausting and needed!. I will want to read more about Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison as a result of Eliza's musings, interactions, and relationships with these icons of history. Many thanks to Pat Graham for recommending this book and to my librarian friend, Randi Wall for her thoughtful insights as I pelted her with questions and dashed hopes while listening to this must read book.

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Damage Control by Robert Dugoni

Damage Control by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrated by Christopher Lane, this Robert Dugoni stand alone delved into breast cancer, spousal abuse, and grief. Dugoni's mysteries always keep me turning the pages and this book did not disappoint with Dana whose twin brother is murdered, her marriage is falling apart, who just gets better and better as the book evolves. She becomes a kick ass heroine who is not afraid to find out who killed her brother. And I loved just as much, Michael Logan who is the smart detective investigating Dana's brother's murder. Logan is a good, honest detective who is able to talk Dana into being a hero without getting herself killed. I could not stop listening to this awesome audiobook!

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Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this graphic novel that takes place in Metropolis in 1946, a Chinese American family moves in and their 2 children become friends with Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane and fight racism and evil. This graphic novel will appeal to all who read it, teens and adults with it's new take on kids helping thwart crime and terroristic threats!

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Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome historical fiction novel for my Albright College Book Club, Cleeton's Cuban world's as seen through Elisa(1958) and her lover, Pablo and her granddaughter, Marisol (2017) and Luis. I loved and hated the difficulties the Perez family endured, separated from their family and friends in Cuba while living in exile in Florida and all the harshness, poverty, and tragedy that is Fidel's Cuba as Marisol visits to spread her grandmother's ashes, reconnect with family and see Cuba's "new reality". This book was beautiful in the many settings of Cuba, the food, the music, the beaches, and the political revolutions.

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Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips

Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Narrated by Ilyana Kadushin, I thought this book would be a mystery and police investigation and it was not! I did not like the way the author crafted the ending either, so I am very disappointed with all the time I put into listening to this book.

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