The Maidens by Alex Michaelides (Celadon Books) June 15, 2021
June 10, 2021
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Ahhhhh, the moment the world has been waiting for is less than a week away. Alex Michaelides, author of the best selling book, The Silent Patient is back with summer’s most anticipated read. The Maidens comes out June 15th and it does not disappoint. Don’t get too comfy basking in the sun reading this thriller. Plan on having to remove your sun soaked body from your beach chair to pick your jaw up off the ground when you finish. Need I say more?
So here is the set up. Mariana is a newly widowed group therapist. One evening she learns that her niece Zoe’s close friend is brutally murdered at Cambridge University, where the girls attend school. Mariana, once a student there, heads on over to comfort her niece and get to the bottom of things. She is convinced that Professor Edward Fosca is the murderer. This bewitching professor of Greek Mythology may be well loved by fellow teachers and students alike, but there is a mysterious air to him that just doesn’t sit well with Mariana. For one, he has an ongoing obsession with Persephone (the goddess of death) and two, he has a gaggle of girls that make up a secret society called The Maidens that worship and learn from him privately. The first girl murdered is a member of this underground group and soon after, another member is murdered as well. Coincidence??? Mariana’s connections at the university coupled with her therapy skills, allow her to dig deep into this case, but not without ruffling a whole bunch of feathers. As she explores the death’s of these women, Zoe’s relationship with them and Professor Fosca’s love of Greek tragedy, Mariana believes she is getting closer to the truth. Is the Professor guilty of all these murders?
OK, so the premise of the story seems rather simple, but do not be fooled. Finding out who killed these university women and why is what we are trying to discover. Beware though, the road to that realization will mock you every step of the way. Michaelides did a brilliant job misleading me on every page. He not only directed me down many deceiving paths, but peppered in some back stories and even a few side characters that muddied up the water and kept things beguiling. Here is the thing. Dark and moody campus novels with a few dead bodies are 100% my jam. Bring on the academic vibes, distorted passion and exclusive secret societies…I am in! I loved Michaelides intricate details on Greek mythology and the psychology element he infuses into his tale. He has mastered having a therapist in his story once again. If you have read The Silent Patient, then you will appreciate the subtle nod he gives to it in this story. Always fun in my opinion.
Here is the scoop, Michaelides set the bar as high as it can go for his future novels with his 5 star debut, The Silent Patient. I truly believe his sophomore novel reached that bar and will be loved this summer by all the book lovers looking for a solid, high quality read. Remember though, comparison is the thief of joy so LET IT BE!
Reading The Maidens is the perfect escape from the daily grind. That is what we are looking for this summer, am I right? It’s a sand between your toes, cocktail in your hand entertaining summer book. I am not going to lie, it felt so amazing to stimulate my brain with a dark thriller instead of obsessing over work, laundry and what to feed my family next. Any chance to sit in my beach chair for an extended period of time is an absolute win for me. I literally remained seated (miracle) until the very end (remember, I had to pick my jaw up off the ground when I finished). I mean how perfect does that sound? Go grab yourself a copy on pub day or if you are feeling spontaneous…..pre-order it today from your local indie bookstore. My job is done here. Happy Reading!
***I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own. If I don’t like it…I don’t share it!
Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch by Erin French (Celadon Books)
April 21, 2021
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
“As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.”
Sound familiar? Just one of my favorite quotes from your memoir, A Moveable Feast. I am sharing it today because I think I know of someone who would truly appreciate it more than ever. Her name is Erin French and she is the owner and chef of the critically acclaimed restaurant, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧, a 𝘛𝘐𝘔𝘌 world dining destination, in Freedom Maine. In her new memoir, Finding Freedom:A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch, French shares how her world famous restaurant came to be. From roaming barefoot across a 25-acre farm as a child, to her personal and culinary journey through the years, French’s memoir is DIVINE.
I can not express enough how much I loved Erin French’s memoir. If you are not familiar with 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧, let me give you the scoop. The restaurant itself is in a refurbished old mill in a small, secluded Maine town. Can you say farm to table at its finest?? If you would like to make a reservation to dine at this seasonal restaurant, guess what…..much luck is needed. To make a reservation (pre-pandemic), interested parties send a postcard via good-old fashioned snail mail. Once all the postcards are received, a lottery system is used to choose future guests. How cool is that?
“We would feast on oysters-pulled fresh from the Bagaduce River just down the road-served with finely chopped cucumbers, shallots, and fresh dill from the garden. There was the fried chicken, raised and slaughtered right here on the farm, and an heirloom tomato salad with tomatoes picked just hours earlier from the hothouse, plus an assortment of basils from the garden, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky salt. We’d have tender new potatoes, freshly dug and dressed with a mustardy vinaigrette and sprinkled with fragrant marjoram. And big flaky buttermilk biscuits served with cultured local butter from the farmer’s market and honey that was bottled across the street by the neighbor. We’d finish with sweet maple custards made from farm eggs and cream and garnished with local blueberries, dollops of whipped cream, and the tiny strawberry blossoms I had collected that morning.”
Starting over from scratch is never an easy feat, but that is exactly what Erin French did. In her memoir, she takes readers through her life, one page at a time, sharing her most intimate moments along the way. From her childhood in a small Maine town, to an unexpected pregnancy, French drew me in from the start. Her deeply troubled marriage was so very difficult to read about, and her struggle with anxiety, depression, pills and alcohol will hit close to home for many. French built and rebuilt her dream restaurant under some toilsome conditions. She did a phenomenal job yanking my heartstrings on one page, then leaving my mouth watering on another. Her innermost thoughts and feelings are sprawled out on the pages of her book and let me tell you this…they are thoughtful, heartbreaking and utterly beautiful. The most profound thing about French’s writing is that she seized the mood, then wrote her heart out…literally. As I read her words, I felt like I was talking with a close friend. No judgement, just pure admiration, heartache and love. French was knocked and beaten down more times than I can count, but it was her deep seated love for food and her beloved son that kept her fighting every step of the way for the freedom she so desperately desired.
To say her story is inspiring is an absolute understatement. EMPOWERING, HEARTBREAKING, and absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS is more like it to me! Not only does French share with the world her hardships and struggles, she brings awareness to supporting local businesses, knowing where your food comes from and following your dreams…no matter what obstacles get in your way. Whether she is writing about her darkest moments, her family life or cooking in the kitchen, French’s words are 100% infused with her deep passion for food. Though this is French’s memoir, she does not hold back on her gratitude for all those who stuck by her side. It takes a village, and French’s village is overflowing with the people who helped her along the way and who brought their own skills and know-how to The Lost Kitchen table. Knowing the entire story behind Erin French and The Lost Kitchen only strengthens my desire to travel the 96 miles to Freedom, Maine to embark on this culinary experience. 🤞🤞🤞 My husband and I will get that chance one day.
Cheers to great food and great friends!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. I wonder if Erin French ever read your memoir, A Moveable Feast. Whether or not you two would like each other is not up to me to presume. If I am lucky enough to have French read my letter to you, maybe I will find out!
P.P.S. Check out what I had to say about Erin French’s cookbook Right Here!
I have written to you about my love of audiobooks before. In my days, they were actually referred to as “books on tape”. I still catch myself saying that from time to time…especially when my kids look at me like I am speaking a foreign language. Anyway, do you know how many times I have fallen asleep listening to your book, The Old Man and the Sea? Well, it feels like a thousand. As much as I adore that particular book of yours, it is my darling husband that plays it over and over again as he drifts off to sleep. Every now and then he throws on the audio version of your book, A Moveable Feast. I have no problem listening to that book over and over again. Falling asleep to your words from this story ensures my dreams will be filled with Parisian streets, salty oysters, and crisp white wine. Anyway, I digress. Today I am sharing some books that I found to be quite entertaining on audio. A little bit of romance, friendship, mystery, memoir, and time travel is coming your way today. Grab your headphones and hit play! Let the listening begin!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. If you are looking for a way to listen to your books while supporting ANY participating local bookstore, check out Libro.FM. Feel free you use my REFERRAL LINK to get your first month free. Any member can share their referral code. Click on the book pics below to take you directly to their info page.
Abby Jimenez’s book, The Friend Zone, came out last year, and I JUST recently listened to it. I am actually pumped that I was was fashionably late to this fabulous book party. This book was the perfect feel good, pick me up during this uncertain time. Not only did I get to spend the night in bed reading this warm and fuzzy tale, I acquired a new book boyfriend who goes by the name of Josh. Married or not, you can never have too many book boyfriends 😂😂😂. Also, if you end up liking this book, the sequel just came out. It’s called The Happily Ever Playlist.
“Kristen Peterson doesn’t do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don’t get her. She’s also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.
Planning her best friend’s wedding is bittersweet for Kristen — especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He’s funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he’d be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it’s harder and harder to keep him at arm’s length.”
WOW! I’m embarrassed to say that I did not know who Mikel Jollett was or for that matter, who his band, The Airborne Toxic Event was. Well, after listening to his brand new memoir, Hollywood Park I have a pretty good sense of who this writer and musician is! Mikel Jollett narrates his profound journey from his early childhood In the 70’s to present day with an honesty that spares no details! From his early days living in a cult with his family to his unsettled adolescence and young adulthood, Jollett’s journey was rocky to say the very least. He effortlessly brings his readers into his world of family love, loyalty and survival by exploring the intimate most details from his relationship with his parents and older brother. His writing is stunning and his story is absolutely unforgettable. His emotional memoir will no doubt stir your soul and fill your heart with love. Bonus……Jollett narrates his audio book.
“So begins Hollywood Park,Mikel Jollett’s remarkable memoir. His story opens in an experimental commune in California, which later morphed into the Church of Synanon, one of the country’s most infamous and dangerous cults. Per the leader’s mandate, all children, including Jollett and his older brother, were separated from their parents when they were six months old, and handed over to the cult’s “School.” After spending years in what was essentially an orphanage, Mikel escaped the cult one morning with his mother and older brother. But in many ways, life outside Synanon was even harder and more erratic.
In his raw, poetic and powerful voice, Jollett portrays a childhood filled with abject poverty, trauma, emotional abuse, delinquency and the lure of drugs and alcohol. Raised by a clinically depressed mother, tormented by his angry older brother, subjected to the unpredictability of troubled step-fathers and longing for contact with his father, a former heroin addict and ex-con, Jollett slowly, often painfully, builds a life that leads him to Stanford University and, eventually, to finding his voice as a writer and musician.”
The Guest List by Lucy Foley is absolutely wonderful on audio. Who wouldn’t want to attend a wedding with friends and family on a small Irish island? The privacy from the outside world, the weekend escape from everyday life, one big hurrah with friends and family to tide you over until someone else’s big day. Sounds like the perfect weekend. The narrators’ Irish accents and the icy cold ocean air will make you feel like you are actually on this Emerald Island. There is a creepy vibe while the bride and groom and all their guests get ready for the ceremony. Family drama and dark secrets from their pasts give this wedding day a very unsettling vibe. Throw in some blood and a dead body and you have one heck of celebration. Foley’s slow burn mystery is an atmospheric treat.
“The bride – The plus one – The best man – The wedding planner – The bridesmaid – The body
On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.
But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.
And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?”
When I think about time travel, my mind instantly goes to The Magic Treehouse or Outlander. In Margarita Montimore’s new book, Oona Lockhart travels to a different time in her life every New Year’s Eve for one year. Can you even imagine revisiting yourself in the past or for that matter, meeting yourself in the future? If given the chance, would you alter your past knowing that in turn, it could change the future? Montimore offers her readers this, and so much more in her unique tale. Oona Out of Order definitely made me think. Between the pages of this compelling read are funny and light hearted moments coupled with self reflection and a giant splash of pop culture (80s and 90s anyone?). Do not think too deeply about the ins and outs of time travel. Simply enjoy Oona’s wild ride!
“It’s New Year’s Eve 1982, and Oona Lockhart has her whole life before her. At the stroke of midnight she will turn nineteen, and the year ahead promises to be one of consequence. Should she go to London to study economics, or remain at home in Brooklyn to pursue her passion for music and be with her boyfriend? As the countdown to the New Year begins, Oona faints and awakens thirty-two years in the future in her fifty-one-year-old body. Greeted by a friendly stranger in a beautiful house she’s told is her own, Oona learns that with each passing year she will leap to another age at random. And so begins Oona Out of Order...
Hopping through decades, pop culture fads, and much-needed stock tips, Oona is still a young woman on the inside but ever-changing on the outside. Who will she be next year? Philanthropist? Club Kid? World traveler? Wife to a man she’s never met? Surprising, magical, and heart-wrenching, Margarita Montimore has crafted an unforgettable story about the burdens of time, the endurance of love, and the power of family.”
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon is an all-star treat. Here is my favorite quote….“If sexy and adorable had a baby together, the result would be Daniel Collins.” SOLD! Farrah’s book is filled with sass, class, and a whole lot of smarts… did I mention Daniel Collins??? Women lifting each other up, staying true to yourself, and a tall, dark and handsome man lingering in the background….sign yourself up for this one. Such a perfect summertime listen.
“Samiah Brooks never thought she would be “that” girl. But a live tweet of a horrific date just revealed the painful truth: she’s been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly Samiah-along with his two other “girlfriends,” London and Taylor-have gone viral online. Now the three new besties are making a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves. No men and no dating.
For once Samiah is putting herself first, and that includes finally developing the app she’s always dreamed of creating. Which is the exact moment she meets the deliciously sexy Daniel Collins at work.What are the chances?But is Daniel really boyfriend material or is he maybe just a little too good to be true?
You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy (Celadon)
February 18, 2020
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Earlier this month, I led a discussion group on Instagram with my friend Sue on Kate Murphy’s new book, You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters. As promised, I am sharing some of the conversations we had on this extremely relevant book and URGING you to read it. Our discussion covered some of the highlights in the book but certainly did not cover everything. Let’s jump right in!
Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel here, I am going to share with you the publisher’s synopsis.
“Despite living in a world where technology allows constant digital communication and opportunities to connect, it seems no one is really listening or even knows how. And it’s making us lonelier, more isolated, and less tolerant than ever before. A listener by trade, New York Times contributor Kate Murphy wanted to know how we got here.
In this always illuminating and often humorous deep dive, Murphy explains why we’re not listening, what it’s doing to us, and how we can reverse the trend. She makes accessible the psychology, neuroscience, and sociology of listening while also introducing us to some of the best listeners out there (including a CIA agent, focus group moderator, bartender, radio producer, and top furniture salesman). Equal parts cultural observation, scientific exploration, and rousing call to action that’s full of practical advice, You’re Not Listening is to listening what Susan Cain’s Quiet was to introversion. It’s time to stop talking and start listening.”
I can’t reiterate enough the importance of this book. Murphy says, “You learn when you listen.” Yes, this is true in class or with an audio book, but are we really learning about one another in our conversations? How much can we learn from a text, email or social media account? True listening occurs, face to face…..the old fashioned way. Back in the day (not that long ago), we hung out with our friends/family on the front porch, over long Sunday dinners and even at more frequent social gatherings. We talked, we connected, we actually listened to one another and knew one another. I am old enough to remember those days. Long phone calls from my land line (I still do that….EVERYONE KNOWS THAT I LOVE LONG PHONE CALLS), car rides that included conversations (is that possible?), and lastly… LESS DISTRACTIONS. There is no doubt that technology plays a huge role in this drama. But is it all technology’s fault???
First of all, technology is a double edged sword. I think everyone agrees on this. It distracts us, distorts reality and takes away from meaningful conversations. It also informs us, connects us to friends and family far away and makes things in our lives so much easier. And guess what…… it is here to stay. Because of this, we need to figure out a way to cohabitate together. I sometimes think (others agreed as well) it is more obvious to those of us that have lived with it and without its extreme presence, to see the huge impact this technological era has made. Whether I am wrong in my assumption or not, listen to what this author is saying. Murphy talks about the increase in loneliness, depression, and even suicide (up 30% since 1999). Generation Z (our kids) are the first generation to be truly raised on “screens”. iPads and iPhones were not out right when I had my boys so I lucked out with not having the option to hand them one of those devices from the start. However, it is a big part of their lives now, even if I do not always like it. EVERYTHING is done via text, email, google calendars, etc. Social media is everywhere as well, no matter how hard you try to keep your kids off of it. Where I do see kids/teens using these platforms appropriately, I also see a lot of negativity a damaging behavior. Murphy talks about how loneliness and depression is high among 8th graders. I can totally see how this is possible (having an 8th grader myself). If your head is buried in a phone or on a device, you are not making meaningful connections. You are isolating yourself from human contact. I try so hard to model and teach my boys the importance of friendships and relationships. You need to put work into them to keep them strong. Go bowling, bike riding, skiing, shoot some hoops, etc. Do activities that help connect people. Good old fashioned fun works (easier said than done). I think we all agreed in the discussion that finding a balance is a real struggle. Like many, I do not want to give up the beauty of technology. It’s fun, it’s convenient and it is part of life. I do continue to work on boundaries and the personal impact it has on me, my family and the relationships we have. Sifting out only what serves me in a positive way is my goal. Not only is this an evolving skill, but it will be different for everyone!
We can’t blame technology for everything though. Another topic discussed by Murphy is our eagerness to get to know new people, a stranger if you will. Our heads are constantly down, eye contact is a lost skill and our desire to really get to know other people is lacking. Why? Murphy talks about how when we meet new people, it is common to mentally put someone in a category….almost prejudging. Whether it’s by skin color, activity, sexual preference, homeless, billionaire….you get my drift. By doing this, we are “selectively “ listening to what our preconceived notions are. I hate that this is true. Whether we are the ones prejudging or receiving the prejudgment, it doesn’t feel very great! Everyone has a story to tell and everyone’s story is NEVER what we presume. “You can’t judge a book by its cover” will always be true!
Busy lives have taken over. Overbooking ourselves, having kids with unbelievable schedules, work lives being our only lives…. who has time to connect with friends and family? Robin Dunbar, a British anthropologist and evolutionary psychologist said, “a primary way we maintain friendships is through “everyday talk”. This seems so obvious, but difficult to achieve. During our instagram discussion, many who have kids agreed that their social lives were more abundant when their children were younger. They had time for more playdates and adult time. They claimed that as their children got older and had more school/sport activities, their friendships took a back seat and free time to spend with friends became more of a luxury. Sadly, some relationships fizzled due to lack of engagement 😢. Whether you have kids or not, there is no arguing that the pace of life is too FAST.
One part of Murphy’s book that the discussion group found particularly interesting talked about how GOSSIP has a positive social function and makes up “60%” of adult conversations 😯😯🤔🤔! Murphy mentions how gossip helps us decide who is trustworthy. “Listening to gossip contributes to our development as ethical, moral members of society”. If you really stop to think about this, it makes sense. Think about how hard you listen and absorb information from another person when they are “talking” about another person of interest. You can use this information many ways. You can hear what is being said to learn information about another person (true/untrue) or understand the person who is talking (hmmmm). Nevertheless, pay attention to what is being said. Do you see this percentage accurately reflected in your own conversations?
There will never be a “lastly” to this post, because in all honesty, we can talk about it all day. However…Lastly, I was fascinated by Murphy’s information regarding confident people and listening to opposing views. Whether we express them or not, most of us have an opinion or a view on something in life. From book club, to the political arena, to a conversation with a spouse, conversing with someone who has an opposing view happens ALL the time. In Murphy’s book, a Harvard law professor’s students said “they worry that if they really pay attention or really understand the other side’s point of view, they will lose sight of what matters to them”. What I personally found telling was the nationwide survey of college and university students conducted by the Brookings Institution. Listen to how alarming this is. Student protestors often times feel “unsafe” when listening to an opposing view. “Fifty-one percent think it is “acceptable” to shout down a speaker with whom they disagreed and a disturbing 20 percent supported violence to prevent a speaker from delivering an address.” Wow! Murphy said, “we only become secure in our convictions by allowing them to be challenged. Confident people don’t get riled by opinions different from their own, nor do they spew bile online by way of refutation.” Think about all of the online debates, etc. People who lack confidence can seek their own point of view and ignore what they don’t want to hear online. An easy way out. This chapter in Murphy’s book also draws attention to the political world. Is anyone really listening to one another? Think of all the chaos our world has faced through the decades, centuries. Have you ever listened closely to a presidential debate? Does any of this ring true? Yup….it sure does. It is kind of scary at the end of the day. If you “feel” strongly about something, but put up a defense when challenged, something is not lining up correctly. Becoming a better listener will help people stay informed so they can express their own opinions with confidence. I am pretty sure the people running our world need to take a page from this chapter…..don’t you think?
Well readers….I hope you enjoyed that chaotic summary of our Instagram discussion. I hope it prompts you to read this book and have your own book club discussions. Everyone wants to be heard. Let’s start Listening!
All my best to you Mr. H.
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. “Listening is essential to being funny. A vast body of evidence indicates humor is an asset in forming and maintaining relationships both professionally and personally”. The friends that make you laugh…………are listening ❤️❤️
You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters (Celadon Books)
By Kate Murphy
January 13, 2020
Dear Book Lovers,
LISTEN UP!!!!! I want to invite you over to my Instagram page to join in on what is going to be a wonderful discussion. On February 6th, my book-loving friend from Colorado (Sue) and I are Co-Hosting a discussion read over on Instagram. The book we will be conversing about is Kate Murphy’s book, You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters.
Here is the synopsis from the publisher: “Despite living in a world where technology allows constant digital communication and opportunities to connect, it seems no one is really listening or even knows how. And it’s making us lonelier, more isolated, and less tolerant than ever before. A listener by trade, New York Times contributor Kate Murphy wanted to know how we got here.
In this always illuminating and often humorous deep dive, Murphy explains why we’re not listening, what it’s doing to us, and how we can reverse the trend. She makes accessible the psychology, neuroscience, and sociology of listening while also introducing us to some of the best listeners out there (including a CIA agent, focus group moderator, bartender, radio producer, and top furniture salesman). Equal parts cultural observation, scientific exploration, and rousing call to action that’s full of practical advice, You’re Not Listening is to listening what Susan Cain’s Quiet was to introversion. It’s time to stop talking and start listening.”
Why Instagram??? I have chosen this platform for a group discussion because it accommodates a large number of people and is easy and quick to comment on anytime of day/night. If you are not on Instagram, you do not need to post anything on your account to join in on the conversation. The best example I can share is my mom. My mom has no desire to be on social media. She did however make a private account to follow me and a few others and have access to make and read comments. ❤️❤️❤️. Anyway, no pressure. Just wanted to share. I will have a conversation on Facebook as well on February 6th. Because this is Co-hosted, it will not have the full conversation. No social media at all………No Problem. I will post the highlights of the conversation on the blog after February 6th.
Can you believe that today is the last day of 2019? The last day of this DECADE???? This year has turned out some tremendous reads. Today I am sharing my top nine reads of 2019. Whether I was excited, crying, horrified, or genuinely scared, these nine books delivered the feels!!!! My reading motto is and always will be READ WHAT YOU LOVE~LOVE WHAT YOU READ! If you follow this way of thinking…your reading life will be stellar! So without further ado…My top nine of 2019 (in no particular order)!
5. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (Celadon Books)~This book absolutely lived up to the hype. Clever, sharp and impossible to put down.
6. The Nickel Boysby Colson Whitehead (Doubleday)~ Whitehead does a fantastic job depicting the south in the early 1960s while getting his point across without overly graphic descriptions of the unimaginable.
Well Mr. H…………..That is a wrap! Cheers to another decade of reading!!!!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. Did you know that the most read book in the world is The Bible and according to PBS “The Great American Read”, Harper Lee’s To Kill a MockingBird is America’s most loved novel.
