“The Fortunes”

Hooked me with the Chinese building the Transcontinental Railroad. Educated me about Chinese Americans in the film industry. Frustrated me with a senseless hate crime. Then completely confused me with an adoption.

Coming from immigrant stock, I could empathize with some of what the characters were dealing with. The idea that America is a melting pot - where you give away your heritage to blend in. When really, we are more of a quilt, made of many beautiful pieces sewn together. 

History has taught us that identity is paramount. Who are you? How does your heritage align with mine? What is your value to society? Immigrants taking stock in who they are - their identity as human beings, not a color or country. Living in two worlds. Working, as we all do, towards the American dream. But, at what cost?

History has also shown that your value in society is provisional. Build a railroad…great. Done? You have no value in our community. Go back to where you came from. Provisional. Not unlike today. A throw away society. If you’re no longer needed, you’re thrown out like the trash. 

Diversity is our strength. The many patches of the quilt create unity, understanding and respect. One patch dependent on the others to build a strong vibrant fabric, that is the United States of America.

“Project Hail Mary”

Now that the movie has come out, I’m not sure there is a lot to say about the book.

I do have a couple of thoughts…

If not for all the re-runs of “The Big Bang Theory” I’ve watched I would be lost. Science is not my strong suit.

Friendship. Survival. Something we can all relate to. 

Humor is always the “best medicine.” I did actually laugh out loud a couple of times…just sayin’.

”Happily-ever-after” ending? Sort of.

Would I read more of Weir’s books? Perhaps.

“Finding Dorothy”

 

Told in two points of view. Maud Gage Baum’s life story. Hollywood and the making of the film “The Wizard of Oz.”

Being enough. Expectations. Hollywood. Perseverance. Friendship. Protection. Creativity. Sacrifice. Determination. Trust. Greed. Love. 

Maud Gage Baum found herself lodged between the expectations of her Suffragist mother (Matilda Joslyn Gage) and her free spirited husband, L. Frank Baum. Fighting to support their growing family. Finding hope in happiness. Creating moments to cherish.

”The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” brought the Baum family unexpected financial security. However, it also left Maud navigating the movie business in Hollywood all alone.

The Hollywood subplot revolved around Judy Garland. This relationship showed the corrupt manner in which studio execs treated their starlets. 

I was hoping, as always, for a “happily ever after” ending…not sure I got it. But, I have been humming “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for days now.

“Marrying the Ketchups”

Whenever there is a disclaimer that says -“laugh out loud funny” - why aren’t I laughing out loud? Did I miss something? Gretchen, Teddy, and Jane. Likeable enough. Broken. Trying to maneuver the pitfalls of failed relationships and overbearing family.

The funniest line in the book? “We need to talk about Grandma.” I’m pretty sure you could write a whole book on that subject. Hmmmm, maybe it’s time to write that book about my Grandma…

Lighthearted. Frustrating when the characters didn’t move on quickly enough. Happily ever after ending? Satisfying ending. Loose ends tied. Broken people taped back together. Funny? The jury is still out on that.

The Cat Who Saved Books

 

Translated by: Louise Heal Kawai

If my cat could talk, I’m not sure I’d want him leading me on a fantasy adventure. Even if it was to save books? Well, maybe. 

A teenager on an adventure of self discovery. A talking cat. An unlikely ally. A dusty old used book store.

But, beyond the fantasy, there was something to be learned…

”In our stifling daily lives, we’re all so occupied with ourselves that we stop thinking about others. When a person loses their own heart, they can’t feel another’s pain. They lie, they hurt others, use weaker people as stepping stones to get ahead - they stop feeling anything. The world has become full of those kinds of people.” (P 146)

”Books teach us how to care about others.” (P172)

”I think the power of books is that - that they teach us to care about others. It’s a power that gives people courage and also supports them in turn…Empathy - that’s the power of books.” (P 174)

These are the questions I am left with: If books show us ideas outside of ourselves. Other ways of living. Other ways of feeling and doing things. Then why aren’t more people empathetic? How are those lessons not learned? Or are they just ignored? If one doesn’t read, are they at a distinct disadvantage in understanding the people around them? 

If my cat could talk, what would he say about the world we inhabit today?

“The Frozen River”

To be a midwife in the late 1700s. Post Revolutionary War. What a gift to be able to read and write. To keep a diary, that still exists to this day.

So many pieces that speak to women’s rights today. Fighting to be heard. Qualified to do her job, her calling. Someone to be respected. The patriarchy battling a woman who was a force of nature. 

Twists and turns. I almost shut the book at one time because I was afraid of what was going to happen…

Never underestimate the power of a determined woman. Strength. Resilience. Empathy. Righteous. Caring. Love. Hope.

Christmas Reads 2025

 

 

 

NO reviews. Just the books that kept me off my phone and helped to preserve my sanity…

1. “Studmuffin Santa” - Tawana Fenske
2. ”Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret” - Benjamin Stevenson
3. ”Murder at the Snowed Inn” - Imogen Plimp
4. ”Christmas in Paradise” - Brittany Larsen
5. ”Unlucky Christmas” - Melissa Baldwin