Book Review: "Saint Nick" by Bradley Wright

Rom-Com Experiment #4

Not exactly a Rom-Com, although Brooke Sanders does add some spice at the end of the novel. Not your conventional Santa story either. A tabloid headline might read: ”Santa’s Secrets Exposed.” Nick Campos, Army Ranger, makes a strange replacement santa - reminiscent of the character Scott Calvin in the movie “The Santa Clause.” But that is where the similarities end. An Army Ranger, FBI, CIA, terrorists, traitors, a cloaking device and the All Seeing Eye, ummm where is Santa in all this? Can an Army Ranger use Santa’s “powers” for the good of the world and NOT just to deliver gifts once a year? Nice spin on the whole Christmas theme of hope. Ho ho ho! (but say it like the character John McLean in the Christmas movie “Die Hard.”

Book Review: "Holiday Fling" by Nicole R. Locker

Rom-Com Experiment #4

What could be better than Christmas in New York City? When Millie and Seamus first met, I was a little put-off by the forward nature of some of Seamus’ comments. “...sheet grippin’ and fallin’ apart beneath me.” (36) and this was before they’d even been on a date. Nicole R. Locker pushed the storyline to get to the “happily-ever-after-ending” in her 176 page novel. Playful at times, a good supporting cast, light-hearted; perfect for a snowy afternoon on the couch.

Book Review: "Let It Snow" by Nancy Thayer

Rom-Com Experiment #3

Now, this is more my speed. I don’t consider myself a prude, but I do like a good make-out session, followed by a “closed-door-session.” Nancy Thayer leads her reader to the bedroom door and leaves the rest to our imagination. Thank you! Nantucket in winter, a toy store, a curmudgeon, and a romance; what more could you ask for? Perhaps a precocious nine year old to keep the storyline moving? This novel is perfect for a cold winter’s day snuggled under a comforter, with a cup of cocoa, and a cat curled up at your feet. I already have another of Thayer’s Nantucket novels queued and ready to read.

Book Review: "A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe" by Jessica Clare

Rom-Com Experiment #2.

This is more what I was expecting from a Romantic Comedy (rom-com). Although I may have missed the “com” part. Jessica Clare does a good job of putting her reader in Painted Barrel, Wyoming...the ranches, the small town vibe, the snow, the stinky cattle. Sage Cooper, self proclaimed man-repellent, and Jason Clements, Navy vet with PTSD, are a perfect match. I’m a sucker for some steamy romance and a happily-ever-after ending, and I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t realize until after I finished this book, that it is number three in a series of four. The fourth installment of the series comes out next summer, I might just need to follow up on the goings on in Painted Barrel.

Book Review: "Taste Her Christmas Cookies" by Alina Jacobs

Ok. If you’re going to write a romantic comedy (rom-com) perhaps you should warn your reader that the sex is more like soft porn. I mean, turn on the A/C and grab a glass of ice water…

Alina Jacobs Christmas rom-com starts out full of sexual innuendo, but the relationship between Holly and Owen could cause the baker’s cookies to catch fire. Throw in a Christmas dessert bake-off, an evil step-sister, a Husky named Rudolph, and you’ve got a rom-com worth reading on a snowy afternoon. This supporting cast allows the reader to follow the action outside of Owen’s penthouse bedroom. There are other books in this series with Holly and Owen - I’ll wait for summer when I have a reason to crank up the A/C.

Book Review: "Three Strong Women" by Marie NDiaye

Ok, I’ll admit when I read the synopsis of Marie NDaiye’s novel, I was excited. The reality was far different from my expectation. What I found was an unending monologue by two women and a man, which reminded me of the narrator in “The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. I had read, in that synopsis, that the three stories were tied together...they were - but loosely, very loosely. Whenever I read, I shudder at large unbroken blocks of text. I continually looked for the dialogue to push the storyline. I struggled to finish this novel, but pushed through hoping for the big “ah-ha” moment. Oops. I wanted rich details of Africa and France. I wanted the characters to interact with one another (especially Fanta). I wanted to NOT put down the book. Perhaps, for me, something was lost in translation.

Grandma Writing Poetry

This poem is dedicated to my grandson, Jeff, who has been studying Mesopotamia in school. He shared a poem with me that he wrote, as a school assignment, about Gilgamesh. After he realized that I had no idea who Gilgamesh was, I decided to do some research. An quick internet search garnered enough information that I wrote this poem for him.

Ode to Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh, oh Gilgamesh,

Wherefore art thou Gilgamesh?

Traveling all Mesopotamia,

Wild man Enkidu at your side?

Searching for treasure?

Searching for gold?

Do your duties as king,

Warrant this arduous adventure?

Do you search without family?

Without friends?

Gilgamesh, oh Gilgamesh

What are you searching for?

Trying to cheat death,

To save your immortal soul?

Dedicated to Jeff McMullen

November 22, 2019

Book review: "The Ladies Room" by Carolyn Brown

“When opportunity knocks you don’t leave it standing on the doorstep. You invite it in and feed it chocolate cake.” (33)

This quote from Carolyn Brown’s novel pretty much sums up the whole storyline. The characters took the hand that was dealt to them and made the best of it. However, I felt the plot was so-so, some of the characters were a little over the top (a little drippy with kindness), or maybe I’m just a cynic and wanted a little more grit (ex-husband and in laws). There was a lot of self-reflection, some vengeance (the sardine episode), and a fairy tale ending. But still...there were moments of laugh-out-loud humor as well (open hunting season on cheating husbands and the pop-up sanctuaries). Trudy’s ongoing monologue was entertaining. I definitely related to her love of food...but, no I don’t carry Snickers bars in my purse, just in case.

Book Review: "Kopp Sisters On The March" by Amy Stewart

This fifth installment of the Kopp Sisters’ saga was intriguing. Amy Stewart contrasted two storylines, that of the Kopp Sisters and Beulah Binder in her novel. Add to that a mobile pigeon transport cart, the National Service School, prostitution, and murder and you’ve got yourself a story! Although I enjoyed Beulah’s storyline, mobilizing women for wartime service before women had the right to vote was very thought provoking. I was drawn back to Mary Jennings Hegar’s book Shoot Like A Girl and how hard she fought for her place as a combat pilot. If Constance Kopp could look into the future and see Hegar, what would she think? Would she see herself as helping to pave the way for other women, a role model in perseverance? As always I’m a sucker for all the historical research that goes into a novel like this (and yes, I do read all the information at the end). What was interesting is that Stewart wove Jeanette Rankin, the first female Congressman and Bruce Bielaski, creator of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into the story. There was a lot to digest in this historical fiction; including, ham and butter sandwiches.

Book Review: "Miss Kopp Just Won't Quit" by Amy Stewart

Women’s rights. World War. Immigration. Election ethics. These are issues we might be discussing today...yet they are the storyline for Amy Stewart’s historical fiction.

Women’s Rights: Much like the novels Ten Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly (1887) and Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry (set in 1895) the lunatic asylum became a dumping ground for women who had no way to legally fight being committed. The lack of understanding of postpartum depression and menopause found women all over the country in these institutions.

World War I: What I know is almost nil. The war started in 1914 and ended in 1918. The United States got involved in 1917. Oh, and women got the vote in 1920. The immigrant issues that this war stirred up, feels a lot like today. Mistrust, suspicion, who among your neighbors was a German sympathizer?

Election ethics: This part of the novel hit me in the face. I suppose part of it has to do with the growing number of political ads on TV. The mug slinging has already started. But I do think that Sheriff Heath was right, “A man who does nothing but cast our hate and blame couldn’t possibly be elected to office.” (223) Hmmmm, well we’ve seen it happen now haven’t we?

Of the four novels (getting ready to read #5) this is by far my favorite. I couldn’t put it down. I was frustrated, angry, relieved, and proud. The characters did not disappoint - Norma and her pigeons even took a share of the storyline. Two questions remain, however; 1) how did Deputy Kopp manage to run down all those criminals in the layers of dress worn back in the day, and 2) just what is a potato and pickle sandwich?

Book Review: "The Rejected Writers Book Club" by Suzanne Kelman

Once in awhile you just need to read something “light.” Something that doesn’t terrify you, doesn’t challenge your thinking, something that lets your mind unwind. Suzanne Kelman’s novel did just that...sort of. I was intrigued by the eclectic mix of characters, especially Doris and Ethel. I enjoyed the small town setting off the coast of Washington state, the ongoing racoon battle, and the rocky relationship between Janet and her daughter. The cynic in me found it hard to believe the over-the-top kindness of strangers in the story. (but that’s just me) Kelman made me laugh out loud and tear up. This novel is just what I needed.

Book Review: "The Princess Diarist" by Carrie Fisher

I chose this book for a multitude of reasons: 1) I wanted to know more about Carrie Fisher’s life, 2) I wanted to revisit my love of Star Wars, 3) I wanted to know more about her writing. “The Princess Diarist” gave me what I was looking for. Fisher’s writing style is personal and quirky. I was struck by how composed her journal writing was for a 19 year old. Few of us are able to compose our thoughts so clearly. I enjoyed her humor - especially the lap dances - but was also hit with an unsettling sadness. I hadn’t thought much about being the “star” in encounters with fans (or more to the point “fanatics”); Fisher seemed to find the humor in those situations. I know she wrote more about her life...not sure which I will read next.

Book Review: "Shoot Like A Girl" by Mary Jennings Hegar

I feel like I have been surrounded by strong determined women all my life. Each one navigating the world on her own terms. This book reminded me of those women. Mary Jennings Hegar’s pursuit of her life’s dream showed me a world that I want my granddaughter to grow up in. One where it shouldn’t matter your gender, one where the “good ole boys” don’t get to call all the shots, one where there is no glass ceiling to her potential, and one where she can be whatever she wants with hard work and determination. For me, the bigger meaning behind Hegar’s book is for men and women to focus on keeping an open mind...how we see the world today, may not be the way we need or should see it tomorrow. Passionate. Supportive. Strong. Determined.

Halloween 2019

Cruella De Vil

Version 2019

This Halloween for the Porter's Halloween Party the theme was villains. Although I have a super cool Cruella De Vil costume that I made many years ago, sadly it is packed away. This is what I had in my closet, minus the Cruella t-shirt. Instant evil doer!! 

Dale said my curls and red lips reminded him of my Grandma Carmen...BONUS!!

Book Review: "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

History has a way of changing over time as our collective point-of-view shifts. I wondered if Ta-Nehisi Coates novel would be a true accounting of the Underground Railroad, or would it be a “fantasy blend” like Colson Whitehead’s novel? I was a little apprehensive. What I found was a novel which dealt with history accurately, but at the same time added a supernatural element, Conduction. I think what stood out the most was Hiram Walker’s perspective of his situation; Taskers (slaves), Lows (low non-slave holding whites), and the Quality (slave owners) all situated in the coffin (slavery).The novel shows that the Underground Railroad was more than stations on a route. It was a much more clandestine operation than history had led me to believe that included forging documents to move slaves out of the coffin. I learned that the facade of civilization and culture were meticulously engineered by the Quality. Conduction, the paranormal part of the novel, caught me off guard. The ending left me realizing that there is no happy ever ending for anyone involved...Taskers, Low, or the Quality

Book Review: "The Woman in Cabin 10" by Ruth Ware

For some reason, I'm not entirely fond of novels set in England. Not sure why. Luckily most of this novel happened on a yacht in the North Sea. "The Woman in Cabin 10" was spellbinding. Ruth Ware sucked me in the minute Lo (the main character) hit the gangway leading to the Aurora. I was thrown off a bit by Lo's drinking in the beginning, bur soon came to realize that the blurred line between reality and drunkenness was important to the storyline. I especially enjoyed the "side-bar" pieces of emails, texts, and news reports...all those red herrings that kept me guessing. You know you're caught up in a good novel when you catch yourself either trying to read faster, or skipping over words to get to the next juicy detail. The twist in the plot at the end was worth every skipped word.

Book Review: "The Bookshop on the Corner" by Jenny Colgan

This novel is about a "book whisperer," which made me think of a colleague, Gina, who is exceptional at matching books to students. "The Bookshop on the Corner" is about more than book matching, however. Jenny Colgan's novel is about being open to what life throws your way, taking chances, and starting a new life. I especially enjoyed Nina's romantic soul, the sexual tension and the way Colgan leaves much to the reader's imagination. That romantic thread continued with the "reading tree" where characters left books and notes in, on, and around a dying tree. (of course my mind right away went into teacher mode...trying to figure out how to recreate this for students...and then I remembered, I'm retired) Scotland is a great backdrop for the story, the juxtaposition between "The Little Shop of Happy-Ever-After" book van and the wild landscape is well played.

Book Review: "Murder in the City of Liberty" by Rachel McMillen

This is the second Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery, and I was happy to be reunited with Reggie and Hamish. Rachel McMillen's red herrings kept me guessing throughout the novel. The historical tidbits about Boston, baseball before the color barrier is broken, and all the movie references helped move the storyline. In both novels, I felt as if I had stepped back in time. The details were rich and gave the characters authenticity. The only minus, would have to be the last couple of chapters. There the story dragged a bit. However, the happily-ever-after-ending that I was hoping for...Will there be a third installment?

Book Review: "The Last Days of Night" by Graham Moore

So I thought I'd try something historical (no big shock there) but with a science twist...Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and Nikola Tesla - three of the greatest creative minds. Add to that Paul Cravath a feisty lawyer, Agnes Huntington a songbird, and J.P. Morgan the richest man in the nation (at that time) and you've got a true life story that is better than fiction. AND it has a happy ending! Who knew that the Graham Moore could turn the war over Tesla's A/C current into a page turner. This was a great historical fiction that really gave me a different perspective about something I thought I knew. Edison the showman, Westinghouse the tinkerer, and Tesla the imagineer. The end of the book had me wondering what they would think if they could see our technology today.