tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41954965234396638932024-03-13T21:48:38.893-05:00Something Good to ReadBook Reviews. Book Recommendations.
What to Read Next.Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.comBlogger983125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-80129615366315423412020-12-01T06:37:00.000-06:002020-12-01T06:37:07.465-06:00AudioFile's Best Books of 2020<p>Road warriors have long loved the audio book, a wonderful innovation that makes miles in a car, train, or plane, fly quickly by. Although 2020 curbed travel, having a book read to you is still soothing whether you are riding a stationary bike, puttering around the house, or taking an extended dog walk. </p><p>For audiobook fans, <a href="https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/best-audiobooks-2020/" target="_blank">here is a link to AudioFile's list of the best audiobooks of 2020</a>. Check it out!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoxbWMAw6eM/X8Y4FozanGI/AAAAAAAAC_w/w2qrSnAo9TwnagoESEH7W0WqmExhFDaLwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FloridaCanyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoxbWMAw6eM/X8Y4FozanGI/AAAAAAAAC_w/w2qrSnAo9TwnagoESEH7W0WqmExhFDaLwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/FloridaCanyon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Approaching noon in the Coronado National Forest.</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-28736200968228161382020-11-08T10:35:00.003-06:002020-11-08T10:35:53.175-06:00The Week That Was - November 2020<p> It has been quite a week.</p><p><br /></p><p>Based on all that has happened, and all that is to come, now is a good time to re-read a profile of Stacey Abrams which appeared in <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/08/19/stacey-abrams-fight-for-a-fair-vote?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20201106&utm_term=4944113&utm_campaign=pop-culture&utm_id=53034974&orgid=95" target="_blank">The New Yorker in August, 2019</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Sunday, everyone.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U65pp27WtMo/X6gd43YyJoI/AAAAAAAAC_A/XGv4tHBOFPoLw_PG0stUQpHR1uPwKW3vQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0399-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U65pp27WtMo/X6gd43YyJoI/AAAAAAAAC_A/XGv4tHBOFPoLw_PG0stUQpHR1uPwKW3vQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0399-002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-70023996045946978952020-10-16T06:00:00.018-05:002020-10-16T13:40:23.445-05:00New Book in November from David Sedaris Because We All Need a Laugh<p> </p><p>A new book from humorist David Sedaris is coming out in November. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316628247/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=6891ef58bb0a98ee5042b1cf06ae0654&creativeASIN=0316628247" target="_blank">The Best of Me</a></i> is, as the title implies, a collection of previously released material. Because Sedaris is so very funny, and considering all that is going on in the world, this type of collection simply screams 'potential holiday gift', so check your shopping list, folks. We need more smart and funny in this world. Let's support it where we find it.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316628247/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316628247&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=1a932ff827695bc64602a1bcefa9e21e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0316628247&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0316628247" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Last spring I read his 2019 book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316392421/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2c14a81fe65f5e4232362b8c9a0441c5&creativeASIN=0316392421" target="_blank">Calypso</a></i> and really enjoyed it. Many of the essays in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316392421/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2c14a81fe65f5e4232362b8c9a0441c5&creativeASIN=0316392421" target="_blank">Calypso</a></i> focus on the author's family and life with his partner. Because this is not a book by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erma_Bombeck" target="_blank">Emma Bombeck</a> (remember her?), some of these essays address the sorrows of life and the reader is shown a great deal about tough, personal topics. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Yet these difficult personal essays are interesting to read because the events within are shown to us with the honesty mixed with wit, style, and singular voice that is the magic of Sedaris. There is also enjoyable silliness (his Fitbit obsession) and some juvenile matters concerning swearing and, ahem, the stomach flu. Quite the mix of stuff and great to read. Highly recommend checking out <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316392421/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2c14a81fe65f5e4232362b8c9a0441c5&creativeASIN=0316392421" target="_blank">Calypso</a>.</i></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316392421/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316392421&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=e638614dfe507f68fd956ecfd117e363" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0316392421&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0316392421" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>As always, links to Amazon are provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission if, after clicking a link, you subsequently make a purchase. Muchas gracias, amigos. </i></div>Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-41334488666110970752020-10-13T06:00:00.008-05:002020-10-13T06:00:01.650-05:00New Book from Tana French<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUT7o7pEBew/X4NNGmJt0DI/AAAAAAAAC9o/N_Irn_VCdXk7IqgVniuUL9FOUPpd2AmkgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Tana%2BFrench.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1849" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUT7o7pEBew/X4NNGmJt0DI/AAAAAAAAC9o/N_Irn_VCdXk7IqgVniuUL9FOUPpd2AmkgCNcBGAsYHQ/w361-h400/Tana%2BFrench.jpg" title="Short Review of The Searcher by Tana French from The New Yorker 10/12/20" width="361" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A new book from Tana French was released this month, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/073522465X/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=d55097b0bf214ec12c5427590394d5a7&creativeASIN=073522465X" target="_blank">The Searcher</a></i>. According to the book's page on Amazon, it is currently a #1 Best Seller in Witch and Wizard Thrillers. I have no idea why that is the case; and whether or not that is a recommendation is up to you, my friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am a fan of the six books in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1529391644/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=a445719216cc6025981230c646f2477b&creativeASIN=1529391644" target="_blank">French's Dublin murder squad series</a>, crime novels featuring a loosely connected set of Irish detectives. Her seventh book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735224641/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=e288356a20b0b499de054c46b4db66f1&creativeASIN=0735224641" target="_blank">The Witch Elm</a> </i>(well-off young man's life in downward spiral) is not part of that series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't really enjoy <i>The Witch Elm</i>, although everyone else apparently did as it was a New York Times Notable book in 2018 and an NPR Best Book of 2018. For me, the story was too creepy without being engaging; does that make sense?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although <i>The Witch Elm</i> didn't tick my boxes for a good read, I plan to read <i>The Searcher</i>. <i>The Searcher</i>, <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/556487/the-searcher-by-tana-french/9780735224650" target="_blank">according to the publisher's web site</a>, is about a retired Chicago police officer who lives in Ireland. When a local boy goes missing, he gets drawn into investigating. What could possibly go wrong?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073522465X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=073522465X&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=40132bf0a664b403036b744e4885bdfe" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=073522465X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=073522465X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>As always, links to Amazon are provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission if, after clicking a link, you subsequently make a purchase. Muchas gracias, amigos. </i></div>Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-28539048803362446212020-10-10T08:30:00.003-05:002020-10-11T13:16:26.276-05:00Currently Reading: Novels, Mysteries and Short StoriesSo much has happened in the world since my last post. I don't know about you, but for me it has been tough to find time for reading when there is so much going on with respect to the future of our country. In fact, the fly on VP Mike Pence's head at this past week's debate had a greater attention span than I have had for books recently.<div><br /></div><div>Nonetheless, in tough times a good book provides a welcome space for relaxation, escape, and entertainment, so I have been doing some reading. Below is a quick look at a few of the books I've read in the past few weeks and months. Let me know in the comments if there are any particular books you recommend.</div><div><div>
<b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Yee Haw! </b><b>The Recently-Read Round-Up </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WP699BM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07WP699BM&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=840ba3b58c166146cf2197a70c743e25" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07WP699BM&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07WP699BM" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WP699BM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07WP699BM&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=840ba3b58c166146cf2197a70c743e25" target="_blank">Deep Dive</a> </i>(Sam Acquillo Mysteries Book 9) by Chris Knopf<span> </span></b></div><div><span><b><i>Snap Review</i>: Love it.</b></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I'm a huge fan of Chris Knopf and his series featuring Sam Acquillo is my favorite. In this episode, a suspicious death occurs at the home of Sam's wealthy friend Burton Lewis. When it looks like the police are looking to put Lewis in the frame for the death, Sam steps in to investigate. </span>His investigation takes him to Puerto Rico and a stealth look at the maybe shady charity that employed the deceased. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are lots of twists in this entertaining read, accompanied by the dry humor author Chris Knopf always provides. Highly recommend all Knopf's books.</div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038554572X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=038554572X&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=a75cefd6e1bdb192a15f624d1c88412b" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=038554572X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=038554572X" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div></span></div><div><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038554572X?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=038554572X" target="_blank">Pizza Girl</a></i> by Jean Kyoung Frazier </b></div><div><b><i>Snap Review</i>: It was okay.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>After reading a write-up about this book in the New York Times, I thought I'd give it a whirl. Kyoung Frazier does a great job of putting down on paper a portrait of young woman. Let's tick off the some of the demographics: the protagonist is 18, pregnant, finished with school, has a wee bit of a drinking problem, and is working as a pizza delivery driver. She misses her dead dad and is living with her mom and her boyfriend, the expectant father. Boyfriend has given up dreams of college in order to support his new family. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our protagonist doesn't seem to have any plans beyond those which circumstances have thrust upon her. Then, Pizza Girl becomes obsessed with one of her customers, Jenny. And from there the tale develops. </div><div><br /></div><div>The book is successful in bringing forth fresh characters and a memorable plot. So why didn't I love it? Maybe there was just too much going on for this character; and maybe that was the point as this book is a loud shout about youth. If that interests you, give it a read and let me know what you think.</div><div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/125076811X?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=125076811X" target="_blank">The Mist</a></i> by Ragnar Jonasson</b></div><div><b><i>Snap Review</i>: Scandinavian mystery. Strange stuff, but interesting.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This is book three in a series. I jumped in without reading the two earlier books and had no trouble with the plot. The story is set in Iceland. There is a double murder at a remote farmhouse. There is a snowstorm. And our investigating detective has shattering developments in her private life. </div><div><br /></div><div>All together, everything is a bit creepy, making this one of those undemanding, interesting mysteries that take your mind off the world. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525656650?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=0525656650" target="_blank">The Shooting at Chateau Rock</a></i> by Martin Walker</b></div><div><b><i>Snap Review</i>: I love reading all things Martin Walker, including this book.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This is another entry in the series by Martin Walker featuring Bruno, the police chief of a small village in France. After there is a suspicious death in the village - suspicious because the deceased disinherited his children in favor of purchasing continuing care at a retirement home -- Bruno investigates as only he can do. In addition to shady insurance companies, there are Russians, rock stars, all of Bruno's friends and, of course, food. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love this series and being inside this world created by Martin Walker. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307743721/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307743721&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=b0a580847e67b2364668cb8746497233" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0307743721&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0307743721" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307743721?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=0307743721" target="_blank">Dear Life</a></i> by Alice Munro</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Snap Review</i>: I loved it.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Dear Life</i> won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013 and, not that the Nobel people need me to say it, rightly so! These stories about the relationships and brief encounters of ordinary folks are burning, quiet, and spare. I loved it. Check it out. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>As always, links to Amazon are provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission if, after clicking a link, you subsequently make a purchase. Muchas gracias, amigos. </i></div><div> <br /></div></div>Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-6700451527136815622020-02-28T05:00:00.000-06:002020-02-28T05:00:04.551-06:00A New Challenge: Reading all the Edgar Nominees for Best Novel before April 30, 2020The Edgar Awards will be presented this year on April 30. <a href="http://www.theedgars.com/nominees.html" target="_blank">My favorite category is the award for Best Novel</a>. Typically, all the books that are nominated for an Edgar in this category are enjoyable to mystery fans, but of course there can only be one winner. So, in the manner of the Academy Awards for movies, I'm going to read all five nominees before April 30 in an effort to anticipate who that winner might be.<br />
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Reading all five books within this timeline is a bit easier for me as I've already read two: Peter Heller's <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/River-novel-Peter-Heller-ebook/dp/B07DMZT6SQ/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=4e09fb1913ead63b7c8cc829f2a85477&creativeASIN=B07DMZT6SQ" target="_blank">The River</a></i> and Elly Griffiths's <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Diaries-Elly-Griffiths/dp/1328577856/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=403ab8d2863f7d802dd818a946b20570&creativeASIN=1328577856" target="_blank">The Stranger Diaries</a></i>. The remaining three are <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fake-Like-Me-Barbara-Bourland/dp/1538759519/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=4e831bca6f4a5df77221df70a4dc3b99&creativeASIN=1538759519" target="_blank">Fake Like Me</a></i> by Barbara Bourland, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Girl-Bad-Novel/dp/1982103604/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=426663fe355860b8da868395a3c0c504&creativeASIN=1982103604" target="_blank">Good Girl, Bad Girl</a></i> by Michael Robotham, and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Ashes-Novel-Wyndham-Banerjee/dp/1643130145/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=233e71e32497d333a3a2fe1aaac866af&creativeASIN=1643130145" target="_blank">Smoke and Ashes</a></i> by Abir Mukherjee.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Ashes-Novel-Wyndham-Banerjee/dp/1643130145/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=233e71e32497d333a3a2fe1aaac866af&creativeASIN=1643130145" target="_blank">Smoke and Ashes</a></i> is the third book in a series. Although I am a wee bit disappointed that I won't be reading these books in order, sometimes sacrifices must be made.<br />
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If you've read any of these books, or are up for joining me in reading all five by April 30, give a shout out in the comments.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LHMFK56-D4/XlcRYCgkzFI/AAAAAAAAC4I/LrU76yzILfAvRRTI5MSgaHhX6b8YHbndgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Relaxing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1600" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LHMFK56-D4/XlcRYCgkzFI/AAAAAAAAC4I/LrU76yzILfAvRRTI5MSgaHhX6b8YHbndgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Relaxing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Relaxing when you should be reading: A Dramatization.</i></div>
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<br />Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-44972186443409447042020-02-26T05:00:00.000-06:002020-02-27T12:18:57.955-06:00Epidemics! Pandemics! Read all about it!Looking for another topic of concern that can race through your brain at three in the morning, robbing you of sleep and roiling your stomach? Well, with the spread of coronavirus, the loud and angry voices of the anti-science crowd, a President and Republican Party that don't believe in government and public health, it seems like a pretty good time to get worried about a global pandemic.<br />
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And while worrying is a given in this day-and-age, there are also smart and interesting books that help us understand what is going on with respect to global health threats. Here are a few titles that have been recommended to me on the topic of viruses - where it goes and how it flows - and the biology and politics of it all.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spillover-Animal-Infections-Human-Pandemic/dp/0393346617/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=86f208ca7d116702fb55b0c6c2abe970&creativeASIN=0393346617" target="_blank">Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic</a></i> by David Quammen: Author David Quammen tackles the subject of the movement of viruses from wildlife to humans.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Influenza-Deadliest-Pandemic-History/dp/0143036491/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=95f4c8bd5219c5c8a8bc2cc9ba219d21&creativeASIN=0143036491" target="_blank">The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History</a></i> by John M. Barry. Mr. Barry looks at how biology and politics combined to result in the 1918 Influenza.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pandemic-Tracking-Contagions-Cholera-Beyond/dp/125011800X/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=044f2895569a1b40939879985062d253&creativeASIN=125011800X" target="_blank">Pandemic: Tracking Contagions, from Cholera to Ebola, and Beyond</a></i> by Sonia Shah. Sonia Shah examines the dangers of pathogens by examining the spread of cholera.<br />
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And on the fiction side of things:<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804172447?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=0804172447" target="_blank">Station 11</a></i> by Emily St. John Mandel: In this novel, a virus takes off, an apocalypse occurs, and the world as we know it falls apart.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345487133?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=0345487133" target="_blank">The Earth Abides</a></i> by George R. Stuart: Originally published in 1949, this classic novel is about a global pandemic that wipes out all most all of humankind. How will the few survivors fare?<br />
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And from the fiction that I have read and highly recommend:<br />
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<a href="http://www.somethinggoodtoread.com/2013/01/highly-recommended-dog-stars-by-peter.html" target="_blank"><i>The Dog Stars</i> by Peter Heller</a>: A flu pandemic wipes out a man's family. With his dog by his side, he seeks to find what is left in the world. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307950476?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=0307950476" target="_blank">I love this novel</a>. You might, too. If you've read The Dog Stars, share your thoughts about the book in the comment section. If you haven't read it, please try it out.<br />
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Global pandemic, illustrated.</div>
<br />Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-56749517787666228242020-02-11T05:00:00.000-06:002020-02-28T12:51:35.453-06:00Put the American West in Your TBR Pile: An Obvious Fact by Craig Johnson and Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae CarsonI'm behind on reading Craig Johnson's mystery series featuring Walt Longmire. I recently finished <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Obvious-Fact-Longmire-Mystery/dp/014310912X/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=3109c84c9629daf9ada2e7592cc45ef8&creativeASIN=014310912X" target="_blank">An Obvious Fact</a></span> featuring the Wyoming sheriff and his good friend Henry Standing Bear. It was an entertaining story with the wit and action we expect in this series. But still out there to be read are <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Western-Star-Longmire-Mystery/dp/0143109138/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=a4e3a489e06f6ed68b514246961d1731&creativeASIN=0143109138" target="_blank">The Western Star</a></i> (2017), <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Depth-Winter-Longmire-Craig-Johnson/dp/0525522492/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=b02bb9367f26a18061c0ba1dfa06e97d&creativeASIN=0525522492" target="_blank">Depth of Winter</a></i> (2018), <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Land-Wolves-Longmire-Craig-Johnson/dp/0525522506/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=f4c0357ad0575285ecbdfe2cd61ac084&creativeASIN=0525522506" target="_blank">Land of Wolves</a></i> (2019). Boy-howdy! Some good options ahead for books.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>Another interesting series set in the west came to my attention recently when I read <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Earth-Stranger-Gold-Trilogy/dp/006224292X/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=17c77704caf97870e8019198803a6a26&creativeASIN=006224292X" target="_blank">Walk on Earth a Stranger</a></i> by Rae Carson. This time the action is set during the California gold rush. I have no idea how this YA book ended up in my to-be-read pile, but I'm so glad it did; it was very engaging.<br />
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The protagonist in <i>Walk on Earth a Stranger</i> is a young woman, Leah, who can sense where gold is located - whether it is in someone's pocket or a nugget in a stream. This is a useful, and dangerous, talent. After a horrible disaster hits her family, she disguises herself as a young man and joins a wagon train traveling to California. There are lots of adventures - most of them dangerous - along the way. How Leah manages to survive is exciting to read. This is the first book in a series and I am looking forward to reading more of the Gold Seer Trilogy, including <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Like-River-Glorious-Gold-Trilogy/dp/0062242954/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=30c8284892c43e99ad5d7096d8da9aff&creativeASIN=0062242954" target="_blank">Like a River Glorious</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Into-Bright-Gold-Seer-Trilogy/dp/0062242989/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=e0901692e13ec07f35b3b7efa197a408&creativeASIN=0062242989" target="_blank">Into the Bright Unknown</a></i>.<br />
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There is a lot of reading pleasure in a good series of books. If you've taken a flyer on something off the latest bestseller list and find that it just isn't clicking, turning to an enjoyable series is a great option. And there is lots of entertainment in the Craig Johnson series, or with Rae Carson if you are interested in YA reads. Read on!<br />
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An Arizona sunset to inspire your reading.</div>
Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-68788254078208856862020-02-04T05:00:00.000-06:002020-02-04T05:00:07.592-06:00Four (and more) for February 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the road into 2020.</div>
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Sometime at the end of 2019, I saw an interview with NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers in which Rogers said that he was setting a resolution to read more books in 2020. 'Hell fire,' I thought, 'If a busy guy like the Green Bay Packers star is setting an intention to read more, than I can set an intention to read more - and blog about it.'<br />
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So, let's go!<br />
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Four books have caught my attention for February 2020. The first is <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Splendid-Vile-Churchill-Family-Defiance/dp/0385348711/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=825e1e94dd54ea59af25b0c8d702979a&creativeASIN=0385348711" target="_blank">The Splendid and the Vile</a></i> by Erik Larson. I'm a fan of Larson, starting with the first of his books that I read, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Erik-Larson-Madness-Changed-Hardcover/dp/B01FMVK0LU/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=fbaf9fec79fe802c160d92091a2157e2&creativeASIN=B01FMVK0LU" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Devil in the White City</a> (nonfiction account of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and a serial killer at large).<br />
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In his new book, Larson looks at Winston Churchill and London during the blitz, the bombing campaign waged against England by Hitler. Having just finished reading <i><a href="http://www.somethinggoodtoread.com/2020/01/recommended-reading-woman-of-no.html" target="_blank">A Woman of No Importance</a></i>, I'm in the mood for another nonfiction read about World War II. Stories of real people acting heroically are inspiring. (Actually, I may do this book as an audio book. Is that cutting corners? Nah.)<br />
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Second on my list for February is <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Weather-novel-Jenny-Offill/dp/0385351100/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=451e5b3f712eb68b9f13784d050dec83&creativeASIN=0385351100" target="_blank">Weather </a></i>by Jenny Offill. Based upon the summaries of the plot, I'm anticipating that this novel is one that is read more for the unique literary experience than for the hard-charging plot. The story is about a librarian named Lizzie. Lizzie's mentor, Sylvia, is a national expert on climate change. Sylvia is fed up with her fans and wants Lizzie to take over answering her mail. Lizzie does so. According to <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jenny-offill/weather-offill/" target="_blank">Kirkus Reviews</a>, the ensuing "tension between mundane daily concerns and looming apocalypse, the "weather" of our days both real and metaphorical, is perfectly captured in Offill's brief, elegant paragraphs, filled with insight and humor."<br />
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On third base, as it were, is <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cactus-League-Novel-Emily-Nemens/dp/0374117942/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=4883bbf5b18a5e1dcc319dd2ba0f6c1c&creativeASIN=0374117942" target="_blank">The Cactus League</a></i> by Emily Nemens. Set in Arizona during spring training, this novel is about a baseball team and its star outfielder, handsome and talented Jason Goodyear - who is falling apart. I'm a baseball fan and since players will soon start reporting, this book sounds like it may be a good warm-up to the season.<br />
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Note also that if you want are interested in more books with a baseball hook, check out <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Art-Fielding-Novel-Chad-Harbach/dp/0316126675/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=890f536cda1bfba6b4d19eba99efdddb&creativeASIN=0316126675" target="_blank">The Art of Fielding</a></i> by Chad Harbach. Also, author Steve Hamilton has a good mystery series featuring Alex McKnight, a former minor league baseball player and former Detroit cop, who moves to Michigan's Upper Peninsula where he occasionally works as a private eye and always finds trouble. This is a very entertaining series; I suggest reading the books in order, starting with <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Day-Paradise-McKnight-Novels/dp/1250012686/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=87455c8d77dcbe79a297965266a65246&creativeASIN=1250012686" target="_blank">A Cold Day in Paradise</a></i> which won Hamilton both an Edgar and Shamus award.<br />
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Moving along from baseball, the last book in this list of four for February is <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Red-Coat-Julian-Barnes/dp/0525658777/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=86a1e7793cf8acf51b82aded159b3a14&creativeASIN=0525658777" target="_blank">The Man in the Red Coat</a></i> by Julian Barnes. This historical biography interests me a great deal because I'm a huge fan of the painter John Singer Sargent (1856 - 1925). One of Sargent's most famous portraits is of Samuel-Jean Pozzi, entitled <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/644345" target="_blank">Dr. Pozzi at Home</a>. The huge painting (about 80" by 40"), is a dramatic, full length portrait in which Pozzi appears standing in a red dressing gown. In <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Red-Coat-Julian-Barnes/dp/0525658777/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=86a1e7793cf8acf51b82aded159b3a14&creativeASIN=0525658777" target="_blank">The Man in the Red Coat</a></i>, Barnes writes about Pozzi's life in Paris during the period at the end of the 1800s to before the beginning of World War I, know as the Belle Époque or beautiful era.
John Singer Sargent fans may also enjoy reading <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Strapless-John-Singer-Sargent-Madame/dp/158542336X/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=e5c6e2b98198174f1f07e0cd56727498&creativeASIN=158542336X" target="_blank">Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X</a></i> by Deborah Davis, which is another nonfiction read about Sargent and one of his most famous, and at the time scandalous, portraits.<br />
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To conclude, if Aaron Rodgers and I were chatting right now, here is what I'd recommend to him for February reading: 1) <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Day-Paradise-McKnight-Novels/dp/1250012686/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=87455c8d77dcbe79a297965266a65246&creativeASIN=1250012686" target="_blank">A Cold Day in Paradise</a></i> by Steve Hamilton (good entertainment), 2) <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Devil-White-City-Madness-Changed/dp/0375725601/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=c41fdb964dfd206f06a6c24f8e9d3f17&creativeASIN=0375725601" target="_blank">The Devil in the White City</a></i> by Erik Larson (engaging nonfiction), and 3) <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cactus-League-Novel-Emily-Nemens/dp/0374117942/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=5ca4fb4717910259b4a835b83d7cc6be&creativeASIN=0374117942" target="_blank">The Cactus League</a></i> by Emily Nemens (new fiction for 2020).<br />
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For me, I'm starting with <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Red-Coat-Julian-Barnes/dp/0525658777/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=86a1e7793cf8acf51b82aded159b3a14&creativeASIN=0525658777" target="_blank">The Man in the Red Coat</a>.</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "crimson text" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-38171768919318883682020-01-30T12:28:00.000-06:002020-01-30T16:11:14.822-06:00Recommended Reading: A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell<i>A Woman of No Importance</i> is Sonia Purnell's biography of Virginia Hall, an American who was an extraordinary spy in Vichy France for Britain, and then later for the US, during World War II. Purnell tells <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Hall" target="_blank">Hall's</a> story with verve, suspense, and in detail that is engaging.<br />
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During the war, Hall built a network in France that provided information and resources needed to construct an effective resistance to the Germans and their collaborators and also provided critical intelligence to Britain and the US. Everything she accomplished was done while living with unrelenting tension, danger, and even maddening, bureaucratic nonsense. In addition to learning about Hall's story, which is fascinating, reading about the horrifying acts committed during the war is again shocking and an important reminder that today we cannot take our rights for granted.<br />
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This true story of the enormous influence exerted by <u>one</u> woman with tremendous personal courage is a great book to read in these times.<br />
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Be inspired. Check out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Woman-No-Importance-Untold-American/dp/073522529X/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=8be8067a57551b7c513ad8eb1ec0e054&creativeASIN=073522529X" target="_blank">A Woman of No Importance</a>.<br />
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<br />Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-88683159875911673642019-05-11T15:15:00.000-05:002019-05-11T15:15:01.132-05:00The Three Evangelists Books by Fred VargasFrench author Frédérique Audoin-Rouzeau, who uses the pen name Fred Vargas, has been writing novels since the 1990s, but her work is new to me. During the many, many, many rainy days of April, I worked my way through a series of her books: <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LI5596G?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B00LI5596G" target="_blank">The Three Evangelists</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JLLD7J0?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B00JLLD7J0" target="_blank">Dog Will Have His Day</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N985YCB?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B01N985YCB" target="_blank">The Accordionist</a></i>. I began with <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N985YCB?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B01N985YCB" target="_blank">The Accordionist</a></i>, the third book of this particular series, because it was shorted listed for the 2018 CWA International Dagger Award. That recognition from the Crime Writers Association was warranted as <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N985YCB?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B01N985YCB" target="_blank">The Accordionist </a></i>was a highly entertaining read.<br />
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Like all the books in this series, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N985YCB?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B01N985YCB" target="_blank">The Accordionist</a></i> is set in Paris. Two women are murdered. The police suspect a young man, an accordionist named Clément, who was seen outside their respective apartments prior to the killings. Clément flees to the only person he knows in Paris, old Marthe, who for a time was a mother figure in his turbulent childhood. Marthe, a former prostitute, in turn calls upon her friend for help, ex-special investigator Louis Kehlweiler. And so the investigation begins.<br />
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Kehlweiler seeks assistance on the case from three friends, history scholars who share a home. These three are the evangelists first introduced in book one, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LI5596G?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B00LI5596G" target="_blank">The Three Evangelists</a> </i>(and which won the 2006 CWA International Dagger Award). Reading these books in order is not absolutely necessary, but it will help make more sense out of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N985YCB?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B01N985YCB" target="_blank">The Accordionist</a> </i> and the relationship between all the characters.<br />
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This is an interesting series of mysteries, with <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N985YCB?ie=UTF8&tag=whtorene-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B01N985YCB" target="_blank">The Accordionist</a></i> being the best of the bunch, in my opinion. The books have somewhat of a gritty atmosphere, the characters are unique and the stories are engaging with unforeseen twists and turns. Perfect reading for rainy days.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N985YCB/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N985YCB&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=718bb58e62807b44316681422c1720f9" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01N985YCB&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01N985YCB" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JLLD7J0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JLLD7J0&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=b21624f0590bd574978b8ac4a06f7e34" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00JLLD7J0&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00JLLD7J0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LI5596G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LI5596G&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=2d37457bbb6aa5828e9e1bc80c1c673b" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00LI5596G&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00LI5596G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-20958994239421542742019-05-06T17:01:00.000-05:002020-01-31T10:07:39.472-06:00The Golden Tresses of the Dead by Alan Bradley (The Flavia de Luce Mysteries)Are you a fan of the Flavia de Luce books by Alan Bradley? The series started out with a bang with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (2009). Since then it's been a mixed bag for me, some enjoyable and some not as much. Despite this inconsistency, I persist with this series.<br />
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These books are set in 1950s England. Flavia, the pre-teen protagonist, is a budding scientist living in a crumbling family estate with her two older sisters and widowed father. Flavia's mad chemistry skills and flare for detection get her involved in solving the various murders that occur in her village of Bishop's Lacey. The vibe in the books is, on the one hand, familiar for fans of Agatha Christie and Martha Grimes and, on the other hand, fresh with these characters and their interest in science, literature and music.<br />
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The most recent addition to the series is The Golden Tresses of the Dead, and it is an entertaining book. In this outing, the game is afoot when a finger is found in a wedding cake - much to the bride's horror. With good atmosphere and lots of twists and turns, this is a fun read. Fans of Flavia should greatly enjoy it.<br />
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Because so much has changed in Flavia's life over the course of this series, readers new to it would, I think, be wise to start from the beginning. Have a book-reading binge! As Ben Dolnick wrote in the NYT recently:<br />
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[T]he mind — for all its endless rationalizations and solemn prohibitions — is in fact a ceaseless pleasure hound. Once I’m actually enjoying a book, it really does feel as if the pages are turning themselves; I find myself reading in all the little pockets of time that were once reserved for the serious business of checking to see if my dishwasher pods have shipped.<br />
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And pleasure is, after all — once I scrape away the layers of self-image and pretentiousness — the reason that I read. When I’ve found the right book, and I’m reading it the right way, reading is <em class="css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">fun </em>— head-tingling, goosebump-raising fun. It’s a vivid and continuous dream that is somehow both directed from without and cast from within, and I get to be awake for it. Netflix can wait.
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ben Dolnick, <i>The New York Times</i>, May 4, 2019</span><br />
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Check out Flavia. Binge on some books and enjoy!<br />
<br />Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-74041354577878236472019-04-22T12:55:00.000-05:002019-04-22T13:29:21.552-05:00The Power of Reading: Earth Day, Sports, Mueller.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl4w2xBrfgQ/XL39wr4hdbI/AAAAAAAACyo/p1AMhE-oRw8ng1P_Vf4XuKO2oBIZDlXJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl4w2xBrfgQ/XL39wr4hdbI/AAAAAAAACyo/p1AMhE-oRw8ng1P_Vf4XuKO2oBIZDlXJgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3825.JPG" title="Monarch Butterfly" width="320" /></a></div>
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In 1962 Rachel Carson's book <i><a href="http://faculty.uml.edu/sgallagher/silentspring.pdf" target="_blank">Silent Spring</a> </i>was published. Her book detailing the poisonous effects of pesticides on our natural world ignited public concern and helped launched an environmental movement that led to Earth Day and legislative efforts at stopping the polluting and poisoning of our world.<br />
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Decades later, pesticides are, sadly, still a problem (<i>e.g.,</i> <i><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/pesticides-are-harming-bees-in-literally-every-possible-way/" target="_blank">Pesticides Are Harming Bees in Literally Every Way Possible</a></i>, by Liza Gross, <i>Wired</i>, 1/24/2019). But think about the work and courage behind Rachel Carson's book and its impact on all who read it; where might we be now if she hadn't acted?<br />
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The power and influence of books is amazing, and that power is influential not just in the broad world with works like <i><a href="http://faculty.uml.edu/sgallagher/silentspring.pdf" target="_blank">Silent Spring</a></i> or, say, the <a href="https://www.justice.gov/storage/report.pdf" target="_blank">Mueller Report</a> ("[I]f we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President [Trump] clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment." <i>Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election</i>, Vol. II, p. 182). Books connect with individuals, too. For example, this interesting story came from soccer star Abby Wambach in an interview that appeared in the NYT Book Review yesterday:<br />
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I never read as a child. I was confident on the field, but I was lost in the classroom . . . Although, it is true that I found my way to soccer because of a book. My sister Beth told my mom she wanted to learn to play soccer so my mom went to the library and checked out a book called "How to Play Soccer." Our family read it, signed us all up for teams, and I scored 27 goals in my first three games. I guess I do owe it all to books.</blockquote>
<i>The New York Times Book Review</i>, p. 7, April 21, 2019.<br />
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What a great story: Mom gets a library book and the potential for her daughter's fabulous career is unlocked.<br />
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Reading and writing are powerful tools. Enjoy the magic!<br />
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<br />Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-16999676039620849012019-03-18T11:24:00.002-05:002019-03-18T11:24:57.248-05:00New Louise Penny Book Coming in Late Summer Mark you calendars fans of Chief Inspector Gamache (that includes me): A new book in this series will be published in August. The novel is called <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250066212/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250066212&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=223752cbeafe3a13ef90a6ab8ddebd92" target="_blank">A Better Man</a></i> and will be released August 27, perfect for Labor Day weekend reading.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250066212/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250066212&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=223752cbeafe3a13ef90a6ab8ddebd92" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1250066212&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1250066212" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-84899042059452129782019-03-10T10:55:00.000-05:002019-03-10T10:55:10.385-05:00Music We Like: The Rumba Foundation by Jesse CookPerfect for Sunday morning, the rumba flamenco music from Jesse Cook is uplifting and infectious. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IVLWEW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002IVLWEW&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=c702d81f644cf3b81e0b48901e04fe50" target="_blank">The Rumba Foundation</a></i> will get you moving and smiling. Check it out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IVLWEW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002IVLWEW&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=c702d81f644cf3b81e0b48901e04fe50" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B002IVLWEW&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B002IVLWEW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-35980597096992130062019-03-04T15:29:00.000-06:002019-03-04T15:29:13.987-06:00Hey! Spring is Coming! The current weather conditions may not reflect it, but spring is coming. For now, let's find something good to read inside. Here are three new books to check out this March.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525521879/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525521879&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=abc726943e67c1604748de6569fe1d6c" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0525521879&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=whtorene-20" title="The River, a novel by Peter Heller" /></a></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0525521879" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812994760/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0812994760&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=8dc10a784710e84c27fa949aa5e1605e" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0812994760&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=whtorene-20" title="Madame Fourcade's Secret War by Lynne Olson" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0812994760" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525521127/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525521127&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=dfdb4cc5ac3b83e05b849ab81c07dadb" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0525521127" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525521127/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525521127&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=baad4724ba5562f5f0fa3bdc96948575" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0525521127&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=whtorene-20" title="Doing Justice by Preet Bharara" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0525521127" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-57255235499697955882018-07-31T05:30:00.000-05:002018-07-31T05:30:12.802-05:00The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-voxP0kw0G8I/W1S3ocTEAyI/AAAAAAAACwI/nQm2dI5NU-E5qXRychtn8ysZjTA8aUgrQCHMYCw/s1600/1532278644633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-voxP0kw0G8I/W1S3ocTEAyI/AAAAAAAACwI/nQm2dI5NU-E5qXRychtn8ysZjTA8aUgrQCHMYCw/s640/1532278644633.jpg" title="The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman" width="240" /> </a> </div>
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Set primarily in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Alice Hoffman's novel is a coming of age story about three siblings who can trace their ancestry back to the 1600s and a woman deemed a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. This 2017 novel, a prequel to Hoffman's 1995 book <i>Practical Magic</i>, puts a witchy spin on themes such as parents trying to do their best and young people coping with new experiences in love and launching their adult lives. <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Magic-Novel-Practical/dp/1501137484/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2e63156842aa59c97cb566b046760178&creativeASIN=1501137484" target="_blank">The Rules of Magic</a></i> is an easy to read and entertaining novel.Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-83729221721163587272018-07-28T12:06:00.002-05:002018-07-28T12:07:26.326-05:00Weekend Read July 28-29This weekend I'm digging into <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812987756/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0812987756&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=6dae4cb978664d2c31587d72efe4c89b" target="_blank">Persons Unknown</a></i> by Susie Steiner. The novel is a man-stabbed-and-murdered who-done-it mystery featuring Detective Manon Bradshaw. Put the tea on; this police procedural is set in the town of Huntingdon in England.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812987756/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0812987756&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=81d3753b5631f22821481882c2baf81d" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0812987756&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0812987756" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-37178036127304743572018-07-20T16:02:00.001-05:002018-07-23T10:00:27.431-05:00Weekend Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W5dtuegfrno/W1JN54bY0II/AAAAAAAACvk/nTQX06hjsqoeEX_Dt7rR8vtcEIB6MTMcACHMYCw/s1600/1532120436468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W5dtuegfrno/W1JN54bY0II/AAAAAAAACvk/nTQX06hjsqoeEX_Dt7rR8vtcEIB6MTMcACHMYCw/s400/1532120436468.jpg" title="The Book of M by Peng Shepherd" width="300" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062669605/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062669605&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=2ab494810f32e3b58b3216d6e0ca58fa" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0062669605&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL110_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062669605" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-46479991539760346432018-05-08T06:00:00.000-05:002018-05-08T06:00:06.954-05:00Highly Recommended Reading: Force of Nature by Jane HarperJane Harper knocks it out of the park again with her new book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Force-Nature-Novel-Jane-Harper/dp/1250105633/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=0495ef566bcdf145d724256b1f8a5240&creativeASIN=1250105633" target="_blank">Force of Nature</a></i>. In <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Force-Nature-Novel-Jane-Harper/dp/1250105633/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=0495ef566bcdf145d724256b1f8a5240&creativeASIN=1250105633" target="_blank">Force of Nature</a></i>, Federal Agent Aaron Falk, whom we met in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Novel-Jane-Harper/dp/1250105625/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=aa43c0ea90adde914a2b0794a24c2c8e&creativeASIN=1250105625" target="_blank">The Dry</a></i>, is under pressure from his superiors to obtain key documents that will support charges of money laundering against members of a family-run accounting firm.<br />
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To obtain the documents, Falk and his partner recruit/coerce (as law enforcement does) one of the top management employees at the firm who is not a member of the family, Alice Russell. This setup runs smoothly until Alice disappears while on a weekend corporate retreat, hiking and camping with her co-workers in the wilderness.<br />
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Told in chapters which alternate between events occurring during the retreat and the investigation into Alice's disappearance, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Force-Nature-Novel-Jane-Harper/dp/1250105633/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=0495ef566bcdf145d724256b1f8a5240&creativeASIN=1250105633" target="_blank">Force of Nature</a></i> quickly turns into a suspenseful page turner. Did Alice disappear by choice or was she murdered? If she was murdered, was that related to her work with Agent Falk or was it related to heinous crimes which took place in that same wilderness, decades ago? Chilling!<br />
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An entertaining read with lots of contemporary florishes, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Force-Nature-Novel-Jane-Harper/dp/1250105633/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=0495ef566bcdf145d724256b1f8a5240&creativeASIN=1250105633" target="_blank">Force of Nature</a></i> is highly recommended. <br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250105633/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250105633&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=dd6aeb54004a08cb915363f3aa44341d" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1250105633&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a></div>
<br />Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-36923233890224098722018-05-03T08:20:00.000-05:002018-05-03T08:20:30.071-05:00Highly Recommended Reading: The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth GeorgeElizabeth George's latest book featuring Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley is everything a novel should be: gripping, layered, and thoroughly enjoyable.<br />
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In <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Punishment-She-Deserves-Lynley-Novel/dp/0525954341/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=a24918df6ba41af665d646226383f7b4&creativeASIN=0525954341" target="_blank">The Punishment She Deserves</a></i>, the powers-that-be in New Scotland Yard are pressured by a member of Parliament into reviewing the death of a man while he was in police custody. The events occur in a small college town. The dead man was a local deacon who had been accused of child molestation. Local authorities reviewing the death concluded that it was suicide. The deacon's father does not believe the accusation or that his son killed himself. His threat of a lawsuit and pressure on his local member of Parliament result in Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and her boss, Detective Chief Superintendent Isabelle Ardery, being sent out into the field to determine if the suicide conclusion was reached properly.<br />
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Havers is suspicious. Chief Superintendent Ardery is not, although Ardery's attention to the investigation is distracted by the twin issues of deepening alcoholism and a legal battle with her ex-husband over their children. Ardery's problems are just one of multiple threads running through this richly textured book: family dysfunction, more abuse of drugs, and other messy pieces of life are all part of the absorbing story. Elizabeth George gives us a great deal, and it is all wonderfully written. She expertly takes us along with Havers, who is soon joined by Lynley, in getting to the bottom of it all.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Punishment-She-Deserves-Lynley-Novel/dp/0525954341/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=a24918df6ba41af665d646226383f7b4&creativeASIN=0525954341" target="_blank">The Punishment She Deserves</a></i> draws you into its atmosphere and keeps you there. This is a terrific read and highly recommended.<br />
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<br />Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-15970924383060725682018-05-01T05:00:00.000-05:002018-05-01T05:00:06.479-05:00Highly Recommended Reading: The Mad Wolf's Daughter by Diane MagrasOne of the most entertaining books I've read in a long time is <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Wolfs-Daughter-Diane-Magras/dp/0735229260/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=667c4878d2e2b8aa2f79070ca79026ab&creativeASIN=0735229260" target="_blank">The Mad Wolf's Daughter</a></i> by Diane Magras. The book's target audience is readers ages 9 to 12, and the lean text reflects that age group, but <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Wolfs-Daughter-Diane-Magras/dp/0735229260/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=667c4878d2e2b8aa2f79070ca79026ab&creativeASIN=0735229260" target="_blank">The Mad Wolf's Daughter</a></i> is an exciting adventure story that anyone will enjoy.<br />
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Set in Scotland during the Middle Ages, the heroine is 12-year old Drest. Drest lives with her father and five brothers; she never knew her mother. The family works together as a household troop, a war-band that goes out to fight and conduct raids. Drest, too, has learned to fight but, because she is the youngest, she has remained home while her family goes out on adventures. One night after her father and brothers returned, very tired, from a raid, a group of knights invade their home turf, a high point of land that extends out into the Scottish waters. On her father's orders, Drest hides from the invaders. And although she escapes harm, her family is captured and taken away by boat.<br />
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Drest finds one injured knight who was left behind by the raiders. She learns from him that her family has been taken to a castle and will be hanged in a matter of days. Determined to rescue them, Drest departs for the castle. She brings the injured knight along with her as her captive and bargaining chip. And thus the adventure begins as Drest encounters bandits and witches, makes new friends, hears disturbing revelations, and engages in lots of swashbuckling action as she starts to build her own legend in the Scottish countryside.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Wolfs-Daughter-Diane-Magras/dp/0735229260/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=whtorene-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=667c4878d2e2b8aa2f79070ca79026ab&creativeASIN=0735229260" target="_blank">The Mad Wolf's Daughter</a></i> is great fun, a pleasure to read, and a book I highly recommend. Hopefully there will be many more books from Diane Magras in the future. <br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735229260/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0735229260&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=56786f7028e1c6d1a4696f1c89580351" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0735229260&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0735229260" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-72430775394170912962018-04-27T06:30:00.000-05:002018-04-27T06:30:33.487-05:00More Cormoran Strike novels from J.K Rowling writing as Robert GalbraithGood news mystery fans: <a href="https://www.hypable.com/cormoran-strike-book-4-release-date/" target="_blank">A fourth book is on the way in the J.K. Rowling series featuring Cormoran Strike</a>. The new book is reportedly called <i>Lethal White</i>. Additionally, a BBC television series based upon the books is coming to the US this year, reportedly via HBO.<br />
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The first three books in the series are excellent and I urge you to check them out. Strike is a private investigator, a former member of the Royal Military Police who lost part of a leg in the Afghanistan war, and the son of a rock star. Rowling pulls all these threads together to make an interesting character, and her imagination and great storytelling skills make for highly entertaining reading.<br />
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<br />Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-85888323884111319722018-04-13T13:31:00.000-05:002018-04-13T13:31:19.157-05:00America is Not the HeartHey, hey - I'm currently reading a novel called <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073522241X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=073522241X&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=7ba54ac5492be8fe905f20a231ce0a62" target="_blank">America is Not the Heart</a></i> by Elaine Castillo. An excerpt from this book was posted by the folks at Literary Hub Daily and <a href="https://lithub.com/america-is-not-the-heart/" target="_blank">you can read it by clicking here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073522241X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=073522241X&linkCode=as2&tag=whtorene-20&linkId=7ba54ac5492be8fe905f20a231ce0a62" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=073522241X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=whtorene-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=whtorene-20&l=am2&o=1&a=073522241X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4195496523439663893.post-38543330131223672062018-04-02T08:50:00.001-05:002018-04-02T08:50:23.800-05:00"What does she think she looks like" by Rosemary HillFrom the London Review of Books, <a href="https://www.lrb.co.uk/v40/n07/rosemary-hill/what-does-she-think-she-looks-like" target="_blank">an interesting essay by Rosemary Hill about women and clothes</a>, with plenty of literary references.<br />
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Classic styling.</div>
Amy S. Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08610886358365813913noreply@blogger.com0