Get Cozy - 2021 Winter Reading Challenge: Books Read

Dragons and sport and politics in a new alternate magic reality that isn't so different from our own. It was interesting to learn about the world and how the author added in dragons. I wanted to like it more than I did but it was okay.
- Sarah, 2/5

I'd never heard of H. R. F. Keating before. I'm not sure I'll remember them once I've finished the book. Meh. It is a vaguely interesting perspective shift. I think the idea was a change from the hard nosed, hard-boiled detective whose seen everything horrible and is entirely undeterred. The protagonist is okay. Not terribly interesting. He's sort of compassionate and thoughtful but it comes out more as indecisive and uninspiring.
- Jennifer, 2/5

Never heard of Martha Grimes -- This book kept me going and I wanted to see who the main character turned out to be. Enjoyable read.
- Beth, 5/5

I had never heard of her but it was recommended by Ann Patchett. It has taken me two months to get through this big collection. Welty writes about Mississippi where she spent most of her life. Her descriptions of the natural world of that area are so detailed and beautiful that you feel you are there. However, while I liked some of the stories, I think there were just too many of them.
- Mary, 3/5

Good comparison of marginal people and how they are treated.
- 4/5

This was such a cute, feel-good story!
- Ali, 5/5

This is the first book of his I've heard about but he has written several others. This book was recommended to me by a friend and it didn't disappoint. The premise of being able to try out other versions of your life and to see what could have been was interesting. This book delves heavily into regret and mental health so it might not be for everyone but I enjoyed it.
- Jenny, 4/5

I had never heard of this author; however, after finishing Magpie Murders, I jumped right into The Word is Murder. Love his work!
A story within a story, making for two great mysteries! I loved the small-town England in the '50's setting within the present-day storyline- best of two worlds. I'm so glad to realize that this book is the first in a series; will definitely be on the lookout for the next one.
- Emilie, 5/5

This is the end of my 3rd (?) time reading the series. I read along with one of my favorite podcasts, Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. Reading HP7 this time through along with the podcast has helped me find how I can continue to engage with a text by an author I find very troubling.
- Allison, 5/5

The book was a collection of stories and anecdotes by the author that revolve around the poem that became the title of this book. Some of the stories are trite but I did enjoy the idea behind all of them, that joy is found in simplicity and we all need to calm down and stop complicating our lives and just be kind to others and to ourselves. Good reminder.
- Marie, 4/5

The second book in the Bridgerton series follows Anthony on his quest to marry the diamond of the season but first he must win over her sister, Kate. He isn't looking for a love match but somehow keeps finding himself drawn to Kate. This was a fun and light read.
- Jenny, 4/5

I likedGreene’s style of writing. The main character is a “whiskey priest” being chased by the police as the last remaining priest in Tabasco, Mexico during a time of persecution of the Catholic Church. It was interesting to follow the the priest’s journey and interactions with those he encountered along the way.
- Mary, 4/5

I felt misled after reading this book because it is listed as horror, but I would consider it more magical realism. I do enjoy magical realism, but I went into it hoping to be scared. I think I would have enjoyed this novella more if I hadn't been waiting for a scare the whole time.
- Ali, 3/5

A page turner of a spy novel! written in that very distinctive early 60's style.
- Emilie, 5/5

This book was a page turner for me. I loved the characters and the writing style of the timeline. I recommend this book to anybody who is interested in a story centered around colorism set in the range from the 1950s - 1980s.
- Allison, 5/5

Very entertaining and let me experience life through the South.
- 4/5

This was not my favorite book in this series but it was engaging enough to keep me reading. If you've read the other books in the Wedding Date series you'll probably still enjoy this one.
- Jenny, 3/5

This was a compelling book but difficult to read in parts. So hard to read how cruel human beings can be to other human beings.
- Mary, 4/5

I admire her for surviving the tragic and highly published death of their first child. This book was originally published in 1955, when Anne was busy raising, along with her famous husband, a family of five children. It was republished in 1975. By then, Charles had died and the children were grown. I received this as a gift sometime in the 80’s from my sister who knew I loved the ocean. The author was on vacation alone when she recorded her thoughts on balancing individuality and relationships. I reread it again because I was on vacation at the ocean. I found that I liked it better this time around now that I have dealt with those issues. Her thoughts still seem appropriate despite the years that have passed.
- Mary, 4/5

I read this book because I love and admire Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I learned about the Supreme Court along the way.
- Allison, 5/5

Admired author. Anyone who likes Anne Taylor books. Easy and interesting. Different from my usual reading.
- 3/5

The center story is very timely with national conversations surrounding the Me Too Movement and white male privilege, especially surrounding the athletes. This was certainly a turn from other works from Backman I have read. It was heartbreaking, complicated, and beautiful. I recommend this book to anybody who wants to join the movement to helping raise our boys into better men.
- Allison, 5/5

Very interesting read on the topic of dna testing and finding out your family is not exactly what you expected.
- Beth, 4/5

I did not enjoy this book. It contains two halves which, in my opinion, do not successfully join together as one story. The slow background build of the first half had almost nothing to do with the second half. I will say the second half was more thrilling and kept me turning the pages. Overall I do not recommend.
- Allison, 2/5

If you are a mystery fan with a bit of history thrown in, this is the book for you. It takes place in the 30’s in London and involves the Royal family. It was a fun read.
- Mary, 4/5

Collin and Penelope were some of my favorite side characters so I was looking forward to a book where they featured prominently. I really enjoyed watching Penelope a self proclaimed wallflower come into her own and her relationship with "the dragon" aka Lady Danbury was delightful.
- Jenny, 4/5

It's about the time period just before the end of the Roman Republic. I've never read a book on Roman history that I understood better. The time period covered isn't one usually focused on; this book is about the crumbling of the Roman Republic which led to the founding and rise of the Empire. The author really brought to life a few of the great personalities of the pre-Christian era. Detailed but concise, some eerie parallels to today's politics are drawn. So if you read only one book ever about ancient Rome, read this one.
- Marie, 4/5

This is the third and final book of this series. I like the author but as far as this book goes, if it wasn't the final book of the series, I probably wouldn't have read it. The first book was good but the character started to wear on me by the final book. Readable but there are better books out there.
- Kristie, 2/5

Good story about a guy who picks rich married women to have affairs with and then tries to black mail them. Meets some women that are up to the challenge and they hire Spencer to help.
-Beth, 4/5

This book was published earlier this year, and we are in a year of the ox. What a book this is! The author makes an excellent case for a reversal of the Great Migration. He speaks clearly and convincingly about the shift in political power that could or would occur if African-Americans can harness the political power on the state level and why that could or should only happen in the South. Compelling read. Not for the racially squeamish.
- Marie, 4/5

Newest book of my favorite series -- it was enjoyable and interesting. I've been watching a lot of cult documentaries and I didn't know this would fit right in. Again, not my favorite book in the series but enjoyable all the same.
- Sarah, 3/5

I love the Wayward Children's series, but this one is my least favorite so far. I didn't feel as connected to the main character as I did in the other ones.
- Ali, 3/5

This book follows Eloise as she runs off to meet a man she was been corresponding with by mail. I liked the absurdity of the situation and the antics that took place between Eloise and the children.
- Jenny, 4/5

I was surprised that I had never read this book. Considering the current climate in our country, I was this book rather scary in parts. I felt like some of the things that Big Brother was doing were happening in a sort of similar way now: fake news!
- Mary, 4/5

It's a trilogy!
It's a good romance fantasy novel -- the world Bouchet builds is interesting and it's kind of fun. It is however steeped in fighting and sex and wasn't a good re-read in the end. It almost felt like too much happened and then nothing would happen. It was overall an okay series.
- Sarah, 2/5

Last 3 books in the Bridgerton Series. We don't see these 3 siblings as much in the other books of the series so it was interesting to get to know them. I appreciated the fact that while all the books are centered around romance/finding love the author provided somewhat varied storylines so it wasn't repetitive.
- Jenny, 4/5

3 books from the Gabriel Allon Series:
I have a major crush on Gabriel Allon. I love everything about this series: the characters with their unshakeable belief in their cause, the love stories, the globe-trotting, the suspense, and the non-stop action interwoven with history and geopolitical affairs. Can't wait for the next one!
- Emilie, 5/5

I liked the setting: a monastery in 1140-1141 England near Wales Total escape from today’s world
- Mary, 5/5

Read these books if you enjoy the details of everyday rural life in late 1800s America. My favorite was Little House in the Big Woods. It was very nice to learn all about life in Burke, NY, while reading Farmer Boy, and enjoyed the mention of the surrounding communities (Malone! Lake Chateauguay!). I didn't enjoy reading Little House on the Prairie because of the way Ma (and Jack) felt about Indians, while trespassing on their land, but this is the way it was, so at least it was realistic. The series does give a lot of insight into life in America of the time.
-Marie, 3/5

The narrator switches back and forth between two characters who don’t have all of the information. I’m a sucker for YA fiction with suspense. It’s an easy read and I enjoyed it for the entertainment and page turning nature.
- Allison, 4/5

Briony is the epitome of unreliable narrators first she makes a false accusation and then she tries to rewrite history. What I found most compelling about this story is how you get a snapshot of how one statement can have a major impact and how you can't always go back and fix things.
- Jenny, 4/5

It was a great opportunity to reread this book. It's one of my all-time favorite books but I do love the 1939 movie version better. This novel explores the pitfalls of adopting a child with issues and whether or not the family doing the adopting actually did more harm than good to the child they took in. The characters living in Yorkshire 200 years ago ask & try to answer questions such as what is real love, who is capable of real love, & who judges who is worthy of love. The characters are unforgettable & anyone who loves lots of drama with a happy (??) ending will love this book.
- Marie, 4/5

Though I do enjoy this era and topic and love to sit in on talks with people who went through this period of time, this book was not one of my favorites. Seemed discombobulated or something. The author sure went through hell as a child, not in a concentration camp or anything but it sure was a tough time for all. So though I enjoyed the story it felt all over the place or something.
- Beth, 3/5

The cover of the ebook I downloaded had a green cover. I am a fan of mysteries. Not everyone will like Lord Peter Wimsey, who is the amateur detective in Sayers’ series. I did enjoy the author’s descriptions of the characters, the setting and the plot.
- Mary, 4/5

This was a fun and quick read. It had a lot of excitement and the ending was a surprise. I liked all of the action as well. This is a young adult book but works as a great read for anyone in need of a quick escape.
- Kristie, 5/5

I enjoyed Bridgerton on Netflix and decided to give the books a try. Having seen the show I already knew the main plot points but there was enough differences to keep me entertained. I think I will keep going with the serires.
- Jenny, 3/5

The Gemini Thief kidnaps three boys on June 1st and are released on June 30th the following year. The Thief has escaped arrest for nearly a decade and has kidnapped at least twelve boys. The Gemini Thief could be anyone. This was a captivating story and I was surprised by the reveal.
- Ali, 4/5

Within the green cover of this book is a challenge for every person to pay attention to where food is grown and processed, to eat what is in season when it is in season, and to look for food grown and harvested responsibly. This book may change your outlook on life. I will never drink coffee that isn't fair trade ever again, and that's just the starting point. If you're a foodie, you'll love this book!
- Marie, 5/5

It is a sweet, soft book about friendship and tea brewing and dragons. I enjoyed the acceptance of the differences of each character and challenges dealt with without losing parts of themselves in the process.
-Jennifer, 5/5

This book is based on the premise that Anne Frank’s sister survived. This was a very moving “what-if” story about Margot Frank surviving and living in the US under an assumed name. Very good read.
- Beth, 5/5

It is historical fiction set in Kentucky in the 30’s.
It tells the story of one of the woman hired as part of the WPA to get books to the rural areas of Kentucky. They delivered books riding on horses or mules over very hilly paths during all kinds of weather. It also tells about the “Blue People”. having a rare blood condition that caused their skin to appear blue. Being someone who loves both reading and libraries, I found the story reminded me how important reading and books are to all peoples especially those who had so little.
- Mary, 5/5

This book follows Benedict the 2nd oldest Bridgerton and is essentially a Cinderella retelling. This is probably my least favorite in the series so far. I really enjoyed the beginning but as the story progressed I found myself disliking the actions being taken even though they are likely a true reflection of the time period. Despite this I finished the book and was for the most part satisfied with the ending.
- Jenny, 3/5

The book is set in 1950s/1960s India. The imagery in this book was beautiful. I enjoyed learning about the time period and location, which were both outside of my normal read.
- Allison, 5/5

This book made my skin crawl, but I just couldn't stop reading it! This put a very unexpected twist on your average haunted house story.
- Ali, 4/5

There is a map in the front showing Ravka and it's neighboring countries and points out where major locations are. I really enjoy Bardugo's writing and think this books is great for anyone who enjoys YA fantasy. The next book in this series comes out soon so I wanted to get caught up. Plus her 2 other series in this universe known as the Grishaverse, are being made into a show on Netflix. A fun read that is a great escape from all the pandemic stress.
- Jenny, 5/5

There's a map at the beginning of the book! It was a very enjoyable read -- not without some predictability but mostly because the author left clues for you to find. Knowing what was going on wasn't as important as going through the journey with Cerys and Fox.
- Sarah, 4/5

On page 146 (ebook) is a map showing the postal routes in 1867. I enjoy sending and receiving “snail mail” so it was interesting to read the history of the USPS along with the problems that are facing it.
- Mary, 4/5

There is a map in the front of the book and a map in the back of the book of the “Hunting grounds”. I really enjoyed this book. Didn’t want to put it down and couldn’t wait to discover who the Gemini Thief was. It really kept me going and I would recommend this book.
- Beth, 5/5

I had put off reading this book just because the size was so intimidating. This is the first book in the Stormlight Archive and might become one of my favorite series if the rest of the books intrigue me as much as this one did! I highly recommend reading this book if you are a fan of epic fantasy.
- Ali, 5/5

This title was chosen for its punny title and focus on my favorite beverage, coffee. A fun mystery that takes place in New York City and the Hamptons. Lots of action and lots of coffee complemented by an abundance of corny jokes and puns that kept my interest to the last page. The mystery and the love story are woven neatly together. Definitely two thumbs up!
- Marie, 5/5

I liked the premise of Mae being in a Groundhogs Day situation but repeating her family’s Christmas vacation. It was a light, fun read.
- Jenny, 3/5

If you enjoy dark humor and think your cat is plotting to kill you, try this book! It was a fun and weird read, but it felt rushed and I was a little confused at times.
- Ali, 3/5

I read it for AP Lit in high school but only remembered that it was supposed to be about communism. I liked how the animals were personified and the way it highlighted how people in power try to rewrite history to suit their needs. The way ideology was used and continuously manipulated by the pigs was both fascinating and scary.
- Jenny, 4/5

I list titles of books in a series after reading them. This title was on my list but I did not remember reading it. Of course, I read it at least 15-20 years ago. Some readers dismiss Christie’s books terming them “cozy.” This was anything but since the setting was in and around Jerusalem. Through her characters, Christie shared her feelings on ambition when it leads to a desire to have power over others (Hitler was on the rise) and that the true Christian faith seeks contentment with a lowly place. The mystery was very engaging. Makes me want to read another Christie mystery.
- Mary, 5/5

I know I read this a long time ago! The only thing I could remember was the sense of doom & darkness! I stayed up all night reading this book! beautiful prose & a fascinating strange story. (and yes, doom & darkness. but in the best possible way)
- Emilie, 5/5

Beautifully written story that starts all over the place and ends up converging in one spot. A forest in New Jersey not too far from Pennsylvania. Themes include racism, family tragedy, acceptance versus abandonment, and death. Definitely enjoyable emotional read.
- Marie, 4/5

This was a very interesting read. Gave me a better understanding of how someone can see the appeal of scientology and how hard it is to escape.
- Ali, 4/5

I finished this book as I was very curious as to how they would end it. It’s about two siblings that fall in love with each other. These kids have a terrible home life and really go thru hell. Tough subject matter though and I felt like the book could have been about 100 pages shorter. Felt like the author went over some of the same stuff repeatedly.
- Beth, 3/5

I chose it for the cover, but enjoyed reading the two cozy mysteries involving Valentine’s Day. The mysteries take place in Maine. The first one involved the local library so I was hooked!
- Mary, 4/5

This book isn't out yet I got it from first to read on Amazon and picked it solely because of the heart on the cover since it fit this challenge. I went into it without reading the description and found myself pleasantly surprised. They characters are competing in a DIY wedding competition with the winner getting a free penthouse apartment in Manhattan. There is a lot of family drama, competitiveness, and the enemies to lovers trope. It was a fun read and I flew through it.
- Jenny, 5/5

This book is hilarious and surprisingly calming.
- Alissa V., 5/5

A fun book to help you get in touch with your creative side.
- Ali, 4/5

This book is actually 13 short stories all of which take place in the Adirondacks. The stories were pretty interesting and quite short but some of the info was redundant, which you may need if you weren’t reading all the stories together. It was interesting though, as I do like to read a book set in an area I am familiar with and can picture where they are talking about. All in all a fast and interesting book.
- Beth, 4/5

This was an excellent true story about a scientist and adventurers son going off on his own to do a trek in Costa Rica and what happens. Don’t want to spoil it for you. We listened to the book and it was excellent.
-Beth, 5/5