Winter Reading Challenge 2019: Books Read II

Women seeking to relish life and fully live it.
- Four Stars, Andrea

"For people who are interested in trying to figure out human behavior.
I think the insights the author gives are simple and may be of practical use, but I'm a little skeptical as human dynamics are, in reality, endlessly complex. "
- Three Stars, Alissa

I recommend this book to anyone struggling with a mental illness or know of someone who is struggling. It is a funny perspective on an issue that is very serious.
- Four Stars

This bk is a must read for anyone over 50. It details all events that elders or chronically ill people will need in dying well. The bk has info on when to go to hospitals,unneeded tests,paliative care doctors,numerous helps on .org sites.A real informative view into our planning for a good ending for yourself & family.
- Five Stars, Theresa

I enjoyed this book. It kept my interest throughout and had some lovely twist here and there.
-Five Stars, Nanette

This would be a good book to read/hear for people who are interested in how women fought for themselves with regard to their treatment by their employers, which has affected the safety of the entire labor force. The book lost a point due to the tone of the narration (this is the audiobook category, after all).
- Three Stars, Marie

Recommended for Sport Junkies. Roy Williams the current basketball coach at UNC. He started his career under Dean Smith at UNC, one of the best coaches ever. He talks about his life growing up and how he went from Kansas and back to UNC (still to this day). If you love basketball, take a read/listen.
- Four Stars, Brian

People who like reading classics should give this one a try. I liked his style but not the conte nt..
- Three Stars, Shirley

Not my favorite book, but it is hard to read in the first person of someone who is in such turmoil.
- Two Stars, Andrea

people who like small towns in the early 1900's will enjoy this book. Has some adult topics.
- Four Stars

I asked my wife to suggest a book that she didn't like and The Da Vinci Code was suggested. Well the mystery thriller is my wheelhouse, so I enjoyed the book. I know the book faced criticism from churches, but it is just a novel and enjoyed it for what it was; a novel.
- Four Stars, Brian

if you want to learn "a lot" about the government and state programs for single moms ,,this book is for you. 1/3 of the book is dedicated to program info and the rest to very depressing experiences for the poor in usa.
- Two Stars, Theresa

I enjoyed reading this book and it waa well written. It does, however, deal with suicide and sexual abuse, so it may not be the best choice for all.
- Four Stars

Long book, great story about an engineer who has truth and honor in his brain, and understands the value of thinking.
- Five Stars, Andrea

So I am an accountant and this book is about an auditor/jockey. The auditor is kidnapped and he doesn't know why. He thinks it is because he won as a jockey, but then starts to wonder if it is the auditing. He had sent some folks to jail for fraud. As an accountant, listening to a tail about how to commit fraud is fun!
- Five Stars, Brian

People who want to stop binge spending and become a mindful consumer. Good suggestions and motivational advice.
- Four Stars, Nanette

People who like plot twists and turns will like this book. Another book by this author is "The Couple Next Door" which I liked even better. I used the occupation challenge because the husband is an accountant and the wife a bookkeeper.
- Four Stars, Shirley

Real down home simple story about choosing to homestead or small farm.
- Five Stars, Andrea

I have been an embroidery lover for over 50 yrs.I stitch it ,,collect it and copy my own designs on pillow cases. This book has all the info that you'll need for your stitching hobby. It even has instructions that you can copy for a number of projects. Even I found a new design "Black Work'. Black thread on white fabric(I've done red work on pillows) .It's very chic and upscale.
-Five Stars, Theresa

I know strange hobby....I think I will buy this book. Excellent book on personal finances...doing the best with what you have. Also, he leaves you personal options and not necessarily pushing his values on you.
- Five Stars, Nanette

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in throwing pottery on the wheel. The book has tips for hand placement while working with the clay on the wheel and applying glaze before your item is fired.
- Four Stars

Light, bright reading. Very enjoyable quick read and loved that Gram owned a quilt shop.
- Five Stars, Beth

My hobby of choice, golf. In who's your caddy, Reilly shares his tales of caddying for professional and stars alike. Carrying for Nancy Lopez, Jack Nicklaus, John Daly or even Donald Trump. Way more rules then you would expect.
- Three Stars, Brian

If you are looking for an easy to follow heart health diet this is a good book. I found a lot of easy to follow recipes that I have actually made.
- Four Stars, Nanette

I would recommend this book to someone looking to replace a meal maybe once a week to a meatless alternative. The book also gives useful nutritional advice to those looking to follow a healthy vegetarian diet.
- Three Stars

This is a cook book of comfort foods ! 1st recipe crusty French bread and about 10 great soups & stews to follow. I made chicken cheesy rice this Sunday.Quick and flavorful. I wanted to copy my favorites but when I hit 22 recipes,,i shall buy the book.
- Five Stars, Theresa

People who like humorous books will enjoy this one. I did not enjoy as much as the Stephanie Plum series.
- Three and a half Stars, Shirley

Want an interesting story about the history or lack of history about bananas, give this book a try. There could actually be a world without bananas....
- Three Star, Brian

It is encouraging if you are in a financial crisis, however, unless you are brand new to frugality there isn't anything to learn. It's mostly just her sharing her story and dealing with her feelings about her own financial crisis.
-Three Stars

A great classic for me now. In high school much escaped me due to teen living. I remember nothing of "George & Lenny and the poor English teacher even resorted to a viewing of the movie. But I have developed a respect for Steinbeck,,like vintage wine he's grown better with age. my age,,lol
- Four Stars, Theresa

Even though I didn't read this book in high school I am glad I did now. This book can be read in a day and I think it will be one of your favorite classics.
- Four Stars

People who enjoy reading about other cultures would enjoy this book. I am now a Pearl Buck fan and looking forward to reading more.
- Five Stars, Shirley

This is a classic written about 300 years ago. It's a difficult read. I probably will never re-read it but it was a good story, a satirical commentary on British and European society through stories of fantastic travels.
- Three Stars, Marie

This book took and assortment of different characters and weaved them all together to a happy ending. It could be turned into a Hallmark movie!
- Four Stars, Nanette

Poetry just thought i'd try it. Loved it.I read it just before bed,,so relaxing. I'm going to try more of it. Thank you,Sawyer
people who like small towns in the early 1900's will enjoy this book. Has some adult topics.
- Five Stars, Theresa

I shared how I really enjoy David Baldacci and John Grisham and was recommend Michael Connelly! What a great suggestion based on my likes. I am definitely going to be reading his other stuff. THANKS
- Five Stars, Brian

Anyone interested in learning about what becomes of cell and tissue samples that are collected by doctors should read this book. Especially the afterword at the end of the book.
- Five Stars

An enlightening book about medical research and the family of one of the most historic "donors".
- Four Stars, Shirley

Snap is a great kind of crime novel...it gives you chills and touches your heart. You are captured by the first page as a young mother of 3 is murdered. Her 9 yr old son years later ,,as a cat burgler,,discovers her murderer through a stolen knife. I read this book in 3 days..i loved it.
- Five Stars, Theresa

Fantastic the second and even third time around. It is like jumping into the skin of a really great kid.
- Five Stars, Andrea

People who like Young Adult fantasy series might like this book(the first one in the Mortal Instruments series).
- Three Stars, Sherry

Letters from Jennifer's sick grandmother uncovers some twists and turns of Sam's life. Meanwhile, Jennifer has some of her own twists and turns on life. Quick read with feel good ending.
- Four Stars, Nanette

You should read this book if you like easy to read, solve the mystery type books. I really like the way this guy writes. It’s enjoyable to figure out who dunnit and I love the way he incorporates dogs in his stories.
- Four Stars, Beth

Fans of Harry Potter will obviously enjoy this book. I would especially suggest it to people who have seen and enjoyed the movies but have not yet attempted the books, as this is a quick read (short, and as it is a screen play it moves quickly).
- Four Stars, Catherine

this book is a great read.it held my interest from start to finish. you know the killer and the victim in the 1st few chapters but the motive is found only after you travel down the rabbit hole of 2 close families,,now joined by murder.
- Four Stars, Theresa

I listened to audiobook. If you're a golf fan, then this an enjoyable novel with lots of golf talk. Rick Reilly is a writing for Sports Illustrated, and knows the game of golf. So if you like sports and want a good novel, no brainer.
- Four Stars, Brian

Fans of Harry Potter will obviously enjoy this book, particularly any who read the first Fantastic Beasts screenplay. I would especially suggest it to people who have seen and enjoyed the movies but have not yet attempted the books, as this is a quick read (short, and as it is a screen play it moves quickly).
- Four Stars, Catherine

An atmospheric read and beautiful writing.
- Five Stars, Ali

Well written, short and local history too. Nice fast read by local author.
- Four Stars, Andrea

People interested in lives of people in Czechoslovakia during World War II
-Three Stars, Beth

anyone reading current events in china and their limitations on #of children allowed to each couple
- Four Stars

Read this book on your grief journey. If you've lost a love one to death,,you can be angry with that person and god without guilt. at the end you can reconcile all these feelings.
- Five Stars, Theresa

People who love delightful fantasies with puppies, mer-people, and magicians but don't have a lot of time should read this book.
- Four Stars, Marie

Reminder that we all have obstacles to persevere.
- Four Stars, AJ

This novella was thought provoking and a fun read.
- Five Stars, Shirley

Tim Tebow is professional athlete cemented in his identity in Jesus Christ. This is the Day is his encouragement in trusting in that faith to help others, don't pass up opportunities; make everyday a day to impact change. I respect that he continues to stay true to his faith despite the opinions of others. Whether a christian or not, we need to stay true ourselves and not wait until the next opportunity to love and help others.
- Five Stars, Brian

People who like like light weight suspense and romance. Too much sex for me.
- Two Stars

This is a great read even as a script. Willy Loman is a story about how life can "kick you to the curb" when it's done with you. I feel sad because I know a few WILLYS..hard working men that service a company and then get out sourced by big business.
- Four Stars, Theresa

The play, Uncle Vanya, seems to me to be a sad commentary on how the lifestyle of the upper class is built on and supported by underlings who, in this case, are members of the family. Not very uplifting treatment of universal truths.
-Three Stars, Marie

Clearly a book you can read in a day as well! Have yet to see the movie, but this book has set the wheels spinning. If you have read Rowling's other works, don't stop now!
- Five Stars, Brian

You should read this book if you like to read plays and if you enjoyed Harry Potter. I very much enjoyed her Harry Potter books but I guess plays are not my pick to read.
- Three Stars, Beth

Anyone interested in growing a food source that can in some instances take care of itself. He also gives info on food sources that need little assistance. This book gives everything you need to make this possible. Caleb has even tested many seeds and sells only the best. He also provides info in the back of the book on other things we can do to be self reliant and friendlier to our environment such as making our own soaps and lotions, cheese and medicinal herbs. Great info for anyone looking to be more self sufficient.
- Five Stars, Beth

For people who like biographies.
- Four Stars

this book was a page turner... the author describes her life as "scarlett' on steroids. from her alcoholic mama,her Cadillac driving daddy and her mammies who raised her.I enjoyed this book.
-Five Stars, Theresa

This is a fast paced memoir about a resilient girl growing up in the deep South.
- Five Stars, Shirley

This was a new insight for me about Steve Jobs, by his daughter. I knew he lived a bit outside the box but this showed me a personal side I was not aware of.
- Four Stars, Nanette

Attucks! is about an all black school in Indianapolis that was created because of segregation. However the KKK didn't realize that they were creating a dominant high school basketball team. Eventually nobody could beat them and it actually forced other school to accept black students if they wanted to compete. Great story!
-Five Stars, Brian

This book was a bit dry but told the story of a woman who pioneered career life as an attorney in the 1920s through the 1960s. History lovers will enjoy this book.
- Three Stars, Marie

Ghost Stories with a local flair, and no judgements or silly inflamations, just the facts!
- Five Stars, Andrea

I'm not sure who should read this book. Very different than anything I have read. Some of the stories were kind of funny and others a bit disturbing. He writes from different perspectives such as from the eyes of a classroom pet, can't remember if it was a gerbil or hamster; and from a chimp that wants to not go into the family business but wants to be a test subject and learn sign language. Not really offensive, I just found the stories odd.
-Three Stars, Beth

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the retelling of Adirondack Stories with a modicum of fact and story telling. The stories are retold by the author of stories related to him by his father who was a raconteur who would have written history as he wished it had occurred. As told by the author the principal theme is interesting, entertaining and humorous without compromising the essence of the story.
- Four Stars

This was a great and fun retelling of Norse mythology.
- Five Stars, Ali

The stories are about people who are discovering themselves, standing up for themselves, and finding life is way more complicated than it seems on the surface. Interesting but just not my cup of tea (or coffee, ha ha).
- Three Stars, Marie

Short Story my new favorite genre . These stories held my interest. Read 1 every night before bed. Like milk & cookies for the soul.
-Five Stars, Theresa

This book had eight stories intertwined giving different perspectives of the same story. I utilized the the list available from the reading challenges tab, so this book many times, so thought I would give it a try. I enjoyed the book, but just not my normal read, combined short stories that is.
- Three Stars, Brian

You would like this book if you enjoy creative sentence structure and punctuation, a healthy dose of profanity, violence and sex, and a selection of unlikeable characters.
- Two Stars, Joyce

This book is a novel set on both sides of the Atlantic during three fateful summers in the lives of a Scottish family. The book sometimes lags but the raising of the border collies in the 1st june part,held my interest. The characters are intertwined and weave a good tale.
- Four Stars, Theresa

This book is one of the many books James Patterson has written in the Women's Murder Club Series. It follows a plot based on detective Lindsay Boxer; she is dealing with a recent case that cause her to take time off the job and gets sucked into another case. Two stories moving at once.
- Four Stars, Brian

For anyone looking to attract birds and bees to their home gardens
- Four Stars

This is a great read about orphanage practices in 1939. Five siblings in Tenn. are kidnapped from their parents houseboat. This was a practice because "respectable" people thought the children were better off in orphanages than living in poverty. And Ithe parents were too poor tofight the courts. Five siblings are taken and at the end of the book two remain.It is based on true facts.
- Five Stars, Theresa

Spotted a Bill Bryson book from the prior reading challenge and had to go with it. I have read many of his other books; this one provided in incite into himself which explained a lot about himself and his style of writing.
- Five Stars, Brian