I learned so much about Barbra Streisand, but also felt like I learned about myself and about living life through reading her reflections and observations. What a great memoir! My favorite quote came in the epilogue: “No matter who you are, you can only eat one pastrami sandwich at a time.” :)

I wish I would have read this with a book club, because I had questions and strong opinions that I don‘t see posted in reviews. Looks like I‘m the only one who couldn‘t stand one of the main characters! Despite that, I really liked this book and am glad I finally pulled it out of the TBR pile to actually read.

It did spawn quite the convo for book club. Only two in the group managed to finish it, but we all disliked it for various reasons. As this author might say, “The style of verbiage afflicted our orbital sockets.”

Saw Litsy reviews for this series and picked the first two up for my plane ride to Ireland and back. Perfect vacation reading, so thank you, Litsy! And Ireland was AMAZING. 😍

First YA History, and I like how easy it was read so much info quickly with this genre. I knew nothing about Arnold except he was a traitor; learned lots about him plus lots of interesting background on the Revolutionary War - much felt like trivia and tidbits, but I love that sort of thing. The impact he had on American history was fascinating.

The writing for Gone With the Wind was incredible, but I couldn‘t do a thumbs up due to the terrible racism in the content. True Biz is the inverse for me - content (educational and necessary) is a thumbs up, but the writing is not. The pacing, character development, and even parts of the storyline/ending left me disappointed. A bummer, especially since I thought Girl At War was quite well-written and True Biz has such stellar reviews.

A winter‘s tale to kick off summer! A fast-paced fantasy through multiple perspectives. A perfect way to start my vacation.

I thought the characters, dialogue, narration, pacing - everything - was insufferably irritating. I wanted to like it but bailed. I‘m going to check out the Netflix series instead. You think choosing TV over book version will be a first for me, but I like the concept of the novel a lot…I just couldn‘t take the novel itself!

I think Gyasi is an incredible writer. This novel is as amazing as Homegoing, but totally different. This reads like memoir and there isn‘t really anything in the way of plot. More of reflections, questions and reminiscing. I don‘t think it would be everyone‘s cup of tea (given the lack of driving plot line) but I loved it.

I enjoyed the stories of the three clients she focused on most, especially since “John” was exactly like a current student of mine - super difficult to deal with, but evoking compassion nevertheless. But yes - everyone in the book is financially privileged, which is ignored. And sometimes the author herself had me rolling my eyes the most. But in the end, it was a great read that I would recommend to anyone.

Reading this was like sifting through the contents of a time capsule. I was fascinated by the timeless human emotions and experiences (almost 100 yr old book), but how other parts felt very dated. But then I wondered if the female characters were based on outdated stereotypes, or just the result of being written by a male author who assumed that‘s how women would process experiences. Or maybe both. 🤷🏼‍♀️

The exposition was bafflingly long - no treasure hunting plot until about halfway through the story. Once the rising action kicked in though it was a fun, lovely read. A pick overall because I love pirate stories and the last half was great.

Help me find a gentle, feel-good read? So much heaviness lately and I‘d love help finding a warm, light but thoughtful book I haven‘t read before. Thanks for any recommends!! :)

Want to laugh aloud while also nodding your head at truths being told? Then go ahead and add this memoir to your summer racing list 🙌🏽

I thought this was a #blameitonlitsy but this is the first review posted, so I‘m not sure how this title was on my radar??… In any case, it was EXCELLENT. Engrossing, well-researched, carefully balanced in perspective, informative, thought-provoking. Highly recommend to anyone interested in Jamaica, history, justice, human nature, the British Empire, or anyone who is just looking for an interesting summer non-fiction.

All three of these graphic memoirs were exceptional. Year of the Rabbit is likely one of my top 5 reads this year. Most of the violent details are left out, which is even more chilling, given that he is recounting the story of his family and you realize it was too traumatic for them to revisit the most violent parts. What‘s left unsaid became more powerful in this sense. All three are excellent and high recommends!

I can have low patience for typical YA tropes, and while this did have some teen angst/Twilighty moments, overall it was fantastic! Loved the writing, the use of dual languages, the idea of highlighting oppressed voices the way the author did, and the fun fantasy side to the otherwise-realistic world.

Pirates, mermaids, magic, and high-seas romantic adventure! Quick and fun read. :)

#unpopularopinion Loved Americanah and had high hopes for this one, but the odd pacing and story arc left me unsatisfied (and the “twist” at the end was not a surprise to me...). Everyone else seems to have loved it!

This was a “read in one sitting” book for me - beautifully written, and a quick read, but on a heartbreaking subject. I know Croatia is a huge tourist hotspot lately. Makes me wonder how many tourists visit the region, completely unaware of the very tragic, very recent history.

Finished this lovely, heartwarming book and thought, “This will be one of this year‘s favorite reads!” The book I had just finished was Kindred, a totally different vibe, but which also made me say, “This will be one of this year‘s favorite reads!” March is shaping up nicely for me! Loved both books I read so far.

Pretty darn cute little library by my Farmer‘s Market :)

Welp, I loved it. Lots of reviews focused on the dolphin-love, but I thought the dystopian themes of tech-gone-wrong were interesting, too. (Read about Elon Musk‘s brain chip plans the same week I read this book, and how thousands of Swedes are using their hand as a credit card, health monitor and key card via an implanted chip.) Hilarious, disturbing and sweet book all at the same time.

Bailed on this last summer, picked it up again this summer and pushed through. Just didn‘t do much for me, even though fantasy and kick-ass females are usually my jam. 🤷🏼‍♀️

The original 1969 cover. A truly terrible cover for a great book. Required a much slower read than I expected, but worth the time for the social commentary and the low-key roasts Fowles delivers. Some of the most humorous character descriptions I‘ve read in a long time.

Smart, honest YA novel about a teenage girl navigating her dad‘s sobriety after the fallout from his alcohol addiction. The author writes from some of her own childhood experiences, and this authenticity shows. A very human story, handled with sensitivity, humor and heart.

I don‘t work in the corporate world, but this was the best book about education I‘ve read as a teacher and site leader in years. I think parts of this book could apply to any career, and it serves as an inspiring reminder about core values, empathy, gratitude and relationships. Clever quips by author get old, but that‘s my only complaint. Fast, thought-provoking read. 🙌🏽

This is how this #restingbookface package arrived - and like the last one, somehow everything was intact (although if something did fall out, I‘d never know 😄). Thank you @Julsmarshall for the hot cocoa mix. @Onioons - hope to read this over winter vacation!

You know how they always ask, “Any liquids, perishables...”? Someone‘s extremely sticky liquid perishable broke all over the box - but didn‘t soak down far enough to reach my goodies! 🙌🏽 close call!!! Thank you @JHgotham for a fantastic #feedareader box! Love it 😊

Thank you @OriginalCyn620 for a fantastic goodie box! These three books were all ones I was hoping to read soon 🙌🏽 And of course chocolate and coffee...😍 #feedareader

Currently read. Nothing like Obama and Biden teaming up to solve murder mysteries. 😄

A great summer read - quick and entertaining, with interesting characters. Evelyn may seem larger than life, but her motives are at the core, quite simple, just like everyone else. A fun, jaunty read that also has thought-provoking moments.

@Carleneishere Your #restingbookface pick arrived to me today. (Thank you @Julsmarshall ) No need to keep cover a secret anymore since it will have traveled full circle once I read it and send to you!

I felt an unexpected tenderness toward the hapless protagonist of this charming, amusing little story. I know most readers describe it as light and quirky, but I found so many surprising moments of poignancy on life, love, grief, and on both the absurdity and beauty of life, love and grief. Maybe I related to Less and the ruminations of the narrator as someone “middle-aged,” myself 😄 Overall, a charming summer read that I‘ll look back fondly on.

Box #2! What a great way to come home!!! My #coffeebeanbookclub book has come full circle. This was a super fun book club and I‘m super grateful to everyone in the group who made it happen! @cobwebmoth Thank you for everything in the package! Opening your boxes was always such a treat. ❤️ 😊❤️

I spent almost this whole week on a road trip by myself to see some National Parks a couple states over. This was waiting for me today. Honestly, I had trouble fitting everything into one photo. @RiotMom you outdid yourself - this is AMAZING. Also you might be my soulmate because every single thing in this box was absolutely perfection. You had me at “brown sugar bacon biscuits.” Seriously, thank you so much. 😍😍😍

@JHgotham @OriginalCyn620 @RiotMom I‘d love anything off my TBR, but have been wanting to read Tin Man; Bluebird, Bluebird; and Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, so they might be top picks. I have a tiny place and don‘t need any kitchen gadgets or bookish related gifts, but love and appreciate coffee and high quality chocolate :) #feedareader

My last #coffeebeanbookclub cozy mystery arrived! Next round our own books will have circled back. This box was packed with goodies as usual! Thanks @cobwebmoth ! Side note- the box was marked with “lock n lube” which I had not heard of and so decided to look up. I accidentally typed “lick n lube” into my phone. Different product. 😳😂

On its way @CoffeeCatsBooks #coffeebeanbookclub This has been a fun reading group, and has run super smoothly! Can‘t believe it‘s winding down in a couple rotations!

I agree with @Jas16 about the ending of this one. The story went off the rails in the last 3 chapters due to the Antigone parallels, which hobbled an otherwise OUTSTANDING novel. The first 3/4 took my breath away. A necessary and powerful story with fascinating perspectives.

If you‘re in the mood for serious themes treated with a sensitive, often humorous touch, this is a good pick. It has a (too) tidy, feel-good ending, but was a quick read and a lovely story overall.

Got my next installment for #coffeebeanbookclub, complete with goodies from @cobwebmoth ! Time to dive into another cozy mystery!

#restingbookface #coffeebeanbookclub Packages sent out today! @CoffeeCatsBooks (I ended up repacking yours in a different box) and @Carleneishere

The saga continues! Saw this article in a local news journal. Sounds like the whole situation is pretty sketchy - no one can answer how money is being spent, what the plans are, what the foundation president is actually paid to do, why certain random donors have given grants...or when it will be open to the public instead of sitting as an empty mansion.

This was a longtime TBR I‘ve been looking forward to, so maybe my expectations were unrealistic. Not an author who believes in “show, not tell” -messages are about as subtle as a whack on the head. Also some “white (wo)man to the rescue” (literally) issues. But it‘s a touching story, has some lovely scenes, and offers a narrative on Apartheid that is seldom heard here in America. I appreciated it even more having already read Born A Crime.

YA is hit or miss for me, and there‘s a little too much going on in this story, but there‘s lots to love. It‘s the story of so many of my own high school students - mental health struggles, finding your place in the world or even within your own family, coming to peace with secrets vs. honesty, immigration issues, sexuality, and simply trying to find happiness. Authentic, and I loved the mix of Spanish/English in dialogue and narration.

My face when a book club package arrives! I couldn‘t find a way to take a photo without giving away the book (if other #restingbookface members see this), but it‘s here, with a bunch of goodies! @Julsmarshall My girls LOVED the squishies and immediately stole them. 😄

It‘s been awhile since I‘ve even had time to read anything, let alone check out books. Logged in today and discovered I‘ve been blocked!!! My offense -owing $1.75 in fees! 😂 My library is hardcore!

Totally spoiled as usual by @cobwebmoth for our #coffeebeanbookclub . I just got back from a 4 days chaperoning a group of students out of town and this was waiting for me. ☺️ the perfect “Welcome home”!

This was between a pick and a so-so for me, and it prob ended up with the so-so because it was such a let down after how hyped up I‘d been for it. It was one of my most anticipated books of last year (finally got to it now after months) but I didn‘t buy in emotionally like I thought I would. Still, a book with lots to offer - especially if you haven‘t been exposed to this history - and I can see why others enjoyed it.