This was a real head scratcher. Certainly not as charming as previous Roddy Doyle books. I'm just not sure what to make of the ending. And even if the ending had made sense, the rest of the book was 🤷‍♀️. If hadn't been a selection for the Tournament of Books longlist, the description alone was not compelling enough to prompt a listen. I should listen to my instincts more when it comes to ToB.

Surprised to find hipsters mentioned in a book published in 2002. Have they been a subculture for so many years? Zadie Smith portrays them with an astute eye for nuance.

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I was considering selecting it for my next bookclub, as I pass the 3/4 mark, I'm glad I didn't. There's something awful about the worst parts of misogyny being adopted by women. Is that really better than the world we have now?
Blessedly, it appears The Power has the power to put my puppy to sleep.

This is the first book I've read set in the Virgin Islands. In fact, I didn't know anything about them. While not a complete history of the islands, It was interesting to learn about the rivalry between the various islands and with Puerto Rico. I had issues with the characters and with the story, but I finished because I wanted to know more about the people, and the culture.

Oh how I loved this collection. The voices, the imagination, the delivery were fantastic. I squirreled away to read it over a couple of days. This is the book I will likely cite when people ask me to name one of my favorite reads of 2017. This is the book I hold up as the Gold Standard for short story collections.

For those who have read it, these pups are having some loud 💭 .

John Green has a knack for drawing characters with compassion. In this novel he brings the readers into the debilitating mind of a teenager suffering with OCD, and lives of the people who love her. I was struck, once again, by Green's intelligence. I started reading his work to better understand my daughter's world, but have continued reading for my own sake. Green is a perfect example of why YA novels should be read by everyone.

Edith Pearlman's finely crafted stories are rich in detail, filled with characters that saunter off the page. It's been a while since I've felt inspired to share what I'm reading. In an industry filled with male voices and a masculine gaze, I treasure the rare, strong woman who writes about life with a mature perspective.

Mixed feelings about this book. It's not what I expected, but whose fault is that? When I read about the author's skill at conditioning a sled dog to be a chicken shepherd, I started following her tale on Twitter. I was expecting this to be a book about her life with dogs, but it was actually about her life with men, finding her way past her fear, and making peace with herself. Jumbling the chronology of her stories added a layer of frustration.

As a fan of The author's public radio show Studio 360, I was curious to explore his writing in greater depth. Part way through, I took a break to listen to another book because the scope of the book was wide, but the material only described in brief. Somewhere I read this was a work of 'revisionist' history, which strikes me as an apt description. There are lots of dots connected in ways I had not considered. In the end, I was glad to finish it.

Egan has clearly researched her subject exhaustively. It was interesting to read a new slant on WWII, a story that seems to be the subject of so many novels. When my bookclub met, we had issues believing the relationships between some of the characters, but it made for good discussion.

A classic hero's journey if ever there was one, I enjoyed dipping into another time. There's a difference between reading a book set in another time and reading a book written in another time. Initially, the dated attitudes regarding women set my teeth on edge. However, by the time I finished it, I still found some of the characters frustrating, yet I see they were foils for the larger theme.

More of a manual than a cookbook, this book offers the tools to become a competent cook without needing to consult a recipe. During Thanksgiving prep, my husband told me to take my coughing back to bed. Just give me the recipe for the relish, stuffing and gravy, he said. But I don't have one, I protested, I just cook it. Meanwhile, McNaughton's sketch-y, free-form illustrations have brought to life concepts difficult to capture any other way.

I couldn't put this book down. Started as an audiobook, then downloaded the ebook because I couldn't wait until I was next in the car to continue. The narrator's voice was fantastic. I'm going to recommend this one to everyone who complains of being stuck in a reading slump.

Time for an attitude shift: this book was uplifting, inspiring and left me eager to bake. Written by a cookbook author, activist and put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is super human, Julia Turshen compiled this book of inspiring essays and recipes by grass roots organizers working around the country to improve lives in their communities. The proceeds from the book go the ACLU. Check out Julia Turshen's Instagram for more inspiration.

The author created an interesting premise, and a couple decent characters, but I could not stand the daytrader/ quant dude who was focused on getting laid. When he started to complain that a detour rescuing some kids and an injured old man had ruined his date's mood, I turned it off. When are men going to stop treating women as objects with a right to feel their own feelings?

In the middle of reading Edith Grossman's DQ translation, the graphic novel came across my desk. It satisfied the itch to know what happens in the story without the endless hyperbole and grandiose speechifying. I may return to the classist some point, but for now, I'm content. After all who is the greater fool, he who tilts at windmills or she who spends months following his delusional adventures?

When I saw there was a #lengthylit readlaong starting for Don Quixote, I thought 'Super! Now I can finally tackle this classic!' I started with Serial Reader, but quickly tired of the tiny sections, and as always tired of reading in a device. This translation was much more satisfying, full of contextual footnotes that made sense of the puns and allusions that only a scholar of European literature would grasp.

How often did I invoke Anne Lamont while coaching my daughter through the process of writing her college application essay? Every time we sat down. Writing is hard. Writing is work. It doesn't come easy. It gets better with practice. Some of your writing will be garbage and is best thrown away. But it is while writing the garbage that some gems appear you can keep for another day. For the humor, the life lessons and the joy, I recommend this book.

I started listening to the audiobook, but my wandering hyperactive brain found it difficult to stay tuned into the quiet pace of the story. When I realized I had a rare day with no plans, I picked up the print book to finish reading the last few chapters. The austere beauty of the writing was immediately apparent once I took the time to slow down. Jiles brings into focus the varied towns, colored by the cultures of the immigrant communities.

I'm jumping ship after listening to 2/3 of this audiobook. These characters do not move me, nor can I tell where the story is going. I loved both the author's previous books, but I do not feel moved by this one.

There is something so heartwarming about this quirky memoir describing the author's unconventional childhood in Greenwich Village. Really more of a story about a place, Shopsin describes the characters who were part of her larger than life familyu, owners of an oddball corner grocery turned diner. It's a love letter to a bygone time.

This punchy little collection of off-beat stories provided an enjoyable escape. It's always fun to read collection set in places I recognize, in this case, the Lower Mainland (Vancouver BC and the surrounding region).

What can be said about Ishiguro that hasn't been said, especially since being awarded the 2017 Nobel for Literature? Despite the fact that I've read two other titles, I was not prepared for the way this book swept me up. I listened to 80% of it in one day (got a lot of driving and cleaning done). I loved the way Stevens constantly questioned his own memory and repeated bits of stories, as we do. #notwhatiexpected

Reading this book brought back vivid memories of my first years as a mother. Now that I'm deep in my childrens' teen years, it is soothing to remember the early struggles mixed with the sheer wonder of their existence. Lamont's bracing honesty gives me constant comfort when I wonder whether I'm doing it right. The answer is who knows? Nobody can say because there is no roadmap.

When this book came across my desk, I was instantly intrigued. Show me a dog lover who hasn't wondered what their dog is thinking. This book didn't strictly answer that question (blame the publisher for picking a catchy name that doesn't represent the content), but did present some fascinating science. If you're interested in the intersection between neuroscience, animal behavior and language, them this will be an interesting read.

This was a difficult audiobook to digest because the writing is so dense. It requires complete concentration. When reading his articles in The Atlantic, I have to reread paragraphs to fully understand the meaning. Coates packs so much in here. We have overlooked so much of our history, willfully ignoring the impact of economic policies. This book is a must-read for every person, every citizen, every member of society.

As it happens, I'm reading two Anne Lamott books at the same time. In the chapter'Plot Treatment', she describes several complete rewrites of one novel. "The book came out the following autumn and has been the most successful of my novels." Does anyone know which of these novels she is describing? I have only read her non-fiction. Who were these characters she worked with over and over again? I want to meet them and walk by their side.

Reading this last night was such a balm to my worried, anxious mothering brain. I spend so much energy blaming myself for not _______ (fill in the blank). Will my struggling child make it to adulthood? Then what? Will they have a successful life? What does that mean? Whose yardstick am I using to measure their life? Where did I go wrong? What can I do better today? I turn to Lamott when I need a little brake on my charging mind.

I finished, but it left a very sour taste in my mouth. It certainly feels like I'm swimming against the popular tide, but I can't honestly think to whom I would recommend this book. Celeste Ng is a sharp social commentator (follow her on Twitter), but the characters here left me cold. Those that had some redeeming qualities were too much of a stretch to be believable. Right now I'm focusing on feeling grateful for my sane relationship w/ my girl.

While my bookclub couldn't find much to say about this book, I thought it provided an important history lesson. Considering the prejudice and hostility that threatens the daily lives of so many people, this book continues to be relevant. It was particularly interesting as a Seattle resident, recognizing the places described. Let us never forget the injustice that was perpetrated against our fellow citizens.

No wonder people complain about Millennials. There were some amusing anecdotes, but I was hoping for more social commentary than self-centered whining. Koul's attitude for most of the book was of a petulant child.

Weeks after finishing, I still have not formed a solid opinion on this book. The story kept my attention, despite the fact that I found the characters' actions, and their relationships bewildering. I accepted the ghosts as an element of the story, but was ultimately unsatisfied because they didn't add enough to justify their presence. I won't recommend it, but I will continue to read reviews and I look forward to hearing the author speak in person

In an attempt to socialize a pair of feral foster kittens wide-eyed and wild with fear, I've started reading aloud to them. This is the closest they've tolerated my presence since bringing them home on Friday. If touch is too scary, perhaps they will learn to accept my voice.

I ❤️ Caitlin Moran. Full stop.

These essays are funny and clever. When Moran dips into politics, her ideas are bright, refreshing and thought provoking, if often pie-in-the-sky dreamy. I've been walking around with Caitlin in my head (thanks to jean pockets and headphones) for several days straight, and could listen to her for several more.

I don't know what I was expecting from Nancy Pearl's first book, but it certainly wasn't an opening scene with a character so inebriated she can't stand, who decided to have sex with half the football team as a 'game'. Perhaps trying to be clever, the writing was awkward and clunky when it could have been straightforward.

For someone raised in a religious family, and schooled in Christian doctrine, this book visited familiar territory. Despite the fact that adulthood has left me cynical about organized religion, the messages in this book were comforting. Anne Lamott is both self-aware and funny, using her foibles as teaching moments. Her writing is essentially about healing, compassion and forgiveness; messages cherished by all folk.

It's not often that I finish a book with the foremost impression 'Wow, this author is really smart'. Perhaps I haven't read enough literary criticism, or maybe D'Ambrosio really is outstanding. As I edited the audio for the WA Talking Book & Braille Library, the small sections I read made a deep impression, promoting a full read. This has only happened a few times in the 2+ years I've volunteered there. While dense, the essays are moving.

Handler is not exaggerating; this book is all the dirty parts. I need to wash my eyes out with soap after finishing that one. This is the tale of a self centered, smooth talking, callous boy who lacks any empathy for the people he uses. This is not 80s Judy Blume; this is teens living with easy access to porn in their pockets and casual hookups. As a parent of teens, it made me uncomfortable and sad. Sexuality is complex, now more than ever.

A librarian suggested I read this out of the blue, reinforcing my rule 'always listen to people who read broadly'. The stories captivated me, defied my expectations and left me ultimately both piqued and charmed. It's a perfect little collection.

Driving carpool yesterday, I've got four students, one fluent in Italian, another in German and two in French. We're discussing the relative complexity of various languages. One of them says: German is crazy with words that mean whole concepts like 'happy when someone is sad'. That's 'schadenfreude' I chimed in. It's commonly used in literary contexts. Wouldn't you know, it appeared in the audiobook I'm editing today? #coincidence

One of the stories caught my attention listening to this interview: http://beta.ttbook.org/interview/mourning-our-lost-and-broken-technology. I was intrigued enough to put everything else aside and begin reading the ebook immediately. The stories presented original, challenging and disturbing ideas. It is not difficult to imagine that we pose the greatest threat to the destruction of our current culture.

I went to San Francisco this weekend with Frog Music for company. This building is 819 Sacramento, the closest address to Blanche's building. It was a great book to provide some sense of the city as I walked around. While Chinatown appears to be a caricature of itself today, it wasn't difficult to imagine the streets in 1876. Donoghue vividly paints the racial tensions and daily struggle of this time.

I was surprised by how immediately this book swept me up. The last several audiobooks I've tried either bored or frustrated me, and I was expecting this one to be the same. Despite revisiting elements of the same story, Atkinson kept uncovering new layers of the story, recreating the characters with unexpected variations. Whenever Teddy's dog Jock was mentioned, this fierce little foster-puppy popped into my mind.

I picked this up because I saw two references in one day Muriel Spark and then the next day, coincidentally, it landed on my desk at work. Now that I've finished it, I can't figure out why it sparked my attention. It was a grand soap opera discussed in small fragments of recollections, without the benefit of knowing the characters when the action was happening, concluding with the most anti-climactic ending ever. Help me understand, fans of Spark!

The book captured my attention right away, but as the story progressed, the characters began acting in surprising ways. While several people have said this is a book about immigration, I think it is also a commentary on marriage and the impact of stress on well-being. Even though I didn't love the book, i would still recommend it, simply because we need to read more stories centered around the struggles of the working poor.

As a fan of the podcast, I was excited to see a collection of stories edited for print. However, reading the spoken word is not the same as reading carefully crafted writing. I put the book down after the first two stories, read another book and then decided to try it again. The second time I knew what to expect, and embraced the voice in each story. It was the perfect read when time was in short supply.

My backyard may be a ruin, it didn't stop me from loving this collection of long form articles collected from the online magazine The Atavist. I was attracted by the cover and title, but stayed for the stories. There wasn't a dud in the bunch. Have you heard of 52 Hertz, the loneliest blue whale? What about the plan to raise hippopotamuses in Louisiana to solve the meat shortage before the advent of factory farms? Me neither, but now I do.

I heard Alec Baldwin speak several months ago while on his book tour. Not expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised by his warmth, intelligence and humor. Sadly, not much of that comes through in the first 2/3 of the book. I've heard enough to move on to something else.