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jenbsbooks's Reviews (2.41k)
The Ice Cream Maker: An Inspiring Tale about Making Quality the Key Ingredient in Everything You Do
I picked this up at a thrift store (for my LittleFreeLibrary#182597) and as I do with all my purchases, I check the ratings, and try to read some before setting them in the box. As I TRY to get a physical read (I'm mostly audio, love Kindle as well) and this was short, I figured I'd give this a go. I don't think I'm the prime audience ... just a housewife (I know there could be an argument made that I still have interactions and can learn about quality). I think coming in as a reader of fiction (primarily) this just didn't have the same ... um, quality, as authors who write stories for a living. I found this story very basic, almost childish.
I think one thing that REALLY rubbed me the wrong way (and it's not really the book/author's fault) is that this is listed as "non-fiction" on Goodreads and Storygraph. Um, what? Even on the book cover, this is described as "an inspiring tale" ... a tale, a story, a fable/parable if you will. It is NOT TRUE, and not non-fiction. These characters, these companies, are all fabricated, set up as an illustration for the author's bullet points about quality control.
Yes, there were some decent tidbits of information, but as with most fiction, it requires the "suspension of disbelief". I realize there likely are wonderful people out there who might possibly drop everything they have on their to-do list to chat with an acquaintance and mentor them. That a boss who has put the project manager on warning would then give so much time and money, that employees would spend their Saturday working for no pay (and even IF they were willing, how many happened to have that day free at such short notice), that the changes needed "really didn't actually cost much money" ...
This all just seemed over the top sickly sweet and HEA, more so than most fairy tales. I can see others loved it and I'm just surprised. I would think that it would be too simple and make believe for those with a business background to benefit from, and too business-ey for those who want a story.
I think one thing that REALLY rubbed me the wrong way (and it's not really the book/author's fault) is that this is listed as "non-fiction" on Goodreads and Storygraph. Um, what? Even on the book cover, this is described as "an inspiring tale" ... a tale, a story, a fable/parable if you will. It is NOT TRUE, and not non-fiction. These characters, these companies, are all fabricated, set up as an illustration for the author's bullet points about quality control.
Yes, there were some decent tidbits of information, but as with most fiction, it requires the "suspension of disbelief". I realize there likely are wonderful people out there who might possibly drop everything they have on their to-do list to chat with an acquaintance and mentor them. That a boss who has put the project manager on warning would then give so much time and money, that employees would spend their Saturday working for no pay (and even IF they were willing, how many happened to have that day free at such short notice), that the changes needed "really didn't actually cost much money" ...
This all just seemed over the top sickly sweet and HEA, more so than most fairy tales. I can see others loved it and I'm just surprised. I would think that it would be too simple and make believe for those with a business background to benefit from, and too business-ey for those who want a story.
As I started up on this, I wasn't loving it ... but as the story developed, I came to care about the characters more, enough that I think it will stick in my memory and maybe I'll continue on to the sequel, see what else happens.
Most of the chapters are from Taylor's POV - 1st person/past tense, very conversational, just unfurling her story. I was a bit confused at ch2&4, which shifted to 3rd person/Luann's POV. Honestly, even in retrospect, I'm not sure that this additional background look into Luann's past really helped us/the reader. I think personally I would have preferred the consistency of just Taylor's POV/1st person (especially in audio, when the "voice" is the same), and just meeting Luann later. I think it would be interesting to have a Q&A with the author to know why they chose to do it this way, if others felt like it added something. There was a Q&A at the end of the book, but it was just general questions, not anything about THIS book (I was disappointed). No discussion questions included, I Googled and found a couple but nothing great but then saw some Spark Notes, and that added a little insight. A book club discussion would likely talk about what's right vs what's "legal", the racial issues, immigration, abuse issues, homelessness & their treatment/perception, what makes a family, how the beans ran through the novel ...
17 chapters, with headers:
1. The One To Get Away
2. New Year's Pig
3. Jesus is Lord Used Tires
4. Tug Fork Water
5. Harmonious Space
6. Valentine's Day
7. How They Eat in Heaven
8. The Miracle of Dog Doo Park
9. Ismene
10. The Bean Trees
11. Dream Angels
12. Into the Terrible Night
13. Night-Blooming Cereus
14. Guardian Saints
15. Lake o' the Cherokees
16. Soundness of Mind and Freedom of Will
17. Rhizobia
Looking over the Table of Contents after finishing (in the Kindle copy, the physical book doesn't deign to provide a TOC, and the audio TOC was really fragmented, listing just the numerical chapter sans header, then breaking down the chapters further, using a first line for reference) ... some headers are enough to nudge my memory as to what was happening in that chapter. I like when a TOC does that. I had the physical book, and borrowed the audio/Kindle from the library. I went primarily with the audio. Didn't LOVE the narrator, a little dry. Looooooong pauses in audio, it needed some editing. I kept wondering if my audiobook had turned off. Song SUNG ... when there was a little song, it was sung, which I appreciated, kept me in the story.
No proFanity. Other words/phrases I note: careened, whirling dervish, route (root). There was an "Esperanza" in this, and I'd just read Esperanza Rising, and that was just a bit too close together (all the chapters in it had different produce for their headings, although none were beans).
The sequel is available from the library, I wish I didn't have a few other big books already checked out that I need to get to first. We'll see if my interest remains to come back and continue on with the series ...
I've got a few of this author's book in my TBR. I read Demon Copperhead and didn't really care for it and was hoping I'd like this better.
Most of the chapters are from Taylor's POV - 1st person/past tense, very conversational, just unfurling her story. I was a bit confused at ch2&4, which shifted to 3rd person/Luann's POV. Honestly, even in retrospect, I'm not sure that this additional background look into Luann's past really helped us/the reader. I think personally I would have preferred the consistency of just Taylor's POV/1st person (especially in audio, when the "voice" is the same), and just meeting Luann later. I think it would be interesting to have a Q&A with the author to know why they chose to do it this way, if others felt like it added something. There was a Q&A at the end of the book, but it was just general questions, not anything about THIS book (I was disappointed). No discussion questions included, I Googled and found a couple but nothing great but then saw some Spark Notes, and that added a little insight. A book club discussion would likely talk about what's right vs what's "legal", the racial issues, immigration, abuse issues, homelessness & their treatment/perception, what makes a family, how the beans ran through the novel ...
17 chapters, with headers:
1. The One To Get Away
2. New Year's Pig
3. Jesus is Lord Used Tires
4. Tug Fork Water
5. Harmonious Space
6. Valentine's Day
7. How They Eat in Heaven
8. The Miracle of Dog Doo Park
9. Ismene
10. The Bean Trees
11. Dream Angels
12. Into the Terrible Night
13. Night-Blooming Cereus
14. Guardian Saints
15. Lake o' the Cherokees
16. Soundness of Mind and Freedom of Will
17. Rhizobia
Looking over the Table of Contents after finishing (in the Kindle copy, the physical book doesn't deign to provide a TOC, and the audio TOC was really fragmented, listing just the numerical chapter sans header, then breaking down the chapters further, using a first line for reference) ... some headers are enough to nudge my memory as to what was happening in that chapter. I like when a TOC does that. I had the physical book, and borrowed the audio/Kindle from the library. I went primarily with the audio. Didn't LOVE the narrator, a little dry. Looooooong pauses in audio, it needed some editing. I kept wondering if my audiobook had turned off. Song SUNG ... when there was a little song, it was sung, which I appreciated, kept me in the story.
No proFanity. Other words/phrases I note: careened, whirling dervish, route (root). There was an "Esperanza" in this, and I'd just read Esperanza Rising, and that was just a bit too close together (all the chapters in it had different produce for their headings, although none were beans).
The sequel is available from the library, I wish I didn't have a few other big books already checked out that I need to get to first. We'll see if my interest remains to come back and continue on with the series ...
I've got a few of this author's book in my TBR. I read Demon Copperhead and didn't really care for it and was hoping I'd like this better.
DNF at chapter 16, 30% of the way in ... it just wasn't grabbing me, and I was struggling to keep track of the timeline and the characters. While the blurb sets up the expectation of a story of two boys ... (Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco) it jumps back to give a full history of their fathers, and grandfathers. No chapter headers or anything to help me differentiate when the timeline was jumping back and forth. I got lost in the backstory ... and I just didn't really care.
It was all presented similarly to Erik Larson's non-fiction books, feeling very factual ... but this is fiction. I guess I just expect a little more ... flow, more emotion, description. It's been ages since I read (and really liked) some of Grisham's earlier works (The Runaway Jury sticking in my mind). [book:Sooley|56844943] was a more recent read, and finished it, but didn't love it, and it had a similar feel (of "is this fiction?")
I associate "law/trials" with Grisham, I guess based on his earlier work. In the 130 pages I got through, there was one little trial, I can't remember if it was in the grandfather or the father's timeline. I'm assuming there was a trial playing a more prominent part later in the book, but I was looking at the time left on my audiobook (I also had it in Kindle and physical format, I had tried turning to reading to see if my brain would "get it" better that way, but no ...) and 12 hours left? So many books! So little time! Not worth forcing myself if it's not something I'm enjoying.
3rd person/Past tense
Four parts with simple headers: The Boys, The Crusader, The Prisoners, The Row, 59 chronological chapters running throughout. No proFanity.
It was all presented similarly to Erik Larson's non-fiction books, feeling very factual ... but this is fiction. I guess I just expect a little more ... flow, more emotion, description. It's been ages since I read (and really liked) some of Grisham's earlier works (The Runaway Jury sticking in my mind). [book:Sooley|56844943] was a more recent read, and finished it, but didn't love it, and it had a similar feel (of "is this fiction?")
I associate "law/trials" with Grisham, I guess based on his earlier work. In the 130 pages I got through, there was one little trial, I can't remember if it was in the grandfather or the father's timeline. I'm assuming there was a trial playing a more prominent part later in the book, but I was looking at the time left on my audiobook (I also had it in Kindle and physical format, I had tried turning to reading to see if my brain would "get it" better that way, but no ...) and 12 hours left? So many books! So little time! Not worth forcing myself if it's not something I'm enjoying.
3rd person/Past tense
Four parts with simple headers: The Boys, The Crusader, The Prisoners, The Row, 59 chronological chapters running throughout. No proFanity.
I'd had this on my list (had the physical book, got the audio and Kindle copy from the library, went primarily with the audio) and it's rated highly ... but while I was in it, I wasn't loving it. Three POVs, Caroline, a socialite in New York, Kasia, a young woman working with the resistance in Poland, and Herta, one of the few female doctors.
The cover is a bit misleading ... it is NOT these three women (although I guess it could be two of them with a different third woman). The switching POV was a little hard to keep up with, as the stories/lives were so different and the shifts so abrupt. Three different narrators in audio, which was needed, as the POVs were 1st person (past tense). Three parts as well, the first starting in 1939, part 2 starting in 1945, part 3 in 1957. I was grateful that the chapters were numbered chronologically and the Kindle copy had the POVs listed (the audio TOC was lacking this, which frustrated me ... the per usual, the physical copy doesn't even deign to provide a table of contents at all). The voices, both the narration, and the writing itself, were very different, which is good in a way, but also added to the choppy feeling. There was some cross-over, but it took a while, and some was quite minimal.
No proFanity, but some difficult/brutal content.
Other words I note: snuck, bespoke, scrum, swath
At almost 500 pages, I felt a little like I was pushing through to the end. I felt like I learned some new things ... there are SO many books about WW2, yet so many perspectives and always some little tidbit I don't think I've heard before. I was thinking probably a 3* rating ... but then, there were the extras.
I really appreciated the author's notes (and I believe she voiced them herself, I didn't recognize any of the three narrators. Thumbs up for that, makes it more personal). What portions were based on real people and places and happenings. The Kindle/text copies had pictures and maps, and discussion questions, so that bumps up the whole experience for me.
While this is listed first in a series/trilogy, it looks like the other books are only loosely connected, and set BEFORE this one. I had not planned on reading a sequel, but MAY look into these others, we'll see.
The cover is a bit misleading ... it is NOT these three women (although I guess it could be two of them with a different third woman). The switching POV was a little hard to keep up with, as the stories/lives were so different and the shifts so abrupt. Three different narrators in audio, which was needed, as the POVs were 1st person (past tense). Three parts as well, the first starting in 1939, part 2 starting in 1945, part 3 in 1957. I was grateful that the chapters were numbered chronologically and the Kindle copy had the POVs listed (the audio TOC was lacking this, which frustrated me ... the per usual, the physical copy doesn't even deign to provide a table of contents at all). The voices, both the narration, and the writing itself, were very different, which is good in a way, but also added to the choppy feeling. There was some cross-over, but it took a while, and some was quite minimal.
No proFanity, but some difficult/brutal content.
Other words I note: snuck, bespoke, scrum, swath
At almost 500 pages, I felt a little like I was pushing through to the end. I felt like I learned some new things ... there are SO many books about WW2, yet so many perspectives and always some little tidbit I don't think I've heard before. I was thinking probably a 3* rating ... but then, there were the extras.
I really appreciated the author's notes (and I believe she voiced them herself, I didn't recognize any of the three narrators. Thumbs up for that, makes it more personal). What portions were based on real people and places and happenings. The Kindle/text copies had pictures and maps, and discussion questions, so that bumps up the whole experience for me.
While this is listed first in a series/trilogy, it looks like the other books are only loosely connected, and set BEFORE this one. I had not planned on reading a sequel, but MAY look into these others, we'll see.
I really liked this. I appreciated the extras in the print editions (I went primarily with audio but had the Kindle and physical copy as well) and those little items pushed it over a 4* for me (4.5). While the audio was wonderfully done, I can't stop and makes notes/highlights as easily as when reading, and some stopping/thinking about things, may have upped my appreciation even more.
3rd person/past tense - easy reading, but still enjoyable as an adult.
I'd already had this on my list (found a physical copy, picked up for the LFL, saw the high ratings), but then it was mentioned in The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise (which I just re-read). I decided to go ahead and move it to the same month (as I'd already read Ghost, another book mentioned). This had been brought up in my book club too ... and I'm sure it will come up again too, as we discuss [book:The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise|39280558].
My son went to Mexico for two years, and loves the people. Through his relationships I think I've gained a more personal connection as well, to sympathize with just a story more. Here, it was placed in the depression era, although I have to wonder how different things are today.
Another recent read was [book:Uprising|444414], where there were teens talking about striking, and improving their conditions. While that didn't play quite as large a role here, it was still fairly central to the story and what was happening. That was an aspect I hadn't anticipated although I do see it mentioned in the blurb on the back of the book.
While I appreciated the Q&A with the author, and the recipe and doll making instructions, I would have liked discussion questions. I found some online - https://library.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Book-Buzz-Esperanza-Rising-Readers-Guide.pdf I really like a list of questions ... it's like having my own personal book club, just a little push to make me think of things I might not have on my own. To delve a little deeper than just a quick read for enjoyment only.
I liked learning more of the history (the treatment of the workers ... people willing to work for so little because they had no choice. The dust storms. The inequality and racial injustice). I saved a few quotes, points to ponder.
The narrator was very good. I'm not a Spanish speaker, but the accents and Spanish sections (not many) sounded authentic. There was a song (very short) ... SUNG by the narrator, and I was SO glad for that, as a plain patter-speak would not have had the same feel at all!
3rd person/past tense - easy reading, but still enjoyable as an adult.
I'd already had this on my list (found a physical copy, picked up for the LFL, saw the high ratings), but then it was mentioned in The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise (which I just re-read). I decided to go ahead and move it to the same month (as I'd already read Ghost, another book mentioned). This had been brought up in my book club too ... and I'm sure it will come up again too, as we discuss [book:The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise|39280558].
My son went to Mexico for two years, and loves the people. Through his relationships I think I've gained a more personal connection as well, to sympathize with just a story more. Here, it was placed in the depression era, although I have to wonder how different things are today.
Another recent read was [book:Uprising|444414], where there were teens talking about striking, and improving their conditions. While that didn't play quite as large a role here, it was still fairly central to the story and what was happening. That was an aspect I hadn't anticipated although I do see it mentioned in the blurb on the back of the book.
While I appreciated the Q&A with the author, and the recipe and doll making instructions, I would have liked discussion questions. I found some online - https://library.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Book-Buzz-Esperanza-Rising-Readers-Guide.pdf I really like a list of questions ... it's like having my own personal book club, just a little push to make me think of things I might not have on my own. To delve a little deeper than just a quick read for enjoyment only.
I liked learning more of the history (the treatment of the workers ... people willing to work for so little because they had no choice. The dust storms. The inequality and racial injustice). I saved a few quotes, points to ponder.
The narrator was very good. I'm not a Spanish speaker, but the accents and Spanish sections (not many) sounded authentic. There was a song (very short) ... SUNG by the narrator, and I was SO glad for that, as a plain patter-speak would not have had the same feel at all!
I'd read the first book last fall, absolutely loved it, but felt a little hesitation at picking up the sequel. I don't the sequel had been planned, and honestly I wasn't sure it would live up to the first book. I re-read the latter for bookclub, and decided to read this one immediately afterward. I'm glad I did.
In the blurb, it calls this a "stand-alone companion" ... and I disagree with that. Even though the important facts are dropped, and you COULD read this as a stand-alone, I really think you need to have read the first book. Moreover, WHY read this one without having reading The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise first? I guess I'm a bit of a stickler for series/order.
I was able to borrow both the audiobook and the Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with the audio. Very relieved to have the same narrator as the first book ... I don't think I could have coped with a change. I needed Coyote's "voice" to be the same in both the writing and narration, and it was. Salvador is back, and there are some new friends along for the ride. Another quest ...
There were MANY times during the audiobook that I found myself smiling, or even laughing. Just cute statements and such. A few more profound ones that I tried to remember to note/look up and highlight. I really appreciated the discussion questions included with the first book ... I wished there were some for this. I tried Googling without luck. I'm sure some would be about "hanging on" and letting go, maybe about what's right/wrong (how far you can go to achieve your goal), the goodness in people ...
*Sometimes maybe the best thing to say is just nothing at all
*It’s not the sandwich that matters, it’s someone bringing you the sandwich ...
*“I remember, sometimes, when I was trying to hang on, how my hands would hurt. And I would almost fall. So I would have to let go, with one hand, and shake it out. And then hold on again.” He had been looking away, out the window, but now he turned to look into my eyes. “Do you understand? To keep holding on, I had to let go. But I wasn’t really letting go. I was just … changing my grip. So I could hold on better.”
I remember Coyote said "fair" quite a few times (in response to a statement or thought).
The first book was published in 2019 ... and this takes place a little bit after that one ends. So 2020. Covid Connection. Not the angst of the overall story, but it does facilitate them hitting the road (school is cancelled anyway), they are wearing masks, lots of places aren't open.
4.5* rating more just to differentiate the total feeling from the first 5*, but this was absolutely enjoyable, one I'd absolutely recommend to anyone who liked/loved the first book.
In the blurb, it calls this a "stand-alone companion" ... and I disagree with that. Even though the important facts are dropped, and you COULD read this as a stand-alone, I really think you need to have read the first book. Moreover, WHY read this one without having reading The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise first? I guess I'm a bit of a stickler for series/order.
I was able to borrow both the audiobook and the Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with the audio. Very relieved to have the same narrator as the first book ... I don't think I could have coped with a change. I needed Coyote's "voice" to be the same in both the writing and narration, and it was. Salvador is back, and there are some new friends along for the ride. Another quest ...
There were MANY times during the audiobook that I found myself smiling, or even laughing. Just cute statements and such. A few more profound ones that I tried to remember to note/look up and highlight. I really appreciated the discussion questions included with the first book ... I wished there were some for this. I tried Googling without luck. I'm sure some would be about "hanging on" and letting go, maybe about what's right/wrong (how far you can go to achieve your goal), the goodness in people ...
*Sometimes maybe the best thing to say is just nothing at all
*It’s not the sandwich that matters, it’s someone bringing you the sandwich ...
*“I remember, sometimes, when I was trying to hang on, how my hands would hurt. And I would almost fall. So I would have to let go, with one hand, and shake it out. And then hold on again.” He had been looking away, out the window, but now he turned to look into my eyes. “Do you understand? To keep holding on, I had to let go. But I wasn’t really letting go. I was just … changing my grip. So I could hold on better.”
I remember Coyote said "fair" quite a few times (in response to a statement or thought).
The first book was published in 2019 ... and this takes place a little bit after that one ends. So 2020. Covid Connection. Not the angst of the overall story, but it does facilitate them hitting the road (school is cancelled anyway), they are wearing masks, lots of places aren't open.
4.5* rating more just to differentiate the total feeling from the first 5*, but this was absolutely enjoyable, one I'd absolutely recommend to anyone who liked/loved the first book.
There was a rave review for this in one of my FB groups ... I'm surprised my library hold came in so quickly (it's new/popular). As I was in it, I was thinking "so, what was the rave about??" I mean, it was fine, a little disjointed jumping between POVs, time shifts. A little "really?" just pushing the bounds of what could be considered realistic. The ending ... okay, I'll admit I got sucked in there. But still, maybe just 3*? But when I looked to the Kindle copy and re-read portions (and almost felt like re-reading the whole thing), thought about what might come up for discussion in a book club setting, read a few reviews that brought out some good points ... bumping it up.
I was able to borrow both the audiobook and the kindle copy, I went primarily with the audio, but turned to the kindle a time or two, and afterward. No chronological chapters, just the listing of the changing POVs. This can make it really hard to shift between formats, or find your spot (no "I know I was at least to chapter 13") ...
The POVs shift between Rowan and Dominic (both 1st person/present tense). Orly's chapters were different, a 1st person, but really 2nd, speaking TO us/the reader (or someone else?) They reminded me a little of the "blog posts" in How The Penguins Saved Veronica (a few other similarities to that book too/the setting/penguins). Very intelligent and well spoken for such a young child. Then there are the Fen/Raff chapters, and one from Alex, which are 3rd person/present tense - these had a distanced feel, like a voice-over from an omniscient narrator.
I struggled a bit to follow parts of the story. Rowan's chapters would jump around, still present tense, but in the past, no headers or anything to tell us when this was happening (but, she's healthy and off the island, so, before). There's lots of hints dropped, and foreshadowing (more obvious on a re-read than on the initial listen). SPOILERS I wasn't sure I bought how quickly Dom and Rowan fell into bed, especially with her body being as beat up as it was, her whole side stitched up. And the whole hidden Hank ...
No discussion questions included in the text, but a Google search found these, and they are good and really made me think and appreciate some of the complexities of the writing more ...
https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/rgg-guides/9781250827951RGG.pdf
One of the reviews by a GR friend/Barbara also made some good points.
Salt ... I wish that wasn't the family's last name. I've only read the first of the Seven Sisters series, but even I can't help but think of Pa Salt. What's in a name? It distracted me ...
proFanity x 32 and some sex, not super explicit, but not closed door.
I was able to borrow both the audiobook and the kindle copy, I went primarily with the audio, but turned to the kindle a time or two, and afterward. No chronological chapters, just the listing of the changing POVs. This can make it really hard to shift between formats, or find your spot (no "I know I was at least to chapter 13") ...
The POVs shift between Rowan and Dominic (both 1st person/present tense). Orly's chapters were different, a 1st person, but really 2nd, speaking TO us/the reader (or someone else?) They reminded me a little of the "blog posts" in How The Penguins Saved Veronica (a few other similarities to that book too/the setting/penguins). Very intelligent and well spoken for such a young child. Then there are the Fen/Raff chapters, and one from Alex, which are 3rd person/present tense - these had a distanced feel, like a voice-over from an omniscient narrator.
I struggled a bit to follow parts of the story. Rowan's chapters would jump around, still present tense, but in the past, no headers or anything to tell us when this was happening (but, she's healthy and off the island, so, before). There's lots of hints dropped, and foreshadowing (more obvious on a re-read than on the initial listen). SPOILERS
No discussion questions included in the text, but a Google search found these, and they are good and really made me think and appreciate some of the complexities of the writing more ...
https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/rgg-guides/9781250827951RGG.pdf
One of the reviews by a GR friend/Barbara also made some good points.
Salt ... I wish that wasn't the family's last name. I've only read the first of the Seven Sisters series, but even I can't help but think of Pa Salt. What's in a name? It distracted me ...
proFanity x 32 and some sex, not super explicit, but not closed door.
"Vera should be content. And she is, really. But she’s also kind of—dare she say it—bored. Sometimes, all an old lady wants is a murder to solve. Is that too much to ask for?"
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Experienced it once in audio, then a re-read (for bookclub, everyone loved it). Sometimes I'm a little nervous when what was a stand-alone book gets a sequel, can it live up to the first? This did. 4.5* ...
Most important ... it IS the same narrator for the audiobook. I honestly don't think I could have listened to it if it had been switched (I listened to the second book after "How the Penguins Saved Veronica" and was very disappointed the voices changed ... and it wasn't the same). So Vera, and Emma and several of the others we know and love from book 1 sound the same. There is a whole new cast of characters, strays/suspects, that Vera picks up ...
I was disappointed that the Kindle Table of Contents did NOT include the POV headers(again) ... at least the audiobook TOC did. We have Vera, Millie, TJ, Aimes, Quang Wen ... and Xander. Sometimes I like to go back and re-read portions, and it's nice to know which ones to turn to (if I was looking for a specific POV). Publishers ... please list chapter headers in the TOC (and give physical books a TOC)!
Just like the first book, this is written in 3rd person/present tense. It gives it a bit of a distanced feel, like a voice-over from an omniscient narrator. Vera's cute personality pulls you in though. Such a fun character!
I think this was more "real" (requiring less suspension of disbelief) than the first book. I mean, don't examine it too closely, but things actually were fairly logical. Touches on a couple tough subjects SPOILER? suicide and human trafficking, also the unreality of social media and other types of fraud
proFanity x12, and Vera is actively encouraging "sexy time" between Tilly and Selena ... she wants grandbabies! Totally wraps up, but does leave an option for a continuation of the adventures.
There were quite a few holds, I was really surprised my library loan came in so quickly. THANK YOU public libraries! And now I'll return this after only having it a couple of days, so the next person waiting can be pleasantly surprised at getting it earlier than expected ;)
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Experienced it once in audio, then a re-read (for bookclub, everyone loved it). Sometimes I'm a little nervous when what was a stand-alone book gets a sequel, can it live up to the first? This did. 4.5* ...
Most important ... it IS the same narrator for the audiobook. I honestly don't think I could have listened to it if it had been switched (I listened to the second book after "How the Penguins Saved Veronica" and was very disappointed the voices changed ... and it wasn't the same). So Vera, and Emma and several of the others we know and love from book 1 sound the same. There is a whole new cast of characters, strays/suspects, that Vera picks up ...
I was disappointed that the Kindle Table of Contents did NOT include the POV headers(again) ... at least the audiobook TOC did. We have Vera, Millie, TJ, Aimes, Quang Wen ... and Xander. Sometimes I like to go back and re-read portions, and it's nice to know which ones to turn to (if I was looking for a specific POV). Publishers ... please list chapter headers in the TOC (and give physical books a TOC)!
Just like the first book, this is written in 3rd person/present tense. It gives it a bit of a distanced feel, like a voice-over from an omniscient narrator. Vera's cute personality pulls you in though. Such a fun character!
I think this was more "real" (requiring less suspension of disbelief) than the first book. I mean, don't examine it too closely, but things actually were fairly logical. Touches on a couple tough subjects SPOILER?
proFanity x12, and Vera is actively encouraging "sexy time" between Tilly and Selena ... she wants grandbabies! Totally wraps up, but does leave an option for a continuation of the adventures.
There were quite a few holds, I was really surprised my library loan came in so quickly. THANK YOU public libraries! And now I'll return this after only having it a couple of days, so the next person waiting can be pleasantly surprised at getting it earlier than expected ;)
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I thought it was good, but I don't know that I plan to continue on with the series. It would have been hard for me to summarize, but reading over the blurb on Goodreads, well ... that's what it was about. I don't know that I every really connected with the characters or what was going on. I think this is one I would have enjoyed a lot more in my younger years, when fantasy and action appealed to me more. Now, I think my old brain struggles a bit to keep up with it all.
I did stop and make some notes and highlights, little "profound statements" or things that would be good topics of discussion in a book club. LOTS of quotes saved on Goodreads.
There were three PARTS with chronological chapters (26 of them) running throughout the 500+ pages. I can't recall if there was a distinct separation to the parts? Rin's early life and school, then war, then ... the end? Third person (mostly Rin's POV), past tense.
I have to say I really like the consistency of the covers for the trilogy (+).
I had this in all three formats. Picked up the physical book in a Little Free Library, and then borrowed the audio and Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with audio, but was glad to have the Kindle to re-read portions and highlight and make notes. I like the physical book to flip through, see if I remember when opening to random spots in the text. I will "let it go" back into LFL rotation.
Some proFanity (36). Lots of violence. There was the "let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding" (phrase that has been mocked in FB circles). Other words I notice: riffling, arcane, cerulean, swath, deign, cacophony, careen
I did stop and make some notes and highlights, little "profound statements" or things that would be good topics of discussion in a book club. LOTS of quotes saved on Goodreads.
There were three PARTS with chronological chapters (26 of them) running throughout the 500+ pages. I can't recall if there was a distinct separation to the parts? Rin's early life and school, then war, then ... the end? Third person (mostly Rin's POV), past tense.
I have to say I really like the consistency of the covers for the trilogy (+).
I had this in all three formats. Picked up the physical book in a Little Free Library, and then borrowed the audio and Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with audio, but was glad to have the Kindle to re-read portions and highlight and make notes. I like the physical book to flip through, see if I remember when opening to random spots in the text. I will "let it go" back into LFL rotation.
Some proFanity (36). Lots of violence. There was the "let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding" (phrase that has been mocked in FB circles). Other words I notice: riffling, arcane, cerulean, swath, deign, cacophony, careen
Sometimes I feel like JAFF readers are SO generous ... 5* for all ;) I liked this, but it didn't check off other boxes (my rating list). For me, that's more of a 3* rating. I don't know that it will stand out in my memory amidst all the other P&P retellings out there. I didn't feel the need to make any highlights. I appreciated the author's notes about Regency customs, and what she had to tweak in the book.
I had been able to snag the kindle copy for free, and was happy to find the audio on Hoopla.
This was fairly traditional ... the same setting as the original. Here we get not only Elizabeth's perspective, but also Darcy's. Slight changes as Lizzie reaches out to Darcy in a letter (presenting as the son/heir requesting help to run the estate) before the Netherfield ball (changing up their meeting and original perceptions somewhat).
Words I notice: plethora, deign
Listed as the first book in a series, but apparently the "second" book is unrelated to this story (except maybe including "dreams" in the title?). Honestly, not sure why it's being linked together. I'm marking this as a stand-alone for my own records.
I had been able to snag the kindle copy for free, and was happy to find the audio on Hoopla.
This was fairly traditional ... the same setting as the original. Here we get not only Elizabeth's perspective, but also Darcy's. Slight changes as Lizzie reaches out to Darcy in a letter (presenting as the son/heir requesting help to run the estate) before the Netherfield ball (changing up their meeting and original perceptions somewhat).
Words I notice: plethora, deign
Listed as the first book in a series, but apparently the "second" book is unrelated to this story (except maybe including "dreams" in the title?). Honestly, not sure why it's being linked together. I'm marking this as a stand-alone for my own records.