jenbsbooks's Reviews (2.41k)

I am not really familiar with Dave Grohl or the Foo Fighters. I guess I know the song "Pretender" but that's about it. I'd heard so many rave reviews of this book, and even "you don't have to know him to enjoy it" so I decided to put that to the test. 

I went with the audiobook - narrated by Grohl. His voice didn't match the look on the cover of the book to me. Not sure what exactly I was expecting. It was a fun and interesting memoir, following his entry into the world of rock and all the people's paths he crossed along the way (again, many I'm only fleetingly familiar with). 

Looking at the Table of Contents, I see different parts: Setting the Scene, The Buildup, The Moment, Cruising, Living, Another Step in the Crosswalk, Remastered, Bonus Track:Valhala.  Each had their own chapters with their own headings. A good TOC, one that I can look at and remember what was contained within that chapter.  I hope the physical copy includes the TOC (so many don't these days). 

While it stayed somewhat chronological overall, there was quite a bit of jumping back and forth in time that confused me. One moment he'd be talking about a moment with his daughter, then suddenly he was 17 again, and at times I had a hard time keeping track.  I guess that is the nature of storytelling sometimes. 

He hardly spoke of his wife(wives) at all. We hear quite a bit about his relationship with his daughters, but nothing about courtship and marriage and married life. Maybe I'm just projecting. Is it a respect for privacy, or is that relationship just not really important enough to make it into the book?

One thing I note in books, if a "song" is happening, is it sung or spoken by the narrator. Here ironically, it was spoken. He addressed it too ... something along the lines of "we couldn't afford to pay the royalties"  I tried to find the quote but couldn't remember where it was. Should have bookmarked it. 

ProFanity x 146. Lots of weed/drinking. 

I liked this ... didn't love it. 3.5 stars. I'm not sure how much I'll really remember. Honestly, I've not heard of Sharon McMahon, not one of her millions of fans. My SIL read (and really enjoyed) this, so I put it on my list (it IS Non-Fiction November so it fit right in). I guess my main issue was that it seemed to jump all over the place. It says this is about 12 people? I feel like it featured 30+ ... including a heroic pigeon (who was a little too anthropomorphized for comfort in a book that is considered nonfiction). 

The Table of Contents is broken into seven parts, with several chapters in each: Angel of the Rockies, The Next Needed Thing, America the Beautiful, Forward Out of Darkness, An Orientation of the Spirit, Go for Broke, Momentum. There is also an introduction and a conclusion. 

While the title indicates 12 people spotlighted, there are more than that who get a chapter attributed to them (14) and MANY more people who are talked about a lot, even without their name making it into the table of contents ...

Clara Brown
Virginia Randolf
Katharine Lee Bates
Inez Milholland
Maria de Lopez
Rebecca Brown Mitchell
Anna Thomas Jeanes
William James Edwards
Julius Rosenwald
Booker T Washington
Daniel Inouye
Norman Mineta
Claudette Colvin
Septima Clark

I appreciated learning about history. I went with the audio, and the author narrated and she was good ... if a little OVER. It really did sound like she was talking directly to YOU/the reader, or an audience in a Ted Talk (with as much animation, there was a lot).  Very conversational as she would indeed talk directly to the reader/audience.  While audio is so much easier for me (I have more ear time than eye time) I wonder if I'd retain a bit more if I read it myself, took some notes? There was just SO much information. Like [book:A Short History of Nearly Everything|21] ... it was good, I felt like I learned ... but will I remember? Really? Perhaps a tidbit, some recognition if a particular topic comes up, but I just don't know how much will actually stick with me. 

This reminded me (especially with the concentration on women) of the She Persisted series for middle schoolers (expanding on the elementary picture book). I have really only read one, [book:She Persisted: Nellie Bly|55835954], and while the latter is definitely aimed at a younger audience, it had a very similar feel. 

One benefit to the reading/Kindle copy, is the note/references, which I didn't follow on many, but just seeing them here and there reinforces the research.

It was first person (the author refers to herself here and there) but felt like 3rd person (past tense) for most of it, as she was telling other's stories. Clean// no language/sex, some violence.

This popped up in one of my FB groups - and I have to admit to a partiality to this type of premise, the "what if" and "alternate life" ideas. It was pretty easily available from the library, I got the audio and Kindle copy, and went with the audio for the most part. 

This starts right off the bat, no real introduction to the characters. I had read the blurb, so I had a bit more of an idea of what was going on than our MC/Lauren did at the start. Such an interesting idea, it reminded me a bit of The Midnight Library, although those lives were more varied (not being tied to a house), same for Dark Matter. A few times when she notes the changes in her body as "this one" likes hiking or working out, I remembered in [book:The Two Lives of Lydia Bird|46225061] when she ends up at the gym thinking "what is this me doing??" At one point, a similar feel to [book:Maybe in Another Life|23492661] - there ARE multiple possibilities and you could be happy in more than one. There really isn't ONE soulmate (contrary to [book:The One|40670312]) ... it felt a little like the author was trying to be a little TOO politically correct, having so many of the husbands be of different races/nationalities, a little "gotta include them all" ...

I liked this a lot, it kept me engaged and entertained. A bit more sex than I would have liked (I go through phases, and am now in an eye-rolling reaction reading descriptive sex scenes). Still not really "spicy" per se. ProFanity x 67. 

3rd person. Present tense. 

Always interesting the idea of the lives beyond your own in such a scenario ... if you have a choice, and YOUR life is good, but a friend/family's life isn't, what do you do? 

Many of the books coming out today are including "discussion questions" and this is a trend I LOVE. Not here though ... but I Googled and found some online and was glad I did. Made me think of a couple things I hadn't really pondered during a quick listen for entertainment. https://www.readinggroupguides.com/reviews/the-husbands-by-holly-gramazio/guide
https://bookclubchat.com/books/book-club-questions-for-the-husbands-by-holly-gramazio/

This was a book club selection ... I bought the audio (AudibleExclusive) on a sale knowing it was coming up, and managed to snag a Kindle copy from the library. I've completed my listen and will do a basic review now, but this is one that I'm planning on re-reading myself to prep for book club discussion. SO many words I need to highlight and look up. I need to look at the TOC and see the parts and chapter headings to see what I remember right off after listening (which stories made the most impact). Right off the top of my head, I'm not remembering much from the 3rd section.  The author breaks up his presentations into four parts: Losses, Excesses, Transports, The World of the Simple.  Each has an introduction and then several different cases showcasing that issue.  

The Kindle copy I have has two introductions/preface to the book, one written in 1985 for the original (this is what was included in the audio, read by the author ... some slight changes I a listened and compared it to the text. Listed as "Author's Note" in audio, Preface in Kindle). The second preface written in 2013 (so I missed out on it in audio) addresses the fact that "written in the early 1980s, contains a number of words which are, thankfully, outmoded today. "Idiot savant" "simpleton" "moron" "retardate" and the like, were the terms of the day, and as such I have left here."  I will admit that during part 4, even assuming this (as I hadn't read this until after I completed the audio) it still was hard not to find it offensive.   The author states "I no longer agree with some of the things I wrote in HAT ..." but then doesn't really tell us WHAT those things are. 

So my first thoughts, after a quick audio listen and glance at the Kindle copy are that, this was very interesting, although at times seeming for the "lay" person, also still technical and over my head. In some ways, it all overwhelms and saddens me, that there can be so many struggles (and this is just neurological issues). Having been to the neurologist for some more minor issues (seizure) I worry about future issues. I just don't want to deal with anything, even small things. I'd rather just be done than have to struggle and cope and be a burden. It is amazing and overwhelming ... the brain, and life, and health and happiness ...

Right now I am planning on a re-read, where I can highlight and take notes, but we'll see if it keeps my interest enough for the time that would take (as it is just for book club, not an actual school assignment). 

I loved the movie "Awakenings" ... this author is the doctor featured there, and wrote the book. Not having read the book, I presume "the movie was better" as the presentation of the writing is difficult at times to comprehend completely (and I felt like the movie did a great job, of course I can't really judge having not read the book). I'd like to give it a rewatch, but it's not streaming anywhere ... I may have it on DVD, I'll have to look.  Apparently there is a new TV series out "Brilliant Minds" that is based on this book, so I think I'll have to check that out as well. 

Two uses of proFanity (quotes).

I'd heard a bit of buzz about this book, it had a pretty long wait (in all formats) at the library ... I was trying to get all formats at once ;) I listened to the audio originally (narrated by the author), then I re-read it myself (Kindle) but needed to look at the physical book for the illustrations (the Kindle is too small and not in color). The illustrations and journaling on the pages were wonderful! I wished there had been some photographs of the actual journals as well as just featuring some of the pages. I've read a couple other "nature" books ... one on birds; [book:The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America|41188319], which in a small way was similar to this book, although a much more sarcastic approach (but also had sketches and author's notes ... I recognized the names from some of the birds in both books) and butterflies; [book:The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science|33413895] - which was more of a biography, but also included many sketches and art and the progression and discovery.

The author's art talent is astounding - I was very impressed! From some simple pencil sketches to many in very detailed coloration. Her handwritten notes on the pages were informative, and also very humorous at times. Some sadness too.  Very interesting from a basic chronological/journaling perspective, so see how a hobby starts and grows (even she calls it an obsession), to see Covid come and how that impacted things (without being a spotlight of the book). 

I found it interesting that some of the main birds around here (Utah) ... magpies, robins, starlings weren't "backyard birds" at this California location. She saw ONE robin, and I had mentioned to Hubs that I was a little surprised it didn't get a drawing. It DID, it's there on the very last page!

So it seemed that the author wrote quite a bit on the pages themselves, then for the book, she re-wrote up the stories (so some parts are repeats of what is handwritten on the pages, and expounded upon). There was some repetition (i.e., two birds with a missing leg, the second encounter didn't seem to reference the first one), so many of the same birds being the focus. The rats, etc.

It was really interesting to read and enjoy the author's birding experience. The Foreword and Preface were a little dry, and as I started at the beginning, at first I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the book ... but once the actual daily entries started, I was sucked in.  The author has a way with words (obviously!) that made her experiences a fun read. 

The physical book is a little pricey ($20+), but I wouldn't mind having it on my shelves. I'll keep an eye out, see if by chance it shows up at a LFL or thrift store.  

I liked this ... didn't love it. There was a part of the storyline that could cause a little controversy (although I don't see that yet in any of the reviews, which surprises me a little). That part totally resonated with me though.  The most basic premise seemed a little too standard (girl goes historical house, connects with the past, the place and with the hot guy). There were a few too many coincidental happenings ... really?

I had both the audio and Kindle copy, and was frustrated with the audio Table of Contents (only listed the POV, no numerical chapters/headers) ... it made it very difficult to shift between formats and find my place. Kindle TOC gets the thumbs up. I wonder if the physical copy even has a TOC? Doesn't seem to be the way in fiction today.

While there were a couple recipes included at the end - there weren't any discussion questions (a trend today that I adore!) I can think of some myself (there would be several things worthy of discussion) but I like ones right there at the end, as often they make me think of something I would NOT have on my own, or just to delve a little deeper, which usually ups the appreciation. 

So, some SPOILERS ...

 
**the whole religious differences and conflict could be a great discussion. Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian ...  can/should a marriage happen between different faiths? How does the "love thy neighbor" work when shunning other faiths, or your own family? For religion to have played such a large part in Beck/Townsend's early relationship ... it didn't seem to even make an appearance at all later on (... was Keaton religious at all either?)
**Suicide ... I'm a little surprised there weren't trigger warnings, or complaints by some readers appalled by the actions taken by Becks, Townsand and Peter. Me? I absolutely agree with all three characters. I realize it's a slippery slope, but I often think we as a people are more humane to pets (putting them down when their quality of life is in question) than to society. I know some people will want to fight and stay until the bitter end, and that's their choice. It's NOT really a choice if that's not what you want. Yes, you can refuse treatment, but it's "unethical" to end a life on one's own terms. So many of Beck's thoughts are my own ... my children are grown, and while yes, they'd miss me, they'd be okay. Hubs would be okay. I don't want to grow old. I fear disease and the impact it would have on my loved ones and would so much rather just go out before things got bad. This would definitely make for an interesting bookclub discussion!
**Too many coincidences/oddities though ... that Peter just happened to move next door after Victoria told Becks about the situation (without really giving all the information/she didn't know herself). That a doctor who has already helped someone die would move next door to Becks and Townsend right when they are contemplating their own end ... and then NOT even having that be a part of the plan at all, except as blackmail to get him to sink the car ... was that a "distraction" or to keep Townsend from driving it (as that was pretty much a moot point by then). That Virginia and Lon were so freaked out that they didn't go back to the house to find the letter/poem ... for DECADES. They just paid the taxes and such on the house and let it sit there year after year for that long?  The fact that Becks and Townsend had such life-altering health concerns right at the same time ... lucky!

There were three narrators for the three POVs, Keaton (present day), Becks (1976) and Townsend gets just three chapters (1935, 1976) ... I think his are journal entries? His journal is mentioned (and read) and it first person/past tense. Keaton is first person/present tense and Becks is third person/past tense. So in addition to the different voices of the narrators, the writing presentation was different too.  I think it was harder to connect with Becks ... maybe because of the 3rd person, it felt a little removed/distant.  

Content - clean, no proFanity, very minor sexual content

I haven't seen Stand by Me, although I have seen a few scenes here and there. I figured a Stephen King book would be a good addition to my October "spooky" dark/tense/mysterious, although looking at discussion of this, this seems more coming of age. I got a few chapters in and when chapter 7 suddenly seemed to switch completely to a short story (within this short story) I was lost. I was listening to audio, and figured I'd check the book (I had the kindle and physical book too) but went ahead and started something new ... and didn't come back to this. I might try again in the future at some point. 

I had this in three formats ... audio, Kindle and the physical book. I borrowed the audio and Kindle copy from the library, my final "murder" mystery for October. I went with the audio, which I was impressed with. Full cast, well done. The text also had some fun setups though, the Project pages, the transcripts, a map. Definitely worth a peek at as well as listening to the audio.

The "regular" chapters were 3rd person/past tense. The project pages and transcripts were 1st person (present tense for the transcripts). In audio, it felt a little strange to have the same voice (our MC) for the 3rd person portion, because it still felt like HER telling us the story, not an omniscient narrator.

This pulled me in immediately - I liked the different presentation, and it captured my interest. I cared about the characters, Pip and Ravi were both very likeable. 

As with the majority of murder mysteries, this pushed the limits of required "suspension of disbelief" ... I enjoyed the book while I was in it, but thinking back (and even there near the end) ... really? Just a tad (or more than a tad) too much. 

This is the first book in the series, and while I liked it, I don't think I'll continue. The whole "teen solves case the police never could" and just these murder mysteries in general, I get a little judgmental about (if they are saying they are at all "realistic"). I could absolutely see this being a series teen girls would enjoy (with a teen girl MC leading the way).   I peeked at the preview for the Netflix series ... I don't think the book was based in the UK was it? There was nothing in the text that made me think that (and it's absolutely something I would notice), no accent in the narration, yet FULL accents in the series preview (I don't think the location is essential to the story, it just made me wonder).   

For YA - there was proFanity (x11) and some sex (nothing explicit/descriptive).

I liked this ... didn't love it, as my friend who recommended it did, as did many GR friends based on their ratings/reviews. The audio is AudibleExclusive, so I bought book 1 during a sale. It's always a bit of a dilemma ... do I buy the whole series while it's on sale, or buy just one book to try before spending additional $$/credits? I have NOT purchased the additional books, so ... while I plan on continuing, I wonder about holding out for a sale, or if I'll forget the story if I wait. Conundrum. I was able to get the ebook from the library. At first I could only find ebook/Libby copies, but then my library also had a Kindle option (which I prefer). The text copy had a map and some reference info that was helpful.

I liked the "Before" ... written in 3rd person, introducing us to the two children (on who is the MC), and a little of the magical world. Chapter 1 switches to 1st person (all past tense), and it's years later as Alina has grown up. Not sure if it was mentioned how old, late teens?

For me ... I never really got sucked into the story or caring that much about the characters. Nothing negative, just no statements that made me want to stop and make notes/highlights. I'm not really sure how well I'd recap the story ... how much storyline there was.  I wonder if it's one that would continue to grow in the series, although I can think of other series that totally captivated me from the start. I peeked at the previews for the Netflix series ... recognized some of the scenes, but there again, it didn't really pull me in and make me want to watch it. 

I figure I'll continue the series, but because I'd have to buy the audio ... I'm not sure. 

I liked this a lot ... which surprised me a little. I hadn't cared for Demon Copperhead, and this was a similar slow/sad lifelong story. I admit to being a Table of Contents snob, and this was lacking there, as was the narration, several different 1st person POVs told in the same voice. I would have thought those two things would have maybe made this a less than positive experience ... and yet, I really got pulled into the story, the characters. 

The TOC was just broken down into seven "books" ... then each book started with a section by the mother (Orleanna) and then several chapters from the girls POVs (Leah, Rachel, Adah, Ruth May). There was only the slightest differentiation in voice (writing and narration) so I wished (as I'd stop and start my audio while doing other things) that I could have just looked at the "chapter" in the TOC to see whose POV it was, but alas, I'd either have to rewind and try to catch the header at the start of the chapter (not something I could just go to, as those inner "chapters" weren't really marked) or just listen until I figured out whose POV it was.  I really wish ALL the chapters/headers had been noted rather than only the huge "books" ...

There were a few things that I'd think "oh, I should highlight that section" (harder to do in audio). A few words (jerryrig). The girls (especially Rachel) would use similar, but incorrect words. It was funny. For example " we Christians have our own system of marriage, and it is called Monotony" ... she meant monogamy ... or did she? I wish I had all the funny exchanges noted. 

The author's note was included in the audio - it isn't always. In the physical book (I had this in all three formats) it was at the beginning of the book, in Kindle and audio, it was at the end. I'm glad it was included, as it had some good information.

I'm not sure how much I'll really remember of the story or characters ... I like the cover with the sun and tree more than the "book" one. 

No proFanity. Some sex but nothing graphic. Despite the "bible" in the title and the father/family coming to preach/teach and baptize, this wasn't overly religious.