ESCAPE FROM CAMP 14

Author:  Blaine Harden

Genre:  Memoir, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Blaine Harden

Yearly Count:  47

From Goodreads:

North Korea is isolated and hungry, bankrupt and belligerent. It is also armed with nuclear weapons. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people are being held in its political prison camps, which have existed twice as long as Stalin's Soviet gulags and twelve times as long as the Nazi concentration camps. Very few born and raised in these camps have escaped. But Shin Donghyuk did.

In Escape from Camp 14, acclaimed journalist Blaine Harden tells the story of Shin Dong-hyuk and through the lens of Shin's life unlocks the secrets of the world's most repressive totalitarian state. Shin knew nothing of civilized existence-he saw his mother as a competitor for food, guards raised him to be a snitch, and he witnessed the execution of his own family. Through Harden's harrowing narrative of Shin's life and remarkable escape, he offers an unequaled inside account of one of the world's darkest nations and a riveting tale of endurance, courage, and survival.

Whoa.  This was another eye-opener, even though I knew about North Korea's reputation.  Some of the story is beyond comprehension.  And, even though Shin is not very personable (understandably so), my heart still broke for him and all the other prisoners in that country.  

Thoughts of Joy

  

ENGAGING STUDENTS WITH POVERTY IN MIND

Author:  Erik Jensen

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2013

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  15

From Goodreads:

Drawing from research, experience, and real school success stories, this galvanizing book explores engagement as the key factor in the academic success of economically disadvantaged students.

Another successful read by Jenkins. It was very practical and succinct. It can be a good reminder or maybe a new strategy or two can be discovered through the reading.

Thoughts of Joy

EVERY NOTE PLAYED

Author:  Lisa Genova

Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2018

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  2

From NetGalley:

An accomplished concert pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare combination of emotional resonance and flawless technique. Every finger of his hands was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision. That was eight months ago.

Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralyzed. His fingers are impotent, still, devoid of possibility. The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce—his divorce.

He knows his left arm will go next.

Three years ago, Karina removed their framed wedding picture from the living room wall and hung a mirror there instead. But she still hasn’t moved on. Karina is paralyzed by excuses and fear, stuck in an unfulfilling life as a piano teacher, afraid to pursue the path she abandoned as a young woman, blaming Richard and their failed marriage for all of it.

When Richard becomes increasingly paralyzed and is no longer able to live on his own, Karina becomes his reluctant caretaker. As Richard’s muscles, voice, and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their past before it’s too late.

Whoa.  I couldn't sleep last night, so I picked this up and finished it at 3:30am.  As I put my iPad down, I continued to sob as quietly as I could to not wake my husband.  Blah.  I don't remember the last time I cried when reading a book.  This book touched me.  BUT, I didn't like how it touched me.  

I love, love, love Lisa's writing.  Love it.  However, even within that, I didn't think this one had enough build up.  It felt like it went immediately into doom and gloom.  Then, it just got deeper and deeper in Richard's failures -- body, mind and soul.  I understand that this was about just that.  That's what ALS does.  It's beyond miserable.  I can't think of any pleasant diseases, though, can you?  

So, ultimately, I learned an incredible amount about ALS and respect Lisa's diligence in getting it out into our hands.  This is not a joyful story, but a very plausible one.  Sometimes those are the most difficult to read.

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My thanks go to Gallery/Scout Press and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

MIRACLE IN THE ANDES

Author:  Nando Parrado

Genre:  Memoir, Standalone

Published:  2007

Personal Rating:  5/5 (absolutely outstanding)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Josh Davis

Yearly Count:  46

A survivor of the 1972 Andes plane crash recounts his experience of life and death in the mountains.

Absolutely outstanding.  I was touched in so many ways by Nando's story from beginning to end.  He made me feel what he was feeling, made me see what he was seeing and simply . . . made me feel like I was there.  Truly a remarkable book of survival.  I love Nando.  :)

Thoughts of Joy

ROUGHNECK

Author:  Jeff Lemire

Genre:  Graphic Novel, Standalone

Published:  2017

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  29

An ex-hockey player and his sister reunite and attempt to bring their broken lives to a better place.

I sat down and read this in a very short period of time.  Obviously, as a graphic novel it's going to go fast, but I was intrigued by the story and the graphics, which encouraged me to keep turning the pages.

Thoughts of Joy

  

THE BOOK WHISPERER

Author:  Donalyn Miller

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2009

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  19

A sixth grade reading teacher shares her philosophy of teaching reading.

Another book that did not shed any new light on the topic; however, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  It has reawakened the desire in me to tweak a thing or two, and for that, I'm grateful.  Miller's writing is very genuine.  Together we share the love of books (not genres, though!), so I feel a bit of a kinship with her.  :)

Thoughts of Joy

  

ALL IS NOT FORGOTTEN

Author:  Wendy Walker

Genre:  Psychological Thriller/Standalone

Published:  2016

Personal Rating:  4.5/5 (excellent)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Dylan Baker

Yearly Count:  7

Jenny, a high-school student, is given a controversial drug to help erase a traumatic event.  With that success comes the fact that it's a failure, as well.  Not knowing was causing even more of an emotional toll on Jenny.

I didn't think I was going to like this book after hearing only one narrator talk and talk and talk.  I gave it some more time and . . . I couldn't stop listening.  Listening to the topic and graphic nature of the storyline was still difficult, but it was presented very well.  The characters, the suspense, the memory function explanations, the dilemmas raised regarding childrearing, marriage issues -- virtually everything captivated me.  It wasn't perfect, but I found it to be an excellent audioread.

Thoughts of Joy

   

THE SOUND OF GRAVEL

Author:  Ruth Wariner

Genre:  Memoir, Standalone

Published:  2016

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Ruth Wariner

Yearly Count:  49

Ruth, a child of polygamy, tells her coming-of-age story.

This was quite a story.  It reminded me of The Glass Castle (Walls); however, I wish I read this book.  If the author read like she talked in her book trailer, all would have been well.  But, she didn't.  :(  Needless to say, I kept listening and the story took over.  Ruth's love of her family is prevalent and her determination to be applauded.  May her life be filled with joy and peace.

Thoughts of Joy

A MOTHER'S RECKONING

Author:  Sue Klebold

Genre:  Memoir, Standalone

Published:  2016

Personal Rating:  4.5/5 (excellent)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Sue Klebold

Yearly Count:  46

This is Sue Klebold's account of her family and the way in which they have dealt with the tragedy of Columbine.

This was an incredibly sad, yet very articulate reckoning.  Saying my heart goes out to Sue Klebold doesn't accurately convey the depth of my sympathy for her.  She is someone I would like to be my friend -- that's how close I felt towards her after reading her journey.

Thoughts of Joy

THIRTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING

Author:  Colum McCann

Genre:  Short Story Collection, Standalone

Published:  2015

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Colum McCann

Yearly Count:  34

From NetGalley:

In the exuberant title novella, a retired judge reflects on his life's work, unaware as he goes about his daily routines that this particular morning will be his last. In “Sh'khol,” a mother spending Christmas alone with her son confronts the unthinkable when he disappears while swimming off the coast near their home in Ireland. In “Treaty,” an elderly nun catches a snippet of a news report in which it is revealed that the man who once kidnapped and brutalized her is alive, masquerading as an agent of peace. And in “What Time Is It Now, Where You Are?” a writer constructs a story about a Marine in Afghanistan calling home on New Year's Eve.

 Wow.  I like this guy's writing.  It's very engaging and deep.  The novella and all the short stories were well written.  The most unique story was "What Time Is It Now, Where You Are?" (see above)  I have never been privy to that thought process.  Kinda fun!  They all were on the sad side of the emotional spectrum, but not necessary a slap of sad, but a thought-provoking kind of sad.  I listened to Colum read his own collection . . . well done!  

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with the eGalley.

  

THE KIND WORTH KILLING

Author:  Peter Swanson

Genre:  Psychological Thriller, Standalone

Published:  2015

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Various

Yearly Count:  4

A man and a woman meet on a plane and divulge inner thoughts, which lead to the planning of a murder.

What a good book!  This one kept me engaged every minute, and I didn't ever want to put it down.  I loved the twists and turns.  I enjoyed the different perspectives, as well.  Soooo good.

My first "Best Read" of the year!  Woo!

Thoughts of Joy

CALLING ME HOME

Author:  Julie Kibler

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2013

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/

Bahni Turpin & Lorna Raver

Yearly Count:  36

An older woman is called home (across the country) to attend a funeral and invites her hairdresser to accompany her.

Yay!  This was a very good book.  I have to admit, I had a teeny-tiny melt down when I discovered there were two storylines and two timeframes . . . again (my last experience was not a good one)!!!  Thankfully, the utter pain of that realization only lasted for a few moments, because it was handled with perfection!  :)  I had no problem with the time shifts and enjoyed both storylines.  PHEW!

Thoughts of Joy

IN THE BLOOD

Author:  Lisa Unger

Genre:  Psychological Thriller, Standalone

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/

Gretchen Mol & Candace Thaxon

Yearly Count:  37

Lana Granger, a college senior, seeks out a job.  She's quickly hired as a babysitter for a troubled boy.  Lana feels she can handle his peculiarities.  Meanwhile, Lana's roommate goes missing, and Lana doesn't quite share the truth about her whereabouts at the time of the disappearance.

There were several times when things got a little far-fetched or unbelievable, but I was too engrossed in the storylines (yes, there were a couple) to let them bother me.  I was always eager to get back to this engaging and intricately woven book when reality required me to put it down.

Thoughts of Joy

ME BEFORE YOU

Author:  Jojo Moyes

Genre:  Women's Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/
Susan Lyons & Crew

Yearly Count:  33

Louisa Clark is hired by the mother of a paraplegic to assist with his needs for a 6 month stint. 

Me Before You.  Hmmm.  I think Jojo Moyes is a fantastic storyteller.  I was engaged the entire time and looked forward to getting back to it when I had to set it down.  However, I wasn't thrilled with the ending.  Yeah, I know, life doesn't have a great ending, but . . .   I am happy that I can finally talk about this book with the friends that I purchased it for, and, of course, look forward to more by this special author.  

Thoughts of Joy

GONE GIRL

Author: Gillian Flynn

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Standalone

Published: 2012

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Format: eBook

Yearly Count: 25

From NetGalley:

On the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick's wife, Amy, has disappeared. Nick is weak, Nick is a liar, and maybe he's not the very best of husbands--but is he a killer? Amy's diary reveals turmoil over their marriage, strange sicknesses, and her deep wish to be a mother--but is she telling the whole story? As the evidence slowly mounts, and the cops' investigation deepens, Nick is incriminated in horrible ways. Nick swears he didn't murder his beautiful wife and goes on the offensive to clear his name...only to learn that something may have happened more disturbing than death.

WOO HOO!  This is my first "best read" of the year!  It's not unusual for my first to come so many months into the new year, but I always hope for sooner.  No matter - I'm certainly enjoying my book high now!  I have to say, though, that I didn't think it was perfect.  Specifically speaking, the ending was not what I had hoped.  It was satisfying, but I just wish it was different.

Starting from the beginning, I was very intrigued.  I wanted to know more and more and more.  Once I reached close to the middle of the book, I couldn't put it down.  Oh that was absolute heaven for me, as I don't get that feeling as often as I would like.  The suspense and twists that were shared through the entries of Nick and Amy were so captivating that I had to keep reading.  I loved discovering more about their warped, abnormal thoughts.  That sounds a bit odd on my part, but their distorted views really kept me glued to their story.  

I am now very eager to get to Flynn's other two books that are sitting on my TBR shelves!

My thanks go to Crown Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley. Gone Girl is scheduled to be published on June 5, 2012.

THE STRANGER YOU SEEK

Author: Amanda Kyle Williams

Genre: Thriller, Keye Street Series #1

Published: 2011

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Format: Book

Yearly Count:  95

From the ARC Cover:

A serial killer is tormenting Atlanta, writing letters to the media, promising to slay again. Under pressure before another victim dies, the Atlanta Police Department turns to Keye Street, a disgraced FBI profiler who is now chasing down bail jumpers, doing some (very) odd detective work, and trying to stay off the bottle. While Keye tries to make the elusive connection between the victims and one of the South's grisliest, most skillful serial killers, the stranger she seeks may be far closer than she realizes.

Woo hoo! I found myself another series to follow! It's graphic (very Karin Slaughter-like) and on occasion, a bit shocking, and like Slaughter, held together with a solid plot. There were surprising twists and turns, some wit and some interesting characters and relationships, too.  My only complaint was that sometimes I would feel a jolt in the flow.  I thought I had missed something and would go back to find I had not. The holes would eventually be filled in, so once I caught on to her writing style, I was fine. Can't wait for the next one!

My thanks go to Random House Publishing Group and Self Awareness for sending me this ARC!

CHILDREN OF THE STREET

Author:  Kwei Quartey

Genre:  Mystery, Darko Dawson Series #2

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  4.5/5 (excellent)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  88

From NetGalley:

In the slums of Accra, Ghana’s fast-moving, cosmopolitan capital, teenagers are turning up dead. Inspector Darko Dawson has seen many crimes, but this latest string of murders—in which all the young victims bear a chilling signature—is the most unsettling of his career. Are these heinous acts a form of ritual killing or the work of a lone, cold-blooded monster? With time running out, Dawson embarks on a harrowing journey through the city’s underbelly and confronts the brutal world of the urban poor, where street children are forced to fight for their very survival—and a cunning killer seems just out of reach.

This is quickly becoming a favorite series of mine.  I have rated the first and second better than very good and really look forward to the next.  The plots are not necessarily fast-paced, but move along steadily and have many facets.

I'm intrigued with all the aspects of this series:  the environment in which Dawson lives and works, his family life and his career.  I think Dawson is a terrific character.  He is not without flaws, but they are not absolutely outrageous.  His cases have taken me into some dark and unique places that I wouldn't visit otherwise.  And, one of the best feelings a reader can experience, I have been captivated every time I pick up the book.  I think Kwei Quartey is a superb storyteller.    

My thanks go to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.  I have enjoyed this series so much that I have bought both books for my personal library collection.

THE HOMECOMING OF SAMUEL LAKE

Author:  Jenny Wingfield

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  5/5
(absolutely outstanding)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  76

From NetGalley:

Every first Sunday in June, members of the Moses clan gather for an annual reunion at "the old home place," a sprawling hundred-acre farm in Arkansas. And every year, Samuel Lake, a vibrant and committed young preacher, brings his beloved wife, Willadee Moses, and their three children back for the festivities. The children embrace the reunion as a welcome escape from the prying eyes of their father's congregation; for Willadee it's a precious opportunity to spend time with her mother and father, Calla and John. But just as the reunion is getting under way, tragedy strikes, jolting the family to their core: John's untimely death and, soon after, the loss of Samuel's parish, which set the stage for a summer of crisis and profound change.

In the midst of it all, Samuel and Willadee's outspoken eleven-year-old daughter, Swan, is a bright light. Her high spirits and fearlessness have alternately seduced and bedeviled three generations of the family. But it is Blade Ballenger, a traumatized eight-year-old neighbor, who soon captures Swan's undivided attention. Full of righteous anger, and innocent of the peril facing her and those she loves, Swan makes it her mission to keep the boy safe from his terrifying father.

With characters who spring to life as vividly as if they were members of one's own family, and with the clear-eyed wisdom that illuminates the most tragic-and triumphant-aspects of human nature, Jenny Wingfield emerges as one of the most vital, engaging storytellers writing today. In The Homecoming of Samuel Lake she has created a memorable and lasting work of fiction.

Just finished and just amazed.  I loved this book.  Being that I was reading this eBook on my iPad (bedtime read = little spurts), I wasn't making a lot of progress - until I got to about 1/3 of the way through.  I, then, decided that I simply wanted to read more and zoomed through the remaining 2/3 during the day.  I just couldn't stop.  

The book has so much to offer.  It is filled with a family of terrific characters that in one way or another touch your heart.  You just can't help but let them in.  There is also tension, a bit of quiet mystery, and of course, daily life that is hard to turn away from.  Simply stated:  The Homecoming of Samuel Lake was never dull.  There was continual action of one sort or another, and I had a hard time moving my eyes from my iPad back to the big screen football games.  Now that's impressive!  (Not the Michigan game, though!  All eyes on Michigan!!!  Go Blue!)  This "best read" is now on my list of "must purchase" so I can add it to my personal bookshelves.

My thanks go to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.


My Random Question:  For those of you that have read this book and The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Bradley), what are your thoughts about Swan vs Flavia?  I LOVED Swan and did not care for Flavia at all.  Do you see similarities or are there glaring differences?  Just curious.

LITTLE PRINCES

Author:  Conor Grennan

Genre:  Memoir, Standalone

Published:  2011

Personal Ratings:  5/5

(absolutely outstanding)

Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  62

Conor Grennan, 29, throws himself into a year-long trip around the world.  His first stop is to volunteer in Nepal at an orphanage called Little Princes.  Despite being unprepared for the culture shock and conditions of the worn-torn country, Conor's heart is filled with the love of the children.  His realization of the true reasons why they are living in the orphanage drives him to seek out their relatives. Once back in the USA, he develops a non-profit organization called Next Generation Nepal to support his efforts to reunite families.

I felt so many emotions while listening to this book.  The joy in "Conor-Brother's" success was the most inspiring, but the way in which Conor shares his story was delightful.  He had a sense of humor that made me giggle often, and yet, he also had a very serious side that made me choke up with sadness when he described some of his experiences with the children and locals.  

The audiobook version was absolutely awesome!  I loved the accents and cadence of the reader, which just so happened to be the author himself.  Well done.

TRIPTYCH

Author: Karin Slaughter

Genre: Thriller, Will Trent Series #1

Published:  2006

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count:  56

Atlanta, Georgia has a killer with a particular MO, and detectives Michael Ormewood and Angie Polaski are assigned.  Once more bodies have been linked, the state intervenes with assistance from agent Will Trent.     

Oh, I liked this one, a lot! Will and Angie's personalities reflected their broken, tormented childhoods, so my heart went out to them, but they also made me a little uncomfortable. And, I wasn't always confident in my assessment of some of the other characters, so on occasion, their actions came as a surprise.

The plot was revealed slowly and a little awkwardly. At first I was confused and thought I missed something, but when it happened again, I became more intrigued. The story line was also complex, which made it feel psychologically deeper.

The only odd thing was that I didn't find Will to be the main attraction or one that I thought would be the character of choice for a series.  He has lots of backstory to pull from, but I wouldn't have chosen him.  However, being off kilter with the characters kept the suspense up and me not wanting to put the audiobook down.  I found more chores to do in order to keep listening.  Not a bad thing at all!