Alright, so I‘m intrigued. Was not expecting to be. It‘s thundering out, just like how in this town it is always raining. Got a my cup of tea going strong. Glad Shea is telling it like she hears it here, being well versed in crime notes methodology. Although I‘m not sure how much I trust a self proclaimed blogger.
#ouabc

Impressed by the book. Nora is a busy woman, and we find out how complicated that actually is as we get to know her. I get the desire /need/ to fix everything, especially for her sister. Cue romance throwing off her checklist of life. I liked how there wasn‘t really any heavy drama, just adults being adults over a conflict. Nora, Libby and Charlie are all written so complicated; such different individuals. One steamy chapter led up to well.

“Yes, but for men,” I say, “theres no such thing as too tall.”
He holds my gaze far too seriously for this very unserious conversation. My skin buzzes, like my blood is made of iron fillings and his eyes are magnets sweeping over them.

“There isn‘t for women either. There‘s just tall women,” he says, “and the men too insecure to date them.”
—
Like how real their conversations have been. So true here

I don‘t really care for cold cases, so we‘ll see how this story goes. Although, I can see why other people are raving about it. People today seem obsessed with solving cold cases on their own.
A truer crime blogger gets more then expected when interviews someone acquired of two cold cases. As these women get closer, there‘s an eerie feeling about the mansion the acquitted lives. Is the allure of learning the truth too great to pass up?
#ouabc

I don‘t think I really got this book. Yeah, the halls were described as beautiful, I‘d love to visit. But it felt lol for me, only picking up in mystery of what the hall really is till halfway through. I felt lost. Feel like I missed the point of the book, being hidden in this hidden world. To many unstable unknowns for me too soon in the plot for me. Although, I always went back to reading it. Couldn‘t ”stop” all together

Very nice soft book. Probably wouldn‘t make sense if you hadn‘t already read The Little Prince. Only real hiccup is that it says the book is a guide to meditations and these small pages was all there is. They‘re nice and simple, work well with the short chapters, but I don‘t know how much I‘d call them meditations.

When someone tells you it‘s impossible, remember that they are talking about their limitations, not yours.
——————
Really liking the “and my little prince told me…” quotations. It‘s like we all have our own little prince inside us. Our own child still inside us all.

What a contradiction; Women are protected. Women are vessels. Women are safe. Women are for breeding… I found myself thinking back and forth from sounds alright to sounds restricting. Kinda see todays relevance; govt. controlling women‘s bodies. Even with the odd writing, it was near impossible to put down. Offred‘s story hurt most when she reminisced the before yet stayed the Handmaid. So indoctrinated herself. Incredible it was published 1985

Had to dig this book up because of where the US appears to be headed. It‘s startling to think this book was written on 1985 for a period in 2005. The book feels likes it‘s own contradiction; women are more protected, yet their only viable to the world as long as they can make babies. Still feeling it out, but very gripping either way

This was an amazingly intense book you don‘t want to put down. These two teens find themselves as their displaced island communities initiated gods. I like how they basically retaught their community about their lost history. Loved the connections between music and healing. And with creation and destruction. What you think doesn‘t connect does stronger than ever. Really enjoyed this story. Nice to read so much Spanish too.
#RiordanPresents

And we never had slavery, a point the elders will bring up again and again when arguing with other island folk. But really, the bar is so low; like, wow, none of our founders owned another human! Congrats! No one should get gold stars for the bare minimum, if you ask me.

Slow pacing. Easy tell where plot is going. Yet written so beautifully. This town was happy, once, before the library burned down. One act of bad caused the town to get worse md worse. But. One act of kindness fought to bring it all back. I really felt these orphans desire to do goo, to help their town. Same with the Orgress just wanting neighbors. She made me cry, near the end. The crows are funny addition, they‘re good showing changing thinking

No act of kindness goes unpunished.

Very informative book about some of Greeks well know women. Whom were either villianized or left with one trait. I liked how the stories had many iterations from history being posed with serious questions. As well as describing surviving art. Most ladies were seen only as a wife, all other traits striped away. What if their stories held more? What if there was more to tier side of the story?
Loved Medusa story; I‘m partial to her story

Very well written historic fiction about the Titanic and Chinese discrimination. You got so into the story, you could‘ve forgot it was the doomed Titanic. Really felt the down trodding feelings everyone gave them. Also felt the pull of growing up so close to a sibling, and as you age up you grow apart. Life happens.

This stuck with me most out of this entire book of short essays, poems and historical contexts. There‘s a lot to digest here. This is not an “alternative history”, but a history that‘s been buried so deep. Very eye-opening. Wide expanse of information through many well known themes (religion, democracy, etc.) that take you through 400s yr since slavery (actually) came to America. Through many varying views. Required college read
#1619GroupRead

This story is Loosely associated with Zoroastrian, Persian epic. I did enjoy the story, with all its deceptions. Better duology. Soraya could‘ve done more, I felt, if she had more time to grow. Her development didn‘t feel true to herself. I wanted more of her growing with her poison. I was stuck on the morally ambiguous questions; so many lies. Good story overall

This was the moment that had me hooked. Soraya cannot be touched, her skin is poison. She grew up being hidden away from the world, and here‘s this Div (demon) telling her the opposite.

While it didn‘t strike me as phenomenal, was a great slow mending feel book. Both Riley and Vaughn were hurt -badly- by their abusive families. This story follows how these dark souls were brought together. Did not like the romance, as I felt the magic in Riley‘s found family was stronger. This scene here left the biggest mark on me. How do you find real love when you‘re whole life when such love was never shown to you?
#ouabc Had great gifts

Absolutely gorgeous cover. Beautiful cover for a book about loss, and keeping heartbreaking secrets to oneself. Interesting plot, too. For the woman you put up walls as a child now feels confined by them as an adult. While I don‘t know the reasoning of loss behind it, I do feel the walls up there.
#ouabc

Beautiful ending to the Pandava sisters journey. Great character development brought to a head in this final book. Loved how you really got a sense of who they are at their core. What makes each girl themself at their lowest point. That‘s where you really learn. Glad Rudy was here more, he has really grown on me. Really going to miss the Potatoes.
#RiordanPresents

“How did you do that?” Asked […] “You‘re not — “
“I know,” said Brynne , cutting him off. “But I don‘t have to be stronger or bigger to beat you. I am so much more than the things I fight with.” #RiordanPrestents

Definitely wish I had when I went to college. Just like Georgia‘s first year at uni, we first heard of asexuality. The “nothing gender.” Both fought to understand this new term vs what we‘ve been brainwashed to think about relationships. Second half‘s full of drama; with her friend circle because of experimenting what feels right vs what feels wrong within relationships. It‘s up to you. Really liked the emphasis on platonic love
#asexuality #lgbtq

It only took 14 pages for me to feel seen. I already feel this is a book I needed when I was younger. Georgia is heading to Uni, so unsure of herself in real life romance. She likes the idea of romance, but the truth of it frightens her. I feel this so deep. I also enjoy reading romance in books, fanfics and movies. But real life? I don‘t get it. My first kiss wasn‘t till early 20‘s, and I felt so left behind. Just like Georgia.
#lgbtq #asexual

Great mystery all around the bush, but didn‘t leave me “wow!” This was an, oh so that‘s how it worked. Let alone I had trouble figuring the murderer because I didn‘t really believe any of them did it. It was so far open, all about truth you can verify. Which is why the closing left me confused. Yes, it makes sense when Poirot states it. The reason of murder is what got me most confused. The whole way of doing it was timed amazingly
#AgathaChristie

This second part was definitely harder to chew. More nudity, gore and stark then first half, which was barely an introduction. Here we have the fathers account of being in the camp. The scene about the showers is haunting. His true story reveals the holocaust‘s dark truth in a new form. I think people try to forget these horrors, no matter the “never forget”; need to remember it all now more then ever
Let history offend you, you won‘t repeat it

Did not know about this book till it was removed from TN school curriculum. Due to one scene of nudity and few swears. What‘s important about this book is that it offends you. That‘s not bad. It means you won‘t let it happen again. This is a difficult read, child interviewing father in surviving the Holocaust. You can feel the desperation, the horror of day to day, trying to survive. This first half sets up for Authswtiz. Aka hell on earth

Once a military family, always a military family. I know that very well. That‘s probably why I liked this book about family vs duty honor. Sebin wants glory, for his family. What he finds, though; is it worth it? I liked how this book was in Sebin‘s view, with Min there from the first book on the side. Gave a lot of insight to this honor inner fight. Short 250 pages went well
#RiordanPresenta

Not as wild as her previous works, calmer sense on unlocking yourself. From comparing your life to what “her books say.” Be kind to yourself, same as you know you are to your friends. I did enjoy the book, but it didn‘t leave me feeling any different by the end. Didn‘t get as much personal connection with this collection. Only really got opening poem about the girl told she‘s gifted and will change the world. Even if she doesn‘t want the pressure

Her books say

It would certainly be dull for you
To be the same person as every other person,
But
It would be absolutely tragic for you
to be anyone except yourself

no longer will i be the quiet girl who
softens her secretly-strong opinions
to avoid making people feel uneasy

Do like Riley and her desire to be included in her magic family of Gom witches, her having no magic. There was so much going on back and forth, mystery wise, that the book could‘ve used either less or be longer. I liked this passage, thou it felt out of place for Riley since she‘s not an angry person. She holds back all emotions. Wish it connected more, her wanting to get out there. End felt thrown in the air; where does it land?
#RiordanPresents

Every day the sun rises over a free Ukraine is a good day 🌻 🇺🇦
This is a good book take an inside look at the horrors of Soviet controlled Ukraine. Follows Luba and how the Soviet “Supreme Court” sentenced her and 58 college students to death for being a part of the resistance. The students will to live and free their country is so reminiscent of todays plight. So familiar to today. translated memoir; wording is quick memory
Glory to Ukraine!

Pahua pretends to be courageous. She pretends to be someone else. Because “she” can‘t do anything right. But that‘s exactly what makes her such a great hero. She has faults, and consequences, but she learns. She improves. Because she is herself and that is what makes the quest work. Being yourself is enough. Also both her companions are very complex - support and remind her to be better and her faults.
#RiordanPresents

Not gonna lie, I‘ve never heard of the Hmong people before. Had to do some research between reading this book. As I understand. They‘re a small group around and in south china borderlands. Their biggest culture point is how important family is. This is apparent I‘m everything Pahua does. Everything comes down to caring for her family.
#RiordanPresents

Not the best, not the worst. Did get the connection between the book they‘re contracted to write being literally their life. Did like how both characters described their past relationship, but did not see theirs together works. I don‘t have a lot to say, as it just felt like I was expected to know what was going on. I liked the characters better separate of each other. That they‘d be better letting the other go
#ouabc

I‘m not a fan of this type of humor. Yes, I did find some funny. Kookaburras are definitely a hoot. They all gave me a chuckle. My brother loves it - that‘s why he got the book. For the most part, factual information is in there. To me, this type of humor is too much. It takes away from the “field guide” piece, even though I know it‘s meant to be a funny book

There‘s a lot going on in the book, it seems. Two major authors worked together to write books. Something broke them apart, aggressively, and now they are being forced back together for one more contract book.
It sounds like a book on reflection and reconciliation. What I‘m not keen on is the notion of it being like a romcom story. I do hope it sticks to the getting over the past to be better more than romance. Hoping for bookish gifts
#ouabc

слава Україні — Glory to Ukraine
Even while they‘re being prosecuted in this mark up trial, they still find the will and way to celebrate the new year. The calm will of these young college students when faced with red faced angry soviets is incredible. But it goes to show how they are doing today. With another Soviet regime on the horizon. It hurts like hell that the world is watching. That WWIII is at our door.

What a book. Def agree with it feeling of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Amari only wants to find her missing brother. I really liked the trials the bureau puts the special agent trainees into. Amari was very creative. Also made a good point about where she came from. The final twists had me going. This was a hard book to put down at any point. It just kept going.

Short 125 pages just like this, it‘s a perfect meditation take a step back type of book. It reminds you of so many small things that most people tend to overlook. I love how Pooh went on his quest picking up one of his friends throughout the day. Especially with each staying in character. Tigger is still a favorite of mine; yes he‘s loud and has loads of energy, but he does everything with a big heart.

Wonderful short story here. I love anything Winnie the Pooh though. Love how it follows the story and gives a related reflection

This was a sweet book about sorrow vs hope. I really liked the story, though closure felt quick to me. About how love brings people back together, as love doesn‘t shrink but grow. About grief and the memories hidden to keep it at bay. As an emotional person, I really felt Xan specifically. With trying to hold back my emotions now over the motherland of my Вавса і Дідо being invaded. Yet, hope is more powerful.

I think this was a very well written book. It started with the history of race riots, building up what happened the years before Tulsa. Then moved on to the Tulsa Riot, as it was a quick night. Then closed with the aftermath, up to how we‘re remembering it today. There‘s a lot going on in this history.

I am beyond heartbroken and frightened for my family in Ukraine, for my church‘s families in Ukraine. This is the Nightmare we prayed would never come. I will never understand the Kremlins obsession with us. Apparently I met the author at my Ukrainian church.
Her memoir here depicts her plight from Ukraine when the Soviet Police arrested her and threw her into a prison camp. Here is her story of survival.

It was nice to see Paolo get along with more people. Interesting connection with her and the dreams she‘s having, if her father who disappeared. What was most confusing was trying to understand these new Void beings. The action goes so fast, took me a few tries to get them. Twist was unexpected, yet makes sense. Not much else to say without spoilers. Good read overall with the constant movement and revelations
#RiordanPresents

For the most part I did enjoy the story. It was the dividing between three people who threw me. It is Nells story,from her perspective as well as the circus owner who bought her and his brother. Each trying to make their mark on the world. Drastically different ways. I wanted more of Nell. Otherwise while fun, it lacked luster for me; never was a circus fan, never understood it. This really showed the back drama. Well shown men war ptsd
#ouabc

Very well way to describe Poirot to those who do not know how he works. This was apparently Agatha‘s first mystery novel, which introduced Poirot. Haven read other books of Hers, this was quite tame. Though it was no less conniving. A family murder mystery, questions between both dies of this half family. Which made it little difficult to know who was on which side. Still a good read to get the worrying at that period.
#AgathaChristie

I am not a circus fan. I‘ve never understood the show offs and fame obsession. This story sounds fascinating to me though. Nell was born with birthmarks all across her body, causing her to be ostracized. Her father sells her to a circus as a Wonder of the Human World. Here she grows up, in a sort of enslaved freedom.
#Ouabc

The was amusing to come across. If not just People must really believe that. Both that they‘d be able to just know who the culprit was, but that family would know. That final chapter piece is exactly what Poirot does every mystery! Especially funny knowing this was Agatha‘s first mystery novel with him.
#AgathaChristie