A book to relate to! I love when this happens. The same era (give or take) rushing off to mother’s group once a week, seeing some of the mum’s have itA book to relate to! I love when this happens. The same era (give or take) rushing off to mother’s group once a week, seeing some of the mum’s have it all together (pretending?), the tired ones, the scattered ones (me). Meeting once a week, taking turns to host. My nurse was brilliant, I do remember that.
This is a twisty, bumpy and bitey road. Privilege, loyalty, misplaced trust and the need to push on with tradition sees a group of new mum’s tread the oft walked path of continuing friendship past the allotted community group setting (I can’t remember how long the program went for).
I had a rich mum who used to throw the biggest parties, they didn’t stay married long. I had the quiet one, the new to Australia one, the working one and the stay at home one. And.. the one with the useless husband. This may be a digression, but it makes for such good reading when you know what it’s like for real. We also went away when disaster struck, the result of this best left unsaid.
The women all love each other, they see the differences and mostly accept them. They’re all messy and complicated which turns into turning a blind eye, blurring boundaries and at times misplaced loyalties. Complicitous when it comes to inappropriate men drew my ire, keeping an eye on the arrogant, entitled and Andrew Tate-esque dude made for an excellent and tense rhythm. Holly’s inclusion of a character and her alcohol use was spot on, too. This often isn’t done well at all in fiction.
Added to this lively bunch of families and the dynamics between them all was the local setting. This is a great book, Holly’s voice radiated, and what a lovely voice it is.
I listened to this via the Libby platform and my public library. ...more
Very different to Lee Childs usual short stories. Clever and concise. I enjoyed his prologue covering his early career, teaching himself to read, the Very different to Lee Childs usual short stories. Clever and concise. I enjoyed his prologue covering his early career, teaching himself to read, the short story form, and his experience in the film industry. A very dedicated man. ...more
This was a beautiful story, a novella, which is fictional account and very close to what the author has mirrored to her own life experience.
Having reThis was a beautiful story, a novella, which is fictional account and very close to what the author has mirrored to her own life experience.
Having read of her tragic diagnosis of a brain tumour a few years back, I didn’t expect to read a beautifully written account of a funny, vivacious and talented writer whose luck literally had run out in such a warm and witty way. No depressive undertones given the brevity of the situation, it was a lovely read.
Reflecting upon not being able to know the ending was startling one for a healthy mother of five as she always had creative control, at the point in time when her latest book being adapted.
The author is a private person, but expresses herself most through writing, and that’s what’s she’s done here. A cathartic story, a beautiful and loving husband, and five gorgeous kids hoping the best for their mum. Highly recommended.
So nice to hear the author’s voice at the end, for the afterward ✨✨
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library....more
I love books like these. Safe, gentle, true to life, a little melancholy and whimsical. Anne Tyler writes with grace and style, her work to me is remiI love books like these. Safe, gentle, true to life, a little melancholy and whimsical. Anne Tyler writes with grace and style, her work to me is reminiscent of Elizabeth Strout. I am safe in the knowledge the read will be a rewarding and satisfying one. Flawed characters, just as we humans are all flawed. This novel shows a deeply sensitive glimpse into relationships and marriage, our fidelity and commitment and the desire to support our family; what we do to keep the peace and to hold the ones we love close.
A wedding is upcoming, it is small, without fanfare and it’s told in this manner as well. The bride’s parents are divorced, the bride’s mother capable and unflappable, quite stoic and undemonstrative. She is an observer, the day spa outing arranged by the groom’s mother without an invite, nor were they able to contribute to the cost of the reception.
Existing alongside a feeling of otherness, shown very effectively through nuance, and the fact that Gail couldn’t care less about this is part of what I loved about her.
What she does care about is the day before this wedding is the fact her dismal boss has passed her over for an assumed promotion, bringing in an unnecessary replacement for a job for which she’d be perfect. Walking out and going home, her ex-husband lands at her front door, staying unexpectedly for the festivity duration.
Witnessing their interaction and discussion surrounding their daughter’s troubling news of her groom was like being privy to marriage itself. The dialogue real and effective. A beautiful short book, sparse on fanciness but full of wonderful realness. As I composed this review, I upped my rating from 4 to 5â�...more
This one was an excellent look into the grey areas of right and wrong. The latest case for The Nowhere Man involved a dangerous search for a missing yThis one was an excellent look into the grey areas of right and wrong. The latest case for The Nowhere Man involved a dangerous search for a missing young woman who happened to be the daughter of a complex and morally fraught man. It is so very grey. He's essentially good, but clearly doing a lot of wrong. Evan will help him, but he also lays down what needs to be done in return. He will now allow the greed and the drugs continue. The love this man has for his daughter knows no bounds, it's almost obsessive; angel like. He doesn't have a good relationship with his wife, and the monarchy/mansion like set up is fraught with thuggery and violence. Yet, he still fights for the downtrodden.
Evan's ingenious undercover work into the rival gang is thrilling and clever, aided by Joey. Joey has so much to teach Evan, it is here we see Evan's many flaws. I always adore the love between these two, even if unseen or unsaid.
Further to this excellent fleshing out of Joey and Evan is the beautiful Mia, the single prosecutor mother who has a fair idea about the grey that is Evan. This story gives much air time to this complicated yet desired relationship between these two, and Mia's son Peter, who Evan clearly loves being around. A situation arises which pushes Evan to the limit, again, reaching levels of discomfort which he must face.
I love this well written and easy to read series, which doesn't mean it contains any easy to read topics. It is fast paced and always moving. Highly recommended....more
An absolute feel good of a read shining all that is good in small community and friends, and friends who feel like family. The author always describesAn absolute feel good of a read shining all that is good in small community and friends, and friends who feel like family. The author always describes location beautifully, the areas similar to those in New South Wales where she once lived herself.
Kate is a troubled young woman living separately but under the same roof as her baby's father, who suddenly disappears abandoning their baby to to live on her own in a shack in a boat only accessible community. She's lucky to have a completely understanding and hard working ex partner (this was a little elaborate), and an understanding group of retirees to help her along the troubled waters she finds herself in.
With charm and good nature woven throughout, fans of this author will embrace it for the happy and good nature it was written for. The food aspect was lovely, I could see the author’s cooking abilities shine through. Sadly the author recently passed away, it seems only yesterday I met her at an event for her previous book.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. Unfortunately I never enjoy the narrator, Caroline Lee. Quite awful....more
This was a random choice, an eerie kind of mystery in which I went in blind. A random mix of troubled writers attending a writers retreat, which was tThis was a random choice, an eerie kind of mystery in which I went in blind. A random mix of troubled writers attending a writers retreat, which was to assist in the attendees push through the problems they are all facing in their writing work.
The location wild and remote, the strategies and program they are all following is intense and unconventional which suits the mystical feel of the place.
Kate is on the run from a terrible past and her disturbing flashbacks are building up almost driving her insane. Each member of the group have secrets and obvious problems, so the weird activities end up unsettling the atmosphere at a rapid pace.
A well written and clever book that I didn't seem to cling to, while all the poor attendees were clinging to their lives and sanity.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. ...more
To have started a memoir of a most tumultuous life weaved together with oral snippets, to have her daughter complete the work. It felt like a beautifuTo have started a memoir of a most tumultuous life weaved together with oral snippets, to have her daughter complete the work. It felt like a beautiful gathering of family. Heartbreaking and heartwarming to listen to. I loved Lisa Marie asked her daughter to help write the story of her life.
To me Riley felt calm, as opposed to her mum’s storm. The insights into her mothers life are extraordinary! I was interested in Lisa Marie’s reflection of her inability to do the mundane. Go to work, come home, sleep, repeat. This would never be her path.
How could she after her chaotic childhood where there was so much good, and conversely many challenging things that a child should never have to deal with.
Riley saw her mum embrace with love a known fan at an Elvis anniversary. Lisa Marie needed love. So sad Priscilla lacked what was needed.
Riley could see her mum’s lack of self worth, the immense love for her and her siblings. Riley was the perfect conduit to tell the story.
Beautifully read by Riley Keough and Julia Roberts. Highly recommended to readers who don’t often read nonfiction, this was a moving, tragic and contemplative memoir. Bolstered by the use of the recordings of Lisa Marie’s direct voice. Looking at photos of Lisa Marie online, so striking. So much to offer, unseen by herself.
I listened to this via the BorowBox platform and my public library....more
Debbie Macomber writes stories from the heart, with the wholesome mixed with decent moral dilemmas, which do not require a whole lot of investment.
I Debbie Macomber writes stories from the heart, with the wholesome mixed with decent moral dilemmas, which do not require a whole lot of investment.
I can’t recall a time period we have covered here, the 1950’s leading into the decades after. Three women enter a convent for various reasons, rightly or wrongly, where we learn about the factors leading to this major life decision. Relationships, usually broken, and the heartbreak surrounding this, the author is well versed at showing the reader every day characters moving on with life’s challenges with compassion and sincerity.
As always the endings are quite neat, but I will always be assured Debbie Macomber’s stories leave me with a sense of lighthearted fulfilment. I don’t seem to be able to recapture the same feelings I had with Cedar Cove. Perhaps I’m searching for a similar feel good? Possibly a time revisit that part of the world based on the author’s home town.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library. ...more
A quick little taster, very easy to listen to though it was narrated by the Orphan X narrator, so I had to work hard not to have Evan Smoak in my headA quick little taster, very easy to listen to though it was narrated by the Orphan X narrator, so I had to work hard not to have Evan Smoak in my head. But they are both hot capable guys, right?!
This was very quick, he jumped in a car for a hitch, got involved in a man's pickle and helped out swiftly. This is my first by Andrew Child and I found it easy to slot in. I love these little stories, and Jack Reacher never fails to impress.
I never have a problem with these, some reviewers say it's too short, no character development etc.. but that is not what we are here for. All good in the hood. I always love him. ...more
This was a sincere and reflective book with light Christmas themes, where all characters tell a shirt story of love, or loss, or acceptance. My favourThis was a sincere and reflective book with light Christmas themes, where all characters tell a shirt story of love, or loss, or acceptance. My favourite was a depressed man looking forward to a promotion, who makes a rash decision, to eventually change this, learning something life changing and important along the way. The finale showed the other side of the toxic seeking of happiness. We don’t always need to be making new memories, sometimes it’s simply ok to remember. I listened to this on a rainy summer day. The perfect ambiance.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. Recommended. ...more
This was a solid four star read. Listed as short stories, I didn't agree, it read as a smaller novel. Therapist Gwen is an amazing listener, her practThis was a solid four star read. Listed as short stories, I didn't agree, it read as a smaller novel. Therapist Gwen is an amazing listener, her practice includes this word in its name. She could earn more money in Government rebates if she registered as a standard psychologist, but she doesn't want to go this way. She is a listener and wants to help people. This book looks into what it means to be human.
Each client presents a problem, and she helps in turn in very obvious ways where the clients seem to take on board the advice, and all is well. It's quite 'neat' but this is ok, it's a feel good.
A doormat to her own siblings, who are portrayed as evil and insipid characters who treat her appallingly. Her constant negative interactions grate with her, and the reader. Watching them change over the course of the book is another example of the neatness which suits the general tone of the story.
A cute unexpected offering, I have never heard of this Australian author before.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my public library....more
Loading...
