Book Review - Happy-Go-Lucky; David Sedaris

 

Happy-Go-Lucky; David Sedaris

Little Brown - 2022

(audio read by author - 7 hours 20 min.)

Library loan

David Sedaris has always been my go-to source of entertainment when I need a good laugh. I love his sardonic wit and how open and honest he seems when he speaks about his life and family. In his latest collection he writes of pandemic madness, hurricanes, family, relationships, bad teeth, illness, aging and even death. His father, Lou, who he had a strained relationship with passed away during the pandemic at the age of 98 after a prolonged period in which his health deteriorated. 

The author always seems to strike a good balance between dry humor, absurdity and even warmth at times although the warmth seems brief and somewhat detached. Familial relationships are always a large part of what Sedaris writes about but, his stories about his five siblings never feel repetitive or boring. His observations about daily life and interactions with others while sometimes a tad absurd make for some splendid entertainment. and, this collection had me chuckling so often that I listened to some of the essays several times.  

If I had one minor complaint about Sedaris is that he seems to flaunt his wealth a bit too much at times.  Just in this collection the reader will learn that he owns more than (6) homes in the US and internationally - including (2) side by side NC beach front houses on Emerald Isle.   Back in NYC He bought the unit above his place on the upper East side in NYC so that he could go upstairs when his husband Hugh played the piano. He also tells of how much he missed shopping during the pandemic, where he shops and how much some of his clothes cost. Despite this minor complaint, I remain a devout Sedaris fan having read most everything he has written. 

At 65 Sedaris has written some (18) books, which have been translated into 25 languages.  He routinely travels far and wide in the US and internationally for live performances.

Readers who need a bit of humor in their lives should give an audiobook, always read by the author, a try.  This collection as well as Calypso are (2) favorites of mine.

RATING - 5/5 stars

Book Review - The Hotel Nantucket; Elin Hilderbrand

 

The Hotel Nantucket; Elin Hilderbrand

Little Brown & Company - 2022

(library audio download - 12 hours 27 min.) 

 ( Erin Bennett narrator- very good)

It wouldn't be summer without an Elin Hilderbrand book set on Nantucket island.  

The Hotel Nantucket, once a top hotel of the Gilded Age has long fallen into a state of disrepair.  Recently purchased by London billionaire Xavier Darling, a man who knows what he wants and this includes a total facelift and a hotel that has all the bells and whistles.  His goal is to get a rare "5 Keys" rating from Shirley Carpenter, a hotel blogger who discreetly visits and reviews various hotels. Lisbeth Keaton is hired as the new general manager and, she has a backstory she is trying to forget. The hotel will also have a handsome celebrity chef and free mini bar to name just a few of the its perks.  Oh, and let us not forget the ghost of Grade Hadley, the young maid, who died tragically in a fire there in 1922; she still haunts the fourth floor.

This novel has some great characters with interesting back stories. There is even an eight year old guest named Wanda Marsh, a young girl obsessed with mysteries and Nancy Drew books.  She cause a bit of havoc while doing some sleuthing there.  The author also include references to old songs and a "must do list" for visitors vacationing on the island.  A worthy summer read but, my favorite is still 28 Summers!

Rating - 4/5 stars (library audio download)

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - The Hotel Nantucket; Elin Hilderbrand

                                                     

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon.  This one comes from my (20) Books of Summer list.

The Hotel Nantucket; Elin Hilderbrand

Little Brown and Company - 2022

1.

The Cobblestone Telegraph

Nantucket Island is known for its cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks, cedar-shingled cottages and rose-colored arches, long stretches of golden beach and refreshing Atlantic breezes--and it's also known for residents who adore a juicy piece of gossip (which hot landscaper has been romancing which local real estate mogul's wife--that kind of thing!)  However, none of us are quite prepared for the tornado of rumors that rolls up Main Street, along Orange Street, and around the rotary out to Sconset when we learn that London-based billionaire. Zavier Darling is investing thirty million dollars in the crumbling eyesore that is the Hotel Nantucket.

Half of us are intrigued. (We have long wondered if someone would try to fix it up.)

The other half are skeptical.  (The place, quite frankly, seems beyond saving.)

For me, it's not summer without an Elin Hilderband and Nancy Thayer book on my list - my love of Nantucket Island is always satisfied.

What do you think, read more or pass?

Book Review - Talking to the Dead; Helen Dunmore

 

Talking to the Dead; Helen Dunmore

Little Brown & Company - 1997

 Nina and Isabel (Izzy) are sisters; Nina is a freelance photographer who lives in London and Isabel and her husband Richard live in the country.   As the story begins Isabel has just given birth to a son Antony and, after a difficult birth Nina is on her way to spend some time with Izzy and help her out.  Isabel's current state of mind is fragile and, she seems uninterested in bonding with her baby.  She has also asked her husband to sleep downstairs.  Except for visits from her gay friend Edward whom Isabel feels comfortable confiding in, she prefers to spend most of her time alone. She smokes but she rarely eats and motherhood seems to have her focused on an event from the past.

When Nina sees her newborn nephew she can't believe how much he resembles how she remembers baby Colin, the brother who died when she was just 4 and Isabel was 7.  The sisters talk about the death of Colin and the reader is made to wonder if his death was cot (crib) death or something much darker that occurred.

Talking to the Dead is a most unusual and mysterious sort of story.  Isabel seems physically and mentally ill and, she has lost interest in her husband as well.  There is an uncomfortable feel to the story, it is full of tension and raw emotion.  The reader can't help but wonder whether something tragic is about to happen. In contrast to the darker mood there was the beautiful setting: the sea, flower gardens and fruit trees and good food to be enjoyed. At times the story is quite sensual.  I loved the writing style and now and then I found this book very difficult to put down.  I was satisfied with the ending but, some readers might not feel the same way.  

This book has sat on my book shelves far too long. I'm so happy that I finally decided to read it.

Rating - 4/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Talking to the Dead; Helen Dunmore

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon. This one has been sitting on my shelves for over 15 years and, it has the loveliest jacket and the book itself is petite in size.

Talking to the Dead; Helen Dunmore

Little Brown & Company - 1996

Prologue

"THE NEWER GRAVES lie full in the sun, beyond the shadow of the church and yew tree. Two of them are covered in plastic-wrapped flowers and raw earth; these graves won't have stones for a while yet, because they must wait for the earth to settle.

There are a lot of things you need to learn when someone dies, and you have to learn fast, from people who are paid to teach you.  They come up with hushed, serious faces and ask questions.  If you don't say anything right away, they just wait.  It's their job.  There were two of them standing there, noting down the requirements.  One glanced at the other, and they gleamed with satisfaction at phrasing it all so well.  But they were much too professional to smile."

What do you think - read more or pass?

Week in Review - Book Reviews: No One Goes Alone; Erik Larson - A Calling for Charlie Barnes; Joshua Ferris and Five Tuesdays in Winter: Stories; Lily King

 

Hello readers, did you have a good week? How is it that Christmas is next weekend?  We have been having extremely mild New England weather, which frightens me a bit after what the poor people of Kentucky in dealing with...such devastation.  We were supposed to have some snow but so far just rain.

This birthday week included a mini getaway. My husband has been wanting to visit the new Encore-Boston Harbor resort casino that opened just before COVID closed things down for a while.  Well, yes, it was my birthday but, I was happy to do something we would both enjoy.   We had a great time even though our wallets are slightly lighter, it was so much fun.  Here are a few pictures:

                     indoor ferris wheel

Books Listened to:

Rating 3.5/5 stars

(free Penguin Random House original audio download)

(7 hours and 35 min)

Erik Larson, the author of so many wonderful non fiction books has published his first work of fiction - a ghost story.

Set in 1905, a group of researchers led by William James, a brilliant psychologist, philosopher and prominent member of the Society of Psychical Research head to the remote Isle of Dorn to investigate some mysterious disappearances. One entire family of (4) disappeared while on holiday.

The audiobook read by Julian Rhind-Tutt was well done. It was very atmospheric and almost chilling at times, making it easy to envision the ghostly happenings the characters had encountered.  The characters, a mix of real life and author imagined ones were unique and easy to keep track of on audio. The setting and a dangerous, raging storm, the ship gone and the researchers stranded made for a chilling tale.  I liked that the characters were not sure who they could trust as well.  The story started out rather slow so it took a while for me to feel invested but, I was happy I listened to it.  I also liked that the epilogue gave some insight into the characters.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

(free library audio download) - Little Brown & Co.

(11 hours 30 min)

Charlie Barnes, nicknamed "steady boy" is a character not easily forgotten. Married (5) times of which (4) ended badly and, he is not on the best of terms with his (2) oldest offspring. The final blow comes when Charlie at 68 years old gets a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and, he is forced to reexamine his life.

Charlie was a character to love when he is hurting despite the fact that many who knew him disliked him for the things he did along the way.  It is Charlie's son Jake whose voice gives the reader insight to the life of Charlie Barnes.  At times I wonder whether Jake was a reliable narrator or an adult man-child comforting a broken heart. 

Despite the subject matter this is a story that made me smile, laugh and think. The writing is observant, funny, wise, sharp and even endearing at times, it's a story that makes you think. When death comes for us what will those we leave behind have to say about us and how we lived our lives?

The story was inspired bu the death of the author's own father in 2014.  Worth reading!  

The audio book was read by Nick Offerman who did a great job.

Rating - 4/5 stars

(free audible plus download)

(6 hours and 10 min)

For years I was never a fan of short stories but, I have a new appreciation for them. It's nice to sit for a brief period and feel a sense of accomplishment in just a short period of time.  In this collected of (10) stories The author touches on subjects that will resonate with most readers.  From coming of age stories, stories about the importance of friendship or, a story about selfish parents, another about a stern grandfather longing to reach his comatose granddaughter through his voice or, any one of the remaining stories most left an impression.  Each story made me think about just how very different people and families can be in different situations. Some stories made me smile, others made me mad or sad.  Well done.

Current Reads:

Not sure if I will get to finish my current reads as I will also be busy baking and preparing for a Christmas gathering here. Even the little ones are fully vaccinated now and all adults in the family boosted. Yoga is done until the new year (scary our instructor got COVID.)

                                                        Our 2022 Book Group Reading List 

                                         Have you read any of these and if so what were your thoughts?

1. January - In Five Years; Rebecca Serle  (2021)
2. February - Authenticity Project; Clare Pooley (2022)
3. March - Invisible Life of Addie LaRue; Victoria Schwab (2020)
4. April - Anxious People; Fredrick Backman (2020)  - already read & enjoyed
5. May - Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo; Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017)
6. June - The Lost Apothecary; Sarah Penner (2021)
7. July - A Long Petal of the Sea; Isabel Allende (2020)
8. August - The Only Woman in the Room; Marie Benedict (2019)
9. September - The Midnight Library; Matthew Haig (2020) - already read - okay read
10. October - Dark Matter; Blake Crouch (2016)

(November & December no meet but holiday luncheon)

Book Reviews - Who is Maud Dixon? Alexandra Andrews - These Precious Days: Essays; Ann Patchett and Trust; Domenico Starnone

 

Join Deb and others @ Read Buzz

Well we made it through a wonderful Thanksgiving gathering with family and everyone was healthy (we hope).  A few COVID scares in the granddaughter's classrooms but, they have each received their first booster and remain healthy - thank goodness.  For those of you who were able to be with family and friends - wasn't it special? It felt so good to be together, even the turkey seemed like one of my best (LOL).  We celebrated my son's birthday which always falls around Thanksgiving.

This weeks - Reading

I finished (3) books over the past week - all worth reading IMO.

Who is Maud Dixon?; Alexandra Andrews

Little Brown & Co - 2021

(library download - 9 hours 11 min)

Maud Dixon is a pen name for an author whose first book was a success but, just who is this very private author? 

Florence Darrow wants to be a novelist but, that dream seems unlikely especially after being let go from her job at a New York publishing house.  Suddenly, Florence seems to get the opportunity of a lifetime. She is hired as a writing assistant to "the Maud Dixon"...A.K.A.  Helen Wilcox.  Florence sees this as a chance to learn from real talent and Maud/Helen is only a few years older than Florence as well.

When Florence learns that the two of them will be traveling to Morocco she goes along with the idea, after all she is single and this seems like a dream opportunity.  From this point on the story that started out slow picks up speed and takes on a darker and sometimes even a comical turn. This was a wild read, both women were unlikeable characters but, I liked the unexpected twists and enjoyed the ride, even if I had to suspend belief from time to time. The audio read by Therese Plummer was excellent.

Rating - 4/5 stars

These Precious Days; Ann Patchett

Harper and Harper Audio - 11/2021

Ann Patchett is an author I automatically read. This recent release is a series of personal essays made me feel like the author was a close friend by the time I fished the final offering. 

My favorite essays in the collection were: Three Fathers: this was a touching story ~ her father who wanted her to be a dental hygienist and a step father who supported her writing aspirations.  I also enjoyed: How Knitting Saved My Life, Twice - A story about how this knitting helped her to kick a smoking habit as it's pretty hard to knit and smoke at the same time. (Knitting - was also key to my own daughter quitting smoking about 10 years ago). My Year of No Shopping was another essay that resonated with me because I tried this and failed miserably after a month. Don't we all have much too much stuff and don't we buy things that we already know we have but sometimes can't find? There is also an essay about moving from Montana to MA for a writing fellowship at Ratcliffe.  In There Are No Children Here - we learn about her decision to remain childless.  For me the most powerful essay is the title essay: These Precious Days. In this story she and her husband Karl invite Tom Hank's publicist, Sooki, into their home just pre-COVID as she was undergoing pancreatic cancer treatments in TN.  This story tells so much about the type of person the author is.

I really enjoyed this collection.  One or two of the essays felt slightly familiar to me like I may have read them before - perhaps in magazine. The author comes across as a caring partner and friend, the kind of individual that finds the good in all people and, don't we all know we need more people like this around? The take away for me after finishing this collection was: make sure you make good use of the time we have left as we never know what time we have left.

I had both the audio and eGalley. The audio is read by the author and although it was fine, I switched to the eGalley which, for me, was preferable.  

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

The eGalley was provided to me free of charge by Harper Publishing and Edelweiss and the audio was downloaded from by public library system.

Trust; Domenico Starnone

Europa Editions - 3.5/5

I enjoyed (2) previous books by this author: Ties (2017) and Trick (2018) so I was so looking forward to the latest release.  Pietro Vella and Teresa Quadraro are a couple who met when he was a teacher and she a former student.  They were in one of those love/hate relationships; one day they are hot for one another, then they fight, they break up and they get together again.  One day to help solidify their commitment to one another they agree to share a deep, dark secret about themselves that neither has shared with anyone else.  This turns out to be a huge mistake since as soon as they do this they break up for a final time.  

Each moves on in life - Pietro marries Nadia and fathers a daughter, Emma. He feels dissatisfied in his marriage and in his career as a literature teacher while Teresa becomes a success as a scientist and professor at prestigious MIT.  Despite the time that has passed Pietro remains haunted by the secret he confessed years earlier but, is it really the secret that leaves him distressed?  Surprisingly, Teresa holds a kind of power over Pietro despite the fact that their paths have only crossed a few times in decades.

The story is divided into three parts - Pietro's story is the most telling, we also hear from his adult daughter Emma and finally Teresa's voice.  The story was expertly translated from Italian by Jhumpa Lahiri and although I enjoyed this one, I was left wanting just a bit more.

The eGalley was provided to me by Edelweiss and Europa Books at no cost in exchange for my unbiased review.

Rating - 3.5/5 stars

Book Review - The Best of Me; David Sedaris - (My Last Book of 2020)

 

                                                 The Best of Me: Essays; David Sedaris

                                                       Little Brown & Company - 2020

David Sedaris has been entertaining readers for some 25 years. His stories, sometimes unbelievable stories, are of the bizarre things and encounters of everyday lives.  It is impossible to listen to one of his audio books without bursting out laughing. I figured what better way to ring out 2020 but with some humor.

I think I've read most of his (14) books over the years. In this collection of essays, many were from previous books yet, they still seemed fresh and new to me as I read most of his books years earlier.  His writing is very snarky and not for everyone but, I enjoy his writing as well as his on stage performances.  This collection features the following essays (you can see from some of the titles, they are sure to be funny):

• Card Wired
• The Ship Shape
• Six to Eight Black Men
• The Under Study
• The Motherless Bear
• Loggerheads
• A Guy Walks into a Bar Car
• Now We are Five
• Leviathan
• The Spirit World

If you haven't tried David Sedaris previously, he reads all of his own material (thank goodness). My absolute favorite book is Calypso, a memoir, which was a series of NF essays about his life and family. I thought it was just fantastic and funny as well.

RATING - 4/5 stars

Thanksgiving COVID edition and 2 Disappointing new releases

 

I'm trying to stay positive this Thanksgiving, it's always been my favorite holiday. I love that it's all about being with loved ones and not about gifts. I am thinking about all the things and people I am grateful to have in my life.  I've hosted Thanksgiving almost every year since my first marriage back in 1972.  There were a few years when the kids were young (the years right after my parents died) that they spent the holiday with their dad and their step-mother but, for the most part I've always cooked and enjoyed doing so. This year it will just be the 2 of us, and I'm okay with that. What I'm honestly going to miss the most is celebrating my son's birthday with the family (#43) as we've done every year. He was born on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so his day has always been close enough to be cause to celebrate at Thanksgiving.  I'm still cooking a traditional turkey with all the sides but, this year just (2) purchased desserts instead of homemade.  On a positive note, I can relax more, stress less and just have it all ready when I'm ready and not at a particular time coordinated by what works for everyone.  I don't mind the cooking or the clean up and we love having the leftovers.  I look forward to a 2021 family celebration when it is safer for everyone to gather.

What does your day look like for Thanksgiving?  Will it be different?

RECENT READS  - I read (2) recent releases that I was very disappointed in (1) fiction and (1) NF/Memoir - Have you read these?

Troubles in Paradise; Elin Hilderbrand

Little Brown - 2020

This was book, #3, the conclusion of the Winter in Paradise series was quite disappointing. It begins with an overview of the highlights of the earlier 2 installments which I really enjoyed. 

Irene Steele's husband Russell had been living a double life in St. Johns in the Virgin Island.  While Iowa City Irene thought he was traveling for business he was living a separate life in a 15 million dollar villa along with his mistress Rosie and their daughter.  It is only when Russell, Rosie and the helicopter pilot are killed in a crash that the years of deceit are revealed.  Irene and the couple's grown sons head to St. John to deal with the aftermath.

In this final installment, it seems Russell may have also been involved in some illegal activity and perhaps his death wasn't an accident at all. The FBI arrive to seize the villa and all property while more details are obtained and everything is sorted out.  Meanwhile, hurricane Irma  prepares to wreck havoc with the island.

I thought this final installment lacked substance and was nothing more than fillers, it's not a short novel either and felt rushed. There are a lot of characters in this novel, many of which I wasn't interested in. Irene is also involved with a man named Huck, who was married to Rosie, the woman killed along with Russell.  Many of the minor characters, Irenes sons and a few others, are shallow or immature and unmemorable as well.  Had this been book #1 of the series, I would have never continued. I admit to flipping pages after the first half to see how the story played out.

Rating - 2/5 stars

                                               Greenlights: a memoir; Matthew McConaughey

Random House Audio - 2020

I was so looking forward to this memoir, I think McConaughey is a great actor, with over 30 movies in just over 20 years.  Married with 3 children, he only married his Brazilian American wife after she became pregnant with their third child.  McConaughey grew up in a dysfunctional family, the youngest of 3 sons.  His parents married each other 3x and divorced twice.  There were often vicious battles between the couple yet McConaughey seemed to love both parents and, he seemed to seek his father's approval - at least it was evident when he told him he wanted to give up law school for film school. 

McConaughey kept journals from an early age, his memoir is reflective of some of those events.  The flow of this memoir was off-putting for me, it was read by McConaughey and honestly, it felt more like an acting gig.  He uses lots of vulgarities and his thoughts seem to ramble at times.  I also found it hard to believe some of the escapes he writes about. His Foundation: "Just Keep Livin" benefits at risk high school students.  

Rating - 2/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Troubles in Paradise; Elin Hilderbrand

 

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, now hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book they are reading or that they plan to read soon. 

Troubles in Paradise; Elin Hilderbrand

Little Brown - 2020

(Book #3/3 in the Paradise series)

ST. JOHN

"The gossip recently has been as juicy as a papaya, one that gives slightly under our fingertips and is as fragrant on the inhale, the inside brilliant coral color, bursting with seeds like so many ebony beads.  If you don't fancy papaya, think of a mango as we crosshatch the ripe flesh of the cheeks with a sharp knife or a freshly picked pineapple from the fertile fields of ST. Croix, deep gold, its chucks sweeter than candy. Like these island fruits, the talk around here is irresistible."

I enjoyed this series, a very good escape read so I was looking forward to the finale. I must say I wasn't expecting so much "fruit" for the intro...LOL

Would you read more or pass?

Book Review - Summer Longing; Jamie Brenner

                                                           Summer Longing; Jamie Brenner

 Little Brown & Co. - 2020

Summer Longing was a great escape read. It takes place in Provincetown, on the tip of Cape Cod, a place I've often visited.

Fifty-something Ruth Cooperman is easing into retirement. She's divorced and has an adult daughter Olivia who she has a strained relationship with. She has rented a magnificent beachfront home for the summer while she takes her time deciding on a property to hopefully purchase there. Provincetown is a place with good memories for her, she can't wait for it's quiet and all that this quirky, walkable town offers.  What she doesn't expect is to find a baby girl on her porch and, she isn't prepared for all the drama that follows.

This book offers a little bit of everything: a story about motherhood and its challenges, female friendships and relationships, interesting characters and even a few surprises along the way. I loved the charming town with the tea shop and bakery, the close-knit community, the friendships and even a bit of mystery and a bit of romance.  Need a feel good read with a wonderful setting? Be sure to try this one.

Rating - 4.5/5 (library book)

                           I've included some of my favorite Provincetown photos from travels there.

                                                                  (inside their public library)

Book Review - 28 Summers; Elin Hilderbrand

28 Summer; Elin Hilderbrand

Hachette Audio & Little Brown - 2020

(combo read - print/audio)

Loosely based on the movie "Same Time Next Year",  28 Summers begins when Mallory Blessing is dying. Mallory asks her son to call a number on a piece of paper in her desk, the number belongs to Jake McCloud whose wife is running for President.  What's the connection?

Flash back to early 1990s, Mallory's brother Cooper was best friends and fraternity brothers with Jake McCloud. Mallory has just inherited a Nantucket cottage from her late aunt and, after one passionate weekend interlude with Jake while visiting for Cooper's bachelor party, Mallory and Jake feel that once in a lifetime connection.  The two agree to meet the following Labor Day weekend, a connection which lasts for nearly three decades.  Of course, making that meeting happen becomes more and more complicated as the years pass especially, when the individuals lead separate lives the rest of the year.

I  really loved this story. All of the characters are flawed and love triangles are always complicated. For some readers, the entire plot line, much of which is built on lies and deceit might be a turnoff but, for me the story worked.  I kept wondering how much longer can this intense affair continue without their secret being uncovered.

Each chapter is devoted to a particular year where the intro offers a bit of nostalgia about pop culture and what was happening in that particular year; I loved that.  I also loved how Jake and Mallory exchanged books they had read over the year with special notes and highlights for the other to enjoy.  There are some politics (liberal slant) infused into this story that might turn off some readers as Jake's wife is a presidential candidate toward the end of the story. This is the type of story that would make for a good discussion: politics, family, secrets, scandals, joy and sadness. The Nantucket setting, once again, added to my enjoyment of this one. Almost perfect; loved it. 

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - What Happens in Paradise; Elin Hilderbrand

Each Tuesday, Vicki, from I’d Rather Be At The Beach hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros where readers post the opening paragraph(s) of a book that they are reading or plan to read. 

What Happens in Paradise; Elin Hilderbrand

Little Brown & Company - 2019

Part One

A Rooster and Two Hens

Irene

She wakes up facedown on a beach. Someone is calling her name.

Irene!

She lifts her head and feels her cheek and lips dusted with sand so white and fine, it might be powdered sugar.  Irene can sense impending clouds.  As the sun disappears, it gains a white-hot intensity; it's like a laser cutting through her.  The next instant she feels the highest sprinkling of rain.

Irene!

She sits up. The beach is unfamiliar, but it's tropical---there's turquoise water before her, lush vegetation behind, a rooster and two hens strutting around. She must be back in St. John.

How did she get here?

This is book # 2 of a 3 book series. The first book is Winter in Paradise, which I enjoyed. 

The Truth About Grandparents; Elina Ellis and Hide and Seek; Katie May Green

TITLE: The Truth About Grandparents

AUTHOR:  Elina Ellis

PUBLISHER: Little Brown & Co.

PUB. YEAR: 2019

SETTING: n/a
FORMAT:  print

RATING - not recommended

At the heart of this story for young children are (pardon my bluntness) 2 extremely funny looking, old grandparents. The grandmother is obese and the grandfather very slim.  The story uses statements and adjectives like: GRANDPARENTS are: slow, clumsy, not bendy, scared of new things. don't dance, not into romance, not adventurous etc.  Each picture then shows the grandparents doing the opposite of what was initially stated about them and, then the story ending on a positive note stating: grandparents are amazing.

Even though the book definitely shows grandparents in a positive light, I didn't care for the negative tone/cues throughout.  In my opinion, there are much nicer grandparent books out there for young children. The illustrations are quite comical.

TITLE: Hide and Seek

AUTHOR:  Katie May Green

PUBLISHER: Candlewick

PUB. YEAR: 2019

SETTING: n/a
FORMAT:  print

RATING - 4/5

Shiverhawk Hall is the setting for this semi-spooky but, not scary game of Hide and Seek.

The DeVilleechild twins live in pictures framed and hanging on the walls. However, when the moon comes out, the twins disappear from their frames and the other children: Percy, Lily and Billy set out to search for them.

They hunt through elaborate mazes on their large estate as their black cat follows along.  As they search they find many interesting things including the twins who are on the run but, once a rain storm hits the twins pop back into their wall frames until the next time the moon is aglow and it's time for another game of Hide and Seek.  

Cute imaginative story with incredibly beautiful and detailed illustrations.