Books Read - Week in Review - W/E - 4/1/2017

It is spring but still doesn't feel like it here - a few mounds of snow still remain and although we are getting some heavy rain, some areas not too far away are getting more snow.  This past week we had an unexpected guest on our deck eating some seed we had thrown out for the birds.  (Very unusual to see a red fox like this in my backyard but apparently his food supply is scarce.) 

 This past week found me watching more movies at times than time spent reading books: My Cousin Vinny, As Good as it Gets, Something's Gotta Give and Dan in Real Life -- all movies I've seen before and LOVE.

 This Week in Books 

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk; Kathleen Rooney

St. Martin's Press - 2017

(DNF)

Inspired by the story of a NYC woman named Margaret Fishback, this fictionalized story just didn't work well for me. Lillian Boxfish is a woman who has lived and worked in NYC since 1934 and on New Year's eve in1984, at the age of 85, she walks and walks the city reflecting on her half-century of life living and working in New York City and all the changes that have taken place. 

(I tried the audio and then the print edition but, ultimately, this just wasn't a book for me. DNF)

The Futures; Anna Pitoniak

Lee Bourdreaux Books - 2017

(My Thoughts) - This was a fun debut novel about a young couple, Julie and Evan, who meet and fall in love while students at Yale. Their backgrounds are quite different - Evan is from a working class family in Canada and Julie family are wealthy Bostonians.  After college the couple moves in together full of love and plans but their career paths are totally different. Evan's job for a hedge fund in the midst of a financial crisis requires long hours and missed communication opportunities with Julie. It's no surprise when their relationship begins to tank but, ultimately all in not lost.  Told in alternating chapters, The Futures was an engaging story about young lives, young love and all the hopes and uncertainties in life that sometimes makes holding a relationship together challenging. (4/5 STARS) 

Widowmaker; Paul Doiron

Macmillan Audio - 2016

(My Thoughts) -- Mike Bowditch is a Maine game warden who is approached by an attractive woman named Amber who needs his help. Her adult son is missing and she him claiming that he is Mike's half brother. Mike's father, Jack is dead and even when he was alive their relationship was strained as his father had a history of violence. Reluctant to look into Adam's disappearance, he can't quite resist knowing the truth which leads him to some strange and often dangerous situations.  A hybrid wolf, sexual predators and vigilante justice in the snowy, mountainous terrain of Maine are just some of the things this game warden uncovered, making for an interesting and at times addictive audio book listen. This was my first book by this author and although it was part of a mystery series, starting out midway I didn't have any problem following the story. I'd definitely try other books by this author. (4/5 stars)

 Green Pants; Kenneth Kraegel

Candlewick Press - 2017

(My Thoughts) A beautiful kids book with delightful illustrations that many parents with young people will be able to relate to.  Jameson is a spunky young boy with a mind of his own and a unique style of his own --- he insists on wearing "green pants" day after day. His parents love his independence and go with flow until he is asked to be in his cousin's wedding party where ---gasp--he must wear black pants!  Terrific fun to read over and over and, a great resolution as well. (5/5 stars)

Rain, Sam Usher

Templar / Candlewick - 2017

(My Thoughts) - The cover and illustrations are amazing, almost multi dimensional. Narrated by a young boy who wakes up to a rainy day and can't wait to go outside and play.  His granddad thinks they should stay indoors until the rain stops, but the boy is persistent, waiting for the opportunity for new adventures outdoors. Overall, a beautifully illustrated and engaging rainy day adventure that is sure to please little ones in the 2-6 age range.  This book is #2 of a seasonal series that began with "Snow". (5/5 stars)

Books Read in March

1. Among the Lesser Gods; Margo Catts - (arc) - 4.5/5 - March/2017
2. First Women; Kate Anderson Brower - (audio) - 3.5/5 - March/2017
3. The Residence; Kate Anderson Brower (audio) - 4/5 - March/2017
4. What I Know For Sure; Oprah Winfrey (NF) (Audio) - 5/5 - March/2017
5. Books for Living; Will Schwalbe (NF) (audio) - 5/5 - March/2017
6. Every Living Thing; Cynthia Ryland - (my shelves) - 4.5/5 - March/2017
7. Ill Will; Dan Chaon (eGalley) - 4/5 - March/2017
8. All the Stars in the Heavens; A. Trigiani (library) - 2/5 - March/2017
9. The Widowmaker; Paul Doiron (audio) - 4/5 - March/2017
10. The Futures; Anna Pitoniak (arc) - 4/5 March/2017
11. Green Pants; Kenneth Kraegel - 5/5 March/2017
12. Rain; Sam Usher - 5/5 - March/2017

Favorite March Reads 

New arrivals by mail this week

(minus the 14 year old cat)

• White Fur; Jardine Libaire (sent by Hogarth)
• Beartown; Fredrik Backman (sent by Atria)
• The Break Down; B.A. Paris (sent by ST. Martin's Press)