Sunday, December 26, 2021

Book Reviews - Matrix; Lauren Groff - My One Square Inch of Alaska; Sharon Short and Reckless Girls; Rachel Hawkins


Hope everyone who celebrated Christmas had a wonderful day. We had an inch of the snow of Christmas Eve which looked so pretty and then freezing rain came on Christmas to crust over the snow. Fortunately, the kids, spouses and granddaughters were able to come for dinner and presents.  It was a beautiful day for us and it felt much more relaxed for me in the meal preparation department compared to all the side dishes and prep involved at Thanksgiving. I kept it simple:  fruit plate, chicken parmesan, pasta, salad, rolls, pistachio cake and (4) different kinds of Christmas cookies (we are a dessert family.)  Note to self: make fewer cookies next year.  Yes,  I overcooked and all went home with a care package.  Everyone loved their gifts - all is good.

We all seemed healthy - time will tell - everyone was fully vaccinated, including the girls and all adults boosted as well.  

Reading - I finished what will be my last (3) books of 2021 (quick reviews below). I started Winter Solstice, Rosamunde Pilcher but, I am not enjoying the audio version so I stopped listening and ordered a print copy to arrive during the week.  This week I hope to work on 2021 stats and favorite reads of 2021....stay tuned.

Do you have in New Years Eve plans? We had early dinner plans at a nice restaurant but, we most likely will cancel with the raging virus once again.

Matrix; Lauren Groff
Penguin Audio - 2021 
8 hours 51 min. - Adjoa Andoh - narrator _excellent
(audio download provided at no charge by the published)

The setting for this historical fiction story is a 12th century rundown abbey in England. It's a feminist novel that is all about women, sisterhood and the power of friendship and community and there's a bit of sex among women as well.

Marie is the illegitimate daughter of the royal court. At 17, she is tall skinny and unattractive and, she is deemed "not marriage material" by Queen Eleanor, who Marie deeply loves.  She is sent away to an impoverished abbey and, the work that needs to be done there is almost insurmountable.  Marie, although not all that religious is devoted, smart, strong and industrious but, don't cross her as she can be mean as well.

Initially, I thought this book might not be for me but, because I've had good luck with the author in the past, I decided to give it a try. I was very happy I did.  If you are into audio books, I highly recommend the audio read by: Adjoa Andoh, a new narrator to me.  She made this book feel like a theatrical performance at times by giving each character a distinct voice. 

I loved the way the women banded together to get things done whether it be farming, baking, building, weaving and even writing. A group of engaged, committed women shut off from the outside world building a life and making things better.  This feminist historical book is worth reading is you like historical fiction at its finest and a character driven story.  Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Plume Books - 2013
(print edition - my shelves)


Donna Lane has a lot on her plate; she's about to graduate high school but, she's also a mother figure to her younger brother Will.  Their mother took off when they were young and their father drinks a bit too much.  Donna has dreams of her own but, it's her brother she is most concerned with. 

Brother Will is obsessed with collecting enough cereal box tops for a chance to win a contest - "one square inch of Alaska."  Will is also obsessed with protecting and giving a better life to a neglected, mute, Siberian Husky that lives nearby. When Will is diagnosed with childhood leukemia - (it's the 1950's-60s) and recovery is not looking very good for Will,  Donna is determined to make her brother's dream come true.

This book sat on my shelves far too long and I'm so happy that I finally got to read it.  It's a story that started slightly slow and at times seemed geared more to the YA genre but, oh my did it ever stir up many emotions as I read - such a good story - worth reading.  Rating - 4/5 stars

Reckless Girls; Rachel Hawkins
Macmillan Audio - January - 2022
7 hours - 43 min - Barrie Kreinik - Narrator - very good
(Audio download provided at no charge by publisher and NetGalley)

Lux and Nico are a young couple in need of a change after an unfulfilling job and personal tragedy.  The two find what seems like the perfect opportunity to get away and change things up.  The couple is hired to sail two friends Brittney and Amma to the remote island of Meroe in the South Pacific.  Expecting to be there alone they are surprised to find another boat there as well.  Soon (4) becomes (6) as Jake and Eliza, who appear to be not only wealthy but quite interesting and welcoming as well.  Before long the reality of their isolation sets in as does a feeling of desperation. Soon (6) become (4) and the reader is left wondering who to trust and whether there is someone else lurking in the remote jungle?

This was one of those thrillers that started out slow and I began to think this might not be for me. Barrie Kreinik is a great narrator though so I persisted. Soon as we begin to get insight into each character's secrets and past the story became more interesting.  I began to get the feeling that one or more of the players could not be trusted.  I loved the remote island setting. The story of told from the POV of Lux in the present and flashbacks to the past of all of the characters as well. The short chapters and the way the story was told held my interest once it got going. My suspicions proved correct yet I still wondered a bit about motivation when all was said and done.  Rating - 3.5/5 stars

28 comments:

  1. I have a copy of Matrix here, and I'm glad to see that you enjoyed it so much. I can't seem to get into fiction right now, though. I certainly hope this is just a phase.

    Our Christmas was good, too, though the kids had runny noses and we (apparently) brought these home with us. Waiting for Covid tests to arrive in the mail, just to be sure we are okay, though we are as vaccinated as you can get. I love a calm Christmas.

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    1. It's terrible with flu and COVID raging at same time. We both had scratchy throats but they were gone in a day so I'm sure we are okay. Happy New Year Deb.

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  2. You've made me curious about Matrix! I might have to check that one out. :)

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    1. The Matrix is a great story about strong women and getting things done.

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  3. I'm really curious about Reckless Girls after just seeing another review for it as well. I might give it a shot.

    I hope you had an awesome Christmas!

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  4. 3 quick books! During the last week of December I often feel a scramble to finish "just one (or two) more book(s)" but with family here I am not sure that is going to happen.

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  5. I'm so glad you enjoyed Matrix. I think it will be one of my top books of the year when I get around to making my list.

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    1. I almost passed on The Matrix but glad I listened to it - what a fabulous performance and just a rewarding story as well.

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  6. It sounds like such a nice Christmas and 2/3s of the books sound pretty good too!

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  7. I worried about the weather hampering my in-laws plans to drive from Utah to Southern California for the weekend, but fortunately it wasn't too awful for them. They have the snow there and we've had the rain here so it could have been much worse. It sounds like you had a nice Christmas! I am glad you were able to visit with family. My One Square Inch of Alaska sounds like a good read. I may or may not finish one more book this year. I am reading a nonfiction book that I definitely won't finish in time. Honestly, I'm having doubts I will continue.

    I hope you have a great week, Diane. Happy New Year!

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    1. Glad you got to get together with your in-laws and that their travels went well. Happy New Year to you Wendy.

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  8. We always do a "cold" meal (ham, potato salad, cranberry salad) for Christmas - though since we don't have any little kids we have started adding in more hot dishes. We did the cold meal when we were growing up so that Mom wouldn't have to be in the kitchen all day and could enjoy watching us with our gifts. I did a bunch of holiday baking - most was for a couple of small holiday parties and gifts, but I still have some to put in the freezer to have a sweet treat once I go back to work. It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year. Check out what I've been reading at Girl Who Reads.

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    1. The cold meal is a good idea. I hate still having lots to do in the kitchen once guests arrive. Have a great new Year!

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  9. Your books sounds like interesting reads, especially Matrix. I so love books about strong women! Take good care!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and yes - the Matrix was all about smart, innovated women getting things done.

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  10. I just finished listening to Winter Solstice. I enjoyed it immensely but the narrator did annoy me. She did Elfreida just fine, but her Lucy sounded idiotic. I ended up reading when I couldn't listen, and vice versa, so I literally flew through the book.

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    1. Jane, I'm glad the audio wasn't an issue just for me. I did get my trade paperback copy in the mail yesterday so I shall continue in 2022. Glad you liked it! Happy New Year.

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  11. Your holiday weather sounds very similar to ours. We a bit of freezing rain/sleet followed by a dusting of snow. It's going to get pretty cold tonight (down in the 20s, which is cold for us!), but the sun was out today and I went for long walk - first one in several days.

    I'm glad everyone is staying healthy. My daughter and son-in-law got Covid a few days before Christmas, but they weren't planning to go anywhere this year, so they've been recovering quietly at home.

    I'm about halfway through Winter Solstice (thanks for giving me a nudge to reread it) and it took several chapters before I got engrossed. Now I'm really enjoying it!

    We were going to go to a neighborhood NYE party, but the hosts cancelled due to Omicron and they have invited me and my husband to stop by for a quiet visit in the afternoon. We'll sit by their fire ring and sip cocktails while celebrating on the UK time zone.

    I've not read anything by Laurent Groff, but I'll add Matrix to my audio list. I love a good theatrical performance. My One Square Inch of Alaska sounds like a winner, too. Thanks for the recommendations!

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    1. Les, our weather does seem like yours. It's very unusual that we have not had many nights below freezing this far and only 1-2" of snow so far. It's actually scary. Sorry about your daughter and SIL and COVID. We know even boosted people who have caught the new variant. So far our family has been spared. No plans for New Years Eve - we were going to an early dinner but canceled our reservations and will do take out and a movie at home instead. Take care and Happy New Year

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  12. So sorry to hear the audio for Winter Solstice didn't work for you. I read it years ago and have been meaning to reread it for several years now. I'll definitely stick with the print version. My One Square Inch of Alaska sounds amazing but way too close to home for me as my son is named Will and he is currently fighting leukemia though thankfully not in the 50s/60s. The conversation now is completely different than it was then.

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    1. Katherine, I totally thought of you and your son Will as I read this book. Although this book was very good IMO - I don't recommend it because ye, it's hits too close to what you are going through (well the leukemia part with Will.) I just received my print version of Winter Solstice so I will continue this one in January.

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  13. I will have to get to Matrix on audio. The narrator sounds entertaining and I like historical fiction more each year.

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    1. I was so impressed by the new to me narrator of The Matrix - so good and it is not a very long book either.

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  14. Adding Matrix to my list! I'm glad your Christmas was a joyous one!

    stacybuckeye

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    1. The Matrix was an unexpected treat Stacy. Hope you will like it.

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