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queendbw's reviews
1193 reviews
Aurora by David Koepp
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Book #11 of 2023. Aurora by David Koepp.
This story examines how people respond to disaster in a post-Covid world.
Scientists find data showing that several solar phenomena will cause an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) that will knock out power world-wide. The scientists also have a solution - temporarily take down the power grid to avoid the EMP taking all power down. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be choose to ignore the science (shocker!) and disaster ensues.
The main character is Aubrey Wheeler. She’s a 30-something divorcee that finds herself raising her stepson solo. Her ex is a manipulative gambler and addict and is mostly absent from his son’s life. She also has a super-rich, over-protective and controlling older brother who is insistent on helping her through the crisis.
This is a very well-written tale of Aubrey’s relationships with her stepson, ex-husband, brother and neighbors. We learn of her traumatic youth; why she won’t let her brother help; and the results of learning to trust and rely on others.
I really enjoyed this book! The tale was believable and engaging; the characters were multi-dimensional and I found myself waiting with baited breath for the conclusion - which was very satisfactory. I’ve heard that it’s being adapted to film. I rate it 4.5/5 stars.
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This story examines how people respond to disaster in a post-Covid world.
Scientists find data showing that several solar phenomena will cause an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) that will knock out power world-wide. The scientists also have a solution - temporarily take down the power grid to avoid the EMP taking all power down. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be choose to ignore the science (shocker!) and disaster ensues.
The main character is Aubrey Wheeler. She’s a 30-something divorcee that finds herself raising her stepson solo. Her ex is a manipulative gambler and addict and is mostly absent from his son’s life. She also has a super-rich, over-protective and controlling older brother who is insistent on helping her through the crisis.
This is a very well-written tale of Aubrey’s relationships with her stepson, ex-husband, brother and neighbors. We learn of her traumatic youth; why she won’t let her brother help; and the results of learning to trust and rely on others.
I really enjoyed this book! The tale was believable and engaging; the characters were multi-dimensional and I found myself waiting with baited breath for the conclusion - which was very satisfactory. I’ve heard that it’s being adapted to film. I rate it 4.5/5 stars.
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Gwendy's Final Task by Richard Chizmar, Stephen King
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Book #10 of 2023. Gwendy’s Final Task by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar.
I read Gwendy’s Button Box several years ago and did not realize that it was part of a series. Luckily, I was able to enjoy this tale (which is the third book of the series) without reading book 2.
Gwendy Peterson in now an author. One evening, she receives a visit from a mysterious man from her past. He is not well and he asks her to take on a task that will save the world. There are evil beings that are after the button box that Gwendy has possessed in the past. The button box is both magical and terrible - and she must keep it out of the hands of evil.
In the interim, Gwendy gets elected to the Senate; loses her husband; lands a seat on a space rocket and plans to save the world - all while fighting early dementia.
The story was really fast-paced and managed to avoid being formulaic. I really enjoyed Gwendy’s inner dialog and the other characters were individualized without becoming stock “good” or ”bad” people.
I plan to read Gwendy’s Magic Feather, just because I truly enjoyed seeing this character again. 4.5/5 stars.
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
I read Gwendy’s Button Box several years ago and did not realize that it was part of a series. Luckily, I was able to enjoy this tale (which is the third book of the series) without reading book 2.
Gwendy Peterson in now an author. One evening, she receives a visit from a mysterious man from her past. He is not well and he asks her to take on a task that will save the world. There are evil beings that are after the button box that Gwendy has possessed in the past. The button box is both magical and terrible - and she must keep it out of the hands of evil.
In the interim, Gwendy gets elected to the Senate; loses her husband; lands a seat on a space rocket and plans to save the world - all while fighting early dementia.
The story was really fast-paced and managed to avoid being formulaic. I really enjoyed Gwendy’s inner dialog and the other characters were individualized without becoming stock “good” or ”bad” people.
I plan to read Gwendy’s Magic Feather, just because I truly enjoyed seeing this character again. 4.5/5 stars.
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book #9 of 2023. Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn.
This is the second book of the series and it did not disappoint. The series started with Legendborn, where Bree was trying to find out what really happened when her mother died. In her search, she learned several unexpected things about herself. One of which is that she’s a direct descendant of Arthur, yes of Camelot fame.
In this installment, Bree struggles with learning to use her powers while remaining true to herself. She also learns how to be a leader and what true friendship looks like.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced with a great plot and the author introduced some interesting characters. I love that the ending left me hungry for the next installment - which I hope is coming soon! 4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This is the second book of the series and it did not disappoint. The series started with Legendborn, where Bree was trying to find out what really happened when her mother died. In her search, she learned several unexpected things about herself. One of which is that she’s a direct descendant of Arthur, yes of Camelot fame.
In this installment, Bree struggles with learning to use her powers while remaining true to herself. She also learns how to be a leader and what true friendship looks like.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced with a great plot and the author introduced some interesting characters. I love that the ending left me hungry for the next installment - which I hope is coming soon! 4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince by Mayte Garcia
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.0
Book #8 of 2023. The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince by Mayte Garcia.
Before I read this book, I knew that Prince was a phenomenal musician, a womanizer, kinda ”different”, married to Mayte, and that they lost a child.
After reading this book, I know that Prince was a phenomenal musician, a womanizer, kinda “different”, married to Mayte, and that they lost two children.
This book reads like a pre-teen diary - full of giddiness and naïveté. There is not much depth here at all and very little introspection. She hints at his womanizing, but doesn’t fully acknowledge it other than to throw shade at Manuela (his second wife). She hints at suspected drug use, but never directly addresses it.
Not sure if Mayte had to work around an NDA or something, but this book could have been an email. 🤷🏾♀️ 2/5 stars.
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Before I read this book, I knew that Prince was a phenomenal musician, a womanizer, kinda ”different”, married to Mayte, and that they lost a child.
After reading this book, I know that Prince was a phenomenal musician, a womanizer, kinda “different”, married to Mayte, and that they lost two children.
This book reads like a pre-teen diary - full of giddiness and naïveté. There is not much depth here at all and very little introspection. She hints at his womanizing, but doesn’t fully acknowledge it other than to throw shade at Manuela (his second wife). She hints at suspected drug use, but never directly addresses it.
Not sure if Mayte had to work around an NDA or something, but this book could have been an email. 🤷🏾♀️ 2/5 stars.
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Book #7 of 2023. Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson.
My favorite genre of non-fiction is definitely biographies. I love getting the behind-the-facade view of fascinating people and Ms. Tyson did NOT disappoint.
She tells her life story - the beautiful and the ugly. She starts with her parents’ humble Caribbean beginnings and their journeys to the US. We learn about her early years, teens and early adulthood. Then she starts her modeling and acting career.
She was literally draaaagged into acting and I am so grateful for it. I couldn’t imagine the world of entertainment without her portrayals of Miss Jane Pittman, orRebecca (the mother in Sounder), or Sipsey in Fried Green Tomatoes, or her turn and Annalise Keating’s mother in Hoe to a get Away With Murder.
She is an icon and I am truly grateful that she agreed to share her story with us. I feel it was a bonus to hear her share her life via audiobook. Her narration was #chefskiss. This was an engrossing story and I finished it wishing I could could known her personally. 4/5
#readsof2023 #literacy #audiobookreader #readingisfundamental
My favorite genre of non-fiction is definitely biographies. I love getting the behind-the-facade view of fascinating people and Ms. Tyson did NOT disappoint.
She tells her life story - the beautiful and the ugly. She starts with her parents’ humble Caribbean beginnings and their journeys to the US. We learn about her early years, teens and early adulthood. Then she starts her modeling and acting career.
She was literally draaaagged into acting and I am so grateful for it. I couldn’t imagine the world of entertainment without her portrayals of Miss Jane Pittman, orRebecca (the mother in Sounder), or Sipsey in Fried Green Tomatoes, or her turn and Annalise Keating’s mother in Hoe to a get Away With Murder.
She is an icon and I am truly grateful that she agreed to share her story with us. I feel it was a bonus to hear her share her life via audiobook. Her narration was #chefskiss. This was an engrossing story and I finished it wishing I could could known her personally. 4/5
#readsof2023 #literacy #audiobookreader #readingisfundamental
Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Book #6 of 2023 is Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline.
This is the sequel to The Marrow Thieves. We find that Frenchie has been caught by recruiters and is in one of the residential schools. He has a choice to make - he can join them and become an agent or he can be a resident used to make medicine for the ill.
Will he become an agent? Will he ever see his family and Rose again? How many people is he willing betray to get what he wants?
I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Dimaline creates next. 3.5/5
#readsof2023 #literacy #readingisfundamental #audiobookreader
This is the sequel to The Marrow Thieves. We find that Frenchie has been caught by recruiters and is in one of the residential schools. He has a choice to make - he can join them and become an agent or he can be a resident used to make medicine for the ill.
Will he become an agent? Will he ever see his family and Rose again? How many people is he willing betray to get what he wants?
I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Dimaline creates next. 3.5/5
#readsof2023 #literacy #readingisfundamental #audiobookreader
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Book #5 of 2023 is Deep Work by Cal Newport.
I read this book with a group of co-workers. The author gives tips on arranging your day to be able to do more “deep work” - i.e. focused work with minimal distractions.
When I read non-fiction, it is usually biographical in nature, but this was an interesting read and I look forward to implementing some of the strategies detailed.
#readsof2023 #literacy #readingisfundamental
I read this book with a group of co-workers. The author gives tips on arranging your day to be able to do more “deep work” - i.e. focused work with minimal distractions.
When I read non-fiction, it is usually biographical in nature, but this was an interesting read and I look forward to implementing some of the strategies detailed.
#readsof2023 #literacy #readingisfundamental
You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book #4 of 2023 - You’re Invited by Amanda Jayatissa.
This is a juicy who-did-what-and-why tale - and the ending was quite unexpected.
Amaya receives an email inviting her to the wedding of her ex-best friend (Kaavi) to her ex-boyfriend(Spencer). She decides to go home to Sri Lanka to participate in the wedding festivities, but NOTHING goes according to plan - hers, Kaavi’s or Spencer’s.
The author does a great job of giving just enough of the story to keep you guessing and the juicy background gossip is delicious! I could totally see this adapted to film! Great story, characters and ending! 4/5 stars
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This is a juicy who-did-what-and-why tale - and the ending was quite unexpected.
Amaya receives an email inviting her to the wedding of her ex-best friend (Kaavi) to her ex-boyfriend(Spencer). She decides to go home to Sri Lanka to participate in the wedding festivities, but NOTHING goes according to plan - hers, Kaavi’s or Spencer’s.
The author does a great job of giving just enough of the story to keep you guessing and the juicy background gossip is delicious! I could totally see this adapted to film! Great story, characters and ending! 4/5 stars
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book #3 of 2023. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline.
This story touched me. Set in the not-too-distant future we follow Frenchie through his dystopian struggle. Climate change has destroyed much of the earth’s resources and people lose the ability to dream. However, a “cure” is discovered in the marrow of the Indigenous - who do not lose their ability to dream. What follows is horrific: Native people groups (the story is set in Canada) are rounded up and placed in residential “schools” where they’re used to save the world.
Frenchie and his brother go on the run to escape the “recruiters” in charge of gathering people for the schools. Weaved into n among all this ugliness is a beautiful story of strength, love, family and perseverance. I cannot wait to read the sequel. My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This story touched me. Set in the not-too-distant future we follow Frenchie through his dystopian struggle. Climate change has destroyed much of the earth’s resources and people lose the ability to dream. However, a “cure” is discovered in the marrow of the Indigenous - who do not lose their ability to dream. What follows is horrific: Native people groups (the story is set in Canada) are rounded up and placed in residential “schools” where they’re used to save the world.
Frenchie and his brother go on the run to escape the “recruiters” in charge of gathering people for the schools. Weaved into n among all this ugliness is a beautiful story of strength, love, family and perseverance. I cannot wait to read the sequel. My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
The Awkward Black Man by Walter Mosley
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is book #2 of 2023. The Awkward Black Man by Walter Mosley.
This is a collection of short stories where the protagonist is…… an awkward black man. They range from a young man with autism to a mad scientist to a young man finding his true paternity.
I really enjoyed all of the stories, but I feel that “Pet Fly”, “The Black Woman in the Chinese Hat” and “Reply to a Dead Man” resonated with me the most.
I do recommend and wonder which takes you liked best. 3.5/5
#readsof2023 #literacy #audiobookreader #readingisfundamental
This is a collection of short stories where the protagonist is…… an awkward black man. They range from a young man with autism to a mad scientist to a young man finding his true paternity.
I really enjoyed all of the stories, but I feel that “Pet Fly”, “The Black Woman in the Chinese Hat” and “Reply to a Dead Man” resonated with me the most.
I do recommend and wonder which takes you liked best. 3.5/5
#readsof2023 #literacy #audiobookreader #readingisfundamental