Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell Genre: Historical Fiction Awards: Women's Prize and National Book Critics Award Published 2020, 372 pages This book is all over book lists everywhere and has tons of hype. When I read "historical" and "Shakespeare" in various reviews and blurbs, I determined it really wasn't for me. But, hype persisted. So I caved. Wow, was I wrong. Sometimes there's a reason for the hype, right? SUCH DETAILS! I have to say, I was thrilled to find a historical novel

I can't claim credit for this idea. I got it from Jack Edwards most recent video post. (frequent readers of my blog will know that he's one of my favorite book you-tubers) He borrowed it from someone else - but, a good idea is a good idea. Sorting the My Books tab by Books Read section, and then by rating, gave me quick access to this info. It's an interesting exercise - you should try it! So of the over 1800 books I have read and entered in Goodreads, here are the books that

It's has been a L-O-N-G time since I participated in Jana's (That Artsy Reader Girl) list making extravaganza - every Tuesday she suggests a list topic relating to books, usually books you've read. I revisited her blog, got the current list of prompts and will join in now and then. You can see all 12 of my past Top Ten Tuesday lists under the Reading Lists tab at the top of the page. This week's prompt is: Books With _____ on the Cover (my choice, fill in the blank). TEN BOO

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Genre: Sci Fi Published May 2021, 476 pages Well - that 476 pages just flew by! If you're sometimes reluctant to pick up a longer book because it seems like too much of a commitment, don't fret; this one reads so quickly you won't even notice that it's almost 500 pages! If you read The Martian, also by Andy Weir, you have an idea of his style - heavy on math and science. This book is no exception. LOTS of both. Let it be said, I am NOT knowledge

I started putting together another TBR list and noticed that a LOT of my additions are due to watching one of my favorite YouTube reviewers, @JackEdwards (Jack in the Books). He's a young Brit living in Paris, a recent university graduate in Literature. He's entertaining to watch and gives thoughtful, helpful reviews. I like that his taste is different than mine and I don't always love his recommendations, but I'm always glad I read them. He enjoys translated books, particula

My reading is getting ahead of my reviewing, so thought I'd take time to do "minute" reviews.....something quick and easy to give you the flavor of the book and my opinion about it - hopefully enough to decide if you want to read it too. Long Bright River by Liz Moore Genre: General Fiction (slight mystery) Published 2020, 496 pages Set in Phildelphia, this story of two sisters as they move in and out of each other's lives is gritty, slightly dark, and a bit of an emotional r

I stop by my local bookstore, on the prowl for something good to read. I see a couple newer releases by my favorite authors, and I'm tempted. But, I wander down another aisle and a cover or a title grabs my attention - it sounds intriguing, like something different. I pick up this appealing book and read the blurb and sometimes even read a page or two mid-way to see if I like the writing style. This book sounds great so I add it to the stack in my arms. I start the book that

I don't know why I can't stop watching for new, interesting sounding, cool covers, recommended books, but it's impossible. Even though I will never complete my TBR list, I always know I can look there for my next great read. I use Excel and have a column for all sorts of info that lets me sort to find the right book at the right time (hopefully). I can sort by oldest on my list (and some have been there a LONG time), or by genre, author, Goodreads or Storygraph rating, whethe

I came across the Beat the Backlist (BTB) challenge on the book blog Booksophobia and it's JUST what I need to deal with my out of control TBR list (did you SEE how many I added at the beginning of the year???? Check out my TBR Explosion posts: 15 Mysteries & More - 13 Historical Fiction - 10 Fantasy - 14 General Fiction) It's super easy, no-pressure, no specific goals involved except what you set for yourself. Right up my alley. AND, Austine (the hostess/creator) has a link