Let's face it. If you are reading this, someone taught you how to read. Since reading is my preferred past time, I will ramble on about reading - this by no means should detract from those special people who taught us math, science, history or other equally useful subjects.
I see reading as the foundation for almost all other learning. You don't learn history by "doing", and it is probably best to read first and do later when studying science. Even a math textbook or workbook comes with descriptions and directions that need to be read.
So, hats off to the teachers who taught us how to read. Special kudos to those who were able to teach us how to enjoy reading!
I would like to pay tribute to the teacher who really taught me how to enjoy reading. Without violating his privacy, I will just refer to him as Mr. C.
Mr. C was my grade 4 teacher. He was kind, and funny and warm. Students used to wait after school so they could walk home with him if they happened to live in the same direction. He could play guitar, he was a very skilled potter, and most importantly (to me and many others I am sure), he was an excellent narrator, animated and able to add life to the words on the page.
We had to do our "Language Arts" work. We had spelling and writing and our own reading to do. But every day, for 10-15 minutes, he would read to us. He read us such wonders as "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" and "Super Fudge" by Judy Blume, "Charlotte's Web by E.B. White", "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel, and more.
To this day, I think a good narrator can make a mediocre book good, and a good book great. I listen to audio books while commuting and doing chores so that I can get more stories in my life. But what I learned most about reading that year was just how entertaining a book could be. For that, I will always be grateful to all my teachers, but especially Mr. C, the one that taught me to enjoy reading.
Happy Reading,
Christine
Book reviews of Print, e-Book, and Audio books, Old and New, as well as my Ramblings on other bookish adventures. Favored Genres include General Fiction, Fantasy, and Thriller/Suspense - but I have been known to stray to other genres on occasion.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Monday, May 7, 2018
Review: Buying Time, by E.M. Brown
Buying Time, by E.M. Brown
Rebellion Publishing - Available May 17, 2018
This Advance Reading Copy provided by Rebellion Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"No man is Rich Enough to Buy Back His Time". That said, I certainly do not regret time spent reading this book! In Brown's spin on time travel, he has created a scenario that we have all dreamed of at some point...."if I had only known then what I know now".
Ed is a well known writer who has had a long string of short lived romances. None ended well. One day he simply disappears. Ella is a journalist who many years later, investigates his disappearance. The time line for this book is from the 80's to 2030.
While Ella is interviewing people and looking for clues, Richie is randomly jumping back in time. Each time he questions whether he is going insane or whether this is really happening; and if it is, when will it end?
A good read for people who enjoy time travel fiction.
Happy Reading,
Christine
Rebellion Publishing - Available May 17, 2018
This Advance Reading Copy provided by Rebellion Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"No man is Rich Enough to Buy Back His Time". That said, I certainly do not regret time spent reading this book! In Brown's spin on time travel, he has created a scenario that we have all dreamed of at some point...."if I had only known then what I know now".
Ed is a well known writer who has had a long string of short lived romances. None ended well. One day he simply disappears. Ella is a journalist who many years later, investigates his disappearance. The time line for this book is from the 80's to 2030.
While Ella is interviewing people and looking for clues, Richie is randomly jumping back in time. Each time he questions whether he is going insane or whether this is really happening; and if it is, when will it end?
A good read for people who enjoy time travel fiction.
Happy Reading,
Christine
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Sunday Summmary - April 29 - May 5, 2018
Welcome to the Sunday Summary for the week of April 29 to May 5, 2018
Books Reviewed:
The Good Daughter, by Karin Slaughter
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-good-daughter-by-karin-slaughter.html
My Husband's Lies, by Caroline England (Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this advance Reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-my-husbands-lies-by-caroline.html
Sometimes I Lie, By Alice Feeney
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-sometimes-i-lie-by-alice-feeney.html
Ramblings and Miscellany:
My Ramblings on Books and Reading for a Better Community
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/04/ramblings-on-books-and-reading-for.html
Calendar Trivia - May 1st, Joseph Heller's Birthday
Advance Copy Books I have Reviewed that have been Released:
None this week.
Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:
I am almost done reading an advance copy of "Buying Time" by E.M. Brown. This book is a time travel story and has a publication date of May 17, 2018. Stay tuned for my thoughts, to be posted soon!
I have John Grisham's "The Rooster Bar" in Audio Book format, loaded on my phone for listening while driving to and from work, doing chores, etc.
I have several exciting reads on my To Be Read list, including several Advance reading copies of books that look perfect for summer reading! So stay tuned and Happy Reading!
Christine
Books Reviewed:
The Good Daughter, by Karin Slaughter
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-good-daughter-by-karin-slaughter.html
My Husband's Lies, by Caroline England (Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this advance Reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-my-husbands-lies-by-caroline.html
Sometimes I Lie, By Alice Feeney
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-sometimes-i-lie-by-alice-feeney.html
Ramblings and Miscellany:
My Ramblings on Books and Reading for a Better Community
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/04/ramblings-on-books-and-reading-for.html
Calendar Trivia - May 1st, Joseph Heller's Birthday
Advance Copy Books I have Reviewed that have been Released:
None this week.
Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:
I am almost done reading an advance copy of "Buying Time" by E.M. Brown. This book is a time travel story and has a publication date of May 17, 2018. Stay tuned for my thoughts, to be posted soon!
I have John Grisham's "The Rooster Bar" in Audio Book format, loaded on my phone for listening while driving to and from work, doing chores, etc.
I have several exciting reads on my To Be Read list, including several Advance reading copies of books that look perfect for summer reading! So stay tuned and Happy Reading!
Christine
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Review: Sometimes I Lie - By Alice Feeney
Sometimes I Lie - By Alice Feeney
Audio book
MacMillan Audio 2018
Narrated by Stephanie Racine
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
There are three things you should know about this book. 1). It is very "twisty" 2). Even when you think you know what is going on - you don't, and 3). It is difficult to put down.
The story starts with Amber who is in hospital. She is in a coma, but is aware of her surroundings. She can hear, she can feel, but she cannot move, open her eyes, or remember how she came to be in the hospital. She does know that her relationship with her husband has been strained, and that there was another person involved with the accident that put her in the coma, but she cannot remember exactly who. As her awareness increases, she knows that she is still in danger. As memories slowly return, she is desperate to wake up before it is too late.
The timeline shifts from current day, to recent history, to years in the past via childhood journal entries. Shifts in timeline are very clear and easy to follow.
The narrator was talented and played all of the roles very well.
A riveting book, well worth the time.
Happy Reading,
Christine
Audio book
MacMillan Audio 2018
Narrated by Stephanie Racine
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
There are three things you should know about this book. 1). It is very "twisty" 2). Even when you think you know what is going on - you don't, and 3). It is difficult to put down.
The story starts with Amber who is in hospital. She is in a coma, but is aware of her surroundings. She can hear, she can feel, but she cannot move, open her eyes, or remember how she came to be in the hospital. She does know that her relationship with her husband has been strained, and that there was another person involved with the accident that put her in the coma, but she cannot remember exactly who. As her awareness increases, she knows that she is still in danger. As memories slowly return, she is desperate to wake up before it is too late.
The timeline shifts from current day, to recent history, to years in the past via childhood journal entries. Shifts in timeline are very clear and easy to follow.
The narrator was talented and played all of the roles very well.
A riveting book, well worth the time.
Happy Reading,
Christine
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Review: My Husband's Lies - by Caroline England
My Husband's Lies - by Caroline England
Digital Advance Reading Copy
Avon Books UK
Release Date: May 17, 2018
This digital Advance Reading Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐
In any group of friends there will be secrets. This book explores how the secrets that we tell ourselves and others, big or small, twist and tangle and wind themselves around our lives and the lives of those around us.
I found the first half of the book difficult because there were so many characters all interacting with each other at once. It made it difficult to keep the characters and relationships straight in my head. I wish that we spent a little more time with them as individuals or couples at that beginning of the book, so that we could get to know them them a little better before exploring all the interactions between them. The book does however reward you in the end.
In the second half of the book, as you start to know the characters, you see how everyone's lies twist and tangle into each others lives. There is definitely some delicate and intricate background created for this group.
Overall, I would say this is a good book.
Thank you to Avon UK and NetGalley.
Happy Reading,
Christine
Digital Advance Reading Copy
Avon Books UK
Release Date: May 17, 2018
This digital Advance Reading Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐
In any group of friends there will be secrets. This book explores how the secrets that we tell ourselves and others, big or small, twist and tangle and wind themselves around our lives and the lives of those around us.
I found the first half of the book difficult because there were so many characters all interacting with each other at once. It made it difficult to keep the characters and relationships straight in my head. I wish that we spent a little more time with them as individuals or couples at that beginning of the book, so that we could get to know them them a little better before exploring all the interactions between them. The book does however reward you in the end.
In the second half of the book, as you start to know the characters, you see how everyone's lies twist and tangle into each others lives. There is definitely some delicate and intricate background created for this group.
Overall, I would say this is a good book.
Thank you to Avon UK and NetGalley.
Happy Reading,
Christine
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Review: The Good Daughter - by Karin Slaughter
The Good Daughter - by Karin Slaughter
Audiobook
Blackstone Audio Inc. 2017
Narrated by Kathleen Early
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An exciting and intricately woven thriller. I hung on every word.
When "Charlie" is just 13 years old an unspeakable act of violence shatters her world and devastates her family.
Almost 30 years later, Charlie has moved on and done her best to put the evil of that day behind her. She is married, and has followed her father's footsteps by becoming a lawyer - though she tends to avoid the types of criminals her father is famous for assisting. But that amount of evil is not prone to stay in the shadows. When another violent incident rocks the small town she lives in - one she is there to witness first hand, the trauma and secrets of that day come rushing back.
This book grabs you early and WILL NOT LET GO until the end. Expertly and intricately woven. layer upon layer.
The narrator was wonderful Able to give tone to the myriad of emotions. Her portrayal of Rusty had definite southern charm.
Happy Reading,
Christine
Audiobook
Blackstone Audio Inc. 2017
Narrated by Kathleen Early
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An exciting and intricately woven thriller. I hung on every word.
When "Charlie" is just 13 years old an unspeakable act of violence shatters her world and devastates her family.
Almost 30 years later, Charlie has moved on and done her best to put the evil of that day behind her. She is married, and has followed her father's footsteps by becoming a lawyer - though she tends to avoid the types of criminals her father is famous for assisting. But that amount of evil is not prone to stay in the shadows. When another violent incident rocks the small town she lives in - one she is there to witness first hand, the trauma and secrets of that day come rushing back.
This book grabs you early and WILL NOT LET GO until the end. Expertly and intricately woven. layer upon layer.
The narrator was wonderful Able to give tone to the myriad of emotions. Her portrayal of Rusty had definite southern charm.
Happy Reading,
Christine
May 1st - Calendar Trivia
On this day - May 1st, 1923 Joseph Heller Author of (among other work) the Novel "Catch-22" was born.
Still a common turn of phrase, "Catch-22" often refers to an impossibly absurd circular logic.
Heller died in 1999.
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