Book Review: Booth by Karen Joy Fowler

Pub Date: 2022
Publisher: Putnam & Co.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Whenever I read a historical fiction book, I sit back and wonder why I don’t read them more often because I tend to really enjoy them. This was no different…And while I’ve seen some reviews that weren’t loving on this one, I was the opposite and didn’t want it to end!

At nearly 500 pages, I was hesitant to start it because I’ve got so many books going but once I read a few pages, I was sucked in. Starting at the beginning of the Booth family, the men with their fame on the stage and the children that followed in their footsteps, it tells of family loyalties while leading up to the inevitable moment for which John Wilkes Booth is known. But it’s all the goodness in between that is what I enjoyed. The bonds of the brothers and sisters, the ones who stayed away and the ones that were bound to stay close all made for an epic that I couldn’t’ put down.

I appreciated that Fowler didn’t spend much time on the actual man that killed Lincoln, but spent the bulk of the pages keeping the reader immersed in the trials and tribulations of that time period. Her author’s note at the end was perfection as well so don’t skip that!

Book Chat: The Midnight Library

1 Comment

From Amazon:

“Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?” 

A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

My Take:

This book was amazing. Hands down. I’m not a big fantasy person so when I saw the “fantasy” prompt on my reading challenge, my first inclination was to admit defeat early and move on. However, I did some digging to see if anything fit the genre that wouldn’t be absolutely insufferable to this crime/thriller/suspense junkie and what do you know?! I suppose this is the beauty of reading challenges isn’t it? Get outside your comfort zone and find a book that really speaks to you that you would ordinarily have walked right past.

I think most people have a handful of regrets, some little, some big. I’m not even sure you’d be human if you didn’t deal with that emotion, but this book tackled regrets in a way that made me think about my own and had me feeling happier for having read it. If that isn’t reason enough to buy it, not sure what else I can say!

Book Chat: Lie, Lie Again

 

Lie, lie again

From Amazon:

For three women with so much to hide, there’s no such thing as a little white lie…

All three women who live at 1054 Mockingbird Lane have secrets…and with a body at the bottom of their apartment building’s staircase, those secrets need to stay buried.

Sylvia Webb has a plan. And a potential Mr. Right. He’s sweet, simple, and dependably clueless about what she’s up to. The only thing unpredictable about him is his needy ex-girlfriend, who is this close to shattering Sylvia’s dreams. But Sylvia’s not going to let that happen.

Riki McFarlan has a good career and an amazing boyfriend who wants to settle down. If only she didn’t have feelings for her neighbor—who happens to be her close friend’s husband. With everything going so right, why is Riki flirting with something so wrong, so…dangerous?

Embry Taylor is as devoted to her children as she is to her husband, who’s a bartender by night, an aspiring actor by day. She is his biggest fan. But with his career not taking off and tensions high, even sweet Embry has something she’s desperate to keep hidden.

Lies, secrets, and revenge. For three neighbors with stakes so high, someone is headed for a downfall.

My Take:

First, let me say that though this book was marketed as a thriller, it wasn’t. There was nothing about this book that said thriller. It was full of unlikeable, hokey characters and honestly,  I couldn’t wait for the book to be over. The only semi-normal woman was Embry but even that got tired, like why don’t you just tell your freaking husband you’re pregnant already?!  Sylvia was annoying and Riki was downright childish, making starry eyes at every guy that was nice to her and pining away for her friend’s husband. Each of them lamenting over men, focusing all their energies on the men in their lives whether they be good or bad guys and it definitely got a bit tiresome as there didn’t seem to be anything else of substance in the book. It was kind of reminiscent of Melrose Place but much, much worse with less appealing characters.

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Book Chat: They Did Bad Things

Ok, I admit, it’s been awhile. I kind of forget I have this blog and definitely forget to post! But I’m reading more as of late due to this whole coronavirus thing so I might as well share.

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From Amazon:

And Then There Were None meets The Last Time I Lied in this dark and twisty psychological thriller.

In 1995, six university students moved into the house at 215 Caldwell Street. Months later, one of them was found dead on the sofa the morning after their end-of-year party. His death was ruled an accident by the police. The remaining five all knew it wasn’t, and though they went on with their lives, the truth of what happened to their sixth housemate couldn’t stay buried forever.

Twenty years later, all five of them arrive—lured separately under various pretenses—at Wolfheather House, a crumbling, secluded mansion on the Scottish isle of Doon. Trapped inside with no way out and no signal to the outside world, the now forty-somethings fight each other—and the unknown mastermind behind their gathering—as they confront the role they played in their housemate’s death. They are given one choice: confess to their crimes or die.

They Did Bad Things is a deviously clever psychological thriller about the banality of evil and the human capacity for committing horror.

My Take:

I’ll start by saying the premise is good, it’s been done before but that’s ok because the author put their own spin on it.  I thought the writing and character development was also good because I hated every freaking one of them, which I assume is what the author was going for.  I did find them a little hard to believe, I mean, who acts like that?! At times their characterizations were so OTT that I rolled my eyes in disgust but overall, I was enthralled and couldn’t wait to find out whodunit so when talking about a mystery, I’d say that’s a home run!

** Full disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I’m in a Bag Mood

I’ve recently put myself on a shopping ban to a) save money and b) declutter my house or at the very least not bring more stuff in. It’s not stopped me from window shopping online however, so I’m going to share a couple of my favorites from Anthropologie.

The first one I’m digging on is called Linnly and it’s a super cute crossbody bag:49099674_020_b

I’m literally only going on looks because I have not gone into Anthro to take a look at the quality etc., but tell me, how cute is this!? It seems like a great fall bag to pair with jeans and a sweater, preferably a nice hunter green number. ($138)

Another one I’m fancying is this bright baby here called Adilah Embroidered tote:

red bag

This looks fab for carting around your workout gear or your notebooks to and from class. I love the vibrant colors and it seems like it’d be a great way to brighten up your blah winter duds. ($98)

The price points are right and if you’re in the market, I’d check them out in person if you can. Anthro doesn’t always translate from online to in my hands, quality-wise so I always prefer to go in and check out stuff before making a decision.

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Whaaaaaat?!

 

 

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Has it really been nearly a year since I posted? I think I need to wear a scarlet ‘S’ for slacker! It’s not like I haven’t been reading and ogling shiny things because I have, believe me. So let’s see, some of the books I’ve read since we spoke last were:

Amongst others but these are the freshest in my mind.  Looking at the list, there is a clear genre I opt for most of the time but to be quite frank, my favorite book of the lot is Educated. This book was phenomenal with it’s familial craziness paired with a hefty dose of religious beliefs and the amazing ambition & desire for learning from the author.

I am fascinated by all things religion but Mormonism is particularly interesting to me. I’m not sure why I find myself intrigued by that magic underwear wearing and caffeine avoiding bunch but I do, so any book that involves their belief system is a bonus.  Overall, everything about this book is good so if you’re looking for something to read, I highly recommend grabbing a copy!

 

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Paper: Bullet Journaling

I’ve recently discovered the joys of bullet journaling, which has really helped me become more organized (kind of) and keep all of my important stuff in one place, give or take the occasional post-it note that’s still floating around. Bullet journaling is explained in detail on this site but just know there is loads more that can be done: if you’re crafty you can add some decorative embellishments and calligraphy lovers can make it look amazing! Personally, I don’t have a creative bone in my body so I am a bare bones type of bullet journal user. But if you’re interested in finding out more about this awesome analog way of keeping your schedule straight, check out these sites:

Then, when you’re ready to dive in, some suggested items to start with are:

 

And no bullet journal would be complete without:

I prefer the XS or S nib size for my pens but these are great because they are acid-free and archival quality so they won’t run, smear, or bleed through the paper. Awesome stuff!

Let me know if you’ve been bullet journaling or some of your favorite website where you gather inspiration!

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Shiny Things: Dual Birthstone Bracelet

What a cute idea! I found this while perusing Gwyneth Paltrow’s website Goop, which, if you don’t know, is an awesome, yet sometimes crazily curated collection of stuff, ranging from housewares, health & beauty, to jewelry and clothes.  I tend to find loads of things I love but rarely will I find something I’m willing to spend my money on so easily as this piece…

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This beauty is by designer Ariel Gordon, and it’s charming in it’s simplicity.  I have two daughters with the same birthday so I would be getting the same birthstone on each side but imagine what colorful creations you could get! And if you’ve got no children, you could do something cute like: you and your spouse, you and your best friend, or you and your dog (my dog could probably fit into all the categories stated above)! What’s that? You’ve got 4 kids? Grab two! I bet they look fabulous stacked.

I love how delicate they are, I’m off to check it out further.

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Book Chat: Our Own Country

Once a month, whether you like it or not. That’s about how often I’m doing this blog but at least I’m doing it so whatevs! 🙂 I kind of get caught up in day to day life: my kids started school, getting the new schedule sorted and the mom-taxi up and running again…  fuck it, I’m going to stop making excuses and just get to the point. I finally got to read this book that has been sitting idle in my queue for the longest, and it was really good!

our own country

From Amazon:

A love affair tests a new nation’s revolutionary ideals.

In 1770s Boston, a prosperous merchant’s daughter, Eliza Boylston, lives a charmed life—until war breaches the walls of the family estate and forces her to live in a world in which wealth can no longer protect her.

As the chaos of the Revolutionary War tears her family apart, Eliza finds herself drawn to her uncle’s slave, John Watkins. Their love leads to her exile in Braintree, Massachusetts, home to radicals John and Abigail Adams and Eliza’s midwife sister-in-law, Lizzie Boylston. But even as the uprising takes hold, Eliza can’t help but wonder whether a rebel victory will grant her and John the most basic of American rights.

My Take:

As I said above, really good read! I was not the most attentive in American history class but some of this rang a bell. It was that kind of book, where I felt the emotions of the characters, from Eliza’s hidden feelings for John Watkins to her companionable relationships with Cassie, Lizzie, and Abigail Adams. They were women struggling against the tide of slavery, wishing and working for the freedoms of those that were without.

Eliza was not a product of her parents, especially her mother, who was so caught up in societal obligations and niceties that she often forgot how to be civilized to those around her. I was so happy to see Eliza speak up and out for those whose voices weren’t heard during those terrible times. Not to mention, Eliza’s relationship with John Watkins! How amazing that she did not let the common ideals of the era infiltrate her feelings for another human being and was able to find love (and a baby!).

The history was secondary to the love story for me but still completely engrossing, and I don’t really like romance novels as a general rule. I also didn’t realize this was a three part series, though it says it on the Amazon website. Duh. With that said, it didn’t seem like I needed to read the first to enjoy the second but kind of wish I had.

**Full Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Chat: A Twofer

Ok, I admit, this blogging thing is way harder than I originally thought. I’m basically rubbish at it and I’m not sure how much that’s going to change but when I do get around to doing it, I really enjoy it. It’s a fun way to get the reviews in my head onto “paper” and I love keeping track of all the fun things I find online and the fabulous (and sometimes not even remotely fabulous) books I read.

So today, with that said, I’ve got two books for you.  That’s right, a twofer! (thank you Tina Fey and 30 Rock for introducing that term to me eons ago). Up first is:

Throw Away Girls by Jennifer Vaughnthrow away girl

From Amazon:

Hard-charging, insightful, and ambitious, Jaycee Wilder wants to take her TV news career to the next level. The Los Angeles reporter is hungry for the big story. When dead girls begin to pile up at seedy nightclubs that cater to whimsical, fetish-seeking strangers, Jaycee suspects a serial killer is at work. She aligns herself with an east coast cop trying to resurrect himself- and his once stellar career- from a drunken skid. The killer lives a normal life during the day, while hunting the Throw Away Girls at night, punishing them for their dark urges. He leaves messages behind in his victims’ blood, his explanation for enacting such brutal, twisted justice upon the unworthy. He watches the media coverage. He knows the wily reporter is chasing him. As Jaycee follows her gut, and the evidence, she forces him to act. But when a killer is clever and cunning, he can infiltrate anywhere. Jaycee must utilize all her skills to expose him before he gets to her first.

My Take:

Ok, so I read this book fairly quickly because it was easy.  I thought it was entertaining but the writing was completely sophomoric and at times borderline silly. The dialogue was quite cheesy as well:

 “Shh”, she said dismissively. “Another girl, sexed up and then sliced up. I’m trying to listen here.” (loc.155)

And would then move on to this:

At it’s core, this was a highly metaphysical superstructure of balance. (loc.1952)

Say what?!

The Jaycee Wilder character totally reminded me of the Courtney Cox role in Scream, you know, the pushy and annoying reporter, etc. Jaycee certainly ended up way over her head and frankly, I could have told you “whodunit” from the beginning so to me there was no mystery but bottom line, I was anxious for this book to be over so I could move on. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it because it was pure Stilton in book form and didn’t require much brain power.

Up next: 

Until I Met Her by Natalie Barelli

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From Amazon:

She’s gone from nobody to somebody. And she’s not going back.

When ordinary Emma Fern strikes up a friendship with glamorous Beatrice Johnson Greene, her favourite author, she can’t believe her luck. But Beatrice has an unusual favour to ask, one that will change Emma’s life forever.

For Emma, desperate to please, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. All she has to do is let Beatrice publish her latest novel under her name. But the book becomes a huge triumph and after her first taste of success, Emma wants more. And she’ll stop at nothing to get it. This is her masterpiece, after all. It says so on the cover.

Only Beatrice knows the truth. And surely there’s a solution to that.

My Take:

Holy smokes! I loved this book, could not get enough! I ripped through this one,  not because I wanted to get it over with but because it was so damn good. I waffled for a good long while on who was the bad guy because the characters were so rich and well developed. Eventually I came to the same conclusion most people would but it was quite a ride getting there.  Emma Fern starts off as your normal, run of the mill woman and then basically turns batshit crazy. I mean, she did have some provocation but let’s be real.  Beatrice was a bitch, I get it, but should that turn someone murderous? Probably not. At least not a sane person.

I loved the side angle story with her husband too, it added another dimension or layer which makes Emma spin out of control. But I don’t want to divulge too much info so I’ll just leave it at that.

I would 100% recommend this book and imagine my glee when I just noticed there is a follow up! I know what I’m downloading asap…!

**Full discolor: I received these books for free in exchange for an honest review.

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