I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful and tragic story of three nurses working with the U.S. military at the start of WW2. Assigned to the beautiful and tropical Philippines, three nurses become fast friends and in an instant everything changes. Japan invades Pearl Harbor and the very next day, the Japanese begin to bomb the Philippines changing their once paradise into a war zone. So many of the World War 2 era books explorer the European theatre of fighting, this was a unique look at the experience of nurses who find themselves in enemy territory of the Pacific theatre. The horrors of war and the unfathomable hardships endured by the POW's are the back drop of each of their stories as these three women deal with love, loss and the unimaginable horrors of war, all while their friendship helps to sustain them. This is a must read for all fans of historical fiction.
Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention - And How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I saw this book on a recommendation list and I am so glad I decided to read it. The author lays out an impeccably researched discussion of the myriad of ways our attention is being manipulated and affected by everything from social media algorithms to improper diet and lack of sleep. At times it can feel overwhelming because the problem is so vast, but knowledge is the key to solving anything and this book is full of knowledge to help understand the breadth and depth of the problem. I feel like this should be required reading for everyone, but especially parents.
The Wildwater Walking Club: Walk the Talk by Claire Cook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again the ladies of the Wildwater Walking Club will entertain and inspire readers to get active as they 'Walk the talk'. Noreen and her friends Tess and Rosie are back at it, focused on reaching their daily step goals despite the brutal Massachusetts winter weather. Claire Cook has created characters that feel like visiting with old friends. Noreen is struggling with finding her path in love and in life, and daily walks with her friends Tess and Roise help keep her on track. As the trio decides on a fun impromptu adventure things don't turn out exactly the way they had planned, but of course they find a way to make the best of it.
This is a great book to start off your new year on the right foot and 'walk your talk'.
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I wanted to like this book, it started well with two interesting characters who captured my attention, but then very quickly the story took a strange turn; one of the main characters is killed off and this is where I felt the story went off the rails.
The book is centered on Elizabeth Zott, a chemist, who faces challenges and struggles both professionally and personally. Elizabeth is an uncompromising scientist, but as a woman in the 1950's she is not respected, and often taken advantage of. Out of necessity, Elizabeth winds up hosting a daily cooking show that she turns into a chemistry classroom, teaching not only chemistry but also self-esteem to her many female viewers.
There were parts of the story that I enjoyed, especially the way the author included the viewpoint of the dog, but overall I felt the story was chaotic.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review an advance reader copy of this book.
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The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Historical fiction at its finest, this incredible story includes mystery, murder, betrayal and revenge all set among some the finest works of art in the world.
Lillian, also know as the renown model Angelica, hiding from a mistaken accusation of murder finds herself in front of bossy and difficult Helen Frick, who believes that she is there for a job interview. Miss Lilly begins to work with Miss Helen in the Frick residence, and she finds herself surrounded by secrets and lies.
Two timelines, from 1919 and 1966 intersect with an ending that merges the two time periods with a satisfying conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the characters were interesting, and likable, even the bullish Miss Helen. I highly recommend this book to all fans of historical fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review an advance reader copy of this book.
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Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fun new book by Kelly deVos, angry teens at a fat camp in a massive blizzard and there's zombies, what's not to love. Basically the story feels like World War Z at a fat camp for rich kids, but the way the author pokes fun at stereotypes makes this YA book so much more. I really enjoyed it, except for the ending which definitely felt like the author was setting up the second book rather than resolving this story, but honestly I hope so because I'm sure I will like the next one too. This book is a perfect summer read.
When the Apricots Bloom by Gina Wilkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting story about an Iraqi woman who struggles to deal with the infamous mukhabarat, the secret police, when she gets a prestigious position as a secretary for the Australian Embassy. She is told to befriend the Ambassadors wife in order to get information, but Huda doesn't want to spy on her new boss, Ally. Huda fears for her son's safety and feels trapped by a dangerous and corrupt regime. Meanwhile Ally has her own secrets and her own reasons for coming to Iraq. Exploring the reality of living under the dangerous regime of Saddam Hussein, this book gives a glimpse of a lifestyle that few of us would otherwise know.
I really enjoyed this story of friendship and the ties that bind us to our past.
