Diana

I'm not sure what I think about this book. I'd probably rate it with 2.5 stars. Normally I enjoy short stories, but these were odd in that most of them didn't have a concrete ending. I guess I like that in my stories. The Indian culture and traditions were highlighted in each story, but I didn't get enough of the story to really understand those traditions. But I did find them oddly interesting - just wish there was more to them.

I listened to this book and I'm glad I did. Part of the [fictional] story involves a podcast in which the narration included interviews from the podcast. Good narration and a story which keeps you guessing.

3.5 stars

A well done story that interweaves characters and experiences. Judy Blume has a knack for writing about life in a way that the reader can identify with the emotions her characters feel and grapple with. I like that. Although it's a fictional story, the events that the story is rooted in actually happened.

3.5 Interesting enough and I'm glad I listened to it.

Layered story that touches on the subjects of addiction and suicide with nice character development.

A book everyone should read. It hurt my heart but I know this story is the story for so many black (or other stereotypes) boys and men.

3.5 stars.

Wonderful story beautifully written. I loved how it took place where I personally know or have heard about, like Iola which is at the bottom of the Blue Mesa Reservoir - right down the road from where I live. This one will stay with me.

Read this for a 8-12 year old book club.

4.5 stars

This was a funny and heartwarming story. I give it 3.5 stars.

I loved this book. Great story and life lessons that are relevant today.

3.5 stars. I did not enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed the first book. Although these short stories are very relatable to real life and I do enjoy that.

T.J. Klune sure has an imagination! This is the third book of his that I've read and I enjoy his slant that he infuses into his stories. Original each one of them and issues and experiences that make you ponder life.

3.5 stars. It's always hard to rate a short story. You always wish it was a little longer.

Good food for thought for a struggling “not wanting to be identified as a” Christian.

Just wasn't my type of book, even though I'm an ally for the LGBTQ+ community. I listened to the book through Audible and I couldn't motivate myself to just get through it. Part of it was the graphic descriptions of the intimacy between character but part of it was a storyline I just lost interest in. But after a few months, I finished it.

Wish it was longer because I found myself interested in the characters.

For me, this one is a hard one to rate. I give it 4 stars because the writing is very good and it's an imaginative story. My problem with the story is that it's not my kind of read. Had it been longer, I probably wouldn't have finished it. But I wanted to give Neil Gaiman a try and figured I start off with something shorter.

A good look at the Foster Care system and what reality is for kids who are subjected to this life.

Powerful book that helps explain why and how Christianity is the way it is today.

4.5 stars. Loved the narrator. I could listen to her all day. And Jodi Picoult did not disappoint. Great story and her perspective on Covid and what a lot of people went through during the pandemic is worth reflection and a desire to live life fully.

A hard book to read. Horrific story. It did a good job of telling the story but I wanted to know WHY. Why was this boy treated so terribly when his brothers were not. I'm moving onto the second book so I'm hoping for some of those answers.

Reminiscent of Where the Crawdads Sing.