Mary Tarry
Clever plot with good writing (some f-bombs).
This sequel contains spoilers for “Social Crimes.”
Audible Plus
An amazingly honest account of a mother's recovery from the loss of an infant in a tragic accident (hot car death).
One story was too dark for me to finish (demon possession). Two stories contain demonic characters. Still, the author's wildly creative plots are mind blowing. (free on Hoopla).
97% Cozy ensemble relationships; 3% Mystery
Seriously, the “mystery” started on page 199.
Rarely do rating graphs on Goodreads differ so drastically from those on Amazon/Audible. It's interesting that only 1700 Amazon (as of 1-12-20) reviews have yielded over 1000 “helpful” votes for the few one-star votes. Here on Goodreads (without the “verified purchase” feature), the graph is heavy on 1 stars.
The passages about summers in communist-era Czechoslovakia are fascinating. I laughed out loud several times. It's a quick read that offers personal glimpses of the President through the fairly clear lens of his oldest child.
DNF: This book was depressing without any redeeming value that I could find. When the woman finds out that her husband has paid off all the Palm Springs attorneys not to represent her in the divorce, I was done. This is not only inconsistent with his described character, but it makes no sense. All of LA is available to her, but she cannot get a lawyer? Just not worth reading such silliness.
Many good ideas for a true dyslexic - probably not of much value if target has been mislabelled.
I first read this book in 1999 and enjoyed rediscovering this quintessential time-travel masterpiece.
Way, way too scary for YA. I liked the book until the last four chapters. The ending was terrifying IMO!
Just Ok. Somewhat basic and condescending. Some insights are excellent, but the author tends to end each point with a series of gotcha questions that inherently evoke shame.
Outstanding!
I don't know how LM writes such believable characters! In this book, she does an amazing job of chronicling the changes one woman experiences as she moves through the seasons of her life. Other characters also experience revelations giving the book added depth. Like many of her books, there is a strong message about how women make flippant judgements about one another's lives without all the facts.
DNF
Main character is a sociopath. Are readers supposed to sympathize with this nutcase?
Depressing and lame.
This short book (2.5 hour audiobook) is a balm in the “why me?” moments of life. Henri's accent is a bit distracting, but I will definitely listen to this again and again.
“Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving. We become beautiful people when we give whatever we can give: a smile, a handshake, a kiss, an embrace, a word of love, a present, a part of our life”
Four stars for a completely original plot. A bit “cozy,” but main character (ADHD woman) enjoys an interesting growth/self-realization. Concisely written.
The audiobook contains a funny little (accidental?) broken third wall between ch 31 and 32 (at 8:38).
I read this book free on Hoopla.
