ednabw
The Seattle Public Library
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Build your House Around My BodyBuild your House Around My Body, BookA Novel
by Kupersmith, VioletBook - 2021Book, 2021
ednabw's rating:
Added Jun 03, 2022
ednabw's rating:
Added Jun 03, 2022
Comment:
Lynette is not from the best of family situations. Her mom has minimal energy and makes no effort to go to work at a local big box discount store. Her life is all cigarettes and TV. Her younger adult-brother is mentally-challenged and needs 24/7 care, so Lynette cares for him in between working two jobs to save money in hopes of buying a house for them all. It’s evident that no matter what she’s hoping for, life is going to give it easily to her. She’s been angry for years and is now going for it; she’s taking the initiative to collect on debts owed her and no one’s going to stop her. No one. If you like noir, this book is right up your alley.Lynette is not from the best of family situations. Her mom has minimal energy and makes no effort to go to work at a local big box discount store. Her life is all cigarettes and TV. Her younger adult-brother is mentally-challenged and needs 24/7…
ednabw's rating:
Added Apr 06, 2021
Comment:
Ernest Hemingway has always been one of my favorite authors after my ninth grade English teacher “made” the class read, The Old Man and The Sea. The book directed me to read his other novels that were readily sitting on my dad’s bookshelf including, The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and, For Whom the Bell Tolls. For readers who have visited Paris, it could occur to them that most cafes and streets probably look about the same as it did for Hemingway and his contemporaries. A Moveable Feast, Hemingway’s autobiography, allows the reader to experience Paris during the 1920s when it was affordable and an enlightening experience for young American writers. Hemingway struggled with his reporting style as a war correspondent and short story writer yet, he evolved brilliantly with a writing style that described the bluntness of experiencing everyday life. Helping him with writing suggestions were Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, Ezra Pound and Scott Fitzgerald along with his dedicated and beloved wife, Hadley. The descriptions of his impressive friends are priceless. Remarkable book and one every reader of American literature, should read.Ernest Hemingway has always been one of my favorite authors after my ninth grade English teacher “made” the class read, The Old Man and The Sea. The book directed me to read his other novels that were readily sitting on my dad’s bookshelf including,…
The SearcherThe Searcher, Downloadable Audiobook
by French, TanaDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
ednabw's rating:
Added Apr 06, 2021
Comment:
Couldn’t put this "book" down and felt it was a page-turner despite a varying group of readers who said the first 100 pages were slow for them. I imagined Cal, a former Chicago (cop) detective, felt that as a divorced man with a grown daughter, moving to a small village in Ireland would be an ideal location for retirement. Unfortunately for him but fortunately for us readers, he is dragged kicking and screaming into helping a young local urchin, find a missing older brother. The naivety of a burly outsider subtly asking questions in a tight-knit everyone-knows-your business is almost comical if it wasn’t for the nail-biting situations with which he finds himself, a few times. Trying to solve a mystery isn’t easy for this American born detective especially when he soon realizes he can’t trust anyone, not the kid with whom he is becoming fond of, or his older neighbor who he thought was his staunchest supporter. Loved the story and this audiobook version - the voice actor was excellent!Couldn’t put this "book" down and felt it was a page-turner despite a varying group of readers who said the first 100 pages were slow for them. I imagined Cal, a former Chicago (cop) detective, felt that as a divorced man with a grown daughter,…
Know My NameKnow My Name, Downloadable AudiobookA Memoir
by Miller, ChanelDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
All copies in use
Holds: 4 on 1 copy
Holds: 4 on 1 copy
ednabw's rating:
Added Jan 30, 2021
Comment:
Powerful in-your-face words of a young woman who describes her sexual assault and the days and years following this life-changing event. She starts from the assault and heroically describes the emotional and ongoing internal turmoil of a whole family, the long, questionable justified court process, and the continuing save-our-reputation-let’s-distance-ourselves prestigious private college.
It’s no wonder that this book is now on many teachers’ must-reads lists – it should be on every family member’s must-read list.
Note: I suggest reading the print or e-book copy because the audio-book voice is monotone and slow moving which I found, at first, to be distracting and it's just too good a book to miss any of its content. I found it helped to increase the reading speed.Powerful in-your-face words of a young woman who describes her sexual assault and the days and years following this life-changing event. She starts from the assault and heroically describes the emotional and ongoing internal turmoil of a whole…
Faithful PlaceFaithful Place, Downloadable Audiobook
by French, TanaDownloadable Audiobook - 2010Downloadable Audiobook, 2010
ednabw's rating:
Added Jan 06, 2021
Comment:
Gritty, reckless, emotional, and professional-driven are the words that come to me, and in that order, when I think of Frank in this family triggered mystery. His long-ago teen love doesn’t show up for an escape rendezvous and her suitcase is found in his small hometown. This book is hard to read because of the volatile relationships within the family where everyone is defensive and everyone’s a victim. As the mystery becomes an investigation, Frank oversteps his position leaving him in danger for his life with threats from those he’s closest to. It was a tough read for me and although Frank isn’t “the good cop,” he has an insatiable need to make things right despite his irregular and dangerous methods. His redeeming characteristic is his own young daughter who seems to be his anchor with her devotion and practical view of what defines a family.Gritty, reckless, emotional, and professional-driven are the words that come to me, and in that order, when I think of Frank in this family triggered mystery. His long-ago teen love doesn’t show up for an escape rendezvous and her suitcase is found…
ednabw's rating:
Added Jan 06, 2021
Comment:
This book was on a suggested list for reading bygone mystery novels. The end of World War II setting along with its uncomplicated characters makes this cozy-mystery a perfect summer whodunit read. While reading, I kept visualizing inhabitants of an English village, but it all takes place in Maine with the richer residents making business or shopping trips into New York. A sister sets out early to make sure the seaside home is ready to accommodate her mother and prospective visits by her sister and brother. She gets a surprise that starts a local investigation; suspicions of residents and snow-birders are flying everywhere and secrets that are harder than pulling teeth are painfully and embarrassingly exposed. An entertaining read and one that may entice you to read other novels written by Mary Roberts Rinehart.This book was on a suggested list for reading bygone mystery novels. The end of World War II setting along with its uncomplicated characters makes this cozy-mystery a perfect summer whodunit read. While reading, I kept visualizing inhabitants of an…
ednabw's rating:
Added Jan 06, 2021
Comment:
Love how Horowitz integrated himself as one of the main characters in this whodunit mystery along with (true) facts about his personal and professional life. And while the story involves a very British-mystery story, the complicated and hard-nut forced into retirement police investigator makes one wonder if he, too, is a real person. The clever writing results in a very fun read.Love how Horowitz integrated himself as one of the main characters in this whodunit mystery along with (true) facts about his personal and professional life. And while the story involves a very British-mystery story, the complicated and hard-nut…
The MerciesThe Mercies, Downloadable Audiobook
by Hargrave, Kiran MillwoodDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
ednabw's rating:
Added Nov 19, 2020
Comment:
The idea that this story was based on a true event makes it more intriguing for the reader because of the possibility that despite some small liberties, the premise is basically true and relatable during a political climate that justifies male superiority without proof or common sense. Unfortunately, jealousy supersedes support and appreciation within the female community and leaving the reader with an inevitable conclusion. An excellent albeit frustrating (frustration with humanity) read.The idea that this story was based on a true event makes it more intriguing for the reader because of the possibility that despite some small liberties, the premise is basically true and relatable during a political climate that justifies male…
The Turn of the KeyThe Turn of the Key, Downloadable Audiobook
by Ware, RuthDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
ednabw's rating:
Added Nov 19, 2020
Comment:
Enjoyable page-turning mystery about Rowan, a nanny who is writing to a lawyer from jail and confessing her innocence in the death of a child left in her care. Rowan was newly hired into a position that, by description, may have been too good to be true. With the parents immediately leaving on a business trip, she is left in a ultra-advanced technical home which is run by apps, left with 3 small children (and later a teen returning from school) who are determined to push her professional limits to the brink, left with a housekeeper who continually finds fault with her manner of child-care - fortunately, left with a handyman who is kind and friendly but, who she is not sure she can trust.
It is perplexing why Rowan doesn’t quit the job within the first 24 hours, but she progressively narrates reasons for empathizing with the children’s behavior and, nearing the end of the book, we find out why she’s so determined to stay despite strange ghost-like noises and unexplained events.Enjoyable page-turning mystery about Rowan, a nanny who is writing to a lawyer from jail and confessing her innocence in the death of a child left in her care. Rowan was newly hired into a position that, by description, may have been too good to be…
Saint XSaint X, Downloadable Audiobook
by Schaitkin, AlexisDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
ednabw's rating:
Added Oct 26, 2020
Comment:
After the first few chapters of reading this book it occurred to me that this story sounded familiar and I was hesitant about continuing to read if it was based on an American young adult who disappeared during a school holiday in the Caribbean. Like most parents who followed that news story, it’s an unthinkable event and a fear I didn’t want to read about, again. But what truly hooked me into finishing this novel was the voice of the teen’s much younger sister, Claire, who years later recognizes one of the island’s suspects who frequents a local café close to her current apartment in New York City. His appearance triggers an overwhelming need for Claire to find out and understand what happened during the family vacation and question the relationship she thought she had with her sister. What type of person was her sister Alison? Did Alison somehow contribute to her own disappearance? Claire’s obsession with the need to know and befriending the suspect incognito puts her current relationships and her job in jeopardy. Good psychological mystery.After the first few chapters of reading this book it occurred to me that this story sounded familiar and I was hesitant about continuing to read if it was based on an American young adult who disappeared during a school holiday in the Caribbean.…
My Vanishing CountryMy Vanishing Country, Downloadable AudiobookA Memoir
by Sellers, BakariDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
Available
ednabw's rating:
Added Sep 01, 2020
Comment:
This is one of those books that you tell your friends about even before you’ve finished reading it. It’s uplifting in a way that I learned a lot about why some people who run for office are truly unselfish and earnestly feel that they can made a difference in how we treat each other by forcing a change in government responsibility even while knowing that they put themselves and their families at risk. I also learned about the Orangeburg Massacre and how it was racially overshadowed by the Kent State Massacre which I remember was plastered continually on the news and for years later.
Sellers, who is from South Carolina, was the youngest state elected lawmaker in the country. His drive for politics was influenced by famous African American activists including his father and those he called uncles. He gleaned their words and actions and along with his aunties’ emotional support, he developed a realistic view of how life really is what has to be done including negotiating in order to make it more equitable, despite systematic attacks and threats.
Loved this audiobook read by the author for its un-bitter and non-hateful view of personal and systematic discrimination that drove him to speak out and act to change direction, despite the consequences.This is one of those books that you tell your friends about even before you’ve finished reading it. It’s uplifting in a way that I learned a lot about why some people who run for office are truly unselfish and earnestly feel that they can made a…
Say NothingSay Nothing, Downloadable AudiobookA True Story of Murder and Memory In Northern Ireland
by Keefe, Patrick RaddenDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
ednabw's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2020
Comment:
This book reads like a fantastic espionage and murder mystery novel – but it’s not fiction and once you put it down, you won’t be moving on to another mystery read like it. You’re going to continue thinking about it. You may even do more research about The Troubles which is good. So even though I was drawn to the mystery of Jean McConville’s disappearance, the more I read, the more interested I became in who and what defined “The Troubles.”
In 1981, like other west-coast Americans, I was not knowledgeable about the Northern Ireland situation and its political discrimination against their Catholic residents, but I do remember hearing about Bobby Sands hunger strike while imprisoned. I was naively confused why someone whatever their political views, would or could purposely destroy their own body.
This narrative will slowly expose names that you may recognize, even today, and with research to support those who participated as true humanitarians and advocates and those who manipulated the situation for personal political gains. For the mystery part, we may never know who was telling the truth then or now.This book reads like a fantastic espionage and murder mystery novel – but it’s not fiction and once you put it down, you won’t be moving on to another mystery read like it. You’re going to continue thinking about it. You may even do more research…
So You Want to Talk About RaceSo You Want to Talk About Race, Downloadable Audiobook
by Oluo, IjeomaDownloadable Audiobook - 2018Downloadable Audiobook, 2018
Available
ednabw's rating:
Added Jun 26, 2020
Comment:
Impactful, honest and a no-holds-barred book about race as experienced by an intelligent world- community advocate. As biracial, I recognized several of Oluo’s experiences but not with the depth of introspection along with the ability to point out how to take steps to resolve unrecognized (buried?) prejudices and cultural discrimination. Although published two years ago, this book has always been current and even more so today as we participate in an environment of warranted social isolation. A must read.Impactful, honest and a no-holds-barred book about race as experienced by an intelligent world- community advocate. As biracial, I recognized several of Oluo’s experiences but not with the depth of introspection along with the ability to point out…
WidowmakerWidowmaker, Downloadable Audiobook
by Doiron, PaulDownloadable Audiobook - 2016Downloadable Audiobook, 2016
ednabw's rating:
Added May 26, 2020
Comment:
Reading this mystery book outside of its series-order works because the main character’s background and relationship with his father and other fellow law enforcement officers intertwines with case of a missing young man who may have a family connection. With all his insecurities to become a better person than his “loser” father, game warden Mike Bowditch probes into places and relationships that do a lot of harm and may cost him his job and even worse, his life. Good reading in a remote location in northeast Maine – a place I’d love to visit ... now.Reading this mystery book outside of its series-order works because the main character’s background and relationship with his father and other fellow law enforcement officers intertwines with case of a missing young man who may have a family…
FantasylandFantasyland, Downloadable AudiobookHow America Went Haywire : A 500-year History
by Andersen, KurtDownloadable Audiobook - 2017Downloadable Audiobook, 2017
ednabw's rating:
Added May 13, 2020
Comment:
Loved the premise and massive historical research involved with producing a book that should read like an academic publication but is a well-written essay (albeit long – it is history) that anyone can understand.
Early in the book I immediately wrote down one of Andersen’s statements about our irresponsible thoughts (and actions) because we cannot decipher that, “opinions and feelings are the same as facts.” If we understand the difference, we should evolve as intelligent beings but, we don’t. What is wrong with us? Why can’t we see beyond our noses? As embarrassing as it sounds, I find myself falling for some dubious claims (skin-tightening creams, as a minute example) and I love fantasy novels and films.
And, it goes without saying that it has to occur to us that religion(s) has always been a great divider not just in the establishment and separation of countries throughout the world but as close as in our own home and within family discussions. The magnitude of damage and lessons-learned is somehow forgotten and repeated or recycled.
Excellent nonfiction read.Loved the premise and massive historical research involved with producing a book that should read like an academic publication but is a well-written essay (albeit long – it is history) that anyone can understand.
Early in the book I immediately…
No Shred of EvidenceNo Shred of Evidence, eBook
by Todd, CharleseBook - 2016eBook, 2016
All copies in use
ednabw's rating:
Added Apr 12, 2020
Comment:
Love these set-in-England mysteries where towns know everyone and know “their place.” I suppose it shouldn’t amaze us (Americans) that those who have established status, community power or old money can manipulate police investigations. While Scotland Yard investigator Rutledge must force his way into interviews with the suspects and into the lives of the locals who include a vicar with a secret and, who may lose his life from an attack. Townspeople offer no insight and swear it must be someone from out of town while one farmer claims to be a witness. Rutledge painstakingly slogs through his investigation with the help of the voice in his head. Good reading.Love these set-in-England mysteries where towns know everyone and know “their place.” I suppose it shouldn’t amaze us (Americans) that those who have established status, community power or old money can manipulate police investigations. While…
The Long CallThe Long Call, Downloadable Audiobook
by Cleeves, AnnDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
ednabw's rating:
Added Apr 12, 2020
Comment:
Good characterization of a gay police investigator who returns to his childhood home where he is ostracized for breaking away from his parent’s religious sect in order to investigate a murder that could possibly connect with a missing girl from the sect. There is a lot complexity behind the reasons for the community’s secrets and their need for diverting the investigation. Look forward to reading the second installment.Good characterization of a gay police investigator who returns to his childhood home where he is ostracized for breaking away from his parent’s religious sect in order to investigate a murder that could possibly connect with a missing girl from the…
In the Midst of WinterIn the Midst of Winter, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Allende, IsabelDownloadable Audiobook - 2017Downloadable Audiobook, 2017
ednabw's rating:
Added Apr 12, 2020
Comment:
Unveiling the backstories of 3 diverse Brooklyn residents forces the creation of a relationship resulting in an empathetic connection and deeper understanding of probable causes behind human behavior. A good read for those who believe in karma. All this complexity because of a minor car accident.Unveiling the backstories of 3 diverse Brooklyn residents forces the creation of a relationship resulting in an empathetic connection and deeper understanding of probable causes behind human behavior. A good read for those who believe in karma. All…
Catch and KillCatch and Kill, Downloadable AudiobookLies, Spies, and A Conspiracy to Protect Predators
by Farrow, RonanDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
Added Apr 04, 2020
Comment:
Wow; unbelievably great reporting with the results of a book that includes disbelief, disgust, suspense and, an ending that forces the reader to look and listen without prejudice while admiring how to effectively research and interview with integrity. One can't help but respect Ronan Farrow’s focus and tenacity to follow through with his style of investigative reporting that gives these women and future women a voice that needs to be heard. Well done!Wow; unbelievably great reporting with the results of a book that includes disbelief, disgust, suspense and, an ending that forces the reader to look and listen without prejudice while admiring how to effectively research and interview with…
ednabw's rating:
Added Oct 23, 2019
Comment:
My first Inspector Gamache story reminded me a great deal of the Georges Simenon’s Maigret series. Very much like Maigret, Gamache has a slow methodical and cerebral process to his investigation. His experience precedes him into this new (and quiet) residence which he and his wife are now living. And even though the local villagers are perplexed up to a breaking point, they don’t panic and act crazy during this “village harassment” situation until one resident is found dead and wearing the harassment-garment. The admirable residents start self-reflecting while others try to help the inspector out only to find out there is a more complex and globally sinister crime being undertaken.My first Inspector Gamache story reminded me a great deal of the Georges Simenon’s Maigret series. Very much like Maigret, Gamache has a slow methodical and cerebral process to his investigation. His experience precedes him into this new (and quiet)…
ednabw's rating:
Added Oct 23, 2019
Comment:
Excellent thriller with an ending that is so much more than a twist. Hulda is a strong and driven detective who has fought her whole life from the beginning of her existence as the illegitimate child of an absent teen mother and into the predominately male-driven homicide police profession in Iceland. Iceland is the perfect setting with daylight and snow hours on end and confusing how much time is left before her forced retirement to make room for the younger, fresh and inexperienced new detectives. She picks up a cold murder case and it leads her down a path of perplexing connections and huge gaps that involve sloppy police interviews, asylum seekers that no one seems to care about, and using old acquaintances for help. Throughout her professional frustration she starts questioning everything that has happened in life including the death of her daughter and husband and why she feels attracted to a new male friend. Nothing is as it seems – this is a page-turning stunner.Excellent thriller with an ending that is so much more than a twist. Hulda is a strong and driven detective who has fought her whole life from the beginning of her existence as the illegitimate child of an absent teen mother and into the…
ednabw's rating:
Added Oct 21, 2019
Comment:
Years ago, our book club read a book about children that were taken from women and families who were arrested as dissidents in Argentina during the 1970s and 1980s and given to childless military or wealthy pro-government couples. We were all horrified. Now, we know that even without a “militant” or fascist government, this was going on in the U.S. which makes it more shocking because it happened right under our noses and, with the approval of so many active community elders. Lisa Wingate writes a heartbreaking but valuable story about an ugly part of our culture and community. Excellent book discussion book.Years ago, our book club read a book about children that were taken from women and families who were arrested as dissidents in Argentina during the 1970s and 1980s and given to childless military or wealthy pro-government couples. We were all…
The War on Normal PeopleThe War on Normal People, BookThe Truth About America's Disappearing Jobs and Why Universal Basic Income Is Our Future
by Yang, AndrewBook - 2018Book, 2018
ednabw's rating:
Added Oct 21, 2019
Comment:
After watching the Democratic debates, I was intrigued by the intelligent and even-toned, matter-of-fact Presidential candidate, Andrew Yang. While others were accusatory, Yang kept throwing out factual data to the audience none of which could be refuted. Why? This book is worth reading – it’s filled with factual and historical data from reputable resources along with a bit of history and why current situations are failing. Don’t be discouraged with the first half of the book because Yang uses all the data and provides ample reasons why his vision of a Universal Basic Income could and has worked (in other countries). Excellent read for those who want to know who he is and why he’s running for U.S. President.After watching the Democratic debates, I was intrigued by the intelligent and even-toned, matter-of-fact Presidential candidate, Andrew Yang. While others were accusatory, Yang kept throwing out factual data to the audience none of which could be…
ednabw's rating:
Added Oct 09, 2019
Comment:
In Ocean Vuong’s novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, he mentions reading Thunder Cake and how as a young boy he equated it his own survival in Vietnam and hearing the violent sounds of war outside his home. If you’ve already read it – read it again and think about feeling fearful of overwhelming circumstances that you can’t control. It’s not just a children’s book.In Ocean Vuong’s novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, he mentions reading Thunder Cake and how as a young boy he equated it his own survival in Vietnam and hearing the violent sounds of war outside his home. If you’ve already read it – read it…
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