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writermala's rating:
Added Jan 11, 2024
writermala's rating:
Added Jan 08, 2024
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Laurie falls in love with Jack from a bus but unfortunately her best friend Sarah does so too. Is friendship more important than love? In this case it is. Oscar enters the scene as do numerous girls that Jack has a dalliance with but all's well with love...Laurie falls in love with Jack from a bus but unfortunately her best friend Sarah does so too. Is friendship more important than love? In this case it is. Oscar enters the scene as do numerous girls that Jack has a dalliance with but all's well with…
The ExchangeThe Exchange, eBookAfter The Firm
by Grisham, JohneBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 14 on 86 copies
Holds: 14 on 86 copies
writermala's rating:
Added Dec 28, 2023
Comment:
Good book but rather gory. The author went out of his way to portray 'terrorists' as extremely vicious and that they would go to any lengths to kill their victims violently. Ultimately, the book is about Mitch McDeere and his company pooling up with three governments to pay a ransom to release a young Italian woman. There is some suspense which keeps popping up about Mitch and his past which gets solved in the end.Good book but rather gory. The author went out of his way to portray 'terrorists' as extremely vicious and that they would go to any lengths to kill their victims violently. Ultimately, the book is about Mitch McDeere and his company pooling up with…
LimitlessLimitless, eBookUpgrade your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock your Exceptional Life
by Kwik, JimeBook - 2020eBook, 2020
All copies in use
Holds: 9 on 2 copies
Holds: 9 on 2 copies
writermala's rating:
Added Dec 28, 2023
Comment:
I was disappointed by this book. It didn't tell me anything new. Everything was old wine in a new bottle.
writermala's rating:
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
Those of us who have grown to love and enjoy Reacher's brand of violence will be rather surprised that he doesn't exhibit much of it till late in the book. This is not to say, however, that there is no violence. There is and it is quite graphic. Reacher does arrive on the scene with his violence and sardonic humour. The one thing which is not surprising is the identity of the ultimate 'Bad Guy.' The last few pages of tidying up operations are rewarding. I did find the fact checking disappointing in that the author refers to Sri Lanka as such. In the time he mentions the country it was known as CeylonThose of us who have grown to love and enjoy Reacher's brand of violence will be rather surprised that he doesn't exhibit much of it till late in the book. This is not to say, however, that there is no violence. There is and it is quite graphic.…
The Christmas SpiritThe Christmas Spirit, eBookA Novel
by Macomber, DebbieeBook - 2022eBook, 2022
All copies in use
Holds: 4 on 1 copy
Holds: 4 on 1 copy
writermala's rating:
Added Dec 17, 2023
Comment:
I agree with the reader who said the book would have been even better had it not been narrated to the grandchildren. Seeing as it was a mature story I would have kept Lily and Lance out of it. Having said that, I liked the theme of 'trading places,' and the plot revolving around Faith and Love. Both the love stories were predictable but the author did a wonderful job of narration. Since it's the Christmas season, I would recommend the book deeply.I agree with the reader who said the book would have been even better had it not been narrated to the grandchildren. Seeing as it was a mature story I would have kept Lily and Lance out of it. Having said that, I liked the theme of 'trading places,'…
writermala's rating:
Added Dec 15, 2023
Comment:
I am an Ann Patchett fan and looked forward to reading this book. The story line was interesting. A scientist, Marina Singh, is sent to the Amazon jungle following the death of a colleague. She is supposed to investigate but ends up in a State of Wonder in the tropics. The characters, particularly Dr. Annick Swenson, are well rounded and keep the story moving. I couldn't put the book down towards the end. I would definitely read it.I am an Ann Patchett fan and looked forward to reading this book. The story line was interesting. A scientist, Marina Singh, is sent to the Amazon jungle following the death of a colleague. She is supposed to investigate but ends up in a State of…
writermala's rating:
Added Dec 06, 2023
Comment:
As a grandma herself, Sudha Murty has done a remarkable job of retelling some folk tales as told by Grandma. The stories are interesting and all have a great moral. They are suitable for reading out, narrating, or to be read by children. My only negative comment would be that as a book translated to English from the original kannada this book has some strange sentences. Enjoy your summer reading this interesting book along with your children or grandchildren.As a grandma herself, Sudha Murty has done a remarkable job of retelling some folk tales as told by Grandma. The stories are interesting and all have a great moral. They are suitable for reading out, narrating, or to be read by children. My only…
12 Months to Live12 Months to Live, eBook
by Patterson, JameseBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 40 on 1 copy
Holds: 40 on 1 copy
writermala's rating:
Added Dec 02, 2023
Comment:
When a book starts with a 'terminal' diagnosis, one expects a rather painful story. In this book however, we meet Rob Jacobson and his attorney Jane Smith and an interesting court case. Twisted logic but interesting read.
ObsessedObsessed, eBook
by Patterson, JameseBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 39 on 2 copies
Holds: 39 on 2 copies
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 29, 2023
Comment:
Simply put, I liked this book. A thriller with lots of details about the detective's family life is a joy to read. Michael Bennett, an NYPD detective shares the story of his family life as he goes about solving a case about the deaths of pretty young girls. I'm surprised that it garnered such poor reviews. Granted, Patterson is churning out books with great speed but when the books are simple and enjoyable I can't complain.Simply put, I liked this book. A thriller with lots of details about the detective's family life is a joy to read. Michael Bennett, an NYPD detective shares the story of his family life as he goes about solving a case about the deaths of pretty…
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 25, 2023
Comment:
I have read a few novels about the evacuation of children from cities in England to the countryside and this was yet another. I felt that perhaps this was one too many because I couldn't quite get into it but as the book progressed, a mother's angst was portrayed well and the story line was perfect. All in all an interesting book.I have read a few novels about the evacuation of children from cities in England to the countryside and this was yet another. I felt that perhaps this was one too many because I couldn't quite get into it but as the book progressed, a mother's angst…
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 22, 2023
Comment:
This book highlights the feud between the Knickerbockers and Nouveau Riche in the gilded age. Specifically this feud is between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt. Each of them would like to be the head of New York society and does not spare any money or effort to gain this position. The book reminded me of the Regency Novels of Britain by such authors as Georggette Heyer. It may not be literature but is an easy read which is quite gripping as it tells of the evolution of women in society.This book highlights the feud between the Knickerbockers and Nouveau Riche in the gilded age. Specifically this feud is between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt. Each of them would like to be the head of New York society and does not spare any…
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 20, 2023
Comment:
Remy Wadia lives in Ohio with his wife, Kathy. He grew up in Bombay (now Mumbai) and had a complex childhood. He is now returning to Bombay adopt a baby boy but the road to adoption is fraught with uncertainty. In the meantime, his only surviving parent, his mother is taken ill and is in hospital. While he assumes the role of a caregiver several family secrets are unveiled which make for a very emotional and sensitive story. Who better to narrate this story than Thrity Umrigar who wields a facile pen. In her capable hand the story unfolds with poignancy and the ending is very satisfying.Remy Wadia lives in Ohio with his wife, Kathy. He grew up in Bombay (now Mumbai) and had a complex childhood. He is now returning to Bombay adopt a baby boy but the road to adoption is fraught with uncertainty. In the meantime, his only surviving…
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 18, 2023
Comment:
This book was billed as a Mystery/Thriller. I regret to say that it was neither a mystery nor a thriller. The cops did not solve the murder. I would have to say the murder solved itself.
The second novel, "Fallen Ranger," was much better. There was a lot of action and the ending was unexpected both as far as the thriller was concerned and the Romance.
The Third novel,"watch your back" can only be described as 'different.' the plot keeps revolving and subplots emerge. I had a tough time keeping up with the book and was relieved when it ended.This book was billed as a Mystery/Thriller. I regret to say that it was neither a mystery nor a thriller. The cops did not solve the murder. I would have to say the murder solved itself.
The second novel, "Fallen Ranger," was much better. There was…
The Song of the CellThe Song of the Cell, eBookAn Exploration of Medicine and the New Human
by Mukherjee, SiddharthaeBook - 2022eBook, 2022
All copies in use
Holds: 27 on 1 copy
Holds: 27 on 1 copy
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 16, 2023
Comment:
I have read "Emperor of Maladies," and really liked it so I was eagerly looking forward to this book. However, this one didn't do it for me. It was well written but I guess I didn't relate to the subject matter very well. Perhaps I should have read it slower.I have read "Emperor of Maladies," and really liked it so I was eagerly looking forward to this book. However, this one didn't do it for me. It was well written but I guess I didn't relate to the subject matter very well. Perhaps I should have read…
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 15, 2023
Comment:
When I read a biography I want it to be by a Biographer with great writing skills o about a person who is really interesting. This book satisfied both those requirements. I am not surprised that Isaacson has won the humanities medal. He writes well and about subjects which are really technical. As for Musk, one starts reading, determined to hate him and sure enough some of his behaviour totally justifies being hated but his vision, and his goals make him very likeable. All in all a well written book which is informational and eminently readable albeit technical.When I read a biography I want it to be by a Biographer with great writing skills o about a person who is really interesting. This book satisfied both those requirements. I am not surprised that Isaacson has won the humanities medal. He writes well…
Sunshine NailsSunshine Nails, eBookA Novel
by Nguyen, MaieBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 7 on 1 copy
Holds: 7 on 1 copy
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 11, 2023
Comment:
A typical fight for survival of a Vietnamese immigrant story set in Toronto. The Trans, Phil and Debbie and their offspring Jessica and Dustin, along with their niece Thuy work hard at keeping their nail salon, Sunshine Nails afloat. A new chain opens across the street and now the battle becomes a war. A good debut story of the diaspora.A typical fight for survival of a Vietnamese immigrant story set in Toronto. The Trans, Phil and Debbie and their offspring Jessica and Dustin, along with their niece Thuy work hard at keeping their nail salon, Sunshine Nails afloat. A new chain…
100 Places to See After You Die100 Places to See After You Die, BookA Travel Guide to the Afterlife
by Jennings, KenBook - 2023Book, 2023
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 10, 2023
Comment:
The beginning of this book was disappointing. I just couldn't get into it. But for the fact that Ken Jennings was the writer, I may have put it away; but I persevered and I'm glad I did. Ken's humour saved the book and I actually enjoyed the vignettes. A very well researched book.The beginning of this book was disappointing. I just couldn't get into it. But for the fact that Ken Jennings was the writer, I may have put it away; but I persevered and I'm glad I did. Ken's humour saved the book and I actually enjoyed the…
The Secret Book of Flora LeaThe Secret Book of Flora Lea, BookA Novel
by Henry, Patti CallahanBook - 2023Book, 2023
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 08, 2023
Comment:
The author ties together WWII British History and Fairy tales for a wonderful combination. I enjoyed the book but it was clear that the writer was American (Math for Maths and so on.) Flora and Hazel are sisters who are sent to the English countryside from London to avoid bombs as part of the Pied Piper program. They have an idyllic life but there is a twist in the tale which doesn't get solved for over twenty years. The very end is rather surprising but all in all an interesting book.The author ties together WWII British History and Fairy tales for a wonderful combination. I enjoyed the book but it was clear that the writer was American (Math for Maths and so on.) Flora and Hazel are sisters who are sent to the English…
writermala's rating:
Added Nov 06, 2023
Comment:
The good part about picking up a Danielle Steel book is that one is in a comfort zone and knows what to expect. "Second Act" was no exception except that this book was Man Centrist not Woman Centrist. Andy Westfield is the hero and the book starts with his losing his job as head of a major Hollywood studio. He is shattered and leaves for England to avoid humiliation. While there he meets Violet and the rest is history. There is a twist in the tale at the very end and Andy has to make an important decision. What will he decide? Quite a good Steel book.The good part about picking up a Danielle Steel book is that one is in a comfort zone and knows what to expect. "Second Act" was no exception except that this book was Man Centrist not Woman Centrist. Andy Westfield is the hero and the book starts…
SensitiveSensitive, BookThe Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in A Loud, Fast, Too-much World
by Granneman, JennBook - 2023Book, 2023
writermala's rating:
Added Oct 31, 2023
Comment:
This book talks about Highly Sensitive People. It tells us, how they feel, how they act, how they treat other people, and how others treat them and should treat them to get the best out of them. The book also highlights how sensitive children should be treated, how employees should be treated and in general all about sensitive people. I felt that in the beginning the book did not deliver as I hoped it would, but as it progressed, it got better.This book talks about Highly Sensitive People. It tells us, how they feel, how they act, how they treat other people, and how others treat them and should treat them to get the best out of them. The book also highlights how sensitive children should…
writermala's rating:
Added Oct 29, 2023
Comment:
As someone who has read all 8 of the Michael Clan Electroclan series, I was shocked to see the title of the ninth book 'traitor.' Could Michael really be a traitor? But this myth was soon dispelled when I saw the reference was not to Michael. In any case the clan's values indicate that loyalty is one of the most important virtues that they cherish. It is a testament to Richard Paul Evans' talents as a writer that he is able to write Christmas Love Stories and also Young Adult Sci Fi stories. At first I had trouble keeping the characters straight but after a few chapters I remembered who was who and enjoyed the electrifying book. The book was somewhat sad but at all times it talked about what is important in life. If you have read the previous books in the series, this is a must read and if you haven't this might be a good time to read the earlier ones.As someone who has read all 8 of the Michael Clan Electroclan series, I was shocked to see the title of the ninth book 'traitor.' Could Michael really be a traitor? But this myth was soon dispelled when I saw the reference was not to Michael. In any…
The New GirlThe New Girl, eBookA Novel
by Silva, DanieleBook - 2019eBook, 2019
All copies in use
Holds: 4 on 1 copy
Holds: 4 on 1 copy
writermala's rating:
Added Oct 26, 2023
Comment:
This Gabriel Allon book by Daniel Silva lives up to its billing. It is somewhat prescient in that it deals with the crisis in the Middle East situation. Granted the players this time around are somewhat different but essentially it is about horror in the Gaza Strip and the Geopolitics surrounding it. We have Allon dealing with the White House, Downing Street and Russians but of course there is a lot of killing involved. Speaking of killing, I was saddened by one killing and kept hoping that there would be a miracle but...This Gabriel Allon book by Daniel Silva lives up to its billing. It is somewhat prescient in that it deals with the crisis in the Middle East situation. Granted the players this time around are somewhat different but essentially it is about horror…
writermala's rating:
Added Oct 23, 2023
Comment:
People use expressions like, "He could sell an umbrella in a desert" to describe someone's excellence. This memoir by Michelle Zauner uses food to handle the trauma of grief - not any food but food which is predominantly meat based. As a vegetarian, who has never eaten meat I ought not to have been able to relate to this book but it is a testament to Zauner's ability that I loved the book. The complex mother/ daughter relationship is described beautifully and the result is a poignant tale.People use expressions like, "He could sell an umbrella in a desert" to describe someone's excellence. This memoir by Michelle Zauner uses food to handle the trauma of grief - not any food but food which is predominantly meat based. As a vegetarian,…
Pineapple StreetPineapple Street, Large PrintA Novel
by Jackson, JennyLarge Print - 2023Large Print, 2023
writermala's rating:
Added Oct 13, 2023
Comment:
I never thought I'd enjoy reading a book about the one-percenters but I surprised myself. This book was told in parts by Darly the eldest Stockton who renounced her trust fund; Sasha, A Stockton by marriage who strives for acceptance but feels she is an outlaw and Georgiana, the youngest. Georgiana, wants to renounce her trust fund and use it to help less privileged people. Each of these women is handling her wealth, or family wealth differently and Jackson tells the story in a way that piqued my curiosity.I never thought I'd enjoy reading a book about the one-percenters but I surprised myself. This book was told in parts by Darly the eldest Stockton who renounced her trust fund; Sasha, A Stockton by marriage who strives for acceptance but feels she…
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