TCL’s #DNF Friday #14 – Off-Key Notes.

Why I can't write a Book Review for “Rhapsody” by Mitchell James Kaplan. Summary: "When Katharine “Kay” Swift—the restless but loyal society wife of wealthy banker James Warburg and a serious pianist who longs for recognition—attends a performance of Rhapsody in Blue by a brilliant, elusive young musical genius named George Gershwin, her world is … Continue reading TCL’s #DNF Friday #14 – Off-Key Notes. →

#CCSpin 32 Review – Three Turns to her Future.

Book Review for “Which Way?” by Theodora Benson. Summary: "'There was no one in the room. Blinds and curtains were closed; the light of the skies, if any, was shut out. ... Only the fire was alive, consuming its life-for what? Then the door opened and as Claudia came with hurried steps into the fire's … Continue reading #CCSpin 32 Review – Three Turns to her Future. →

To Soothe a Ravaged Soul.

Book Review for “Keys to Harmony: Memoir of Depression, Daring, and Creativity” by Margalit Jakob. Summary: "A pianist/therapist loses access to a crucial memory. Neither able to play, nor to relinquish her dream, she finds herself in an agonizing limbo. Filled with piercing insights, this is a thrilling book about overcoming depression and reclaiming one's … Continue reading To Soothe a Ravaged Soul. →

Ghost Girl.

Book Review for “Zorrie” by Laird Hunt. Summary: "As a girl, Zorrie Underwood’s modest and hardscrabble home county was the only constant in her young life. After losing both her parents, Zorrie moved in with her aunt, whose own death orphaned Zorrie all over again, casting her off into the perilous realities and sublime landscapes … Continue reading Ghost Girl. →

Oh, Benny!

Book Review for “The Book of Form and Emptiness” by Ruth Ozeki. Summary: "After the tragic death of his beloved musician father, fourteen-year-old Benny Oh begins to hear voices. The voices belong to the things in his house--a sneaker, a broken Christmas ornament, a piece of wilted lettuce. Although Benny doesn't understand what these things … Continue reading Oh, Benny! →

TCL’s #DNF Friday #10 – Migratory Muddle.

Why I can't write a Book Review for “The Last and the First” by Nina Berberova, translated by Marian Schwartz. Summary: "On a crisp September morning, trouble comes to the Gorbatovs' farm. Having fled the ruins of the Russian Revolution, they have endured crushing labour to set up a small farm in Provence. For young … Continue reading TCL’s #DNF Friday #10 – Migratory Muddle. →

Perilous Deliveries.

Book Review for “The Postmistress of Paris” by Meg Waite Clayton. Summary: "Wealthy, beautiful Naneé was born with a spirit of adventure. For her, learning to fly is freedom. When German tanks roll across the border and into Paris, this woman with an adorable dog and a generous heart joins the resistance. Known as the … Continue reading Perilous Deliveries. →

TCL’s #DNF Friday #9 – A Bad First Impression(ist).

Why I can't write a book review for “Oscar & Monet: The Essence of Light” by Joe Byrd. Summary: "Does Claude Monet, a painter with eight children, have room in his heart for one more? Oscar Bonhomme, an American soldier, is in a French Army hospital recovering from his wounds when he learns of his … Continue reading TCL’s #DNF Friday #9 – A Bad First Impression(ist). →

TCL’s Top Ten (or more) Favorite Books of 2021.

2021- the Year of 4.75 stars! This past year has seen me read more books than ever. I'm guessing that's because of several reasons. The pandemic meant more time at home, and that, combined with my now being retired for over a year, meant more time for reading overall. There are other reasons I read … Continue reading TCL’s Top Ten (or more) Favorite Books of 2021. →

Cocoa Conspiracies.

Book Review for “The Spanish Daughter” by Lorena Hughes. Summary: "As a child in Spain, Puri always knew her passion for chocolate was inherited from her father. But it’s not until his death that she learns of something else she’s inherited—a cocoa estate in Vinces, Ecuador, a town nicknamed “París Chiquito.” Eager to claim her … Continue reading Cocoa Conspiracies. →