The River We Remember is another terrific historical fiction mystery from author William Kent Krueger. Set in a small Minnesota town in the late 1950s, the novel tackles meaty topics such as prejudice, PTSD, family, and redemption, as well as being a smart murder mystery. Continue reading
Author Archives: mmelland
Audio Book Review: Love, Mom by Iliana Xander, Narrated by Kira Fixx, et al
Love, Mom is an engaging novel of suspense about a daughter trying to unravel the truth about her dead mother, a successful author who died under mysterious circumstances. Plot twists and a quick pace make Love, Mom an enjoyable read/listen. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris, Narrated by David Sedaris
Holidays on Ice is a collection of stories and musings by humorist David Sedaris, who ponders some of the absurdities of modern-day Christmas, Halloween, and Easter celebrations. I liked it overall for the laugh out loud moments, but sometimes it felt like the stories were missing a main point or punchline. Or maybe I am too obtuse to understand the messages. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: The Life Impossible by Matt Haig, Narrated by Joanna Lumley
Matt Haig has a knack for writing supernatural stories with depth and meaning that explore what it means to be human. The Life Impossible fits this description. The novel is philosophical in a fun and imaginative way, with a bit of a mystery woven into the plot. Add to that superb reading by Joanna Lumley, and you get a recipe for a very enjoyable story. Continue reading
Audio Book Discussion: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, Narrated by Spike McClure
The Outsiders is S. E. Hinton’s iconic coming of age story. Published in 1967, this young adult novel’s themes of friendship, humanity, class rivalry, and trying to succeed in the face of tough odds are still relevant today. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley, Narrated by Joe Eyre, et al
The Midnight Feast is another suspenseful winner from author Lucy Foley. The novel tells the story of a newly renovated posh hotel on the English coast that is plagued by locals and mysterious birds during their opening, with both disastrous and amusing results. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey, Narrated by Therese Plummer
The Snow Child is a magical tale about love, loss, and family. The novel’s story of an older, childless couple surviving the Alaskan wilderness and befriending an ethereal mountain girl is imaginative and evokes the essence of a fairytale. Continue reading
2025 Thoughtful Reading Challenge
I’m excited to present the 2025 Thoughtful Reading Challenge, and doubly happy that I’m still around to host it!
Each year, Book Thoughts From Bed hosts a low pressure book challenge designed to introduce you (and me!) to different genres, authors, settings, etc. Taking the challenge is a great way to expand the types of books you read and help you fulfill your reading goals for the year. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham, Narrated by Karissa Vacker
In All the Dangerous Things, the mother of a missing child relentlessly searches for answers while secretly fearing that she’s the one who hurt her own baby. Unexpected twists, a well-developed protagonist, and a suspenseful atmosphere make All the Dangerous Things a wholly satisfying novel. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Narrated by Sarita Choudhury
The Namesake explores the experiences of an Indian family that moves to America and tries to maintain some of their native culture while also adopting some of the traditions of their new country. A multi-generational view of the immigrant experience provides an insightful perspective about the impact on families, but the slow-moving plot and plentiful details about everyday life may not appeal to readers who like stories with more action. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 