None of This is True is another terrific novel from the mistress of psychological suspense, Lisa Jewell. It’s kind of like watching a creepy train wreck that you can’t tear your eyes away from even though it’s giving you the willies. File None of This is True under “crazy lady thrillers.” Continue reading
Author Archives: mmelland
Audio Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Narrated by Kate Rudd and Laura Grafton
The Fault in Our Stars is best-selling author John Green’s hugely popular young adult novel about two teenage cancer patients who find each other and fall in love. I was so happy that the book lived up to its hype – The Fault in Our Stars is smart and delightful, even while dealing with a tragic subject. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, Narrated by Julia Whelan
The Giver of Stars is engaging historical fiction written by bestselling author Jojo Moyes. The novel tells the story of Alice – an English bride – and her “traveling library” colleagues as they deliver books to isolated families in depression-era Kentucky. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball, Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
The Dirty Life is Kristin Kimball’s engaging memoir about falling in love with a traditionalist farmer and starting a farm from scratch with him in rural New York. It’s also a story of a personal evolution, as the author transitioned from city dweller to a skilled country farmer. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: The Wedding People by Alison Espach, Narrated by Helen Laser
The Wedding People is a current best-selling contemporary fiction novel about Phoebe who, with the help of the members of a wedding party, pulls herself from the brink of suicide and even falls unexpectedly in love. The fantastic narration makes this a story best listened to rather than read. Continue reading
Strikeout ALS!
Hello everyone! This is my annual request for donations to the ALS Association.
For new blog readers, I was diagnosed with ALS 13 years ago. It’s a disease that kills the motor neurons, which means the brain can’t communicate with the muscles that perform voluntary movement, including speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Ten and a half years ago, when my diaphragm muscles gave out, I went on a ventilator. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, Narrated by Jenna Lamia
The Secret Life of Bees is a charming coming of age story set in South Carolina in 1964. The story follows young Lily and her black nanny, Rosaleen, as they escape an oppressive household and seek information about Lily’s dead mother. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini
All the Colors of the Dark is a novel that’s part suspense, part contemporary literature, and wholly immersive. A unique plot and memorable characters make it a satisfying – but long – read. Continue reading
Audiobook review: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld
First Lie Wins is a twisty and satisfying suspense novel with elements of a spy thriller. It’s a fast-moving cat and mouse game with a cleverly surprising setup revealed at the end. Continue reading
Book Review: The Boys of Winter by Wayne Coffey
The Boys of Winter is about the 1980 US Olympic hockey team who won the gold in Lake Placid and inspired a nation. With details of the coaches’ and players’ lives (before and after the Olympics) and play-by-play of some of the more memorable moments of the US vs USSR game, you’ll be amazed by the team’s accomplishments, and may even want to watch the 44-year-old game. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 