Book clubs are a fantastic way to socialize while discussing one of my favorite topics – books! And there are a wide range of book club formats, ranging from serious literary discussions to casual free-for-alls, and everything in between. Continue reading
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment in Tolkien’s beloved Lord of the Rings fantasy novel. First published in 1954, amazing storytelling, memorable characters, epic adventures, and fantastical worlds have rightfully given The Fellowship of the Ring staying power. Continue reading
There’s a good reason World War II fiction is such a popular book genre. The war was a classic case of good versus evil, with both heroic and haunting moments to read and write about. Continue reading
Ordinary Grace is historical fiction at its finest. Author William Kent Krueger artfully weaves a coming of age story set against the backdrop of one eventful and tragic summer in small town America in 1961. And Rich Orlow is the perfect voice of a man looking back on that summer and describing its influence on his life. Continue reading
The River is a gripping thriller set in the Canadian wilderness that pits two college students against a massive wildfire and a possible murderer. You’ll have a hard time putting down this page turner! Continue reading
I remember such random facts about my ALS diagnosis. I asked to listen to 80s music during my MRI and was sentenced to listening to a medley of Madonna tunes. The neurologist’s receptionist called the local clinic to schedule a second opinion for my “AL5” diagnosis (apparently, she wasn’t familiar with ALS, either). I ran into a fellow school mom in the lobby on my way out – could she see the devastation on my face? I spent the first night imagining the best way to kill myself – I was going to die, anyway, I thought, might as well take control of the process and timing. (Fortunately, I rebounded from that.)
I was 45 at the time, physically active and otherwise healthy. Continue reading
The Turn of the Key is an absorbing mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. Author Ruth Ware is the mistress of creating atmospheric settings, and this time it’s a house that’s part old-school Gothic, part modernity gone wrong. Continue reading
A World of Curiosities is the 18th book in Louise Penny’s highly popular Inspector Gamache mystery series. This time, the good inspector is faced with a terrifying specter from his past – a twisted serial killer Gamache helped imprison. There are many adrenaline-fueling moments and clever puzzles to solve as the inspector tries to keep himself, his family, and the residents of Three Pines safe from a sadistic madman. Continue reading
Whether you’re going across town or across the country, audiobooks can help alleviate the boredom of being in a car too long. Continue reading
The Accidental President is a fascinating look at Harry S. Truman’s first four months as President of the United States. Thrown reluctantly into the role following the death of Franklin Roosevelt, Truman oversaw major world events including the end of World War II and the beginning of the nuclear arms race. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 