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
Category Archives: Fiction
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
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
Audio Book Review: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, Narrated by Kristin Atherton
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
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 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
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
Book Thoughts from Bed 