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
My ALS Story and a Call for Support
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
Book Review: The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
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
Audio Book Review: A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny, Narrated by Robert Bathurst
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
23 Audiobooks to Listen to on Family Road Trips
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
Book Review: The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World by A. J. Baime
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 Review: The Push by Ashley Audrain
The Push is an immersive psychological drama that explores mental illness and the bond (or lack thereof) between a mother and her children. If you’re thinking about having your first child, DO NOT read The Push until your child is grown and out of the house. 😉 Continue reading
15 Novels Set in Scotland – PLUS an Update on the Children’s Book Drive!
Scotland is a fantastic setting for fiction books. From cities like Edinburgh to craggy Highlands and lochs populated by mythical monsters, authors have a lot to work with when their novels take place in Scotland. Continue reading
Book Review: Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
Cold Sassy Tree, published in 1984, is one tall glass of sweet Southern storytelling. With strong themes of love, compassion, spirituality, and family (with more than a dash of humor and gossip), it’s easy to see why this historical fiction novel was a bestseller in its time. Continue reading
“A Book for Every Kid” Children’s Book Drive
Hello, everyone. The U.S. is currently experiencing a literacy crisis, and my daughter, Hayley, and I are sponsoring a children’s book drive to help develop young readers and do something to help solve this crisis. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 