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
29 Top-rated World War II Novels for Fans of Historical Fiction
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
Audiobook Review: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, narrated by Rich Orlow
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
Book Review: The River by Peter Heller
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
