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ePUB #101

Title: Miss Aldridge Regrets

Author: Louise Hare

It's been awhile since my previous fiction reading. Louise Hare gets to refresh and distress me at the same time with her premier suspense novel in her Canary Club mystery series. I recalled adding it to my to-read shelf prior to its official release to the public; it is such a fresh gem.

This is a 36-chapter book concerning a portion of Lena Aldridge's encounters with the Abernathy family, consisting of Jack, Eliza, Carrie, and Frankie, together with their grandpa and his two personal employees. The storytelling alternates from present time to the week before. Every chapter-end scene had me wanting to flip the pages more. It's satisfying that the author included the perspective of the actual culprit. The writing conjured my feelings more during the romantic scenes and dramatic conversations compared to the thrilling narrative. In my opinion, it felt better to ditch the pressure of indulging in wearisome nonfiction, and this book ratifies that thought.

#books and libraries #literature #currently reading #goodreads #book review #book reviews #louise hare #miss aldridge regrets #suspense #mystery

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ePUB #100

Title: The Psychology of Money

Author: Morgan Housel

Psychology and Money are words seldom combined in a sentence or even in a phrase. That’s what I presumed. They’re seemingly and respectively categorized under Science and Art sort of texts. In this publication, their correlations are proved to be profound. Morgan Housel’s the Psychology of Money imparts wisdom in handling one’s finances; its lessons are backed up with researched statistical and numerical information. Below are few enumerated takeaways:

This book is predominantly focused on western economic history.

Saving money consistently and continuously is a core concept mentioned in this read.

Luck, time, risk and pessimism are some of the actual variables in growing one’s money, as told by this written work.

The authorship utilized comprehensible terms and justifications making its entirety terse. Thus, this is totally beneficial for anyone who’s attempting to peruse it, even just a portion of it.

QUOTES

And behavior is hard to teach, even to really smart people. Finance is different. It’s guided by people’s behaviors.

History never repeats itself; man always does. (Voltaire)

What seems crazy to you might make sense to me.

Studying history makes you feel like you understand something. But until you’ve lived through it and personally felt its consequences, you may not understand it enough to change your behavior.

Some lessons have to be experienced before they can be understood. (Michael Batnick)

Expecting things to be bad is the best way to be pleasantly surprised when they’re not.

Coming to terms with how much you don’t know means coming to terms with how much of what happens in the world is out of your control. And that can be hard to accept.

Was it really necessary to tell her that if you spend money on things, you will end up with the things and not the money?

#morgan housel #the psychology of money #books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #book reviews

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ePUB#99

Title: You

Author: Caroline Kepnes

Caroline Kepnes’ book “You” is the type of book that had me ignoring its own writing and editing technicalities by reason of its sinister plot and its infamous sadistic narrator Joe Goldberg. It scores 0 out of 5 (5 being the highest) in terms of decency. Every sentence that comes out of Joe's mouth is corrupt. Trembling fingers accompany my every page turning of this book. All chapters were Joe's gruesome thoughts alike a mental diary with entries regarding Beck, his fantasies and diabolical plans for the future. He was unlikable thus making the entire text repellent too. Chapters 51 and 52 would've been a meaningful eulogy delivered by Joe for Beck's funeral.

To soothe the disgust I gathered whilst reading this, I imagine that there are novels far more brutal and heinous than this. To be fair, it took me years before adding this to books I want to read and to convince myself that there may be a tad bit to desire from its vile themes. Caroline Kepnes holds a brilliant brain, to conjure the darkest level of human nature and the worst case of obsession joined with unstable psychological state. This book aced the mystery and thriller genre; high effectiveness is an understatement. After consuming this though I may take a break from anything Caroline Kepnes.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #reading #suspense #essay #thriller #caroline ke #you

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ePUB#98

Title: One Day

Author: David Nicholls

My 2022 Good reads Read shelf gains a personal new favorite romance fiction from David Nicholls' 2009 publications entitled One Day.

The novel showcased what transpired between Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, in a span of twenty years, incorporating times whenever they're apart and not, after their fateful meeting on the night after a graduation gathering. The materialistic Dexter is living lavishly and free-spirited whether in terms of his chosen career, his familial and romantic relationships and his global vacations. It makes sense the empathetic Emma would develop admiration for him. Apparently, a lasting friendship blossomed among them, maintained by their archaic mode of communication which was via mailing each other gradually evolving to electronics. Dexter and Emma's Rules could be an alternate title.

The protagonists were intentionally and spontaneously figuring what to do with their future lives, only to find one another's destinations linked. This has intricately written naturalistic circumstances of an attraction between two opposite sexes meeting each other. Rest assured any reader could relate at some scenarios. The time period and the technology developments that came with it was considered then subtly embedded to the chapters; an example was Phil gifting a mobile phone to Emma and a wedding vow drafted in a computer program. This read's wordiness tolerated me to create a document to log short sentences of both Em's and Dex's eventful lives according to year of the same date, July 15. I enjoyed this; might decide to relish another David Nicholls creation!

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #reading #essay #romance #fiction #david nicholls #one day #love story

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ePUB#97

Title: The Box in The Woods

Author: Maureen Johnson

Summer camp deaths, a tesla car, a true crime podcast, actual and not actual grass, the woods, an antic hunting box and so much more blended together, crafted Maureen Johnson's fourth book in the Truly Devious installment. It is titled The Box in The Woods.

(Due to me unintentionally missing the fact that there was a third book for the Ellingham Academy saga, I am now posting a review for The Box in the Woods instead. SMH)

Ellingham Academy only relates to this book because of the appearances of Stevie Bell and her ingenious gang. Stevie's a descendant of Hercule Poirot's detective skills, this book attests to that. Glad to inform future readers that Nate and Janelle actively participated in Stevie's antics in this one. Jumping into a body of water thus consequently leading the protagonist to a hospital emergency room, all mattered in the conclusion. Its ending was greatly enjoyable specifically the resolution regarding who is accountable for the murders. Also, a little bit of non-fiction crime solving background and German history is included in this read. Maureen Johnson experiencing pandemic eventually producing this publication in New York City proves there's a silver lining amid unexpected happenings. Snag a copy for you now.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #thriller #books #reading #suspense #essay #maureen johnson #the box in the woods

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ePUB#96

Title: The Westing Game

Author: Ellen Raskin

Opposite with Lemony Snicket's tragic melancholic gothic fiction thirteen-book volume entitled A Series of Unfortunate Events, this Ellen Raskin creation concluded with a residential building conflagration. The pleasure in consuming this read however is almost the same level as perusing the Baudelaire orphans' adventures.

Regardless of the abundant bunch of characters, each had their respective roles in the plot. All of the puzzlement was resolved eventually. Turtle, Angela, Sam Westing, J.J. Ford and Chris stories may compound to more The Westing Game universe companion books starring showcasing individualities of their own. The revelation at the end suffices and truly worth the thirty chapters. The youth and the young hearted would relish this because I know I did. It's quick, ingenious and lighthearted despite the mystery features.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #reading #suspense #thriller #essay #Ellen Raskin #The Westing Game

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ePUB#95

Title: Outlander

Author: Diana Gabaldon

"I thanked GOD for the pain, because it meant I was still alive."

"Sometimes our best actions result in things that are most regrettable. And yet you could not have acted otherwise."

Everybody deserves to know beforehand that Outlander written by Diana Gabaldon is often pro-romance. This first of the novella series is for the married, the engaged-to-be-married couples, grown-ups, or practically any one mature enough and certainly not less than that. It'll infallibly be predominantly a romance book compared to the other epic genres (adventure, historical fiction and fantasy) it advertises that the book entails. Chapters rarely omitted any bit of Claire's love language performance: that is consistently medicating and mending Jamie's physical wear and emotional scars, either due to a fight or self-harming. Further demoed are eloquent sentences, just repeatedly paraphrased, worded and described distinctively, of Claire and Jamie's graphic lovemaking activities in various locations. I daresay the finale seals that review statement and this is just me putting those facts out here. Despite me preferring the realistic, the author's composition exhibited balancing of the natural and supernatural world, via the spiritual belief status of the peers and science developing era. Geillis is my favorite secondary character although she's part of the 18th century citizens whom have betrayed and selfishly lied tremendously. Each of their deception mattered in the turn of events. Relevant and heavy issues of sensual torture abuse were addressed despite the archaic setting.

Diana Gabaldon boosted my intellect through her prolific writing that even teaches excellent historical English, Scottish and a few French vocabularies. She included old beliefs and folkways that provided me a dominant impression that the songs sung by elders are most likely based on real life fantastical experiences thus not merely were tunes to entertain. Finishing this lengthy novel made my perusal of the book acknowledgments quite meaningful than usual. I'm definitely glad to have gone over all 850 pages of this publication.

For my fellow co-readers who have consumed this, listed below are my randomly arranged answers to the reading guide at the end.

Since Frank was adamant in his pursuit of their family genealogy, it became apparent the learning he'll abruptly disclose in his conversations with other personas evidently matter in the succeeding chapters.

Claire's trusting yet stubborn nature are aspects of her personality that transforms her tale credible. Also, Claire's willingness to survive is a trait readers may probably identify with themselves.

Frank shown non humanist traits for disagreeing adoption as their child-rearing alternative. Their honeymoon brought questioning of the existence of illicit affairs while distanced with each other.

Jamie apparently deliberately gazing up at Claire's window during the present time proved his overtly spoken romantic yearning for Claire transcending time travel.

My prior reading of the synopsis already gave hints of Claire's somewhat infidelity and her angry response confirmed it. I do agree with Claire's intuition of Frank's unfaithfulness of his. It reflects his debatable devotion to Claire.

Claire may actually be re-experiencing her World War II trauma.

An appealing realism was the memorable vivid focus of ammonia, whisky and opium.

The force of Claire's character accounts the willingness to recognize her authority due to the vulgar slang she used in directing them.

Claire and Jamie's insolence to Randall increases the danger he poses to them and it's sadly not heroic.

Good marriage can't have secrets forever.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #reading #essay #Outlander #Diana Gabaldon #romance #historical romance #science fiction

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ePUB#94

Title: The Vanishing Stair

Author: Maureen Johnson

I had foregone reading the consequent novel in my to-be-read list just for this Truly Devious sequel. The Vanishing Stair was amazingly worth delving into, was ultimately quick to complete and terrific in terrifying its readers. In it, Maureen Johnson seemingly made sure protagonist Stevie was introduced the same manner as how it happened in the initial part of the Ellingham Academy's saga. Chapters of the throwback narrative was initially monotonous yet reaching the resolution and learning case revelations was totally thrilling, only to be cut short by both planned and accidental deaths, respectively. Dr. Fenton's unreliable, scamming, investigation all benefited Stevie's researching nonetheless. Felt bad Larry had to be dismissed, he should've been a staple to the entire series. Even the obnoxious Edward King character received a spot for the third installment. Also, the portrayed comparison between the teenagers of the 1930s and modern juveniles was apparent in terms of provocative affairs. Opting for Albert Ellingham as the king, brain and the game master is also Maureen's attempt in reflecting each true crime hobbyist's love being featured in a book release. The author was evidently glorifying my own preferences through paying homage to Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes personas and the volume of books exhibiting them. My radar is open for any other Maureen Johnson creations.

"You can't rely on your gut," she said. "Not in determining guilt. But your gut can help you in other ways. It can keep you from getting hurt." Don't follow someone into the dark, Stevie. I've seen it happen too many times. Reading is one of the great pleasures of life -- maybe the greatest. "It's true. All the money, all the power -- none of it compares to a good book. A book gives you everything. It gives you a window into other souls, other worlds. The world is a door. Books are the key.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #reading #suspense #thriller #essay #maureen johnson #the vanishing stair #truly devious

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ePUB#93

Title: The Great Gatsby: The Only Authorized Edition

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

This was republished as a terse novel; it is also the Authorized Version and there were evidently slight changes as per the notes on the text mentioned. The Great Gatsby blew up when scholars and teachers noticed it during the aftermath of its author's death, F. Scott Fitzgerald. I can clearly fathom why it is so after finishing this read. Fancy wordings were clipped together in most paragraphs; it naturally boosted my vocabulary learning. The English professors would take advantage of that, aside from addressing the caused division and implications between the wealthy and the impoverished. Let me also just state that Gatsby's sudden demise proved to be devastatingly sorrowful that it was only Nick who initiated to handle the funeral affairs despite the abundant attendance of well-known, moneyed peers on the repeating festive parties conducted in Gatsby's colossal castle.

Did I like this book? Yes. Did I enjoy it though? The short answer is, not at all. Long answer, I kept on checking my progress and yearning for the story's resolve. That means this is certainly not my preference.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #reading #essay #the great gatsby #f. scott fitzgerald #historical fiction

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ePUB#92

Title: Truly Devious

Author: Maureen Johnson

The Truly Devious series is widely known, it's nonobligatory to retell the main plot of book one. This is a first of Maureen Johnson I've read. Let's proceed to remarks.

First off, Albert Ellingham's a genius for founding Ellingham academy, even commendable to place it in an isolated mountain. Despite the inconclusive kidnapping of his beloved daughter and wife, the school lives on as if it's on his own mission. Next, the initial riddle letter mailed to the Ellingham residence created by Truly Devious reminded me of the ABC murders of Agatha Christie. Another, the three internet friends were coincidental tenants in the same student housing in the academy, that concept is such a giveaway on whom to minimize suspicion. There were supportive school staff; props to Charles who took Stevie's crime solving passion seriously. The surrounding statues around the mountain together with the narrator transitioning to the flashbacks of the crime, raises the creepy scale rating.

Overall, the writing is easily comprehensible. Apparently, as a coming of age type of young adult novel, some urban slang was included. The end's a bummer; I'd halt pursuing my next to-read book for Truly Devious book two. This book was utterly brief and exciting since I finished it in a day.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #suspense #reading #thriller #essay #maureen johnson #truly devious

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ePUB# 91

Title: When We Were Orphans

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro writes about an orphan with a detective occupation, reminiscing his childhood and grievous pursuit. Christopher Banks was born and raised in Shanghai until the age of ten but had to be fled to England due to the puzzling disappearance of his parents. It was in 1937 when he courageously visited Shanghai to face his past.

Reading this felt like a book longer than 300 pages, I was barely invested. Its presented historical war theme is dominant over the mystery genre. A sentence would grind my thinking gears before I could totally fathom its thought. One sample fragment was "climbing hill slopes" meant to me the action of getting on the stairs. The reading tone provoked emotions of mostly melancholic feels. The relatable family trope and the discussion of denial of responsibility of Shanghai's elite during the chosen era of this book's setting are seemingly why this book won international awards. Exploring other Ishiguro publications is out of the question.

"I was upset. But I'm not any more. You have to look forward in life."

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #reading #essay #historical fiction #kazuo ishiguro

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ePUB#90

Title: Snow

Author: Orhan Pamuk

"Snow" is Orhan Pamuk's segmented retelling of the last years of Ka's life highlighting Ka's stay in a place called Kars, amid a theatrical coup.

How chaotic was Kars, Turkey at the time? It was very. For starters, the weather was awfully wintery; the blizzard even caused roadblocks. Apparently, Kars was co-inhabited by Kurds and Turks with varied religious beliefs. Devout teenagers, either male or female, were gravely involved, to the point of several notable suicides. Newspaper editors circulate inaccurate information and descriptions. The government is tapping on phone lines listening to conversations. Investigative spies were rampant. For Ka though, it was both a wondrous and sorrowful experience. He has accomplished and he has failed. He's also strongly motivated by his romantic feelings for the alluring Ipek, and by the natural occurrences around Kars in a snowy state.

This read was a memoir, a journal and a poetry book all in one. The protagonist writes his accounts in a diary and his poems in a green notebook. Its disappearance ostensibly gave birth to the production of this book which I deem provides increased interest for the readers. The introduced and specifically mentioned characters were essential until the resolution of this novel. This effectively cited real-life events rewriting them through fiction. I've exercised my brain, learning additional English vocabulary because of this lengthy book. Thanks, Orhan Pamuk.

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"Sometimes, you sense something in your heart and simply know it's true."

"No one could understand us from so far away."

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #suspense #reading #thriller #essay #snow #orhan pamuk

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ePUB #89

Title: Evil Eye

Author: Madhuri Shekar

Evil Eye is a brief, fast-paced, audible narration story written by Madhuri Shekar. In this, an Indian family experiences a very bad case of karma by reason of one of their member's history. This presents Indian culture and how it evolves due to the influence of society's advancements.

All the voice narrators were excellent but the most satisfying listen, specifically, was the voice actress of the main character named Pallavi. The supernatural in this was spectacular, I think I'd like another of this genre whether a book or audio book. I'd recommend this to readers and listeners looking for a quick fantasy thriller.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #essay #book review #books #suspense #reading #thriller #supernatural #evil eye #madhuri shekar

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ePUB #88

Title: Apples Never Fall

Author: Liane Moriarty

A family of six with four siblings, the Delaneys, stars in Liane Moriarty's Apples Never Fall. They passionately lived and breath the tennis skill, especially Stan Delaney, the father; tennis may practically be what you'd fine in his veins if cut open. Amy and Brooke suffer with mental health and migraine diagnoses, respectively. Logan and Troy, on the other hand, have disparate lifestyles, career paths and daily decisions that competition naturally arises for them. The mom, Joy Delaney definitely is the heart who unites the Delaneys and that is further elaborated in this mystery fiction novel.

I reading this for almost two straight days proved there is nothing stereotypical in the course of its plot. It shines, it has original characters. There were literally no dull feelings for this until I was about 88%. This book for me has no severe irritating factor whatsoever. On the case of pathological liars though, they suck. They are ultimately and instantly the boy who cried "wolf!" to me. The house guest was primarily but actually downright rude and annoying however everybody deserves to be understood. By the way, Stan's persona made me tear up twice. This book I rate 5/5 stars, the writing was exquisite and had me realizing maybe family mysteries were effective for me.

"Spectacular doesn't win the match. You have to have substance."

"Brooke says one moment of madness doesn't nullify a lifetime of love,"

"Once you've hit a ball there's no point watching to see where it's going. You can't change is flight patch now."

The case wasn't built on truth so it would have inevitably collapsed like a stack of cards.

"You're a nice person who has done some not so nice things. Like all of us."

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #suspense #reading #thriller #essay #liane moriarty #apples never fall

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ePUB #87

Title: Spin

Author: Lamar Giles

Lamar Giles's Spin is a tribute to a former young viral international music artist, Paris A.K.A. ParSec. She was a song writer and music composer specializing in hip-hop and upbeat genres. ParSec left an active, wide, nice and delinquent fan bases. Two loyal devoted Paris' friends set on a mission to figure out whom to blame on her sudden demise. This proved how strong friendship bonds become, maybe even transcending family ties.

The author wrote this excellently, both for the modern and the not-so modern aged readers. Giles' inclusion of social media, exhibiting how it’s utilized nowadays were spot on. Technology, family mishaps, youngsters, media and the music industry were majorly tackled in this novel. A single plot portion disappointed me and that is tied to the mysterious culprit for all future readers to find out.

Gut reactions and smart decisions were rarely the same thing.

You move on whenever you can, however you can.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #suspense #reading #thriller #essay #giles lamar #spin #spin novel

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ePUB#86

Title: Before I Go To Sleep

Author: S.J. Watson

There are people desiring to reset their lives aiming to start anew in their every waking day. Christine Lucas was almost granted that; she had a rare case of amnesia. Each sunrise she witnesses, carry a forgotten yesterday, literally. Christine's tedious circumstances were told in Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson.

The common "Don't Forget." paragraph was given much more meaning in this read. Christine's agony totally tortured me too that my forehead is oftentimes creased during reading. My favorite persona, Claire, aced the best friend character. Claire was ever present when necessary. Despite featuring an unoriginal antagonist, a violent obsessive psychopathic maniac, this book will teach anyone how vital facing the hurting truths in life is. I wonder why the protagonist opted for journaling her memories instead of recording it via a digital camera or voice recorder, I just presume it'd be handier and quicker to accomplish. Also, Mike bringing the notebook's torn pages along with him in their last trip together was somewhat pointless for his schemes. However, S.J. Watson excellently illustrated raw human emotions in this writing. A trigger warning though, this was apparently for the adult demographic hence inclusions of explicit sexual content. I honestly expected more mystery and not misery to gather from this. Bummer

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #book review #books #suspense #reading #thriller #essay #sj watson #before i go to sleep

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ePUB#85

Title: Death On The Nile

Author: Agatha Christie

Death on The Nile is a tragic criminal mystery solved by Hercule Poirot while in transit on Egyptian shores. In the sea transport, the almost 21 year old lovely and wealthy dame Linnet Ridgeway celebrates her romance with her selected fiancée. On aboard were a variety of people, some are familiar to Linnet while others she just met. The expedition was actually Linnet's final holiday due to her sudden demise, causing the commuters to feel unsafe and rattled. It was up to the Belgian detective and his old friend, Colonel Race to interrogate and investigate before the situations worsen.

I've decided to read it for the second time because its star studded film version was internationally released in cinemas this year in February. Death On The Nile may be a brief novel to some however it contains engaging sub plots that eliminates flatness avoiding it to be described ordinary. The several significant characters would cause confusion as to who the culprit is. To the expert detective, it's not enough to only figure out the wrongdoer. The motive for the deed and the manner it was accomplished deserved revelations too. This book had both satisfied and refreshed my reading experience. Safe to say I loved it again! This is definitely a timeless classic created by Madame Agatha Christie.

#books and libraries #currently reading #literature #goodreads #essay #reading #book review #books #suspense #thriller #agatha christie #death on the nile #murder #mystery