#jim defede

[airplanes924]

Recommendations

If you are looking for a movie to watch, I recommend Jungle Cruise (on Disney+)

If you are looking for a book to read, I recommend The Day The World Comes to Town by Jim DeFede 

If you are looking for a show to binge, I recommend Daisy Jones and the Six 

[manuscripts-dontburn]

How to Kill Your Family

Author: Bella Mackie

First published: 2021

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

I went into this expecting something dark and funny. What I got was tedious and pretentious. And I actually felt the basic human pity for those the super awful main character (who thinks she arte all the wisdom, good taste and tragic aura in the world, and she hates every single living being) actually murdered. Not thrilling, not funny, but I guess I stayed with it and finished it so 2 stars it is. May lower the rating later.

Florence and Giles

Author: John Harding

First published: 2010

Rating: ★★★★☆

Excellent step taken into the autumn reading mood, accompanied by some serious gothic vibes

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

Author: Jim DeFede

First published: 2002

Rating: ★★★☆☆

With the sad anniversary of 9/11 coming up, I finally picked this book up. 9/11 was a traumatic experience for the whole Western world and reading about how people reacted to it on the other side of the planet felt curiously similar to what I remember feeling (even though I was actually the one on the other side of the world) when I watched the live broadcast of the twin towers falling. And so the first few chapters hit me like a ton of bricks. The heartwarming response of the people of Gander is something I have never heard about before. Unfortunately, the latter half of the book, when the narrative becomes a description of how several passengers made their way out of Gander to their own homes, mostly felt lacking and I kept drifting off. Perhaps because I have experienced being put on 5 different planes and being flown all over Europe because my original flight had been canceled for no reason, and so I did not find the long and tiresome traveling to be particularly interesting - or even essential in the story of the kindness of Gander.

How High We go in the Dark

Author: Sequoia Namagatsu

First published: 2022

Rating: ★★★★☆

A book about a deadly pandemic and a more than bleak vision of how people might react to it, profit from it and even even embrace it as a way of life. What might lie ahead for those who survive? Naturally, this slim novel about an untimely death, and social and climatic upheaval is both tragically sad and utterly terrifying. I must admit that the first three chapters felt like a clear punch into an infected wound, knocking my breath out and leaving me in tears, yet somehow, as the characters in other chapters became more and more numb to the situation, I too felt like in a vacuum of perpetual grief that could no longer shake me. Personally, I was not the biggest fan of the ultimate revelation, but this is definitely an impressive dystopian novel.

The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation

Author: Rosemary Sullivan

First published: 2022

Rating: ★★★☆☆

The book presents an interesting new hypothesis and describes some of the intriguing past suggestions about who betrayed the people in the "back annex", but since no smoking gun has been uncovered a little more humility and certainty in that presentation would have been wise.

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight

Author: Kalynn Bayron

First published: 2023

Rating: ★★★★☆

Not my usual genre (I rarely read slasher horror and contemporary settings tend to bore me), but I must admit this was pretty great. Fast, no bullshitting around, definitely made me uncomfortable in that "I need to read on" way. The only little complaint I have is the fact that the second half of the last page should not have happened.

Femina

Author: Janina Ramírez

First published: 2022

Rating: ★★★★★

Janina Ramírez asks this: What if the women in the middle ages were not powerless, but instead merely (or intentionally) written out of history? And she gives an answer that is fascinating and more than satisfactory. An excellent book that offers a new view of what, it would seem, were not exactly the dark ages the historians of the 19th century would have had us believe.

A Day of Fallen Night

Author: Samantha Shannon

First published: 2023

Rating: ★★★☆☆

This took an unreasonably long time to get really interesting, even for such a long book with so many characters (out of whom, quite naturally, some are simply more fun to read about than others). But it did have its powerful moments, especially in its latter half and I enjoyed some of the twists and turns that were employed very much. I wish more editing had been done, since way too many chapters are nothing but thinking and talking about traveling, but showing little of the reactions and actions taken "in real time" rather than just retrospect.

Godkiller

Author: Hannah Kaner

First published: 2023

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Gorgeous cover was what made me buy this and I am not ashamed to admit it. The second half is really what gives you your money´s worth. However, up until our characters managed to get themselves into a ruined city full of hungry gods, it all felt very "read that a hundred times over" feeling. Still, if you persevere, this debut fulfills its promise. And pisses you off, because it ends at one of those annoying cliffhangers, that should just not be allowed. Even if a book is a part of a series, it should feel like a complete adventure, IMO.

Tajemství: neskutečný příběh Anežky České

Author: Tereza Dobiášová

First published: 2021

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Kniha má velice chytře vymyšlený název: neskutečný příběh. tedy žádná klamavá reklama. A dlouho, dlouho jsem se snažila být otevřená myšlence, že není nutné vykreslovat skutečnou historii. Ve skutečnosti mi byl pokus prodchnout historii mytologií více než sympatický. Ale asi by bylo lepší, kdyby postava, za kterou se hlavní hrdinka v této publikaci obléká, nebyla ve skutečnosti tak fascinující a silná jako Anežka Přemyslovna. Na nějakou dobu jsem dokázala i překousnout, jak naprosto nepochopené je v této knize křesťanství (pro téma Anežky zcela zásadní) a je rozmělněno naším moderním sentimentem o tom, že Bůh je všechno v přírodě (opět - dalo by se s tím pořád pracovat, protože příroda a vše v ní je dílem Božím), ale když pak nastal královský incest a hlavní hrdinka začala obcovat na Petříně s králem bramborových lidí, myslela jsem si, že mi pukne hlava. Autorka má nepochybně literární talent, pro mě osobně bylo však toto příliš rozpačité. Ještě musím dodat, že vstup Anežky do kláštera, omluvený jako útěk před realitou, je políčkem do tváře skutečné Anežce a jejímu odkazu.

The Alice Network

Author: Kate Quinn

First published: 2017

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I thought that for the most part this was a fairly good book, especially since my experience of American women writing about European history has been less than satisfying. Unfortunately, the author made a choice to completely dull out the climax with needless closing chapters. I also believe that making all the main characters as innocent as fallen snow, rather than having them learn to overcome guilt and trauma (or not), made the story less believable and ultimately less interesting.

Lore Olympus: volume one

Author: Rachel Smythe

First published: 2021

Rating:  ★★★☆☆

Cute but ultimately the art style made my eyes hurt with the harsh contrasting colours and I have read way too many great variations of the Greek myths for this to leave a truly lasting impact.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries

Author: Heather Fawcett

First published: 2023

Rating: ★★★★★

Complete and utter delight, a perfect comfort read for autumn and winter months. Whimsical, funny, and way too relatable for introverts. Also, Wendell Bambleby is the best literary character name since Lucy Honeychurch.

[hellohellomoshimoshi]

The Day The World Came To Town by Jim DeFede. In this insane time, it's an encouraging reminder that there is still goodness and love in this world.

If you see this you’re legally obligated to reblog and tag with the book you’re currently reading

[bookeysnewsletter]

The Day The World Came To Town: A Heartwarming Summary

Chapter 1 What's The Day The World Came To Town by Jim DeFede

"The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland" by Jim DeFede recounts the remarkable response of the small town of Gander following the events of September 11, 2001. When U.S. airspace was closed, 38 planes were diverted to this remote Canadian community, landing unexpectedly with nearly 7,000 passengers. The book details how the local residents opened their homes, schools, and hearts to the stranded travelers, offering food, shelter, and compassion during a time of crisis. Through vivid personal stories and narratives, DeFede highlights themes of kindness and humanity, showcasing how ordinary people responded with extraordinary generosity in the face of disaster, creating lasting bonds amidst the chaos.

Chapter 2 The Day The World Came To Town by Jim DeFede Summary

"The Day The World Came To Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland" by Jim DeFede tells the poignant story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, became a haven for thousands of airline passengers stranded during the September 11, 2001 attacks. When U.S. airspace was closed, 38 planes were redirected to Gander International Airport, and over 7,000 passengers found themselves in this remote town.

DeFede illustrates the warmth and hospitality exhibited by the town’s residents, who opened their homes, schools, and community centers to provide shelter, food, and comfort to the unexpected visitors. The book highlights personal stories from both passengers and local residents, showcasing themes of kindness, unity, and humanity in the face of tragedy.

Throughout the narrative, DeFede delves into the emotional impact of the events and the profound connections formed between people from different backgrounds during a time of crisis. The story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for compassion in overwhelming circumstances. Ultimately, "The Day The World Came To Town" celebrates the power of community and the ways in which individuals can come together to support one another in times of need.

Chapter 3 The Day The World Came To Town Author

Jim DeFede is an American journalist and author, known for his work covering various social and political issues, particularly in the context of South Florida. He is best recognized for his book The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland, which was published in 2002. This book tells the true story of how the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, became the temporary home for thousands of stranded airline passengers on September 11, 2001, after U.S. airspace was closed.

In addition to The Day the World Came to Town, Jim DeFede has written several other books. Some notable titles include:

1. The Witness Tree: A Journey through the American Landscape (2008)

2. The South Florida SunSentinel: 100 Years of News (1994)

While opinions on the "best" book can be subjective, The Day the World Came to Town is widely regarded as his most impactful and successful work, particularly because of its poignant narrative and its exploration of human kindness and community in the wake of tragedy. In terms of editions, there might be special editions or adaptations related to this book (such as a Kindle version, audiobook, etc.), but the original release remains the most significant.

For further information, it is recommended to check his official website or publisher sources for updates on his works and any new releases since my last training cutoff in October 2023.

Chapter 4 The Day The World Came To Town Meaning & Theme

The Day The World Came To Town Meaning

"The Day the World Came to Town" by Jim DeFede tells the story of the events surrounding the diversion of around 38 planes to Gander, Newfoundland, following the September 11 attacks in 2001. When the planes were diverted, the small town of Gander suddenly saw its population double as it welcomed approximately 7,000 stranded passengers.

The book explores themes of compassion, community, and the human spirit in the face of crisis. It highlights how the residents of Gander came together to provide food, shelter, and support to the displaced travelers, reflecting the strength of human kindness during a time of fear and uncertainty. The narrative emphasizes the values of empathy and solidarity, showing how people can unite in times of distress regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.

DeFede's work serves as a reminder of the goodness that can emerge from tragic events, illustrating the power of community and the capacity of individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Overall, the book is a poignant tribute to the resilience of both the Gander residents and the passengers, making it a significant reflection on humanity and connection.

The Day The World Came To Town Theme

"The Day the World Came to Town" by Jim DeFede explores themes of compassion, community, and resilience amid crisis. The narrative centers around the events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent arrival of diverted planes in Gander, Newfoundland.

Here are some key themes:

1. Humanity and Kindness: The book highlights the profound kindness of the people of Gander, who opened their homes and hearts to thousands of stranded passengers. This theme underscores the ability of ordinary people to rise to extraordinary circumstances and demonstrate compassion.

2. Community and Solidarity: The events bond the townspeople and the passengers, showcasing the strength of community in times of crisis. The story illustrates how shared experiences can bring diverse groups together, fostering connections that transcend cultural and national divides.

3. Resilience in Adversity: Both the townspeople and the passengers exemplify resilience. They face uncertainty and fear but find ways to support each other, emphasizing the human spirit's ability to endure and thrive even in the face of tragedy.

4. Diversity and Understanding: The interactions between the Gander residents and the stranded passengers highlight the importance of understanding and celebrating diversity. The book illustrates how different backgrounds and cultures can come together in times of need, leading to greater empathy and appreciation.

5. The Impact of Crisis: The narrative reflects on how a major crisis can alter lives and perceptions. It explores the emotional toll of 9/11 while also showcasing the hope and unity that can arise from such challenging times.

Overall, Jim DeFede’s work is a testament to the power of compassion and community, reminding readers of the goodness that can emerge even in the darkest of times.

Chapter 5 Quotes of The Day The World Came To Town

The Day The World Came To Town quotes as follows:

"The Day the World Came to Town" by Jim DeFede tells the story of the small Canadian town of Gander, Newfoundland, and how it opened its doors to thousands of airline passengers stranded after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Here are ten poignant quotes from the book that capture its themes of compassion, community, and humanity:

1. "In our darkest hour, we can find light in the kindness of strangers."

2. "They did not take an airplane home; they took a piece of Gander with them."

3. "When faced with tragedy, we often discover our capacity for love."

4. "Gander became a refuge, a place where humanity shone through the clouds of despair."

5. "Sometimes, it takes a moment of crisis to reveal the best in us."

6. "In the middle of chaos, community triumphed over fear."

7. "This story is not just about the people of Gander; it's about the bonds that unite us all."

8. "Acts of kindness are often small, but their ripple effects can be monumental."

9. "The world may have seemed divided, but in Gander, we were all one."

10. "It was a reminder that no matter how far apart we are, kindness can bridge any divide."

These quotes emphasize the essence of the book, celebrating the spirit of kindness and humanity in times of crisis.

Chapter 6 Similar Books Like The Day The World Came To Town

Sure! Here are five book recommendations that explore themes of community, resilience, and human connection in the face of adversity:

1. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

Set in Nazi Germany, this poignant novel tells the story of a young girl named Liesel who discovers the power of words and storytelling amidst the horrors of war. Narrated by Death, the book offers a unique perspective on friendship, loss, and the impact of literature on the human spirit.

2. "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman

This heartwarming tale follows Ove, a grumpy yet lovable curmudgeon whose life takes an unexpected turn when a new family moves in next door. Through their interactions, Ove discovers the importance of community and connection, leading to personal transformation in a story full of humor and insight.

3. "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah

Set in France during World War II, this gripping historical fiction novel tells the story of two sisters, their struggles, and the choices they make to survive and resist the Nazi occupation. It beautifully illustrates the strength of women during wartime and the enduring bonds of family.

4. "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

This novel explores the lives of two families in the suburban town of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and delves into themes of motherhood, privilege, and the complexities of race and identity. Ng’s intricate storytelling uncovers the hidden secrets and tensions that bind and divide the characters, ultimately highlighting the importance of community and understanding.

5. "The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han

A comingofage story that captures the bittersweet moments of transitioning from childhood to adulthood as Belly navigates love, friendship, and family relationships during a summer spent at the beach house. Han's writing beautifully captures the longing and complexities of growing up, making it a relatable and heartwarming read.

These books not only offer rich narratives and compelling characters but also highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of connections in the face of challenges.

Book https://www.bookey.app/book/thedaytheworldcametotown  

Quotes  https://www.bookey.app/quotebook/thedaytheworldcametotown

The River We Remember  https://www.bookey.app/book/theriverweremember

YouTuBe  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCwixBfGg1Y

Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/DayWorldCameTownNewfoundland/dp/0060559713

[myalchod]

14, 19, 22 for year end asks

14. Favorite book you read this year? I ended up listening to it rather than reading -- I've found that works really well for me with nonfiction, since I love documentaries, especially while I'm doing stuff around the house -- but The Day the World Came to Town, by Jim DeFede, probably topped my list this year. I picked it up after multiple rewatches of Come From Away, and there were so many honestly excellent stories in it. Highly recommend.

19. What’re you excited about for next year? I'm planning a trip to Europe for next May(ish), which is probably one of the things I'm looking forward to the most in this year. I've been wanting to get back since pre-Covid, and if all goes well this will include some stuff I've been wanting to do for over a decade, so I'm really looking forward to it. (And if I can make some of the meetups I've talked about work out, that'll be even better.)

22. Favorite place you visited this year? Ooh, tough call, because niblets were a delight, but they're people and not a place, and being visited was excellent but doesn't count ... so I'm just going to lightly cheat and call my New York trip one place, because that way I don't have to choose between all the wonderful things I saw on Broadway and the wonderful fun that was getting to meet @jenni3penny et al outside of NYC proper.

Thanks for the asks, and sorry it took me a while! 💙

[ ask me another? ]

[leecountydems]

MIAMI — CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede talks to former Democratic congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who wants to unseat Rick Scott as Florida's junior senator.

Mucarsel-Powell talks about the big issues, why voters should choose her, and how she plans to increase her name recognition across the state.

Guest: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell/ (D) U.S. Senate candidate

[michaeljfox666]

CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede questioned Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar as to w...

[airplanes924]

Recommendations

If you are looking for a movie to watch, I recommend On a Wing and a Prayer (on Prime Video)

If you are looking for a book to read, I recommend The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede

If you are looking for a show to binge, I recommend Sex and the City (on HBO Max)

[nevinslibrary]

Totally Random Non-Fiction Tuesday

Gander, Newfoundland. Even though here in New England, in Massachusetts we’re not too too far away from Newfoundland in the grand scheme of things (not to mention being connected with Halifax, Nova Scotia) I’d never heard of Gander until I read this book 18 or so years ago.

U.S. airspace was closed on September 11th, and, so, not one or two, but, 38 jetliners had to land at Gander International Airport. And the town of Gander suddenly almost doubled (more than 6000 passengers were stranded).

It’s just such a story. An amazing story, everything from the food that was prepared by the town for the stranded passengers, to the bus drivers who were on strike, but went back to work to deliver the passengers to the shelters that were created in churches and schools. Linens, toiletries, showers, even access to computers. And this was for 4 days too.

It’s a short story, but, one that is a reminder that humans, especially in a crisis, are primarily good or want to be good. Thank you Gander, Newfoundland.

You may like this book If you Liked: Among the Heroes by Jere Longman, Firehouse by David Halberstam, or Last Man Down by Richard Picciotto

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede

[theredandwhitequeen]

Book 48 of the 50 book challenge. The Day the World Came to Gander. 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim Defede. The book was written in 2002, and has different stories than Come From Away, except for Hannah, the woman, whose son was a firefighter that died in the towers, plus the man who escaped as a child from Poland after the Nazi’s came to power. The book had a story of a family, who had just adopted a daughter in Kazakhstan a few days earlier, flew to Moscow, then Germany, then were flying home to Texas when diverted to Gander. They eventually with an other couple, drove from Gander to the Canadian border, had a friend rent them a car and drove back to Texas. One woman on a flight was a US Army brigadier general who was the director of intelligence for the us military command for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The stories were interesting and sad, but you learn about the people of Gander and the Plane people.

If you’ve seen Come From Away, listened to the soundtrack, or your interested in books about 9/11 you should read it.

[levireads]

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede

4 stars. 

This book is about Gander, Newfoundland and the events of welcoming in over 6,000 people who had their flights grounded on 9/11. For the source and story, I felt like it was a really great read and gave a lot of insight into the events and the way people came together. However, it was very matter-of-fact storytelling and it had the potential to be extremely emotional. Still a recommended read!

[starryshelf]

A BOOK THAT IS ALSO A STAGE PLAY OR MUSICAL - THE DAY THE WORLD CAME TO TOWN: 9/11 IN GANDER, NEWFOUNDLAND, JIM DEFEDE

Okay, two things: first, I’m not gonna carry on with the pictures because I’m really behind and a lot of the books I wanna review were from the library and have already gone back, or else have been passed on to secondhand shops. Second, as I mentioned, I am very behind - I’ve got about 11 reviews to write up including this one from the last few months - so I’ll be using my queue a lot, and also panicking as I try to read all the other stuff on my list for various categories, whilst also sticking to my New Years Resolution: for every new book I read, I read the next unread one on my shelves and work my way through in alphabetical order. I’ve stuck to this all year so far and I’m still on the As, thanks to my dad’s collection of vintage Asimov, none of which I had previously read. Plus I’ve got book group reads for my two groups and a bunch of proofs from Netgalley which I’ve ignored for months on end. 

To make sure I can get through everything on my list, I’ve changed a couple of planned reads. This is one of them. Originally, I meant to read Les Miserables for this prompt, as it’s the only really major ‘musical based on a book’ I haven’t read (I’ve reviewed Alexander Hamilton and Phantom of the Opera for this challenge, you may remember, and I read Wicked years ago. The other major musicals I’ve loved are mostly Lloyd Webber, and the ones which are based on books I’ve already read.) However, I didn’t think taking on ‘the brick’ would help me get through the challenge in time, so I’ve put it to the side, as I have done the last few years as well, and instead chose (based on the date) to read this book, which inspired the musical Come From Away. I haven’t actually heard or seen anything about it, so I’ll have to check it out after this!

The Day the World Came To Town is probably one of the lightest books about 9/11 out there. It tells the story of the tiny Newfoundland town of Gander, which found itself home to about 38 passenger planes and all the people on board after US airspace was closed in the wake of 9/11. It’s a heartwarming tale about hospitality and generosity, focusing in on the lives of several families from the planes and others who lived in the town. 

There are some really lovely bits and pieces of personal stories dotted around - the school which let several people running ‘a small business’ use their computers, only to find out that they’d been hosting the president and senior staff of the Rockefeller Foundation, who wanted to replace their entire computer lab in thanks; the major designer of Hugo Boss who was offered a private plane home but decided to stay with his fellow passengers; the Rabbi from London who felt he’d been brought to Gander for a reason and found out what the reason was when he met an elderly man who was a refugee from WWII Poland and had been pretending to be Catholic all his life. There are also sadder stories, of people who were stranded waiting desperately for news of friends and families living and working near the towers. Some of them received good news, but many did not. 

What fascinated me was the sheer range of people who landed in Gander. Many of them were travelling on business and were employed by federal or international agencies, and had to get in contact to help co-ordinate a response to the attacks - one was a US Army General overseeing intelligence in Europe and part of the Middle East! Another was a security advisor for the New York Mayor’s office. 

I’m probably part of the youngest group who can still remember 9/11 - I was 7, nearly 8 at the time, and my memories of it are fuzzy, to say the least. (Due to both age and geography, I remember the 7/7 London attacks far better). But the aftermath has shaped the world I live in. I don’t like reading about it for many reasons, not least the way nationalists love to cite the tragedy as justification for their aims. It’s an ugly event which brings out a lot of ugly emotions, but this book is the opposite of that. Instead, it’s the epitome of that ‘look for the helpers’ quote which so often comes out in the wake of a tragedy. People in Gander opened their homes, donated their belongings, and decimated their businesses to provide a welcoming environment for their refugees. 

One thing I would’ve liked to have seen was a greater focus on non-Americans coming in from abroad - certainly non-Europeans. Everyone spoken about (bar one or two) is American, Canadian or European. DeFede briefly mentions a couple of Iranian girls, and I’d really love to know what the aftermath was like for them. Whilst the people of Gander surely welcomed them, I doubt US immigration was quite so open... one of my most distinct memories from  the time I visited the US aged 12 was seeing the Iranian lady in front of us be escorted off to a different room to be ‘interviewed’ by two armed immigration officials, purely because of her country of origin. But then the book would not be as feelgood as it is, which I suppose is fair enough. It’s a difficult topic and this makes it into fairly light reading, so all credit to DeFede for that. Now I’m gonna see if I can find any clips of the Broadway show!

[dailyvideovault]

New video posted on: https://dailyvideovault.com/president-trump-to-rally-supporters-in-south-florida/

President Trump to rally supporters in South Florida

[appalachianapologies]

"The Day the World Came to Town" by Jim DeFede is a wonderful book if anyone needs a good way to pay tribute to 9/11

[levisqueaks]

There is nothing quite like a good book...

I meant to update Saturday but it’s the 17th and I have officially finished 10 books and have three others in a partially completed status. 

Books I’ve read so far in 2022 and what I rate them: 

The Guest List

by Lucy Foley

4 stars. It had a good plot and a lot of great twists. As murder mysteries go, I really enjoyed it. However, it loses a star because of the constant POV shifts which made it really hard to keep track of all of the twists and turns. 

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy

by Mackenzi Lee 

4 stars. I listened to this one on audio, so I do think I may have lost some of the nuance that listening causes (for me). I thoroughly enjoyed the sequel to Gentleman’s Guide of Vice and Virtue. It was fast-paced and energetic. 

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

By Marianne Cronin 5 stars. A beautiful and emotional look at life, love, death, and the journeys we travel. I definitely recommend this one if you want an emotional read! 

Kept

By Maya Banks 2.5 stars. And that’s generous. As far as mindless smut goes, this one actually had some semblence of a plot... it just wasn’t a great one. It gets this many stars because of how hilariously terrible the whole thing was. I actually enjoyed reading it, but it wasn’t good. 

The Scottish Prisoner

By Diana Gabaldon 3 Stars - 4.5 stars with the alternate ending written by  @iihappydaysiiand  @mistresspandorawritesthings​. I struggled to get into this one, even though I was really excited to read it. I loved getting a whole book of Jamie and John being a grumpy old married couple and Tom Byrd was the best part of the book. We stan the poor Wee Byrd. Finishing the book with Whatever It Costs (starting after Chapter 32 of TSP) was honestly utterly fantastic and I highly recommend you do the same! 

If God Is Love, Don’t Be A Jerk

By John Pavlovitz 4.5 stars. It’s a niche read but it was a great philosophical look into the state of America and Christianity. A little too bible-y for me, but I do enjoy his blog posts so this was a great palette cleanser to transition into a new series. 

The Day the World Came to Town

By Jim Defede 4 stars. This book is about Gander, Newfoundland and the events of welcoming in over 6,000 people who had their flights grounded on 9/11. For the source and story, I felt like it was a really great read and gave a lot of insight into the events and the way people came together. However, it was very matter-of-fact storytelling and it had the potential to be extremely emotional. Still a recommended read! 

Bartholomew Nelson and the World of Zathya 

By Antonio Gilyard 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book! It’s a YA Fantasy novel that has really awesome character development, magic, intrigue and lots of plot turns! A hidden gem I definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy worlds! 

Locked in Time

By Lois Duncan  3 Stars. I used to love this novel as a young teen and so I picked it up again because I didn’t really remember the plot. As an adult it was easy to see the plot pockets and bad dialogue but the premise was still kind of neat. Gothic horror meets YA Fiction. Definitely a dated book. 

The Selection 

By Kiera Cass 3.5 stars. Lord this book. It was absolute trash with a problematic plot device but it was still a fun few-hour read. YA Romance? It has a caste system that feels a bit like the hunger games, meets the bachelor. If you want a guilty pleasure read with little substance, this is definitely the book for you. The white ass names in this book sent me into hysterics.  In Progress Reads: 

Boyfriend Material

By Alexis Hall First Impressions: This book is hysterical and campy. Very excited to see how it plays out. But so far, I think I’m going to really enjoy it! 

The Weight of Ink

By Rachel Kadish First Impressions: This is a dense book full of amazing history, mystery, and intrigue. I’m about 10% into it, and I’m very excited to see what happens next! 

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek 

By Kim Richardson First Impressions: I am really enjoying the story so far. It’s a little hard to get into for audio, so I’m working to borrow an e-book or print version to finish it. But the story is super captivating so far! Any recommendations that you would pass on? Please share them! I’m hoping to cross 100 books this year.