Thursday, October 12, 2017

I'll show you my books, you show me yours...vol.32


Here I am again with a late post.  (That's exactly how I began my last post for this link-up.)  I keep intending to jump back in the blog game.  Obviously, that hasn't happened.  But, I was not going to let the third anniversary of Show Us Your Books pass without my acknowledgement of what a wonderful contribution this link-up has been to my reading habits.  Thanks to each and every one of you for the book chats, the reviews, the recommendations, and the insight...and BIG thanks to to our hosts Jana & Steph for hosting this awesome book party.

The books I've read since our last link-up (it's been a couple of months, so this may be lengthy...just read my ratings to see if you're interested in reading my review):

1.  Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter - A charming book with the reminder to always look at the glass as half full.  3.5/5

2.  Marching Powder: A True Story of Friendship, Cocaine, and South America's Strangest Jail by Rusty Young and Thomas McFadden - These were definitely some fascinating tales of life for a Brit convicted of smuggling drugs and landing in a Bolivian prison. The ways of this prison are unbelievable. But, honestly, in this case, I'd have rather watched a full length documentary than read a book.  Some of the story-telling dragged and felt self-indulgent.  I think I'd rather see and hear Thomas tell his stories. 2.5/5

3.  Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley - A true gem of a YA book.  A book that examines grief, love, family dynamics, coming of age, and the love of stories, words, and genuine connections with books and stories. 5/5  Thanks to Steph for bringing this book to my attention.  

4.  The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas -   I don't know what I can say about this book that other readers haven't already said. Powerful. Thought-provoking. 4.75/5

5.  The Good Girl by Mary Kubica - Eh. It was alright. I've read much more interesting, intriguing books that utilised Stockholm Syndrome in the plot. 2.5/5

6.  The North Water by Ian McGuireMan vs. Man; Man vs. Nature; Man vs. Self ... This book has it all. The writing is so descriptive and engrossing, but it is not for the faint at heart. This book is an example of one of the many reasons I love book chats with other readers.  I doubt I'd have given this one a look if it weren't for other readers' reviews. 4/5

7.  One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus - Although it often lacked depth, I enjoyed the read from start to finish.  4.25/5

8.  The Diggers Rest Hotel by Geoffrey McGeachin - I'm a participant in an Aussie Author Book Challenge. This book reinforces why I participate in such a challenge. A new-to-me author writing a rich cast of characters set in an Australian community during a time I'm unfamiliar with their specific history. The "who-dun-its" weren't overly surprising, but getting to the closures made for an enjoyable read.  4/5

9.  The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter - I am a self-professed Karin Slaughter fangirl.  I love her writing style, her characters, and her stories.  This book is a good example of why I find her books so enjoyable.  If you are a thriller fan and haven't read Karin Slaughter, this is a good one to grab.  4.5/5

10.  Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris - I am torn. I found the plot unique, yet unbelievable. At times, I couldn't put the book down. Other times, I skimmed because I was annoyed. So, I'm torn. 2.5/5

11.  And Fire Came Down by Emma Viskic - This is the second book of a series.  I raved about the first one (Resurrection Bay), and I will continue to read this series after this solid second effort.  The protagonist is a deaf investigator and the author learned "Auslan" (Australian sign language) in order to understand her character more. His relationship with his brother and his on again/off again partner are bonus additions to the mystery/thriller stories.  4.25/5

I've shown you mine, now you show me yours............






18 comments:

  1. Yay Erin!!! I need to try Karin Slaughter still...it's hard to ignore her as a thriller lover!!
    I, too, loved Words in Deep Blue. Did you enjoy the Australianisms? I have The Hate U Give out from the library on CD right now so it will happen soon!! Have not heard a bad thing about that book yet.
    I used to watch the Pollyanna movie ALL THE TIME as a tween but have never read the book!

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  2. I liked Behind Closed Doors well enough.
    I also loved the Pollyanna movie. Definitely owned it as a child.

    I do miss your blog posts!

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  3. So great to see you again! I think of you often and am always wishing you well.

    Thanks for the recommendation on the Slaughter book!

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  4. Yay for blogging :) We've missed you here!
    So many books here that are already on my TBR list. Apparently I need to get cracking :) Glad you enjoyed most of them or at least found interesting parts in the ones you weren't too keen on!

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  5. I still haven't read a Karin Slaughter book and I have no idea why! I know that I'd be a huge fan of hers! And I 100% agree with you about The Good Girl. It was hyped up so much to be this great thriller and then it wasn't very thrilling.

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  6. The Hate U Give is totally the book of the year - apparently - I havent read it yet. I'm always last to read big time books.

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  7. Miss you, Erin! So nice to see you again, although I completely understand the break and hope life is treating you very well! Words in the Deep Blue, The Hate U Give and One of Us is Lying are all already on my TBR. I enjoyed that one messed up Slaughter book I read (totally blanking on the name) and should check out her latest. I read newest Kubica book a couple months back and wasn't super impressed, so it pushed all her other books to the back of the line.

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  8. So glad you loved Words in Deep Blue. I felt the same about that and The Hate U Give.

    One of Us is Lying.

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  9. First of all, missed you and happy to see your face :)

    Second - POLLYANNA!!!!!! omg I havent read that in years. I actually really loved that book (and movie). Ill be going to re-read. I understand why most people dont give this a higher rating, its old and a classic and well, not everyone likes that, but the lit major in me LOVES it! I seriously got almost emotional seeing that book on this list - it brings me back to reading it.

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  10. Words in Deep Blue, Hate U Give and Behind Closed Doors are all on my TBR. Pollyanna sounds good!

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  11. I FINALLY got The Hate U Give from the library, glad I will finally get to read it soon! I want to read One of Us Is Lying. XO - Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  12. I don't think that I've read any of Karin Slaughter's books. I just added The Good Daughter to my to-read list. Sounds like my kind of read! The Hate U Give was really good and I enjoyed Behind Closed Doors and The Good Girl, even though you weren't a fan. I just finished Words in Deep Blue and my review will be in next month's linkup.

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  13. I *just* got The Hate U Give from the library- looking forward to digging into it later today! The description of Behind Closed Doors is pulling me in, I may have to add it despite your review. I haven't read any of Karin Slaughter's books yet, but Pretty Girls is already on my TBR- which would you recommend starting with?

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  14. The Hate U Give was spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed The Good Daughter as well.

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  15. I loved Words in Beep Blue and The Hate U Give. I have Behind Closed Doors on my TBR...sounds like it can take a number and wait awhile. Pam

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  16. words in deep blue and the hate u give are both on my list! actually, i have the hate u give on my kindle from the library and i think it expires in like 5 days. oops. one of us is lying is on my kindle from netgalley. hopefully i'll get to it before the end of the year ;)
    i hope you are well! miss your face! do you have an iphone? we can text if so. if you want to. just to say hey and stuff. i didn't finish your challenge! are you shocked? haha.

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  17. I've only seen the movie version of Pollyanna, but the book sounds cute :)

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