Following up from It Ends With Us, Hoover follows the interaction of Lily and Atlas, as they navigate what a new, adult relationship could be like while dealing with all the baggage of their lives without each other.
Significant life changes are sort of, kind of happening for Minnie in this one. One being the relationship with Rafe that she absolutely didn't see coming in the last book. But there is of course another mystery to solve and Rafe wants to be involved, at least to try to keep Minnie out of trouble.
It's not the ideal crime-fighting duo when Rafe is also trying to finish the house he's been building so that Minnie can move out of her houseboat before it's too cold to stay there. And Minnie is not terribly helpful at making the choices she needs to make to expedite that process. Some of her phobias are absolutely ridiculous, but they are also endearing, so I won't critique them too much.
This is the last of the series at the moment - a new one comes out in October and I'm kind of excited about it. Let's see what future mischief Minnie and Eddie can get into.
(#70-2022)
It's summer season in Chilton, and Minnie has taken in her niece for the summer. Katrina is an interesting addition to the dynamic of Minnie's life and her roommate doesn't exactly fit into the idyllic aunt/niece summer fun expectation that Minnie held for the event.
Especially when Katrina haphazardly comes across a murder victim at the 4th of July celebrations. We see how Katrina copes with trauma (and how similar she is to her aunt) while both of them try to solve the mystery and come to terms with some significant changes in their lives.
This is the novel that really turned me around on Minnie. She's been growing on me novel by novel, but this one really made her feel like a person. There are some pretty significant changes to her life here, and the way she deals with them and still keeps things stable on some level are telling. She acted like a real person, rather than just a character in a book.
The events are still a bit outlandish, but I wouldn't want to read the story if things weren't at least a little bit crazy.
(#69-2022)
Cute little book that guides you through ways to meditate or at least be more mindful while accomplishing the day-to-day tasks in your life. Washing dishes, riding the bus, sorting laundry will never be the same as you become more aware of everything that you do.
(#68-2022)
A new library Board Chair may throw a wrench into Minnie's days of spreading reading and cheer aboard the Chilton Library Bookmobile.
And then, of course, there's the murder of a Bookmobile regular. Minnie, Eddie and friends need to find out what happened, and why at the same time as they try to save the Bookmobile from whatever fate could be heading its way.
There are always a lot of conclusions that are needlessly jumped to in a cozy mystery novel, and this book is absolutely no different. Minnie is the queen of assumptions and jumping ahead to get where she wants to be. But in the safest, least athletic way possible.
In almost all cases, it turns out the right way for her and that's just part of what makes these a joy to read. You might not always be stumped by the whodunit portion, but it very rarely gets there in a way that you'd expect.
(#67-2022)
Adorable book that extols the virtues of the reader - would be an excellent gift for someone you want to be grateful for.
(#66-2022)
I read through these as a series, so I will also write this as a compilation.
I read these first when I was the target age and I think I've probably read them multiple times since then. The idea of a mouse who yearned for adventure and a different kind of life somehow spoke to me as a child. I don't relate to it the same way as an adult, but it's still incredibly endearing
(#63, 64, 65-2022)
I don't even know how to summarize this one. A story of love and loss and grief and pain. I was emotionally wrung out by the time I was done - and that was all in one day because I just couldn't put it down. I was immediately attached to the characters and was both afraid and excited to see where the story went and how it ended. It left me with sorrow and also relief with a little joy mixed in.
It didn't end in exactly the way I expected or maybe I hoped it would, but it was satisfying and while I know there is a prequel being released soon which I am planning to read, I don't want anything further into the future of this story.
(#62-2022)
Another crazy caper for librarian Minnie Hamilton and her cat, Eddie as they travel around a region of Northern Michigan on the Chilton Library Bookmobile.
This time around, we widen Minnie's circle of friends and benefactors and also negotiate Minnie's relationships. I've gotten used to some of the quirks about Minnie that used to make me dislike the character and now find her endearing. Most of the time.
The mysteries get stranger and stranger and this one is no different. The comparisons between Minnie and Aurora Teagarden (Charlaine Harris' librarian crime-solver) are still very obvious, but the addition of the Bookmobile and of course Eddie make this series just different enough to keep my attention.
(#61-2022)
Mostly a picture book, and reiterated the thoughts from the biography read previously. Nothing much more to say here, though the photography was quite lovely.
(#60-2022)
Lengthy, but engaging biography of singer George Michael. This book contained details that I wasn't expecting and perspectives that weren't necessarily at the forefront during the years Michael was actively pursuing his musical career.
I've lost no respect for the artist, and have gained an appreciation for the personal struggle that he put himself through based on what he thought the world's expectations were for him.
Despite some amazing success and a lot of talent, it was not an easy life for Michael. And that makes the loss of his life at a fairly early age even more sad. Imagine what else he could have done if he hadn't gotten in his own way.
(#59-2022)
I can't possibly write my thoughts on this without ruining the movie, so let's just say that it lives up to the rest of the series. I'm interested to know where they'll take certain characters and stories moving forward, and of course, it's the Harry Potter world, so despite any misgivings about the author, I will continue to follow the story.
(#58-2022)
Minnie Hamilton once again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation - this time when she finds a body in her very own library. Chilson also experiences a number of very strange break-ins so Minnie, and of course, Eddie, find themselves doing whatever they can to solve the crime and stop terrible rumours swirling around town.
This was an interesting collection of "fictional" reminiscences of Hemingway's life in Paris. His connections to other notable authors, poets and artists and his family life and excursions are features as well as his thoughts and direction on writing and life.
It's an interesting book, and while not something I would normally have just picked up on my own, I don't feel that I wasted the time it took to read it. For one thing, I can now say that I've read Hemingway. And for another, there were definitely some useful lessons and thoughts hidden in the prose.
(#56-2022)
Celeste has moved to rural Florida, to nurse her ailing grandmother and now to accept the inheritance left from said grandmother. But now, there is a woman living in Celeste's shed who should definitely not be there.
When she meets the woman, Celeste is surprised to learn that Daisy is personable and helpful. They begin an awkward and beneficial friendship, for both of them. But clearly, both of them have secrets. And it might be the death of both of them.
Rowan's final expedition, meant to prove that she's worthy of being called the Royal Monster Hunter. With the resources provided by her friends and companions and the knowledge she's gained from past trials, Rowan will surely escape the final trial unscathed and victorious.
This is just such a cute, needed way to remind myself that I'm actually okay. And enough. It's well thought out, using the phrases and words that are most poignant for someone who is questioning themself and their enough-ness at any given moment.
And the best part is that it didn't take a lot of effort to read it. It's simple and does exactly what it needs to do in very few words.
(#53-2022)
I'm sure by now everyone has seen the trailers (or the entire movie) that was created from this book. Main character Kya raised herself in the marshlands of North Carolina after being abandoned by her family. Known in the nearby town as "the Marsh Gil", she is isolated from the community of Barkley Cove, until she finds her life intertwined with first one local boy, and then another. When one of the boys is found dead, Kya is the main suspect. As the story unfolds, it threatens to reveal a great many secrets of Kya and the rest of the town.
The last book in the first Baby-Sitters Club Book Collection tin is the ending we were all looking for. Kristy's mom is marrying Watson. And while not everyone in the family is entirely excited about all the changes that the event brings, they do manage to make it through the weeks leading up to the big day with minimal disruption. And the Baby-Sitters Club remains intact.
(#51-2022)
Dawn is the newest member of the Baby-Sitters Club. She also might be hated by the club President. But Mary Anne is her friend and Dawn is willing to work, so she takes on a new client, whose kids just might be impossible.
I didn't really need to read these. I didn't gain anything from it. Usually, I enjoy the extra glimpses into the lives of the characters I've read, but this one just felt redundant, unfortunately.
(#49-2022)
The series closes with a twist on Sleeping Beauty. This one was probably the most unique take on the story it's meant to relate to. It may actually be my favourite of the series.
(#48-2022)
The twisted, dark and dirty Little Mermaid variation. Once again, highly adult but quirky and kind of fun.
(#47-2022)
Mary Anne saves the day in more ways that one in this novel. The Baby-Sitters Club is falling apart due to a disagreement between friends. Mary Anne is left to fend for herself at school, and while babysitting. When her charge gets sick, she's left to her own devices, and maybe to a new friend that she's met along the way.
As a shame researcher, Brene Brown takes an interesting perspective to teach us how to live our best selves. In Daring Greatly, she encourages us to embrace our vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives. Every moment where we choose to experience uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure gives us the chance to dare greatly in our life.
The ultimate twist on Beauty and the Beast. I wasn't looking forward to this one because the glimpses we'd had of these characters earlier hadn't attracted me at all. But it turned out all right. Definitely not for the faint of heart (or pearl clutches.)
(#44-2022)
Stacey is hiding something. Not just that she has diabetes, but her parents aren't handling it well, and won't let Stacey learn to live with it before bringing her to every doctor they can find who might magically fix everything. Stacey's tired of it.
The second book in the original Baby-Sitters Club series has Claudia going through what every babysitter goes through at least once in their sitting career. Not that everyone got hangup calls, but everyone let their imagination run away with them in scary ways. The resolution of this is cute, and very middle-school appropriate. Still a fun story.
(#42-2022)
So, the twisted version of Captain Hook and Tinkerbell. I kind of loved the characters in this one, even if I never imagined them in quite this way before.
Definitely adult. Definitely a fun book.
(#41-2022)
I read this series, fairly religiously, when I was a middle-schooler. So when I found the collector's tin with the original 6 books in the series, in their original format I was absolutely going to buy it.
The story actually still holds up quite well - except that technology plays NO part in these stories. It was a big deal that Claudia had a phone of her own in her room!
Otherwise, the themes and ideas are still relevant. I'm enjoying the re-read down memory lane.
(#40-2022)
This is an interesting series. Definitely adult - don't think this is going to hit the spot for anyone looking for Disney villains.
In this one, we find out more about Hades, and his furies, but especially Megaera. Plus a little extra Olympus added in.
(#39-2022)
A Homicide detective from Canada, who is visiting Edinburgh to be with her dying grandmother, is somehow transported in time to 1869. She has to figure out how she got there, who she even is, and hopefully, how to get home.
Minnie Hamilton is back with the Bookmobile. And of course, the Bookmobile Cat. This time, she gets caught up in a mystery, when Henry, a curmudgeonly member of the community, dies. Coincidentally, through the Bookmobile, Minnie becomes friends with his best friend and starts to question the situation.
Jennifer Grey's memoir about her life before, during and after Dirty Dancing and the nose job heard around the world. From Hollywood parents and celebrity family friends to her own celebrity and struggles to maintain it, this book covers significant details that the world both was, and wasn't, privy to before.
Minnie Hamilton is still spreading library love, driving her bookmobile (and the bookmobile cat) around the neighbouring areas to Chilson, Michigan. But she still can't seem to escape getting involved in the local mysteries.
This time a volunteer on that very Bookmobile dies (or more accurately is killed) while travelling with Minnie. Minnie needs to find out what really happened before Stephen and the library board pull funding for the Bookmobile, and something else happens.
I was reading an online forum earlier this week and someone mentioned having re-read this recently and how funny it is. I remember the book as a child, but I didn't recall it having any particular effect or impact on me.
So, of course, I had to find it and re-read it myself. Such a cute book. And this version - the 40th anniversary - has a red velvety cover that just makes the reading experience even better. Holding the book makes my tactile self happy.
(#34-2022)
Found this gem when I was looking for Bunnicula. Such a cute little story for a kid who might be afraid of the monsters under the bed. I remember it from my own childhood - though I may or may not still believe in the monsters.
(#33-2022)
Years ago, Wil Wheaton wrote a memoir. Recently, he's gone back to re-write, or more specifically annotate, that memoir making notes where previous Wil had room to grow, and showing us just exactly who that previous version has become.
This is a super fun book that contains anecdotes and stories from Gilmore Girls supporting recipes of foods that were essential to the show. With Luke and Sookie both spending a lot of time in kitchens, and Friday Night Dinner a staple moment of so many episodes, clearly food plays a big part in the show.
There were a couple of foods that made an impression on me in the show that I wish had been included (Mock Turtle soup, anyone?) but the items included are great and might actually motivate me to try one or two of them myself.
(#31-2022)
Mostly photos, beautiful photos, with some trivia and detail to discuss the photos, this is a beautiful book. The wedding and preparations were gorgeous, it's unfortunate that life following the wedding took such an unsightly turn.
(#30-2022)
Patrick Swayze's memoir, this book was written after the pancreatic cancer diagnosis that eventually ended his life. This book is full of the stories that led him to his over 30-year acting career and his love story with wife Lisa Niemi.
Librarian Minnie Hamilton runs the Bookmobile program for the town of Chilson, Michigan. While out on a run, with her cat Eddie, Minnie is flagged down by a woman in distress. Minnie assists and thinks she's had enough trouble for that day but she's in for a bunch more as she works to find justice for a new friend.
Lily Bard recognizes that she may need help dealing with past trauma. Her instinct is to stay determinedly independent but her partner Jack convinces her to try a therapy group. Chaos (and murder) ensues.
Lily Bard is thrown into the middle of yet another random mystery - another neighbour. This time she's even a person of interest. Things can never just go smoothly for Lily.
I'm still having the same difficulties with the character but I like the mysteries, so I'm willing to overlook the character issues with this series. And since it's only one more book to finish the series, I'm in.
(#26-2022)
Lily Bard is headed back to her hometown for the wedding of her sister, Varena. Staying with her parents, she deals with her own issues with being in her childhood home, and of course, there's a mystery to solve.
Strange happenings in the small town of Shakespeare, and Lily Bard seems to be stuck in the centre of them all. Similar basic theme to the first Lily Bard mystery and I assume it's the same for all 5 books in this series. This time there is a distinct racial edge to the drama.
Lily Bard lives in Shakespeare, Arkansas. Lily cleans other people's homes. Lily has a secret history. And the landlord of the apartment building next door has turned up dead. Who? Why? How?
The continuing saga of Jamie Fraser and Claire Beauchamp Fraser, their family and friends and neighbours. If you've read any Outlander, you don't need a synopsis from me. If you haven't, why not?
