Very interesting and timely fiction book about working in a big box store and what that implies. Arriving in the early morning to begin unpacking, sorting and shelving new merchandise a small counter revolutionary plot is hatched to bring extra hours, more benefits, and if you can imagine this more dignity and empowerment to those who work in these grand canyon environs of retail 2024. The humor is obvious, at times sly, but a very enjoyable book to read and savor. I loved reading this book, and think it will be a break out "book to read" for 2024.

I took on reading this book as a challenge, as I did not understand what the term "Rural Noir" meant. Basically, it means "Southern Crime Fiction". So, I have read the Los Angeles Crime Noir fiction of James Elroy, which is difficult to read because of it's graphic portrayal of crime, but if you hang in there you will be scuffed a bit, but rewarded for your diligence of a story well told. This book has strong female characters, firstly in "Herself" the heroine of the story, and her three daughters and her granddaughter Donkey. There's lots to like here, but I would get bogged down in some of the detail, and where the book was headed. An excellent slow, but not fast read. Well worth your time, and your reading time will be rewarded with a strong story line, and delving into part of the culture and pace of a section of the United States many readers know little of.

I totally enjoyed reading Brad Meltzer's latest book "The Nazi Conspiracy". There is much to the ending of World War II that is just now becoming known. The writing is fast paced and crisp, yet able to clearly draw a picture in the reader's eye what was going on and the pace of life on Oahu before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the Japanese chiseled plans to bring the United States to her knees.

The sections about the Concentration Camps was especially hard for me to read because Meltzer writes with such clarity what life was like during the gruesome period of darkness for the world. The descriptions of the people digging trenches then later being shot a few days later was just gut wrenching for me.

I had 3 family members who served honorably in World War II, a bridge engineer who saved his platoon be refusing to blow up a bridge that would have led to certain ambush, a young 20 year old uncle who made every single parachute jump in Europe, to have a jeep overturn and take his life once he returned to the states, and lastly my father because of his height signed up for the Air Corp (then a division of the Army) and put his life and heart on the line to serve his country. All heroes, each in their own different way.

I have greatly enjoyed Brad Meltzer's writing and have read 3 books completely, and started about 5. His take and foresight of history is stellar. He has earned his place in the genre of excellent history writers. Now on to his next book....(thank you Mr. Meltzer)

One of my favorite sentences in the book starts in Chapter 2, "One of the things about being retired is you either give up on reading all those books you said you would or you finally get around to them". This is a book that because of retirement I had the opportunity to read and fully savor. There are many places in the book where the reader will learn new facts about Jackie Bouvier and her relationship with Lem Billings, and the doors he opened for her. The cast of characters is superb and Bayard has caught the subtle nuances of mid-century life. I recommend this book, and enjoyed it.

One of my favorite genre of books is historical fiction. I started out not enticed by this book because it involved young women and abortion. Then, I realized I had volunteered working and providing music therapy for other young girls in Salem, Oregon who had their children as young as 12 about 8 years later. Yes, a whole room full of young mother's who had stories to tell and needed help and support with their choices. At times I felt overwhelmed caring for mothers and their children. But these young mothers had taught me much as I embraced their stories and lives.

Perkins-Valdez writing style is eloquent and illustrates a period in American history that has largely faded away. I plan to do further reading on this subject to see if more information is available.

The power of love is our greatest currency and commodity. Writing this review during almost a month of being directed by our Governor to "stay home - stay safe" life becomes very precious as we once knew it. We make our daily decisions based on what is the greatest good morally, and limit the casualties of the number who will die of no fault of their own.

This kind of story took place in WWII Germany as well. Good people bridging the gap between the expected promises of the 3rd Reich and a love that will bend and grow based on secret yearnings of the heart and passions. Neither can coincide together.

My In-laws met this way after WWII, one a young French country girl, the other a New York Jew from Forest Hills. Even though it was clear that my mother-in-law was not from New York by her accent and mannerisms, their love and struggle was greater than what people thought. They told neither set of parents of their diverse backgrounds - they chose love. Tough decisions for difficult times.

We speak in kindness to impossible situations, matters of the heart, but we will not be quieted. In short, love reigns.

American Dirt is a book that embraces you in a tango of drama, love and strong emotions during a time of turbulence and unrest. It's hard to put the book down once you start reading. It is strongly and confidently written and will appeal to many readers, lovers of fiction and history. I would strongly suggest having a Spanish dictionary nearby to translate words that you are unfamiliar with. You won't want to miss a word! I highly recommend this book, and would even consider giving it as a gift.

The well worn phrase "there's two sides to every story" is evident in this new book about Grace Kelly. An American princess in her own right, Grace is forced to make tough decisions her entire adult life. She was the epitome of style and grace, but there were sides to her that are drawn in this book that will intrigue readers wishing to learn more about her. A wonderful read, a book to enjoy.

When I submitted my name to review this book I thought it would be like Dante's Inferno based on the many levels of hell. It would be more of a reference book than an actual novel. Instead, it is a story of families within a community who face down "advance" in their village. I would suggest reading this book because it is well written,strongly fleshed out characters and thoughtful in it's approach to what change can bring.

Alice Roosevelt Longworth spent her life searching for her father's love, her husband's and finally found her soul mate with another woman's husband. Look in on Alice as she is guided by her aunt to "love wisely". Her reply is "it is better to love wisely no doubt: but to love foolishly is better than not to be able to love at all.

I found this is be a book rich in detail and history. Like Alice or not, she will not be forgotten. Alice was a master at working the D.C. press, senators, presidents, and family. Like her father Theodore Roosevelt she blazed a great trail that was both exasperating but "dee-lightful" to follow.

Stephanie Marie Thornton invites you to join Alice in her various quests and adventures. The book starts quickly and holds the pace unto the last page. Great book for a winter weekend, drawing pleasure for me from each page.