Kindle Audiobook: Snowflakes, Ruth Ware

 

I am not a fan of short stories, and this one did not change my mind. It was a little sad and, honestly, just meh. It didn’t blow my hair back.

3/5

Libby Audiobook: Making It So, Patrick Stewart

 

When I saw that this audiobook was almost 19 hours long, I thought, oh my goodness, how am I going to get through this? I am by no means a Star Trek fan, nor did I know much about Patrick Stewart beforehand, but I do love starting my mornings with a memoir. Over the past few mornings, it has been Sir Patrick Stewart keeping me company, and what a treat it has been.

The 19 hours flew by. What made it even more special is that he narrates it himself, which brings an intimacy and authenticity to the story that you would never get from print alone. His candour, humour, and honesty make the journey completely engaging.

Absolutely loved it. Really, really enjoyed it. 5/5.

Kindle: One Midnight With You, Shari Low

I liked that the book included a list of characters at the start, as there are quite a few to keep track of. At times I found the story a little long winded, but it was still an enjoyable read.

**SPOILERS*****

I did see two of the twists coming, that Minnie’s husband had passed and that Cormac would ask Ellie to marry him, but it did not take away from the charm.

A very sweet and cosy family drama overall. One Day With You is still my favourite from this author.

3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: A Fever in the Heartland, Timothy Egan

 

Eye-opening read! I always assumed the KKK targeted only black people, but this book shows how they were also fiercely anti-Jewish and anti-Catholic. The hypocrisy is staggering: preaching "purity" while indulging in drinking, affairs, and assault. Their push for a so-called “pure” or “great” America, building a wall to keep people out feels disturbingly familiar in today’s rhetoric. The narrative wandered a little at times, but overall, it was an incredibly interesting and thought-provoking book.

Rating: 4/5

Libby Audiobook: Dying of Politeness, Geena Davis

When I started listening and Geena Davis dropped the f-bomb twice in the first chapter, I was not sure whether to continue. I am glad I did. I realised that, too often, I also prioritise other people’s happiness and comfort over my own.

I also enjoyed that she narrates the book herself, it adds warmth and authenticity.

Rating: 4/5

 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab

 

I am not usually a fan of fantasy, but much like The Time Traveller’s Wife, this one drew me in. I decided to enjoy it for what it is rather than fight the genre. The premise is clever and at times beautifully executed. While the narrative occasionally felt repetitive, and I am generally not a fan of present tense writing, it did suit this story to some extent. A smart and memorable read.

Rating: 4/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Boy from Tiger Bay, Ceri Jackson

 

True crime ✅

Lots of research ✅

Important story to be shared✅

Everything should work. It just did not. The pieces never quite aligned and I found it meh, perhaps because there were too many names to keep track of.

Rating: 3/5.

Libby Audiobook: Crash and Burn, Glenn Orsmond

 So interesting to learn more about the low cost airlines, and especially the downfall of Comair.

Weak leadership being a key contributor.

Appreciate and respect Glenn Orsmond's transparency and for taking accountability for his part. 

4/5