Review: Three-Fifths by John Vercher

Three-Fifths by John Vercher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the publisher as part of the rerelease, all opinions are my own.

I had to sit with this review for a bit before I wrote it. This book was heartbreaking and it hit very close to home as it was written in my hometown and took place during my formative years. I went to high school very close to where where one of the main events occurred, and The "O" where this significant event occurs was a popular place to grab fries and food after school with friends. You didn't hang out there after dark though, the college kids and then a much rougher crowd gathered there as seen in the book. I was in Oakland recently for a college tour with my oldest son and sad to see how much Oakland has changed. The O or the Original Hot Dog Shop closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, which makes me sad as I have so many good memories with friends there and my kids will never get to experience an Oakland staple. Back in 1995, Oakland and other parts of the city were experiencing gang violence, you couldn't wear red, navy, or black because those were the colors associated with the local gangs. The OJ Simpson case was all everyone was watching on TV and was mentioned several times in the book as well.

This book follows Bobby, son of a white alcoholic mother and a black father whom he's never met. Raised by a racist grandfather he struggles with what his true identity is once he finds out his true parentage. Bobby passes for white, and no one questions his identity until he is in his twenties. His best friend Aaron has just been released from prison, and is no longer the comic book loving geek he remembers. Prison has changed Aaron, as he had to find a way to survive, and their friendship may not survive his new ideals. Bobby and Aaron bonded over being different and not like everyone else when they were younger, but Aaron never knew Bobby's secret. On the night of his release, Aaron assaults a stranger making Bobby and accessory to the crime. The guilt is eating Bobby alive, when Bobby's mother and father reunite in another part of town complicating the situation even more. Bobby is trying to do the right thing and save himself, his best friend, while also walking a tightrope with his mom. This tragic story comes to a crashing halt when everything comes to an intense and heartbreaking end.

Pittsburgh is a melting pot of people from everywhere. The Three Rivers brought every race, color, religion, and nationality together. I had the privilege of growing up with kids from every background and my parents taught me to respect everyone and our differences. I hope I did the same with my kids. That being said racism, classism, and bigotry did exist then and they unfortunately still exist now. I had friends like Aaron and Bobby who got bullied for not running with the right crowd or fitting in with social norms. I had wonderful African American friends who who were taunted for being not "black" enough for various reasons or not running with a gang. The 90s in both the real world and the novel was a rough time across the nation, and I can understand why a kid like Bobby would pass as white and not tell anyone especially his white best friend given the situation. Each of the characters in the novel had to make choices to protect themselves in ways you may not understand or agree with, but if you take a step back you can see that each one of them was doing their best to survive in a cruel world. Each of them struggle with their choices and the consequences, the author made them feel like real people that will stay with me for a long time. This book is heartbreaking in so many ways. It is violent and vulgar at times, but it is accurate and appropriate given the message and the content. This story is important and needs to be told.

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Review: I Know I Should Exercise, But...: 44 Reasons We Don't Move and How to Get Over Them by Diana Hill and Katy Bowman

I Know I Should Exercise, But...: 44 Reasons We Don't Move and How to Get Over Them by Diana Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This book was timely as I've been struggling for several years to get back into my pre-covid exercise routine.  Prior to the pandemic, I went to spinning class 2-3 times a week before work without fail and loved it.  Then everything shut down, I hurt my back, and I've never been able to get back into a routine where I prioritized self-care and exercise.  Classes aren't at times I can fit in my schedule around work and kids.  Now I find myself so mentally exhausted at the end of the day after getting the teenagers off to school, working 8-10 hours, doing chores and family time, that I just don't have anything left at the end of the day to give to my self.  The book addresses the difference between mental exhaustion and physical exhaustion and that really resonated with me.  It also addresses the struggle with knowing that I need to exercise and the guilt that comes with knowing that I'll sleep better if I do and I'll be heathier for it but I don't have the energy to do it.  It is a vicious cycle, but the book has given me some tips and motivation to hopefully break out of it.  The authors address taking baby steps to change your mindset and align movement with your values and goals.  They address the many excuses we have for not moving and several of them really hit home for me and are things I know I can do to make small changes and get some movement in during my workday or before or after I start my day.  They address the need for physical movement for not only physical health but better mental clarity and many other benefits as well.  

I enjoyed the common sense approach and hearing realistic things I and many others can do to make small changes that can become effective ways to get movement into our day that we all desperately need especially when sitting at a computer all day.  They also address those who have more physically demanding jobs and different ways to take care of your body if you are standing all day.

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Review: The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers

The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This follows Cassandra in the wake of finding out that her caretaker has passed and she has inherited the magical bookshop she grew up in.  They have been estranged for several years, as Cass had not been the best protégé.  She is a better thief than student, and she is also able to tap into magic in a way other booksellers cannot.  Several people are interested in taking over the bookshop, but Cassandra decides she is up for the task despite their lack of confidence and trust in her.  She keeps running into Lowell Sharpe, another bookseller who immediately dislikes Cassandra without knowing much about her.  They quickly realize that there is something going on with the bookshop and the book community in general and they have to work together if they are going to save the magic and the books they love so well.

The premise of this book was interested.  I liked the idea that the ink and books themselves possess magic and certain booksellers possess the ability to bring those stories to life.  I do wish the Lady Fate tale had been a bit more expanded, it felt a bit confusing especially when we get to the paradox books.  That part was a bit rushed and I felt like the magic could have been explained a bit better.  I also felt like I never really understood why Cassandra was expelled from the bookseller community, it was a bit glossed over, but everyone hated her for her terrible misdeed.  I also never really understood the secret society of the booksellers and what their end goal was.  I feel like there were too many disparate plot lines that while they eventually came together, I spent much of the book wondering what was going on.  Perhaps had I read the book in print I would have felt differently as I would have been able to flip back and reference parts of the story, which you can't really do with audio.

Overall the storyline was interesting and I was invested in what happened to the bookstore, Cassandra and Lowell, and the magic. 

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Review: Single Dad Dilemma by Karla Sorensen

Single Dad Dilemma by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC and ALC via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I'm a huge fan of Karla's books and this one was fabulous! This does read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading Lessons in Heartbreak first in order to get some of Barret's backstory with his ex and the dynamics with his twin brother Griffin. While not 100% necessary to the main story, I think having that background is helpful and several references are made to those characters and the events in that book. You could probably read it right after reading this and also get the same understanding.

Normally you see the grumpy sunshine dynamic, but this was a different take with a grumpy grumpy dynamic. Barrett has two great kids who are also a bit mischievous as they try to push the limits of their dads super organized, rule filled world. Lily is a bit of a nomad, who makes a living house sitting with her equally grumpy dog Larry. She and Larry quickly fall in love with Barrett's crazy kids, and while they are house sitting Lily agrees to fill in as a temporary nanny. Lily and Barrett get over their initial dislike of each other as they dance around their attraction for one another and their love of the kids. His love for order and rules and her desire to have fun and irritate the heck out of him every chance she gets makes for a really great slow burn romance.

I loved these two together, and I appreciated that this was a slow burn romance. Lily's nomad lifestyle stems from grief, so if loss of loved ones is a trigger make sure you are ready for that as this eventually gets very emotional when she finally opens up to Barrett. It was nice to see Barrett and Lily get to know one another over a longer period of time as neighbors and "frenemies" with their banter and awkward flirting before they jumped into a relationship. They definitely had chemistry tension, and yearning. The banter is top notch! I also loved the kids, they add the humor and comedy that is needed to balance the more serious, emotional tones of the book.

I loved this and could barely put it down. I highly recommend the audiobook, the narrators were wonderful!

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Review: Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon, the Untold Story by Jeffrey Kluger

Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon, the Untold Story by Jeffrey Kluger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided both an ARC and an ALC via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was a fascinating  look into the early days of what would eventually become the NASA.  We learn about the politics, science and people that put their heart, soul and some their lives into the Gemini space program as the Unites States raced  Russia to be the first to put men on the moon.

This was well researched and puts some of the spotlight on those who are lesser known in the space race.  Many know about the Apollo program, but Gemini came first and without this program and the lessons learned from it the NASA of today wouldn't be what it is.  This book is very detailed and the author gives first hand accounts throughout keeping it interesting.  I did find that the pacing was a bit slow at times and the information was repetitive.  

Overall, if you are interested in the history of NASA, the space race, and the moon landing this is a great option.

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Review: Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland

Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

I was provided both the ALC and ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  

This follows Annie, head of the Fairfax family and the Fairfax Whaling Company, after a tragic accident at sea took the lives of both of her parents.  She must keep the stakeholders happy, take care of her younger siblings, and keep her curse from transforming her into a bloodthirsty monster.  All in a day's work, right?  Whales possess magical healing properties, but over hunting has caused their population to thin.  This brings more danger to the Fairfax company and those in its employ, but with the aid of her fiancée August, Annie is sure that they can make the stakeholders and the people who need the magic happy.  There is one other treat to whaling ships, the finfolk, ancient fae creatures who protect the seas and possess magic of their own.  Annie discovers that the finfolk may be able to lift her curse and that August may not have her best interest at heart.

I loved all of the twists and turns this had.  Annie is doing the best she can given all of the challenges she faces as a woman in charge of a traditionally male dominated business.  She is faced with keeping her curse a secret while trying to do the best for her family and the company, and trying to have a bit of a life for herself all at the same time.  When she learns that the people that are supposed to be on her side may have plans to betray her, she has to weigh her feelings, the facts, and what is right at every turn.  She learns that there are many secrets being kept and is torn between August and what she wants with him, and Silas and their growing friendship as he teaches her more about whaling and the finfolk.  As she spends more time at sea, she thinks her path forward becomes more clear but so many secrets and bargains may stand in her way.  I really enjoyed the world building and the character development.  I'm looking forward to the next book to find out how Annie's journey plays out and if she made the right choices.  

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Review: Xolo by Donna Barba Higuera

Xolo by Donna Barba Higuera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing story! The illustrations were amazing and I highly recommend listening to the audiobook as well while reading to get the correct pronunciations of the names


If you are a dog lover and a mythology lover like I am this is the tale of the lesser known Aztec god Xolotl, who was always in the shadow of his twin Quetzalcoatl. In the twist on this mythological origin story, Xolo not only steps into his own role but inadvertently helps create man's best friend and gets no credit for his part in his creation of human kind. It is a wonderful heartwarming story!

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Review: Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree

Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  As always Travis Baldree does a wonderful job with the narration.  I don't think anyone could do justice to his characters as well as he does.

This is the 3rd book in the Legends & Lattes series, and while this can be read as a standalone I recommend reading them either in publication order or in sequential order so that it everything makes sense.  We first met  Fern prior to [book:Legends & Lattes|61242426] when Viv was recovering from an injury and helps out at Fern's bookshop.  This takes place after the events in Legends & Lattes, and Fern is feeling restless and lonely.  She misses Viv and decides to open a bookshop in Thune to be closer to her friend.  The book business doesn't seem to be fulfilling Fern, as one does after a night in their cups, Fern makes the rash decision to run away on an adventure with a famous oath maiden.  Astryx is on a mission to turn in her latest bounty, a kookie goblin named Zyll who likes to steal silverware and cause chaos wherever she goes.  Many a bounty hunter is after Zyll either for the prize or for the damage she has caused.  Fern convinces the oath maiden to allow her to be her squire until they can turn in Zyll to earn her keep and fill the emptiness in her soul.

I loved this so much.  It has just the right balance of cozy, humor, emotion, and action to pull you in and keep you invested.  This had a bit of higher stakes than the other books, but I enjoyed the more action and adventure plotline.  It was really fun while still maintaining the cozy vibe.  Zyll was hilarious and her antics keep you wanting more.  I hope we see more of her in the future, guard your knives and forks though.  As with the other books you are invested in the characters and their outcome.  You want to see them succeed and you are with them ever step of the way as they develop a friendship and you aren't quite certain if there is going to be a romance aspect as things develop or if things will remain platonic.  I also loved that we got to reconnect with Viv, Tandri, and Cal again.  I will read anything in this universe and I hope there are many more adventures to come.

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Review: Pastries and Pints: A Small-Town, Rivals to Lovers Romance by Allie Winters

Pastries and Pints: A Small-Town, Rivals to Lovers Romance by Allie Winters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Aurora Bakery series, however it reads as a complete standalone.  This follows Sydney, one of three sisters who run the family owned baker in their small town.  Sydney, doesn't have a fancy college degree like her older sister, but she is one heck of a baker.  She wants to prove that she can do more than bake, so when the town's small business association pairs the bakery with the local bar to work on a mutually beneficial event to bring in customers, Sydney is determined to make it a success.  She has to work closely with Pierce, local bar owner who also has a fancy business degree and recently renovated his grandfather's bar.  He inherited the local bar and is in town trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life.  He comes from a background much different than Sydney's and while he isn't sure that life is for him, he hasn't been in town long enough to know if small town life is either.  Working closely with Sydney on their project Pierce has to deal with her sarcasm, wit, and ability to bring chaos everywhere she goes.  Their partnership quickly turns into more than just beer and pastries, but it also makes them face their vulnerabilities and opens old wounds.

I really liked Pierce and Sydney together.  Sydney is always jumping to conclusions with little to no information, and it is usually the worst conclusion.  She also doesn't like to talk to people about her feelings or set the record straight.  This is counter to her fierce personality in other aspects of her life and her confidence when it comes to baking.  Pierce on the other hand doesn't flaunt his wealth, yeah sure he wears nice shirts, but he always has a way of bringing Sydney back to a calmer place when she spins out of control.  While they may not have gotten off on the right foot, once they cleared the air and the communication started flowing between them they had great banter and worked really well as a team.  

This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what Aurora has next to offer.  I wish there was a real tasting event like this near me, I would buy tickets in a heartbeat.  I loved this story and hope you do as well!

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Review: Fallen City by Adrienne Young

Fallen City by Adrienne Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided both and ARC and ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This follows Luca and Maris, both pawns in a political war that neither of them particularly wants to play a part in.  Maris is the daughter of a magistrate as well as novice to the last Priestess who has knowledge and magic of the old ways.  Luca was adopted by his uncle, a cruel man who wants him to be a soldier and a politician.  Luca apprenticed with one of the city's great philosophers in addition to his uncle's desired studies, this places Luca in a difficult position when his mentor speaks out against the magistrates.  Both Luca and Maris are set to inherit seats as magistrates and work together as allies, but when their seats become available Luca takes a different path than Maris leaving the city in chaos and Maris feeling betrayed and abandoned by the person she loves.

I really enjoyed the world building and the atmosphere of this story.  I love anything with a Greek/Roman feel and this delivers.   Young does a good job building the love story between Luca and Maris both in the present and the past so we understand their relationship and how they got to be in the situation they are in.  I'm hoping we get more about the magic and the gods in book two as it was touched on, but I always want to know more.  It also plays a part in the story to come, but we don't know why.  There is alot of political scheming at work with pawns moving about like chess pieces as the magistrates cast their stones and make alliances, however I feel like there is more information yet to be revealed as the rest of the story unfolds.  I'm anxious to read the next book and find out what happens.

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