Stories Untold ~ Leslie Wolfe

Stories Untold by Leslie Wolfe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the world of literature, there are books that entertain and books that transform. Leslie Wolfe's 'Stories Untold' belongs to the latter category. This remarkable psychological novel is not just a captivating story; it's a window into the human soul, a teachable moment in depression, therapy, and the struggle to find meaning in life.

Leslie Wolfe, known for her skill in crafting intricate plots and complex characters, takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the depths of the human psyche. What makes this novel truly exceptional is not only the enthralling storyline but also the author's unique writing style. Wolfe's prose is as mesmerizing as it is thought-provoking, making every page a literary masterpiece.

The central theme of 'Stories Untold' revolves around the battles we fight within ourselves. It's a story about depression, therapy, and the harrowing experience of losing the will to live. Wolfe's portrayal of these themes is both poignant and enlightening. She doesn't shy away from delving into the raw, unfiltered emotions that her characters go through. It's a stark reminder that we all have our struggles, and that it's okay to seek help when we need it.

The characters in this novel are not mere literary creations; they are living, breathing individuals who wrestle with their inner demons. Through their journeys, Leslie Wolfe sheds light on the importance of mental health and the healing power of therapy. This book is a reminder that there is hope, even in the darkest of times, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

'Stories Untold' will leave you deeply moved and reflective. It's a book that prompts you to ponder the human condition, the intricacies of our minds, and the profound significance of connection and understanding. It's a teachable moment in empathy and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, Leslie Wolfe's 'Stories Untold' is a literary gem that not only showcases the author's exceptional writing style but also serves as a powerful narrative on the challenges of depression, therapy, and the struggle to find the will to live. If you're looking for a book that will not only captivate your imagination but also touch your heart and soul, this is a must-read. It's a poignant reminder that our stories, no matter how untold, deserve to be heard and understood.

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When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole ~ Book Review

 

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was quite a thriller. It really made me want to know more about gentrification and how it has been done in the past to present day. This is happening countrywide and now I'm noticing the signs in my city. Alyssa Cole, for me, weaved how she and Theo researched gentrification in the past and how the cycle was affecting their neighborhood presently. When No One is Watching gave me drama, romance, mystery, and thriller energy all at the same time. This was a real page turner for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Deacon King Kong by James McBride ~ Book Review

 

Deacon King Kong by James McBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow just wow I absolutely loved this story. This to me was a perfect example of have a lot of characters with distinct character descriptions. There were so many voices but not once did I get confused with which character was speaking; great job to James McBride. I will definitely be seeking out more novels from this author.

Deacon King Kong gave me Law and Order, 227, Amen vibes like no joke. I was completely here for all of the gossip, the comedy, and even the violence. It was really an unpredictable plot and McBride interweaves the story so eloquently. I am never good at who done it and why stories, and no I didn't get it right on this one either. With that being said I still enjoyed the journey it was really a page turner for me.

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The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix ~ Book Review

 

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't really know what to expect starting this book. I was unfamiliar with Grady Hendrix as an author. Upon reading the synopsis I felt this was right up my alley. It starts off slow but trust me when you get through the first ten chapters it picks up tremendously. I found myself identifying slightly with the women of the book club. My favorite character seesaws between Kitty and Slick. All of the women had their strengths and definitely had some weaknesses they had to attempt to conquer. This book, once it got going, really held my attention and drove me to keep reading to find out what the heck a book club would do when confronted with vampires.

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Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey ~ Book Review

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow just wow. This book was so unexpected. I have watched quite a few of Matthew McConaughey's films and just like others prejudged the book. While his is a fun loving, caring guy as he portrays in a ton of his rom-com movies; he so much more. Before reading his book I really thought him to be flighty, but in reading he is so multi-layered and well grounded.

This book was written like a diary and a conversation. There are so many gems in level of his life. The book is full of poetry, sayings, bumper stickers and yes traffic lights. It is a really light read and fast read, while it has slightly over 300 pages it goes by quickly.

What I thoroughly liked about his writing style is his ability to paint a picture so vivid it was as you were there and sometimes he actually provides a picture to back up the story he's telling.

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Broken Places by Tracy Clark ~ Book Review

Broken Places by Tracy Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good ending

This book was real slow to start but has potential. The development of the characters was great. I understand where every party was coming from. I must say one of the good things about this novel was I didn’t solve the mystery at all before the last couple of chapters. But beyond that I really had high hopes for this novel it just took me entirely too long to get into it. There are 32 chapters and for me it did t start getting good until mid twentieth chapters.without giving anything away the ending was great I just wished it would’ve given me that same energy throughout the novel.

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Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson ~ Book Review

Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Upon being approached to read this book for a book club I had my doubts. I am wasn't a big Cicely Tyson fan. I had only seen her in a few movies in her later years and Roots. I had no idea the span of her work. I had no idea her history and what a grand history it was. This book is just shy of 500 pages (a big one) and it took me a few days to read it consistently. Ms. Tyson lived just they way she acted as authentically as possible no punches pulled.

I for one didn't know 1/4 of the information she provided. I didn't know she was married to Miles Davis and how Betty Davis began (the tea of it all). Her relationship with some of the great actors of our time (Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones, Sydney Poitier, there are too many to name). She even had a school named after her.

Getting the backstory of those we deem untouchable is quite interesting. In Cicely Tyson's 90 plus years of life; she experienced quite a lot. I am recommending this book to everyone. It was quite a journey seeing different year marks of national events she witnessed first hand; from wars to civil rights to just living in New York in the 20's. I just feel there was more to be told and I wish she were still here to deliver a part 2.

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"Tempted by Fire (Dragonkeepers Book 2) by Kimber White ~ Book Review

Tempted by Fire by Kimber White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm starting to really get into this dragon series. I normally stick to the werebears, werelions, and werewolves paranormal romance. But Kimber has a writing style that is just pleasant to read and enjoy. It is a very fast read and I look forward to reading Finn's story next.

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Book Review: Duplicity by Michael J. Allen

Duplicity by Michael J. Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With each book the story gets better and better. Michael J. Allen is giving me complete life in Duplicity, the second installment in the Dumpstermancer series. My fellow readers please do yourself a solid one and read the first novel in this series. You cannot, I repeat cannot, start Duplicity without the background story.

This fantasy novel brings it all, fey, action, drama, a comedic love story. It is all over the place but in a chaotic organized way. Eli, the rhets and my girl Marisol kick butt, take names, and do their best to meddle. I really enjoyed this book and the new characters that were brought forth in Duplicity. You will get some answers that explain why book 1 happened the way it did, but you will also get new questions especially in regards to Eli and Adam (dun, dun, dunnnnn!!!).

I cannot wait until Dumpstermancer 3: Disrupted comes out. Allen you left me on the precipice with questions that need to be answered.

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Book Review ~ Discarded by Michael J. Allen

Discarded by Michael J. Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Michael J. Allen is a literary genius. I am hooked and glad that there is a continuation of this series. Allen portrays science fiction and fantasy at its best. My initial thought of the novel was that of suspension as I am new to the genre. However, this novel starts off gradually with a great opening scene that pulls you in to find out why people even in a seemingly futuristic setting are still so vain.

While fantasy, "Discarded" holds a sort of prophetic telling to it. Greed, vanity, bad decisions are still a part of society. Decisions to help other and try to keep one's self out of trouble a normal plot but throwing magic into it provides new twists. "Discarded" reminds me of a sense of Harry Potter but for grown people. Put magic, technology, and human tendency of those in power to be greedy; all kinds of foolishness and mayhem ensues. And I must say I am completely here for it. Looking forward to Dumpstermancer #2

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Book Review ~ Criminal Justice by Michael J. Allen

Criminal Justice by Michael J. Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Criminal Justice by Michael J. Allen was quite a roller coaster ride. I haven't read too many science fiction novels, but I quite enjoyed this novelette. With that being said it took me a little while to get adjusted to the storyline. Being that this was a short novel, I didn't get the chance to get back stories on the main characters involved.

Allen infused this story with lots of action, and it really did take off with a blast right out of the gate. Tina was one of my favorite characters (I could be partial because I'm a woman); but she to me showed the most range of characters. They whole group had many hard decisions to make out in space on the drop of a dime. Allen moves the story along pretty well to where I did not experience in drag time.

The book did have me feeling a sense of wanting more. I was thoroughly invested in it and believe the storyline could lend itself to a prequel as well as follow up editions.

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The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo ~ Book Review

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Claire Lombardo, my hat's off to you. This was one of the most fun reads I've had this year thus far. This dysfunctional family had me laughing, crying, screaming at characters. It really took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

I normally pick a favorite character to relate to when reading novels, but I couldn't pick one in this novel. It felt like I could connect to every character; which is so rare and unlike me. I want the stamina and passion of the parents. The oldest daughter gives me Blanche from Golden Girls vibes and I am absolutely here for it. All of the children have a special place in my heart. The sister's bond, to me, represents the true ups and downs in a sibling's relationship. It's not always sugary sweet and nice. There are sometimes when you want to disconnect and disown; Lombardo displaces that nicely in this novel.

I am looking forward to reading more works by Claire Lombardo. This was a really good read.

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The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish ~ Book Review

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tiffany Haddish delivers in this book. I laughed all the way through. I listened to the audio book after finding out she was narrating it herself. Some books you just have to hear, literally, in the authors voice. This book really explains why she is the way she is. It gives glimpses into all the stages of her life; from childhood, foster care, being homeless, to finally making it in Hollywood.

The journey is quite an adventure and the song at the end was simply the cherry on the cake.

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The Passage by Justin Cronin ~ Book Review

The Passage by Justin Cronin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had such high hopes for the novel. Don't get me wrong it was good, just mad long. I also should have read the book prior to watching the TV series. There are quite a few differences in the characters in regards to their roles (book vs. the tv series). I am still very much intrigued as to where the characters will end up, especially the young ones. So with that being said I will continue on to book #2 "The Twelve"

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The Outsider by Stephen King ~ Book Review

The Outsider by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so surprised that I made it through this novel. This genre is so outside (no pun intended) my wheelhouse of genres. I'm glad I stuck it through, "The Outsider" was a great read. Clearly I did not read the entire synopsis of this book. Because if I had, I would have known it was part science fiction. It literally took me reading half of the book to realize it was science fiction/horror.

My favorite characters were Holly and Yunis. Holly's reactions to the foolishness and mayhem makes me think of I would possibly react in these situations. In addition, her social awkwardness is refreshing throughout the novel. Yunis just seems like a really cool cop that has a problem with censoring what comes out of his mouth, yet another one of my traits.

This novel starts off with a gruesome murder, but the who done it was kept me reading it's lengthy pages. Looking forward to my next Stephen King novel.

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Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned" ~ Book Review

Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned" by Lena Dunham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had really high hopes for this novel. I listed to the audiobook and narrator did give me life in the reading of the novel, but I found myself not paying total attention to bits and pieces of the novel. The life this young woman lead was quite interesting. Sex, adulting, self love, health concerns, navigating dysfunction in school and family; this book hits on many different topics. No judging, she had a hard life but its the journey that's described in the novel that makes it interesting to complete this novel.

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid ~ Book Review

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing is so good. I just breezed through this book. Her character development and just the way she gave a very distinctive voice to Evelyn and Monique; I hope this turns into a movie or series.

I had, of course, perceived notions that Evelyn would just be a complete slut throughout this book and Reid completely proved me wrong. The story had real meat to it and each husband a very distinctive place in Evelyn's life.

My favorite character was Monique, the reporter. I just really related to her take as a journalist. She was inquisitive, starts out shy and then she starts to get a back bone. I found myself really rooting for her through out the story.

At times this book made me forget I was reading and that it was getting late. And for me that is a sign of good writing, Reid completely captured me in the story of old Hollywood and what really goes on when the cameras are off. I can't wait to read more of her work.

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Review ~ Verity by Colleen Hoover

Verity by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my stars Colleen Hoover is an absolute genius. This book reads like a movie or better yet a soap opera. Each chapter ends in a way that makes you want to know more about the multiple storylines. Like legit keep you up when you know you should be sleep because you have to work the next day. This book will have you negotiating with your alarm clock.

This is a novel within a novel. Hoover's character development and descriptions left me thinking I personally knew these people. There is drama, passion and definitely some suspense. Lowen, which by the way is a really good name choice it sticks out, character was so intense. She had past issues, was a good person, introvert, but wanted to just do what's right for her. Jeremy is a devoted husband, excellent father. The nurses, maybe it's just me, but they kind were slightly comic relief.

Overall this book was a well rounded suspense that I couldn't solve and I loved it.

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Review ~ The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir

The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir by Jenifer Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh I absolutely love Jenifer Lewis, her spirit is just amazing. Lewis gives us 100% of her acting career in the reading of this novel. I first started reading the novel via kindle book, but once I found out she was her own voice in the Audiobook I immediately had to hear her read it. I have never suggested an audiobook over a physical or digital one; but baby this one you have to hear.

I've known for quite some time that Lewis was an advocate for mental health but never knew the reason why. I'm really glad this wasn't a bash Hollywood or tell all the dirt kind of book. It simply just gives the ups and downs Ms. Lewis experienced from her younger years to present.

In full Jenifer fashion, Lewis gives us the full Award winning performance, whether it be in her titles of the books (Chapter 2 - Shoulders back, Titties first) or in the excitement in her voice while recounting certain memories. I learned a lot from Ms. Lewis, but what stuck with me most is that although she had her ups and downs she still remained the same Jenifer at heart. She truly had a heart of gold and wanted the best for everyone. You don't have to step on others and dull others to get your shine.

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Review: The Inner Circle

The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yes, yes, and yes I am completely here for it all. Brad Meltzer delivers a great mystery book and includes archivists. Now true story, I did not really know what an archivist's job entailed until reading this book. But trust me when I say they are so much more than glorified librarians.

Beecher is my new spirit animal. Meltzer really outdid himself with this character. Beecher gives me cute, nerdy, smart vibes with an all too caring heart. He's that guy friend that always wants the best for everyone but is also an introvert. And who can't forget the bad girl with too much spunk, Clementine? Her name is badass in itself.

Well, what I enjoy most about Meltzer's writing in The Inner Circle is how he intertwines history with fiction. The conspiracy theories are real with this one, or are they simple truths come to light? Secret agencies keeping hundred-year-old secrets, common people accidentally finding out said secrets, and foolishness and mayhem ensue. This book has it all action, mystery, romantic moments and more. I cannot wait to read book #2 in the series.

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