TheresaAJ
Omaha Public Library
TheresaAJ's Completed Shelf
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Last Call at the Hotel ImperialLast Call at the Hotel Imperial, BookThe Reporters Who Took on A World at War
by Cohen, DeborahBook - 2022Book, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 13, 2023
A World of CuriositiesA World of Curiosities, Preloaded AudiobookA Novel
by Penny, LouisePreloaded Audiobook - 2022Preloaded Audiobook, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 13, 2023
Comment:
This is my second Gamache novel (Glass Houses [#13] was my first try). A World of Curiosities was more intricately plotted than my earlier read and brought back events from past cases. What does an intricate painting, a college graduation, and a previously undiscovered sealed room have in common? These are the factors that lead both Gamache and Beauvoir on intense journeys into both the past and present. The narrator for the audio version was superb.This is my second Gamache novel (Glass Houses [#13] was my first try). A World of Curiosities was more intricately plotted than my earlier read and brought back events from past cases. What does an intricate painting, a college graduation, and a…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2023
Comment:
It's 1685 and James II is on the throne trying to make Protestant England Catholic again. Alinor and her daughter have settled into old and middle age with Julia running the wharf business with her husband Captain Shorr. Alinor's brother Ned returns from New England when he gets wind of the politics in England. Although most of the novel focuses on the politics and civil war during the Stuart reign, Gregory focuses on the younger generations and their ventures in both England and Barbados. Livia, the most hated character in previous books, reappears to make trouble once again. The ending seemed abrupt but certainly paved the way for a book 4.It's 1685 and James II is on the throne trying to make Protestant England Catholic again. Alinor and her daughter have settled into old and middle age with Julia running the wharf business with her husband Captain Shorr. Alinor's brother Ned…
Down CityDown City, BookA Daughter's Story of Love, Memory, and Murder
by Carroll, LeahBook - 2017Book, 2017
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2023
Comment:
Carroll lost her mother to murder at age 4 and her father to depression and alcoholism at age 18. In this searing memoir, she explores, probes, and investigates to learn the hidden stories behind her parents' deaths and her family history. Told in unflinching prose, this is both a family memoir and a seedy history of Rhode Island.Carroll lost her mother to murder at age 4 and her father to depression and alcoholism at age 18. In this searing memoir, she explores, probes, and investigates to learn the hidden stories behind her parents' deaths and her family history. Told in…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2023
Comment:
When Laurie Sassalyn finds herself back in Calcasset, Maine, she's cleaning out her Aunt Dot's house while still smarting from her broken engagement. Nearly 40, Laurie embarks on a journey of discovery as she sorts through the contents of her aunt's house who died at 93. Never married, Aunt Dot had many adventures with boxes and boxes of Polaroid pictures to document her trips and hobbies. Reconnecting with her college boyfriend, scamming a scam artist, and coming to terms with mid-life are also events that tie the fast-moving plot together.When Laurie Sassalyn finds herself back in Calcasset, Maine, she's cleaning out her Aunt Dot's house while still smarting from her broken engagement. Nearly 40, Laurie embarks on a journey of discovery as she sorts through the contents of her…
Food Isn't MedicineFood Isn't Medicine, BookChallenge Nutribillocks & Escape the Diet Trap
by Wolrich, JoshuaBook - 2021Book, 2021
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2023
Comment:
Wolrich, a British physician, takes on medicine's current obsession with losing weight as the cure for every medical condition. He's careful to distinguish between being a doctor and being a nutritionist as doctors are not trained in nutrition during their medical training. The author does a good job making medical and scientific language accessible to the average reader. His take on various diets is both funny and sad as millions chase the elusive promise of quick weight loss. Wolrich also uses humorous cartoons to explain his points and multiple examples from his own struggles with weight.Wolrich, a British physician, takes on medicine's current obsession with losing weight as the cure for every medical condition. He's careful to distinguish between being a doctor and being a nutritionist as doctors are not trained in nutrition…
Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?, BookA Memoir
by O'Reilly, SeamasBook - 2022Book, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2023
Comment:
O'Reilly, the 9th of 11 children, was 5 when his mother died of cancer. Her death also became his defining identity as he grew up in Northern Ireland towards the end of "the troubles". This memoir is a recounting of growing up in a very large family with a beleaguered single father and a saint of a housekeeper. Witty, and at time laugh-out-funny, his memoir is a picture of growing up Catholic in Northern Ireland. It's also a tribute to his father who took the entire clan on a caravan trip through Europe and used music as a way to corral and keep his 11 children busy and out of trouble.O'Reilly, the 9th of 11 children, was 5 when his mother died of cancer. Her death also became his defining identity as he grew up in Northern Ireland towards the end of "the troubles". This memoir is a recounting of growing up in a very large…
Happy-go-luckyHappy-go-lucky, Preloaded Audiobook
by Sedaris, DavidPreloaded Audiobook - 2022Preloaded Audiobook, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2023
Comment:
Sedaris' latest work takes on the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of his father, and aging. Using his self-deprecating, sometimes snarky, tone, the author has the ability to look at past and present events and laugh at both himself and the absurdity of the world. Now a true orphan, the author is still trying to reconcile his decades-long tumultuous relationships with his father and his deceased sister Tiffany. Sedaris' works always remind me that although family is complicated, you have to keep on rolling with the punches.Sedaris' latest work takes on the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of his father, and aging. Using his self-deprecating, sometimes snarky, tone, the author has the ability to look at past and present events and laugh at both himself…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2023
Comment:
This is the anti-Hallmark Movie romance as both main characters are introverted, prickly people who know about each other only professionally. When circumstances throw them together for a month in a small North Carolina town, they circle warily around each other as their barriers begin to break down. The story is well-plotted and the literary references plenty in this fast-moving novel.This is the anti-Hallmark Movie romance as both main characters are introverted, prickly people who know about each other only professionally. When circumstances throw them together for a month in a small North Carolina town, they circle warily…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2023
Comment:
I'd characterize this story as Crazy Rich Asians meet a chaotic cozy mystery. Set during a massive Chinese-Indonesian wedding, the main characters are the wedding vendors for the 2000-guest event. When Meddy accidentally kills her blind date, she and her 4 aunts spend a crazy weekend trying to hide the body until they can dispose of it. Parts of the story were interesting but this one takes a lot of suspension of belief to follow the plot. The characters weren't fully developed and it's hard to believe that the college boyfriend you dropped would suddenly appear years later and just pick up where you left off.I'd characterize this story as Crazy Rich Asians meet a chaotic cozy mystery. Set during a massive Chinese-Indonesian wedding, the main characters are the wedding vendors for the 2000-guest event. When Meddy accidentally kills her blind date, she…
The Ink Black HeartThe Ink Black Heart, Audiobook CD
by Galbraith, RobertAudiobook CD - 2022Audiobook CD, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2023
Comment:
The 6th book in the Cormoran Strike series is a commitment at over a thousand pages (27 discs on CD). When Edie Ledwell is murdered shortly after meeting with Robin Ellacott, the agency is drawn into a mystery that involves a cartoon with a rabid Internet fandom. Trying to solve the case in both real life and with online personas lead both Strike and Robin on a wild goose chase to dangerous places. At the heart of the story is the complex, unspoken relationship between Robin and Strike who just keep missing each other emotionally. Bits and pieces of the other 5 books in the series appear in this one so starting the series here is fine.The 6th book in the Cormoran Strike series is a commitment at over a thousand pages (27 discs on CD). When Edie Ledwell is murdered shortly after meeting with Robin Ellacott, the agency is drawn into a mystery that involves a cartoon with a rabid…
Switchboard SoldiersSwitchboard Soldiers, Preloaded Audiobook
by Chiaverini, JenniferPreloaded Audiobook - 2022Preloaded Audiobook, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 17, 2023
Comment:
Chiaverini's novel tells the untold story of the Women's Signal Corp in World War I France. When bilingual telephone operators are recruited to support the troops overseas, many are eager to show their patriotism and join the corp. Told through the eyes of various women, the author shows how women were just as capable of wartime service as men. Well-researched with an extensive historical note at the end, Chiaverini sheds light on an unknown part of American history.Chiaverini's novel tells the untold story of the Women's Signal Corp in World War I France. When bilingual telephone operators are recruited to support the troops overseas, many are eager to show their patriotism and join the corp. Told through…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 17, 2023
Comment:
This mystery features an English school which was also home to the author of The Stranger, a famous short story. Clare Cassidy, who teaches English, is shocked when her friend and colleague is found murdered with a line from The Stranger short story on a note near the body. Clare's still coping with her grief when she finds another colleague dead in the author's study with the same line on a note near the body. Told from various viewpoints and interspersed with The Stranger short story, this story has a very gothic feel and would be a perfect read during the Halloween season.This mystery features an English school which was also home to the author of The Stranger, a famous short story. Clare Cassidy, who teaches English, is shocked when her friend and colleague is found murdered with a line from The Stranger short…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 17, 2023
Comment:
Lawson returns to a small northern Canadian town in her fourth novel. Written in a prose where every word shines with meaning, she explores the lives and connections between three individuals -- Clara, Mrs. Orchard, and Liam. Clara is 7 and her family is in crisis because her 16-year-old sister Rose has run away. Mrs. Orchard is a next door neighbor who's been Clara's refuge until she went away to hospital. Liam is a 35-year-old man who's inherited Mrs. Orchard's house and unwillingly becomes involved with Clara who's still feeding Mrs. Orchard's cat Moses. Read in an afternoon, this novel explores the connections, dysfunctions, and complexities in the families we're born into and the families we create.Lawson returns to a small northern Canadian town in her fourth novel. Written in a prose where every word shines with meaning, she explores the lives and connections between three individuals -- Clara, Mrs. Orchard, and Liam. Clara is 7 and her…
Fatty Fatty Boom BoomFatty Fatty Boom Boom, BookA Memoir of Food, Fat, and Family
by Chaudry, RabiaBook - 2022Book, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 09, 2023
Comment:
This fascinating memoir explores the American immigrant experience, the futile weight loss journey, family in all its complications, and the food at the heart of the Pakistani culture. Written in a compulsively readable manner, the reader can identify with Rabia's life, especially the well-intentioned but often harmful interventions by family and others about her weight. As a bonus, the author shares her favorite family recipes at the end of the book.This fascinating memoir explores the American immigrant experience, the futile weight loss journey, family in all its complications, and the food at the heart of the Pakistani culture. Written in a compulsively readable manner, the reader can…
Quotations
- "My entire life I have been less fat and more fat, but never not fat."
The Marmalade DiariesThe Marmalade Diaries, BookThe True Story of An Odd Couple
by Aitken, BenBook - 2022Book, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 03, 2023
Comment:
When Ben Aitken is matched with Winne Carter as a roommate in London, he never saw a COVID-19 lockdown coming. Ben is a 30-something who needs affordable housing while Winnie is a newly widowed 85-year-old with a big house and garden. As the two settle into a routine, a friendship develops over morning marmalade on toast and the ubiquitous household chores. Ben also slowly uncovers Winnie's life story from a young girl to her present circumstances. Although a lovely story, it ends on a sad note after Winnie falls and can no longer live on her own. Ben also becomes well acquainted with the life stories of Winnie's husband and her children.When Ben Aitken is matched with Winne Carter as a roommate in London, he never saw a COVID-19 lockdown coming. Ben is a 30-something who needs affordable housing while Winnie is a newly widowed 85-year-old with a big house and garden. As the two…
Desperation in DeathDesperation in Death, Audiobook CD
by Robb, J. D.Audiobook CD - 2022Audiobook CD, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 03, 2023
Comment:
When Eve's latest case involves child trafficking and sex slaves, it hits a little too close to home. As she and her team race to uncover the big money behind the Pleasure Academy, Eve also relives her own past experiences both awake and sleeping. Although graphic in places, this case exposes the rot in society's underbelly. The cases are always interesting but I read the stories to keep up with all the detectives under Eve's supervision and her "family" members. Susan Ericksen has become the voice of Eve Dallas through her expert narration in the audio version.When Eve's latest case involves child trafficking and sex slaves, it hits a little too close to home. As she and her team race to uncover the big money behind the Pleasure Academy, Eve also relives her own past experiences both awake and sleeping. …
The It GirlThe It Girl, Preloaded AudiobookA Novel
by Ware, RuthPreloaded Audiobook - 2022Preloaded Audiobook, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 03, 2023
Comment:
In this psychological thriller, Hannah Jones de Chastaigne's world falls apart when a man who was convicted on her testimony dies in prison. When a reporter comes to her with doubts about the man's guilt, Hannah is suddenly pushed back ten years and reliving her college days at Oxford. As Hannah probes into past events, the people around her react in various ways. Flashing between the present day and a decade ago, Hannah slowly realizes that what seems to be true is often false. Although the pacing is slow in places and Hannah's inner turmoil can go on too long, Ware throws in enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested to the end. Let's just say that stress can bring out inappropriate reactions in anyone.In this psychological thriller, Hannah Jones de Chastaigne's world falls apart when a man who was convicted on her testimony dies in prison. When a reporter comes to her with doubts about the man's guilt, Hannah is suddenly pushed back ten years…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Jan 03, 2023
Comment:
This novel covers the years 1913-1918 thorough the eyes of Olga, the eldest daughter of Nicholas and Alexandra. As an 18-year-old, Olga is dipping her toes into a social life through her Aunt Olga's famous tea parties and embarking on a few innocent romances. When World War I enters their lives, Olga becomes more aware and more critical of the world outside the royal family's daily routines. Turnbull has done a tremendous amount of research (a bibliography is included at the end of the book) and succeeds in bringing Olga to life as a flesh and blood young woman who is both questioning her upbringing and finding her place in the world. The author also portrays a declining world power that is led by a tsar ill-suited to both leading a country and running a military campaign.This novel covers the years 1913-1918 thorough the eyes of Olga, the eldest daughter of Nicholas and Alexandra. As an 18-year-old, Olga is dipping her toes into a social life through her Aunt Olga's famous tea parties and embarking on a few…
Jane Seymour, the Haunted QueenJane Seymour, the Haunted Queen, BookA Novel
by Weir, AlisonBook - 2018Book, 2018
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Dec 27, 2022
Comment:
Weir did a fine job of fleshing out Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife. Jane has always been considered the meek, mild mouse who submitted in every way after Henry's storm-filled marriage to Anne Boleyn. In this rendering, Jane is portrayed as a country woman who finds herself in Catherine of Aragon's court to fulfill her family's political ambitions. Jane is well-educated, devoted to her Catholic faith, and convinced that no man will marry her. Instead, she catches Henry's eye and provokes a calming response within him. She also champions returning Mary, his daughter by Catherine of Aragon, to the succession. It only makes you wonder what would have happened if Jane had survived the birth of her only child, Edward VI.Weir did a fine job of fleshing out Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife. Jane has always been considered the meek, mild mouse who submitted in every way after Henry's storm-filled marriage to Anne Boleyn. In this rendering, Jane is portrayed as…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Dec 27, 2022
Comment:
This novel features Sara Glikman and her granddaughter Abby. Sara knew she had the matchmaker's gift at age 10 when she successfully found a husband for her sister Hindel in 1910. It's now 1994 and Abby is a lawyer in a high-powered firm. Although Sara is now gone, Abby still feels her presence when she meets an optometrist who's convinced that Abby was sent to be her matchmaker by Sara. Switching back and forth in time, with a bit of magical realism, this satisfying story has the reader for rooting for Abby to find her true calling.This novel features Sara Glikman and her granddaughter Abby. Sara knew she had the matchmaker's gift at age 10 when she successfully found a husband for her sister Hindel in 1910. It's now 1994 and Abby is a lawyer in a high-powered firm. …
The Christmas SpiritThe Christmas Spirit, Audiobook CD
by Macomber, DebbieAudiobook CD - 2022Audiobook CD, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Dec 21, 2022
Comment:
This Prince and the Pauper story has a bar owner and a pastor swapping lives during Christmas week. The premise is based on a grandmother telling a story to two grandchildren -- one wants an adventure story while the other longs for a fairytale romance. Nana delivers both with a surprise twist at the end. A short, but sweet, novella for the holiday season.This Prince and the Pauper story has a bar owner and a pastor swapping lives during Christmas week. The premise is based on a grandmother telling a story to two grandchildren -- one wants an adventure story while the other longs for a fairytale…
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Dec 19, 2022
Comment:
Through the use of magical realism, Lolly Blanchard is given a chance to briefly experience three different versions of her life. As she approaches her 33rd birthday, Lolly finds an old diary with goals that she wrote in middle school. When she realizes that she hasn't accomplished a single goal, Lolly goes into a tailspin. Enter Aunt Gert and her magic lemon drops. The underlying theme in this novel is that every choice means both gaining and losing. The feel-good ending is perfect for a gray, winter day.Through the use of magical realism, Lolly Blanchard is given a chance to briefly experience three different versions of her life. As she approaches her 33rd birthday, Lolly finds an old diary with goals that she wrote in middle school. When she…
Home Is Where the Eggs AreHome Is Where the Eggs Are, BookFarmhouse Food for the People You Love
by Yeh, MollyBook - 2022Book, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Dec 19, 2022
Comment:
As Molly's life changes, so do her cookbooks. This effort reflects her life as a young mom with a farmer husband. Meals are quick and often served at odd hours. Molly's quirky charm comes through as she shares stories and backgrounds of the various recipes. The recipes are accessible since Molly relies on a grocery store in a non-metropolitan area.As Molly's life changes, so do her cookbooks. This effort reflects her life as a young mom with a farmer husband. Meals are quick and often served at odd hours. Molly's quirky charm comes through as she shares stories and backgrounds of the…
Listen to MeListen to Me, Preloaded AudiobookA Novel
by Gerritsen, TessPreloaded Audiobook - 2022Preloaded Audiobook, 2022
TheresaAJ's rating:
Added Dec 19, 2022
Comment:
This book is a two-for-one. While Jane and her partner Barry Frost are trying to solve Sofia Suarez's murder, her mother Angela has taken her role as Neighborhood Watch Leader (aka the neighborhood snoop) to new levels. Frustration occurs on both sides as Angela approaches real danger which Jane brushes off as her mother being too needy. The climax neatly resolves both stories with lots of family and neighborhood drama along the way.This book is a two-for-one. While Jane and her partner Barry Frost are trying to solve Sofia Suarez's murder, her mother Angela has taken her role as Neighborhood Watch Leader (aka the neighborhood snoop) to new levels. Frustration occurs on both…
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