Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe By: Benjamin Alire Sáenz

I absolutely adored this book.  The language is poetic.  The characters are exquisitely drawn, and the story is beautifully rendered.  This one gave me all the feels.  I can't recommend it enough!

 

Murder Cuts the Mustard By: Jessica Ellicott

This second reading of this mystery was just as delightful as the first time I read it 4 years ago. It was also a lovely and needed treat to read a well written book with characters I liked, considering the previous book I read was such a major disappointment.

Zelda By: Nancy Milford

I've never been a fan of either of the Fitzgeralds or their work, and this biography only furthered my original thoughts that he was a total prick and she was a spoiled brat.  On top of not caring for the subject of this book, the book itself  was not well written; it contained far too many quoted passages from their books, letters and journal entries with no connecting material to explain them/offer thoughts on them; and there was far too much about Scott and not enough about Zelda.  Just a slog of a read.

 

Killers of a Certain Age By: Deanna Raybourn

This is just what I wanted it to be!  A kick ass novel with great female characters!  Full of action and humor, just what I needed to put a smile on my face!

Baking Yesteryear By: B. Dylan Hollis

I bought this because of my love for Hollis' cooking videos. I read it expecting his humor (which I got), and simple and interesting recipes ( which I got). What I wasn't expecting was the social and culinary history, which was as entertaining as his humor and the recipes. I can't wait to dig in and try these recipes!

Hollywood Remembered By: Paul Zollo

An insightful and fascinating look at Hollywood the physical place from ancient times through 2000, as well as the idea/ideal of "Hollywood". Told through meticulously researched history, oral memoirs from a broad range of folks and buildings. Quite a fascinating read!

How to Stop Time By: Matt Haig

Haig is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors..and that's only after two books!  How to Stop Time is a wonderful love story, a fascinating sci-fi story, and an insightful social commentary. Haig is a wonderful story-teller and a well told story is a story worth telling and reading.

Forthcoming Book By: Popular Author

 I was lucky enough to get a copy of this manuscript pre-publication: WOW!  This is an intense read through one man's journey through illness.  The reader follows our protagonist through feeling unwell, to diagnoses, treatment and to the brink. Does the power of our conscious and subconscious have an affect on our physical health and recovery?  These are the questions posited and beautifully explored in this forthcoming book by a popular author!  It's due to be released in October.

The Thin Man By: Dashiell Hammett

My all time favorite movie series and couples is The Thin Man series starring Myrna Loy and William Powell.  Finally reading the book the series is based on was a real treat.  Full of wry wit and Hammett's signature style The Thin Man is a delight!

The Continental Op By: Dashiell Hammett

A collection of  Continental Op stories that are raw, smart and fast paced.  I love hat the Op is not some super butch, muscleman, action type hero...he's short, fat and uses his brains!  Exciting stuff and astonishing considering how long ago they were written!