Review: Heartstopper: Volume Three

Heartstopper: Volume Three by Alice Oseman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlie and Nick are out to their families and now are in the process of telling their friends. Tao and Elle have something going on. Aled also has someone he may be interesting in. And let's not forget the Paris trip!
Charlie may have an eating disorder. Mr Ajayi (Truham's art teacher)and Mr Farouk (Truham's science teacher) may also have something going on.

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Review: The Lives of Lee Miller

The Lives of Lee Miller by Antony Penrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth "Lee" Miller.  She was a former model turned photographer.  Not many know about her; another woman almost forgotten to history.  

I picked this book up to learn more about her after seeing the movie "Lee" with Kate Winslet.  

Lee had a harder upbringing; she was raped at 7 and got a STI and her mother had to give her a dichloride Mercury solution via douche for a month to treat (era before antibiotics).  She also posed for her father so he could take pictures.  

She had a hard time staying in one place, always wanted to be on the move, to travel.  She had many interesting friends (like Picasso).  She was able to parlay her love of photography into a career.  She was in London during the Blitz.  She took pictures during WWII for Vogue.  She was one of the first people to see and photograph liberated Paris and later Dachau.  Her most known photograph is her in the bathtub of Hitler's Munich apartment.  She had just come from Dachau (if you look at the picture, there is dirt/ash from her boots on the bathmat).  

I wonder how much of the issues she had with relationships were related to her childhood assault.  She didn't have the best relationship with her son either.  Lee was such an interesting person, flaws and all.      

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Review: The Third Mrs. Durst

The Third Mrs. Durst by Ann Aguirre
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5*

Marlena grew up poor with multiple half siblings (different fathers) and a drug addicted mother.  She ran away as a teen for something better.  She makes a friend with Jenny and together they protect each other while on the street.  Jenny has a similar background and is a few years younger.  They are eventually discovered by a talent scout (they had heard of this person and arranged to "spontaneously meet" him) and get piecemeal modeling work that put a roof over their heads.  

Marlena does land a much better contract in Europe after catching the eye of Michael Durst, an investor in the modeling company she works for.  She is able to go to college and end her modeling career when she wants to.  Michael eventually makes his move and they began dating and eventually got married.  Marlena was be his third wife.  The first died in a car accident and the second committed suicide.  But where they really murdered and deaths made to seem otherwise?   Michael did get a HUGE insurance payout from wife number 1 which funded his business ventures.   

This is somewhat dark.  There is rape, but it is not gratuitous and is brief.  It is mentioned Marlena was raped as a child by one of her mother's boyfriends, the one that is on the page is early in the book and her modeling career.  Michael is not a handsome prince.  He is controlling and Marlena can't have her own friends or activities without his okay.  He controls what she wears and what she eats.  He also invented a new backstory and parents for her (she's an only child of Croatian parents).  

I enjoyed the twists in this.  Let's just say that Michael gets exactly what he deserves.  Marlena is not the innocent person you first think she is; revenge takes time and years of planning.  

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Review: Saint X

Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Claire (age 7) is on vacation with her family in the Caribbean when her older sister (who is in college now) goes missing and is found dead. Locals are questioned, but released due to lack of evidence. Her death goes unsolved (was it an accident? was she murdered? we don't know).
Claire grows up and as a twenty-something runs into a boy who was questioned when her sister died. Having idolized her sister, she decides she needs to find out what really happened.
This was a decent mystery, but a thriller this is not. It was slow and boring in places, and seemed longer than it really was. I didn't particularly like Claire (or her sister Alison). I do think the book tackled difficult subject matter (like race and class differences); hence the 3* (instead of a 2*).

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Review: Heartstopper: Volume Two

Heartstopper: Volume Two by Alice Oseman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Picks up where volume 1 left off. Charlie is upset with himself for overstepping (or so he thinks) with Nick. Nick was surprised and unsure of how to act. He is questioning things about himself and coming to some realizations.
Charlie's friends are super supportive and on his side. They are very unsure of Nick and thinks Charlie will get hurt. Ends with Nick making a confession to his mom.
Nicely done!

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Review: Jackdaw

Jackdaw by K.J. Charles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ben is a constable who fell in love with Jonah.  Jonah is a windwalker and a thief.  He runs from trouble and may having been involved in murder.  

I liked the present and past tense to get an idea of what happened, the full story.  Jonah does start out as the villain, but has a backstory that explains his choices and behaviors in the present.  He does grow and change as the book progresses.  I did wonder how Ben and Jonah were going to get their HEA.  Well, they do and we also get to see Day and Crane.  I loved how the townspeople showed up when it mattered.  

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Review: If I Stopped Haunting You

If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book had some controversy in regards to the author. I included links below if interested.
This is about the book.
Penelope is a writer. She's got writer's block and goes to a writing retreat in an attempt to unblock and find inspiration. Neil is also a writer and is at the same retreat. The problem? They hate each other. Who doesn't like a good enemies to lovers story?
This was/is my problem. I didn't particularly like either character. While Penelope brought up some good points, that got lost in her shitty behavior. She's supposed to be almost 30, but she behaves like a teenager. She doesn't grow as the book progresses. I found I just could not get over/forgive Penelope's abusive behavior at the beginning of the book. What she did was assault. (At the very beginning of the book, she threw a book at Neil, striking him on the head and giving him a scar.) If it had been reversed, and it was Neil who threw the book at Penelope, would you have viewed this any differently?
A generous 2. I did finish it.

And now the author controversy:

Smart Bitches had a fantastic write-up:
https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2024/10/tribal-alliance-against-frauds-says-colby-wilkens-is-not-indigenous/

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Review: Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy

Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy by Ali Velshi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has a very interesting opening; Ali Velshi being shot with a rubber bullet at a BLM protest. The kicker? It was a deliberate act, on purpose, by the police targeting a journalist (and he wasn't the only journalist to be targets at the numerous protests that were held). He mentions having to wear a bullet proof vest. And yes, that is here, not overseas.
This is the story of his family history. From India to South Africa to Canada and lastly, to the US. It's interesting how they kept a lot of the Indian traditions (dress and food) despite never having lived in India (his family left India > 100 years ago). The struggle of identity; the racism (regardless of where one lives).
I also appreciated he pointed out that history is (largely) written by men and as such, they are the primary people in history. The women in his family are just as accomplished and awesome as the men. And the men would not have achieved what they did had it not been for the women supporting them.

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Review: Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a graphic novel about the author's relationship with her father.  Before this book, the only thing I knew about Alison Bechdel was that she was the one to coin "The Bechdel Test" for entertainment (ie: does a movie have more than 2 female characters and they do have at least one conversation that isn't about a dude(s)).

Anyway, her father was there, but wasn't.  He wasn't demonstrative with his love and kept his family at arm's length.  He also had a secret (he was gay).   I feel like I should have liked this more than I did since it's about trying to make sense of a life (and death) of a loved one.  And that loved one not being able to fully accept/acknowledge who they truly are.  

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Review: Why Dukes Say I Do

Why Dukes Say I Do by Manda Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Isabella is a widow who was in an abusive marriage.  Her sister, Perdita, was also in an abusive marriage.  The book opens with Peridita's husband, the Duke of Ormonde, holding a knife to Peridita's throat.  Georgina, their friend was also there.  What happens next forms one of the plot points of this book (and the next 2).  Someone knows their secret.

Isabella is tasked with going to the countryside to retrieve Trevor, the new duke.  She goes to help her sister who is being romanced and is thought to be in love with a new person; the dowager duchess has enough power to end it or let it be.  Trevor's dad was the exiled second son of the old duke, the current dowager's grandson.  And as a result, he does not like that side of the family.

Anyway, Isabella does well out in the country and forms friendships with Trevor's younger sisters; Eleanor and Belinda.  She and Trevor gradually give in to their attraction and fall in love.  She confides in Trevor her abusive marriage, the threatening notes she is getting, and her abusive marriage.  There have also been attempts to injure/kill her (a damaged carriage, a cut strap on a saddle for example).

I did like the slow burn.  The characters were also likable.  However, I did find my attention drifting at times and this was easy to put down (and pick up later).  And while we do find out who was behind the notes/"gifts" Isabella was getting, we do not know who the primary person is behind the notes that Georgina and Perdita have also gotten.  

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Review: Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda

Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda by Randy Rainbow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so enjoy his cleverly crafted videos to songs; they are unique and funny.  So when the second book came out, I had to check this out.  This is hilarious.  While the first was probably more about his childhood and trying to make it in show business, this one was more about stories from the time after he made it.

There is so much in this.  There's a story about someone he slept with that had a Google fetish (really!).  A chapter from his feline's point of view (so true).  I loved the banter between his mom and him.  His comments to comments made on social media- hilarious!

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Review: True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between

True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between by Gretchen Whitmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gretchen Whitmer was elected the governor of Michigan in 2018, officially taking office in 2019.  We all know this was at the time of Trump's presidency (hopefully the first and only presidency or we are well and truly fucked) and some dark times were ahead.  She dealt with a lot of shit; heightened because she was a woman and called out bullshit when she saw it.   This was interesting, told from her perspective.  I liked that she knows (and admits) to mistakes or things that she would have done differently.  

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Review: Heartstopper: Volume One

Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charlie and Nick both attend a boys only school.  Charlie was outed the prior year and was bullied because of it.  Things are a bit better this year.  They meet when they sit together in one of their classes.  A friendship begins.  Nick is able to relax and be himself around Charlie.  Nick, who is a bit of a jock (he is a rugby player), is a very sweet person.  Charlie develops a crush.  

This was a delightful graphic novel, but does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.  

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Review: Dalliances & Devotion

Dalliances & Devotion by Felicia Grossman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Amalia is on her way back home to Delaware to claim her part of the family fortune.  She needs the money for her charity which helps women divorce abusive or negligent spouses.  She also happens to be divorced herself (twice) and knows how hard it is.  She also writes a beauty column.  

David is an ex-soldier turned Pinkerton agent with eyes on a promotion.  He also has a history with Amalia, she was his first love.  As things are wont to do, things happened and they went their separate ways.  Now he is her bodyguard since she has gotten some threats and will accompany her back to DE.  

I had a hard time getting into this.  Amalia came across (at first) as shallow and it just took too long for me to see that she wasn't.  David was pretty decent.  This is the second in a series (the first was Amalia's parents' story), but works just fine as a stand-alone.  

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Review: It Takes a Witch

It Takes a Witch by Heather Blake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy and her sister Harper are Wishcrafters; witches that can grant wishes assuming the wisher has a pure heart, wish is genuine, and does no harm. After getting a call from their aunt Ve, they've moved to MA and are learning about their abilities from their aunt. Ve owns her own business, As You Wish.
I liked the various magical abilities of various Crafters. They are able to live in plain sight and the "normal" human has no idea. Interesting town and townspeople. This is told in first person, from Darcy's POV and she is a likable character. Decent mystery, a lot of self discovery.
Nice twist at the end.

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Review: Coming Home

Coming Home by Brittney Griner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm on a roll with spectacular back to back reads.
I remember when Brittany Griner was arrested in Russia. This is her story of her captivity there and the trauma associated with it. Things she continues to deal with today. There were lots of details in this. Other women (and men) who were held for ridiculous reasons. BG also fully acknowledges other Americans held captive wrongly and who were still (and many others still are) captive at the time of her release. She was an advocate before, she is an even bigger one now. I admire her.
I LOVED the epilogue.
https://www.bringourfamilieshome.org/

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Review: On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service

On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service by Anthony Fauci
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, wow, wow. I admired Dr Anthony Fauci during his appearances during the Covid pandemic briefings. I liked how he articulated the facts as he knew them to be at the time and kept the public updated as things inevitably changed. As we all know, things changed quite often as we learned more.
AF has lead a full life with a focus on public service. I wish more people had his mindset. It was interesting learning more about the AIDS/HIV, Ebola, MERS, SARS research during his tenure at the NIH (National Institute of Health) as part of NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases).
Anthony Fauci is a perfect example of what a NON-PARTISAN public servant who has worked with numerous Presidential administrations. And what we stand to lose should Trump win in Nov and Project 2025 is implemented (even partially). VOTE.

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Review: The Rivals of Casper Road

The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bram moved to WY from WA after a devastating breakup. He loves the outdoors and like to work with his hands, making many interesting things. Zachary and his family moved to Garnet Run for a fresh start after his sister's disappearance. Zachary has always been a loner and different, forgotten by his parents. He also is an architect and works from home dressed in a suit and tie. Zachary loves horror and Halloween and has won his neighborhood home decorating contest 6 years in a row.
Bram moved next door and they start a friendship that also turns into a prank contest with each other and a neighbor. That friendship gradually grows to more. With Bram's support, Zachary is able to eventually do what he really wants to do. It was incredibly sad that Bram was only the 2nd person to tell him he loved him (after his sister). Other characters from the Garnet Run series make appearances, this does work as a standalone.

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Review: Time Thief

Time Thief by Anna Hackett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Huh.  Minimal world building and I didn't particularly connect with (or like) either of the lead characters.  I thought Sean was a bit stupid (ex-military who decides to work for a crime Lord?  really?).  The romance was fast and I didn't buy it.  

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Review: A Queer Trade

A Queer Trade by K.J. Charles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Introduces Crispin and Ned. Crispin is an apprentice magician whose teacher died unexpectedly. He had paper with spells on them and Crispin needs to track them down before bad things happen. Ned is the waste seller that took in the papers (paper is reused; an example being wrapping for produce/meat).
Short, but nice pacing, and I could see these 2 together. Looking forward to the next.

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Review: Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World

Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World by Jen Psaki
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jen Psaki served on both Obama's and Biden's administrations. She was Biden's Press Secretary from 2021-2022. Super interesting reading about the backstage workings of a presidential administration.

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Review: A Lady's Code of Misconduct

A Lady's Code of Misconduct by Meredith Duran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jane is trapped. She's got money, but this being the 1860s she doesn't have access to it until she marries. She lives with her uncle and his family (his wife and son). He controls the money and keeps her housebound and isolated. He feels that her money should be all his. Apparently he had lent Jane's father money to start his business. Despite being paid back in full & with interest, that wasn't enough and he was cheated out of more. He is also deeply involved with politics.
Crispin is one of her father's political colleagues. One particular night he "sees" Jane and thinks they can help each other out. Crispin trusts no one. He aspires to become the prime minister and is willing to go to great lengths to achieve that. He makes a bargain with Jane. Copy a certain letter her uncle has in his possession and he will give to the name and direction of a priest who will quite happily sign a marriage decree for her. She just needs a guy, anyone will do, and the priest will sign.
So when Crispin is attacked and was thought to be a death door, Jane thought, might as well use him!
And surprise, he lived! And has amnesia.
I liked the writing, the characters. What I didn't like so much was Crispin's complete personality change with the amnesia.

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Review: Playing with Myself

Playing with Myself by Randy Rainbow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Randy Rainbow's YouTube videos- they are so funny (and unique!). That is his real name. Pleasantly surprised how supportive his mother was. Less surprised was that his dad was an asshole. This book was just about as entertaining as his videos. I listened to the audio book, narrated by Randy himself.

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Review: Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Salman Rushdie talks about his near fatal assassination attack in 2022. I had some idea of the nature of his injuries based on news reports, but after a time other things happen and his story dropped from the news cycle. He had to go through intensive rehab. It was interesting reading what he went through. It has to be difficult to have live knowing there is a fatwa calling for his death and under that constant threat/thought.

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Review: The Duke and I

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A bit late to the Bridgerton party (I might be one of the last people to not have watched ANY season of Briderton on Netflix). I told myself I would watch only after I read the book.
I enjoyed the close knit Bridgerton clan. The family tree included in the book was helpful to. Daphne was a wonderful heroine. Simon was also pretty wonderful too (even if her reasons for not wanting kids was stupid). Simon's mother died in childbirth and his father was an emotionally abusive asshole. Simon also had a speech problem (he stuttered) that affected him for most of his childhood before he learned to cope and deal with it. It took the whole book for him to let his dislike of his father go and the power daddy dearest had over him.

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Review: Only You

Only You by Rachel Lacey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Amy and Luke dated in high school. Amy broke-up with Luke when he went off to college thinking that he would dump her and might as well get ahead of the curve. She's now a single mom to an autistic son. She recently inherited a home and is a bit overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done to it. When her best friend's wedding venue cancels at the last minute, she asks Amy to have the wedding in her backyard.
Luke is a doctor now and in town for his friend's wedding (characters from the previous book). He is also handy with his hands and this leads them to spend time together fixing up the yard (and house).
Sweet second chance romance. This is shorter, I could see them together based on their previous relationship. Good group of friends too!

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Review: Accidental Abduction

Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Megan is on a cruise when her boyfriend "accidentally" knocks her into the water and leaves her there.  She is accidentally beamed up with other marine life to a space ship by Tren.  Tren is an ex-mercenary turned trader of rare and interesting creatures from various planets.  He sees humans a barbarians, women as worthless (unless it's for sex).  

While this had fun banter and I enjoyed that, I hated Tren and his sexist attitude and could not get past that.  Fuck him.  Megan's ex-boyfriend does get his just desserts, so there was that too.  

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Review: One Night with Cinderella

One Night with Cinderella by Niobia Bryant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Monica has worked as the Cress family housekeeper for 5 years. The Cress family (5 adult boys with the eldest married with a child and the patriarch and matriarch) is tight-knit and all live together in a huge NY home. She's had a huge crush on the middle brother, Gabe for years. He has never noticed her. Until now.
One night Monica and Gabe give in to passion and have a passionate one-time affair. Then nothing and they tiptoe around each other. It is only after Monica has a change in fortune do they get together- for real. Both characters are likable, Monica more so. I thought the family was very spoiled and I didn't care for some of them.
I did have some WTF moments. Monica does daily sheet changes on all the beds. Why? Do they wet the bed? Sweat profusely? In this day in age, that seemed such a ridiculous waste of water. Phillip's daughter spills her beverage. Okay, kids do that. Did the parent clean it up? Nope! Raquel (Phillips's wife) interrupted Monica doing her daily chores to clean it up. The Cress family is a family of chefs, but they have their own private chef (because they are too busy). I felt for Monica, it seemed like she was on 24/7.

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Review: Winds of the Storm

Winds of the Storm by Beverly Jenkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"You bitch," he spat at Zahra.  She responded easily, "But I'm an armed bitch."

And that is Zahra.  Strong, confident, intelligent.  Zahra was a spy during the war.  Now she is back home in the swamps of South Carolina.  She is asked to do one last job.  That job is to set up shop in New Orleans as a high class brothel owner and sniff out the individuals who could be causing trouble.  President Grant wants to pull the remaining Union soldiers from the South.

Archer and his family call New Orleans home.  Archer's older brother had his story in Through the Storm.  He and Sable do make an appearance in this one.  Archer was a soldier for the Union during the war.  Unbeknownst to him, he and Zahra have a history.  As "The Butterfly," she rescued him from a Confederate barn during the war.  

I liked the interplay between Zahra and Archer.  He finally meets his match after deciding to never fall in love.

As always Beverly Jenkins books are a wonderful love story with a history lesson.  She covers things that were glossed over, minimally discussed, or not taught in history class.  She covers how dangerous it was to be Black in Reconstruction South.  How traitors to the country got their land back and got the Freedman to sign Indenture agreements that made the slaves again in everything but name only.

Mother Jones published an excellent article this summer that talked about some of the things mentioned in this book.  Here is the link:

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/06/40-acres-methodology/

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Review: Even The Score

Even The Score by Kate Meader
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tess is a struggling actress.  Hunter is a businessman in need of a fiance.  They agree to help each other.  Hunter will pay Tess some $$ and Tess will play the fiance.  A little hiccup?  They hate each other.  Tess's best friend was Hunter's fiance who left him on their wedding day.  Tess was the maid of honor and supported her friend's decision knowing that she was cheating on him.  So, Tess got the blame.  

This was a nice, enemies playing at a fake relationship to lovers. 

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Review: Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft

Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft by Jessica Spotswood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

15 short stories about magic.  This had a good mix of time periods from the past, present, and future.  As with most anthologies, some stories are excellent and others okay.  Highlights are "Afterbirth" and "Why They Watch Us Burn."

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Review: We Were Feminists Once: From Riot Grrrl to CoverGirl, the Buying and Selling of a Political Movement

We Were Feminists Once: From Riot Grrrl to CoverGirl, the Buying and Selling of a Political Movement by Andi Zeisler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nice look at feminism's history (like it was once okay to fire a woman for being "too pretty" and a threat someone's marriage). And later branding. Once a dirty word, it was later embraced to sell shit. Written prior to Trump's 2016 election, feminism is once again a dirty,"woke" word among some groups of people. And for others it means what it has always meant.
Feminism: to believe in women and men's equality in economic, social, and political matters.

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Review: Just Add Water: My Swimming Life

Just Add Water: My Swimming Life by Katie Ledecky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Katie Ledecky made history again in Paris. This was interesting; she wasn't the best swimmer when she started, but loved it. She talks about the level of sacrifice someone goes through for elite level training. As a teen, no hanging out with friends, etc. Fun reading about her relationship with her brother (and parents).
She also talks about Title 9 and the opportunities that came from it the woman athletes of yesterday did not have. She also points out the difference in coverage women's sports get vs men's sports. Overall, an interesting book from an interesting person.

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Review: Too Hot to Handle

Too Hot to Handle by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


At 28, Rita is at a crossroads. She has always been compared to her famous chef mother and found lacking. So when her mother's restaurant burns to the ground, she decides it's time to do something else. One of her mother's last wishes was her children to jump in the Ocean in Coney Island NYC on New Year's Day. So Rita and her somewhat estranged sibling go on a road trip to NYC.
Jasper has a reputation as the town bad boy. He is trying to overcome that reputation and has been a respectable bar owner for the last several years. He is also building a restaurant next to his bar. He comes to the Clarksons's aid when they break down just outside his town's limits.
It is instant love for Jasper when he meets Rita. I liked them together, but Rita was a bit annoying. For 28, she read younger. Anyway, they fall in love after 3 days.
I am interested in Aaron's story, maybe Peggy and Belmont too. We shall see.

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Review: One Way Back: A Memoir

One Way Back: A Memoir by Christine Blasey Ford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christine Blassey Ford was thrust into the spotlight and judged because she came forward to talk about her assault as a teenager by another teenager.  This teenager we all know was Brett Kavanaugh who was confirmed to the Supreme Court; for life/until he decides to retire.  He got the job.  She had to go into hiding and have 24/hr security for herself, her family was also threatened.  

I have some memories of Anita Hill testifying.  I was 13 and most of it went over my head.  I don't remember it being discussed in school nor did my mom talk about it with me.  The consensus certainly seemed to be, be a "good" girl!  I certainly remember CBF much more since this is more recent.

This is her story, told from her perspective.  I have so much admiration for her.  What she did took an incredible amount of courage.  I had no idea about the amount of threats she got (and continues to get).  And how careful she has to continue to be.  

She brings up the double standard with men and women.  Men are almost seen as telling the truth, given the benefit of the doubt.  Women just aren't.  You shouldn't have worn that.  You shouldn't have had a drink (or two).  You shouldn't (enter your own statement).  

And when it was all said and done, did coming forward make a difference?  I think you could certainly say no.  He got the job.  Just as Clarence Thomas did.  I also think you could say yes.  This is now out there and she gave people the courage to tell their own stories.  Other people know they aren't alone and there is a network of support out there.   

Believe women.

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Review: The Nanny

The Nanny by Lana Ferguson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Cassie is a nanny to a young girl- Sophie. Sophie happens to have a dad who is a chef and is hot 'n sexy & single! Cassie is a poor college student who used to supplement her income on Only Fans (as CiCi). It turns out Aidan was her biggest admirer.
What sounded interesting, was kinda boring. I didn't care too much for Cassie or Aidan. This is a 400 page book that could have used some trimming.

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Review: Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives

Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives by Sami Sage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've been on a political book binge.  I'm a little more optimistic about Nov with Harris and Walz as the nominees.  The DNC convention was fun; I think it deserves a mention that lots of groups were represented with a notable exception.  There were no Palestinian American speakers (and one Ruwa Romman did have a short speech prepared).

Anyway, this book is a nice supplement, but is more geared to someone who isn't well versed in the process.  I will be leaving my copy in my neighbor Free Little Library.  

Here is the speech that Ruwa Romman could not give:

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/08/dnc-speech-uncommitted-movement-harris-walz-ruwan-romman/

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Review: Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps

Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps by Jon Favreau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the dudes at Pod Save America, a recent podcast that I discovered and enjoy. This is written by them. All have experiences in politics- both on presidential campaigns and on White House staff. I listened to the audio which the authors read (with guest stars like Jon Stewart, AOC).
Not a lot of new information, but incredibly entertaining to listen to. Each with a unique perspective based on their past experience(s).

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Review: Midnight Rescue

Midnight Rescue by Elle Kennedy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Abby is an assassin and blows up her current mission when her target (who deals with arms and sex trafficking) plans to sell some people. Abby gets herself caught (yes on purpose!) with the plan on rescuing the girls. Enter Kane, he is part of a group of mercenaries who are sent in to get Abby out.
Both characters have Traumatic Pasts that serve as a barrier to forming any type of long term relationship. They both do move past their TP in this, Abby (understandably) takes the whole book to do so.
Abby was kickass and extremely stupid- which I found frustrating. The secondary characters are likeable enough. Not sure if I'm interested in reading more.

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Review: Hidden Bodies

Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This opens up with Joe in a relationship with Amy.  He does the same stalkey things to her, except it's a bit harder since she isn't all that into social media.  It was funny what Amy did and Joe did not see that coming.  So of course, he decides he needs a change of scenery and follows her to LA.

He murders some more people that get in the way and falls for a girl named Love.  Yes, that's really her name!  She seems to be the perfect person for him; he confuses some of his past deeds and she seems to be okay with it.  She even helped him recover some evidence he left behind.

And I have to wonder what is wrong with me that I am so entertained about a psychopath and his life.  It's fitting what happens at the end and will be interesting what happens next.  

Prior to book 1 body count: 1 (Candice)

Book 1 body count: 3 (Peach, Benji, Beck).

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Book 2 body count: 3 (Robin Fincher, Henderson, Delilah).  Attempted and failed: 1 (Forty)    

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Review: I Curse You with Joy

I Curse You with Joy by Tiffany Haddish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook which was also narrated by Tiffany Haddish.  

Hilarious!  More stories about her life; childhood to adulthood.  Learn more about her dad.  Some serious moments too where she talks about racial profiling and the Black Lives Matter movement.  Excellent and told in only the way she can tell it.  

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Review: The Gunslinger's Vow

The Gunslinger's Vow by Amy Sandas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alexandra has lived in Boston with her aunt for the last 5 years.  After she is proposed to, by a gentleman who sees her helping his political ambitions, she flees back home to her father's in Montana.  Malcolm is a bounty hunter who is hunting the individual who murdered his brother.  He is a successful bounty hunter.  After an unfortunate event, he agrees to escot Alexandra (Alex) to Montana.

Both characters were interesting.  Alex for sure was more than she seemed.  The reason why she was sent to live in Boston with her aunt was interesting and unexpected.  I liked that Malcolm and Alex had more in common than they first realized.  

An epilogue would have been nice, I thought her reunion with her dad and the events after that were a little rushed.  An epilogue would have smoothed that over.  (I think).  

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Review: Who's Afraid of Gender?

Who's Afraid of Gender? by Judith Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent read that touches on gender and how gender can be viewed negatively if one is different.  Those that fall out of the (narrow) scope of what a woman is of what a man is, can be, and are viewed by some as pedophiles, abnormal, and/or disgusting, etc.  There is a lot of fear and anger when one discusses gender.  It's one of many things in life that isn't black and white (for some), but rather various shades of gray (for some).  

The big thing that kept coming up and I noticed was the elephant in the room is Patriarchy.  A man is a man who is head of the household.  A woman is a woman who happily takes care of the children, home, takes direction, and guidance from her husband.  A marriage can only be between a man and a woman.  Simply thinking of gender as anything but threatens the patriarchy and puts certain ideas of masculinity at risk.  And, quite simply, they can't have that.

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Review: Rebel Rising

Rebel Rising by Rebel Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed Rebel Wilson in the Pitch Perfect movies (they are the perfect movies to rewatch!) and Bridesmaids. I listened to the audiobook (narrated by the author).
It was interesting learning about her childhood. I would have never guessed she was an awkward child who ate her lunch in the school bathroom or lost her virginity at 35. She does come full circle; to fully being herself, accepting herself, and finding someone to spend life with.
I didn't know that about Sasha Baron Cohen (it's sad since he does have daughters) and I've lost some respect for him.

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Review: The Last Black Unicorn

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

I adore Tiffany Haddish as a comedian and an actress. If she is in it, I will watch it. This was hilarious at moments, more serious at others. It helps to understand the person she is now.
Audiobook, narrated by the author.

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Review: Gender Queer

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Banned/challenged book time!
For the record, I am straight, born female and identify as a female. Regardless, I found identifying with Maia while e was growing up and going through puberty. I had a lot of the same struggles (not shaving and been made fun of, body odor, periods). Growing up is hard and I do think it is harder for some bodies. Either way, while each of us is a unique person with unique experiences that make us us, we are also more alike in many things that get overlooked. I thought this was excellent and Maia comes full circle.

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Review: The Hacker

The Hacker by Anna Hackett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the previous book, Maggie (ex-Navy, she owns her own flight business and does work for Norcross) and Ace (the tech guru for Norcross) had a hot hookup at the ball.  They've had an attraction for awhile.  But, the hook-up has a complication.  Maggie gets pregnant.

Accidental pregnancy is one of my least favorite tropes.  Both Maggie and Ace appeared in previous books and I was happy to learn more about each one and get their story.  This does open for Vander's book (but isn't a cliffhanger like some the previous entries have been).  

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Review: You

You by Caroline Kepnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holy shit what did I just read?

Told in 1st person- Joe.  

Joe works at a bookstore and a customer catches his eye.  So, he looks her up online and finds a lot of personal information.  Guinevere Beck, AKA Beck, has a proliferate online present.  She's on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc and posts about her life online. And while I could go on (and on) about social media and the addictions, the negative, but this book is about Joe.  And Joe's obsession with Beck.  She has no idea and thinks (at least at first) what a nice guy he is.  

Joe is obsessed.  He is a stalker.  He is a killer.  He is such a fucked up person.  Joe's narrative voice was surprisingly full of humor, both dark and snarky.  I don't think this would have worked had it been 3rd person.  

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Review: What This Comedian Said Will Shock You

What This Comedian Said Will Shock You by Bill Maher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bill Maher's show is one show both my spouse and I watch together.  He is fun to watch and (usually) has good points about both sides of the aisle.  I don't always agree with him (and his positions on Israel and Trans issues are the most glaring places where I disagree with him).  Anyway, nice collection of commentary from the show over the last handful of seasons.   

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Review: Making Up

Making Up by Lucy Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We first met Trix (and Leo) in book 2- Pretty Face.  Trix was Lily's best friend and in book 2 she was in an emotionally abusive relationship with Dan.  She did break it off, and in this book is dealing with a lack of self confidence.  Trix is also an aerialist for a theater company whose stage show sounds very circus-like.  Leo is a make-up artist trying to save some face over a mishap on a previous project (it wasn't his fault, but he was blamed for it).   Leo joins the theater as a make-up artist.

Trix and Leo know each other growing up and through a series of miscommunications and immaturity became enemies.  But, there is an undercurrent there and maybe, just maybe they have things in common. Leo sees Trix for the awesome person she is, and she is able to eventually get some of her self-confidence back.  I liked that Leo goes after what he wants.  I enjoyed the interplay between them.  The epilogue was fantastic!

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