A Voracious Reader

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If you’re looking for a nice historical fiction “beach” read, i.e., simple plot, basic characters, no pesky subplots, predictable ending, Frances Quinn’s “The Lost Passenger” is good. Set around the inaugural—and only—sailing of the Titanic, the story weaves an interesting first-story narrative into an intriguing juxtaposition of British aristocracy to New York Irish immigration. (A minor suggestion: Don’t read the preface. It gives too much away.) Due for release in February 2025, it’s worth the read.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again… If you’re looking for a worthy alternative to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, then David Baldacci’s Travis Devine is for you. The latest entry to The 6:20 Man series –“To Die For”—starts slow and throws a lot of information at you, but the story is riveting and pays off well at the end. I hope a new character introduced in this tome stays in this fictional world since Jackson and Devine played so well together. Definitely worth the read.

I’ll give Hernan Diaz an A for creativity, a B- for writing, and a D for execution for his 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner “Trust.” Intrigued by the premise of “an immersive story and a brilliant literary puzzle,” I dove into the 400+-page novel with high hopes. Alas, what began as an intriguing treatise on marriage in New York City in the 1920s then bounced to an unstructured, unfinished memoir on to an even stranger personal chronicle, to finish with a surprising, yet entertaining dossier. Confused? So was I. Don't bother with this one unless you enjoy bouncing around and trying to figure your way out of a book. Not worth the read.

II can’t believe I waited this long to dive into Jennifer Cruise and Bob Mayer’s first collaboration: “Agnes and the Hitman.” To say that the characters of Agnes Crandall and Shane (no last name) are the best part of Cruise’s and Mayer’s personalities, respectively, is an understatement. Funny, endearing, and highly entertaining, the couple’s quips and antics took me on a wild ride through the backwaters of Savannah while the pair strive to learn who’s trying to kill Agnes. Definitely, definitely worth the read. 

I wanted to love Charlotte Shane’s “An Honest Woman.” I’ve always been curious about what makes humans tick sexually, the book came highly recommended by a Simon & Schuster insider, and the synopsis in the “Wall Street Journal” had intrigued me. But… I just couldn’t shake the feeling I was reading a teenager’s private diary entries and justifications for her highly unusual life choices. Although I appreciated her business-like approach to her sex work, I’ve would have liked a more mature approach to the topic. Not worth the read.

My Cruise/Mayer lovefest continued with the one-and-done novel “Don’t Look Down.” Between Lucy’s no-nonsense commitment to directing a ridiculously written movie and taking care of her sister and niece to JT’s balancing act between action hero and bodyguard, the entire book was non-stop action and hot, hot romance. I would expect nothing less from this creative partnership. Most definitely worth the read.

Was Book 3: “One in Vermillion” as good as Books 1 and 2 in the Liz Danger series? Yes. Did both Liz and Vince up their mystery solving and lustful coupling games in this novel? Yes. Am I disappointed that Jennifer Cruise and Bob Mayer don’t have another book set in the crazy small town of Burney, OH, in the publishing pipeline? YES!!! Oh well, I guess I must satisfy my Cruise/Mayer craving with another one of their ridiculously ingenious partnership creations. Most definitely worth the read.

In Book 2: “Rest in Pink,” irrepressible Liz Danger continued dishing out her unique style of snark while helping her hot detective boyfriend Vice discover who and why is burning down Burney, OH. Along the way, the couple take care of a seven-year-old mini Liz, a hot 60+ former actress, and 392 soaked teddy bears. Once again, Crusie and Mayer deliver a romantic suspense story only those two could mastermind. Most definitely worth the read. 

While waiting for the next volume in Crusie and Mayer’s new “Rocky Start” series, I chose to revisit a previous co-op venture: the Liz Danger Series. Book 1: “Lavender’s Blue”. As always, the Crusie/Mayer partnership delivered a funny he said/she said slant to a unique and entertaining romantic suspense story. If I could, I’d move to the fiction town of Burney, OH, and see firsthand how the next two books in the series play out. Most definitely worth the read.

“Rocky Start” is quintessential Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer storytelling. Combining the rare talents of one extremely witty and funny author to write the female point of view with one disciplined, non-nonsense military-type author to scribe the male point of view was a brilliant move. Both bring the best of their previously singular writing talents to pen their latest series opener that’s funny, compelling, and ultimately satisfying. Most definitely worth the read. 

Already a die-hard Ann Patchett fan, I found “Tom Lake” and its melodious prose pleasantly enhanced by Meryl Streep’s enchanting narration. A well-crafted story told between two distinctly opposite point of views--one youthful foolhardiness and the other mature hindsight—the nine-hour listen consistently held my attention as “Emily” shared her halcyon days in summer-stock theater, worldly ignorance, and Peter Duke’s bed. Definitely worth the “read”. 

Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar’s “This Is How Your Lose the Time War” is a most intriguing tome I thoroughly enjoyed. If you like beautiful, almost-lyrical writing, you’ll love this book. If you like high-concept science-fiction, you’ll love this book. If you prefer a linear story that follows traditional three- or four-act structure, you’ll probably throw this book against a wall after the first 10 pages. One suggestion: Try to read the 200-page paperback in one sitting to ensure you clearly follow the story threads. Worth the read (if you can handle something very different).

“Louise, the only difference between you and an eighteen-year-old is that you blame these things on age.” That quote sums up the gist of Caroline Paul’s “Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking—How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age.” Paul features herself (age 60) and other extraordinary women to drive home the point that the only barrier to living your best life is you, i.e., get out of your own friggin’ way. But it’s not a book about death-defying activities. It’s about facing your fears and proving to yourself that you have what it takes to slay the aging dragon. Vijaya Srivastava learned how to swim at 73. Miss Kittie, 74, is the oldest female BMX racer competing in the U.S. today. Lena Salmi, 68, took up skateboarding at 61. So… what’s your excuse? Definitely worth the read. 

Another excellent read-by-the-author Audible listen was “Not Too Late: The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age” by Gwendolyn Bounds. Throughout the almost 10-hour listen, Bounds passionately takes you through her transformational journey from athletic blob to world-championship Spartan Race competitor. Although 10 years younger than me, I could relate to the physical and—more important —mental changes that occurred as she pushed her internal bounds to excel and achieve dreams Bounds once never thought possible. If you’re looking for motivation to stop feeling your age and start experiencing life, this one is definitely worth the “read”.

I love listening to an author read his or her book, whether non-fiction or fiction. The passion that triggered him or her to write the tome bleeds through the actual words to deliver a deeper, emotional story. Jane Wurwand “Skin in the Game: Your Biggest Life is Already Inside You” is a perfect example of this. Part memoir, part entrepreneur handbook, the volume is a must-read for anyone looking for his or her passion, hoping to build a successful business, and/or simply yearning to find his or her place in the world. Definitely, definitely worth the "read".

Andy Frisella is not for the faint of heart. Neither is his recent book, “The Book of Mental Toughness.” Billed as the official guide for people hoping to succeed at the three-phase LIVE HARD program, the book smacks you right upside the head immediately. Frisella doesn’t mince words, forcing you to call yourself out in every paragraph, i.e., “You—and you alone—are directly responsible for the state of your life.” and “You—and you alone—get to choose if you will be miserable or happy.” If you can’t face up to this kind of critical introspection, don’t bother with this one. If you can, then this is definitely worth the read.

Plan on reading Casey Means’ “Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health” three times before passing judgement on the book, the details enclosed, and the promise made. Admittingly overwhelming at first, Mean’s approach to how everything around you and in you are connected to how you generate (or don’t generate) energy was eye-opening. Not only does she easily and brilliantly explain the changes you must make to ensure health and longevity, but she dives deep into the research and findings behind her recommendations. Definitely, definitely worth the read.

Interestingly, a book entitled “The Man Who Quit Money” isn’t necessarily about money. It’s Mark Sundeen’s economic and social commentary intertwined with religious and historical analysis wrapped around a step-thru Daniel Suelo’s life story. Somewhere, thru it all, you question your life, your spirituality, your sexuality and, last, your relationship with money. Suelo’s story is intriguing, but this book isn’t a true biography. Worth the read.

The second book I’ve read about cancel culture (however, this one isn’t funny), “The Canceling of the American Mind” is a bit high-brow, some data heavy, but a lot on the mark. Lukianoff and Schlott’s drill down into today’s phenomenon--including examples--was riveting and so right. Their viewpoint on the lack of our collective intellectual humility is not only correct but their suggestions on how to solve the problem are spot on. Too that will never happen… Worth the read.

If you fear something--public speaking, writing a book, heights, leaving an unhappy marriage, confined spaces, starting a business, flying, having a baby, germs, etc.--something that causes you to sweat all over and avoid at all costs, then Brandon Webb’s “Mastering Fear: A Navy SEAL's Guide” is the book for you. It’s about learning how to harness that fear to do the impossible, i.e., channel that fear and overcome it. Webb offers nothing new or earth-shattering. He simply steps you through why your fear exists and then walks you through why you should overcome it. Sound too simple? Definitely worth the read. 

What a refreshingly inventive and entertaining novel. “The Authenticity Project” uses an intriguing and innovative plot to promote the fact that perspective is in the eyes of the beholder, i.e., you are what you perceive. If you’re not a fan of angst, then Clare Pooley’s storytelling style isn’t for you. If you like angst (or at least can tolerate it as a necessary ingredient to a larger storytelling), then this book is for you. Definitely, definitely worth the read. 

Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, has always been an intriguing person. I’ve read and watched about anything done on her. “Her Lotus Year” is a brilliantly researched read that dissects a year in the Duchess’s life surrounded by mystery, myth, and lies. French does a great job debunking (and promoting) many stories told about the Duchess’s year in China. The author bounces among reporting facts, promoting myths, and--more often--defending the Duchess’s actions. But, through it all, French paints an intriguing picture of the roaring twenties in China and turns the most hated American in Britain into a relatable woman. Worth the read. 

The promotion of "The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon" described the book as an enjoyable historical reexamination of America's least-known and most misunderstood First Lady. After reading, I agree. Heath Hardage Lee’s love letter to Pat Nixon offered heavily researched insight into the First Lady’s feelings and motivations on being an exceptionally private person in an extremely public world. I enjoyed learning how she was at the forefront of women’s rights long before the movement was even called that and how President Nixon would probably have never secured the highest office in the land without her. Definitely worth the read.

Nicholas Shakespeare’s “Ian Fleming: The Complete Man” is a chore to read, but one you’ll enjoy, especially if you’re a Bondophile. Unlike most biographies that offer significant dates, times, and settings, this one digs deep (and I mean DEEP) into Fleming’s psyche. Through this detailed history, you have a front row seat to the settings, situations, and characters that became Fleming’s James Bond stories. Who knew these works were not 100% fictional! Not a light read but a definite must-read if you love Bond… James Bond.

Jocko Willink is a force to be reckoned with. You either love his plain-Jane, truth-telling, in-your-face approach or you don’t. Nowhere else is all that perfectly clear as in his “Discipline Equal Freedom Field Manual.” Within it, Jocko pushes that without discipline, no real progress in work and/or life is possible. He includes basic, no-nonsense strategies and tactics for conquering weakness, procrastination, and fear, as well as specific workouts, sleep habits, and food intake to follow to optimize performance. Totally worth the read.

Boyd Varty’s “The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life” likens finding fulfillment with tracking a lion. Using South African animal pursuing strategies, he steps you thru finding your own prey, i.e., happiness, joy, success, self-realization, etc. Paired with beautiful illustrations of the wild, Boyd teaches you how to move slowly, look for the next track, and listen to what your body tells you. At only 118 pages, the short read is long on meaningful allegory and entertainment. Totally worth the read.

Joanna Mendez is one cool broad. Starting in the late 1960s, she valiantly fought numerous venerable enemies including Russia, Iraq, Iran, and--the worst of all—CIA misogyny. In “In True Face: A Woman’s Life in the CIA, Unmasked,” Mendez captivatingly details her 27-year career of butting heads to rise from a low-level secretarial post to Chief of Disguise. Through it all, this phenomenal broad remained focused on the spy-vs.-spy game, despite everything the old-boy network shoved in her way. Definitely worth the read.

Warning: If you have no sense of humor and/or cancel culture is your current chosen religion, stop reading this review and definitely don’t pursue Jimmy Failla’s “Cancel Culture Dictionary.” The comedian blatantly yet hilariously calls out cancel culture and everyone and everything that supports it from awards shows to universities. He uses wit and cleverness to cut through the crap of it all to expose the silliness and pointlessness of this cultural phenomenon. Watch, someone will probably call for my cancellation for this review…

I bought “Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing” to gain insight into how to relax when taking time off. Of that, the book delivered perfectly. What I wasn’t expecting was deep, detailed insight into the unique Dutch culture and mindset. In 250 pages, I learned more about my husband’s background and mentality than I had over the last 29 years of marriage. Not only did I learn how to do nothing with style, but I gained valuable skills that might make the next 29 years of marriage even more delightful!

An honest, detailed chronicle of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life up to 2012 (publication date), “Total Recall” was an informative, yet tedious (at times) read (546 pages). He spares nothing in this autobiography, sharing everything, i.e., events, activities, thoughts, emotions, motivations, etc. that turned him into “the greatest immigrant success story of our time.” I wish I could have been the ghostwriter on this one as I’d have loved to have heard all (and I mean all) these stories straight from the horse’s mouth. 

IMHO, the best way to read Kara Swisher’s latest—"Burn Book"—is to let her read it to you herself (via Audible). Her biting wit, keen insight, & 50-cent-word usage are better enjoyed coming straight from the pundit’s mouth. Maybe our similar age (early 60s) had me living Swisher’s life vicariously as I wound through her narrative as her rise through journalism paralleled the rise of Silicon Valley. Whether you like her viewpoint (I do) or hate it (most do, especially Elon Musk), Swisher is something rarely found in today’s journalistic endeavors… fair, blunt, & optimistic. 

You can make fun of his accent, and you can joke about his accomplishments, but you can’t deny that Arnold Schwarzenegger has lived life. He’s taken what’s been handed to him and spun it all into gold. Is he perfect? No. Has he made mistakes? Yes. But I’ll listen to his guidance any day of the week. That’s what “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life” is all about: Putting in the hard work and doing your job well so you can make your dreams come true. Totally worth the read. 

“The Creative Act: A Way of Being” is a standard operating procedures manual for creatives everywhere. Rick Rubin’s words either explain what creatives know intuitively or offers guidance on what to do when we’ve spun out into the weeds. Listening to his melodious voice read each passage added gravitas to the experience. His insight and understanding of the creative practice helped me appreciate, respect, and embrace the creativity within myself and others. 

Considering I prefer a book over its movie version, “The Boys in the Boat” was an intriguing & fascinating read. I’m a sucker for an underdog story, and this one being a true one made it all the better. By the time I hit the final page, I felt like I knew every character personally. It’s a historical book, a sports book, & inspirational book all wrapped up in one. A definite must-read.

“Pittsburghese” was a refreshing detour from my usual reading agenda. Robert Gibb’s poetic reflections on growing up in Homestead and working as a steelworker sparked fond memories from my time living in the ‘burgh. His social commentary as a lifelong resident overrode the nostalgia to remind me that—for good and bad—time marches on. This poetry collection is best enjoyed in front of a fire with a good merlot in your hand and smooth jazz in your ear so you can savor each stanza in peace.

David Baldacci’s “The Edge” is a worthy read for Lee Child fans. Like Jack Reacher of yore, Travis Devine is a quick-thinking, kick-ass hero that asks the right questions & doesn’t tolerate the company of fools, especially when lives (including his) are at stake. I never saw the plot twists & turns coming, which made “The Edge” a must-recommend thriller.

Learning in-depth background regarding Japan’s spying operations pre-WWII made “Beverly Hills Spy” a great read. Speculation that the main character—Fredrick Rutland—was the basis for Ian Fleming’s James Bond (Ian appears in this non-fiction book.) was icing on the cake. Details secondary to the main plot grew tedious at times, but the plethora of incredible espionage tidbits sprinkled though out more than made up for the digression.

No, the irony of my reviewing a book about silence is not lost on me. Sarah Anderson’s “The Lost Art of Silence” was a deep, heavy read. Her comprehensive analysis into silence’s depiction in art, literature, nature, & spirituality throughout history was intriguing, especially when interspersed with social and/or political commentary. Not my usual cup on tea, but not a wasted effort.

I’m not sure how to “categorize” Ben Stein’s “The Peacemaker.” It’s not really a Nixon biography, nor an inclusive Ben Stein memoir. Neither is the tome a powerful social commentary on one of our most disliked presidents. At best, it’s an historical love letter from a blindly devoted insider (Stein) to a former boss & close family friend (Nixon). The writing is enjoyable, & the narrative engaging, but Stein’s piety grew tedious after 228 pages.

Wow! Michael Easter’s “Scarcity Brain” does for the mind what his “The Comfort Crisis” (2021) did for the body. Using hard data & intriguing research, Easter makes a strong case for rethinking daily behavior & everything our hardwired “scarcity brain” compels us to do. Better understanding of why we crave more can help us shut down mindless yearnings & experience life in a more satisfying way.

Long intrigued by the legendary Astors, I enjoyed Anderson Cooper & Katherine Howe’s second deep-dive into one of America’s quintessentially families. (2021’s “Vanderbilt: The Rise & Fall of an American Dynasty” was their first.) From 1783, when John Jacob Astor began building his fortune, to 2007, when Roberta Brooke Astor died & left the few remaining millions to charity, the authors concentrate on each generation’s societal, political, & cultural achievements & missteps to prove that the greatest fortune in the world can’t buy happiness. The story is riveting, & the writing entertaining.

I grew curious about Lady Colin Campbell after seeing her numerous commentaries during coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. Published in 2015, this autobiography covers her life-long struggle to be her strong, self-determined person despite everyone--including her family, her lovers, & her ex-husband—wanting her to be someone else. I found her blunt, intense writing refreshing & clear although including numerous, insignificant details became tedious at times.

“Built to Move” is the Starretts at their best. Not only do Kelly & Juliet offer 10 ways to enhance your life, improve your mobility, & perhaps live longer, but they back their thoughts & recommendations with real-life experience & easy-to-understand research. Not sure you need this? Can you cross one foot in front of the other & sit down on the floor into a cross-legged position without holding on to anything? No? Then you need this book. Can you hold your breath for 30 to 40 seconds? Can you walk outside breathing only through your nose? Do you eat 800 grams (by weight) of fruits & vegetables a day? Yeah, I thought so. You. Need. This. Book. 

Wow! What a potentially life-changing book! You’ll rethink everything you’ve ever known about breathing, sleeping, exercising, working… basically, everything you do! Nestor presents the historical evidence and scientific research in an easy-to-understand way that ensures you comprehend how changing your breath could improve, enhance, & even extend your life. 

No one could write about discomfort & why you should embrace it like Michael Easter. Weaving an Alaskan hunting trip between his thorough research & insightful thoughts, he converted me to a new lifestyle. Even if you’re not ready to embrace your inner badass, you’ll find this a great read.

I promise, this book is not what you expect. Not a how-to book but an insightful deep dive into one man’s journey into saving his marriage amid infidelity & boredom. Key’s unique humor & distinctive writing style inspired me to take another look at my own marriage. 

The basic, no-nonsense cover is the first clue to the basic, no-nonsense advice inside. Like the author, this book presents its thoughts & ideas in a straightforward & concise manner. But don’t think this means the book is an easy read. Each short entry compels you to spend at least 20 minutes determing how the insight can improve your life. 

I’m a Don Rickles fan from way back, & this enjoyable book brought The Merchant of Venom back to life. Well-researched & well-written, the treatise was an easy read that offered incredible insight into what made Rickles lovable & funny to people of my generation.

“Rated X” is a you’ll-either-love-it-or-hate-it book, i.e., no middle ground. I loved it. Following Ward’s journey of growth & discovery was intoxicating & entertaining. Her blunt style of writing was refreshing & enjoyable.

A must-have for any die-hard King fan. Melding extraordinary photos with well-written narrative, this book painstakingly paints the compelling chronology of King’s career. A very insightful homage.

Yes, “Put Your Ass” is another inspirational, smack-upside-the-head book by Steven Pressfield. And, yes, most (if not all) of the insights offered are similar to those provided in previous Pressfield books. However, the presentation… the writing style… the in-your-face tone of this book penetrated my Ego’s defenses, spoke directly to my Self’s empowerment, & ignited my creative heart. 

John Corey is at his usual smart-ass-best self. The setup is a bit slow but takes off eventually & enjoyably ramps up to an incredibly awesome finish. I highly recommend this book if you're a Nelson DeMille fan, & it's a must-read if your love John Corey & his always-a-pain-in-the-ass antics.