AnneCarolineDrake
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One Way Back: A MemoirOne Way Back: A Memoir, Book
by Blasey Ford, ChristineBook - 20240319Book, 20240319
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Mar 25, 2024
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Mar 22, 2024
Simply The Best: A Chicago Stars NovelSimply The Best: A Chicago Stars Novel, Book
by Phillips, Susan ElizabethBook - 20240213Book, 20240213
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2024
Comment:
Delicious. Delightful. Fun to read.
Oath And Honor: A Memoir And A WarningOath And Honor: A Memoir And A Warning, Book
by Cheney, LizBook - 20231114Book, 20231114
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Mar 09, 2024
Comment:
My expectation was that the author would tell us something we didn't already know.
While the book was exceedingly thorough, it was also tedious. Further, the author ignored the fact that her beloved father along with Donald Rumsfeld were heavily invested in installing a GOP "powerful executive" after Nixon's Watergate fall from grace.
Trump showed them how to get it done, but many GOP true conservative leaders like the author found him to be unsavory.
While I don't agree with Ms. Cheney on almost any political issue, I admire her patriotism and courage greatly. Very happy this book is part of the library's collection so I didn't have to buy it.My expectation was that the author would tell us something we didn't already know.
While the book was exceedingly thorough, it was also tedious. Further, the author ignored the fact that her beloved father along with Donald Rumsfeld were heavily…
Hidden PotentialHidden Potential, BookThe Science of Achieving Greater Things
by Grant, AdamBook - 2023Book, 2023
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Mar 09, 2024
Comment:
HUGE disappointment. In a nutshell, the author promotes nurturing children and providing all children with opportunities. Duh! He also encourages adults to do things outside our comfort zone.
Malcolm Gladwell made a significantly better case that it takes 10,000 hours to master anything. . .an intellectual twist on the cliche about getting to Carnegie Hall via "practice, practice, practice." Most of us aren't born with Mozart's talent. We stumble before we crawl, walk, and run.
The author focused on intellectual curiosity, but he failed to factor into his equation for unlocking our hidden potential the requisite aspects of self-confidence and a healthy sense of reponsibility that are essential before any of us begins to thrive in life. All three of these traits are essential for any of us to blossom and flourish.HUGE disappointment. In a nutshell, the author promotes nurturing children and providing all children with opportunities. Duh! He also encourages adults to do things outside our comfort zone.
Malcolm Gladwell made a significantly better case…
Dirty ThirtyDirty Thirty, Book
by Evanovich, JanetBook - 2023 | First Atria Books hardcover edition.Book, 2023. First Atria Books hardcover edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2024
Comment:
The ending was a surprising hoot. Yet, it felt like the author was leaving Stephanie's choice up to her readers. My sense is that Dirty Thirty is the end of the Stephanie Plum series. If so, I will miss the whacky plots and characters.
Going RogueGoing Rogue, BookRise and Shine Twenty-nine
by Evanovich, JanetBook - 2022 | First Atria Books hardcover edition.Book, 2022. First Atria Books hardcover edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Feb 21, 2024
Game onGame on, BookTempting Twenty-eight
by Evanovich, JanetBook - 2021 | First Atria Books hardcover edition.Book, 2021. First Atria Books hardcover edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Feb 19, 2024
Fortune and GloryFortune and Glory, BookTantalizing Twenty-seven
by Evanovich, JanetBook - 2020 | First Atria Books hardcover edition.Book, 2020. First Atria Books hardcover edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Feb 19, 2024
Maybe Next TimeMaybe Next Time, BookA Novel
by Major, CescaBook - 2023 | First US edition.Book, 2023. First US edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2024
Comment:
Worst book I've read in a VERY long time. Emma's life is a hot mess because she is incapable of setting priorities or enforcing boundaries. She has a very bad day on the anniversary of the day she met her husband Dan and forgets to write him the annual letter they share with each other. They have a tiff after dinner. Dan leaves the house with Gus, the family dog.
He gets hit by a car and dies.
Emma incessantly lives the day over and over and over again hoping for a different outcome. Every day is December 3 in a different year. It's confusing and annoying and exceedingly tedious.
The book is due tomorrow. I'm done. Maybe others on the very long waiting list will enjoy it more than I did.Worst book I've read in a VERY long time. Emma's life is a hot mess because she is incapable of setting priorities or enforcing boundaries. She has a very bad day on the anniversary of the day she met her husband Dan and forgets to write him the…
The Secret of SnowThe Secret of Snow, Large Print
by Shipman, ViolaLarge Print - 2022 | Large print edition.Large Print, 2022. Large print edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2024
Comment:
I've been on a Viola Shipman binge, and I think this might be Wade Rouse's best book. His beloved brother Todd died when he was 17, and the book is a nod to his family's struggle with grief. His heart is in every word.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2024
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Jan 26, 2024
Comment:
Button, button, who's got the button?
The author's obsession with buttons became tedious. I was also annoyed by his sloppy attention to detail. For example, the summer solstice celebration took place after the 4th of July. It detracted from an otherwise great story.Button, button, who's got the button?
The author's obsession with buttons became tedious. I was also annoyed by his sloppy attention to detail. For example, the summer solstice celebration took place after the 4th of July. It detracted from an…
The Charm BraceletThe Charm Bracelet, Book
by Shipman, ViolaBook - 2016 | First edition.Book, 2016. First edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Jan 09, 2024
Comment:
Wade Rouse (a/k/a Viola Shipman) has me hooked on his books set on the shores of Lake Michigan. My hunch is that "Scoops" is actually Leland, MI where his aunt lives with a humorous nod to area tourists' addiction to ice cream cones.
Go-to DinnersGo-to Dinners, BookMake Ahead, Freeze Ahead, Prep Ahead, Easy, Assembled
by Garten, InaBook - 2022 | First edition.Book, 2022. First edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Jan 04, 2024
Comment:
This cookbook was well-worth the wait. The food photography was so stunning that I found myself wishing I could receive an "I love you, come to dinner" invitation from Ina.
The recipes are a "go-to" blend of interesting and uncomplicated ~ perfect for stress-free dining and entertaining.
LOL. It was the second time today that a NYC chef admits in a book (the other was The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman) that short-cuts can be a blessing. Enjoy!This cookbook was well-worth the wait. The food photography was so stunning that I found myself wishing I could receive an "I love you, come to dinner" invitation from Ina.
The recipes are a "go-to" blend of interesting and uncomplicated ~ perfect…
The Recipe BoxThe Recipe Box, BookA Novel With Recipes
by Shipman, ViolaBook - 2018 | First edition.Book, 2018. First edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Jan 04, 2024
Comment:
Wade Rouse (a/k/a Viola Shipman) lives in Saugutuck, MI and captures the magic of Lake Michigan for people fleeing the stress of Chicago as well as what life is like for the locals who offer the respite. This book is set in the Traverse Bay area which has harsh winters and an abundance of wineries and orchards. A former colleague owns one of those wineries as well as an inn. The book brought back many fond summer memories.
FYI, Viola Shipman is his grandmother's name; he spent a great deal of his childhood with her watching her bake. So, the book has a pinch of memoir along with all the recipes.
My sense is that readers who decamp elsewhere during the summer may not appreciate the nostalgia of Lake Michigan which isn't home to as many authors as places like Nantucket or South Carolina.
The repetition of phrases did get annoying. I did enjoy the empowerment of generations of women who kept the orchard running for 100 years despite tremendous challenges. And, it was fun to see a handsome hunk opt to give up his NYC life to be with his love in a small town.Wade Rouse (a/k/a Viola Shipman) lives in Saugutuck, MI and captures the magic of Lake Michigan for people fleeing the stress of Chicago as well as what life is like for the locals who offer the respite. This book is set in the Traverse Bay area…
PrequelPrequel, BookAn American Fight Against Fascism
by Maddow, RachelBook - 2023 | First edition.Book, 2023. First edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Jan 03, 2024
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Dec 30, 2023
Comment:
Wade Rouse (a/k/a Viola Shipman) lives in Saugatuck, MI and honors his grandmothers with this delightful beach book. Back in the day, I decamped from Chicago to my great aunt's cottage atop a bluff on the shores of Lake Michigan in South Haven, MI. The Summer Cottage captures the magic of summer cottages and the restorative powers of falling into a deep sleep listening to the waves hit the shore.
Who knew a guy could write a great rom-com? I'm hooked on this author.Wade Rouse (a/k/a Viola Shipman) lives in Saugatuck, MI and honors his grandmothers with this delightful beach book. Back in the day, I decamped from Chicago to my great aunt's cottage atop a bluff on the shores of Lake Michigan in South Haven, MI.…
The Talk Of Coyote CanyonThe Talk Of Coyote Canyon, Book
by Novak, BrendaBook - 20231128Book, 20231128
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Dec 28, 2023
Simply Symon SuppersSimply Symon Suppers, BookRecipes and Menus for Every Week of the Year
by Symon, MichaelBook - 2023 | First edition.Book, 2023. First edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Dec 28, 2023
Comment:
Very disappointing. I'm a huge Michael Symon fan, but there's nothing "simple" about the recipes in this book. Most are variations on a theme, and I only found one that I'd like to try.
House + Love = HomeHouse + Love = Home, BookCreating Warm, Intentional Spaces for A Beautiful Life
by Marrs, JennyBook - 2023 | First edition.Book, 2023. First edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Dec 28, 2023
Comment:
Disappointing. I'm a huge fan of Fixer to Fabulous and have looked forward to reading this book which is part memoir and part simplistic decorating tips. It might be helpful to a home owner with kids seeking guidance for replicating the author's farmhouse style.Disappointing. I'm a huge fan of Fixer to Fabulous and have looked forward to reading this book which is part memoir and part simplistic decorating tips. It might be helpful to a home owner with kids seeking guidance for replicating the author's…
The Summer JobThe Summer Job, Large Print
by Dent, LizzyLarge Print - 2023 | Large print edition.Large Print, 2023. Large print edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Dec 14, 2023
Comment:
Delightful.
Standing My GroundStanding My Ground, BookA Capitol Police Officer's Fight for Accountability and Good Trouble After January 6th
by Dunn, HarryBook - 2023 | First edition.Book, 2023. First edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Dec 08, 2023
Comment:
Harry Dunn wrote this highly informative, sobering, and moving account of the insurrection on January 6 with Ron Harris. With a clear voice, he recounts the sense of betrayal felt by the officers who protected the Capitol on that "unprecedented" day:
"We lost Christine [a member of Dunn's unit] that night ~ not to death or injury but to the same feelings of betrayal that so many of us feel. She describes it as 'a resigned bitterness.' I understand, because I feel the same way. We were let down. We were let down by our citizens, by our elected officials, and by our leadership within the Capitol Police.
"Two years later, we are still waiting for answers, still waiting for vindication ~ still waiting to be made whole."
Officer Dunn is a big guy. He was a linebacker in high school, college, and with the Canadian football league. He doesn't intimidate easily, and his instinct to protect is enormous. His rants are at times funny, bittersweet, and exceedingly sad. He doesn't hold back.
On January 6, Brian Sicknick collapsed after being viciously beaten, was hospitalized, and died after suffering two strokes. About 140 officers were injured ~ 75 from Capitol Police and 65 from the Metropolitan DC Police Department. Further, 38 tested positive for Covid ~ before vaccines were available to the general public.
Officer Dunn isn't shy about calling "bullshit" on attempts to minimize what happened on that "unprecedented" day. I too want answers and accountability.Harry Dunn wrote this highly informative, sobering, and moving account of the insurrection on January 6 with Ron Harris. With a clear voice, he recounts the sense of betrayal felt by the officers who protected the Capitol on that "unprecedented"…
Hello BeautifulHello Beautiful, BookA Novel
by Napolitano, AnnBook - 2023 | First edition.Book, 2023. First edition.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Dec 05, 2023
Comment:
Tedious. This book was so badly edited that I'm astonished it made it into publication. It's not even a good short story much less a 383 page novel compared to Little Women.
Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time.
AnneCarolineDrake's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2023
Comment:
A delightful holiday rom-com. I would have given it more stars but for the shameless plugs to Hallmark.
Very happy to be introduced to a new author.
Comment: