Book Report

Local libraries are closed, and I have 8 unread library books at home plus 8 unread books that I own. After that, it's down to just e-books - but very few of the stuff on my 'to read' list is available electronically. 

My rating system:
10 – life-changing, an all-time favorite
5 - average for what I read
1 – terrible; why did I finish it?

 

African American Women of the Old West by Tricia Martineau Wagner – A series of brief biographies of exactly who is specified in the title. Pros: the bios were reasonably interesting and not too long; I also enjoyed the topic. These women’s lives were pretty interesting. Cons: clunky writing, and nothing really jumps out about this book. Overall: okay I guess. Grade: 4

 

A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier – This was just such a pleasure to read! It’s historical fiction taking place in 1930’s England. Violet is an unmarried woman who has struck out on her own, leaving her hyper-critical mother, getting a job, and finding a place to rent. She’s determined to build a life of her own. I realize that plot summary might not sound…riveting, but the book was great and I was never the least bit bored. I loved reading about Violet and the life she made. Bonus points for the book having gay characters! And Tracy Chevalier writes great historical fiction. Grade: 8

 

Buzz by Hallie Lieberman – A history of the sex toy! Great book, tons of good info presented in an engaging way, lots of fun to read. A bit US-centric though. Grade: 8

 

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah – The author is a comedian now; he was born in South African during apartheid to a Black mother and a white father. His memoir provides a lot of small glimpses into what life was like at that time and place, and his writing is usually pretty funny or at least amusing. Grade: 6


A Kim Jong-Il Production by Paul Fischer - Truth is stranger than fiction. And anything pertaining to North Korea definitely falls into this category. This is the true story of the horrible North Korean dictator, and two people he kidnapped to make propaganda films for him: a famous South Korean movie director and the director's wife and main actress. The story is just harrowing and insane. I couldn't put it down. Grade: 8