The Crime Brulee Bake Off

 

***

PG

{SM}

Could Recommend but Probably Won't

I have seen this author around for as long as I can remember but, looking back, I was surprised to see this is the first book of her's that I've ever read...at least since I have been recording what I read.  And now that I have read something of her's, I don't know that I will be reading any more.  Unless, maybe, she continues with this series which has a fun premise.  I was extremely disappointed in the quality of writing.  I feel bad saying that but I felt like it hadn't been to the editors yet.  And now I am really self conscious of every sentence I write because, for all I know, I write the same way.  So, I will just say that I didn't love the writing but I did like the storyline.  I gave it a {Subject Matter} rating just since it dealt with murder but it was really very clean.

Based on everything, I could recommend it because it is clean and kind of a fun story, but it's not one I will be rushing to go tell a friend about simply because of the lack of writing finesse.

The Westing Game

 

****

PG

tiny bit of {L}

Easily Recommend

I first read this book many years ago.  I stayed up super late to finish it and when I finally put it down I said, "What?" and went to sleep.  The next morning I woke up and started reading from page 1 again.  I was so baffled and fascinated that I had to try and understand how she had done what she did.

Recently I have been thinking about this book again and had a hankering to reread it.  With my memory being the way it is, I was able to go into it almost as if I had not read it before.  There was one facet that I remembered from the get go that helped me not be AS blown away at the end this time around.  It was still amazing though!  And to add to that, I read in the introduction that Raskin starts out writing without having a plan in mind...just comes up with the plot as she writes!  That is crazy and incredible to keep in mind when you read The Westing Game!

So, there is one instance of the Lord's name being taken in vain and that is it for {Language}...which, is quite a miracle in my eyes.  There are a few, juvenile type references to a dead man rotting away, alone in a house... that is mostly why I didn't feel like I could give it a G rating.

Such a well written, fascinating story with fun characters!

I recommend this to anyone who loves a mystery!

Man's Search for Meaning

 ***1/2

strong PG/ probably PG-13

{SM} {L}

Easily Recommend

I think I tried reading this one years ago but didn't get very far as it was too depressing for me.

I read it for a book group I participate in though and was able to push through this time.

Of course, no book relating the details of the concentration camps during WWII will be lighthearted.  However, along with the horrific descriptions of how fellow human beings were treated, this book also gives much hope and beauty to the reader.

Most are probably already familiar with the ideas in this book, as was I, but it was good for me to read it and see the quotes and passages in context.

 The Subject Matter {SM} rating should be obvious.  And I will point out the there was, I believe, only one instance of Language {L} as he quoted someone and said that word was used prolifically, but he never used it in his writing again.  So I do appreciate his limiting offensive language but letting us know it was a part of his experience in the camps.

The book is in two sections.  The first is him relating some of his memories from his years in camp and the second is his thoughts on his work with logotherapy.  I think I couldn't give the book 4 or more stars because, quite frankly, I didn't understand everything in the second section 😕 hence, my enjoyment level went down a little bit.

Again, for someone who doesn't mind heavy, I would very much recommend this book as it has some very compelling thoughts that have the potential to be life changing.

Bleak House

 

****

strong PG 

{BSt} {L} {SM}

Easily Recommend

First, let me address this cover!  Isn't it beautiful?  I ordered this specific one from Amazon and when it came in a soft mailer, and was therefore, a little beaten up, I attempted to return it and receive a new one.  It was one of those rare occasions when you are given a refund and told to not return the item.  I decided I could live with a few bumps and bends :)  Also, just to clarify, this is the unabridged version.

I don't think I've ever before given a book with so many counts against it an "easily recommend".

However, this is Charles Dickens.  The Backstory {BSt} is not presented in detail, nor glorified, the Language {L} is pretty much the Lord's name used in the British way (which I still don't appreciate, but for some silly reason, is more acceptable in my mind than an American author using it) and finally, the Subject Matter {SM} is just heavy...Victorian London...

I have to say that I did watch the BBC miniseries (2005), which I also recommend, which inspired me to read the book.  Knowing the storyline beforehand was immensely helpful to me in understanding what was going on in the book.  I thought repeatedly how if I was going blind into reading it that I was sure to have been very confused.

That said, I love the storyline...all the side plots and interesting characters...there are so many!

It is a deep and meaningful book that your mind continues to dwell upon long after the fact.

It did take me several months to read as I was in and out of it and reading other books along the way, but I am glad I pushed through all 649 pages :)

If you have the time to devote to this one and don't mind some heaviness, it is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it!