more than letters on a line today

  Weyward Emilia Hart 4 stars Published March 2023 Three strong Weyward women, each finding their way against their male dominated worlds. You would think things would change from 1619 to 1942 to 2019, but women who have courage in their inherent skills and know their own hearts have always been scorned and feared. Emilia Hart’s writing is beautifully displayed in her descriptions of the communion of womanhood and nature. The essence of insects, plants and creatures of the world comes through in magical form (and would be great in a film). There were definitely moments when I had a visual memory of Where the Crawdads Sings , one of my all-time favourite books. The beauty of the garden and all its inhabitants. The constant hum of the insect world, peaceful to some of us. The mocking sweep of the birds of the sky inspiring awe and curiosity. The world described could not be put in better words. These three generations of women are so connected and seem to be searching for each other ...

  The Boys from Biloxi John Grisham 3.8 stars       In true Grisham fashion, you are introduced to a multitude of characters. Two families of similar beginning but taking divergent paths in their chosen ways of 'success'. The criminal and the good guy, the choices and the examples set are the guiding force throughout this book. It is an old topic, it's been done a thousand times, and Grisham takes you on a wild ride through the generations. You might need to take notes, because there is a LOT of criminal activity, and keeping the underworld straight is an exercise in itself. I found the court scenes well-explained, but it did take a while to get to them. If you are a Grisham fan like me, it's worth the wait, though the wait was sometimes tedious. I had had my fill of deceipt and lies by then as this kind of 'bad guy' can be quite exhausting. Some might consider it overdone. I did like the factual part of Biloxi, it's history, it's hurricane which makes a...

  52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time Annabel Streets 3.8 stars         This is an equally worthwhile book for the novice walker or those similar to me who have enjoyed many a walk. It tells you the obvious. About the benefits of walking for your health and your mind but also shares many surprising walking tips. Ideas on the advantage of time of day (early), walking alone to solve an internal issue, and encourages social times to re-hash an event or look for advice. The book also shared about ley lines (yes, I had to look it up too!), walking before and after studying, and the joy of walking by water. It talked about building neurons and the value of singing while you walk! Or, if you are a solo walker, maybe you too talk to yourself, silently or out loud. It reminded me, a life-time walker to look UP, at least to the horizon to not miss the beauty of life. It taught me about brown fat and using our sense o...

  The Word is Murder Anthony Horowitz 3.9 stars           When the murder happens in the first five pages, you are hooked. With the author inserted into the story as he writes about the murder, and trying to solve the mystery alongside the detective, it is delicious. Clues, and red herrings. Dialogue well-suited to the characters. Hamlet and Shakespeare. The rich and the not so well off. Thoroughly enjoyed this quick-paced read, and didn’t see the ending coming! Entertaining, yet thought provoking. I had my search engine beside me because the references to fact were seamlessly integrated into fiction. When did the author stop being the author and become a character? We are constantly fooled, and we like it! The writing is clever and Horowitz takes the reader along as his side-kick in solving this mystery. Come on, we all have a detective in us and this is a great ride. It was a fun read and you do not need to know about Sherlock and Holmes or Agatha C...

  The Night Travelers Armando Lucas Correa 3.9 stars published Jan 2023          3.9 stars A sweeping multi-generational story of historical events told through the lives of four women who show us their strength and the choices they must make in devastating times. From pre-WWII Berlin, through the Cuban revolution and beyond we learn through the poetic words of Armando Lucas Correa of what a mother will give up to secure the safety of her child. The author does not spare the reader the cruelty endured through racial cleansing, the discrimination faced by Jews who were turned away from a safe landing, and the effects of revolution. There was a wealth of historical info balanced nicely with the emotional creation of these characters, which will leave the reader questioning the raw depth of a mother’s love and her faith in a better life for her daughter.   Ally, Lilith, Nadine and Luna uncover the truth in each of their timelines, they suffer with no...