As the Crow Flies (Walt Longmire #8)

As the Crow Flies: A Walt Longmire Mystery by Craig Johnson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


My favorite sheriff Walt Longmire saves the day again. I just love this series!

This time we miss most of the usual cast of characters, as Walt is teamed up with Lolo Long, new tribal police chief as they investigate a potential homicide. The colorful folks Walt works with and investigates over the course of the case make the story fun even as the body count mounts, and we still get enough of a dose of Henry and Dog to make it typical Longmire.

Time marches on, and in the end the greatest legal mind of our time enjoys her nuptials. It remains to be seen what is in Walt's future. On to book #9!




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The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive #1)

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Wow, what a beginning! This book is a time investment, but it's good. Really good.

We are following 4 main characters: Szeth, Kaladin, Shallan and Dalinar; seemingly unrelated characters whose lives come together over the course of the story. Sanderson builds a large, complex world full of military strategy, magic, and morality tales, and one not easily forgotten.

My favorite storyline is Kaladin, by far. He's a flawed, everyman hero who usually does the right thing. He is my favorite kind of character, and the reason I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Stick with the confusing web of characters and stories at the beginning, and you will be glad you took the journey. Good stuff.



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Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a great start to a series! Good stuff. Can't wait to read the next one.

Celaena is my favorite kind of character. Strong, independent, a little sassy, but still can be hurt, both emotionally and physically. She's not super-human. She's like Katniss in a fantasy setting. She says the wrong things sometimes and isn't perfect, but people still like her. In fact, there are several similarities between this book and The Hunger Games. Competition for their lives, evil leaders, love triangle. It's similar, yet different enough to work. I enjoyed the supernatural/magical element, the setting, and the characters. A very solid 4 stars for me.



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Walden

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Dear Henry,
I'm so sorry, but your book was not what I was hoping for. I thought it would be a story of survival, of reflection, of getting back to nature. There was a little of the reflection and nature, to be sure. But seriously, Thoreau, you were right outside of town. You were near the railroad tracks. You were BORROWING someone's land. Not exactly roughing it, were you? You entertained friends and really didn't get away from it all like you seemed to think.

I don't think it was you, friend. I think it was me. I went in with high expectations, and came away underwhelmed. No hard feelings?



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Cat Among the Pigeons (Hercule Poirot #32)

Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Another good Poirot mystery. Another one that I had not read towards the end of the series.

Set in a prestigious private school in England, Poirot is summoned by a student to solve the crimes. Murder is afoot. Not just one murder, but two. Who will be next? Well, besides our good friend Hercule Poirot, no one is safe. But not to worry, because he always gets his man. Or woman, as the case may be.





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Yellow Crocus

Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Loved this book. What a nice surprise.

Set in the years before the Civil War, we follow the lives of Lisbeth, young mistress of the manor, and Mattie, her house slave. Yes, it's a nice historical fiction piece. I knew it would be. We see some glimpses into the daily lives on a plantation in the south pre-Civil War. But I loved the unexpected turns and character development. The ending, while not a complete surprise, was still enjoyable. I'm glad I read it.



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Harvesting the Heart

Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It's amazing how your opinions change over time. I have read this book three times. Once before I had kids, once when my kids were young, and now when they are nearly grown. I have viewed it differently and taken something different from it each time.

I have more mercy for Paige and Nicholas this time around, but the real standout for me was Astrid. The first time, I felt I understood May. The second time, I felt I understood Paige. And this time, I relate most to Astrid. It's like I was a different person each time I read it, and I suppose I was.

Marriage is hard. Motherhood is hard. Growing up is hard. Anyone who tells you differently is a liar.

Anyway, Jodi Picoult, I still love your books, no matter what version of myself is reading them.



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Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death & Hope in a Mumbai Undercity

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I'm still thinking about this book.

So much poverty. So much corruption. So much sadness. I am so glad I read this book. I am glad I live in America, and I feel a little guilty for the easy life I lead. I hadn't stopped to consider that so much of your start in life depends on your birthplace. The people chronicled in this book started out on the wrong side of luck and never found their way out. It's hard to believe that so many people live like this in Mumbai. A powerful story.



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Paper Towns

Paper Towns by John Green

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I liked it better than "Looking for Alaska" and less than "The Fault in Our Stars".

But Margo was selfish. One of my hot buttons. Girl, seriously, your parents are part of the reason you are messed up, but grow up.

Overall, just ok.



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Amber (Jewel #3 / Chase Family Series #4)

Amber by Lauren Royal

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Amber is the third book in the Jewel trilogy, and instead of following one of the Chase brothers on their search for love, we get to follow Kendra. Spirited Kendra, with her long red hair, refusing her brothers' chosen suitors at every turn. Since this is set during the Restoration, she is required to stop living with her big brother and find a husband. Heaven forbid this girl run off and manage her own life. She's smarter than the rest of them put together.

However, she stumbles upon an outlaw / Duke who she can't seem to stay away from, and hilarity and drama ensue. Another decent installment in the Chase Family historical romance series. Not my favorite, but still enjoyable.



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