andiesmith's reviews
2022 reviews

Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer K. Morita

5.0

Maya Wong is an out of work newspaper reporter returns home to Hawai’i to ghostwrite controversial land developer Parker Hamilton’s biography. Then the Hamilton patriarch is found dead! Was it natural causes ot murder? Maya’s ex boyfriend happens to be the detective working the case. 

I enjoyed this book very much, and hope to see more books by Jennifer K. Morita! Jennifer Robideau was the absolutely perfect choice to narrate this book, being from Hawai’i she was able to bring the story to live with the correct accents and pronunciations. So important. 

Thank you NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks! #GhostsofWaikiki #NetGalley.

Games Untold by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

4.0

A must read for anyone else that in deep into the Hawthorne World. It’s a collections of short stories that definatly adds to the series! And yes of course there are more puzzles and games! 

The Fall of the House of Tatterly by Shanna Miles

4.0

This is a a great middle grade book that intruduces the audince to part of Charleston’s rich culture, folklore, and history though Twelve-year-old Theo Tatterly’s ability to see ghosts is a useful skill in a house full of dead relatives. Theo wants to make the basketball team but also at the same time trying to save the family home. 

JD Jackson voice has texture to the story.  Great choice for a narrator. 

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio  #NetGalley

Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome by James Holland

5.0

If you want a historian that never disappoints, it’s James Holland. He gives us the setting, not just the facts. We know, it’s World War II. James Holland is great at descriptions of war, the disorientation and the gruesomeness, he is great about setting the scene with weather and the terrain. Yes, I focus my studies on the World Wars, I’ll admit the Italian campaigns tend to be a blind spot (not sure why). But after reading this book, I listened to Jame’s podcast (We Have Ways with Al Murry) on the subject. A great historian is a good storyteller, because history is just interwoven stories of the past, and James Holland is fantastic at it. 

 

Thank you NetGalley and Grove atlantic #Cassino44 #NetGalley

I Might Be In Trouble by Daniel Aleman

5.0

Daniel Aleman!!! We need to have a word….you made me have small panic attacks throughout the book along with David. I was checking over my shoulders and wanted to hide. Not only the anxiety but the raw emotions that David shared about his family and how he felt  around them…hit way too close to home. 

 

I’m a HUGE fan of Daniel Aleman…couldn’t wait for this story. It's a funny, emotional, and psychological ride all rolled into one. 

 

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing #IMightBeinTrouble #NetGalley 

Artists in Times of War and Other Essays by Howard Zinn

4.0

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary by Alice Hoffman

4.0

Slow Burner by Laura Lippman

4.0

This was a slower burner book. Texts are a huge part of the story.  I love when authors use texts to tell a story. 

Ushers: A Short Story by Joe Hill

dark

3.0

A great short story about a mna who has escaped death twice. 

Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary by

5.0

Book: Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary 

Format: Ebook 

ARC (Out now!) 

 

Years ago I was a photographer new in town and attended a meeting full of photographers. Don and Emily welcomed me and every time I attended and they were present, they would make sure to say hello. Throughout the years we have followed each other’s journeys on social media, where I like to downplay my awesomeness…to Don’s frustration. (insert laugh here). That is Don…they will make sure you see your awesomeness. For years, Don wasn’t showing the world their truth. Over the last few years, I’ve watched the joy and awesomeness grow as Don, shows us who he is...as always a beautiful and awesome human inside and out. 

 

This book felt like Don sitting next to me telling me their story. Y'all I cried happy tears and some sad ones. (Rude!). It’s a reminder that families don’t all look the same, that love doesn’t look the same, but we deserve both, as we are, not who people think we should be. Don shares their love for Emily through sharing and highlighting her acceptance and patience. May we all be as genuine as Don, and have someone to love us like Emily (and Frankie!) 

 

Thank you Don for an advanced copy to read, and allowing me to see you for who you are.  I know you always want people to feel loved, and so glad you are loving who you are too.