mkduds's reviews
747 reviews

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

4.0

I read this to my kids (6 and 8) and enjoyed it. It was a little old for my younger child but I would definitely read the others in the series at some point. It was a nice story about community and growing up. And elephants are awesome. 

60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s by Rob Harvilla

5.0

Audiobook review. I assume that I am in target audience for this book,  but I can’t begin to say how much I loved it. Harvilla presents a stream-of-consciousness but also detailed and historical romp through the 90’s. Within the first 15 minutes, I was smiling ear to ear. Warning: you might plan to stop and listen to the songs he mentioned as he goes and rock out like you did in high school. I guess I’ll have to continue my enjoyment with the podcast of the same name. 

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

4.0

Audiobook review. Another wonderful family tale from Patchett. There were just so many details that were so captivating: how to make a drink for a drunk, capturing the feeling of being in an empty school, and the devotion you have to your family. 

All-Of-A-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor

5.0

I read this to my two girls and we all enjoyed it. It was fun to read about Jewish traditions in the early 1900s and what remains the same. And there’s very little that I needed to censor due to times changing. 

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

3.0

Audiobook review. Many years ago, someone gave me this book. A dog chewed the cover and maybe some pages and I never read it. Reading it now, I wonder why someone gave it to me. I really don’t like books like this. This one is very well written, but you have to like suspense and people doing the wrong thing.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

3.0

Audiobook review. I wasn’t really in the mood for the subject of beloved parents dying but Zauner tells the story well. The author narrates well. 

French Braid by Anne Tyler

3.0

Audiobook review. I enjoyed this family tale but it was without much in the way of plot. I kept thinking…is this going to be the twist? What’s the scandal? Are we going to find out what happened? So, it just went along. But, I like dipping into another family for a while. 

The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price

2.0

Audiobook review. This just felt like a book that could have been an article but someone decided to elongate it into a book. Mnemonics and checklists for having fun - I half-listened. 

Day by Michael Cunningham

4.0

Audiobook review. The conceit of this book was fascinating and innovative. The characters were interesting and also ordinary. Just a well-crafted novel. 

People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present by Dara Horn

3.0

Audiobook review. This was an interesting book. There was a lot that I found interesting and/or profound. I don’t think I understood how this was all related to the title and premise, but it was thought-provoking nonetheless.