Steven Petrow and I know each other since were were in 2nd grade. We lived in the same neighborhood and our fathers coincidentally went to college together. I have a signed copy of "Stupid Things..." but had not read it yet so I read it this month. The library also had it on display very recently. Steven is an LGBTQ+ author who also wrote "The Complete Guide to Gay and Lesbian Manners." I'm actually cited in the book. The book was different than I thought it would be. I expected it to be more comedic but it was more serious, or maybe I felt it was having known his parents. He writes about them a lot in the book. It's definitely worth the read.

I liked the book beginning to end - it's simple - I liked it!!!!

This was a complex read for me. Chosen by my book club, and I am in the end, so glad they did. I initially had a hard time adjusting to the language, and the pattern of writing. This for me require a slow contemplative read. I developed a deep respect for the author. Taught me much about the times, especially the plight of women. Behind this complicated soap opera are themes around issues of second chances, class issues, social mores, cultural aspects of the time, and integrity. I can’t say I loved it but I can say, it was a remarkable novel, and I am glad I read it. I am also glad I did not live during that time.

For me this is the perfect summer read. It has the backdrop of the lake in Canada and the cabin, it is a light, easy fun read and it is a romance. The characters were fun and easy to connect with.

The beginning of the book was warm and informative; Ina was totally relatable. The middle of the book was interesting-learning about her foray into the food business; the failures and successes and lessons learned. At the end, I didn't want to read about her apartment in France and the interior decoration. Advice would have been good; bragging/name -dropping was a turn off. Although overall, the book was engaging, an editor should have removed many of the exclamation points!

Carl Hiaasen is on of my favorite writers. His books aquirky a

The best part of Johnny Careless by Kevin Wade were the acknowledgements. There was very little I liked about this novel. I didn't care about any of the characters - they were one dimensional - there was no character growth - they just moved along at a snails pace just like the plot.

Interesting book about a southern women who helps save the life of a Northern soldier during the Civil War

Vera Wong lives above her teashop in San Francisco's Chinatown. One morning she wakes up to find a dead body in the shop. She decides to figure out who did it. It's cute and funny, especially listening to the audiobook.

Wild Dark Shore is a climate fiction novel that intertwines the themes of climate change with personal and emotional journeys. It is a very “heavy” novel with both environmental issues, and emotional issues. Lots of triggers in this one. It is set on remote completely isolated frozen, Shearwater Island. The Island was set up, with labs and homes, (in addition to the lighthouse that serves as home to the Salt family) to save seeds so that in case of a catastrophe they can be planted to provide food to the world. The Island is being overtaken by the ocean, the facility is decaying and no longer viable. The scientists have all left. Only the Salt family, dad and three children remain on the Island to pack these seeds to relocate them. The story explores the dynamics of the family left on the Island and Rowan, a mysterious woman who washes up on the shores. The novel explores ethical actions in the face of climate change. It also explores themes of life, death, grief, love, suicide, sacrifice and mental illness. Wild Dark Shore examines the interconnectedness of life and death, hoping, I think, to encourage readers to consider the moral responsibilities humans have towards the environment and each other.