Penny Thoughtful: All Things Books and Running

Alan Gratz’ latest novel is interesting but, in my opinion, stretches the suspension of disbelief, just a little bit too far. I do highly appreciate the way that grants used the setting of the 1936 Olympics in Berlin to address many issues happening in the current day. The situation/background of the main character was what…

Once again, the long time between reading the first book in the series and the sequel had a negative impact on my experience with the book. I will say, however, that I did remember quite a lot from the first book. I just lacked a more immediate connection to the characters and the ongoing plot.…

I entered this book with hesitation having really not enjoyed the main series by Brandon Moll, where the main characters of the spinoff series, Newel and Doren first originate. However, I think that the much shorter length of the book, as well as the more reasonable focus of the plot, make this book and potentially…

Sometimes books that explore multiple different perspective and never return to any of those perspectives work. This one did not. The authors did not spend enough time with any of the individual characters to develop any engagement between the readers and the characters. Instead, they moved from character to character, from situation to situation, without…

 I had some hesitation when I put this on my TBR because Kate Quinn is primarily a historical fiction author. This is her debut fantasy. However, she is an incredibly popular author, so I know that this book is likely to make the Goodreads Choice Awards list at the end of the year so I…

Before starting to read this book, I had a much different idea of what the book contained. I thought that it formed a much more traditional memoir. However, this book actually is a collection of pieces written by or transcriptions of speeches given by Ruth Bader Ginsburg – and a couple by her husband –…

So…I read quite a few books this month, more books in a month than I have ever read before.I was already behind on writing reviews. This didn’t help.

This TBR has less books than last month, I promise. (Just take a look at my wrap up for March to come. I don’t think I will ever read that many books in a month again. 26 in 26 Buzzwordathon + HRCYED New Release Fully Booked Reading Challenge Reading Rainbow + Cover Challenge Nonfiction Book…

I loved this book so much! When I first put in a rating, I put in 4.75 hesitantly because even though I could not find anything wrong with the book, I also did not feel 5 star magic. Upon reflection though, I bumped it all the way up. I need to stop being stingy with…

I absolutely have to purchase a physical “trophy” copy of this masterful work. Mathias chronicles the work of various anti-fascist groups working against the rise of fascism in the United States with a through line of one particular civilian undercover operative whose real name is never revealed for his safety. Mathias brilliantly balances historical accuracy…