The Woman in the Window

"A freak to the neighbors. A joke to the cops. A special case to her doctor. A pity case to her physical therapist. A shut-in. No hero. No sleuth." ~ pg. 236

Dr. Anna Fox is locked in her home due to agoraphobia and thus locked out of the world beyond her front door. A tragedy leaves her afraid to venture outdoors. Her safety net is now her home. Her routine includes socializing online in a support group, watching old thriller movies and spying on neighbors through the window.

But one day, Dr. Anna Fox witnesses a possible killing at the neighbor's house across the park. But no one believes her! Did she hallucinate as a side effect of mixing medication with wine? Is she being framed? What is real?!

"I'm falling through my own mind." ~ pg. 209

Stephen King calls The Woman in the Window "one of those rare books that really is unputdownable." Gillian Flynn says, "Finn has created a noir for the new millennium." Two notable authors with an opinion I cannot agree more with. From the point of page one to the very last page at 427, I was deep into this story wondering what could possibly come next. So many twists. Tons of turns. Lots of questionable characters and brilliant writing. I love a book where nothing is as it seems. I see why this new book is published in 36 languages and already in development for the big screen. Well done, A.J. Finn!

It may be early in the year, but I am already claiming The Woman in the Window as a Top Book of 2018. So glad I was nosy enough to notice a stranger reading it at the public library and borrowed a copy for myself!

Title: The Woman in the Window
Author: A.J. Finn
Published: January 2018
Pages: 427
Edition: Hardcover
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book That Was Being Read by a Stranger in a Public Place
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

 

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body

Bestselling author Roxane Gay blesses us with an honest memoir of her body, self-image, food and hunger. It is so relatable, so transparent and so...me. I thank Roxane Gay for being so transparent and willing to share her story. It took guts (pun intended) to be vulnerable in black and white ink. This is definitely a memoir that I will re-read as needed. Hence why I named it one of the best books read in 2017.

Usually I share at least two (2) quotes in a book review but my favorite passages in Hunger are too personal. It is best that readers go into this book with a clean slate having read no excerpts. However, I am inspired to write a couple blogmoir posts fairly soon about my own relationship with food.

LISSEN I rarely buy new releases in hardcover format now. But I used my hard-earned coins to buy the autographed edition of Hunger immediately upon its release. It was worth every copper penny, shiny dime and crisp dollar. The greatest gift I can give my bookhearts on this Valentine's Day is a recommendation to read Roxane Gay's memoir of her body: Hunger.

Title: Hunger
Author: Roxane Gay
Published: June 2017
Pages: 306
Edition: Autographed Hardcover
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

 

The Spiritual Poems of RUMI

"you've never really listened 
to what God has always
tried to tell you
yet you keep hoping
after your mock prayers
salvation will arrive" ~ pg. 45

Jalaloodin Mohammed Balkhi Rumi was born in 1207, in present-day Afghanistan. His family fled to what is now a major Turkish city. He studied languages, science, logic and Islamic philosophy. It was love and heartbreak that turned Rumi to poetry. And here we are centuries later, thanks to translator Nader Khalili, being wowed by his verses.

"body exists because of me
not the other way around" ~ pg. 14

This collection of poems is separated in three (3) sections:

1. Pearls from the Deep: poems not previously published
2. Fountain of Fire: poems chosen from the translator's books
3. Dancing the Flame: poems chosen from the translator's books

Some of the poems, and almost a whole section, went over my head far as comprehension. I guess I'm not deep or spiritual enough. But I did understand the main message: people can find bliss and freedom through pure love. Across all religions, love is respected. Life is not to be wasted with sorrow or laziness. And this proves why Rumi remains a mystic poet capturing many religions.

The Spiritual Poems of RUMI is a great introduction for readers new to Rumi while also giving fans a fresh collection to marvel over. One of the best features is the artwork and design on opposite pages of the poems. I must say it is a relaxing, enlightening read.

Happy Pub Day! The Spiritual Poems of RUMI is now available.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: The Spiritual Poems of RUMI
Author: Jalaloddin Mohammed Balkhi Rumi
Translated by: Nader Khalili
Published: February 2018
Pages: 131
Edition: Galley
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book That's Published in 2018
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

 

Series Sunday: South Seas Shenanigans

"Let's go take care of that woman Georgia style." ~ 4%

My Series Sunday pick is South Seas Shenanigans, the sixth book in the Logan Dickerson series by Abby L. Vandiver. Archeologist Logan Dickerson, VooDoo Herbalist Sleuth Miss Vivee and her new husband are back. The trio never fail to run into a dead body. It is amazing how two 90-year-olds are so sharp to identify rarely heard causes of death. Being in Fiji for a dig and honeymoon is no exception. Murder follows them everywhere!

"Especially since death followed them like thunder followed lightening [sic]. Or should I say, murder." ~ 65%

Abby, I love keeping up with you and for introducing readers to unique characters of color. We need more fictional positive women. However, it is difficult to finish a book when discovering 40+ errors in less than 125 pages that could have been avoided with skilled editing. My professional copyediting offer still stands if interested.

The best part of South Seas Shenanigans is the title. Catchy and oh-so-perfect with the storyline and colorful book cover. Pristine turquoise water. Inviting island hut. Bookhearts, if you are into cozy mysteries and can overlook typos or grammatical errors, then read this latest installment of the Logan Dickerson series. Unfortunately, much as I like the main characters, I cannot continue to spend money or time on poorly edited published work. It seems to get worse by the book—not better. So bookhearts, reading this series was fun while it lasted.

Title: South Seas Shenanigans

Author: Abby L. Vandiver

Published: April 2017

Pages: 123

Edition: eBook

Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 

First Lines Friday

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Grab your current read(s).
• Share the first line(s).
• Include the title and author.

"Jalaloddin Mohammed Balkhi Rumi was born in 1207, in the city of Balkh, which is in present-day Afghanistan."

~ The Spiritual Poems of Rumi by Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi (Translated by Nader Khalili)

Series Sunday: Garden Gazebo Gallivant

(Logan Dickerson #5) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Read an installment of a series.
• Share your review/recommendation below.
• Include the title, author and series name.

"Not very original, huh?" ~ 44%

My Series Sunday pick is Garden Gazebo Gallivant, the fifth book in the Logan Dickerson series by Abby L. Vandiver. Archeologist Logan Dickerson and VooDoo Herbalist Sleuth Miss Vivee are back already with yet another cozy mystery to solve.

Tis the season for a wedding! Logan is busy with wedding prep but a monkey wrench delays plans. A dead body has been found at the gazebo. Miss Vivee, Logan's mom and brother help Logan find whodunit before it is time to say, "I do."

What a good short mystery and surprise ending that I did not see coming. Yet again, Abby, contact me for your copyediting needs. I really want to finish this series out on a good note and not be distracted by all the errors. This would be an easy 5-heart rating otherwise.

Title: Garden Gazebo Gallivant

Author: Abby L. Vandiver

Published: October 2016

Pages: 132

Edition: eBook

Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

First Lines Friday

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Grab your current read(s).
• Share the first line(s).
• Include the title and author.

"My mother was a cup of sugar. You could borrow her anytime."

~ Gun Love by Jennifer Clement