Stargazer

Taylor Jenkins Reid: Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel
This book is written in interview style which can get tedious in spots. However, I found it an interesting glimpse into the '70s world of rock bands. It's loosely based on Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks which makes me want to do more research on their history! (****)

Graeme Simsion: The Rosie Result (Don Tillman Book 3)
Still funny, with a lot of fascinating discussion woven in about autism and how to deal with it. Although it isn't my favorite in the series, it's a solid 3 1/2 stars. (****)

Spencer Quinn: Heart of Barkness (A Chet & Bernie Mystery)
At first I didn't think this addition would measure up to the usual Chet and Bernie mysteries, which I adore for their warmth and humor. However, it did grow on me, as did the characters and the plot. (****)

Rebecca Makkai: The Great Believers
This is a book that's difficult to get out of my mind: beautifully written, with sensitively drawn characters and a story which at times broke my heart. It paints a stark, and powerful portrait of the 1980s AIDS epidemic from within that world. 4 1/2 stars. (****)

The Body in the Castle Well: Bruno, Chief of Police 12
This addition to the series is back to the winning formula of Bruno dealing with crime in his small village, instead of dealing with terrorism. As always I enjoy the elaborate cooking rituals, and the warmth and quirkiness of the characters. (****)

Anne Hillerman: The Tale Teller: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel
Anne Hillerman is no Tony Hillerman, although I still enjoy the characters and cultural aspect. However, her writing doesn't have the beauty of her father's, sadly. (***)

Madeline Miller: CIRCE
I don't remember the last time I gave a 5 star rating. This mix of mythology, adventure, history, cunning, joy and sorrow was woven together with excellent writing and a beautiful ending. It was exactly what I needed to read after a series of (to me) disappointing books. (*****)

Leah Franqui: America for Beginners: A Novel
My main complaint here was the shoddy writing, but I also didn't bond with the characters and found the plot less than compelling. (***)

John Sandford: Neon Prey (A Prey Novel Book 29)
This was a mediocre showing in the Prey series. I didn't like the characters or the story. (***)

Michelle Obama: Becoming
I enjoyed reading her stories, and hearing her wisdom. After reading the book, I admired her even more for her grace and intelligence. (****)

Tommy Orange: There There: A novel
4 stars, perhaps even 5 for some of the writing. I'm still thinking about this book, which is both a good/bad sign. I'm not sure whether to recommend it to people. It broke my heart, but also lifted it up. (****)

Ian Rankin: In a House of Lies (A Rebus Novel)
3 1/2 stars for this addition to the Rebus series. Although I've loved his prior books, the series, as well as the detective, needs to retire. (****)

Louise Penny: Kingdom of the Blind: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
A solid read from Penny with her usual cast of quirky and endearing characters. The mystery was quite convoluted, but that's typical of her. :) (****)

Delia Owens: Where the Crawdads Sing
An excellent book, but marred (in my opinion) by very unrealistic scenarios and an ending that was no surprise to anyone who reads mysteries. (****)

Jonathan Kellerman: The Wedding Guest: An Alex Delaware Novel
The Dr. Alex Delaware series is an easy, and usually entertaining read. This one had a thought-provoking plot, and some interesting characters, so I give it 3 1/2 stars. (***)