I love to read. I think I have always loved reading. I have memories of ordering paperback books from a catalogue company available from our grade school. My parents would limit the number of books I could buy, so I would purchase any of the books that came with a bonus or special, two for one, extra book if you bought a series, etc. Not sure that led to the best quality reading, but the quantity was important. I loved Encyclopedia Brown, boy detective. You were able to figure out the crime as you read along, awesome! How many people remember the SRA reading labs. I think I remember enjoying this. The challenge of working through the levels, finishing the tests, moving to the next colour level. I read all the books in the Hardy Boys series (and collected them). I read all the hockey books written by Scott Young, Neil Young's father, an author, and a reporter who wrote 45 books, but it was the ones with titles like, The Boy at the Leafs camp that I was interested in.
As our family grew I loved reading to our children. Lots of dinosaur books, a book on Stanley Park (Sean was born in Vancouver so this was one of his favourites). The Paperbag Princess, an amazing book on female empowerment (girl power!) we read over and over again. As our children grew older they began their own reading routines. We would preorder the latest Harry Potter book, as soon as it was delivered to the house Sean would grab it and read it cover to cover in one day. Once finished Patrick would be next, reading the latest book equally quickly.
Much like my fitness routine (see blog post A Journey to Better Health) my reading declined as our family grew and my career progressed. I often used any free time to keep up to date on emails, business reading, reading for pleasure got squeezed out. Along came my prostate recovery period again. Along with getting me into a more rigorous exercise schedule I now had time to read as I was off work for three months. I started reading (after I had finished binge-watching the first two seasons of 24 on CD, it was just impossible to turn that show off once you started!) I started reading again and the enjoyment I got from reading came rushing back. I committed to devoting time to reading. One of the first things I did was use the extensive time I spent on planes, I travelled a lot in my job to read. Rather than doing emails or watching movies, I would read. I always carried two or three books with me (this was before e-readers). I thoroughly enjoyed this renewed focus on reading.
I am now a very avid reader. I thought I would share a couple of things in this post.
the apps I use to get and track the books I read
a list of the books I have read over the last year, rated. I will update this list monthly with the latest books I have finished and every month will highlight one of my favourite fiction and non-fiction books
First, a couple of things about my reading habits. I like to read off my iPad. I know this is not for everyone and there are those who like to hold the hard copy book in their hands. I love reading off my iPad. I can adjust the font and backlight and best of all I can carry 10-15 books around with me. This was very important when I was travelling for work but I have now got so used to it, for me, it is the only way to go.
Second, I don't buy books. I don't know why anyone would. I have a membership to our local library and then use the Libby and Hoopla apps to borrow all the books I want to read. In addition to allowing you to read for free, these apps get rid of the huge amount of clutter that books create, whether it be physically on your shelves or electronically in your storage. I find Libby a little easier to use and manage the loan process so I usually start there, but if the book I want is not available on Libby I go to Hoopla. It is unusual that a book I want to read is not available on one of these two apps. You borrow the books for 21 days at which time you can renew if no one is waiting or put on hold for renewal. The app tells you how long the wait is for the book if it is not available. As I said I don't know why anyone buys books anymore these apps and your local library provide an amazing service. I also use the Goodreads app. This app tracks the books you read, based on the books you read offers recommendations and their emails offer good information on different categories of books and new books.
I have a very disciplined reading routine. I have two books on the go at all times. The first will be an audiobook that I listen to while exercising. This means 90 minutes of "reading" (listening) to a book per day. I find Hoopla seems to have more audiobooks but Libby does have many also. The second book I read (not listen). I try and get 2-4 hours of reading per day. This will allow me to normally finish the books during the 21 day loan period.
So what follows are books I have read over the last year. As you will see I have a bias for biographies, US history (I have just started reading more Canadian history), US politics, health, drama/suspense. But I love to read any good book, so send me any of your suggestions and favourites, I would love to read them and add them to the list.
If you have questions about any of the books on the list or want suggestions flip me a note, thethirdperiod.ca@gmail.com.
Here is my rating system:
4 or 5 stars - definitely worth reading
3 stars - 50/50
1 or 2 stars - I would pass but who knows you might enjoy it.
I will add a few comments on most of the books but the rating is really what should inform you of whether to read the book or not (and of course your interest in the book). I will also divide the list into Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Non-Fiction
Rage - Bob Woodward - 3 stars - my least favourite Bob Woodward book ever I may have just read too many books about Trump. I found this book shallow and repetitive without the insights and detailed reporting that Woodward is normally known for.
Know My Name - Chanel Miller - 4 stars - Difficult to read through most of the book and disturbing throughout. The book is written by Chanel Miller who was sexually assaulted at a Stanford party by Stanford student Brock Turner. The case became known globally not just because although found guilty Turner was sentenced to an insulting short penalty (the judge was eventually recalled and lost his job), Miller's victim statement went viral after being published. Recognizing I will never truly understand the feelings of a woman in this situation this book gets you as close to the feelings as possible.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents - Isabel Wilkerson - 5 stars - This book was on Barack Obama's 2020 reading list (ok enough of the Obama fan club). The book is excellent and examines how caste versus racism is the root of problems in the US. While comparing the US to India and Nazi Germany the book is disturbing and thought-provoking at the same time. A must-read!
A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success - Maye Musk - 3 stars - I have no idea how this book got on my reading list. I did not know Musk was Elon's mother or that she was on the cover of Covergirl at 69. As I started this book I thought if I did finish it (doubtful for the first few chapters) I was sure I would rate it 1 star (or lower). However, as I read, this is a woman who has two master's degrees and a PhD, is a registered dietician, left a 10-year abusive marriage to raise her 3 children on her own, has lived in 3 countries and started over numerous times. She is still working as a model and a speaker into her 70's!. The book is still only 3 stars which is a 50/50 ready but you might like it.
A Promised Land - Barack Obama - 5 stars - I am a huge Barack Obama fan, love reading about the US Presidency so it was almost a lay down that this book would be rated 5 stars. But it is really good. Obama's writing style is so smooth and easy to read, his insights, balance, reflections, self-deprecating humour all make for a great read and left me wishing he could have stayed for another 4 years (which would have had the added benefit of eliminating the last 4 years of Trump!).
Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World - H.R. McMaster - 4 stars - H.R.McMaster is the former US National Security Advisor in the Trump administration (he was fired by Trump), a retired Lieutenant General in the US Army, a historian and scholar. This not an easy book to read. It is detailed with a lot of historical and current information. There is no skimming when reading this book, it is a grind to read through and finish. However, if you are looking for a thoughtful, reasonable complete view of the world this is a good book to read. Not that I agreed with everything in the book, but lots of information.
Undaunted: My Fight Against America's Enemies, At Home and Abroad - John O. Brennan - 5 stars - I have read lots of books by former white house officials and this is one of the best. Brennan is a career CIA employee who was the Director of the CIA in Obama's second term. This is much better than John Bolton's book that has received much more publicity. Lots of insight into world events over the years with some good Trump commentary thrown in for good measure. Definitely worth reading.
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor - Layla F. Saad - 5 stars - More than a book it is really a workshop that you can complete on your own or in a group. Lots of insights and good structure to force you to look deep in yourself and decide if you want to change
A Warning - by Anonymous - 1 star - Terrible. First, the book is poorly written, with very little real content but filled with arrogant, condescending dribble. Very little insight. Second, the author who was anonymous at the time of publication has the gall to compare himself to Hamilton who wrote anonymously about the constitution. What a joke. The author, we now know is Miles Taylor didn't have the guts to speak up against Trump. He is an enabler of Trump, not a critic. He is an example of the problem even as he delivers his holier than thou garbage through the book.
Mistakes to Run With - Yasuko Thanh - 1 star - I am going to say I did not get this book (if there was something to get). I guess reading about someone's terrible life, on and on and on just doesn't represent a good book to me. I have read lots of books about people having a difficult time, but the good ones have a purpose, learning or message. This had none of that, I would definitely not bother reading this.
All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation - Rebecca Traister - 5 stars - A really good book. Not an anti-marriage book as you might guess from the title. Rather it outlines how women staying single for longer have improved situations for all women, married and unmarried. Really good, worth reading.
Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy - David Frum - 5 stars - Excellent. Although there are lots that I don't agree with David Frum on (he was a speechwriter for George W. Bush) it is fantastic how balanced he is. He compliments and criticizes past presidents both Democrat and Republican. He believes climate change is a real thing (kind of refreshing for a republican) and supports carbon pricing (proven to be the only effective way to reduce carbon). We need more journalists like him. It would be great if he ran for president (which he can't because he is Canadian (Barbara Frum the Canadian journalist's son). His Canadian background may explain why he is more balanced. He offers solutions as well as critiques. Great writer and an excellent book.
Permanent Record - Edward Snowden - 4 stars - For the first two-thirds of the book I was wondering how anyone could take one of the most courageous acts of honesty and integrity and make it into the utterly most boring book I have read in a long time. The last third of the book redeemed the story, but really the book should have been so much better.
How Democracies Die: What History Reveals About Our Future - Steven Levitsky - 5 stars - Fantastic from cover to cover. Without being preachy, condescending or arrogant in any way the author uses his expertise and extensive research to communicate clearly the risk the US democracy is under Trump. He covers the US and non-US historical examples. The book is fantastic. Unfortunately, the threat is real.
The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power - Desmond Cole - 5 stars - Not easy to read and mostly not pleasant, the author does a great job of describing the struggle it is to be black in Canada. It is incredibly frustrating to read how badly black people are being treated in Canada, now, not years ago but right now.
The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment that Changed the World - John Carlos - 4 stars - Most people know the story of Tommy Lee and John Carlos raising their fists at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. This book is about the years leading up to the Olympics and the years after. Lots of information I did not know, worth reading.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Olympics - Daniel James Brown - 5 stars - I am not sure I would have thought I would have enjoyed a book about 9 Americans in the 1930s striving for and eventually competing in the 1936 Olympics in rowing. However, I loved it. A great individual, team story about a sport I don't know much about with the backdrop of Hitler coming to power in Germany and using the Olympics to show German dominance. Great read.
Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man - Mary L. Trump - 2 stars (trending to 1) - Despite saying she wasn't writing the book to be vindictive and negative, the book is vindictive and negative. A lot of complaining about the Trump family and not much new information on Trump. I would pass on this one.
The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir - John Bolton - 3 stars - First thing to say is the publisher should have given Bolton more help with the writing. He is a lousy writer and therefore the book doesn't flow and is difficult to read. Second, the book is a lot of uninteresting policy wonk stuff about Bolton. Not much insight into the Trump presidency (some but not a lot). 50/50 on whether you should read it but if you have other good books on your list I would pass.
We Should All Be Feminists - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - 3 stars - certainly an important subject and some good info but I found the book had too much filler that didn't provide much value or learning and given how short the book is when you take out the filler you are left with only a small amount of good content. Ok but not great.
Me - Elton John - 4 stars - I am a big Elton John fan so totally enjoyed this. He is funny and honest about himself and others. He is a huge rock star and had an amazing life
So You Want to Talk about Race - Ijeoma Oluo - 5 stars - The book definitely gets in your face and can make you feel uncomfortable (especially if you are white). Talks openly and honestly about issues and solutions. I wish I had read the book earlier in my life.
Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - 3 stars - short (40 pages) written as a letter to a friend on how to raise her daughter as a feminist. Light on content but given it takes a little time to read probably worth it
We Should All Be Feminists - Chimamanda Ngozi - 3 stars - short with some (but I don't think enough) good content. Still worth reading and learning
My Vanishing Country - Bakari Sellers - 4 stars - Good, not great. The author is a CNN commentator, definitely has an opinion on everything but does offer some good insight into issues
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism - Robin DiAngelo - 5 stars - Not a book you can skim. You need to read this carefully (and likely reread sections) to get the full context and value. At times it is difficult to accept the points being made (because they are being made about you if you are white!) but important and definitely another book I wish I had read earlier in life.
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto - Michael Polian - 4 stars - I have read a lot of books on food and fitness, (none on diets) this one is definitely in the top third. Like many of these books the beginning is tedious in the beginning while the author establishes his credibility, but in the end worth reading.
Decoded - Jay-Z - 2 stars - I am not a hip-hop fan or a Jay-Z fan. Although parts of the book were interesting, parts about his life, his philosophy, and songs I think you need to be more of a fan to enjoy this book. If you are not I would pass.
The Negro Leagues: Celebrating Baseball's Unsung Heroes - Matt Doeden - 1 star - I love baseball and love reading about baseball so I was totally disappointed in this book. A very very simple book, to the point where I am not sure you can call it a book, more like a simple paper. Disappointed. Definitely much better books to read on baseball.
Untamed - Glennon Doyle - 5 stars - I think this will likely be the most important book I read this year. I found it thought-provoking, challenging, and a great read. Although I certainly don't agree on everything the author wrote, she forces you through her stories to think about your position on issues and situations. For sure a future book of the month, but even without that, I recommend you read it!
The End is Always Near: Apocalyptic Months, from the Bronze Age Collapse to Nuclear Near Misses - Can Carlin - zero stars - totally crap. Incoherent, disconnected, a total waste of time (I ended up skimming the book). A definite pass.
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City - Matthew Desmond - 5 stars - Very difficult to read at times as you realize how the system works against poor people, particularly poor people of color. The book follows 8 different individuals in Milwaukee as they try to find safe affordable housing. It is terrifying to read how vulnerable people are and the level of systemic racism and discrimination they face. A very very eye-opening book.
I Am Not Your Slave: A Memoir - Tupa Tjipombo - 5 stars - Very very difficult to read as the subject matter and the content is not pleasant. However, the book is incredibly well written and tells the story of how a young woman is kidnapped and placed into slavery.
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World - William H. McRaven - 3 stars - overly simple but with a few (only a few) good messages.
Howard Stern Comes Again - Howard Stern - 1 star - not sure how this got on my list. I have never listed to Howard Stern and am certainly not a fan. I liked the book less and less as I read it. A definite pass.
The Passage of Power (The Years of Lyndon Johnson, #4) - Robert A Caro - 4 stars - I will say upfront you have to be a US political and history junkie (which I am) to enjoy this book. It is 1400 pages, an absolute grind to read that covers approximately 6 months as John F. Kennedy is assassinated and Lyndon Johnson becomes president. Incredibly detailed but fascinating as the author describes day by day as LBJ becomes president. If you are a junkie like me you will love it.
Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth - Rachel Maddow - 3 stars - not as good as Drift the first book I read by Rachel Maddow, at times I felt like this book was a collection of short stories about the oil industry and I found the chapters disconnected and random. The second half of the book is better, better connected with some recommendations for change. Worth reading despite the 3-star rating
I Heard My Country Calling: A Memoir - James Webb - 5 stars - James Webb has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I find his writing style almost poetic, definitely easy to read, and very very interesting. This the story of his life intermixed with great insights into America.
13 Days in Ferguson - Ronald Johnson - 4 stars - I thought given what is happening across the globe as a result of the murder of George Floyd I would read this to remind myself of what had happened so recently in Ferguson. My conclusion would be that not much has been learned, cities and police are making the same mistakes after George Floyd's death as were made in Ferguson and around the US at the time. The author, the state trooper that took over responsibility in Ferguson definitely changed the approach to security but I am left with the impression he could have done so much more, raised his voice louder, called out for more change. Having said that, definitely worth reading
Changing My Mind: A Memoir - Margaret Trudeau - 4 stars - Difficult in the beginning but by the end, I thought this was a really good book. You have to remember that Margaret Trudeau has suffered from a severe, largely untreated mental illness for her whole adult life. Difficult to read at times, the book provides real insight into someone suffering from bipolar disorder along with lots of detail about her life with Pierre.
Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives - Daniel Levitin - 1 star - very disappointing. I was hoping this would be an interesting and learning read on aging. It wasn't. The author spends most of the book proving how smart he is and offers very little in the way of recommendations or changes. I would pass on this.
Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau: 1968-2000 - John English - 4 stars - This is the second volume by John English on Pierre Trudeau. The first, Citizen of the World I read years ago. This book begins as Trudeau wins the Liberal leadership and becomes Prime Minister in 1968. A great book about one of Canada's most impactful Prime Ministers.
John A. The Man Who Made Us (the Life and Times of Sir John A. MacDonald #1) - Richard Gwyn - 4 stars - as one reviewer on Goodreads noted an action movie is never going to be made about Sir John A's life. Despite that, I enjoyed the book and certainly learned about Canadian history. I have volume two on my list but I am taking a bit of a break before I tackle it.
Seabiscuit: An American Legend - Laura Hillenbrand - 5 stars - I know nothing about horse racing and never follow it but totally enjoyed this book. Great insight into the characters around the horse and I particularly found the information about the (horrible) life of a jockey fascinating.
Grant - Jean Edward Smith - 4 stars - very very long and a lot of detail on the Civil War. Despite that, I enjoyed this book and it is fascinating to read the story of this man and how he rises to the highest rank in the Union Army and then on to President. Definitely worth reading.
Quench: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through the New Science of Optimum Hydration - Dana Cohen, Gina Bria - 4 stars - I think there are other more important things to put your most intense focus on to improve your health but clearly hydration is important and this book gives many helpful tips and techniques to improve your hydration.
Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul - Howard Schultz - 4 stars - the interesting story of how the founder and CEO returned to manage the company back to success
Twelve Years a Slave - Solomon Northup - 5 stars - one of the best books I have read!
The Majors - John Feinstein - 5 stars - one of my all-time favourite books. Really good if you are a golfer, good even if you are not. Also makes a great gift for the golfers in your life (if you are buying books)
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life - Walter Isaacson - 5 stars - love biographies and love Walter Isaacson
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream - Barack Obama - 5 stars - love Barack Obama
Memoirs: 1939 - 1993 - Brian Mulroney - zero stars - total trash. I rarely do not finish a book but this was so bad I quit halfway through
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE - Phil Knight - 5 stars - totally enjoyed learning more about this company we all know but really don't
Obama's Wars - Bob Woodward - 5 stars - love Bob Woodward, love reading about Obama, what could go wrong?
Bossypants - Tina Fey - 5 stars - totally enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook which Tina Fey reads and I think this adds even more to the enjoyment of the book
Steve Jobs - Walter Isaacson - 5 stars - more by Walter Isaacson who I enjoy. I am an Apple fan so I totally enjoyed this.
The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods - Hank Haney - 5 stars - love a good golf book. I found this book less "gossipy" than others about Tiger
Radium Girls - Amanda Gowin - 3 stars - when I borrowed this book I thought it was something different. It is an amazing story of how terribly women were treated that held jobs in watch factories "painting" dials on watches with radium. Probably a story you don't know about and worth reading. The 3 star rating is because I found the book too long but I think it is worth reading.
The Wright Brothers - David McCullough - 5 stars - great story about two brothers pursuing flight
Sisters In Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World - Linda R. Hirshman - 5 stars - love RBG and this is a great book describing what these two women had to get through to get to the Supreme Court and what they did once they got there
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg -Irin Carmon - 5 stars - love RBG, read the book, saw the movie, loved both
Between the World and Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates - 2 stars - found this slow and not very interesting
The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector's Story - Hyeonseo Lee - 4 stars - a good book with a lot of info on a society we don't know much about
Nevertheless - Alec Baldwin - 4 stars - I have never been an Alec Baldwin fan but totally enjoyed this book. Listened to the audiobook and Alec Baldwin reads which definitely adds to the enjoyment of the book
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance - Barak Obama - 5 stars - see above, love Obama so loved the book
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis - J.D Vance - 5 stars - an awesome book about subject and culture I knew nothing about
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life - Mark Manson - 5 stars - the opposite of the title, this book is about caring, just picking what you care about. A great book that I wish I had read earlier in life.
What Happened - Hillary Rodham Clinton - 1 star - Sean told me not to read it, I knew I should not read it, read it (barely), hated it, trash
World Without Mind: The Existential Threat of Big Tech - Franklin Foer - 3 stars - just ok, I would probably pass on this one
Hidden Figures - Margot Lee Shetterly - 5 stars - read the book, saw the movie, loved both. Incredible what these women had to put up with and were soooo successful despite all of it.
Leonardo da Vinci - Walter Isaacson - 5 stars - love Walter Isaacson. Great balance of information about the history of the time and the individual
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World - and Why Things Are Better Than You Think - Hans Rosling - 5 stars - great thought-provoking book
The Last Black Unicorn - Tiffany Haddish - 5 stars - I learned from reading this book
The Autobiography of Malcolm X - by Malcolm X - 3 stars - tough slugging to read through this but lots of information
Becoming - Michelle Obama - 5 stars - Love Barak Obama, love Michelle Obama, saw the movie on Netflix, read the book, both great
The Fifth Risk - Michael Lewis - 5 stars - a very scary book that goes much deeper about the threat to all of us with Trump as President. Definitely worth reading
90 Seconds to a Life you Love: How to Master Your Difficult Feelings to Cultivate Lasting Confidence, Resilience, and Authenticity - Joan I. Rosenberg - 1 star - I don't know what caused me to borrow this book but definitely should have passed, trash.
The Moment of Lift -: How Empowering Women Changes the World - Melinda Gates - 5 stars - I wasn't sure I would enjoy this. I loved it. Great to see that things are changing (slowly).
Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency - Bill O'Reilly - 2 stars - I am almost embarrassed to have this on my list. Bill O'Reilly, really? I would pass on this (and I love reading about Reagan)
Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe - Roger McNamee - 5 stars - an intimate, close up, and honest look at Facebook by one of the original business advisors. Scary how corrupt and out of control this company is.
Mindfulness for Beginners - Jon Kabat-Zinn - 3 stars - this was one of a series of books I read as I explored meditation (which I am still exploring and determined to get started). Jon Kabat-Zinn reads the book (I listened to the audiobook). He writes and sounds like a spaced-out hippie (he probably is). Despite all that good information to get started on mindfulness meditation if you think you are interested.
Seige: Trump Under Fire - Michael Wolff - 1 star - If you have ever seen or listened to Michael Wolff you know he has no credibility. This is his second book on Trump and is trash
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams - Matthew Walker - 3 stars - if you already know sleep is important (it is!) you can probably skip this. If you think you can live on 4 hours sleep (you can't), read this book and learn
Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It - Gary Taubes - 5 stars - packed with tons of great information in an easy to read format. Definitely worth reading
How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease - Michael Greger, Gene Stone - 5 stars - one of the two key books that I think are a must-read if you want to find out how to get on track for better health (the other is Younger Next Year). Read more in my Journey to Health blog
The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss - Jason Fung - 3 stars - some good ideas but twice as long as it needs to be
White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America - Nancy Isenberg - 4 stars - interesting and thought-provoking, a little long, but good
Falling Awake: How to Practice Mindfulness in Everyday Life - Jon Kabat-Zin - 1 star - more from the hippy writer Jon Kabat-Zinn. This is the third book I read by him and the last. You can skip this one, I found the writing condescending and tedious.
Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-to Book - Dan Harris 4 stars - more for my meditation journey. A good book if you are interested in the subject
10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works - Dan Harris - 5 stars - keep that meditation journey going, great book
Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us - Michael Moss - 3 stars - not about personal health but rather about the terrible behaviour of food companies and how they have deliberately set out to ruin consumers' diets.
Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health - William Davis - 2 Stars - I would pass
The Year Of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy In a Store - Cait Flanders - 3 stars - Not as much about minimalism as I hoped (or wanted) more about her life and personal issues
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness - Susannah Cahalan - 5 stars - Excellent, well written and soooo scary as you follow the author search for the incredibly fast deterioration of her health
Shortest Way Home: One Mayor's Challenge and a Model for America's Future - Pete Buttigieg - 5 stars - one of my favourite candidates for the Democratic nomination (why do Americans have to keep voting for old white guys?). Thoughtful, well written and interesting
Seriously ... I'm Kidding - Ellen DeGeneres - zero stars - awful, trash, useless, not funny, I did not finish it (one of only two books in the last year that were so bad I did not finish)
Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For - Susan Rice - 4 stars - Good, another book by the Obama team. Lots of interesting info about the roles that Susan Rice took on during the Obama administration. I found the writing preachy and condescending at times.
The World As It Is: Inside the Obama Whitehouse - Ben Rodes - 3 stars - I really wanted to like this book as I love reading about Whitehouse administrations particularly the Obama one. However, I found Rhodes whiney and you would think the only people that did anything for two years were him and Obama. He also completely deflects responsibility for the Russian hacking of the 2016 election.
The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age - Steven Gundry - 3 stars - Not great. I found the writing childish at times and most of the book seemed written to prove how smart he is. When he finally gets to ideas and actions there is some good material
Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World - Anand Giridharadas - 5 stars - Excellent, well written, great thought-provoking book. Essentially the argument is that letting rich people donate their money for the benefit of others is really not the way to get a fair and balanced society (as in the end rich people still control it). Rather give people a living wage and allow them to live without charity.
Sorry I 'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: An Introvert's Year of Living Dangerously - Jessica Pan - 4 stars - Worth reading. Although I could not relate to many of the situations it is a thought-provoking book about how to get out of your comfort zone.
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Could Cure the World - Tracy Kidder - 4 stars - an incredible story that you probably don't know about Paul Farmer and Public Health doctor and the global organization he founded, Partners in Health.
Man of the World: The Further Endeavors of Bill Clinton - Joe Conason - 4 stars - the story of Bill Clinton after his presidency ends. Lots of interesting things about the impact Clinton has had. Only spoiled by the fact that the author seems to worship Clinton so the book is unbalanced
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive - Stephanie Land - 5 stars - Although difficult to read at times because of the horrendous circumstances the author is in, it is well written and you feel the author's pain and anxiety. Definitely an argument for a living wage (which we see more and more during this time of COVID-19)
The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir - Samantha Powers - 5 stars - Another book by a member of Obama's team. This is one of the best. Insightful and interesting. The author gets full marks for providing insights that are often not flattering to herself.
America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't - Stephen Colbert - 1 star - I think I get satirical humor but I just found this stupid and useless
Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators - Ronan Farrow - 4 stars - Incredible story of the exposure of Harvey Weinstein. Scary how the powerful protect each other and allow their friends to get away with anything
Eisenhower in War And Peace - Jean Edward Smith - 5 stars - You have to be into American history but if you are you will really enjoy this book.
Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Success - Michael D'Antonio - 4 stars - if you want more information that Trump's behavior has been consistent throughout his whole life, Americans should have known what they were getting and he should never have become president, read this.
Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides's Trap - Graham Allison - 5 stars - Excellent and thought-provoking. One of the best non-fiction books I have read. Fascinating to read about the threats to the world as China surpasses the US as the dominating global power.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption - Laura Hillenbrand - 4 stars - probably too long but still an amazing story and fascinating information regarding World War II
Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power - Rachel Maddow - 5 stars - well written and researched. War in American treated with the respect it deserves but with cutting humour that makes the book interesting to read. It is sad to see the waste of human lives and money the US has allowed itself to get into through senseless actions
Fiction
Mrs. Everthing - Jennifer Weiner - 4 stars - this book started really slowly and I almost gave up on it. I was glad I kept going as it ended up being a really good book. A story about the lives (from young to old) of two sisters and their families. I really enjoyed the book. It is also one of Teresa's favourites so it has the double endorsement.
One by One - Ruth Ware - 5 stars - Excellent, fun, entertaining. You will definitely want to keep reading to find out what is next. Lots of twists and turns, easy to read.
The Guest List - Lucy Foley - 5 stars - Another fun book to read with lots of twists and turns, surprising connections (keep track of the characters). You will want to keep reading to find out what happens, easy to read.
All the Devils are Here (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #16) - Louise Penny - 5 stars - Excellent. Great book. First time I have read this author but I will read more. Penny is a Canadian author and although the book is set in Paris, many of the characters are Canadian and definitely have a Canadian connection. Fun to read.
White Ivy - Susie Yany - zero stars - I rarely don't finish books but I quit on this. Total trash, avoid!
Stranger in the Lake - Kimberly Belle - 3 stars - Half romance novel, half suspense, unfortunately, the suspense is not good enough to make up for the crappy romance. 50/50 whether to read or not.
The Cold Dish - Craig Johnson - 4 stars - Good, not great, but an easy enjoyable read. Has humour, intrigue and suspense. If you are looking for an easy, enjoyable read, this might fit.
Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn - 5 stars - if you like suspense novels with (very) flawed people as the main characters you will love this. Easy to read and enjoyable (if you enjoy murder suspense)
Turn of the Key - Ruth Ware - 5 stars - another suspense with lots of twists and easy to read. Fun.
People of the Book - Geraldine Brooks - 4 stars - A very interesting novel that traces the historical past of an ancient Haggadah, one of the oldest surviving Jewish illuminated texts. The story flips from the present which is a suspense story to all the people that came into contact with the book throughout history, all of which has its own suspense. Definitely worth reading.
The Woman in Cabin 10 - Ruth Ware - 3 stars - I thought this book was going to be really good. I was thoroughly enjoying reading it, easy to read but with good suspense and some twists. And then as if the author ran out of time or paper to write on the book just ends in a very disappointing fashion. Could have and should have been 4 or 5 stars but ended up as 3.
Someone We Know - Shari Lapena - 3 stars - Kind of cheesy and unbelievable but light and fun to read
Three Days Missing - Kimberly Bell - 5 stars - Interesting reading, lots of suspense and twists, easy to read
In Five Years - Rebecca Serle - 5 stars - Not sure how this book got on my reading list as I am pretty sure the book fits into the romance genre and romance novels don't make up a lot (any!) of my reading. Having said all that I enjoyed this book, and it is a nice break after reading a book like the Passage of Power, which is a total grind. Definitely worth a read.
The Woman in the Window - A. J. Finn - 5 stars - if you like suspense/psychological thrillers you will enjoy this. Definitely worth reading.
The Glass Hotel - Emily St. John-Mandel - 3 stars - second book I have read by this Canadian author, both rated 3 stars which means 50/50 in terms of enjoyment. Found this disjointed and random, maybe I did not get the deep storyline or meaning (although I felt I had some understanding by the end)
Fires of London - Janice Law - 4 stars - a recommendation from an online service of our local library this is not a book I likely would have chosen on my own. I thoroughly enjoyed it (which only goes to prove we should all be open-minded). A murder/mystery about a gay man in a gay community in London, England during WWII. Fun to read.
Fields of Fire - James Webb- 5 stars - I have read a lot about the Vietnam war and watched a number of documentaries and movies. This is the best book I have read on the subject. James Webb is almost poetic in his writing. Very moving and difficult to read it really gives you a sense of what it was like in the midst of the war. For sure a future book of the month, I am now reading James Webb's memoir.
Station Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel - 3 stars - another library recommendation. I did not realize when I started this book it is about a global pandemic and given what is going on in the world now the book can be quite disturbing. I am not normally into reading dystopian stories but this was interesting and despite the 3 star rating, if you have time I would read it.
The Hunt Club - John Lescroart - 4 stars - drags but is a good read
The People vs. Alex Cross - James Patterson - 5 stars - I am not a big James Patterson reader but I enjoy the Alex Cross books. They are easy to read after I have finished a heavy, long non-fiction.
A Small Indiscretion - Jan Ellison - 3 stars - not great, found it dragged at times but a fun twist at the end
The Widow - Fiona Barton - 3 stars - ok but the Suspect by the same author is better
The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas - 5 stars - well written and a very intimate view of a community I could learn more about
Origin - Dan Brown - 3 stars - after the DaVinci Code I found Dan Brown's books less and less imaginative and interesting
The Late Show - Michael Connelly - 5 stars - not a big reader of Michael Connelly but this book is fun, easy to read and has some fun twists and turns
Texas Ranger: One shot to clear his name - James Patterson - 1 star - trash, reads like a soap opera
Full Disclosure - Beverley McLachlin - 5 stars - written by the former Canadian Supreme Court justice a great book, never drags, fun and entertaining
The Child - Fiona Barton - 3 stars - I would probably pass on this
Hippie - Paul Coelho - 5 stars - enjoyed it
Never Tell - Lisa Gardiner - 5 stars - if you like easy to read detective stories you will enjoy this
The First Billion - Christopher Reich - 3 stars - easy to read with some suspense, good not great
The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho - 5 stars - I feel I was also late reading this book but totally enjoyed it, though-provoking, easy to read. Read it in one sitting.
The Suspect - Fiona Barton - 4 stars - good story, well written and tells the story from the key players' point of view
The Huntress - Kate Quinn - 5 stars - really good, totally enjoyed it. Teresa also enjoyed it so double endorsement!
Alone - Lisa Gardiner - 4 stars - another easy to read detective novel with a few twists
The Intern's Handbook - Shane Kuhn - 3 stars - kind of a silly premise but some good action and a good twist at the end
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - 5 stars - one of the best books I read in the past year. Well written story intermingled with great information on the history of Afganistan along with what life in Afganistan is like
Moon of the Crusted Snow - Waubeshig Rice - 5 stars - also one of the best books I have read this year. Well written and interesting. Great insight into the Canadian indigenous way of life. A little tedious at times but well worth reading.
Red at the Bone - Jacqueline Woodson - 4 stars - did not really enjoy the style of writing but a deep story with interesting connections between all the characters.
Dear Wife - Kimberley Belle - 4 stars - Fun to read, good style flipping between the three main characters
The Flight Girls - Noelle Salazar - 1 star - Not worth reading. I should have quit before I was finished. I was hoping for an interesting historical fiction (which is what the book description was) and what I got was a trashy romance novel (or what I think is a trashy romance novel as I haven't actually read one)
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini - 5 stars - Same author as Kite Runner, same result, one of the best books I have read. Again amazing insight into Afganistan life, culture, and history.
The Marriage Lie - Kimberly Belle - 5 stars - Excellent. Lots of mystery, twists, and turns.
The Asset - Shane Kuhn - 1 star - Total Crap
The Couple Next Door - Shari Lapena - 5 stars - Fun and easy to read (2 days). Good pace and some great twists and turns
One for the Money - Janet Evanovich - 3 stars - good but not great. Certainly not a thrilling page-turner.
Sea Prayer - Khaled Hosseini - 5 stars - 10-15 minutes to read this is really a children's picture book parents could read to their children. But as you know by now I love Khaled Hosseini so it gets 5 stars.
The Girl on the Train - Paul Hawkins - 5 stars - excellent. Great mystery releasing just enough information to keep you turning the pages. Really enjoyed it
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood - 5 stars - you probably don't need my review and rating for this Canadian classic. I was very very late to the party reading this book but thoroughly enjoyed it
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