Are blogs worthwhile?
Of late, I’d been musing about the value of blogs. With so many of them available on so many topics, I’ve been thinking about whether it’s a worthwhile process. In the past couple of weeks, I’ve read several articles about people writing reviews and blurbs for cash! Apparently, some well known authors pay their staff to write ‘blurbs’ for book jackets, putting the author’s name on them. Then there was the guy who made a lot of money writing positive reviews for e books, thus putting them on Amazon’s bestseller lists! In most cases, he and his ‘staff’ had not read the books they reviewed. One source said that it is estimated that one third of the positive reviews on electronic shopping sites are ‘bogus’! If that’s the case, then I guess honest comments from trusted reviewers justify the process.
Favorite Book—Fabulous and want to read it again!!!
- The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai
Can’t believe I hadn’t read this book before. It is a delightful story about a young librarian in Hannibal, Missouri who befriends a young boy, and they have an adventure which leads them to discover more about themselves. A wonderful story which revolves around books and the power of reading! Don’t miss this one.
More recommended good reads…
- Return to Wake Robin by Marnie O. Mamminga
Anyone who has experienced a vacation in a Northwoods cabin or resort will enjoy the ‘feel’ and memories of the 50’s and 60’s while reading the author’s account of a resort that was part of her family for several generations.
- Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child
by Bob Spitz
This is a wonderful biography by a writer who met Julia when she was in her 80’s and agreed to become her biographer. For me, it was a bit slow going in the beginning with lots of details of her early life. There was a lot of info about her marriage to Paul Childs and their experiences in the OSS. When the story got to the early TV segments, I was hooked with many ‘laugh out loud and read to my spouse’ moments. It made me want to watch Julie & Julia and try French cooking once again–a delightful compendium of tidbits about the woman who ‘changed cooking in America’!
- Those We Love Most by Lee Woodruff
This newly released novel by wife of journalist, Bob Woodruff, is gripping contemporary fiction. Although it opens with a sad event, the actions and reactions of a suburban family dealing with grief are richly developed . Told from four perspectives, it offers insight into motive and emotions.
The Bartender’s Tale by Ivan Doig
In Doig’s classic style, the tale of a small town Montana bar owner who brings his young son to live with him and help run the Medicine Lodge bar, is told with humor and grace. It is a coming of age tale set in a time period that is all but forgotten–very engaging writing!
- What Happened to My Sister by Elizabeth Flock
Fans of Me & Emma will want to know about this book which is a follow up to that story which left many unanswered questions. Even if you’ve not read Me & Emma, you can read this account of a nine year old girl’s intrepid spirit in overcoming adversity and abuse, because Flock fills in the back story as this new novel develops.
That’s all for now…I’ve read several others recently, but tried to hit the highlights. I plan to post again soon with a list of some I liked, and some ‘not so much’. Happy fall reading and ‘back to school’!
bibliomaven 