For those of you who have lived in Holland for any amount of time during the last 61 years, this is a familiar name and face! Juke is a local legend if not a hometown hero! I grew up listening ti Juke on the radio. I have fond memories of listening to him (I had to, my mom had 1450 WHTC on every morning!) and we got our school closing information, weather reports, news, listings of the school lunch menus and all kinds of good, helpful and interesting information! I remember the blizzard of '78. Listening to WHTC was how we all felt connected to the world outside the wall of white surrounding our houses! I remember a call being put out for anyone with 4 wheel drive vehicles (they were not nearly as numerous back then!) and even snowmobiles to bring snowbound folks their needed prescriptions, baby formula and other necessities that could not get on their own. I seem to recall the need for a ride to the hospital, possibly for a birth? Never dull, that's for sure! Juke always exhibited patience and kindness even when a caller was not of the same mind! His story, as the title indicates, is from both is "on air" life as well as "off air" including his childhood, time spent in the army, 3 marriages and his children. A fascinating guy leading a very interesting life. A good read for anyone who enjoys a bit of history and especially for anyone with a connection to the Holland/Saugatuck area as the book has some wonderful old pictures in it. A quick, fun, interesting book. Read this one!
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| Local Legend |
The Good Woman by Jane Porter ****
Jane Porter manages to tell a good story and hit all the emotions just right. I find myself rooting for one character or outcome only to change my mind and the story goes on. I've read several other books by Jane over the past 8 years or so and have enjoyed them all. This story, unbeknownst to me prior to my starting the book, is set in Sonoma. Wine Country. The main character actually works for a winery doing publicity for their vineyard and tasting room. Yes, it's fair to say I was hooked on that aspect of the story alone! An easy read that compels you to keep moving through the story. I found myself thinking about the book when I was not reading it. A nice ending which is always a plus :)
An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor *****
Yes. The series continues! In this book the main character is the house keeper to the Doctors, Mrs. Kinkaid/ "Kinky". Kinky is a wonderful, spirited, quirky, no nonsense woman who, in addition to her house keeping duties takes it upon herself to look our for the Doctors and be a sort of "lion at the den's door" for them. In this book, Kinky's story is told by way of her reminiscing and story telling to a group of children. Involving lots of old Irish lore, I found this to be an interesting and charming side note and an excellent addition to the series!
The Mammy by Brendan O'Caroll *****
(Our March book Club selection)
All 4 suggested books for our March Book club selection looked and sounded great! We could not go wrong, whatever we picked. We chose The Mammy. In researching this book I discovered that it was the first in a trilogy and of course, being OCD,I knew I needed to read all 3. I settled down with The Mammy the night after our Feb. book club meeting and finished it that same evening. It is a quick, easy read that is sweet, entertaining and funny! Even though there are a few sad events, the book is really about survival in spite of the cards you are dealt and not just surviving but living. Moving forward doing your best and enjoying life in spite of the circumstances. I had many LOL moments and I'm sure if you read The Mammy, you will too! (I can't wait to read the next 2 in this series!)
Home To Italy by Peter Pezzelli **** 1/2
This book was lent to me by a dear friend. It is the sweet, tender story about Peppi and his journey following his wife's death. About not always doing what is expected of you. About the unexpected. About setting aside expectations and following a dream and then your heart. One of Sandy's favorite books and one that renewed my interest in learning (some very basic) Italian. (yes, I've downloaded an app for that!) Buonanotte!
An Irish Country Courtship by Patrick Taylor **** 1/2
And so the delightful story continues with 2 hearts beginning to mend and the possibility of a detour down a slightly different path for the "young Doctor Laverty." I am still very much enamored if this quaint little village and the big hearts of it's wonderful residents! At least 2 more books to look forward to...
An Irish Country Wedding by Patrick Taylor **** 1/2
Of course a wedding would follow a courtship and who doesn't love a wedding!?! This book delved, just a wee bit, into politics which I felt added another level of interest to these stories while still keeping the quaint sweetness and humor as always.
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich ****
Yes, I have been reading this series since the beginning. Notorious Nineteen has been on hold from the library since it came out and I finally got it last week. A very quick, easy, somewhat "fluffy" read but filled with LOL moments as usual!
When In Doubt, Add Butter by Beth Harbison *** 1/2
A really sweet and funny book about people, relationships and attitudes towards both. A bit of "fluff" but I need to mix it up a bit and this was a good diversion. Recommended by a fellow bibliophile and friend who also loves to cook and bake as much as I do so I had to read it! An easy and quick read; I'd recommend it for a change of pace.
A Dublin Student Doctor by Patrick Taylor *****
This may be my favorite in the series so far! In this book, the author takes us back 30 years to when Dr. Fingal O'Reily was in the Merchant Marines and then his journey through med school. We witness when he first meets Kitty, who makes a reappearance into his life in the 1960's, the time frame for the majority of these books. One interesting event in this book, to me at least, was his father being diagnosed with a form of Leukemia. It was interesting to read about the testing for diagnosis and the subsequent treatment (not much back then!). It struck me, once again, how much I understood and could visualize about this aspect of the book. I am going to guess that I have a much better grasp of what they were talking about (despite the very antiquated, compared to now, treatment!) than the average reader. And I realized, that as much as things change, many stay the same. The author takes us effortlessly from the present (1960's) to the past (1930's) several times in this book and has once again created a wonderful story.
A Week In Winter by Maeve Binchy
I can't seem to get out of Ireland, LOL! I have always been A Maeve Binchy fan and this book did not disappoint! He last book, finished just before she dies in the summer of 2012 is as good as all the others. This is a story of "starting over" for many. The "main character". Chickky, turns an old home (from her childhood) into a Bed and Breakfast (and supper) of sorts. It tells the story of her first week open and the guests that gather. It tells the story of each guest; none of whom are exactly what they present themselves to be to the others. As the week goes by and events unfold, so do their stories. They have personal revelations, about themselves and the others. As usual, Maeve tells a wonderful story and she will be missed!
The Chisellers by Brendan O'Carroll **** 1/2
The second in a trilogy was one I was much anticipating after thoroughly enjoying the first! (The first one, The Mammy, was our March book club selection.) Though not as hysterically funny (to me at least) as The Mammy, I enjoyed this book just as much! Don't get me wrong, humor was very much a part of this book but the story of this family's life, as it continues is told is a wonderful manner and kept me up late one night to finish it because I "needed" to find out what would happen. It was worth staying up late for and I loved seeing how all the characters and plot lines come together. One more to go, I can't wait!
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke ***
Silly and Fluffy! But, I have been reading this series since the beginning (a long long time ago!) and always feel the need to read the new one to find out the latest in the characters lives. Sweet family dynamics and always an interesting twist in the plot. Not much of an "edge of your seat" or "Heart pounding" mystery but...nice to visit this little Minnesota town every once in a while. The book is complete with recipes (now you know the real draw for me!) and I have made more than a few a them over the years and they are good!
Chocolat by Jaonne Harris **** 1/2
The new girl in town causes quite a commotion by just being herself! Kind, compassionate and a bit quirky. Possibly a witch but she's not telling. The local Priest takes an immediate dislike of her but to me it seems he has a wish for absolute power over the people of his parish and that wish will corrupt him absolutely. It also seems to me that what and who he presumes are threats to himself and "his people" exist more in his own mind than in reality! In the end, all his self denial will bring him down to a level so much lower than his perceived "sins" of the others who he believes he is trying to "protect" or "save"! I enjoyed this book and actually want to see the movie! I would also like to read other books she has written.
The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes ****
I used the word "quirky" to describe this book to a friend as I was reading it only to realize later that the cover description also uses the same word! I found it a bit slow going at first but I admit, I may have been distracted. As I read more I became more involved in the story lines of the many characters as they swap boyfriends and girlfriends. There are several good "sub story lines" that I found interesting and compelling and by the last quarter of the book I couldn't stop reading. I really loved the ending!
It's All About the Dress by Vicky Tiel **** 1/2
How have I never heard of this woman before December 2012??? When my friend Sandy and I went to the Felt Mansion to take their Christmas Tour, they had this book displayed on the entrance hall table along with some other info. Vicky Tiel was instrumental in helping the mansion put on a fundraising event (I believe it may have the same name as the book?!?) Well, that was enough to intrigue me so i searched for and the found the book on Amazon. What an eye popping life story reading like part fashion history and part a Hollywood who's who! Vicky was one of Elizabeth Taylors best friends, Richard Burton one of her son's Godfathers and so many more amazing names I can't even begin to do it justice! Oh what stories she has to tell! By the end, I felt like Vicky had lived 3 or 4 lives! Fascinating to read, really just a fun book!
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton ****
As a mother's health declines and her children come back home to be with her, a mystery from the past begs to be solved. As the story unfolds and goes back and forth from pre world war 2 to 2011, two of the children begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together. The ending confirmed a growing suspicion of mine as I had been reading but, the details around the findings were sweet, a little surprising and came together very well. Fascinating and well written!
The Granny by Brendan O'Carroll **** 1/2
The last of 3 books in this series (the first was our March book club selection). I really enjoyed this series!!! The first book was "Laugh Out Loud" funny! The second was funny but with a serious note and this last one was funny and sweet. I loved the ending and don't think I'll spoil it by saying it was both sad and so very sweet and happy all at the same time. I'm so glad I read these!
Beyond Jefferson's Vines by Richard G. Leahy ***
Yes, I know, another book on wine! Truthfully, you have to be a bit of a geek or planning a trip to Virginia to enjoy this book :) (I'd be the geek since I am not planning a trip.) This book really goes in depth about all the wineries/vineyards/wine makers in Virginia. An interesting book most of the time but, admittedly a bit dry in spots. Overall, the parts of this book that I liked, I really liked and the parts I found "dry" were hard to get through. If you are planning a trip to Virginia and enjoy wine, this is a must read!
The weather has turned nice enough just this week so that I can once again enjoy reading on my deck in the evenings while listening to the lake and the birds. I love it! Friday night is book club this week and I am once again looking forward to a lively discussion, wonderful food (Chocolate!) and great company! We are planning on a "special edition" of book club this summer at my house with the chosen book being Captivating.
Happy reading everyone and...
Make every moment count!
(((Hugs)))
Brenda
