Bash & Lucy Say "Love, Love, Bark!"

Title: Bash & Lucy Say "Love, Love, Bark!"

Author: Lisa & Lea Cohen

Publisher:  Canine & Kids Publishing

 
ISBN: n/a

 

Thoughts: There is a good message here about getting to know someone instead of judging them, but so much of the rest of the story is so completely unrealistic and filled with overly stereotypical characters that the meaning often gets overshadowed.

 

Rating: 2/5

Is She Really Going Out with Him?

Title: Is She Really Going Out with Him?

Author: Sophie Cousens

Publisher:  Penguin Audio

 
ISBN: 9780593943953

 

Thoughts: The story may be predictable, but it is a delightfully fun read.

 

Rating: 4/5

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies

Title: Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies

Author: Catherine Mack

Publisher:  Minotaur Books

 
ISBN: 9781250325853

 

Thoughts: This meta novel is a fast-paced read, but there are too many convoluted possible half attempts before someone actually dies more than halfway through, which is rather frustrating for a mystery.

 

Rating: 2/5

The Florentine Entanglement

Title: The Florentine Entanglement

Author: Pamela Norsworthy

Publisher:  Black Rose Writing

 
ISBN: n/a

 

Thoughts: This started off slow as we met all of the characters and learned of their relationships, but about halfway through, it really takes off as a compelling espionage tale.

 

Rating: 3/5

Black Arms to Hold You Up

Title: Black Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance

Author: Ben Passmore

Publisher:  Pantheon

 
ISBN: 9780593316122

 

Thoughts: I learned a lot reading Passmore's graphic history of Black resistance, but I wanted to learn more.

 

Rating: 4/5

The Book of (More) Delights

Title: The Book of (More) Delights

Author: Ross Gay

Publisher:  Algonquin Books

 
ISBN: 9781643753096

 

Thoughts: These essays were still delightful, but Gay's loosening of his imposed rules changed something that I just cannot place.

 

Rating: 3/5