This {_______} life

What books did I read in the first quarter of 2024 and what did I think of them?

I’ve already written my review of the Book of Doors but I haven’t written much about other books I’ve read since 1/1/24. So, here is a list of some of the books I have read in the first quarter of 2024.

Fiction

Rippler – Cidney Swanson – When Samantha discovers she can become invisible, her life takes quite a turn. She doesn’t feel so alone when she finds out that she isn’t the only one who can do this. Unfortunately for Samantha and Will, this skill puts them in danger. Someone out there is trying to get rid of “ripplers” and Will’s sister is key to finding out who. She used to work with a scientist that was studying this phenomenon. When the scientist is killed, Will and his sister go into hiding, which is how they ended up in Samantha’s town. Rippler follows Will, Samantha, and Will’s sister, Mickie as they try to get to the bottom of the mystery. This was a decent YA Fantasy book. It did make me want to read the rest of the series.

The Bordeaux Book Club – Gillian Harvey – What happens when you move to another country and become an expat? The Bordeaux Book Club tells the story of 5 British expats that have moved to France and meet up as a book club. There is Leah, the bored housewife who suspects her husband of cheating. Then we have Grace, a prickly divorcee who seems to know everyone and dislike them all. Monica, the new mom who is parenting her child alone while her husband travels for work. House builder, George, a non-reader who joins the club, it seems, to meet Grace. Lastly, there is young Alfie who is 2 decades younger than the rest of the group and spends most of his time at school or taking care of his ill mother. This ragtag group somehow become a family and a support system through good times and bad. I love a good group story about readers. This was an enjoyable light read.

Better Left Unsent- Lia Louis – Do you type emails you want to but shouldn’t send and save them to your drafts? Well, I Better Left Unsent is the story about a woman who is trying to survive a breakup with a coworker and watching him get engaged to another coworker. When her draft emails “accidentally” get sent, chaos ensues. I did take a great lesson away from this book — DO NOT PUT THE EMAIL ADDRESS IN A DRAFT EMAIL BECAUSE IT WILL PROBABLY GET SENT.

Becoming Madam Secretary – Stephanie Dray – This is the fictionalized story of Frances Perkins, the first female Secretary of Labor (or any other department!!). I enjoy a well written historical fiction and Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray is up there with the best I’ve read. Frances Perkins’ story is one I was not familiar with prior to reading this book. What a fascinating woman and an extraordinary life. We were lucky she lived at a time when politicians wanted to do what was best for the Country and not what lined their own pockets! I can’t recommend it enough. READ IT!!

Nightworld Academy (Terms 1 through 6) – L.J. Swallow – Kind of Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Harry Potter. When Maeve finds out that the fits she has been having are “normal” because she is a witch, her life gets turned upside down. This series has witches, vampires, shape-shifters who are mostly trying to live peacefully without being discovered by normal people. However, there are factions that done want the species to co-mingle. An ok YA Fantasy series.

Slain in the Sand (Cape Cod Cozy Mysteries – Book 2) – Angela K. Ryan – A clean, cozy murder mystery with likeable characters. I love Angela K. Ryan’s books. They will always be on my TBR list.Her murder mysteries are not gory. They have many interesting characters and I NEVER guess who done it before it is revealed in her books. Put all of her books on your radar.

Non-fiction

Facilities Management Handbook – Frank Boot – I work as a Senior Administrative Assistant at our local government Facilities Dept. Sometimes my job can get a little boring and repetitive. As someone with great curiosity, I am always looking to learn something new. I wanted to know more about what my coworkers do, so I decided to read this book. Now, when I have a question about a procedure or about a project, I have more knowledge to ask the right questions. Never stop learning.

Canva for Beginners: An Illustrative Graphic Design Guide with Photos and Professional Tips and Tricks for Marketers, Workers, or Business Owners – Edit Dickinson – I started using Canva when I worked at the library. Now I use it at work to create slides for our digital message boards. This is a good book for Canva beginners.

The Leader Assistant: Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant – Jeremy Burrows – Who doesn’t want to feel like they are a game changer? Who doesn’t want to feel more confident at work? This book has gotten me through several rough patches at work. I have read it three times and it has made me a better admin. I pull this book out whenever I need a reminder that I didn’t become an Administrative Assistant for the recognition —- and it is a good thing I didn’t. LOL.