Category Archives: Reviews

Book reviews, as well as Reads to Reels

Second Sleep

Posted on February 23, 2020 by smellincoffee

Second Sleep © 2019 Robert Harris 302 pages Sometimes, readers, it pays not to read anything about a book before you start it. Take Second Sleep, for instance, which I picked up purely on the strength of its author (Robert … Continue reading →

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The Bodies in the Library

Posted on February 22, 2020 by smellincoffee

The Bodies in the Library © 2019 Marty Wingate 336 pages Hayley has a secret: she doesn’t know a blessed thing about Agatha Christie’s fiction. Or Dorothy Sayer’s.   Her literary expertise is all things Austen, but thanks to a friend … Continue reading →

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Prague Fatale

Posted on February 20, 2020 by smellincoffee

Prague Fatale © 2011 Phillip Kerr 432 pages Bernie Gunther is a man contemplating suicide.  Once, in the Weimar years, he was a happily married policeman. But his wife died,  he fell into the bottle, and not long after that Germany itself … Continue reading →

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The Planets

Posted on February 19, 2020 by smellincoffee

The Planets: The Definitive Visual Guide to Our Solar System © 2014 various authors (Smithsonian Institute) 256 pages I knew the moment I laid eyes on this book that we had to have it in the library.  I was given … Continue reading →

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His Way

Posted on February 18, 2020 by smellincoffee

His Way: The Unauthorized Biography of Frank Sinatra © 1986 Kitty Kelley 576 pages His Way is a gossipy biography of Frank Sinatra,  one full of drama and interest, but more tabloid-like than serious.    Most biographies of Sinatra follow the same course:  … Continue reading →

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The Complete Guide to Fasting

Posted on February 17, 2020 by smellincoffee

The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting © 2016 Jason Fung 304 pages The Complete Guide to Fasting introduces readers to fasting as a health practice for weight loss, diabetes reversal, and general health … Continue reading →

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Love, sand cranes, and civil rights

Posted on February 14, 2020 by smellincoffee

This has….not been a good week for utilities in my neck of the woods. Because of heavy rains, flooding, and thunderstormy-drama,  I’ve been without phone and DSL service since Tuesday, and the library has had to close for one day … Continue reading →

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The Pluto Files

Posted on February 11, 2020 by smellincoffee

The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet © 2009 Neil deGrasse Tyson 224 pages   Ordinary  citizens don’t take an interest in the fine details of scientific debate, any more than they would the fine details … Continue reading →

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The Five Love Languages

Posted on February 8, 2020 by smellincoffee

The 5  Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Older subtitle: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate © 1992, 2010, 2015  Gary Chapman 208 pages What is a love language?   French is one, right? And Italian? ….no?  Oh, … Continue reading →

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