genannj's reviews
267 reviews

Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped Nxivm, the Cult That Bound My Life by Sarah Edmondson

informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

4.0

I read this book as a buddy read with my daughter. We both found it very informative, well written, and enjoyed reading it. Learning about cults has always fascinated both of us. Now, we are planning on watching the Netflix series together which I’m really excited about.  I would recommend this book to others. 

Phantom Limb by Lucinda Berry

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Another amazing one by Lucinda Berry with a couple unexpected twists. The book was interesting and engaging. I couldn’t wait to read more of it at each sitting. I highly recommend this book. 

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I am a huge fan of Susan Meissner’s books. I really loved this one as well as her others. It tells a beautiful story of a friendship that spans over 50 years and survives selfishness and betrayal. The book truly embodies what a friendship truly is and the beauty in forgiving those we love and care about. I highly recommend reading The Stars Over Sunset Boulevard.

The Moonshiner's Daughter by Donna Everhart

adventurous informative sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I had never heard of any books by Donna Everhart before.  I thought this book sounded interesting by the summary on the cover. I love historical fiction so I thought I would give this one a try. I’m glad I did because I really enjoyed the book. It was interesting, engaging, and well paced. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. 

Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood by Danny Trejo

funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I enjoyed hearing Trejo’s story. It was interesting and informative. I would recommend it to friends. 

The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow! All I can say is wow!  Lucinda Berry’s book always leave me in awe and this book is no different. It was an engrossing, page turner that I didn’t want to put down. It had some amazing twists that wow’ed me all the way to the end. I will highly recommend this book to anybody who will listen! 

My Love Story: A Memoir by Tina Turner

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I just love Susan Meissner’s books. This one was as great as the others. I was really engaged in the story and was thirsting to know the outcome. I liked the pacing of the book and the outcome the story. I would definitely recommend this 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read to friends. Those who especially like historical fiction will find this a great one to add to their collection. 

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a very difficult book for me to read. I just felt uncomfortable with the topic.  I think part of it is because I have a grandson and I want to know he’s safe at school and for him to feel safe at school.  He is only six years old and has already been subject to bullying.  It’s sad because starts younger and younger and it is a real problem.  

A good author paints a picture for us in our mind, makes us feel different feels, and keeps us thinking when the story is done.  Picoult is amazing at doing this and this book is no exception.  I found myself thinking this could really happen. Then I would think, oh my gosh, this has happened several times.  This was definitely a five star read that I highly recommend, and I will think about many times into the future. 

Late, Late at Night by Rick Springfield

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.0