Saturday Spotlight: The Red Bandanna by Tom Rinaldi

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see.Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

img_7898This Week:
The Red Bandanna by Tom Rinaldi

Published: September 6, 2016 by Penguin Press
Category: Nonfiction, Biography, Inspirational

I purchased The Red Bandanna after I saw an ESPN piece on Welles Crowther (below). Welles saved at least ten people in the South Tower on September 11th, but would not make it out alive. After reading the book in one sitting I was more than just moved: I had to tell others Welles’ story.img_2884This past 2017, on the anniversary of September 11th, I book fairy dropped two copies of the book with a red bandanna tied to each one. One was left on the Path train and the second in locker 19 (Welles’ number) at my local Soulcycle. This would be the first time I was a book fairy, and an important one at that. I didn’t have the book fairy stickers just yet so I printed out my own message and taped it to the book in hopes that someone will read this book and gift it or book fairy drop for another to read: spreading Welles’ story further.

It wasn’t just a book to me, it was Welles’ story: one that he could not tell himself. I think of Welles from time to time; men like him restore my faith in humanity when I need it most.

In 2017, a full documentary called Man in Red Bandana was released. It is narrated by Gwyneth Paltrow and runs 1 hour and 19 minutes.

Goodreads Stats:
4.19 average rating   *   1,284 Ratings   *   217 Reviews
Saturday Nite Reader rating: 5 disco balls
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Book Review: A Double Life by Flynn Berry

3_DiscoBalls

3 disco balls

Publish Date: July 31, 2018 by Viking
Category: Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

Want to read upcoming new releases before they hit the shelves? Join Penguin Random House’s First to Read program – its free – to gain access to a variety of books. That is how I was able to read A Double Life by Flynn Berry.

I am a huge fan of suspense novels that when I read the synopsis for A Double Life I guaranteed my spot to access it.Read More »

Saturday Spotlight: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see. Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

img_0093This Week:
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Published: April 6, 2004 by Atria Books
Category: Fiction, Contemporary
New York Times Best Selling Author

I vividly remember reading this book at my desk during a lunch break and ugly cried before that term even reemerged as a trend: this was back in 2006.

This is the book that started my never ending love of Jodi Picoult books. Fast-forward 12 years and I have collected all her books in hardcover: I had to scour used book stores and online until I found every single last one. Have you done the same thing with your favorite author?

I do have one piece of advice: stay away from the movie. It did not do this book justice at all, not even close. It was a completely different ending, and the shocking twist of the book’s ending made the book what it was. I can’t believe they changed it, what was Warner Bros. thinking?!

Goodreads Stats:
4.06 average rating   *   938,135 Ratings   *   31,584 Reviews
Saturday Nite Reader rating: 5 disco balls

Goodreads Synopsis:
Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate — a life and a role that she has never challenged…until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister — and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

‘My Sister’s Keeper’ examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child’s life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in ‘My Sister’s Keeper’, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.

Have you read this book? Do tell! Have a book to spotlight: remember to share your links in the comments below.

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Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Paperback  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Paperback  Hardcover

My Jodi Collection:

 

You may also find me here:
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Please note: this post contains Amazon and B&N affiliate links. If you purchase this book through the links above I will earn a small fee; at no additional cost to you. This will help me purchase more books to read and recommend to you all!

 

 

Book Review: Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering

4_DiscoBalls

4 disco balls

Published: June 12, 2018 by Atria Books
Category: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary, Coming of Age

This book brought out many feels in me: nostalgia, regret, anger, but also strength and peace. Each chapter was more addicting than the one before and I could not wait to finish. I felt anxious all the way up until the end.

Before I get to it, I just have a message for Stephen DeMarco and all the other “Stephen DeMarco’s” out there:

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Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

5_DiscoBalls

5 disco balls

Published: June 13, 2017 by Atria Books
Category: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT

You know the saying about potato chips “bet you can’t eat just one!”? Well, don’t eat potato chips while reading this book. For starters potato chip grease gets on the pages, which is a pet peeve of mine. But, more importantly you will not be able to stop reading chapter after chapter and your stomach can’t handle all those chips. This can definitely be a one sitting book read.If you are looking for a book to start your summer off right: this here is your jam!

Read More »

Saturday Spotlight: The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see. Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

img_2513This Week:
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

Published: April 5, 2016 by Headline Review
Category: Fiction, Contemporary
Nautilus Book Award for Fiction: Large Publisher (2016)

I came across this gem through a widget on the sidebar of my Goodreads homepage one day. Not sure exactly why it popped up, but I was so glad it did!

After reading the synopsis (below), I was certainly intrigued. It was my turn to pick our next book club read and after seeing its Goodreads stats my decision was easily made. I enjoyed this book immensely: I laughed, I cried, I needed a hug. The book brings you on a journey: one that I recommend all experience. You will adore the characters and also need a hug in the end. (All these hugs, as someone who isn’t a huge fan of them who am I becoming?!) If it also helps: when my book club discussed our favorite read of the year this one came up several times.

Goodreads Stats:
4.11 average rating   *   17,986 Ratings   *   2,875 Reviews
Saturday Nite Reader rating: 5 disco balls

Goodreads Synopsis:
The incandescent story of a 104-year-old woman and the sweet, strange young boy assigned to help her around the house — a friendship that touches each member of the boy’s unmoored family.

The story of your life never starts at the beginning. Don’t they teach you anything at school?

For years, guitarist Quinn Porter has been on the road, chasing gig after gig, largely absent to his twice-ex-wife Belle and their odd, Guinness records–obsessed son. When the boy dies suddenly, Quinn seeks forgiveness for his paternal shortcomings by completing the requirements for his son’s unfinished Boy Scout badge.

For seven Saturdays, Quinn does yard work for Ona Vitkus, the wily 104-year-old Lithuanian immigrant the boy had visited weekly. Quinn soon discovers that the boy had talked Ona into gunning for the world record for Oldest Licensed Driver — and that’s the least of her secrets. Despite himself, Quinn picks up where the boy left off, forging a friendship with Ona that allows him to know the son he never understood, a boy who was always listening, always learning.

The One-in-a-Million Boy is a richly layered novel of hearts broken seemingly beyond repair and then bound by a stunning act of human devotion.


Have you read this book? Do tell! Have a book to spotlight: remember to share your links in the comments below.

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Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Paperback  Hardcover  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Paperback  Hardcover  Audio

The Author, Monica Wood, discusses The One-in-a-Million Boy:

You may also find me here:
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Please note: this post contains Amazon and B&N affiliate links. If you purchase this book through the links above I will earn a small fee; at no additional cost to you. This will help me purchase more books to read and recommend to you all!

 

 

Book Review: Us Against You by Fredrik Backman

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Another brilliant novel by Fredrik Backman!

5_DiscoBalls

5 disco balls

Publish date: June 5, 2018 by Atria Books
Category: Fiction, Contemporary, Sports, Sequel

Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Hardcover  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Hardcover  Audio

I can’t get enough of the people from Beartown. Although I don’t think I could live in a place where winter was three-quarters of the year…brrr.

Us Against You is bestselling author Fredrick Backman’s sequel to his novel Beartown. Both are MUST reads. That is all my review really needs to say: just listen to me, they do not disappoint. (read my Beartown review here)

For those who need more convincing, well here goes:Read More »

Saturday Spotlight: The Little Book of Feminist Saints by Julia Pierpont

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see. Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

img_2172First Up:
The Little Book of Feminist Saints by Julia Pierpont and beautifully illustrated by Manjit Thapp

Published: March 6, 2018 by Random House
Category: Nonfiction, History, Feminism, Biography
A Stylist Must-read Book of 2018

The collection highlights 100 women throughout history, and around the world, who have been inspirations, trailblazers, and fighters for women. 

Goodreads Synopsis:
In this luminous volume, New York Times bestselling writer Julia Pierpont and artist Manjit Thapp match short, vibrant, and surprising biographies with stunning full-color portraits of secular female “saints” champions of strength and progress. These women broke ground, broke ceilings, and broke molds. Open to any page and find daily inspiration and lasting delight.

img_2335.jpgSome of the 100 women showcased include authors Anne Frank, Maya Angelou, The Bronte Sisters, Eleanor Roosevelt, Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson and Jane Austen.

img_2334.jpgI have committed to reading one profile each day and on the last day I will write a post on my own feminist saint (the 100th chapter in the book is just that).

If you have this book and/or would like to participate in my 100 day challenge that would be lovely. Start anytime, there is no set day. Happy Reading!

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Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Hardcover
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Hardcover

Meet the Author & Illustrator:


You may also find me here:

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Please note: this post contains Amazon and B&N affiliate links. If you purchase this book through the links above I will earn a small fee; at no additional cost to you. This will help me purchase more books to read and recommend to you all!

 

 
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