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
This Week: The Rainmaker by John Grisham
Published: April 28, 1995 by Doubleday
Category: Fiction, Legal Thriller New York Times Best Selling Author
I read The Rainmaker in HS for fun – this was not a normal activity. I could barely read my required English assignments, but for some reason I would visit my school library and select books that I thought were more worth my time. That is another story for another day, as I had quite the reading preference (i.e. Girl, Interrupted; She’s Come Undone, a Janis Joplin biography = teen angst down pat). I picked up The Rainmaker after reading A Time to Kill. I thought I wanted to be a lawyer: the kind of lawyer in both Grisham novels that would fight for the underdog – the less powerful – and obviously prevail in defeating “the big bad man” in the end every single time.Read More »
Published: June 5, 2018 by Doubleday
Category: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
You know how most thrillers keep you on edge a bit throughout the book and typically towards the end there is that “hold your breath” moment. Well, for me this happened at the halfway point of this book and my heart and chest hurt right until the very end.
It wasn’t an overwhelming, constant pulse – but more a slow and growing build up of “how the heck is this going to play out?!” I was on the edge of my seat most of this book, not waiting for a twist: waiting for the ball to drop.Read More »
Yes, an audiobook you can sink your ears into – since teeth obviously do not make sense.
5 disco balls
Published: November 15, 2016 by Audible Studios
Audiobook runs 8 hours 50 minutes, narrated by Trevor Noah himself (love that accent!)
Category: Memoir, Autobiography, Nonfiction, Coming of Age
#8 Most Read on Amazon Charts Highest-rated new book of 2016 by Audible customers Winner: Audible’s Best of 2016 – Celebrity Memoirs
I prefer reading books versus listening, but do enjoy an audiobook while driving or doing chores. But, for an audiobook to keep my attention the narrator has to be on point. To me, this book is better as an audiobook since the author is the one reading his story. Trevor Noah knows how he wants his story to come across, and delivers his message with a tone and authenticity that makes it hard to push pause…plus, hello that accent – swoon!Read More »
Publish Date: June 26, 2018 by Touchstone
Category: Chick-lit, Coming of Age
I was looking for a quick read to breeze through the weekend, and Playing with Matches did not disappoint. Fun and fresh, it makes a perfect vacation read; or, if you need something light to break up those ugly cry drama reads – well then, why not pick up this one? It is available for purchase on Tuesday, June 26th!Read More »
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
This 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.
This 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.
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 »
Published: June 5, 2018 by Berkley
Category: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction
The bookstagram community wouldn’t stop raving about this one that when it was a Book of the Month June selection it was a no-brainer to choose. The synopsis sold a love story for Eleanor Oliphant fans so I couldn’t wait to dive in.
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
This 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 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.
You may also find me here:
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!
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:
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!
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
This 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 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.
The Author, Monica Wood, discusses The One-in-a-Million Boy:
You may also find me here:
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!
This Week:
Yes, an audiobook you can sink your ears into – since teeth obviously do not make sense.
This Week:
This Week:
Saturday Nite Reader 