A Well-Read Woman: The Life, Loves, and Legacy of Ruth Rappaport by Kate Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I felt going into this read as though I had heard of Ruth Rappaport before… maybe I did? Maybe I didn’t? Either way, I am so glad I’d chosen this as one of my First Reads Picks, and here’s why…

(From her Amazon Author Profile) Kate Stewart is a third generation librarian whose work has included working at the Library of Congress (just like Ms. Rappaport did until she retired). After an invite to an estate sale (that of Ruth’s home after her death), Ms. Stewart finds a slightly obsessive need to know more about this fellow librarian who traveled the world, never married and built a life for herself- post-Holocaust. Let me just say- I would’ve done the same thing. In another life, I would’ve and/or might’ve been a librarian as well, as is evidenced in my voracious appetite for books, knowledge, researching, and cataloging… yeah, I can relate.

This biography read as part documentary and part extended conversation with a friend who was telling me a story about someone they had a fascination for, and how they themselves related to that person in their own life.

I went into this book just wanting to hear the story of a woman named Ruth Rappaport, a librarian, who somehow inspired another woman enough to have a book written about her. What I got was a strong and stubborn, rebellious woman’s lifetime, well-researched and brought to life in the space of 350+ pages.

Ruth Rappaport’s life began as a young Jewish girl, right before the Holocaust began. She survived by a choice she made, to leave as a young girl, thereby taking her life into her own hands. From there, she remained her own person for her entire life, even up until she died- on her own terms. Her life wasn’t as colorful and exotic as some biographies you might read, but for a woman of her time, her tenacity was admirable and noteworthy.

The author included excerpts from Ruth’s diaries as well as other sources, such as an interview about the Holocaust she’d recorded shortly before her death. From the many sources, Ruth’s voice speaks out bravely and brazenly. Some gems I highlighted were like this one, where a 6-year-old Ruth is at a Zionist meeting (pre-WWII) and speaks up amongst all the adults present against the argument of Dying a Hero FOR your country, “What’s so great about dying for your country? Isn’t it more important to LIVE for it?” This quote is followed up with Ruth’s recollection of that moment, “I thought that was a pretty astute comment from a six-year-old.”

So did I Ruth.

As Ruth tells it, to sum up, her life… “My whole behavior is strictly existential. Meet what comes.”

And that’s just what she did.

As an additional, well-appreciated bonus, Ms. Stewart added at the end, 19 Life Lessons/Words of Wisdom, gleaned from Ruth’s lifetime/story. I’m currently hanging a typed-up version of (them) on my office wall.

In closing, if you’re looking for EPICNESS… sorry, this isn’t epic. It is, however, a damn good story. Again, it’s a biography, and where a lot of bios can be told with a dryness that makes it hard to get through, I didn’t find that an issue in Kate Stewart’s book. Of course, I happen to LOVE books and reading and history and women who can happily throw a middle finger up at the rules and Patriarchy, and live the life THEY want. If that’s not something you can relate to or aren’t interested in reading about, then skip this one.

Btw, the books that made a difference in Ms. Rappaport’s life are mentioned throughout the story, but they’re NOT the focus, by any means.

If you, like me, can appreciate the kind of woman I described, then read this. Grab a coffee, settle in, take a few cigarette breaks if necessary (Ruth was a chain smoker), and this can be read in an afternoon… it’s that fluid and engrossing. 10 stars if it was possible. Thank you, Kate Stewart, for bringing Ms. Rappaport into my home, my heart, and my mind.


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Nocturne in Ashes by Joslyn Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel was a good read. For the most part, I enjoyed the story, it read well and the two underlying plots were woven together in a cohesive way.

Plot: I love the background storyline that forces the characters together- the impending (and eventual) eruption of Mt. Rainier in Washington State. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose and now, the residents of a posh, exclusive, golf-course community, are trapped; and among them is the killer. At its bones, this book is like a modern day game of Clue.

Characters: Here’s where for me, the story loses some of its luster. There are SO many characters; a handful of main & almost-main characters, and then dozens of supporting and small/briefly mentioned ones. Where Riley, the main protagonist, is fleshed out fairly well, as is her male counterpart, Nate, there were several other secondary characters who were given just as much “stage time”, and it was borderline hard to follow. Especially since I had the feeling they were all going to merge together sooner than they all actually did. The part about the ‘too many characters’ that I disliked the most, was even though I’d figured out who the killer was before the BIG REVEAL, there was an accomplice involved- which came out of nowhere and really felt like (after the reveal) a forced plot twist to warrant the writing of a sequel. And I think honestly, it was those last few chapters as the story wraps up, where they take a turn into the realm of “REALLY?”… I mean, I get the gist, but the motivation for the elements that clearly suggest an upcoming sequel really feel in hindsight, underdeveloped; with not enough character or circumstantial, motivational detail in that respect, provided.

The Writing: The writing was beautiful. Ms. Chase has elegant prose, and the rich detailed knowledge of certain aspects that were included made this a visually immersive jaunt. Switching back and forth between the viewpoints of a handful of those characters I mentioned, the book is easy enough to read, written in 3rd person POV.

In Case You Wanted to Know: This book doesn’t overdo it with offensive language, graphic or triggering content- although there is some of all that included. There are a few weird moments when the Killer is on the hunt, but I expect there to be weird stuff in the mind of a killer?

Overall: The talent of this writer is apparent, and even though there were some aspects I didn’t like, I would be open to reading more from her in the future. Ms. Chase also added a nice little ‘extra’ at the end where she draws out her basis and inspiration for the story. I love knowing these tidbits and seeing “how the magic was made”. 4.5 stars.

*I received a FREE copy of this story, in exchange for my honest review.


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The Unclaimed Victim by D.M. Pulley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

D.M. Pulley’s books are like bags of Cheetos… They’re addicting and I NEED more! Disclaimer: I might just suck at solving mysteries. I think? Real Life problems and scenarios of whodunit- no problem; but written suspense novels, I’m almost always unsure. Well, maybe 80% of the time. Some stories kinda leave enough clues that it’s just obvious I guess… But so far, not D.M. Pulley, she has me guessing 'til the very end and then it’s so beautiful how it all comes together! Anyway, on with the review… sorry!

Plot: If you read her first book, ‘The Dead Key’, I’d say that this book follows the same formula. If you didn’t read her debut novel- you NEED to. The plot of this story follows a fictional theory of what might explain who was behind the (very real) “Torso Killer” killings of Cleveland, in the 1930s and beyond; (it’s) based off of real events, real characters, and real evidence. And, just like with ‘The Dead Key’, I’ll repeat the same sentiment; the plot was well thought out, there were no loose ends left untied. All questions were answered – beautifully – with surprises. The story kept me guessing until the satisfying end.

Characters: The story follows from 3rd person POV, the two main characters, Kris Wiley and Ethel Ann Harding. Kris is our present-day protagonist, who doesn’t believe that her father is really dead (even though pieces of him have been found); so she snoops through all of his belongings for clues and stumbles upon his notes on the Torso Killer. And so begins her journey to find out what he knew, how he was involved in the investigation, and who is behind his tragic death. Ethel is Kris’s 1930s counterpart who is alive and present during the initial period of Torso killings. She is a prostitute, who by a twist of fate ends up being right smack in the middle of the events that have haunted history for decades. She too is trying to find answers and possibly stop the killer, before another friend or even herself ends up hacked to pieces. Both women have a cast of supporting characters that are equally well-developed.

The Writing: I devoured this book in a few hours. Ms. Pulley’s style is so easy to read and flows effortlessly…even with the dual timelines/back-and-forth (Every 3) chapters of Kris and Ethel's individual experiences.

In Case You Wanted to Know: A majority (like half) of this book takes place in the 1930s where wars were done and a new one was on the horizon. Human life wasn’t valued if you were poor and living in the slums. Unfortunately, these souls were seen as expendable/disposable, and White Supremacy was rampant. Do not head into this book expecting to not be exposed to the vileness that is- Men in Power, and some women as well. Trigger warnings for some sexual and abuse situations, and violence, as well. Expect to see life differently. Expect to be bothered and concerned, and possibly offended by the behaviors of some characters. But do take all of this into consideration – the story reads like a real-life/true crime story. This is not a pretty tale. Although I'm sure you will agree it ended well.

Overall: I can’t leave this review without commenting on the very real similarities that this story illustrates to “back then” and “now”. Yes, Ms. Pulley’s take on who might’ve been behind the murders is, in my mind, plausible; but for the sake of contrast, the link between some of the worst people in history, and the idea that these people just went underground until it was time to rise again, is a hard truth in today’s political atmosphere that I can’t ignore. The author used this thread artistically, without pushing an agenda… something I think is brilliant and easily missed by those that choose to believe history cannot/is not repeating itself.

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Law of Attraction Habits: 5 Habits That Super Charge Your Manifesting Skills by Chris Tomasso
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I CANNOT recommend this book enough to EVERYONE… Even if you’re not big on the LOA, the 5 habits listed and fully described in detail are still worth reading and incorporating into your life.

I couldn’t find any recent information on Mr. Tomasso, but he does have a webpage that you can access from the back of this book. Looking into who he is or what he does/did, I’ve gathered his passion lies within the realm of teaching people how to do things- easier; from LOA to thesis writing. His Amazon bio lists him as an author, filmmaker, and entrepreneur.

This is by far the BEST ‘How to LOA’ book I have ever read. The author articulates 5 helpful habits in this book, with a relaxed voice and uncomplicated instructions.

Normally, books on Law of Attraction (IMO) say the same things and take a REALLY long time to say it. That was my expectation going in; that I’d read the same tired and boring information, with no real clear advice or new perspective of how to apply (it) in real life, etc. Thankfully, that was NOT the case with this quick & to the point, e-book. I only wish it was offered in paperback format because I would buy one for everyone I know… luckily, however, at the time of this review, the book is available for free on Kindle.

The Habits covered are as follows: Habit 1- Emotional Awareness, Habit 2- Meditation, Habit 3- Ease, Habit 4- Appreciation, and Habit 5- Letting Go. My absolute favorite habit, covered in Habit 1, and has helped me immensely, is the practice of just journaling every day, answering the question, “How am I feeling?” And it’s not that I haven’t read that before elsewhere, but it’s in how the author has laid out and thoroughly explained the how & why of doing this that has made an actual difference in my life.

Another habit that I have adopted into my life is the practice of putting myself at EASE; which in the way Mr. Tomasso puts it, it is truly just that easy and it feels so good when you remember that little fact and how to put it into practice.

And throughout the short book, there are little gems of quotable content, like this one I love from Habit 5- Letting Go, “… when you feel some version of negative emotion, it’s not time to pile on the strategy. It’s not time to force yourself to a positive place. It’s time to let go.”

This book goes further than the typical format of most LOA books, where the common message is “Just let go and think positive thoughts”. It instead explains in detailed, laymen terms, HOW to put yourself in a place where you are then able to “Just let go and think positive thoughts.” That’s why if I could I’d give this gem 10-stars if I could. I love (it) and refer to (it) often.


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I'm Not Made of Concrete by F Mike Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m beginning to develop a desire to read memoirs written by men of color and different backgrounds, other than the average white male. This book easily satisfies this new insatiable, growing, appetite.

Mike Lee tells his story with the beautiful & raw energy of a young man that hasn’t found himself or his purpose yet. He’s an arena football player, who, up until reading this book, I hadn’t heard of. But, I’ve looked into who he is, and yeah… people on the East Coast (N.C., etc.) know who he is. And I say this to illustrate that what he shares openly in this memoir, is made that much more poignant because he faces his demons, exposes his vulnerabilities, and doesn’t come to a pretty place at the end.

Instead, publicly (for anyone that read this book, at least), he airs out his darkest moments; battling anxiety & depression, sex addiction, alcoholism, and an overwhelming struggle and actual functioning companionship with suicidal thoughts & failed attempts. Perhaps that’s why I “enjoyed” this book, because I relate to every one of those struggles, but as a woman? The fact that he still lives and breathes, as of the date of this book review, is remarkable, and it gives me hope that there is so much more to this man & his future, to come. I can only pray that he finds that reason for being, soon.

There is plenty of adult content (sex, drugs, etc.) in here, and TRIGGER WARNINGS (suicide attempts, thoughts, mention of a friend who was sexually assaulted) should be mentioned, now. Plus, profanity is abundant. However, from reading the novel, Mike Lee appears to be an intelligent and articulate man that has an eclectic nature about him. His story, told by him from his POV, shows a man that is searching for answers, loves and trusts too easily (IMHO), and just really needs a hug.

Like, you can really feel, as is becoming apparent as I read more young men’s memoirs, that he never really had a loving and solid place in life, to begin with. To say that this book evoked my deepest compassion would be an understatement.

The copy I read of “Concrete” was poorly edited. In my usual fashion, I reached out to the author and am working to correct that issue. If you read (it) before the edits take place- please, read past the mistakes… read it like someone is speaking to you, speaking fast, and unloading their burdens. Sometimes, all we CAN DO is listen and bear witness to our brother’s pain.


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