Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent! I am actually sorry that I didn't read this book before The Glass Castle, but thank goodness I have read it now.

This is the story of Jeannette Walls' grandparents on her mother's side. Basically it is the story of Lily Casey Smith, her grandmother. She was a very capable lady who taught school, broke horses, ran a ranch and there was absolutely nothing that she couldn't put her hand to.

She raised her own two children and plus the community's children and any others that happened along. She earned a living and had to live away from her husband for long periods of time in order to keep a job teaching.

It wasn't all that hard to see why Rosemary turned out the way she did. The Glass Castle is Jeannette Walls' story and from there you will get the story of Rosemary.

A must read.

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The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly

The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well what can I say? Michael Connelly never disappoints. Mickey Haller has taken on a murder case which appears to be open shut. However, because of Mickey's previous knowledge of the victim, he feels that the accused is really innocent of the crime, even though he is involved in an illegal business. The accused is a pimp and also a homosexual who does not fare well in jail.

The long and involved court case is an eye opener that is on a par with a good John Grisham read.

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Deaf Sentence by David Lodge

Deaf Sentence by David Lodge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author and would like to read more from him. The story takes place over a very few months leading up to Christmas and the first part of the new year. Desmond is married for the second time after losing his first wife to cancer. He took an early retirement from his University professorship due to his hearing loss. He is also dealing with his elderly father who lives in London, about six hours from his home up north. Desmond was an only child so has the main responsibility of trying to cope with his father and his hearing disability.

He often fakes hearing properly, especially in social situations, and he has learned how easy things can backfire.

A thoroughly enjoyable novel and one that can teach life lessons.





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Cloudstreet by Tim Winton

Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 A very rich and personal saga. Two families; the Pickles and the Lambs. The story opens with Sam Pickles, who is working on a barge and has a terrible accident in which he loses most of his right hand. The family is already on poor street and living in their cousin's bar. Dolly Pickles, Sam's wife is an alcoholic and "loose woman" who doesn't take care of her family and Sam prides himself on his terribly bad luck.

When their cousin dies they discover that he has left them a large house on Cloud Street. After rattling around in the house, Sam decides to rent out half of it for income and, enter the Lambs.

The Lambs are a burly bunch with problems of their own and six children.

I loved this long saga, but I would suggest that you have an Australian native to help you over the dialect problems. At times I wasn't sure if I was reading English, but it is extremely colourful and I had a good time figuring it all out.

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City of Thieves by David Benioff

City of Thieves by David Benioff


I have decided to not rate this book, also to not finish it. It is probably excellent and that is why I won't rate it because it would be my opinion.

I truly found this too sad and morose. It might have been due to listening to the audio which was extremely dull. Just can't say more about it.

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