Kate’s 2¢: “Gather Together” by Maya Angelou

“Gather Together” by Maya Angelou

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   It is a good thing that Maya Angelou kept reminding the reader that this was the true story of a Black, single Mother, because, Mitzi Friedlander’s voice lacked the ethnicity of the Black patois. 

   The listener to this NLS narrated book will enjoy the novel-like arc of Angelou’s auto-biography. I enjoyed this book.

Marguerite Annie Johnson, Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She was an actress and writer, known for Poetic Justice (1993), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and How to Make an American Quilt (1995). She was married to Paul Du Feu, Vusumzi Linda Make and Enistasious (Tosh) Angelos.

   The second child of Bailey Johnson, a doorman and navy dietitian, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse and card dealer.  Her parents divorced when she was three and she was sent with her 4-year old brother Bailey to live with their grandmother in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas.

   Maya Angelou became one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. With over 50 honorary doctorate degrees Dr. Maya Angelou became a celebrated poet, memoirist, educator, dramatist.

   Feb 28, 2018 · Maya Angelou was a civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author known for her acclaimed 1969 memoir, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ and her numerous poetry and essay collections.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Gather together in my name DB56481

Angelou, Maya Reading time: 6 hours, 16 minutes.

Mitzi Friedlander A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Biography

A continuation of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (RC 24959), this memoir begins at the end of World War II. Angelou recalls being an unwed mother at seventeen and becoming a prostitute for an older man who deceived her. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. 1974.

Download Gather together in my name DB56481

Kate’s 2¢: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   This could have been any young girl’s story, who grew up in poverty with strife and prejudices, however, the ethnicity of Maya Angelou’s deep, melodious voice reading her auto-biography, leaves no doubt that this is the story of a young, Black girl over-coming each obstacle placed in her path or ones of her own doing.

   Although this is an auto-biography, it reads liken amazing novel. I enjoyed reading about her trials and triumphs.

Marguerite Annie Johnson, Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA as Marguerite Annie Johnson. She was an actress and writer, known for Poetic Justice (1993), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and How to Make an American Quilt (1995). She was married to Paul Du Feu, Vusumzi Linda Make and Enistasious (Tosh) Angelos.

   The second child of Bailey Johnson, a doorman and navy dietitian, and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson, a nurse and card dealer.  Her parents divorced when she was three and she was sent with her 4-year old brother Bailey to live with their grandmother in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas.

   Maya Angelou became one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. With over 50 honorary doctorate degrees Dr. Maya Angelou became a celebrated poet, memoirist, educator, dramatist.

   Feb 28, 2018 · Maya Angelou was a civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author known for her acclaimed 1969 memoir, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ and her numerous poetry and essay collections.

From NLSBARDLOC          :

I know why the caged bird sings DB24959

Angelou, Maya Reading time: 9 hours, 5 minutes.

Terry Hayes Sales A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Biography of Writers

An autobiography of the childhood and adolescence of a black girl in rural Arkansas, St. Louis, and San Francisco. She is a strong and sensitive young woman who endures and overcomes many horrors in her life.

Download I know why the caged bird sings DB24959

Kate’s 2¢: “The Amish Nanny” by Mindy Starns -Clark and Leslie Gould

“The Amish Nanny” by Mindy Starns -Clark and Leslie Gould

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   The reader will learn a lot about Amish and Mennonite history, as well as why they honor their martyred forebearers. There are many wonderful descriptions of the Swiss landscapes, small towns, churches, and customs.

   I enjoyed traveling with Ada and felt my heart soar when her heart soared.

www.mindystarnsclark.com

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of numerous books, both fiction and nonfiction, including Whispers of the Bayou, The House That Cleans Itself, and the #1-ranked The Amish Midwife. She has received numerous honors, including two Christy Awards and an RT Book Reviews’ Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and have two grown daughters.

www.goodreads.com/author/show/151399.Leslie_Gould

Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of thirty novels. She received her MFA from Portland State University and teaches writing at Warner Pacific University. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The Amish nanny DBG09007

Clark, Mindy Starns; Gould, Leslie Reading time: 13 hours, 1 minute.

Nancy Mathewson. A production of CNIB.

Religious Fiction

Human Relations

Romance

Amish-raised Ada Rupp knows it’s time to join the church, especially if she wants a future with handsome widower Will Gundy. But when she has the chance to travel to Switzerland as the caregiver of a young child, she leaps at the opportunity. Anxious to learn more about her forebears, Ada enlists the help of a young Mennonite scholar named Daniel, but even as she develops feelings for him, she cannot get Will from her mind – or her heart. 2011. (Women of Lancaster County ; 2) Unrated. Marrakesh title.

Download The Amish nanny DBG09007

Kate’s 2¢: “Capturing the devil” by Kerri Maniscalco

“Capturing the devil” by Kerri Maniscalco

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced, suspenseful, and gave us a flavor of the times of New York City and Chicago during 1889, not to mention a glimpse of the Chicago World’s Fair, aka  the “White City”.

   I especially liked the author’s use of subtle suggestions and sensual hints of sex, letting the reader fill-in his/her own sexual fantasies and sensual experiences. It is a much more satisfying feeling, than graphic descriptions that may or may not correspond with the reader’s own experiences.

   The narrator, Nicola Barber, did a good job of giving each character his/her own voice, without dramatizing the story.

   This story encompasses numerous opposites, such as, light and dark, good and evil, right and wrong, fact and fiction, as well as angels and devils. It can cause one to inwardly reflect on “What would I do?”

From her website:

kerrimaniscalco.com

BIO: Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a semi-haunted house outside NYC where her fascination with gothic settings began. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food with her family and friends, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life’s finer points with her cats.

She is the #1 NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series and the forthcoming Kingdom of the Wicked.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Capturing the devil DB96851

Maniscalco, Kerri. Reading time: 12 hours, 27 minutes.

Read by Nicola Barber.

Suspense Fiction

Mystery and Detective Stories

Young Adult

1889. Audrey Rose and Thomas soon become entangled in a serial killer investigation from New York to Chicago. Sequel to Escaping from Houdini (DB 93292). Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019.

 Kate’s 2¢: “The Hive” by Gregg Olsen

“The Hive” by Gregg Olsen

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   David Hartley-Margolin is one of my favorite readers and he didn’t disappoint me with this story.

I can see how Olsen would be a NYTIMES best seller.  “The Hive” kept my mind on alert for the clue that would tell me who did what.  The narrative arc seemed to jump back and forth, but, the dates were clearly stated. Take notes if you need to. The tie-in from he/she/one is early in the story. The full truth comes out near the end of the book.  It is a good read.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Olsen has received awards and acclaim for his writing. The Deep Dark: Disaster and Redemption in America’s Richest Silver Mine was selected as “Idaho Book of the Year” in 2006 by the Idaho Libraries Association and was a finalist for a Spur Award for best contemporary historical nonfiction book by the Western Writers of America. In 2007, The Deep Dark was also selected by Boise State University as its first-year read for incoming freshmen. Starvation Heights was selected by Washington State Library and the Washington Secretary of State for its annual “Everybody Reads” literary program for books that contribute to the culture of the state.

Starvation Heights, a crime novel, was adapted for the stage by Portland, Oregon playwright Ginny Foster and debuted as a part of the National New Play Festival in July 2008. It was announced in January 2009 that the book was optioned by producer Jason Fogelson and Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Letts for a film adaptation with Letts named as writing the script.[1] It also was listed as a New York Times bestseller at number 7 on December 28, 2014 in e-book nonfiction.[2]

In 2012, Envy, a novel by Olsen, was Washington State Library’s choice to represent Washington in the Pavilion of the States at the 2012 National Book Festival.[3]

Olsen has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “The Early Show,” Court TV, “Entertainment Tonight,” CNN, FOX News, 48 Hours, and other US and international TV programs discussing criminal cases. He lives in rural Olalla, Washington, with his wife, a graphic designer

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The hive DB104652

Olsen, Gregg. Reading time: 12 hours, 32 minutes.

Read by David Hartley-Margolin.

Suspense Fiction

Mystery and Detective Stories

Psychological Fiction

Detective Lindsay Jackman investigates the murder of a young journalist found at the bottom of a ravine. Lindsay’s investigation leads to a wellness guru. But while Marnie Spellman has apparently communed with bees, she is also hiding the true secrets to her success. Strong language, some violence, and some descriptions of sex. 2021.

Download The hive

Kate’s 2¢: “The Family Plot” by Megan Collins  

“The Family Plot” by Megan Collins  

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

Yes, this is a very disturbing story. Thank goodness, it is fictional, but, then, one never knows what really goes on behind closed doors.

   I’m still thinking about the ending. I agree they all needed help, but, to get away with murder?

Megan Collins is the author of THE FAMILY PLOT, BEHIND THE RED DOOR, and THE WINTER SISTER. She taught creative writing for many years at both the high school and college level and is the managing editor of 3Elements Review. She lives in Connecticut.

She received her B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and she holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Boston University, where she was a teaching fellow. She has taught creative writing.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The family plot: a novel DB105917

Collins, Megan. Reading time: 10 hours, 32 minutes.

Read by Emily Tremaine.

Suspense Fiction

Psychological Fiction

Twenty-six-year-old Dahlia Lighthouse is haunted by her upbringing in a secluded island mansion by true crime-obsessed parents. Her twin brother Andy disappeared when they were sixteen. But when she returns home after her father’s death, it’s to find Andy’s body in the plot. Her family’s reactions are disturbing. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

Download The family plot: a novel

 Kate’s 2¢: “The au pair” by   Emma Rous

“The au pair” by   Emma Rous

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

Ah, yes, what a tangled web we weave. This story kept my attention, that’s for sure.

   The narrative arc swung from the current year back to the year it all happened. Each chapter was marked with the year and character sharing her story. Very well done. 

From the WEB:

Emma Rous Emma Rous is Cambridge University graduate who spent eighteen years working as a veterinary surgeon. She is now writing full-time, and lives with her husband and three school-age sons.

From NLS/BARD/LOC          :

The au pair DB105907

Rous, Emma. Reading time: 11 hours, 33 minutes.

Read by Elizabeth Sastre.

Suspense Fiction

Mystery and Detective Stories

Hours after Seraphine and her twin brother were born at the family’s Norfolk estate, their mother threw herself from nearby cliffs and the au pair fled. Now an adult, Seraphine mourns her father’s recent death. While settling the estate, she finds a photograph that leads to family secrets. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.

Download The au pair

Kate’s 2¢: “The story of the Volsungs the Volsunga saga” by Anthony Ferguson

 “The story of the Volsungs the Volsunga saga” by Anthony Ferguson

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   The Icelandic author is apparently anonymous, so the reader Anthony Ferguson is listed as the author, which can get a bit confusing.

   I enjoyed this saga of a foreign land.  It is almost like a time-travel adventure.

From the WEB:

   I’m not sure if this is the correct Ferguson who reads for Audible.com.

Mini Bio (1) Anthony Wayne Ferguson (aka Tony Ferguson) grew up in inner city Minneapolis where he was exposed to professional mentors from New York, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis. In those theater programs, everyone collaborated and wrote, acted, and toured the plays they created. In high school, Tony played football and wrestled while also performing in musicals.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The story of the Volsungs: the Volsunga saga DB103473

Ferguson, Antony Reading time: 4 hours, 37 minutes.

Antony Ferguson

Classics

Originally written in Icelandic in the thirteenth century, this legendary saga is based on Norse mythology. This epic describes the feats of generations of mythic Viking families. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2011.

Download The story of the Volsungs: the Volsunga saga DB103473

Kate’s 2¢: “Hide Away” by Nora Roberts

“Hide Away” by Nora Roberts

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   Roberts’s many, many novels are of the ilk: Romantic suspense fiction, Suspense Fiction, Romance, Mystery and Detective Stories, as well as Best seller. I think I like them all, at least the ones I’ve read. I like her style and plot twists within the narrative arc.

   As you may know, Nora Roberts pseudonym is J. D. Robb, especially known for the “…In Death” series.

   In “Hide Away”, I liked that the precocious Caitlyn Sullivan had a caring, strong, basically in-tact family to support her. Dillon is a once in a million young man, too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nora_RobertsActions for this site

Roberts was born on October 10, 1950 in Silver Spring, Maryland, the youngest of five children. Both of her parents have Irish ancestors.

Nora Roberts (born Eleanor Marie Robertson on October 10, 1950) is an American author of more than 225 romance novels. She writes as J. D. Robb for the in Death series and has also written under the pseudonyms Jill March and for publications in the U.K. as Sarah Hardesty.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Hideaway DB99722

Roberts, Nora. Reading time: 15 hours, 47 minutes.

Read by January LaVoy.

Suspense Fiction

Romantic Suspense

Romance

Bestsellers

Nine-year-old child star Caitlyn Sullivan was abducted from her family’s estate during a game of hide-and-seek. She escapes, and is found by teenage neighbor Dillon Cooper. As an adult, Cate still lives with the trauma and betrayal of that event, even as she gets close to Dillon once again. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2020.

Downloaded: November 29, 2020

Kate’s 2¢: “Occupying aging: delights, disabilities, and daily life” by Katherine Schneider

“Occupying aging: delights, disabilities, and daily life” by Katherine Schneider

Kate’s 2¢: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.  I’m just saying…

   There is a short journal entry for every day during 2012, which was a leap year, so there are 366 entries. Schneider takes us through her very busy life, exemplifying how a blind-from-birth person, who happens to have a few other ailments, can and does live a full and productive life.  She relates the difficulty of having to part with her guide dogs Garland and Fran; then to work with her new Seeing Eye dog, Luna.

   She has a droll sense of humor and knows when to use it and when to adjust her own attitude. The title comes  from the era of ‘occupy the Dean’s Office’, ‘occupy City Hall’, and other ‘sit-in’ venues. She included a list of other books that might assist people with aging and other issues.

   I enjoyed reading this book, as I could read a few passages, then, take up with my own busy life.

From the WEB:

Dr. Katherine Schneideris an author and has published a memoir To the Left of Inspiration: Adventures in Living with Disabilities; a children’s book, Your Treasure Hunt: Disabilities and Finding Your Gold; and two books for seniors, Occupying Aging: Delights, Disabilities and Daily Life; and Hope of the Crow: Tales of Occupying Aging (all available in Bookshare).

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Occupying aging: delights, disabilities, and daily life DB85915

Schneider, Katherine. Reading time: 8 hours, 39 minutes.

Read by Suzanne Duvall.

Disability

Retired psychologist and avid reader provides a year’s worth of daily–and often humorous–musings. Illustrates how she personally approaches life now that the circumstances of being blind from birth and struggling with fibromyalgia for two decades have been combined with issues that accompany aging. Includes a recommended reading list. 2013.

Downloaded: January 5, 2022

Download Occupying aging: delights, disabilities, and daily life