meg reads and reads

Title: Mrs. Fletcher Author: Tom Perrotta Tom Perrotta's Mrs. Fletcher is a delightful surprise. The story of a middle-aged woman embarking on a sexual reawakening resonated deeply, even though the premise seemed familiar. Eve Fletcher, a divorcee facing an empty nest, grapples with a newfound freedom. A community college class becomes a springboard for self-discovery, leading her to explore romantic possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose. The concept of an older woman's sexual awakening isn't new, but Perrotta breathes fresh air into it. Like Something's Gotta Give , the story celebrates the vibrancy of women beyond their youth. Perrotta's writing is a winning combination of humor and insightful social commentary. He tackles themes of dating failure, feminism, and the pervasiveness of pornography with a sharp wit that entertains and provokes thought. The chapters following Eve's son, Brendan, felt like a drag on the narrative. His self-absorption and lack...

Title: Fear Is Just a Word Author: Azam Ahmed In Fear Is Just a Word , journalist Azam Ahmed masterfully weaves together the harrowing tale of Miriam and her family, whose lives have been forever altered by the brutal violence of drug cartels. Set against the backdrop of a wounded nation, this book serves as both a heart-wrenching account and a beacon of hope. The narrative unfolds with unflinching honesty, exposing the raw pain and desolation that drug-cartel violence inflicts upon families. Ahmed's vivid prose transports readers to the frontlines of this war, where fear and loss are palpable. Through Miriam's eyes, we witness the shattered dreams, the sleepless nights, and the relentless struggle to survive. Ahmed's journalistic feat lies in his ability to collect these painful pieces of Miriam's story with compassion. He doesn't merely report; he immerses himself in the lives of those affected. The result is a mosaic of grief, resilience, and courage. As readers,...

Title: Nothing Rhymes with Orange Author: Adam Rex Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex is a juicy read (pun intended!) that bursts with humor and a heartwarming message. The story centers around Orange, a dejected citrus fruit left out because, well, nothing rhymes with orange! As other fruits sing their rhyming praises in a playful parade, Orange feels like the odd one out. But fear not, fellow readers! The astute fruit step in with a clever solution that not only includes Orange but celebrates his unique identity. Rex's witty wordplay and use of silly rhymes will have kids giggling, while the underlying message of acceptance and embracing differences resonates with adults as well. The vibrant illustrations, a playful mix of photographs and drawn expressions, perfectly capture the personalities of each fruit. Nothing Rhymes with Orange is a delightful tale perfect for story time or independent reading. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, leaving both children and adults with a...

Title: The Women Author: Kristin Hannah Kristin Hannah's The Women opens with a description of a wealthy estate. The scene is clear, but the prose feels uninspired. Phrases like "a world unto itself" and "twilit evening" come across as cliches, failing to set a vivid or engaging atmosphere. So we didn't get off to a good start. Unfortunately, it didn't really get better. While some readers might prioritize intricate plots over writing style, I think that, while plot is obviously very important, I also value prose that's fresh and avoids overused expressions. Generic descriptions can make the story feel flat. It's important to note that Kristin Hannah is a bestseller, and the story itself is compelling. However, if you, like me, prefer clear, concise writing that paints a picture with its words, this book might not be the best fit. The descriptive language doesn't quite deliver the evocative power it strives for.