1_Great_Book
Ottawa Public Library
1_Great_Book's Completed Shelf
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The Grumpus and His Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas PlanThe Grumpus and His Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan, Book
by Smith, Alex T.Book - 2022Book, 2022
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Dec 02, 2023
Varina Palladino's Jersey Italian Love StoryVarina Palladino's Jersey Italian Love Story, BookA Novel
by DeFino, Terri-LynneBook - 2023Book, 2023
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Full of humour, a delightful discovery. I will read more from this author. Great snippits on vocabulary to ease understanding of character dialogue in the vernacular.
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Very different from the average novel theme - but very comparable to other novels on community life on a remote island before the advent of industrialization. The sheer hostility of the climate and the ever-present wind and storms on the sea dictate the periods islanders can connect with others on the mainland. A refreshing visit to a very different world.Very different from the average novel theme - but very comparable to other novels on community life on a remote island before the advent of industrialization. The sheer hostility of the climate and the ever-present wind and storms on the sea dictate…
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
The Private Life of SpiesThe Private Life of Spies, BookAnd, The Exquisite Art of Getting Even
by McCall Smith, AlexanderBook - 2023Book, 2023
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
A long-time McCall-Smith fan, I don't find he does well with spies and intrigue. I quit reading only 3 stories in - just not his style.
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Main character Gigi is a bit too star-struck with her imagination, but pulls through and gains self-awareness in time for my patience to endure her. A quick adventure to enjoy on a slow afternoon.
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Delightful! A great afternoon of literary humour!
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Full of ripeness and decay and family secrets - this book was a delight. Anyone who has spent some time in humid, southern Florida will appreciate the comparisons of the family's struggles against the climate easily overtaking human progress at every turn. Despite the crumbling house and the ever-encroaching elements, the family survives and thrives.Full of ripeness and decay and family secrets - this book was a delight. Anyone who has spent some time in humid, southern Florida will appreciate the comparisons of the family's struggles against the climate easily overtaking human progress at…
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
The culprit isn't obvious and you will enjoy the adventure straight through to the end. Quite a bit of wit/play on words (Stabmort Park for a murder) and names of characters suit their personality (Mr. Grub). Cleverly written and original.
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Charming. I really enjoyed the theme of a group of people who didn't know each other previously, travelling with a broken heart. Through getting to know each other, each one's heartache is revealed. Very realistic character interaction and not contrived. Thoroughly enjoyed.Charming. I really enjoyed the theme of a group of people who didn't know each other previously, travelling with a broken heart. Through getting to know each other, each one's heartache is revealed. Very realistic character interaction and not…
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Quite an unusual tale for a protagonist with so little character. It's a challenge to write about an ordinary, introverted person. The writer's exceptional style makes up for any lack of exciting events.
Les 150 plus beaux parcs naturels d'EuropeLes 150 plus beaux parcs naturels d'Europe, Book
Book - 2023 | FrenchBook, 2023. Language: French
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
C'est un aperçu et plutôt une liste. Pas assez de description ou d'information sur les parcs. Une seule belle photo de chacun.
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Tried out this book by a local author. A bit too cosy of a mystery for me - nothing dangerous, and a few too many cats! Interesting chapter headers with historical dictionary references to the use of the word clutter.
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Aug 19, 2023
Comment:
Outstanding new writer - a bit slow to take off, but later on I couldn't put it down. Lots of unforseen twists in the unfolding of the great heist. Big on intrigue, with some excellent themes.
The Education of Dixie DupreeThe Education of Dixie Dupree, Book
by Everhart, DonnaBook - 2016Book, 2016
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 08, 2023
Comment:
I could not put this book down. Expertly told from the point of view of an 11-year old, this is a novel for adults. Heavy and terrifying events unfold in a family over a couple of generations. Expertly crafted, a child tries to make sense and comprehend what is happening between the adults in her family. Fear and overcoming is a constant in the plot. Everhart courageously brings taboo themes into the open. They are difficult to confront and discuss, but that allows for healing to begin and the terror to subside. There are not many books out there that embrace resiliency while marching through the terror with gritted teeth.I could not put this book down. Expertly told from the point of view of an 11-year old, this is a novel for adults. Heavy and terrifying events unfold in a family over a couple of generations. Expertly crafted, a child tries to make sense and…
粉红猪小妹粉红猪小妹, DVDFen hong zhu xiao meiFen hong zhu xiao meixiao zhu Peiqi = Peppa Pig
DVD - 2017 | ChineseDVD, 2017. Language: Chinese
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
Not all DVDs played well. Great collection and fun way to practice Chinese.
The Sweet Remnants of SummerThe Sweet Remnants of Summer, Book
by McCall Smith, AlexanderBook - 2022Book, 2022
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
The art of meddling using the utmost tact, charm and goodwill…Isabel gets herself into another conundrum but feels a moral obligation to steer things right. McCall Smith’s skill shines through in Isabel.
Love in the Time of BertieLove in the Time of Bertie, Book
by McCall Smith, AlexanderBook - 2022Book, 2022
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
Always rooting for Bertie! When will Irene get written out of this series? I can’t wait for the day! Interesting twist with Bruce….is he turning a page?
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
Bittersweet and tenderly written - hunker down for an afternoon to lose yourself in this one!
And Then There's MargaretAnd Then There's Margaret, Book
by Flores, Carolyn ClarkeBook - 2022Book, 2022
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
The despicable mother-in-law stereotype is a bit exaggerated. Everything is a bit too much and over the top and you just want to slap these characters into more empathy and better behaviour. The denouement occurs, as it must, but even it is too far towards the end.The despicable mother-in-law stereotype is a bit exaggerated. Everything is a bit too much and over the top and you just want to slap these characters into more empathy and better behaviour. The denouement occurs, as it must, but even it is too far…
A Song of Comfortable ChairsA Song of Comfortable Chairs, Book
by McCall Smith, AlexanderBook - 2022Book, 2022
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
Mma Ramotswe cleverly and discreetly assists Mma Makutsi and her husband, Phuti Radiphuti, overcome an attack on their furniture business. This volume stands out from others because the two colleagues are drawn closer together instead of being set against against each other.Mma Ramotswe cleverly and discreetly assists Mma Makutsi and her husband, Phuti Radiphuti, overcome an attack on their furniture business. This volume stands out from others because the two colleagues are drawn closer together instead of being set…
Lessons at the School by the SeaLessons at the School by the Sea, Book
by Colgan, JennyBook - 2023Book, 2023
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
I am having a romp with this series, and as soon as I finish one I’m eagerly awaiting the next. Oh, WHEN will Maggie and David get more than 5 minutes together! The suspense is killing me! Meanwhile, will the French teacher find true love, and what about that headmistress getting to know her son and searching for her Russian flame? There’s a lot more to these books than the mere growing up of a pack of school girls with their own set of adolescent events!I am having a romp with this series, and as soon as I finish one I’m eagerly awaiting the next. Oh, WHEN will Maggie and David get more than 5 minutes together! The suspense is killing me! Meanwhile, will the French teacher find true love, and what…
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
I was captivated by this story, from the origins of the tale Beauty and the Beast to the fascination with genetic oddities mixed with royal protection centuries ago, to the cruel strategizing of royal families to maintain power. You will adventure into a very different world with this tale.I was captivated by this story, from the origins of the tale Beauty and the Beast to the fascination with genetic oddities mixed with royal protection centuries ago, to the cruel strategizing of royal families to maintain power. You will adventure…
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & LouiseThe Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, Book
by Oakley, ColleenBook - 2023Book, 2023
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
What a wily old biddie is Miss Louise! A surprising adventure awaits, with plenty of suspense. Original!
Christmas at the Cupcake CaféChristmas at the Cupcake Café, BookA Novel
by Colgan, JennyBook - 2022Book, 2022
1_Great_Book's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2023
Comment:
As a longtime fan of Jenny Colgan, I gravitate to her novels. The cross-Atlantic romance dilemma is complex, realistic and well-done. One of my favourites of hers, for sure!
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