Musings - Online Book Clubs

Online book clubs are big ever since Oprah exploded the idea back in 1996 and the phenomenon brings joy to my heart.  It helps to have a big name behind the book club to get exposure thus Reese Witherspoon and Good Morning America's book picks are successful.  But now we have a plethera of online book clubs to meet most every need.

The structure of an online book club typically includes: 

• A reading schedule or deadline
• Regular discussion sessions
• Sometimes may even include guest appearances by authors  

The deadline ensures all members are at the same point in the book during discussions. Such structure can motivate regular reading while knowing there will be discussion promotes consistency and looking for deeper meaning while reading.  

The online factor makes it more convenient for today's busy people.   Discussions can take place in live video chats, discussion boards, or a comments section.  Technology allows authors to join these discussions and provide their insights into the book and a special opportunity for members to interact with the creators of the books is an added bonus.

Let's get into a few of the myriad online book clubs available.

Of course I have to feature the mystery book club: 

Murder and Mayhem Book Club uses the Fable app and features a "variety of exciting mystery and thriller titles over time, from classics to hot topics."  (Find them here) 

Big Library Read (click here).  first Global ebook club that utilizes Libby app for reading the book with no waiting to check out the book and the discussion.  It is the largest online book club with 1000+ participating.  On the website is the "Join the Discusson" tab where you answer the questions and then read other's responses. 

The Heavy Hitter Big Names:

• Oprah Book Picks that Oprah has personally picked is a newsletter you join (click here) and then the disccusion takes place on Goodreads (click here)  
• Reese Witherspoon  features books with a woman at the center of the story.  (click here)
• Good Morning America Book Club takes place mostly on Instagram (click here)
• Jimmy Fallon Book Club is back - follow @FallonBookClub on Instagram for the scheduled book and join the conversation (click here)
• Los Angeles Times Book Club uses their newsletter to organize and communicate book picks and solicit recommendations. This is specifically for Southern California because they tend to arrange for a live author event with tickets because they get stars like LeVar Burton and Dean Koontz. (click here) 
• Read With Jenna Book Club (Today Show) (click here)

Notable and Popular:

Teen Banned Book Club at NYPL

selecting young adult books that have been challenged or banned from schools and offering them free nationwide via digital access. The book club also hosts the authors for an event. (click here)  

NoName's Book Club featuring books written by POC with active chapters in 14 cites for incarerated. (click here)

Subtle Asian Book Club  

created in 2020 with the goal of uplifting Asian voices and storytellers. You can read along with the monthly book chosen, join on social media, and watch videos of their live author interviews. (click here)

Mocha Girls Read

Monthly book club of Black women who love to read. They currently have chapters in 14 cities across the U.S. Starting in 2024, anyone can join “an IG Live every first Saturday of the month at 5 pm PT.  (click here)

The Stacks Book Club

Began as a podcast that chats all about books, and added a monthly book club! The book chosen for the month is discussed on the podcast the last week of the month with a selected special guest. (click here) 

Between Two Books Book Club

with a vibrant online community of avid readers. The unique aspect of this club is that it features book recommendations from various artists, writers, and directors, allowing members to explore diverse voices and perspectives.  book discussions take place on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, where we feature readings and Q&As with authors. (click here)

Others you may find interesting: 

Rebel Book Club (Non-fiction) based in UK for live and virtual meetings. (click here)

Beth's Book Club is a subscription based community of thousands of women reading together all around the world. They set about creating a platform that would offer members plenty of community, fun, learning and self-care opportunities. They discuss the book of the month via Facebook, have a bookswap, and a newsletter. (click here)

Ladies Lit Squad (click here)

Girlfriend Book Club from AARP (click here)

Andrew Luck Book Club He's the quarterback for Indianapolis Colts (click here)

Addicted to YA Book Club on Goodreads (click here)

The History Book Club (Goodreads) (click here)

That is just a few, there are scores more of every type imaginable.  Share yours in the comments.  Let me know if you found one of these particularly good for you and you joined.

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Review - Speculations In Sin

I think I've probably read a few more than I've reviewed, but here is the one prior in this series I reviewed: 

3rd: Death in Kew Gardens (click here) 

Author: Jennifer Ashley

Copyright: Mar 2024 (Berkley) 319 pgs

Series: 7th in Below Stairs Mysteries

Sensuality: Adult topics, mild romance

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Historical

Main Character: Kat Holloway, a Cook for the Mayfair household  

Setting: 1883. London, England

Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

 Book Blurb:  "Kat Holloway is distressed to learn that Samuel Millburn, husband of the woman who looks after her daughter, has been accused of embezzling funds from the bank where he works as a clerk. The accusation is absurd, and Samuel’s wife fears that her husband will not only lose his post but be imprisoned. Kat vows to uncover the truth.

When she discovers the bank is involved in shockingly murky business dealings, Kat realizes she’s treading in dangerous waters. She turns to her confidante and handsome suitor, Daniel McAdam, for help. To exonerate Samuel, Kat and Daniel may have to expose the unseemly financial dealings of prominent aristocrats and government officials, and even those working to bring down the royal family. Kat will risk everything to protect the man who has sacrificed so much for her daughter, even if it means endangering herself and the friends she has come to love."

MY Thoughts:

Superlative cook Kat Holloway struggles being a single mother at a time when it is unacceptable.  Flirty Daniel McAdam is courting Kat. He has a eighteen year old son who often is looking out for Kat on Daniels request.  There relationship is adorable and makes a little progress.  Also, we get a glimpse into Daniel's rough past before he became the dear he is now.

Joanna Millburn, wife of accused Samuel, is the woman who takes care of Kat's daughter, since Kat could lose her job if her employer knew she had a daughter.  That was the old mentality and because Samuel could go to prison, Joanna and Kat's daughter could be homeless.  Grace, Kat's daughter, is a delightful child who understands the situation and tries to be of help all around.

Lady Cynthia, sister-in-law of Kat's employers, assists in the investigation and maybe moreimportantly in helping Samuel obtain legal representation.  Mr. Thanos is a brilliant mathematician who also helps with the investigation. 

The plot has several twists to figure out what all was happening with the murder and the embezzeling.  The pacing kept me turning the pages. The climax was tense and had some thrilling moments which I so appreciate.  The wrap-up was heartwarming. 

This is an excellent historical cozy that never fails to entertain. It has a solid mystery with plenty of heart and spunk that I recommend.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Review - The Mystery Writer

I have only read one other book by author Sulari Gentill (Edgar Award nominee) and now for my second.

The Woman in the Libary (click here) 

What is a better topic for mystery fans than a mystery author who is caught up in a murder mystery!? That is the short version of this book plot.  Read on to find out my thoughts on the newest Sulari Gentill book.

Author: Sulari Gentill

Copyright: March 2024 (Poisoned Pen Press) 400 pgs

Series: Standalone

Sensuality: Mild, adult situations, TW: old rape case discussed

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth, Traditional Mystery, Literary thriller

Main Character: Theodosia Benton, early twenties naive aspiring author 

Setting: Contemporary, Lawrence, Kansas

Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

 

Book Blurb:  "When Theodosia Benton abandons her career path as an attorney and shows up on her brother's doorstep with two suitcases and an unfinished novel, she expects to face a few challenges. Will her brother support her ambition or send her back to finish her degree? What will her parents say when they learn of her decision? Does she even have what it takes to be a successful writer?

What Theo never expects is to be drawn into a hidden literary world in which identity is something that can be lost and remade for the sake of an audience. When her mentor, a highly successful author, is brutally murdered, Theo wants the killer to be found and justice to be served. Then the police begin looking at her brother, Gus, as their prime suspect, and Theo does the unthinkable in order to protect him. But the writer has left a trail, a thread out of the labyrinth in the form of a story. Gus finds that thread and follows it, and in his attempt to save his sister he inadvertently threatens the foundations of the labyrinth itself. To protect the carefully constructed narrative, Theo Benton, and everyone looking for her, will have to die."

MY Thoughts:

Theodosia is flat as the main character and I've seen it suggested that was so the reader would cast themself as Theo, but it just made her seem like a blank canvas for a lot of the book.  Her main characteristic is incredibly naive.  I felt for Gus, Theo's brother, trying to be big brother and protector while giving Theo space to be herself and then when everything goes to crap he is trying to save his little sister.  Gus was well developed and I could relate to him.  Cormack (Mac) Etheridge is a good friend of Gus and a private investigator that gets involved. Mac comes from a wacky, conspiracy theorist, survivalist family that play into the storyline as well.

Very clever concept for the story and ultimate villain. Kudos there.  The pacing is well done and once the murder occurs the tension is pretty constant with plenty of action to keep the story moving at a good speed.  Kept me turning the pages. I like the writing style in general but at one point I was a bit confused with jumps between Theo's point-of-view and Gus' without any break or notice.  

I thought interspercing the conspiracy theory message board discussions throughout really showed how such wild conjecture played into and was manipulated in the scheme of things.  In this current atmosphere that was a spot-on element.

The climax occured fairly quickly in terms of number of pages, but I think it worked well. I will say that I figured who the villain was shortly after the murder but even with that I thought the suspense was built plausibly.  In this case the wrap-up supplied explanations for all the myriad things that occured, giving the full picture of events.  

I have to say that author Sulari Gentill has a knack for developing pretty unique storylines, but this one had some fantastical elements that some might find a little over-the-top, but I enjoyed it tremendously.

Overall a wonderfully entertaining mystery that I recommend.

Rating:  Excellent - A fun read and enjoyable story throughout

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Review - Murder In Westminster

 "Perfect for readers looking for a darker twist on Bridgerton, this first in a vibrant, inclusive historical mystery series from an acclaimed author Vanessa Riley portrays the true diversity of the Regency-era, as an aristocrat whose skin color and notorious family history have left her with few friends she can rely on is named as the prime suspect in a murder case…"

Author: Vanessa Riley

Copyright: Aug 2022 (Kensington Books) 338 pgs

Series: 1st in Lady Worthing Mysteries

Sensuality: Adult topics, otherwise mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical cozy

Main Character: Lady Abigail Worthing, Scottish & Jamaican, is married to a Lord who stays at sea 

Setting: 1806, London England

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb:  "Discovering a body on her property presents Lady Abigail Worthing with more than one pressing problem. The victim is Juliet, the wife of her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. Although Abigail has little connection with the lady in question, she expects to be under suspicion. Abigail’s skin color and her mother’s notorious past have earned her a certain reputation among the ton, and no amount of wealth or status will eclipse it.

Abigail can’t divulge that she was attending a secret pro-abolition meeting at the time of the murder. To her surprise, Henderson offers her an alibi. Though he and Juliet were long estranged, he feels a certain loyalty to his late wife. Perhaps together, he and Abigail can learn the truth. . . . Abigail, whose marriage was not a love match, knows well how appearances can deceive—and how treacherous London’s high society can be. Yet who would have killed Juliet, and why? Taking the reins of her life in a way she never has before, Abby intends to find out—but she may uncover more danger than she ever imagined . . ."

MY Thoughts:

Abigail, Lady Worthing, joins the ranks of historical amateur sleuths giving us a mixed race young woman who is a delight but a little bit of a troubled soul. I found her a woman of substance that I would love to sit with and have deep coversations.  Cousin Florentina is a math minded wiz and Abigail's closest friend.  Mr. Neil Vaughn, her godfather, thinks of her and Florentina as his own children and seems a mysterious man who is protective of those he loves.  The next door neighbor, Stapleton Henderson, the recent widower, has the most obvious motive to kill but Abigail finds herself investigating alongside him. He holds everything inside and is hard to figure out.  To lighten things a little is Teacup, Abigail's terrier that only lets Abigail touch him, until Henderson.

There are plenty of suspects as Juliet Henderson had several men and she had more secrets than lovers.  This had a good twist to make this a wonderful mystery. The climax was well done and the wrap-up left me stunned.  Kudos on that.  It left me wanting to immediatedly jump into the next book which is a goal of every author but not often achieved.  I'm a fan and will be reading the second shortly.

Have you read this book?  Share your thoughts in the comments please.

Rating:   Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Espionage Play Review: Rubicon

 

Today I'm reviewing a play rather than a movie, and a spy play based on a true story!  It's a brand new play I saw in Denver at it's world premier.  That's right, it's new and I wanted to share it with all of you.  

There are books about Elizabeth (Betty) Pack--nee Thorpe ("The Last Goodnight: A World War II Story of Espionage, Adventure, and Betrayal" by Howard Blum and "Cast No Shadow" by Mary S. Lovell), but no splashy movies.  That's why this play felt important to me.  FYI: No nudity, I'd rate it PG13

Play Blurb:
"Starting in the years leading up to World War II, the plot follows Elizabeth “Betty” Pack as she transitions from society wife and mother to steely, seductive agent for British and American Intelligence.  As missions take her from Madrid to Warsaw to Washington, Betty uses her charm, beauty, and intellect as tools of espionage, leveraging her sexuality to influence global affairs.

Overflowing with intrigue and wit, Rubicon is an engaging portrait of an unsung heroine and the sacrifices she makes to change the course of the war. It addresses the stigma attached to choosing professional determination and personal agency over traditional gender expectations. It’s a work that’s suspenseful, alluring, and surprising all at once."

What's It About?:
  It's about a charming, beautiful, and intelligent multi-lingual woman whose father is a Marine Corps officer and mother is a Senator's daughter in the heart of the Washinton DC political scene who gets recruited to spy.  She is completely unconventional for the time and looked down upon by many because of it, but they can't fault her results.  She is what many might call a "free spirit" and others just call "promiscuous" but she gains important information in her work for first MI6 and then the precursor to the CIA leading up to and during WWII.  Because of her parents, she is completely comfortable working in the aristocratic world of international diplomatic society and she is adept at seduction to get secrets, but it all comes at a personal cost.

Tagline:  

"Wars are not won by respectable methods" Betty Pack

Written by Kirsten Potter
Directed by Chris Coleman

Starring (most played multiple parts):
Carolyn Holding at Betty Pack
Geoffry Kent as Beaverton
Kate Forbes as Lady Chilton
Aaron Blakely as Arthur Pack 
Pomme Koch as Senator Gerald Nye and Antonio
**This play was developed at the 2022 New Play Summit (Denver Center Theatre Company)

Reviews:
Being so very new there aren't many reviews yet.

“There’s a slinky elegance to Rubicon. The [stage] design is spare but evocative and the show moves with a fluid ease, finding the tension, sexual frisson or coy playfulness of a scene.” – The Denver Post

"Rubicon is an engaging story well told in a sleek production that does Potter’s script justice. Wartime spawns a thousand stories, but so many of them are tales of men. Here, we get an up-close look at a woman who knew her power and how to use it."  Alex Miller, On Stage Colorado

Trivia:

• 
  Rubicon is the act that commits someone to a particular course; point of no return.
• Betty's memoirs are now in the archives of Churchill College, Cambridge.
• Betty was labeled "The Blond Bond" by Time Magazine, only she's not fictional.
• One of Betty's missions was to steal the Vichy ciphers (the books that held the codes to the enigma machine used by the Nazis) at extreme risk to herself.  She did it, too.
• Director Chris Coleman created the position of “psychodramaturgy” where Barbara Hort, a psychologist, offers psychological insights into the characters for the actors.
• Betty's official code name was Cynthia.
• Betty was refered to as the "Minnesota Mata Hari" and the "greatest unsung heroine of the war."
• The world premier was extended for another week because it was so popular.

My Thoughts:
I loved this play.  The first act was the build up to her becoming a spy, so it was a little slow, understandable though.  But after she was recuited by MI6 the story took off.  

The comedic touches were great, keeping what could have been a depressing commentary on how she was regarded to a breezy feel at times.  You begin to see it how Betty did--there were far bigger issues at hand to be so sensitive.  

The play brings out the sacrifices she made for the sake of winning the war (not being part of her child's life much at all).  Occasionally, you see that she's scared, but determined to do her part to stop Hitler.  It also showed how closely she played it to the wire, at one point juggling two men at the same time to get critical time sensitive information.  The play shows she was a force, a great spy, a wounded and misunderstood woman, intelligent enough to know what would happen if she were caught but daring enough to pull it off anyway.  

The ending was like the rug being pulled out from under me.  I truly hope this play gets plenty of attention and is picked up by other play houses because it's just too good to not have more aclaim and attention.   Be looking for it.

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Trailer