Twitter Book Recommendations

I started a Friday Book Recommendation on Twitter. Since it can be hard to go back and remember what I've recommended, I'm going to put them here in my blog too. Remember they come from Twitter, so the descriptions are short. 😊

The Vine Witch This was a cute read. Not over the top with the story or the romance. This does have two more making this a trilogy for now. I have not read the others yet, but have #2 in my Audible Library! Print, Kindle, Audio CD, Audible

The Second Life of Mirielle West. Wow. Just wow. Historical fiction about the Carville Leper Colony in Louisiana in the 1920's. Full of heart wrenching stories, and some very graphic description of the ailments, this will pull on your heart and leave you with a smile. Print, Kindle, Audible, CD

The Life-saving Magic of Tyding Up. Yes. I read this. And yes I incorporate some of her methods in my daily life. Especially how she folds clothes. Fitted sheets? Heck no! Still working on that. Print, Kindle, Spiral, Audible.

The Emperor's Soul. Another very interesting read by Sanderson. A world where souls can be forgeries. What happens when an Emperor's must be faked? Print, Kindle, Audible, CD.

Women of Walt Disney Imagineering. This is a cute and fun voyage through the lives of women Imagineers. Some who worked for Walt, and some more recent. Imagineering isn't just drawing and making movies. Read about some of the amazing things they really do. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Revenge: Megan, Harry, and the War With the Windsor's. Tom Bower. This is fantastic. A lot of stuff I never knew about "her" past. I don't care if you love or hate her. Or "him". But she knew/knows exactly what she is doing. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Star Wars: Catalyst - How could I forget to add this? I loved the build up to Rogue One. Aspects of this book were written in to cover things in the movie. And in the movie we see one scene from the book. I read this, no Audible this time. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Stargate Aschen - I hope I this is OK. I read this when I first found out about fanfic and fell in love. S/J AU with an amazing story, Kimberley Jackson hits another one out of the park. Only available on her website and download mobi, epub, pdf. 
https://www.kimberley-jackson.com/stargate-aschen-a-romance-based-on-stargate-sg-1/?doing_wp_cron=1666368450.5539178848266601562500 

The Murderbot Series - This is a series of novellas, followed up by a full length book. The security bot grows a conscious? The narrator is perfect for the role. There is harsh language, but the whole series is a nice ride. Print, Audible, mp3 cd.

Hana's War - Another historical fiction book that takes you on a wonderful adventure. When a woman is working for Hitler's atomic program ends up in the USA as one of Oppenhiemer's scientists, is she really a spy? Kindle, Audible, Audio CD.

The Engineer's Wife - Wow. Fascinating story about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Follow one family through time and their dedication to completing the bridge, even with getting hit by a boat, and getting bent. Kindle, Print, Audible, Audio CD.

Her Hidden Genius - When the double helix of human DNA is discovered by a woman, it is overshadowed by men claiming it as theirs. Follow the story of the woman who sacrificed her life to find the thing that makes humans a human. Kindle, Print, Audible, Audio CD.

The Radium Girls - I have so much to say about this and one Tweet won't do it. This is a wonderful, yet horrific, journey of the shortened lives of The Radium Girls. There is graphic descriptions of their ailments and deaths, but this is worth the read or listen. Kindle, Print, Audible.

The Kaiju Preservation Society - This book is awesome. John Scalzi nails another great adventure. Follow the journey of an "animal rights organization" as kaiju roam around on...Earth. Or are they on Earth? Narrated by Wil Wheaton. Kindle, Print, Audible, Audio CD.

Carnegie's Maid - Another smashing historical fic by Benedict! When a woman takes on the persona of another with the same name, can she keep up the ruse working for one of the most affluent families in the USA? Or will her deception ruin her own family? Kindle, Print, Audible.

The Lobotomist's Wife - This was heavy at times. The stories were painful at times knowing this stuff actually happened. It has a happier ending for the protagonist. Sometimes following your dreams doesn't work how you intended. Print, Kindle, Audio CD, Audible.

A Night To Remember - The classic book putting together events that happened before, during, and after the sinking of Titanic. This was written in the 1950's, and she had not yet been found by  Robert Ballard. I really enjoyed this timeline of events. Print, Audio CD, Audible.

The Magdalene Girls - V.S. Alexander. A fictionalized story about girls who were forced into one of the infamous Magdalene Laundries in Dublin. Since this is fiction, I don't think it captures the reality of living in one of those places. But a good read. Print, Kindle, Audio CD, Audible.

Star Wars: The Perfect Weapon - In TFA, we see a mercenary who sells out Han in Maz's cantina thing. This book is a history of Bazine Natal. The book is a great journey, even running into a familiar face or two, if you pay attention. Kindle, Audible.

Alien: The Cold Forge - The Alien books are back! These short stories are narrated as if listening to a movie with fx and all. Give them a try.

The Queen's Shadow - E.K. Johnston. I absolutely love E.K. Johnston books. This one is fantastic. A wonderful look into Padme and her transition from Queen to Senator. I met the author at a book release/signing in DC. She is wonderful. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Three Mages and a Margarita - Annette Marie. I really, really, really, really like this series! The characters are fun, and the stories a great journey. There are spin offs from this series too. Print, Audible, Kindle.

The Ride of a Lifetime - Robert Iger. I really liked this a lot. I couldn't stop listening. Some say Iger should come back and replace "Paycheck". I agree. Chapek's run is dismal. Disney was a better place with Iger, IMHO. Print, Kindle, Audible, Audio CD.

Haroun and the Sea of Stories - Salmon Rushdie. This was very good, but it may be better to read it than Audible. The narration got on my nerves towards the end. But the story is good. Print, Kindle, Audible, Audio CD.

Zero G - Dan Wells. On an interstellar trip to colonize a new planet, a young kid awakes a hundred years before he should. He finds the ship being pirated. Can he save the ship and the 20K people on board? A cute YA story. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Aftermath: Life Debt - Chuck Wendig. Takes place after ROTJ. Many issues with the timeline. When Disney drew the line in the sand for books, it created a space where new books are canon. They screwed that up with this book and the movie Solo. Print, Kindle, Audible, Audio CD.

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling. I was a latecomer to HP. Like after the movies ended late. I've seen all the movies now and have read all the books. I even watched the 20th anniv show. Jim Dale has won two Grammy's for his narration. Print, Kindle, Audible.

The Inbetween - What if teleportation goes wrong, and instead of ending up like the Fly, you go somewhere else? What will a parent will do to get their child back? Reminded me a little of Stargate. Only Audible and audio cd.

The Belles - I really enjoyed this series! The narrator added such character to this story with just her voice! Enter a world where beauty is a commodity, and only a few can wield it's power. But what happens if one Belle is more powerful the others? Print, Audible, Kindle, Audio CD.

The Everlasting Rose - The second book in the Belles series. The conclusion of how far society will go to be beautiful. Print, Audible, Kindle, Audio CD.

The Rule of One - Book 1/2. A one-child policy is in place. What happens if you are head of Family Planning, then have twins? Your twins live as one, of course, swapping out and living in a secret basement while waiting your turn. Nothing could go wrong, right? Print, Audible, mp3 cd.

The Rule of Many - Book 2/2. Meeting up with new allies, and having to deal with new enemies, can one (or two) people really make a difference in the world? Print, Audible, mp3 cd.

The Only Woman In The Room - I LOVE historical fiction, especially historical fiction that uses real-world events. Hedy Keisler grew up in Austria and came of age in the 1930's. Married to an abusive arms dealer who invited Hitler to their home, she fled to the US and would become Hedy Lamarr.

1984 - I did read this just a few years ago. Pretty creepy, but relevant even now. Each of us has an interpretation of this. Mine was no matter how hard you try, there's always a piece of you that can be taken. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Configured - In a world where emotions are monitored, Avlyn is hired by the company who does the monitoring. What happens if she starts to feel things again? This is the first book in a trilogy that I just loved! Print, Kindle, Audible.

The Handmaid's Tale - I'd be remiss not to put this up. No commentary needed. I will not post the creepy original cover from Canada. You can Google that. Here is the original 🇺🇸 cover. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Star Wars: The Perfect Weapon - Back to Star Wars. In TFA, we see a mercenary who sells out Han in Maz's cantina thing. This book is a history of Bazine Natal. The book is a great journey, even running into a familiar face or two, if you pay attention. Kindle, Audible.

Atlas Shrugged - Yes, I did read this. I didn't care for most of the interpersonal crap, but, I did like the imagery of how to make a train system work. It is severely outdated in a great many things. Have you read this? Print, Kindle, Audible.

Ready Player One - OK, I have read this twice!  I love that it's like you are in a video game with all sorts of 80's references. I did NOT care for the second book, or the movie. Wil Wheaton narrates. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Apocolypse Z - When a blog post turns into a story of the end of the world, who will be left to read it? Written by Spanish author, Manel Loureiro, this story of survival will keep you wanting to read more. There is a second book. Print, Kindle, Audible, Audio CD.

Bloodleaf - Crystal Smith. A magical book of finding oneself and battling good and evil. I really enjoyed this one, and there is a second book out now! Print, Kindle, Audible, mp3 cd.

Grateful American - Gary Sinise. I do read other than sci fi. This was a wonderful look into his life. He narrates the Audible. I had no idea he was a founder of Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. His desire to help veterans goes back farther than you think. Print, Audible, Kindle, mp3 cd.

The Collapsing Empire Trilogy - John Scalzi. I do not have enough praise for this trilogy. The characters are memorable, the story is pretty amazing. Sci Fi meets space politics. Read all 3 for a wonderful journey. Wil Wheaton narrates. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Viva Durant and the Secret of the Silver Buttons - Ashli St. Armant. This is really a YA or even a kids book, but it is soooo cute!! A young girl becomes a super sleuth with the support of her grandmother! This is only on Audible.

Dark Matter - Blake Crouch. BOOK REC on my BIRTHDAY!!I loved this book. Perhaps not all would ever be possible, but you never know! A mix of sci fi and physics, this is a great read to get your mind thinking. Print and Audible.

Bloodline - Claudia Grey. What can I say. I read a lot of Star Wars. Claudia Gray hits another one out of the park. Here we get a small glimpse into a happy Han and Leia. Amazing new characters that we may or may not hear from again. Great story. Print, Kindle, Audible, Audio CD.

The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant - There is a lot of love in my heart for the vampire accountant Fred by Drew Hayes!! This is a crazy series of books that warms the heart, and takes you on multiple journeys. The characters are loveable and memorable. The narrator, Kirby Hayborne is PERFECT. Print, Kindle, Audible, audio CD.

Wool, Shift, and Dust - Hugh Howey. This trilogy grabbed me from beginning to end. Very dystopian, but an incredible story. At one point there were whispers of a movie. But it never happened. Print, Kindle, Audible, Audio CD.

Defy The Stars - Claudia Gray. This week is a guest recommendation. This a Sci Fi story grappling with some really deep themes. The writing and the story is incredible. Kindle, Print, Audible, Audio CD, and something called Library Binding.

Memoirs of a Geisha - Historical fiction this week. I remember having a paper copy of this years ago. There are some heavy topics described, and a lawsuit from one of the references used for the book. I recall I did like it. I did see the movie. Print, Kindle, Audible.

Thrawn - Timothy Zahn.  I love this book! And I love Zahn! He signed my copy for my birthday! And now Thrawn is canon! The book is fantastic. I read this and heard the voice from Rebels as I read. Have not heard the Audible voice. Print, Audible, Kindle.

Leia, Princess of Alderaan - Claudia Gray. This made me happy. This made me sad. This ties together the things we wished we knew about our favorite Princess. If you have ever wondered about Alderaan, this book is for you! Print, Kindle, and Audible.

Ahsoka - E.K. Johnston. This is a wonderful book filling in gaps that we had not already seen about Ahsoka. I got a chance to meet E. K. at AwesomeCon prior to this book's release. She's awesome.

Lost Stars - Claudia Grey. This is probably my overall favorite Star Wars book of all time. It follows the lives of two star struck lovers navigating the worlds of the Empire and the Rebel Alliance. Print, Kindle, and Audible.

A Shade of Vampire - Bella Forrest. I admit, I read YA, and sometimes cheesy YA! I enjoyed these books for what they are - entertainment. Not the best writing, but it's a fun ride. There is kidnapping and Stockholm Syndrome. I think I read 19 of these before I gave up. Print, Kindle, and Audible.

The Princess Diarist - Carrie Fisher. The original Space Mom. Carrie wrote a number of books. I started reading this one before she died. Then I finished it after she died. My heart was ripped out when she left us. She was a warrior! This book is amazing. Kindle, Print, Audible, Audio CD

The Host - Stephanie Meyer. I really enjoyed this book. I know it wasn't everyone's fav. What happens when a human refuses to give up her mind to an invasive alien parasite? Read this and find out! Kindle, Print, and Audible.

Final Dawn - Mike Kraus. My first experience with episodic storytelling. This is a future where Earth is destroyed, and a few survivors come together by a twist of fate. 

Becoming - Michelle Obama. This was really an interesting insight into the personal life of Michelle Obama. I really enjoyed seeing insight into her life, and how community action intertwines into politics. Kindle, Audible, Print, Audio CD.

The Gender Game - another YA story by Bella Forrest. I did not finish the entire series. A patriarchal society to the West. A matriarchal society to the East. But is there more on the other side of the forbidden river? Print, Kindle, and Audible.

Elantris - Brandon Sanderson. This is a visual journey in a world of immortals who may be "cursed" and sealed off forever from society. The book is a little slow to start, and is long, but I grew into it and could "see" the world Sanderson built. Kindle, Audible, Print.

Project Hail Mary - Andrew Weir. This is a MUST read! If you can listen to it, that is even better! You may want to "hear" the dialog!! I laughed. I cried. I fell in love with an alien. Mr. Weir used his magic of writing again! Kindle, Print, Audible, Audio CD.

The Lady Astronaut Series - Mary Robinette-Kowal. The Calculating Stars, The Fated Sky, and The Relentless Moon. I will never stop raving about The Lady Astronaut series!! A lovely historical fiction journey showcasing a cast of amazing women, and narrated by the author, you will laugh, cry, want to punch things, and then smile. Kindle, Audible, Print, and CD.

The Talisman - Steven King. This week's was a guest recommendation by a Twitter follower "Andy". This was Andy's favorite book. Why had twelve-year-old Jack Sawyer’s mother frantically moved the two of them from Rodeo Drive to a New York City apartment?  Find out when you read! Kindle, Audible, and print.

The Flight Girls - I fell in love with The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar. This story is timeless. There are graphic depictions of war in here. But it is beautiful and will make you sob. And you can easily see the main characters as Sam and Jack. Highly recommend this. Kindle, Audible, and print.