Spillie
Edmonton Public Library
Spillie's Completed Shelf
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Are You There God? It's Me, MargaretAre You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Book
by Blume, JudyBook - 1970Book, 1970
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 25, 2024
The SilmarillionThe Silmarillion, Downloadable Audiobook
by Tolkien, J. R. R.Downloadable Audiobook - 2015Downloadable Audiobook, 2015
All copies in use
Holds: 18 on 31 copies
Holds: 18 on 31 copies
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 24, 2024
Comment:
Whew! As much as I love the world of Middle Earth, this novel was a bit of a slog. An ideal overview to the world, I did get lost on occasion with the (excessive) naming of places and characters never to be seen or heard from again. That said, a lot of background is provided that adds layers, depth, and colour to Middle Earth. As a narrator, Andy Serkis did such an incredible job that I boosted my rating by half a star. While I admit it takes awhile to get into the story, it is so worth it once you do. Strongly recommended for Tolkien fans.Whew! As much as I love the world of Middle Earth, this novel was a bit of a slog. An ideal overview to the world, I did get lost on occasion with the (excessive) naming of places and characters never to be seen or heard from again. That said, a…
Going PostalGoing Postal, Book
by Pratchett, TerryBook - 2014 | Corgi edition.Book, 2014. Corgi edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 24, 2024
Comment:
A delightful entry in the Discworld series, Going Postal is a story of redemption, as only Terry Pratchett could imagine. In a game of showmanship, misdirection, and wits, the new postmaster becomes an honest man despite his best intentions. Strongly recommended.A delightful entry in the Discworld series, Going Postal is a story of redemption, as only Terry Pratchett could imagine. In a game of showmanship, misdirection, and wits, the new postmaster becomes an honest man despite his best intentions.…
Star Wars Darth BaneStar Wars Darth Bane, BookDynasty of Evil
by Karpyshyn, DrewBook - 2022 | Del Rey trade paperback edition.Book, 2022. Del Rey trade paperback edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2024
Comment:
This novel was a thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to the Darth Bane series. There was an extensive break between reading the second and third books that I was a bit worried but the author did a great job of providing necessary explanations or exposition without weighing down the plot. I also appreciate that the author is Canadian and born in Edmonton 🇨🇦This series is a must read for Star Wars fans, especially if they favour the dark side. Strongly recommended.This novel was a thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to the Darth Bane series. There was an extensive break between reading the second and third books that I was a bit worried but the author did a great job of providing necessary explanations or…
Sane AsylumsSane Asylums, BookThe Success of Homeopathy Before Psychiatry Lost Its Mind
by Kantor, Jerry M.Book - 2022Book, 2022
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 16, 2024
Comment:
I expected this book to take a storytelling approach instead of a biographical one. I got lost in the medical terminology but I did gain an appreciation of why homeopathic and allopathic solutions will likely never be integrated in North America. I believe we would be healthier and happier if homeopathic medicine was the gold standard in health care. Not recommended.I expected this book to take a storytelling approach instead of a biographical one. I got lost in the medical terminology but I did gain an appreciation of why homeopathic and allopathic solutions will likely never be integrated in North America. I…
Anne of the IslandAnne of the Island, Book
by Montgomery, L. M.Book - 1996 | Special collector's edition.Book, 1996. Special collector's edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2024
Comment:
The third book in the series sees Anne leave her beloved Green Gables as she pursues a B.A. Anne continues to charm those around her as she receives a number of marriage proposals. Gentle and innocent while completely engaging, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. However, I did find elements in the first few chapters a bit repetitive. Strongly recommended.The third book in the series sees Anne leave her beloved Green Gables as she pursues a B.A. Anne continues to charm those around her as she receives a number of marriage proposals. Gentle and innocent while completely engaging, I thoroughly…
YellowfaceYellowface, BookA Novel
by Kuang, R. F.Book - 2023 | First edition.Book, 2023. First edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 12, 2024
Comment:
I took a dislike to the characters on the first page and that feeling only got stronger as I read. Liking the characters is a huge part of my reading pleasure so for me this book, was a dud. Not recommended.
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 09, 2024
Comment:
A bit formulaic, this book is a quick read. I didn’t like any of the characters from the first page which greatly diminished my enjoyment of the book. Not recommended.
Firefly LaneFirefly Lane, Book
by Hannah, KristinBook - 2008 | First edition.Book, 2008. First edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 06, 2024
Comment:
A fun trip down memory lane, this is a book about women, friendship, family, love, and relationships of every description. I found the story a bit repetitive and it dragged in a few places but overall an enjoyable read. Recommended.
Spillie's rating:
Added Mar 03, 2024
Comment:
I realized about halfway through the book that audio would have been a better format to appreciate this story. However, I still enjoyed the structure a lot as it was a fresh approach to storytelling. The author has little threads that connect many of her books together which I also enjoy. This book was an interesting reflection on relationships and choices made. Strongly recommended.I realized about halfway through the book that audio would have been a better format to appreciate this story. However, I still enjoyed the structure a lot as it was a fresh approach to storytelling. The author has little threads that connect many…
Spillie's rating:
Added Feb 25, 2024
Comment:
A thoroughly enjoyable read; however I found the formal language and etiquette, even among the Bennett family, so foreign it took me awhile to settle into the story. This is a book that one can enjoy upon repeated readings. Strongly recommended.
Spillie's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2024
Comment:
A fast-paced story that pulls at your heartstrings, this story is well-crafted but it dragged a bit about two-thirds into the book. I took off some stars as I felt a linear timeline would have served the story better. Recommended.
The Last Devil to DieThe Last Devil to Die, Book
by Osman, RichardBook - 2023 | First United States edition.Book, 2023. First United States edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Feb 20, 2024
Comment:
The fourth entry in the Thursday Murder Club series, this story takes an unexpected twist that shook me to the core. However, the situation was handled with great delicacy, respect, and love it almost broke my heart. The body count is unusually high in this novel but is a great story overall. I really appreciate these characters and what they bring to the table. Strongly recommended.The fourth entry in the Thursday Murder Club series, this story takes an unexpected twist that shook me to the core. However, the situation was handled with great delicacy, respect, and love it almost broke my heart. The body count is unusually high…
Where We AteWhere We Ate, BookA Field Guide to Canada's Restaurants, Past and Present
by Peyton, GabbyBook - 2023Book, 2023
Spillie's rating:
Added Feb 18, 2024
Brideshead RevisitedBrideshead Revisited, BookThe Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder
by Waugh, EvelynBook - 2011Book, 2011
Spillie's rating:
Added Feb 16, 2024
Comment:
For a modern reader this book is achingly slow. The story could have been told in less than half the number of pages. Not the worst classic I’ve read but not the best either. With long run-on sentences, no sense of time or perspective, the writing style leaves the reader simply not caring. The pace (and interest) picked up slightly in the middle but not enough to redeem the overall result. Not recommended.For a modern reader this book is achingly slow. The story could have been told in less than half the number of pages. Not the worst classic I’ve read but not the best either. With long run-on sentences, no sense of time or perspective, the writing…
Anne of AvonleaAnne of Avonlea, Book
by Montgomery, L. M.Book - 2014 | Collector's edition.Book, 2014. Collector's edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Feb 04, 2024
Comment:
A delightful sequel that offers readers the opportunity to watch Anne become the woman she was meant to be. Anne is now a teacher in Avonlea. She feels quite grown up, especially with the arrival of Davy and Dora. However, Anne is still Anne and she continues to have both adventures and misadventures. Strongly recommended.A delightful sequel that offers readers the opportunity to watch Anne become the woman she was meant to be. Anne is now a teacher in Avonlea. She feels quite grown up, especially with the arrival of Davy and Dora. However, Anne is still Anne and…
Nanny Ogg's CookbookNanny Ogg's Cookbook, BookIncluding Recipes, Items of Antiquarian Lore, Improving Observations of Good Life, Good Advice for Young People on the Threshold of the Adventure That Is Marriage, Notes on Etiquette & Many Other Helpful Observations That Will Not Offend the Most Delicate Sensibilities
by Pratchett, TerryBook - 2001 | Corgi edition.Book, 2001. Corgi edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Feb 01, 2024
Comment:
This is an unexpected delight - a cookbook that is hilariously funny. Part of the Discworld universe, Nanny Ogg provides the reader both recipes and etiquette from her unique perspective. I don’t recall laughing out loud while reading a cookbook before. Strongly recommended for Discworld fans.This is an unexpected delight - a cookbook that is hilariously funny. Part of the Discworld universe, Nanny Ogg provides the reader both recipes and etiquette from her unique perspective. I don’t recall laughing out loud while reading a cookbook…
Spillie's rating:
Added Jan 26, 2024
Comment:
A fun read, the author combines community and storytelling as only a Newfoundlander can do. Very engaging with many laugh out loud moments, even in book form. Strongly recommended.
The Bromance Book ClubThe Bromance Book Club, Book
by Adams, Lyssa KayBook - 2019 | First edition.Book, 2019. First edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2024
Comment:
An enjoyable read during the winter, it probably is better suited for a beach read. The idea that members of a professional men’s sports team gather in secret to read romances to improve their relationships is quite funny. This is not a closed (bedroom) door romance, unlike other novels I have recently read. Strongly recommended.An enjoyable read during the winter, it probably is better suited for a beach read. The idea that members of a professional men’s sports team gather in secret to read romances to improve their relationships is quite funny. This is not a closed…
The Golden SpoonThe Golden Spoon, BookA Novel
by Maxwell, JessaBook - 2023 | First Atria Books hardcover edition.Book, 2023. First Atria Books hardcover edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Jan 22, 2024
Comment:
A quick and enjoyable read, this story takes place during the filming of a baking competition on an American estate. I suspect it would have been less predictable had the format been different. Recommended.
The Secret Book of Flora LeaThe Secret Book of Flora Lea, BookA Novel
by Henry, Patti CallahanBook - 2023 | Simon & Schuster Canada edition.Book, 2023. Simon & Schuster Canada edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Jan 21, 2024
Comment:
It surprises me that the author isn’t British. She has an innate understanding of that land and people, especially the magic atmosphere. The author has great affection for C.S. Lewis and The Chronicles of Narnia, which comes through in this story. I felt the story dragged a bit in the middle and would have been a better read with 50 or so less pages. It is a tale of hope, family, the importance of stories, and finding yourself. RecommendedIt surprises me that the author isn’t British. She has an innate understanding of that land and people, especially the magic atmosphere. The author has great affection for C.S. Lewis and The Chronicles of Narnia, which comes through in this story. I…
Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' SweetshopChristmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop, BookA Novel
by Colgan, JennyBook - 2019 | First William Morrow paperback edition.Book, 2019. First William Morrow paperback edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Jan 18, 2024
Comment:
This is a most unusual romance novel as the romance is almost in a supporting role. A charming Christmas read, I was completely captivated by the characters and the town. A lot happens in this novel that borders on excess but it never goes over the line. This book was featured at the first Devoured (book and chocolate pairing) event at Daisy Chain Book Co. Recommended.This is a most unusual romance novel as the romance is almost in a supporting role. A charming Christmas read, I was completely captivated by the characters and the town. A lot happens in this novel that borders on excess but it never goes over the…
The OutsidersThe Outsiders, Book
by Hinton, S. E.Book - 2007 | Fortieth anniversary edition.Book, 2007. Fortieth anniversary edition.
Spillie's rating:
Added Jan 16, 2024
Comment:
While I must have read this book previously, I had absolutely no recollection of it. A coming of age story that almost feels autobiographical, it reflects the angst, trials and tribulations of teenage life at a particular time. My mind was blown upon discovering that the author is a girl. While reading the soundtracks from West Side Story and American Graffiti played in my head. A banned book, the contents are pretty tame for today’s standards. Recommended.While I must have read this book previously, I had absolutely no recollection of it. A coming of age story that almost feels autobiographical, it reflects the angst, trials and tribulations of teenage life at a particular time. My mind was blown…
Spillie's rating:
Added Jan 14, 2024
Comment:
It’s been a long time since in one sitting, I read an entire book. Beautifully written, my heart aches for Victoria, Inga, Zelda, and the other characters. There is so much strength in these women and they all have endured and survived. Like the grove of peaches, resilience runs deep in these characters. Slightly reminiscent of “Where the Crawdads Sing’. Strongly recommended.It’s been a long time since in one sitting, I read an entire book. Beautifully written, my heart aches for Victoria, Inga, Zelda, and the other characters. There is so much strength in these women and they all have endured and survived. Like the…
Spillie's rating:
Added Jan 10, 2024
Comment:
I am not a fan of books where multiple viewpoints are told in different time blocks. I find these stories hard to follow and I lose interest. This is a heartbreaking story that takes a sharp turn quite far into the book. Introducing the twist so late may have been intentional, but I felt used as a reader. I did learn a lot about bees and beekeeping that I did enjoy, along with lots of trivia. This is a well-written story but not for me.I am not a fan of books where multiple viewpoints are told in different time blocks. I find these stories hard to follow and I lose interest. This is a heartbreaking story that takes a sharp turn quite far into the book. Introducing the twist so…
Comment: