Therefore I am herein reprinting my original review of "There is room for you: Tales from a transgender defender's heart" by Zoe Dolan.
I have just read Zoe Dolan's "There is room for you: Tales from a transgender defender's heart". I just got it last month & in the interest of full disclosure, Zoe Dolan did offer me a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
I almost never read non-fiction until a year or 2 ago, when I came across a fascinating book, in the book section of my local Dollar Tree. I probably haven’t read a biography or autobiography since high school literature class. They are now a favorite book category for me now. I read a quote once that said everyone had one book in them & that everyone should write their autobiography, even if they never allow another person to read it. There is something magical about reading an autobiography, a vulnerability even more profound than in personal poetry.
It is difficult for me to express in words, what a wonderous delight this book was to read. Heart-felt & passionate, I have learned more about being a trans woman, as well as much about the nature of life & love. I once dreamed of becoming a Constitutional lawyer in junior high, myself. And I enjoyed hitch hiking across Canada & the US as a teen, before I settled down. This book felt like coming home.
I have to say that this book is an epic journey into the depths of another person’s soul. It’s illuminating, thoughtful, insightful & brilliant. It is definitely a fascinating read, if you are curious about gender identity, the transitioning process, or about travel, law school, writing, the business of being a lawyer, love, hope or joy. It was so rich & complex, I am currently re-reading it, as I am having a difficult time remembering some parts. Zoe has lead an amazing & complicated life, lived in many different countries & has a brave & resilient heart.
It is probably my 2nd favourite book ever, after Kurt Vonnegut jr.'s "Breakfast of Champions", which I have read close to 200 times since 1979.
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I recently read & reviewed Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality, by Debbie Cenziper & Jim Obergefell. You can read my Amazon review here: https://www.amazon.com/review/RX1C8D99ZRC8/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
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I recently reviewed 2 books by Chris Coleman, on Bookbub. You can find those reviews here:
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I read Edward M. Krauss's "Solomon the Accountant" last fall, here's my review:
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Another book I read last autumn is Brigitte Novalis's "The Life You Want". Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2522966575
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Here's my review of Jenni Barnett's "Native Companions: Dreamtime Mysteries"
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A new review today, Thursday, June 20, 2019. It's titled "A Weapon of Magical Destruction" by Katie Salidas. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2866032490
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A new review today, Saturday July 20, 2019. I just finished reading Rick Springfield's autobiography "Late, late at night". Wow, I don't think any book has ever made me cry like that! Beautiful, authentic, joyous & heart-breaking, all in the same package. I can't possibly recommend this book enough. I've posted a review on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2903898271 and also on bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1996818406
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I just finished reading my newest Star Trek acquisition, Dayton Ward's "Available Light". This Next Generation novel is absolutely fabulous. It was totally worth waiting for, it made me laugh, it made me cry. I quite simply cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's a very fitting introspection into the new Federation after the revelations of Section 31, in Control. I've also posted a review on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4409907982
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Monday, October 07, 2019
I just finished reading Frank Talaber's Shaman's Lure. This is probably one of the best books I have read this year & I have read some pretty amazing books this year. It's brilliant, funny, well-written & spooky. I enjoyed the heck out of this book & I highly recommend it.
I have also reviewed it on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25006046-shaman-s-lure?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=1P91ohaJZK&rank=2
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I just read Elton John's autobiography "Me". One of the most amazing books I have ever read. You can read my review on Bookbub, here: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2386717308
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A warning note, this is a little naughty, so NSFW. I just finished reading & reviewing a delightful short story by Grace Risata, "Unicornia an erotic tale involving unicorns, aliens and other such fantasies." Here's my review on goodreads:
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I have several of Sarina Dorie's books in my TBR (to be read) stack, so I decided yesterday to get a couple of them done. I read the short story "pumping iron with Santa" & the short story collection "Fairies, robots & unicorns - oh my!"
Fairies, robots & unicorns - oh my! An interesting collection of short stories, delightful. Red as a pickle is exactly how I imaging cats & dogs would actually talk, if we could understand them. And a sexy Star Trek parody! Honestly, I'd love to have 1/100th of Sarina Dorie's brilliant imagination. I would definitely recommend this book! Although Sarina's books are clearly geared towards younger (Y/A, N/A) readers, I think they could be enjoyed by almost anybody.
"Pumping iron with Santa" is a cute funny short story, with an interesting twist. I think Sarina Dorie is one of my new favourite authors. You can find some of her books here: https://www.prolificworks.com/discover/author/14286/sarina_dorie
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I recently read Amy Webb's "How I hacked online dating", a funny brilliant, must read.
Awesome & brilliant! Amy is absolutely correct at how dating site algorithms work, or rather don't work. I'm not a professional data analyst myself, but I figured it out, as well. They work quite similarly to dieting programs, good short term but not long term. She's really a terrific writer & I enjoyed this book & would definitely recommend it!
Goodread: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3375162877?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
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Something new today September 21 2020, a review of a TV series.
Law & Order: LA - a review
This show is absolutely amazing! I found it quite by accident through an email, I don't even remember hearing about it in 2011. I suppose I was distracted by our planning of our wedding & Robert's move to Canada. I'm so glad I was able to buy it, most production companies don't release shows on DVD until they've been renewed for a 2nd season. I was a big fan of the original Law & Order & Special Victim's unit, but never really like Criminal Intent. I honestly cannot fathom why this show was cancelled, it's wonderful. The stories are hard hitting & very well written. And there were quite a few wonderful cameos, John de Lancie as a judge, & Kloe Kardasian in episode 12, as herself. And on the last episode, Alyssa Diaz from the Rookie. And for Blacklist fans, you get the bonus of seeing Megan Boone as an assistant DA & in 1 episode Harry Lennie as an FBI agent! I cannot recommend this series highly enough!
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Monday, May 17, 2021
Sorry I've gotten so behind on my book reviews. Life's been crazy. I was just listening to Sarina Dorie's "Confessions of the Orgasm Fairy", which is now out in audio, you can check it out here:
https://pnc.st/s/nuzzle-house/041e3e80/confessions-of-the-orgasm-fairy-by-sarina-dorie?fbclid=IwAR02l3ihBjjCTqUEfIZuU8LCKjcqmqu73ipEL72scl5xAxiP52gR7Z26JAs I forgot that I'd actually read it before, it's in Fairies, robots & unicorns - oh my! It's hilariously funny, although I must say it's more enjoyable as a read. Glen's voice for some reason, irritated the hell out of me.
Friday, June 18, 2021
I just finished "No man can tame" by Miranda Honfleur & I have to say that I absolutely loved this book, I can't wait to read more of Miranda's work. I highly recommend this book.
My review on Miranda Honfleur's "Bright of the moon" the delightful 2nd book in the Dark Elves of Nightbloom series. My review can be found on Bookbub: & Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4112384482?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
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Monday, July 19, 2021
I just finished reading "Born a crime" by Trevor Noah. A wonderful read. It's interesting, entertaining & funny. But also at times heart breakingly sad. But I do recommend this book. Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2913552971
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5005161367?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
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Sunday, August 15, 2021
I just finished reading "One in every crowd" by Ivan E. Coyote. Someone recommended his/her writing, I don't recall who. But thank you!! I've already posted a review on bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/231279455
& goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4178321401?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1 but I figured I'd also post it here:
I really enjoyed this book, partly because parts of it take place in Vancouver. But mostly because Ivan is a very gifted story teller. This book is a wonderful read & I highly recommend it.
I just finished reading Care of, by Ivan Coyote. It was an amazing, wonderful, heart breaking read. Here's my review on goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4293746044?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
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I recently read a very interesting biography titled "The amazing story of the man who cycled from India to Europe for love" by Per J. Andersson. One of the most lovely stories I have read in years. I've posted a review on bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3002122903 &
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Friday September 17, 2021
I just finished reading the short story "The serpent & the dragon shifter" by S. H. Steele. You can read my review on goodreads, here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4243928017
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I really loved Chris Behrsin's "A cat's guide to bonding with dragons". Here's my review on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4099346209
EDIT> I forgot to read the prequel first, here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4337948912
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My review of "The brilliant life of Eudora Honeysett" by Annie Lyons: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3972462285?source=link_share
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I found another amazing read this last week when I was killing time at the library, 142 ostriches, by April Davila. Here's my review on bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/118194672?source=facebook_share&fbclid=IwAR1PlcpqbQ1gFohn3v1OCQv7Z_K78QaTB3x0BsiyiTofbXVUKtDjjji1FrI
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I read Last Words, by George Carlin & Tony Hendra just after Christmas. But I hadn't gotten around to writing my review until now. I am WAY behind on reviews, sorry about that. Here's the links: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4889826413?book_show_action=false
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I just finished reading Brent Spiner's hilarious book, Fan Fiction. Here's my review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4742792056?book_show_action=false
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Ironic that I just finished re-reading Christopher L. Bennett's Star Trek book "Living Memory" recently, which was centered on Nyota Uhura's experiences in the aftermath of her experience with Nomad, in the episode "The Changeling". Like many Star Trek fans around the world, my heart is a bit broken with Nichelle Nichols passing. This is an incredible book, especially for me. As most of my blog readers already know, I have a traumatic brain injury from a bus accident in 2007. It made reading this book deeply upsetting, but also very beautiful. There are several other books that center on Uhura, Janet Kagan's "Uhura's song" & Melinda Snodgrass's "The tears of the singers", which I've read dozens of times. This book will be added to my Star Trek bookshelf, to be enjoyed over & over, for many years to come.
This review has also been posted on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4889884230
& bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1736771016
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October 29, 2022
I was out shopping the other day & came across the most adorable Christmas book at Dollarama. Its title: "The cat who didn't like Christmas" by Krista Izelaar. Distributed by Tulip by Imagebooks (www.tulip-by-imagebooks.com) It's a nice deal at $2.50.
I really enjoyed this book & cannot wait to pass it on to some young person in my family.
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I just finished 4 of Sarina Dorie's short stories. Here is a brief review:
1) Princesses Do Not Breathe Fire
This short story is absolutely adorable. A charming tale with interesting
insight into bullying, self-confidence & prejudice. I totally recommend
this story.
2) Mrs. Claws and the Naughty List
I suppose the spelling in the title should've clued me in, but I must admit
this scary side of this story caught me by surprise. Not something I expected
in a Christmas story. It was kind-of cool to see a nasty bully get his karmic
just desserts, but I certainly would not recommend this book for younger readers.
3) Putting the fairies back into fairy tales
A collection of funny short stories & fractured fairy tails for the modern age.(Vol 7)
Lots of interesting, charming, funny weird stories.
4) I Bigfoot
A wonderful story about 1st contact of sorts, told from the viewpoint of a
young Sasquatch. I heartily recommend this story to everyone!
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I was recently asked to do a review of an old Star Trek Next Generation novel Q-in-law, by Peter David. Since I am not going to be working for them, I will share it here on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/821081370
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Saturday, January 20, 2023
I just finished reading this today & I couldn't wait to write this review. I've been meaning to read this for a while, & I am so glad that I finally did. It's delightful, hilariously funny & now I can't wait to read more of Molly Fitz's work. It's an interesting take on traditional magical stories, as the familiar is the human & the witch is the cat, something I never saw coming. I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could! I highly recommend this book.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2023
I just finished reading the new Star Trek book Harm's way by David Mack & I must say I enjoyed the hell out of it. I'd almost forgotten how wonderful the Vanguard series was! Darn it, I am going to have to re-read that series now. After I have cleared up the massive backlog of review books I have, that is. This is exhilarating, exciting, action-filled & an all around excellent read. I highly recommend this book!
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I found this book to be fairly good, not as good as some of her other Scarpetta books, in my opinion. Like almost all her books, it's graphic, scary & highly intense, emotionally. I would give it a 4 1/2 out 5 stars.
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I just finished reading the Star Trek Deep Space 9 novel "Revenant" & I wanted to write my review while it's still fresh in my mind. This book gives a lot of interesting insight into Trill society, full of energy & fairly violent. But brilliant & very well written. I would definitely recommend this book.
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Tuesday, October 03, 2023
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This cute short story is about the FAE version of a country fair. A fun, short read.
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I just finished this book, it was terrific.
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I enjoyed this book, it was every bit as delightful as the TV show. I highly recommend this book.
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November 04, 2023
I got a chance to catch up on my reading while I was offline for a week, visiting the Bellingham Cancer center, in Washington. And now I can catch up on some of my reviews.
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Like most of Laura's writing, this story was sweet & funny. I enjoyed it a lot & I definitely recommend this book.
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I really loved this book, the characters were interesting & well-written. And it takes places in my favourite city, Las Vegas. A lot of confusing twists & turns, with an amazing ending that I never saw coming! This book was great fun to read & I highly recommend it!
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I just finished Gryphon Rider Academy year one, by Elise Hennessey. I cannot begin to describe how totally fantastic this book is! I can't wait to read the rest of this series. If it were possible to give a book more than 5 stars, I would do so. I highly recommend this book.
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and also on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6720938072
