Reading about a pandemic....during a pandemic....

 I've put off reading this one for a bit now, it was just released in April of this year, but the idea of reading about a pandemic DURING a pandemic was a bit much. I've kept hearing so many good things about this one though....so I'm going ahead! 

The End of Men

"The End of Men" is part of my current library haul! This is a debut novel by Christina Sweeney-Baird and I love debut novels so much! Finding new authors is something I truly enjoy and this one sounds like a winner! 

Set in 2025 there is a virus that only men can contract and the race to warn and save the population. 

After having COVID, I'm prepared that this might be triggering but I'm also interested to see how this past year is showcased in the book. 

Have you read this one yet? What did you think? 

Wrapping up two books this week!

 Happy Tuesday! 

This past week has been a busy one! I'm preparing to return back to my main job on the 2nd so I've been trying to get everything in order - which means, my reading took a hit. 

I finished both books I had been reading last night/today! I loved them both and cannot recommend them enough! 

First up:

The President is Missing

This book scared the heck out of me! To say Former President Clinton and James Patterson can paint a picture of a cyberterrorism is an understatement. The multiple POV's help to paint a picture that is not only realistic but also gives us an insider view of what can happen in the Oval Office. For those who have never thought what might happen if we are forced into the "dark ages", prepare to be shook. 

Second book: 

Palm Spring Noir  

This is my first time reading the California series published by Akashic Books and I must now read them all! Each story was fantastic and it was the perfect companion read to "The President is Missing." I loved the fact that all stories were written by authors who truly KNEW the area; either they have lived there or grew up there. To write a perfect noir story, knowing your location is key because it will paint the picture for your readers. If you love noir, I cannot recommend this one enough! 

The President Is Missing....

 So, so, so excited about this one!!!! 

"The President Is Missing" is a co-authored book by Former President Bill Clinton and James Patterson. So we have all the insider info from the Oval PLUS Patterson's brilliant story-telling abilities!! I'm already 100 pages in and loving this one so much! 

You can tell the sections that Clinton has written and the sections that Patterson has done, which makes for a unique story. I can see Clinton in the fictitious President Duncan, Hillary in the fictitious Chief of Staff, Newt G in the fictitious Speaker of the House, and others. If you follow politics, you will not be disappointed in this one. 

Also, the Clinton/Patterson team has a new book coming out as well! As does Hillary Clinton who has teamed up with Louise Penny and I'm SO excited for that one in October!!!!! Links below! 

State of Terror

The President is Missing

The President's Daughter

Publisher Appreciation Post!!! RE: Bellevue Literary Press

 Welcome to the first, of many I hope, publisher appreciation posts!! My goal is to discuss the publishers I am partnering with to promote their current, new, and upcoming releases across all the platforms! If you are looking to connect, please click on the links - web browser view - and if you are viewing this in mobile view, you can follow me @ukbookbrat on Instagram! 

For today's appreciation; Bellevue Literary Press

Readers, they had me at their mission statement! Check it out: 

Bellevue Literary Press is devoted to publishing literary fiction and nonfiction at the intersection of the arts and sciences because we believe that science and the humanities are natural companions for understanding the human experience. We feature exceptional literature that explores the nature of perception and the underpinnings of the social contract. With each book we publish, our goal is to foster a rich, interdisciplinary dialogue that will forge new tools for thinking and engaging with the world.

If that does not encompass everything that bookworms love, I do not know what will! I've adored my interactions with Bellevue, the two current releases and one ARC they sent - well, they are phenomenal! Here are the links to check it out for yourselves: 

Talking Back, Talking Black

A Solemn Pleasure

And the forthcoming: 

Uncommon Measure

I hope you will check out the links and on social media, give Bellevue a follow! Connect with them here: 

Instagram: @bellevueliterarypress

Twitter: @bellevuepress

Facebook: @bellevue.literary.press

Clap When You Land!

 I'm long overdue to read this one! Last year, I joined the book of the month club by Politics & Prose - which I loved to visit when in DC! Politics & Prose is among my top 5 local/independent bookstores!!! You can visit them using this link: 

Politics and Prose

"Clap When You Land" is also among the Goodreads 2020 best reads! I'm so excited to get started on this one! 

It's rare I read two books at once but when it's short stories I tend to go back and forth. Do you read multiple books at once? Or are you a one book at a time kinda reader? 

Palm Springs.....

Happy Sunday everyone! 

Today's gifted read is curiosity of Akashic Noir series! Starting in 2004, Akashic Books began publishing this series starting with Brooklyn. This is my first time reading this series and I cannot wait to get started! 

I adore all things California and for this work to be set in Palm Springs, it makes my bookworm heart so happy! Another key fact in this series, the authors are located within the areas they write which will make the stories all the more authentic. 

If you haven't already, add me as a friend on Facebook! I'm creating an online bookclub called "Coffee, Books, and Yoga Pants!" and our first read will be announced on August 1st! I hope you all will join in. 

Let's talk about being flush....and no, I don't mean embarrassed!

 Just finished "The Menopause Manifesto" and.....

I called my mom and apologized for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I might have done during that time in her life! Also, if any of my relatives, teachers, etc come across this - I'M SO SORRY! 

So I'm 41 and while this book does not entirely apply to me, I can see some signs already. As discussed in the previous post, I do not have children so heading into this stage of my life could happen sooner than for some. That is why I was so grateful to Kensington Publishers for gifting me this copy to promote! Now I've gone down the Dr. Jen explain path, and I feel some better and also I learned quite a bit! 

I love reading a medical/self-help book that does not talk down to you. I prefer using real-life examples and referring to information from this century, not just old-school jargon. Dr. Jen does this! She puts it on your level and lays all the cards out on the table. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is off limits - which is as it should be! I still find it amazing that in 2021 the word "menopause" can be taboo but yet, it is. Women's health has taken a backseat to so many things, men I'm looking at you, that is seems at times we are still living in the 60's (abortion rights anyone?!?!) and we need to get out of the past and start focusing on our future. Dr. Jen does this and she will make you laugh along with the way with stories and teach at the same time. 

I cannot recommend this book enough!