Category Archives: Book Reviews

Beautiful Ruins

There’s nothing like a trip to the Italian coast when the temps plummet into winter. Beautiful Ruins is a lovely, lovely tale—taking the best parts of an intricate tale like The Casual Vacancy and blending it with sweeping, emotionally wrought stories of love, such as in The Light Between Oceans. Were I a single girlContinue reading “Beautiful Ruins”

Heading Out to Wonderful

Liked A Reliable Wife? So did I. But I liked this better. Author Robert Goolrick’s sophomore effort, Heading Out to Wonderful, is worth your time on a long, rainy weekend. Or a road trip. Or the doctor’s office. It doesn’t take very many pages before you are completely engrossed in the tale of Charlie Beale,Continue reading “Heading Out to Wonderful”

Caravan of Thieves

Is it a screenplay masquerading as a book, or a book masquerading as a screenplay? David Rich may be a debut author, but he’s no novice. His work prior to this book was heavy on the screenplay—and I’m not sure that was knowledge that helped or hurt the cause as I read. Lest you thinkContinue reading “Caravan of Thieves”

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Here’s me, being vulnerable: I read a self-help book. Except that “The Gifts of Imperfection” really isn’t a self-help book. Sure, there are elements of “how to” (aka “Dig Deep”) in it, and the text will most certainly result in intense moments of self-reflection. But Dr. Brené Brown’s work is more, “Here’s what I knowContinue reading “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are”

The Light Between Oceans

Grab the book, grab a Kleenex, say adios to the family for at least the day. M.L. Stedman’s debut effort (What IS it with debut books, lately?) is astoundingly good and well worth your time to read. The story of lightkeeper Tom Sherbourne and his wife Isabelle in early 1900s Australia, it will only takeContinue reading “The Light Between Oceans”

The Casual Vacancy

So J.K. Rowling can write for adults, after all. “The Casual Vacancy,” the sordid tale of politics and personality in the small town of Pagford, is the author’s first true foray into adult literature—although, let’s be honest, she already had adults reading her work when she was the queen of all things Potter. The bookContinue reading “The Casual Vacancy”

The “How To” on “50 Shades” Kind of Fun

Far be it for HeadLitzyDitz to ignore what her readers are looking for. I crack up every time I check my blog stats only to find people are still reading my review on “50 Shades of Grey.” Of all the books I’ve read this year and last, it really ranks as one of the worst.Continue reading “The “How To” on “50 Shades” Kind of Fun”

Sharp Objects

Looking for a quick, can’t-put-it-down psychological thriller? Look no further than “Sharp Objects.” The book, author Gillian Flynn’s first, debuted to critical acclaim when it was published in 2007. It’s getting renewed, and well-deserved, attention thanks to Flynn’s success this summer with “Gone Girl.” Themes? Where do I start? Family dysfunction, serial killers, pain, loss,Continue reading “Sharp Objects”

The Midwife of Hope River

What a lovely book. That probably sounds contrite—and I certainly don’t mean it that way. But it is—”The Midwife of Hope River” is really, a lovely book. Engaging, romantic, quiet, introspective, sad … it’s not as gripping a novel as say, “Gone Girl.” But the story of Patience Murphy latches on to you emotionally, makingContinue reading “The Midwife of Hope River”