Books Are My Passion

In this episode, I’m talking about books I have read so far in 2022 and loved.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 10The Library by Bella OsborneThe Marmalade Diaries by Ben AitkenGreat Circle by Maggie ShipsteadMary Jane by Jessica Anya BlauRachel’s Holiday by Marian KeyesAgain, Rachel by Marian KeyesYou can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

In this episode, I’m talking about books I own that I want to re-read.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 9Lovers at the Chameleon Club by Francine ProseGrapes of Wrath by John SteinbeckThe Paying Guests by Sarah WatersNeedful Things by Stephen KingWe Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol OatesSeven Deadly Sins:  My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong by David WalshLarry’s Party by Carol ShieldsThe Lost Man by Jane HarperThe Likeness by Tana FrenchThe Trespasser by Tana FrenchThe Witch Elm by Tana FrenchField of Blood by Denise MinaThe Dead Hour by Denise MinaSlip of the Knife by Denise Mina You can follow me/reach me via:Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven 

In this episode, I’m talking about books I own that I want to read sooner rather than later.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 8Atlas of Imagined Places by Matt Brown, Rhys B. Davies, and Mike Hall (Illustrator)Soul Full of Coal Dust:  The True Story of an Epic Battle for Justice by Chris HambyMaggie & Me by Damian BarrThe Invisible Library by Genevieve CogmanThe Paradox Hotel by Rob HartThe Mercies by Kiran Millwood HargraveHow Beautiful We Were by Imbolo MbueBodies of Light by Jennifer DownLove Marriage by Monica Ali10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World by Elif ShafakThe Island of Missing Trees by Elif ShafakIsabel Allende with her newest novel being VioletaThis One Sky Day by Leone Ross (called Popisho in North America)You can follow me/reach me via:Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

In this episode, I’m talking about the five books that have been shortlisted for the Canada Reads 2022 Prize.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 7Washington Black by Esi Edugyan being championed by Mark Tewksbury, a Canadian Olympic medalist and LGTBQIA+ advocateLife in the City of Dirty Water by Clayton Thomas-Muller being championed by Suzanne Simard, a forest ecologist and authorFive Little Indians by Michelle Good being championed by Christian Allaire, an Ojibway author and Vogue fashion writerScarborough by Catherine Hernandez being championed by Malia Baker, an actor and activist What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad, championed by Tareq Hadhad, an entrepreneur and former Syrian refugeeRecommended Podcast:  Canada Reads American Style (available on Apple Podcasts) You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

In Episode 1 of this season, I talked about my favorite books that I had read in 2021, however, there are many other books that I really enjoyed that just didn’t make it onto the “best” list but were 4 star reads.  Today I want to talk about some of these books.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books/Youtube Channels Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 6Damnation Spring by Ash DavidsonGreenwood by Michael ChristieThe Overstory by Richard PowersBarkskins by Annie ProulxLittle Cruelties by Liz NugentOlive, Mabel and Me:  Life and Adventures With Two Very Good Dogs by Andrew CotterDog Days:  A Year with Olive and Mabel by Andrew CotterYoutube Videos:  (Olive and Mabel) – search for mrandrewcotter; also Oliver the Beagle if you are needing some cute dog videos (so cute when he was a puppy!!!)The Stoning by Peter PapathanasiouThe Last Garden in England by Julia KellyWar Widow by Tara MossThe Ghosts of Paris by Tara Moss (Set for release June 7, 2022)Fresh Water for Flowers by Valerie Perrin; translated from The French by Hildegarde SerleAriadne by Jennifer SaintSunshine Girl by Julianna MarguliesYou can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

In this episode I’m providing some book recommendations based on popular tv shows that I have watched and enjoyed over the past few years.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 5Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryNothing to Tell by Donna GrayWinter Counts by David Heska Wanbli WeidenMontana Sky by Nora RobertsHamnet by Maggie O’FarrellBrothers-in-Arms by Lyndsay Simpson and Sandra HarveyGreek Myths by Jean Menzies, illustrated by Katie PonderGreek Mythology by Liv AlbertThe Three by Sarah LotzDay Four by Sarah LotzThe Anomoly by Herve Le TellierThe Blue by Lucy ClarkePrimary Colors by Anonymous (Joe Klein)From The Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-SteinRodham by Curtis Sittenfeld Youtube channel recommendation:  Jean Bookishthoughts You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven 

In Season 2; Episode 4 I’m talking about series that I’m currently reading and enjoying.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 4David Hunter series by Simon Beckett (First Book: The Chemistry of Death)Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne series by Julia Spencer-Fleming (First Book: The Bleak Midwinter)Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths (First Book: The Crossing Places)Simon Serrailler series by Susan Hill (First Book: The Various Haunts of Men)Maeve Kerrigan series by Jane Casey (First Book: The Burning)Adam Dalgliesh series by P.D. James (First Book: Cover Her Face)Lacey Flint series by Sharon J. Bolton (First Book: Now You See Me)Penn Cage series by Greg Iles (First Book: The Quiet Game)The Little Beach Street Bakery series by Jenny Colgan (First Book: Little Beach Street Bakery)Mure series by Jenny Colgan (First Book: The Café by the Sea)Scottish Bookshop series by Jenny Colgan (First Book: The Bookshop on the Corner)The Finfarran Peninsula series by Felicity Hayes-McCoy (First Book: The Library At The Edge of the World) You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven 

In Season 2; Episode 2 I’m discussing books that I’m looking forward to being released during the period of January to April, 2022.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 2Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor (January 4, 2022)The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (available now)Nick by Michael Farris Smith (available now)Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins (January 4, 2022)Something to Hide by Elizabeth George (January 11, 2022)The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher (January 11, 2022)The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis (January 25, 2022)The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis (available now)The Fields by Erin Young (January 25, 2022)The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley (February 22, 2022)The Guest List by Lucy Foley (available now)The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley (available now)Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr (March 1, 2022)The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James (March 15, 2022)The Broken Girls by Simone St. James (available now)The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (available now)Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes (UK Date: February 17, 2022; North America: April 5, 2022)Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes (available now)The Palace Papers by Tina Brown (April 12, 2022)The Caretakers by Amanda Bestor-Siegal (April 12, 2022)Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel (April 19, 2022)Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (available now)The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel (available now)You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

With the end of the year approaching, I felt it was time to review the books that I read this year and pick out some of my favorites and share them with you.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 1 A Month of Sundays and Gang of Four by Liz ByrskiThe Appeal by Janice HallettSurviving Dirty John by Debra Newell (About John Meehan)Until the Twelfth of Never by Bella Stumbo (About Betty Broderick)A Fortnight in September by R.C. SherriffUnder The Whispering Door by T.J. KluneJane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte84, Charing Cross Road by Helene HanffThe Wolf Den by Elodie HarperThe House With the Golden Door by Elodie Harper You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

Season 1; Episode 12In this episode I answer frequently asked questions posed to readers, book reviewers, bloggers and booktube content creators.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening! Books Mentioned in Episode 12Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John BerendtWatch Her Fall by Erin KellyThe Turnout by Megan AbbottThe Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-DaleJane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Marjolein Bastin edition)The Dutch House by Ann PatchettListen To the Marriage by John Jay Osborn Jr.The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (#5 in Outlander series)Black Christmas by Lee HayesThe Shining by Stephen KingSalem’s Lot by Stephen KingDucks, Newburyport by Lucy EllmannQuiet (The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking) by Susan CainWuthering Heights by Emily BronteSilverview by John LecarreThe Constant Gardener by John Lecarre You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

In this episode I’m going to talk about books that I consider comfortable and comforting reads and are good books to pick up if you find yourself in a reading slump.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Episode 11Scarlet Feather, Quentins, and Tara Road by Maeve BinchyLadies Night by Mary Kay Andrews Watermelon, Rachel’s Holiday, Angels, Anybody Out There and the Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes The Shell Seekers, September, Coming Home, and Winter Solstice by Rosamunde PilcherEat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson  You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven 

In this episode, I’m talking about two historical fiction series and one standalone book that is set during the reign of Henry VIII.  Also in this episode is an author spotlight where I talk about three books by Ian McEwen.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Episode 10The Atwelle Confession by Joel GordonsonThe Joanna Strafford series (trilogy) by Nancy Bilyeau (first book is called The Crown) The Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom (first book is Dissolution)Atonement, On Chesil Beach and The Children Act by Ian McEwan The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller  You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

 Season 1; Episode 9In this episode I’m talking about books set in Scandinavia and Iceland.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Episode 9The Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson (first book is The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo)Dark Iceland Series by Ragnar Jonasson.  (first book is Snowblind)The Hidden Iceland Series (trilogy) by Ragnar Jonasson (first book is The Darkness)Embla Nystrom Series (trilogy) by Helene Tursten (first book is Hunting Game)Faye von Essen Series by Camilla Lackberg (first book is The Gilded Cage)The Kingdom by Jo Nesbo Buriel Rites by Hannah Kent The Chestnut Man by Soren SveistrupThe Crow Girl by Erik Axl SundThe Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell The Little Book of Hygge by Meik WikingThe Cozy Life by Pia EdbergAmerican Wife by Curtis SittenfeldRodham by Curtis SittenfeldYou can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven 

Season 1; Episode 8In this episode I’m talking about books where the main characters are animals.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Episode 8All Creatures Great and Small Series by James Herriot (First Book - If Only They Could Talk)  A Dog YearThe Dogs of Bedlam FarmA Good DogIzzy & LenoreThe Totally True Story of Devon, the Naughtiest Dog in the World (all 5 by Jon Katz) Esther the Wonder PigHappily Ever Esther (both by Steve Jenkins) Pigs in CloverThe Sty’s the Limit (both by Simon Dawson) Thirty Thousand Bottles of Wine and a Pig Called HelgaYou’ve Got to Be Kidding Me:  A Shedload of Wine and A Farm Full of Goats (both by Todd Alexander) The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane HealeyWater for Elephants by Sara GruenBath Haus by P.J. Vernon You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven  

In this episode I’m talking about my top ten literary fiction reads.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Episode 7The English Patient by Michael OndaatjeA Widow for One Year by John IrvingA Fine Balance by Rohinton MistryThe Secret History by Donna TarttA Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaThe Shipping News by Annie ProulxEast of Eden by John SteinbeckThe Heart’s Invisible Furies by John BoyneThe Blind Assassin by Margaret AtwoodThe Prince of Tides/South of Broad/The Lords of Discipline by Pat ConroyShuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

Season 1; Episode 6In this episode, I will be talking about books where the settings and/or storylines are in or about libraries and bookshops.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram or Twitter or email me, see below for how to contact me.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Episode 6:The Giver of Stars by Jojo MoyesThe Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele RichardsonThe Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona DavisThe Paris Library by Janet Skeslien CharlesThe Last Bookshop in London by Madeline MartinThe Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi WaxmanThe Bookshop on the CornerThe Bookshop on the Shore both by Jenny Colgan (part of the Scottish Bookshop series)The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan WiggsThe Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie ButlandThe Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie FraserThe Diary of a BooksellerConfessions of a BooksellerSeven Kinds of People You Find In Bookshops all three by Shaun BythellWeird Things Customers Say in BookshopsMore Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops both by Jen CampbellThe Library Book by Susan OrleanThe Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (Release date June 29th)The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson (release date August 31st) You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven 

In this episode, I will be talking about long running series and whether, in my opinion, they are worth your time and effort or whether you should give them a pass.   Also, if you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram or Twitter or email me, see below for how to contact me.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Episode 4:Series/Author/First Book in Series: The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carringer (Soulless)The Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers (The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet)The Murderbot series by Martha Wells (All Systems Red)The Realm Of The Elderlings series by Robin Hobb (The Farseer Trilogy - Assassin’s Apprentice)Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon’s (Outlander)Six Tudor Queens series by Alison Weir (Katherine of Aragon)Three Pines series by Louise Penny (Still Life)John Rebus series by Ian Rankin (Knots and Crosses)Logan McRae series by Stuart MacBride (Cold Granite)Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths (The Crossing Places)Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French (In the Woods)Katie Maguire series by Graham Masterton (A Terrible Beauty)Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series by Val McDermid (The Mermaids Singing)Inspector Lynley series by Elizabeth George (A Great Deliverance)Ava Lee by Ian Hamilton (The Water Rat of Wanchai)Joanne Kilbourn series by Gail Bowen (Deadly Appearances)Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

In this episode, I will be talking about books set in Australia and New Zealand.  There have been some fantastic books coming out from there in the past several years and I want to share some of my favorites.  Also, if you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below for how to how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Episode 3:The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCulloughThe Dry by Jane HarperScrublandsSilverTrust (all 3 by Chris Hammer) The Dark LakeInto the NightWhere the Dead Go (all 3 by Sarah Bailey) Only Killers and ThievesDust Off The Bones (both by Paul Howarth) Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton Bitter Wash Road/Hell to PayPeaceConsolation (all 3 by Garry Disher) OverkillThe RingmasterContainmentBound (all 4 by Vanda Symon) The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Sunshine Girl by Juliana Margulies You can follow me/reach me via: Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven

In this episode, we will visit books that are set in the southern United States - Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and South Carolina.  I'll also talk about my favorite read in the past couple of weeks and what I'm currently reading.Books mentioned: The Cutting SeasonBluebird, BluebirdHeaven, My Home (all three by Attica Locke)The Vanishing Half by Brit BennettThe Echo KillingA Beautiful Corpse Revolver Road (all three by Christi Daugherty)The Nickel Boys by Colson WhiteheadSouth of Broad by Pat ConroyThe Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming (1st in a series of 9)The Dinner Guest by B.P. WalterTo Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara (release date January 11, 2022)Go Tell The Bees I am Gone by Diana Gabaldon (November 23, 2021)

In Season 2; Episode 3 I’m talking about books that I think are good to read in the winter time when it is cold and snowy outside.  If you would like to read my book reviews, follow me on Instagram/Twitter or email me, see below on how to do that.  Thanks for listening!Books Mentioned in Season 2; Episode 3A Dark Matter by Doug Johnstone (The Skelfs #1)Dead Simple by Peter James (Roy Grace #1)The Winter Garden by Alex BellWinter Garden by Kristin HannahAway With The Penguins by Hazel Prior (also known as How the Penguins Saved Veronica)The Sanatorium by Sarah PearseBeartown and Us Against You both by Fredrik BackmanThe Children’s Blizzard by Melanie BenjaminThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre DumasDr. Zhivago by Boris PasternakShantaram and The Mountain Shadow both by Gregory David RobertsSaint X by Alexis Schaitkin Additional Winter-Time Reads:Cover Your Tracks by Daco S. AuffenordeOne by One by Ruth WareThe Dark Iceland Series by Ragnar JonassonTruth, By Omission by Daniel BeamishThe Great Alone by Kristin HannahInto Thin Air by Jon KrakauerLeft for Dead by Beck WeathersThe Hunting Party by Lucy FoleyThrough Black Spruce by Joseph BoydenShiver by Allie ReynoldsYou can follow me/reach me via:Email:  indydriven@gmail.comWebsite (Blog – book reviews):  indydriven.caInstagram:  @indydrivenTwitter:  @indydriven