Wrong Highway by Wendy Gordon

 Title: Wrong Highway

Author: Wendy Gordon
Did I listen or read?: gift father's day 2026 from Hope
When did I finish?: 7/4/2026
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Erica, sister Deb bie married to Ron w son Jared.  Husband Ethan who travels constantly for work as a data wizard
What happens? Erica's life falls apart as suburban boredom, Jared's intro to pot, Debbie's abusive husband all crash on her and turn her into a cocaine addict.
How long was this? 374 pages
Did I like this? I like the writing but the frustrating drug addiction makes the book a bit cringey.  A decent "action in suburbia" book
Overall grade: B

Bolt by Dick Francis

 Title: Bolt

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/21/2026
When was the book published: 1987
Main Characters: Kit Fielding, fiance Danielle, princess Casilla, prince Litsi
What happens? Kit finds that the princess (owner of horses he rides) is being threatened by Henri Nanterre, who wants to take over their plastics biz to make guns. Casilla's husband (ill for years) refuses to sign.
How long was this? 318 pages
Did I like this? Great classic Francis.
Overall grade: A-

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

 

Title: My Firends

Author: Fredrik Backman

Published 2025

Pages 425

Grade B

Nice story about artists and dysfunctional families, but repetitive and odd, as opposed to a Man Called Ove which was more plot driven

Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Silent Bite

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/7/2026
When was the book published:  2020
Main Characters: Usual crew, but Hike has moved to South Carolina, replaced by sports fan Eddie Dowd
What happens? Willie's old cellmate Tony Birch is being accused of a crime in an elaborate frame up possibly related to his time in a gang 20 years ago when an innocent kid got shot.
How long was this? 296 pages
Did I like this? right on par
Overall grade: B

The Crossroads by C.J. Box

 Title: The Crossroads

Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?:  May 31, 2026
When was the book published: 2026
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, Maryann, Sheridan, April, Lucy.  3 sets of neighbors off one crossroads
What happens? Joe gets ambushed.  His daughters with Nate's help do some detective work.  Which of the 3 ranching families (the billionaire, the drug dealing sisters, or the broke owner and wife) is responsible?
How long was this? 338 pages
Did I like this? Zipped right through it.  Great to see the women take the lead.  Not the most incredibly inventive plot, but told in a fun way.
Overall grade: A-

The Widow by John Grisham

 Title: The Widow

Author: John Grisham
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 5/25/2026
When was the book published: 2025
Main Characters: Simon Latch the small town lawyer.  Eleanor Barnett, the widow who might be rich. Matildo is Simon's assistant.  Landy is the FBI agent.
What happens? Eleanor comes to Simon to re-write her will.  The other town lawyer has written a will with a $450,000 one time payment.  Eleanor claims to be rich. Is she?
How long was this? 404 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good story, moves along.  Ending a little frustrating.  Really?  but a good read
Overall grade: B+

Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

 Title: Leonardo Da Vinci

Author: Walter Isaacson
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 5/15/2026
When was the book published: 2025
Main Characters: Da Vinci!
What happens? Da Vinci was a supremely talented artist who was obsessed with understanding in detail the way things worked.  How we see.  How the muscles work.  How water flows.  Perspective

He was not great at finishing things.  Easily distracted.  Very popular and always had a sponsor.  Did not finish work often.  Died with the Mona Lisa in his possession, believed to be still working on finishing it.
How long was this? 600+ pages
Did I like this? Important and enjoyable, but some parts I skipped over.   Too much detail
Overall grade: B+