Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

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From the US. Living in the UK. Used to review under the name Lollygagger. (Learn more about this Cannonballer: ASKReviews' Quick Questions interview - as Lollygagger.)

ASKReviews's Reviews:

Nightmare on the Rails

The High Girders: The True Story of the Tay Rail Bridge Disaster - the Victorian Dream that Ended in Tragedy by John Prebble

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Best for: People interested in engineering disasters. In a nutshell: In the 1870s, the first of its kind bridge was erected across the Tay river firth to Dundee, in Scotland. 18 months after it opened, it collapsed during a severe windstorm, taking a train with 75 passengers and crew down with it. Worth quoting: “It was the Victorian age, and life and death had Purpose. There could be no disaster without a moral.” Why I chose it: I think I might have a new book […]

So Very Sweet

She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa, translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori

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Best for: Fans of sweet little stories. And of cats. In a nutshell: Multiple cats and multiple humans change each others’ lives. Worth quoting: N/A Why I chose it: CATS! What it left me feeling: Calm. Review: What a very sweet, deep book. It is told from the perspectives of multiple cats, some related to each other. It is also told from the perspective of the humans who come into contact with these cats. One human is trying to figure out what to do with […]

Don’t Assume

The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose

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Best for: Those who enjoyed ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ In a nutshell: Molly is a maid at a fancy hotel, who discovers the dead body of a prominent hotel guest. Worth quoting: “Everything will be okay in the end. And if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” Why I chose it: I think it had a lot of buzz around it last year so wanted to check it out. What it left me feeling: Maternal (for the main character); frustrated. Review: It’s been […]

Easier Said Than Done

Buddhism: Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen

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Four Stars Best for: Those interested in Buddhism. In a nutshell: Zen priest Hagen offers his take on Buddha’s observations. Worth quoting: “First, you must truly realize that life is fleeting. Next, you must understand that you are already complete, worthy, whole. Finally, you must see that you are your own refuge, your own sanctuary, your own salvation.” Why I chose it: Continuing my spiritual journey. (I’ve always assumed I’m way too sarcastic for that level of sincerity, but here we are.) What it left […]

Another Twisty Ride

The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell

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Best for: People who enjoy thrillers. Not for people who are triggered by discussions of abusive partners. In a nutshell: Tallulah is 19 and lives with her mother, 1 year-old-son, and her boyfriend Zach. One night, Tallulah and Zach go missing, and the people they were with ostensibly didn’t know them very well. Tallulah’s mother Kim tries to figure what has happened, and is helped when new clues appear a year later. Worth quoting: N/A – Audio book Why I chose it: I enjoyed her […]

Delightful Memoir

Dying of Politeness by Geena Davis

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Best for: Those who enjoy a fairly light Hollywood memoir that primarily focuses on the industry while also providing some glimpses into one’s personal life. In a nutshell: Actor Geena Davis shares stories from her life. Worth quoting: “If a human can do it, I can do it.” Why I chose it: Looking for a fun listen while starting up running again. What it left me feeling: Impressed. Review: I didn’t know much about Davis’s life before reading this. I was familiar with her work […]



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