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:

A Few Twists, Some Predictable

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

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Best for: Fans of the genre. In a nutshell: Jane Finn has some important war-related documents. Unfortunately, she has been missing for years, and even though The Great War is over, those documents are important. However, through a few seemingly random interactions, friends Tommy and Tuppence end up trying to track Jane down. Worth quoting: N/A Why I chose it: I’ve been enjoying her books and plays, and so placed holds on whatever the library had, and this was the first to become available. Review: […]

Cats: Providing the Perspective You Need

We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida (E. Madison Shimoda, translator)

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Best for: Cat lovers. Those who enjoy a slightly melancholy, but also hopeful, look at everyday life. In a nutshell: Five individuals seek assistance from a mysterious clinic. Worth quoting: N/A Why I chose it: My sister gave it to me for Christmas. She knows me well. Review: I read most of this book in one sitting – where I am, 2 January is also a holiday, and I enjoyed the return of sunny weather by sitting indoors devouring this sweet book. The book is […]

The Story Is Interesting, But the Writing Is Not Good

My Story by Lewis Hamilton (Timothy Collings ghostwriter)

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Best for: I cannot imagine anyone other than a new Lewis Hamilton fan finding this book interesting. In a nutshell: Lewis Hamilton shares his journey to Formula One, ending at the end of his very first season as a Formula 1 driver (so 1985-2007, essentially). Worth quoting: “But I do not want to be the Tiger Woods of motor racing – just being the Lewis Hamilton of motor racing will be cool enough for me.” “It is mostly mental energy that you are losing; you […]

Truly Ambivalent (also, CANNONBALL)

Butter by Asako Yuzuki

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(Translation of the book by Polly Barton) Best for: People looking for a very long book to sink their teeth into; people who enjoy romantic descriptions of meals. In a nutshell: Journalist Rika is after an interview with Manako Kajii, who is about to undergo a retrial after being convicted of murder three former boyfriends. When she finally gets a meeting with Manako, her life takes a turn. Worth quoting: “A far more important question, she had come to understand, was how to enjoy this […]

A Classic With a Fantastic Final Line

The Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie

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Best for: Those looking for a quick, satisfying read. In a nutshell: Leonard is accused of killing an elderly woman, Emily. He believes his wife will serve as his alibi. Will she? Worth quoting: “Everything has something to hide, something they would do anything to protect.” Why I chose it: I enjoyed “The Unexpected Guest,” and have been checking out what is available of Christie’s at my local library. Review: I listened to this, and it was read by Christie’s grandson. Cool idea, but his […]

Loads of Handy Tips

How to Clean Everything by Ann Russell

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Best for: Anyone who has the ability to clean things. In a nutshell: Ann Russell, professional cleaner (and TikTok cleaning question answerer) shares a collection of her tips for keeping a clean home. Worth quoting: “10-20 minutes every night and 10 minutes before you leave in the morning should keep your space under control.” “Try to pull furniture out to go under and behind, but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t – decent people don’t check for dust behind your sofa; ask any that […]



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