Come on in and kick off your shoes!
Authors, links, lists & news -
And lots of helpful, piffy reviews
So grab a drink, find a comfy chair -
We have a lot of books to share.
What makes RJ's Views special?
"Old School Values!" Integrity, honesty, and respect were more than words - they had real world meaning. Back before signing your life away to make a purchase, you simply made the deal, shook hands and trusted the other person to follow through. . .based solely on their word. My GrandPa said 'keep your word and your conscience clean.' I started this blog with two goals . . .To share with readers the kind of review my book club wanted, but rarely found and stay true to my upbringing.
These days the values and standards passed on to me are called "old school." That's okay! Because out with the old and in with the new does not and should not apply to everything. Over the last ten years, I have read a ton of books, met lots of terrific people and built a reputation my Grandparents would be proud of.
These days the values and standards passed on to me are called "old school." That's okay! Because out with the old and in with the new does not and should not apply to everything. Over the last ten years, I have read a ton of books, met lots of terrific people and built a reputation my Grandparents would be proud of.
We have fun here too. There are lists of best sellers, children's choices, educators favorites, classics, must reads, and banned book lists. My Mission Statement is still here. The original. To look pretty and celebrate holidays the decorations around here change, but the heart of the site, the content of my statement, remain unchanged. I invite you to read it.
I'm happy you stumbled upon our little blog. I hope you find the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable. I've designed the site to read like conversations between friends. Entertaining AND informative. See ya soon!
Bookmark this page...with a click you can pull up a comfy chair and chatter awhile.
Bookmark this page...with a click you can pull up a comfy chair and chatter awhile.
To all View'ers & Visitors -
I'm still working to get the site
back up to speed after the techno-mess
that deleted everything. Please bear with me.
I'm still working to get the site
back up to speed after the techno-mess
that deleted everything. Please bear with me.
Red Hot -- Just Released
May 7th
That book is on the list ? ? Really ? ?
Banned Book Week - Sept. 22 - 28, 2019
Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2018:
-
George by Alex Gino
Reasons: banned, challenged, and relocated because it was believed to encourage children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones, and for mentioning “dirty magazines,” describing male anatomy, “creating confusion,” and including a transgender character
-
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller
Reasons: banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints
-
Captain Underpants series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey
Reasons: series was challenged because it was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior, while Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was challenged for including a same-sex couple
-
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Reasons: banned and challenged because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references
-
Drama written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Reasons: banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes
-
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Reasons: banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide
-
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
Reasons: banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations
-
Skippyjon Jones series written and illustrated by Judy Schachner
Reason: challenged for depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture
-
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint
-
This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten
Reason: challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content
-
Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
Reason: challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content
2019 Campaign Revealed
click 
Red Hot -- Just Released
May 7th
That book is on the list ? ? Really ? ?
Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2018:
- George by Alex GinoReasons: banned, challenged, and relocated because it was believed to encourage children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones, and for mentioning “dirty magazines,” describing male anatomy, “creating confusion,” and including a transgender character
- A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG KellerReasons: banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints
- Captain Underpants series written and illustrated by Dav PilkeyReasons: series was challenged because it was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior, while Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was challenged for including a same-sex couple
- The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasReasons: banned and challenged because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references
- Drama written and illustrated by Raina TelgemeierReasons: banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes
- Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay AsherReasons: banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide
- This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian TamakiReasons: banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations
- Skippyjon Jones series written and illustrated by Judy SchachnerReason: challenged for depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman AlexieReasons: banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint
- This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna LittenReason: challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content
- Two Boys Kissing by David LevithanReason: challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content
Recent NYT Best Sellers -
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
HARDCOVER FICTION
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 
COMBINED NON-FICTION
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
Middle Grade Hardcover
Most Anticipated Summer Reads
List of highly anticipated summer reads from Parade.
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
Sloane, Ardie, Grace and Rosalita are worried for their company when the CEO passes and a misogynistic man takes charge. Watching their new boss carefully, they take fate into their own hands when they find he’s made an inappropriate move on their coworker. What happens after they get their vengeance will change their lives forever.
The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
When an unlikely match is forced to spend time together for their best friend’s wedding, they assume it will be a nightmare. But deep down, Maddie and Theo have real chemistry and when they start hooking up, they’ll have to decide if this fling could ever be anything more than casual.
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
When four ambitious Wall Street ladder-climbers sign up to participate in an escape room, they think it will be the perfect opportunity for team bonding. But when they all get trapped in an elevator together, they will find that this simple game is really a dangerous and deadly scheme to see who gets out alive.
Recursion by Blake Crouch
False Memory Syndrome is taking over and driving people crazy with memories they never actually experienced. With the help of a New York City cop, neuroscientist Helena Smith will have to get to the bottom of this phenomenon and stop the evil forces at work, trying to corrupt the minds of people everywhere.
Screen Queens by Lori Goldstein
Lucy, Maddie and Delia are on their way to Silicon Valley fame in Screen Queens as they compete for a highly sought-after internship. Together, these three smart and talented high school graduates will have to prove themselves while learning how to juggle romance, friendships and backstabbers in this YA read.
The Friends We Keep by Jane Green
Longtime friends Evvie, Maggie and Topher left college with big dreams. But by their 30th reunion, they’ve found that their futures weren’t as bright as they had hoped. Reuniting again, these three will get a second chance at happiness and the opportunity to make up for their past mistakes.
The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess
Aspiring writer Eve Rosen finds herself unhappy in her job as an assistant. When she gets invited to attend a party thrown by a writer she admires, she jumps at the opportunity. Getting tangled up in this new world, she quickly learns that the literary world holds dark secrets she never saw coming.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
When Vivian Morris is kicked out of college in 1940, she’s sent to live with her aunt who owns a playhouse. Vivian quickly finds a home with her aunt, the playhouse and its unique cast of characters, but just as she’s fitting in, she’ll make a mistake that will cost her the life she’s worked to rebuild.
The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden
At only 26, Mia is sure that she has the rest of her life figured out. But then her boyfriend ends their relationship, leading Mia to embark on a humanitarian trip that will take her across the world. With a new lease on life, Mia finds that her future is with those who make her feel most alive.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
It’s the early 1960s and Elwood Curtis has just been sent to a juvenile reformatory. As a young black man, who’s been marked as a delinquent, it’s believed he needs to be trained to be honorable. But the reformatory isn’t pleasant and Elwood will have to team up with an unlikely partner to get out alive.
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
As sisters, Jo and Bethie were always close despite their differences. In Mrs. Everything, the two maneuver the ever-changing world from the 1950s to the present. From their teenage years to choosing to become mothers and everything in between, this book is a story of womanhood.
Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
When Millie Quint finds out the girl she’s with has been seeing other people, the devastated teen applies for boarding school in another country, leading her to Scotland. But soon Millie meets her new roommate—the princess of Scotland—and amidst their shaky beginning, the two get swept up in a romance of their own.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood returns to Offred’s story in this follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale. Picking up the story 15 years after Offred’s unsteady ending, this new book is told from the perspectives of three women from Gilead and explains the inner working of the terrifying society Margaret Atwood dreamed up.
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Jules Larsen has just accepted a job as an apartment sitter in the prestigious Bartholomew in Manhattan. Meeting Ingrid, another apartment sitter, the two click and Ingrid opens up about the dark past of the building. But then Ingrid disappears and it will be up to Jules to find out what happened and how to get out alive.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Alex and Henry are both royals in their separate nations and when they’re caught feuding, their handlers step in to smooth the tension. Now executing a staged friendship for press, the two will discover they have deeper feelings for one another after all and will have to face the consequences that come with their love.
School is out . . .what to do?
#BookYourSummer
- Print out your B&N Journal
- Record eight books you read
- Tell what you liked about the books
- Take your journal to B&N Aug 1-31 &
receive a FREE book.
~ OR ~
Recent NYT Best Sellers -
1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
HARDCOVER FICTION
1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
COMBINED NON-FICTION
1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
Middle Grade Hardcover
Most Anticipated Summer Reads
List of highly anticipated summer reads from Parade.
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
Sloane, Ardie, Grace and Rosalita are worried for their company when the CEO passes and a misogynistic man takes charge. Watching their new boss carefully, they take fate into their own hands when they find he’s made an inappropriate move on their coworker. What happens after they get their vengeance will change their lives forever.
The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
When an unlikely match is forced to spend time together for their best friend’s wedding, they assume it will be a nightmare. But deep down, Maddie and Theo have real chemistry and when they start hooking up, they’ll have to decide if this fling could ever be anything more than casual.
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
When four ambitious Wall Street ladder-climbers sign up to participate in an escape room, they think it will be the perfect opportunity for team bonding. But when they all get trapped in an elevator together, they will find that this simple game is really a dangerous and deadly scheme to see who gets out alive.
Recursion by Blake Crouch
False Memory Syndrome is taking over and driving people crazy with memories they never actually experienced. With the help of a New York City cop, neuroscientist Helena Smith will have to get to the bottom of this phenomenon and stop the evil forces at work, trying to corrupt the minds of people everywhere.
Screen Queens by Lori Goldstein
Lucy, Maddie and Delia are on their way to Silicon Valley fame in Screen Queens as they compete for a highly sought-after internship. Together, these three smart and talented high school graduates will have to prove themselves while learning how to juggle romance, friendships and backstabbers in this YA read.
The Friends We Keep by Jane Green
Longtime friends Evvie, Maggie and Topher left college with big dreams. But by their 30th reunion, they’ve found that their futures weren’t as bright as they had hoped. Reuniting again, these three will get a second chance at happiness and the opportunity to make up for their past mistakes.
The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess
Aspiring writer Eve Rosen finds herself unhappy in her job as an assistant. When she gets invited to attend a party thrown by a writer she admires, she jumps at the opportunity. Getting tangled up in this new world, she quickly learns that the literary world holds dark secrets she never saw coming.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
When Vivian Morris is kicked out of college in 1940, she’s sent to live with her aunt who owns a playhouse. Vivian quickly finds a home with her aunt, the playhouse and its unique cast of characters, but just as she’s fitting in, she’ll make a mistake that will cost her the life she’s worked to rebuild.
The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden
At only 26, Mia is sure that she has the rest of her life figured out. But then her boyfriend ends their relationship, leading Mia to embark on a humanitarian trip that will take her across the world. With a new lease on life, Mia finds that her future is with those who make her feel most alive.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
It’s the early 1960s and Elwood Curtis has just been sent to a juvenile reformatory. As a young black man, who’s been marked as a delinquent, it’s believed he needs to be trained to be honorable. But the reformatory isn’t pleasant and Elwood will have to team up with an unlikely partner to get out alive.
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
As sisters, Jo and Bethie were always close despite their differences. In Mrs. Everything, the two maneuver the ever-changing world from the 1950s to the present. From their teenage years to choosing to become mothers and everything in between, this book is a story of womanhood.
Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
When Millie Quint finds out the girl she’s with has been seeing other people, the devastated teen applies for boarding school in another country, leading her to Scotland. But soon Millie meets her new roommate—the princess of Scotland—and amidst their shaky beginning, the two get swept up in a romance of their own.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood returns to Offred’s story in this follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale. Picking up the story 15 years after Offred’s unsteady ending, this new book is told from the perspectives of three women from Gilead and explains the inner working of the terrifying society Margaret Atwood dreamed up.
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Jules Larsen has just accepted a job as an apartment sitter in the prestigious Bartholomew in Manhattan. Meeting Ingrid, another apartment sitter, the two click and Ingrid opens up about the dark past of the building. But then Ingrid disappears and it will be up to Jules to find out what happened and how to get out alive.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Alex and Henry are both royals in their separate nations and when they’re caught feuding, their handlers step in to smooth the tension. Now executing a staged friendship for press, the two will discover they have deeper feelings for one another after all and will have to face the consequences that come with their love.
School is out . . .what to do?
#BookYourSummer
- Print out your B&N Journal
- Record eight books you read
- Tell what you liked about the books
- Take your journal to B&N Aug 1-31 &
receive a FREE book.
~ OR ~
~ OR ~
The 2019 Scholastic Read-a-Palooza Summer
Reading Challenge kicks off on Monday, May 6.
That's when you can start logging your reading minutes!
- ALA Summer 2019's Notable Books List
- Kid Lit Collective Summer 2019 Lists
- ALSC 2019's Summer Reading Lists
- Reading Rockets 2019 Lists
- Brightly's Summer Reading Lists
- We Are Teachers 2018 Book List
- Great School's K-5 Reading Lists
- Read these 50 Books By Age 12
- Elementary books by age from GoodReads
- Literacy Association Reading by Age Lists
- NEA suggested reading for all young people
- Grade by Grade Reading Lists
Visit Your Local Library or Favorite BookStore
Available May 21st
Available July 30th
Available August 6th
2019 Summer Reads -
Coming to a book club near you.
The Last Resort by Marissa Stapley
If your book club loved Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (and is eagerly awaiting season two on HBO), this should be a top 2019 pick. Two struggling marriages will be put to the ultimate test in The Last Resort. Signing up for a therapy program at the prestigious Harmony Resort, two couples come to find that the luxurious escape they signed up for isn’t what it seems and the celebrity therapists they put their trust in are hiding something huge.
Adèle by Leila Slimani
If your book club loved thrilling suspense stories like Gillian Flynn‘s Gone Girl, this will be the first title your club should be reading this year. Mom and faithful wife Adèle is bored with her seemingly perfect life and is ready to embrace a new venture. Beginning a secret life she tells nobody about, this jaded housewife quickly finds herself in hot water and she’ll have to fight her way out in order to find the purpose she so desperately needs.
Honestly, We Meant Well by Grant Ginder
If your book club inhaled Ginder’s last book, The People We Hate at the Wedding, currently in development for the big screen, his new book will not disappoint. Sue Ellen Wright’s world is turned upside down when she finds her husband has been cheating on her and her son is going through intense struggles of his own. To solve her family’s problems, she takes them to Greece, where she tries to reconcile their mistakes and bring them together as a single unit once again.
The Light Over London by Julia Kelly
Still obsessed with Kristin Hannah’s best-selling novel The Nightingale? This pick will be right up your alley. Cara Hargraves would much rather focus on the past than her own future, so when she finds a diary from World War II while clearing out an estate, she takes up immediate interest. Digging further into the life of the diary’s keeper, she discovers that she’s not prepared for the wartime heartbreak within the book’s pages.
You, Me, and the Sea by Meg Donohue
If your book club loves books by Elin Hilderbrand, they’ll fall head over heels for this new novel by Meg Donohue. In You, Me, and the Sea, young Merrow meets Amir, a boy who takes away her pain and brings about her first true love story. But when the young couple’s days of romance and sun in Horseshoe Cliff become interrupted by dark secrets of the town, Merrow will have to make devastating decisions.
Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal
Part of a book club that loves classic romance novels? Unmarriageable will be your perfect match. This modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice brings together unlikely lovers Alys Binat and Valentine Darsee. While the two don’t immediately see eye-to-eye, they learn to tolerate one another over time and as Alys breaks down the man’s walls, she begins to see who he really is and begins rethinking her decision to never marry.
The Southern Side of Paradise by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Book clubs that devoured Jane Green’s The Sunshine Sisters will adore this new Southern family drama. Ansley Murphy is finally feeling as if she has won at life as both she and her daughters are all happy and successful. But when a new threat is brought to Ansley’s attention and malicious secrets about her family are revealed, she will learn just how strong her family’s bond really is.
More Than Words by Jill Santopolo
If you and your book-loving friends are fans of Reese Witherspoon’s book club, this book needs to be your next club pick. This highly anticipated novel follows Nina Gregory after the death of her father and a secret he kept that will change her life. Now questioning everything and rethinking the relationships she has with other men, Nina finds herself stuck between the life she’s always led and the life she really wants.
Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly
If you and your book club loved Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network, you’ll want to add this one to your lineup immediately. It’s 1914 and Eliza can’t wait to visit Russia with close friend Sofya. But when war breaks out, Eliza will escape back to America, unaware of the dangers Sofya is facing in Russia. Before she knows it, the girls’ letter correspondence has halted and Eliza becomes aware of the fact that Sofya may be in deep trouble.
The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib
If your book club enjoys the work of inspiring authors like Emily Giffin, they’ll love this new women’s fiction novel. Anna Roux once had her life well under control but, spiraling due to an obsession with her weight, she now finds herself weighing in at only 88 pounds. Having been admitted to a recovery home for women who suffer from eating disorders, she will be forced to face her problems head-on with her fellow patients.
Good Riddance by Elinor Lipman
For fans of romantic comedies from authors like Jasmine Guillory, you’ll adore this sweet and funny new novel. Daphne never thought her mother’s high school yearbook would come back to haunt her, but in Good Riddance, she learns the true power of the book. When a neighboring filmmaker retrieves the vintage yearbook from the recycling bin, Daphne will soon be wishing she hadn’t ever gotten rid of it.
Cape May by Chip Cheek
If you can’t get enough of women’s fiction novels with a twist, Cape May will be your perfect book club read. When newlyweds Henry and Effie arrive at their honeymoon destination to find it’s a deserted town, they lose hope in their trip…until they meet a group of fascinating people who will show them how to truly enjoy the town. Soon, the young couple will find themselves betraying one another and learning the true meaning of love.
The Wine Cellar
Where We Chatter about Pairing
Maybe it's just me - but, I've always had a difficult time selecting which wine goes with what entree. Then there's special occassions and wines seem to get more specific for these. The challenge is selecting wines that pair well with the various foods. Most suggest having a selection of red and white wines available for your guests. This allows each guest to select what works best for their particular tastes. But if you are planning a 4th of July celebration - here's a few suggestions.
- Red, White, & Wine from PebbleBeach
- 4 for the Fourth from Food & Wine
- Stars, Stripes,& Sips from Parade
- Top 10 Sparkling from Martha Stewart
- Best Red Wine for 4th Burgers, says Press Democrat
- 4th of July Wine Guide from Wine Enthusiast
- 4th of July Wines to Serve from Kitchn
A long time Views visitor, asked if I was pairing our book club books with specific wines ??? It seems the trendy book club thing is to pair the book we read with a wine that compliments the book. So, I found a lil bit of information to share with you. I would love to be able to pair the book properly - because most of the time, the wine is what lured friends to join the book club in the first place. LOL
- 9 Book&Wine Pairs
- Miriam Parker's Perfect Pairings
- Heavenly Day's Suggested Pairings
- Book Club Wine Pairing
- 12 Books Paired
- Host a Book Club with Wines
- Books&Wine from GoodReads
My Absolute Favorites
You gotta try these.
Which book(s) are on your Must read list?
Send me an
Looking Back...
Vintage Images.
Quotes I Love
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Love is the irresistible desire to be desired irresistibly." -- Robert Frost
"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." --Dr. Seuss
"The only way to have a Friend, is to BE one." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Notes & Up-Dates from RJ...
Dear View'ers -
I am still trying to fix the site. I have no idea what really happened & the folks at Google don't seem to sure either. LOL Somehow, all my updates, everything posted since July 18, 2018 was lost. Poof!
Just gone! So I am desperately trying to get everything we lost back, add all the new info, and redecorate for the 4th of July.
PLUS
I am preparing for surgery Tuesday. Gosh guys, just a few more days. I will be in the hospital about a week and have been warned repeteadedly by the surgeon, doctor, and PA that this is going to be a rough one. Ya'll know I am an "ol' pro" when it comes to surgeries - but even so, they say this one is gonna be tough. . .and that the recovery/rehabilitation from it will be long and painful. I welcome & deeply appreciate all your prayers & positive energy during this difficult time. I'll shoooot you guys a message as soon as I can.
Happy Reading,
RJ
Happy Reading,
RJ
Favorite the site & become a View'er
Love your blog. I appreciate your candor and I think your reviews are always fun to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Meg (OH)
Thank you, Meg. I'm glad you like it! Stop by & visit often, there's a lot of good books scheduled for review.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
:-) RJ
Great review of House of Secrets. Your review of the Illuminati book was awesome. Just finished it and LOVED it. Thanks for "sharing it straight."
ReplyDeleteThanx,
George B.
Thanks George! Come back soon!
DeleteThank you for introducing me to Hachette audiobooks. I had never listened to a book before I read your wp blog post years ago. I can't imagine my day now without my headphones on listening. You use headphones all the time do you have any recommendations about headphones? Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteHappy Listener
Glendale, CO
Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying audiobooks. Hope you come back & visit with us often. Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteGreat info on Read Aloud. My son is 7 and he's loving the new read time. We still read a bedtime story too.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Becky in Charleston SC
Great site!
ReplyDeleteMark, CO
Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteKathy, NC
Love the new site layout!Thank you for your very nice email.
ReplyDeleteViews follower,
Kim's Book Club
Great site! Love your reviews!
ReplyDeleteDiane C.
El Paso TX
Great lists for kids. It's been said already but I'll say it again, Great reviews.
ReplyDeleteJoy M.(Nevada)
Love, Love, Love your site. Been a fan since the WP days.
ReplyDeleteBeth, CT
Congratulations 10 years!
ReplyDeleteMarcus D., Greenville, SC
Happy Birthday! 10 years. I'm so glad you stuck it out through your injury. I'm giving you a big high five, two thumbs up and delicious piece of bday cake. Celebrate & enjoy girl, here's to another 10 years sharing good books!
ReplyDeleteStacey
Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 10 years reviewing.
ReplyDeleteLoreta B, NC
Congrat's
ReplyDeleteHappy 10 yr Anniversary
ReplyDeleteHappy 10 yr Anniversary.
ReplyDeleteCellie, MO
Congratulations, 10 year Anniversary.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU to everyone for all the emails and comments on the 10 year anniversary of RJ's Views. Thank You all so very much for your support, for visiting the site and making it such a success. I have enjoyed sharing books with everyone for the past ten years, and look forward to doing so for the next ten, twenty, thirty, years.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!
RJ
Wow You have come a long way RJ! I love the new layout & the site is loaded with information. Your reviews are still incredible. The new Wine Cellar is great, I love it. One of these days we'll meet at the ITWwe've talked about a thousand times over the years, & have a glass of wine. You can pick.
ReplyDeleteGreat Review of Cuban Affair I haven't read DeMille's work in years. But I ordered the book after reading your review. I can't wait until 19th. Thank You
ReplyDeleteAny good books for the holidays?
Thank You,
Jill, Orlando FL
Agreeing with Markus *and others, thanks for helpful reviews. I am happy to have found your reviews. they are not filled with big words trying to sound important. Great job keep up good work.
ReplyDeleteKetki, Hyderabad, India
THANK YOU. Your reviews sound great. Thank you for not using big, odd words just to try to sound important.
ReplyDeleteYours are helpful AND sound great. Keep doing what you're doing.
Markus, Alberta, Canada
I appreciate all of your comments and emails. Thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart!
ReplyDeleteI will make y'all a deal - y'all keep reading my reviews and visiting me here - and I will keep Sharing It Straight.... Okie Dokie?
Big Smiles,
RJ
I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteAnnie in Spartanburg SC
Great blog. You write very good reviews.
ReplyDeleteMagda, Calcutta
I love your blog. You write some great reviews. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
ReplyDeleteNancy R., Sarasota, Florida
Love, love, love The Views! One of my fav book bloggers. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteMaryann L. Raleigh, NC
I totally agree The new Cross is great! Audio is of the hook like the way Cross books used to be years ago. Thanks for great review. Right on point as usual.
ReplyDeleteMark Casper, WY
Hi RJ,
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Your reviews are great. Are you going to review the new book about Woodstock?
Mary, Ontario CA
HI - Mary *Ontario, CA
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting. I'm very happy that you Love my blog. Yes, I will be posting a review of the book soon. I am so excited to be reviewing several books from new publishers this summer. Stop by often there are lots of new books being added.
Thanks again for your support!
RJ
Hi RJ,
ReplyDeleteLove the blog!Are you reviewing the new Patterson collaboration with Bill Clinton?
Pat, KY
Pat (KY)
ReplyDeleteThank you for supporting RJ's Views! I will be reviewing the audio (published by Hachette Audio)- sometime in June. Stop by and visit us often, new books are being added all the time.
Thanks again!
RJ
Hi RJ!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. We tried some of the wine suggestions during our last book club meeting. Everyone showed up for the first time ever and we had a blast. We served several wines but the star was the Carneros Cuvée by Gloria Ferrer. We found it through your suggested book club wine links. THANK YOU. We are reading "Circe" this month and I am hosting.
Loretta (We Still Read book club), Akron, OH
Hi Loretta (And all the members of your book club "We Still Read")
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! I love hearing from readers. Your "star wine" was an incredible selection. Wish I could've been there! Circe is a great choice for your book club. I hope your next meeting is even better. Let me know how it goes.
Thank you for supporting RJ's Views!
RJ
RJ,
ReplyDeleteI have been a long time viewer from the 3rs days. Yes you have grown a lot in the last ten years but a few things have not changed. and that is a good thing. Like the reviews. They are interesting, entertaining, informative without divulging too much. You give equal opportunity to best sellers and unknown, selfpublished. Not many do that. You have maintained the integrity you wrote about in your mission statement a decade ago. That is an accomplishment and it is awesome. I look forward to another decade or two of sharing my love of books with the View. Thanks for standing up for us book lovers. I love RJ's Views. Keep up the good work.
Merry Christmas RJ,
Big Smiles & Best Wishes from Carrie and Doug, Illinois
Merry Christmas RJ -
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what we will be sharing and talking about in 2019. I have already ordered the two books you suggested for January. Judgment by J. Finder and 1st Conspiracy by B. Meltzer. I am really looking forward to those.
Happy New Year!
Rebecca from Nashville, TN
Wow - The site looks great. Really put me in the mood for Christmas. I preordered one of the books you have suggested for January and ordered 3 others, and borrowed 2 from the Library. my TBR pile is piled high. LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks RJ. I've been a Viewer for five years and always love it. Keep it up girl!
Merry Christmas,
Loretta-Anne Pittsburgh
Merry Christmas RJ!
ReplyDeleteI love Views! I can not believe it has been a decade since I met you on MySpace. OMG remember MySpace? I am telling my age. LOL Take care, good luck with your upcoming surgery.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
All the Best,
Liz, Washington D.C.
Merry Christmas RJ!
ReplyDeleteSo - how about that new Joe Finder book? You reading it? What do you think?? I am chomping at the bit for this one. We always have to wait so long for his books. Yeah, it is worth it in the end.
Merry XMas!
Ken Greenville, SC
Merrrrryyyyyyy Christmas, RJ!
ReplyDeleteBeen great year for us readers. Sure hope 2019 will be. Good luck with your surgery. Keep us "Viewers" updated what is going on with you, ok? I mean I am sure when you awake in the recovery room your first request is your IPad so you can update your site. LOL
Take care girlfriend. Your blog still rocks!
Lisa Ashville, NC
Merry Christmas, RJ
ReplyDeleteWe are hoping 2019 is the year of great books. We know for sure that you will share it straight about all of them. Love the site at Christmas. Always looks good!
Happy New Year!
Pam, Laurie, Jonah, Michelle, and Larry
Great site. Intelligent, well-written reviews that I happen to agree with 90% of the time. This is a comfortable environment in which to express oneself and that too is most appreciated. Thank you for welcoming the LGBT community.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your blog. Hope all goes well with your upcoming surgery.
ReplyDeleteHey RJ,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your mission statement. We like your "small" blog. Just think when you go big time i can say i knew you way back when. Congratulations on your success.
I love The Views. Your blog is awesome. Keep on keeping it real .
ReplyDeleteDonald Thank you for taking time to comment. Everybody is Welcome here. I am so happy you found us --Please pass the word about our lil' blog. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled you guys love the site. As for hitting the big time-- Oh how I wish we could "get discovered." Maybe one day. (Fingers crossed). But trust me -- I will be the same old me.
Welcome--welcome--welcome to the new View'ers.