Don't Stop Believin'

by Olivia Newton-John
Dec 23-28, 2019

Olivia, I'm hopelessly devoted to you. You were my first music love. I still remember the dances we made up to the Grease soundtrack, a vinyl album that we listened to daily on repeat. But, my sweet, you should let someone else do the writing.

I feel like we all know that Olivia is a goody-goody at heart, but this book amplifies the sweetness to the level of a mouthful of cavities. While all her thoughts are valid, the prose is oversimplified to the point of silliness. We really don't learn much of what we already knew, and I don't really care about the gas cap left off your car or how hilarious you found it. I found myself skimming parts. Plus, the obvious exclusion and glossing over of the real relevant occurrences in her life (missing boyfriend, anyone?). And I really had a hard time connecting with the spiritual healing and visions and herbs and potions that she is so trusting in these days.

Our girl sure has been put through the wringer, and it will be an awful day when she's no longer with us and that sweet voice is silenced. But I will stick to watching Grease, Xanadu and Hard to Hold as much as humanly possible. And of course listening to Please Mr. Please.

And with that, 2019 is a wrap!

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Ask Again, Yes

by Mary Beth Keane
Dec 3-22, 2019

What a great way to (almost) end the year. I love a good family drama, especially one with such well drawn out characters, so this one surely satisfied. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming, storylines well crafted for future reference, and a comfortable ending.

“Then and now, I say yes.”

It's funny to me how the more I like a book, the shorter my reviews are. Ask Again, Yes is my sixth 4-star review of the year. Those that know me know that it takes a LOT to achieve a 5-star rating! But in a year that saw its share of far too many duds – nine 2-star reviews – I'm happy with the less-is-more review.

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