Here We Go Again

Author: Betty White
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Scribner, 2010
Pages: 320
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: Betty White first appeared on television in 1949 and went on to have one of the most amazing careers in TV history, starring in shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, among many others. She was one of the hardest-working actresses of any era, and her sense of humor and perennial optimism carried her through decades of industry changes and delighted millions of fans.

Here We Go Again is a behind-the-scenes look at Betty's career from her start on radio to her first show, Hollywood on Television, to several iterations of The Betty White Show and much, much more. Packed with wonderful anecdotes about famous personalities and friendships, stories of Betty's off-screen life, and the comedienne's trademark humor, this deliciously entertaining book will give readers an entree into Betty's fascinating life, confirming yet again why this funny lady was one of the most memorable and beloved actresses of all time. 

Review: I picked this up thinking it would be light and laugh-out-loud funny. It was a fun read, but it wasn't silly. I loved this look back in time and following Betty's White's career. I primarily remember her from The Golden Girls, a show I watched first with my grandmother and later with college roommates.

The New Couple in 5B

Author: Lisa Unger
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Park Row Books, 2025
Pages: 384
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: Rosie and Chad Lowan are barely making ends meet in New York City when they receive life-changing news: Chad's late uncle has left them his luxury apartment at the historic Windermere in glamorous Murray Hill. With its prewar elegance and impeccably uniformed doorman, the building is the epitome of old New York charm. One would almost never suspect the dark history lurking behind its perfectly maintained facade.

At first, the building and its electric tenants couldn't feel more welcoming. But as the Lowans settle into their new home, Rosie starts to suspect that there's more to the Windermere than meets the eye. Why is the doorman ever-present? Why are there cameras everywhere? And why have so many gruesome crimes occurred there throughout the years? When one of the neighbors turns up dead, Rosie must get to the truth about the Windermere before she, too, falls under its dangerous spell.

Review: I saw this on a book stand on a business trip to Tampa in February. This is my first Lisa Unger novel, and what a ride. The setting, plot, and descriptions of the Windermere drew me in, but this novel wasn't without flaws. A pet peeve about many thrillers, this one included, the author writes in a character confession. I prefer the protagonist put the pieces together him or herself, and the details are revealed to the reader in a more organic way. 

More or Less Maddy

Author: Lisa Genova
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Galley Scout Press, 2025
Pages: 368
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: Maddy Banks is just like any other stressed-out freshman at NYU. Between schoolwork, exams, navigating life in the city, and a recent break-up, it's normal to be feeling overwhelmed. It doesn't help that she's always felt like the odd one out in her picture-perfect Connecticut family. But Maddy's latest low is devastatingly low, and she goes on an antidepressant. She begins to feel good, dazzling in fact, and she soon spirals high into a wild and terrifying mania that culminates in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

As she struggles to find her way in this new reality, navigating the complex effects bipolar has on her identity, her relationships, and her life dreams, Maddy will have to figure out how to manage being both too much and not enough.

Review: I usually love Lisa Genova, but this wasn't my favorite. It felt a little like a The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel rip off, if you've seen that show on Amazon Prime (highly recommend, by the way). "Not my favorite" though, in no way means that you shouldn't read this. It's a good story and Lisa Genova is a wonderful author.

Other Lisa Genova Novels
Inside the O'Briens
Love Anthony
Still Alice

What the Wife Knew

Author: Darby Kane
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: HarperCollins, 2024
Pages: 368
Rating: Highly Recommend

Synopsis: Dr. Richmond Dougherty is a renowned pediatric surgeon, an infamous tragedy survivor, and a national hero. He's also very dead - thanks for a fall down the stairs. His neighbors angrily point a finger at the newest Ms. Dougherty, Addison. The sudden marriage to the mysterious young woman only lasted ninety-seven days, and he'd had two suspicious "accidents" during that time. Now Addison is a very rich widow.

As law enforcement starts to circle in on Addison and people in town become increasingly hostile, sides are chosen with Kathryn, Richmond's high school sweetheart, wife number one, and the mother of his children, leading the fray. Despite rising tensions, Addison is even more driven to forge ahead on the path she charted years ago. . .

Determined at all costs to unravel Richmond's legacy, she soon becomes a target - with a shocking note left on her bedroom wall: You will pay. But it will take a lot more than faceless threats to stop Addison. Her plan to marry Richmond then ruin him may
have been derailed by his unexpected death, but she's not done with him yet.

Review: One of the best thrillers I have ever read. It was hooked on page 1; the first chapter packed an intriguing punch. The entire novel was twisty and compelling. It's hard to talk about thrillers without posting a spoiler so I'm going to leave it at this - read it, read it, read it.