This diversion we will discuss books about real people: biographies, memoirs, and historical fiction. I read about people mostly through historical fiction. I adore all the books written by Fiona Davis, Lynda Cohen Loigman, and Kate Quinn. After I proclaim for the umpteenth time, I am so done with WWII, I stumble upon a masterpiece like Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray. I will gobble up the occasional juicy memoir or biography. Who could resist Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris (which must be […]
CBR Diversion: Your Cannonball Story
If you are reading this, then you have a Cannonball story! For this diversion, we would like to hear your Cannonball story. How did you discover Cannonball Read? How long did you lurk or follow Cannonball Read? When did you finally join? What was the impetus to finally make that plunge and join? For me, I learned about Cannonball Read from faintingviolet, who I know in the real world. I don’t remember spending much time lurking. I immediately recognized that this was a place for […]
CBR Diversion: The Thin Line Between Love and Crime
I have been thinking about how mystery and romance novels have so much in common. They may seem worlds apart, but once you look deeper you see otherwise. Here are some things that make them so much alike: sometimes published by a dedicated imprint like Harlequin or Crooked Lane Books both are fast, easy reads, “reader’s candy” they often have their own book store like The Ripped Bodice or The Mysterious Bookshop they have the same subgenres: historical, cozy, paranormal, fantasy, etc. in romance the […]
CBR Diversion: It’s a mystery!
I love to read a good mystery. To be honest, I even like reading a not so good mystery. I read more mysteries than any other genre, including those for the mystery book group at my local library. There are a wide variety of mystery subgenres. Let’s look at a few: The Cozy Mystery – a small town (bonus points if there is a vicar), an amateur detective, a clever murderer on the loose, and an even cleverer “punny” book title – The Quiche of […]
CBR Diversion: Pain-free Review Writing
You’ve joined (or rejoined) Cannonball Read this year and are all set to write a review. But wait, what are the rules, where do I start? This diversion helps answer your review writing questions. First, the two most important rules: Book reviews should be a minimum of 250 words. You do not have to review everything you read. (View the complete rules.) My personal tip is to pick and choose which books you write reviews for. I read 100 books a year. When I joined […]
CBR Diversions: A New Year Begins
Welcome to Cannonball 17. A new year and a new Cannonball bring new opportunities. A chance to read lots of books, review lots of books, and connect with other Cannonballers. I hope to read 100 books in 2025. I am looking forward to new titles from some of my favorite authors: Fredrik Backman, Fiona Davis, and V. E. Schwab. And of course, connecting with other Cannonballers (because you guys have the best book recs!) Want to meet fellow Cannonballers and talk books, then join us […]