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Reviews by Melissa

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The Confessions of Max Tivoli
by Andrew Sean Greer

Young at heart (5/16/2007)

Often we wish we had the wisdom of our years when we are young, but would we really? While I felt profound sadness for the character while I was reading this, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the thoughts and memories it provoked in me.

Birds of a Feather: A Maisie Dobbs Mystery
by Jacqueline Winspear

Hooked (4/18/2007)

I'm not sure I would enjoy this as much if I were "reading" it rather than listening to it as I am on audio book. It is a British author, which certainly gives it more flavor than the strictly American version I would be giving it in my own reading! I find that I like how Maisie is growing up and while I may not want her to be my best friend, I am enjoying her more. I was able to figure out this mystery, but the story was still suspenseful.. Of course, I have to read the next one in the series, because Winspear ended with a bit of a cliffhanger!!!

Choke
by Chuck Palahniuk

Down and Dirty (4/18/2007)

Only 2 of the participating 4 members of our book club would read this one. They were turned off by the vulgarity of the first part of the book. While I must say I was initially uncomfortable with it, I understand the necessity in the language in describing and making believable an addict's world. I had an even greater understanding for the approach that Palahniuk took when I read the story behind the story on the Choke website!! While the story dealt with the down and dirty, it really ended with hope!

Gossamer
by Lois Lowry

Dream a little dream (4/6/2007)

Now I know where dreams come from! A beautiful book for adults and children alike. Great to read to a child and discuss. The imagery was beautiful and touching.

Oblivion
by Peter Abrahams

What book? (3/23/2007)

Not sure if it was me or the book, but I found myself as forgetful as the protagonist and his amnesia! He would run into people, places etc. and not remember them and nor could I!! My mom and other friends have read the book and enjoyed it thoroughly, so I'm apt to think I just wasn't of sound mind to read this one! Overall I did enjoy the premise and the plot line!

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster
by Jon Krakauer

29,028 feet above sea level!! (3/5/2007)

What a harrowing event!! This eye witness account of one of the worst evens on Mt. Everest was compelling to say the least! I'll never understand the desire mountain climbers have to put themselves in the multitude of near death experiences to accomplish this recreational challenge; but I was captivated by their story, triumphed for their successes and was heartbroken for their losses.

Midwives
by Chris Bohjalian

Did She or Didn't She (2/19/2007)

I enjoyed this book for so many reasons: It was a courtroom drama not centered in a courtroom; It was narrated by the eavesdropping daughter of the protagonist, which provided a great viewpoint; It was suspenseful and touching and the writing itself was beautiful!

Second Glance
by Jodi Picoult

History repeats itself? (2/12/2007)

This was a book club selection for our group and it was an overwhelming favorite! Not only the story line of romance and mystery, but the controversial subject of eugenics. The book not only provided many great quotes we cited too, but there were very intelligent discussions on such current issues of genetic testing, genetic predetermination, fate, etc. Jodi does such a great job of writing a story around such intense subjects that you can approach the subject with a more open mind then you anticipate which, it the case of a book club, lead to very intellectual versus argumentative discussions.

Speak of the Devil
by Richard Hawke

Film Noir (2/12/2007)

Combination of the great reading of Paul Michael on this audio book and Hawke's writing. This was a whodunit with a great lead character. Fritz Malone, P.I., evokes the vision of an old black and white film noir - hat tilted, cigarette dangling out the side of his month, neon lights flashing in the distance. The mystery had me guessing till the end and the quips of humor had me chuckling time and time again.

Good Grief
by Lolly Winston

Surviving the quicksand (1/2/2007)

At first I disliked this book, because it seemed to be going nowhere. There was little plot, there was little character development, it felt repetitive. Yet, I continued on and I'm glad I did. I realized that the book was the epitome of the grief the main character was going through. I'm sure after such a devastating loss you would feel like your life was in quicksand. Everything moves in slow motion, you find little meaning, the mundane becomes overwhelming. You can't hurry up and move on, you must be patient and carefully ease your way out of the muck you are stuck in. I'm glad that I continued reading, as I found myself connecting to the character like a friend; wanting the best for her.

Water for Elephants: A Novel
by Sara Gruen

I want an elephant!! (11/13/2006)

Upon leaving childhood I started to become disturbed by circuses and this book reiterated that thought for me. Though, I could practically smell all the old wonderful circus smells (and some not so wonderful smells!)

I loved all the characters, both human and animal! Okay, well not all the characters, I was rooting against the bad guys!

I also enjoyed the use of the narrator's flashback. So often we forget that our elderly are still people, they had a life, they had experiences, and they are more then mere children in aged bodies.

Truly a book to invoke memories and initiate new thoughts on our beliefs, behaviors and acceptance of others behaviors.

The Thirteenth Tale
by Diane Setterfield

This Book Haunted Me (10/24/2006)

What a wonderfully woven tale! Like an old quilt that you curl up in and smell the mustiness of olden days. I was immediately transported back to the tales of Dickens and Bronte(s) and Doyle. Yet, this book can just as easily entertain any modern day reader. The mysterious plot keeps you guessing and each chapter stays with you long after you've set the book down (if you can!). The author's beautiful descriptions of and respect for books themselves warmed my heart - any avid reader and bibliophile will relate!

The Girls
by Lori Lansens

I miss them already! (9/25/2006)

Our book club read this book; some loved it, others simply liked it. It was a touching story to all of us, one member wants to read it again, but must wait till she is emotionally ready. I appreciate the independence of the connected twins and envy the closeness.

The Widow of The South
by Robert Hicks

Where is Franklin, TN? (9/25/2006)

Our book club read this book and the general consensus was that while it wasn't a favorite book, it did do exactly what the author intended; it put Franklin, TN on the map for many of us and invoked the memory of a historical figure. The book stuck with me not because of the writing, but I think simply because of the horror of the Civil War. I am already planning a trip to Franklin, TN to see the home, the cemetery and to help preserve the history of this amazing place.

The Highest Tide
by Jim Lynch

Makes me want to dig for clams (9/20/2006)

I listened to this book on audio and loved the author's passion for the sea. I've always loved going to the beach, but don't like going in the water for fear of something slimy brushing up against me. This book made me excited about things like squid and worms and clams and all kinds of things which normally give me the willies! I don't think I will run out and become a marine biologist, but wow! the power of writing to make me even enjoy hearing about such slimy creatures! Even more, I have a new found respect for the water, the beach and the creatures who call it home.
I admire an author who can lasso his/her passion enough to be able to put it down into words; and Lynch put his into beautiful prose that made me smile and laugh and made me schedule my vacation to the shore immediately!

Bee Season
by Myla Goldberg

Spell L I N G E R I N G (8/7/2006)

While I really enjoyed this book, I felt the sadness and longing of the all the characters - it really tore at my heartstrings. While it wasn't an action packed thriller, I couldn't put it down and the characters stayed with me long after I finished the book.

Reviews by Melissa

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