BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The Secret Keeper
by Paul Harris

Kudos (3/6/2009)

Kudos for this first novel by Paul Harris! From the first page I was drawn into Danny's world and its secrets. I never saw the conclusion coming (a novelty for me). Danny is a British reporter who travels to Sierra Leone to cover the revolutionary war there and falls in love with an aid worker at a children's facility. It's a love story, a mystery, a thriller, and a powerful commentary on our turbulent times and the people who survive those times. It is a good read...a VERY good read and I would recommend it highly to all. I will await the next book by Mr. Harris anxiously and hope that the arrival will be soon.

Something Like Beautiful: One Single Mother's Story
by Asha Bandele

An Urban Tale (11/29/2008)

I finished Something Like Beautiful by Asha Bandele today. At first I was not fond of her sing-song style of writing, but then she is a poet by profession first. I knew that this was to be a single mother's story, but I wasn't prepared for the raw, gut wrenching tale that Ms. Bandele wrote. She pulls no punches and it reads like a personal diary. I didn't always like or agree with the things that she did and said, but there is an honesty that shines through and makes it a very worthwhile read. I do admire the courage she exhibited both in her life and in writing this book.

Greasing the Piñata
by Tim Maleeny

Anything can happen in Mexico (9/30/2008)

Cape Weathers is in Mexico looking for a missing person who unfortunately turns up dead. Thus begins a smoothly written, complicated mystery with some action. While this was my first experience with Tim Maleeny's work I found myself quickly comfortable with his writing style and breezed through the book in a couple of days. It would have been sooner, but work got in the way. I thought his most intriguing character was Sally, an oriental assassin, who tweaked my interest and made me wish that more of her story had been told. Aside from some questionable language and violence this would make a highly suitable piece for a quick read or a vacation book.

Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty
by Muhammad Yunus

War Against Poverty (9/7/2008)

It sounded so simple I wondered that no one had ever tried it before. Then I remembered big business and the lending companies that I had personal experience with. No, they would never do this even if it occurred to them. There isn't enough profit. However, I am so glad that someone saw beyond the bottom line and tried micro-lending. This book is a fascinating look at one man's war against poverty. He saw a need and came up with a way to fight. Although I don't understand all the ins and outs of money lending this is a heart warming story of many people's escape from mind numbing poverty and the man who helped them do it. It should be required reading.

The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
by Alan Bennett

A Reader's Fairy Tale (4/1/2008)

This book has a lot of humor, intriguing ideas, and charm packed into a small package. I found it to be absolutely delightful! A reader's fairy tale with a lesson for the world. I finished it in just one day, but I will never forget it.

The Art of Detection: A Novel of Suspense
by Laurie R. King

A Touch of Holmes (3/31/2008)

A very entertaining read. Well written as usual for Ms.King. I love the novel in the novel idea. Ends with a twist.

Madapple
by Christina Meldrum

Something Different (3/31/2008)

Madapple is a strange,compelling book that defies you to put it down. Classified for young adult readers it has an adult feel in its exploration of relationships, reality, and religion. Parents should be aware that it includes dark and/or controversial subjects which might be disturbing for some teenagers. That said, I found it to be an intelligent and enjoyable read. Definitely different from your average story.

Killer Heat
by Linda Fairstein

A Winner (3/13/2008)

Congratulations to Linda Fairstein for a wonderful book. An excellent mystery mixed with more information on New York, American history, sexual predators, and investigational procedure than you may ever want to know. There is even a little romance thrown in. It sounds like a hodge podge, but Fairstein's writing style makes it a real page turner. This would be a great choice for a long, cold weekend as long as you keep your doors locked.

An Incomplete Revenge: A Maisie Dobbs Novel
by Jacqueline Winspear

Good Followup (3/3/2008)

I just finished reading An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear and found it to be a very pleasurable experience. Although the book is the fourth installment of a series it can be read as a stand alone novel without too much distraction from previous events. Ms Winspear has created an extremely likable, sympathetic protagonist and in general the development of all characters is excellent. The research into the history of the time and other cultures is superb. The only fault in an otherwise marvelous novel is that the plot is not compelling and is even predictable although it is beautifully told. I believe that readers who enjoy strong character development and "people" novels will be as pleased with this book as I was.

The Northern Lights: The True Story of the Man Who Unlocked the Secrets of the Aurora Borealis
by Lucy Jago

Norwegian Adventure (10/13/2007)

Many people will pass this book by thinking that it's another dull scientific tale. THAT IS THEIR LOSS. This well-written book tells the history of the Norwegian scientist who discovered the secrets behind the Northern Lights(aurora borealis) in a narrative style that reads like an adventure novel. Even the excerpts of Birkeland's journals are easily understood by the layman and interesting as well. Don't allow yourself to be one of the many who miss this exciting true story.

Captain Alatriste
by Arturo Perez-Reverte

Letdown? (8/28/2007)

I really wanted to like this book because I have loved all of Reverte's other works, but somehow it just didn't appeal to me like them. It didn't seem as if Captain Alatriste had the same flair and intrigue.. It is informative as all of Reverte's works are, but I am tempted to pass up the following books in the series after my experience with this one.

Teacher Man: A Memoir
by Frank McCourt

A Teacher's Life (8/27/2007)

This is a wonderful book. It is warm, funny, sometimes in your face, and so beautiful honest. It is a glowing tribute to teachers everywhere and puts focus on a difficult job that often goes unappreciated. Read it. You won't be sorry.

A Slight Trick of The Mind
by Mitch Cullin

The Beekeeper (8/27/2007)

I really enjoyed this book. It is a different view of the Sherlock Holmes mythology. Readers of Doyle's detective series have always seen Holmes as an energetic younger man at the height of his mental powers, but what would happen when he gets older? Well, Cullen attempts an answer added to a delicious mystery worthy of the earlier books. It made me view aging and Sherlock Holmes in a new way.

Guardian of The Horizon
by Elizabeth Peters

Shades of H. Rider Haggard (8/26/2007)

The first time that I started an Amelia Peabody adventure I thought that it wasn't for me, but soon the quirky, tongue in cheek style had me hooked. Now I look forward to each new novel expectantly. This "lost chronicle" is an excellent example of Peters work featuring a lost city, exotic locals, and an interesting plot.. Think of H. Rider Haggard and the other adventure writers of the 19th and early 20th century. It isn't a book to fly through like modern thrillers, but a book to be savored and enjoyed at an easy pace. I recommend that you start at the beginning of the series in order to be introduced to this most unique and appealing family.

Girl in Hyacinth Blue
by Susan Vreeland

A Real Winner (8/6/2007)

I was mesmerized by this book which tells the history of a painting in reverse time order. The writing style is excellent. I flew through this book in one day and I am now a confirmed Vreeland fan.

Saturday
by Ian McEwan

A Master of Writing (8/2/2007)

Masterful writing! I do not believe that I would have finished this book if it had been written by a less skilled writer. McEwan draws you into an ordinary day for an imaginary character and makes it real. This book would be a real joy for any aspiring writer to study.

The New Policeman
by Kate Thompson

Time and Magic (8/2/2007)

I just finished The New Policeman and it really proved how valuable Bookbrowse is to me. I would probably never have come across this charming and magical book without Davina since it isn't offered in the local bookstore and I have seen no other reviews on it.
It is an enchanting story of how and where time from our world has disappeared. If you can I would recommend that you check out the Recorded Books audio version since in addition to the entire unabridged text it features an Irish narrator and music of the Irish flute and fiddle at the beginning of every chapter. I loved it! Truly atmospheric and a real treat for the entire family. I know because I am well past the "kid" stage chronologically but it was still wonderful.

The Cat Who Brought Down The House
by Lilian Jackson Braun

More! We want more! (4/16/2007)

I love this series and this is one of the best. Amusing and intriguing. A perfect prescription for a rainy night or lazy afternoon. Yes! Definitely write more.

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook For Living
by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler, M.D.

Inspiring (4/16/2007)

Absolutely wonderful! I felt happier before I was even halfway through the book. The Dalai Lama has such a compassionate, inspiring outlook on life that he makes you believe that you can do anything. He presents complex concepts in such a simple manner that even I understood them. Did I say that it was wonderful? It should be on everyone's bedside table for nightly reading.

Reviews by Velma

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