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Reviews by Kim

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A Golden Age
by Tahmima Anam

A Golden Age (3/14/2008)

A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam, is set during the Bangladesh War of Liberation. The protagonist, Rehana Haque, is just an average mother. Her interests revolve around her children's and her friends. She's got no interest in politics, and is taken completely by surprise when …more

Someone Knows My Name: aka: The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill

Excellent historical fiction (3/14/2008)

When Memoirs of a Geisha was published several years ago, much was made of the fact that the author was male. Many found it difficult to believe that a man could write the story of a woman so authentically. I had that same experience reading Someone Knows My Name, by …more

In The Company of the Courtesan
by Sarah Dunant

Exceptional historical fiction (2/18/2008)

I have to admit the only reason I picked up "Courtesan" was because it was a Bookbrowse "Favorite Book Nominee" for 2006, and I'd had very good luck with the site's recommendations. Once I actually received the book, however, I was convinced I'd made a mistake (yes, I DO …more

Nefertiti: A Novel
by Michelle Moran

Good Historical Fiction (2/11/2008)

If you liked The Other Boleyn Girl, you'll love this novel. It's very similar. Like Gregory's novel, Nefertiti is the story of two sisters, told from the viewpoint of the younger one. One is famous, the other unknown except to scholars. One marries a monarch, the other is …more

The Ministry of Special Cases: A Novel
by Nathan Englander

2007 Favorite Book for a reason! (2/6/2008)

The Ministry of Special Cases, by Nathan Englander, tells the story of a Jewish family caught up in the political corruption and upheaval of mid-70's Argentina. As one of BookBrowse's Best Books of 2007, it has all the things you'd expect from high-quality fiction: Great …more

Tamar: A Novel of Espionage, Passion, and Betrayal
by Mal Peet

Not just for kids! (2/6/2008)

Tamar, by Mal Peet, is historical fiction at its finest.

Tamar is 15 when her grandfather dies, leaving her only a box of mysterious objects. She feels sure her grandfather has deliberately left her a puzzle to be solved. In doing so, she uncovers secrets about her family …more

Seven for a Secret: A John the Eunuch Mystery
by Mary and Eric Mayer Reed

Great historical mystery (1/31/2008)

While not a great work of literature, Seven for a Secret is very well written, particularly for the genre. It provides everything a good mystery novel should – suspenseful plotting, nice twists, interesting characters. It kept me entertained & guessing until the end. …more

Into The Wild
by Jon Krakauer

Overly long magazine story (1/12/2008)

I've read everything Jon Krakauer has written, and have always enjoyed his books from the point of view of someone who spends a lot of time playing in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. His style always strikes me as a bit overblown however, like he's trying too hard …more

The Time Traveler's Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger

Beautiful book (1/12/2008)

I read this book early last year and still think about it often.

OK, it's not a model of fine literature.
It's also not a well-crafted work of science fiction.

If those are the reasons you're looking at starting this book, never mind, you probably won't like it.

It's a love …more

Shadow of the Wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Best book I read in 2007 (1/12/2008)

I'd put off reading this novel for awhile, since I typically have trouble concentrating on books that have been translated from another language. It sat on my shelf for about two years, until I got tired of my reading friends telling me to stop dallying & just read the …more

Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire
by Alex Von Tunzelmann

Not my cup of tea (1/12/2008)

I tried, I really TRIED to get into this book, but after getting through just 50 pages in a week I had to give up, frustrated. Now, please understand that 80% of the books I read are fiction, and it does take an exceptional non-fiction book to hold my attention. It's …more

The Savage Garden
by Mark Mills

Wow! Everything a mystery should be (1/12/2008)

I picked up Savage Garden based on the reviews here on BookBrowse, and I'm delighted that I did. This is an uncommon and exceptional mystery novel. It's a bit different in that there really isn't any question as to who murdered whom. The book instead focuses on the "why" of …more

The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint
by Brady Udall

Entertaining read (1/12/2008)

As has been mentioned elsewhere, this author's style is similar to John Irving's -- lots of quirky characters, unusual circumstances, by turns very funny & deeply moving (More like the World According to Garp Irving than the Owen Meany Irving.) I found it a good, quick …more

Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome
by Robert Harris

Historical fiction at its finest (1/1/2008)

This book won't be for everyone, but for those who relish historical fiction in all its intricate detail will love this book. It deals with a fascinating period of Roman history and politics. I found it very difficult to put down (but then, I like these kinds of books!). It' …more

Night Fall
by Nelson DeMille

Disappointing (1/1/2008)

I thought the whole plot was kind of silly, with an ending that made the entire book completely pointless. Granted, the novel is in theory based on an historical event, and consequently can't end the way the reader might want/expect it to, so I guess I should have known …more

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
by Elizabeth Gilbert

Not my cup of tea! (1/1/2008)

Now, I know this book has been wildly popular, but I just don't get it! This woman goes in search of herself, but never grows! She ends up in exactly the same place she started. It's more travelogue than a journey of self-enlightenment.

The Road
by Cormac McCarthy

5+ (1/1/2008)

I absolutely loved this book. It has haunted my imagination since I read it more than six months ago. It's beautifully written, spare, stark. I have recommended it to two reading friends to date, both of whom love it.

Now, I have to say, this book isn't for everyone. The …more

Desert Cut: A Lena Jones Mystery
by Betty Webb

Didn't love it, didn't hate it. (12/28/2007)

Although Desert Cut by Betty Jones is the 6th in a series, for the most part it does a good job of standing on its own. I was conscious of having missed the “back-story,” but it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the novel. I found the main character quite likable and …more

BookBrowse Book Club

Dream Count
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A searing new novel from the bestselling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, exploring four women's desires.

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The Jackal's Mistress
by Chris Bohjalian

From the New York Times bestselling author of Hour of the Witch, a Civil War love story of a Confederate wife and a wounded Yankee.

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Fagin the Thief
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Date Night meets Bel Canto in this hilarious tale.

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Girl Falling
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The USA Today bestselling author of Dirt Creek returns with a story of grief and truth.

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The Antidote
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