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Reviews by Dorothy T.

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The Beginner's Goodbye
by Anne Tyler
A different look at grieving (3/3/2012)
First of all, why do characters named Dorothy always seem to be old and dumpy? It is especially unnerving now that I am old and dumpy myself!

Ok, on to the subject. We hear so much about the stages of grief: denial, anger, sadness, acceptance--or however they go--but Annemore
Bridge Of Scarlet Leaves
by Kristina McMorris
Good read about a bad time (2/26/2012)
This is not the first book I have read about the internment of Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II and the plight of POWs in Japanese camps, but it is definitely more heart-wrenching, as it includes the pain and regret of things said and done, or not said ormore
King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village
by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman
Long live King Peggy (2/18/2012)
King Peggy (Nana Amuah-Afenyi VI) gave me insight into the ordinary lives of not so ordinary people in a place I can only read about. I can’t imagine a life with no running water or flush toilets--thankfully, the people of Otuan have cell phones with great coverage--muchmore
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
Average mystery (2/11/2012)
This is a mystery that just fills the basic requirements of the formula: several likely candidates as the murderer, the heroine in peril at the climax, and a tease of a romance. I knew who not to suspect, because the most likely characters are never the perpetrators inmore
The Language of Flowers: A Novel
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Great read! (2/9/2012)
I like how the structure of this novel--switching between the past and the present--kept me engaged all through the read, as well as the characters, main and secondary, and the themes of love and loss, mothers and daughters. There is much here for book club discussions.

I ammore
The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris
by David McCullough
A Great Journey (2/8/2012)
David McCullough has crafted a book full of well-defined characters who live and work in a well-imagined setting, and compelling action sequences that make this a real page-turner. But, wait! This isn’t a novel? No, it’s history written in a most readable style. McCulloughmore
The Flight of Gemma Hardy: A Novel
by Margot Livesey
Companion to a classic (12/16/2011)
There is no disguising that “The Flight of Gemma Hardy” is a re-telling of the classic novel “Jane Eyre”; in fact, the author makes that clear before the reader even begins. There is also no doubt that our heroine Gemma is Margot Livesey’s own creation, a resilientmore
Caleb's Crossing: A Novel
by Geraldine Brooks
Great read (11/14/2011)
On many levels, this novel is so satisfying: the characters are compelling, the writing provides suspense, and the descriptions of the settings put the reader into the time and place. This is the first novel by Geraldine Brooks that I have read; I am eager to read her earlier work.
The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen
Sad sisterhood (11/4/2011)
This novel shows how one misunderstanding--one missed communication--between sisters Mabel and Bertie can nullify Mabel's sacrifices. It underlines the serious consequences of Bertie's stubborn heart that have an ill effect on her, the next generation, and then even themore
The Buddha in the Attic: A Novel
by Julie Otsuka
A novel approach (10/7/2011)
This book is called a novel, but seems like a documentary. It has no main character, yet it feels like there is one. There is no plot, but it is a story that moves to a climax and a conclusion, and moves the reader's emotions with it. I know this review may seem enigmatic,more
The Tiger's Wife: A Novel
by Téa Obreht
Original fiction (9/10/2011)
This novel is a mixture of reality and fantasy, but it's choppy construction and large group of characters make it hard to follow and the ending unclear. The author may be on to something original; it may be interesting to see what she does next.
Falling Together: A Novel
by Marisa De Los Santos
Falling together or apart? (9/3/2011)
This novel has a lot to recommend it: engaging characters, a remarkable story-line, colorful settings, and underlying themes of love, life, death, and relationships, all providing great fodder for book club discussions. I was disappointed with the conclusion of one part ofmore
Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman
Not quite finished (8/15/2011)
The home front during World War II and into the 1950’s has always interested me, but with this novel I think Ellen Feldman takes on too much and doesn’t fulfill her ambitions. She wants the reader to become involved in the lives of the three central women characters, but Imore

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It's a jungle out there! (8/7/2011)
Ann Patchett has a talent for putting her readers deep within the setting of her novels and also for using well-imagined characters to draw us into the story. Lost luggage and swarms of flying biting critters aside, I really enjoyed this.
The Street of a Thousand Blossoms: A Novel
by Gail Tsukiyama
A Thousand Blessings (7/29/2011)
This is only the second book by Gail Tsukiyama I have read--The Language of Threads was the other and it led me to read this one. I was intrigued to learn about the sumo culture--it erased my silly notions based on stereotypes--and the art of creating Noh masks. The bookmore
Mudbound
by Hillary Jordan
Tackling tough issues (7/18/2011)
This is an engaging read and would lead to great discussions in a book club. The characters are carefully developed and the story moved me along and pulled at my emotions.
Drawing in the Dust
by Zoe Klein
Mystery and archaeology (7/4/2011)
This was a slow-starter for me, but the pace picked up as the intrigue started. At times I had a DaVinci Code flashback, but if the reader accepts this novel for what it is, it can be an enjoyable read. It should lead to some thoughtful book club discussions.
Minding Frankie: A Novel
by Maeve Binchy
A joy to read (6/29/2011)
Maeve Binchy doesn't often write deep literary fiction--Circle of Friends fits that category certainly--and this novel doesn't qualify, but reading her books is always a joy. I never miss a new one. Minding Frankie has the characters and the conflicts Maeve Binchy developsmore
The Borgia Betrayal: A Poisoner Mystery Novel
by Sara Poole
No end in sight (6/22/2011)
This is the second book in what will likely be a series, as promised by the author, and therefore offers no closure regarding the main character, Pope Alexander VI's poisoner, Francesca, and her struggle with her inner darkness, her relationships, or her obsession withmore
My Name Is Mary Sutter
by Robin Oliveira
Not for the faint of heart (5/24/2011)
When I first read about this book and decided to read it, I did not expect grueling descriptions of battles and amputations. However, the story, the characters, and the themes of guilt, ambition, and self-awareness are more than enough to recommend this great debut novel.

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