BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN)

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The Snow Child: A Novel
by Eowyn Ivey

Achingly beautiful! (3/30/2012)

This was an enchanting, magical story. Don't miss it!

A Good American: A Novel
by Alex George

5 Heartfelt Stars!! (2/25/2012)

Please don't miss this one! It is a perfect novel. I hated for it to end. It is literary, lyrical, poignant, and laugh-out-loud funny, too! Do yourself a favor and pick this one up today.

Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox

Good first novel (2/21/2012)

This was a good book. Not great, but good. It got a little bogged down in places, but was overall an enjoyable read. I do agree with another reviewer that phonetic spellings following the Gaelic words and names would be helpful. I get frustrated trying to "pronounce" the words in my head (incorrectly, I'm sure!) and it distracts me from the story.

Arcadia: A Novel
by Lauren Groff

Didn't knock my socks off... (12/26/2011)

Having LOVED "The Monsters of Templeton" by Lauren Groff, I was anxious to dive into "Arcadia". I was, unfortunately, underwhelmed. I found the story and characters rather flat and uninteresting. Disappointing....

The Dressmaker: A Novel
by Kate Alcott

Just so-so.... (10/20/2011)

I wanted to like this, I really did! Fictional story based around the tragedy of the Titanic. However, this was a really "light" read, rather fluffy. Many scenes were unbelievable--too fairy-tale like. I guess I was looking for it to be a bit meatier. Rather disappointing...

The Language of Flowers: A Novel
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Lovely in every way! (6/19/2011)

It has been some time since I've read such a well-written contemporary novel! The characters were perfectly "fleshed out" --you really care about all of them! You will be hearing wonderful things about this one when it's published in September! Don't miss it!

The Sweetness of Tears: A Novel
by Nafisa Haji

Very good! (4/8/2011)

After loving "The Writing on My Forehead" by Nafisa Haji, I was looking forward to what proved to be a very interesting, if somewhat disjointed, novel. Much attention must be paid to what voice you are "listening" to. May be worth a re-read just to clarify some things!

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives: A Novel
by Lola Shoneyin

Desperate Housewives of Nigeria (6/15/2010)

Although enjoyable, this book didn't provide enough depth of the characters--it left me feeling rather unattached. It was a quick read which left me wishing that I had gotten more emotionally invested in the story. Some book clubs may enjoy it for a light summer read, but I prefer a little more to chew on!

Beautiful Assassin: A Novel
by Michael C. White

I kind of felt like I was reading a history book! (3/17/2010)

I really wanted to like this more than I did. The author did give enough information about the war to keep me interested, though just barely so. I just didn't connect with any of the characters, even the "Beautiful Assassin" herself. Overall, I found this to be a disappointing read.....

The Wives of Henry Oades: A Novel
by Johanna Moran

Engrossing fiction based on fact! (12/17/2009)

This was an incredible story based on true events. The relationship that develops between the two Mrs. Oades is most unusual, yet compelling. This is definitely worth reading.

Gifts of War: A Novel
by Mackenzie Ford

Good book club book! (4/29/2009)

After a rather slow start, I found myself finding this book harder to put down as the story progressed! I think this would be a great book club pick - I think I'll suggest it for my own.

P.S. I do think this would best be read in one sitting or a couple of large "chunks". Enjoy!

Lima Nights
by Marie Arana

I wanted to like it, but....... (12/19/2008)

Having read and really enjoyed Marie Arana's "Cellophane", I was looking forward to "Lima Nights". Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. I found the characters self-involved and rather pathetic. I couldn't bring myself to care about any of them, least of all the main character, Bluhm. Hopefully, Arana will get back on track with more plot-driven novels like "Cellophane".

Finding Nouf
by Zoë Ferraris

Page-turning literary mystery! (9/9/2008)

Exotic locale, a society oppressive to women, a charming investigator, and a great story combine to make this literary mystery too good to be labeled by one genre. It is well-written enough to be literary, yet quite a page-turner, too! I really enjoyed it!

The Good Thief: A Novel
by Hannah Tinti

Two thumbs up! (7/31/2008)

If you want to remember how it was to pick up a book and read for the sheer pleasure of reading, then read this book! So many novels try to incorporate heavy-handed political agendas or eco-views into the plotline and the story gets bogged down. It was so refreshing to read a great story without all of the "underlying messages". I thoroughly enjoyed The Good Thief and I think you will too!

The Commoner: A Novel
by John Burnham Schwartz

Worth a read (1/3/2008)

The Commoner was a very well-researched work of historical fiction. At times, I almost believed that I was reading an actual account of this woman's life. Though not a page-turner, I did enjoy learning more about the culture. Definitely worth a read!

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