All the Water I've Seen Is Running: A Novel
by Elias Rodriques
All the Water I've Seen……. (6/22/2021)
I remember reading that to get a good impression of a new book is to love the beginning. Loved the beginning of All the Water! After the first chapter, I got lost. The chapters were developed around memory of topics. I was reading streams of consciousness similar to RAP Since I do not understand that thought process, I did not really care about the characters. I think some teenagers might get some pleasure from the memories and feelings. For me, there was no pleasure trying to empathize with the characters. I read for the beauty of word pictures. These words just were not cohesive. I just would not recommend this book to an adult friend.
The Northern Reach
by W.S. Winslow
THE NORTHERN REACH (11/6/2020)
I just love reading the fascinating way authors put words together. They express my thoughts and feelings better than I ever could. A favorite example is as Lilian described a trip to Foodland for groceries. It just made me laugh. There were so many descriptions that were patterns of my life. Beautiful and nostalgic.
All of this nostalgia from the many memorable characters living in Wellbridge, Maine. I wanted to know all of those people more intimately. This is the thought that earned a 4 rather than a 5 evaluation. There was so much more than I learned from each of the plethora of characters. Happily Winslow included a family tree for the groups of small town residents.
When I googled W.S. Winslow, I was delighted to read that she has thoughts of introducing my friends in further novels. That has to validate my opinion of the book as I closed the cover. There has to be more coming!
The Woman Before Wallis: A Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilts, and Royal Scandal
by Bryn Turnbull
Woman before Wallis (7/3/2020)
Wallis and Prince Edward were married on my actual birth day. I remember that my mom was always impressed with a love story that prevented the prince from remaining on the throne. As a little girl, I knew the name Wallis Simpsom was connected to a romantic love story. Also, I knew very little British history. I just thought ex-kings would lead a charmed life of riches and pleasure. Those dreams called me to this book and I loved it!
Surprisingly, it was the before Wallis story that was fascinating. The Gloria Vanderbilt name was embroidered on my first jeans. Little did I know that Gloria had a beautiful twin sister who was the woman before Wallis. Their lives were the juice of society columns as well as the meat of this book. Prince Edward was quite a dashing play boy. His adventures made quite a story that was suppressed by the British press. Thelma is the glamour girl who keeps you reading.
American Dirt: A Novel
by Jeanine Cummins
Message for ALL (11/17/2019)
There can be no one who has not questioned and been saddened and confused by the news reports of people leaving their homes and families to take an arduous trip to an unknown conclusion. Jeanine Cummins has pulled us in to the engrossing tale of Lydia and Luca leaving Mexico for "the north". The description of their trials and successes is a page turning adventure. Every sentence, paragraph and page keeps the reader pushing on in their shoes. What a beautifully written story to give us an understanding of the immigrant's motivation and persistence. I wish that everyone who is conflicted by the struggles would read this book.
The Lost Man
by Jane Harper
The Lost Man (10/29/2018)
The Prologue took me to the Outback that I experienced nearly twenty years ago. Descriptively, the desolation and solitude surpassed imagination. The reader could relate to the Bright family's struggle for survival.
Three brothers were dealing with normal sibling rivalry as well as the psychological tension of mysterious incidents. Nathan, the older, and Cameron, middle child, traded 6yplaces as protagonist and antagonist from day to day. Bub, much younger, did not show much of his personality.
The framework of the story included a series of interactions that inferred the basis of a mystery. Which of the brothers was really lost? How did maturing in the Bright family affect each brother's response to the family problems and pleasures?
The resolution to this mystery is one that is gourmet food for thought. It is a great basis for a stimulating book club discussion. This is a great thought-provoking read...DO IT!
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
A Little Tarnished (10/14/2017)
This Book is a page turner. The characters are well developed, chapter by chapter. They are all likable, honest people. Circumstances have led this family to a funeral home. I loved the acceptance and cooperation they showed in dealing with awkward and horrific circumstances. However, the plot line was depressing for me. There were too many coincidences developed to fit into this one poor family. The "hopeful" part was that they dealt with tragedy well. This well written book made me sad.
Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them
by Gina Kolata
Mercies in Disguise (12/5/2016)
Gina Kolata successfully links scientific research with family challenges. I was particularly interested in genetic links to specific diseases.since I have lost two siblings to different forms of cancer. I am faced with the same illness in a different form. The greatest parallel between the Baxters and my family is the heartache of health decision making. The process of making life altering decisions is dramatically difficult. I was releived to read that opposing ideas were revealed.
The story read like fiction and gave me a banquet of food for thought.
The Swans of Fifth Avenue
by Melanie Benjamin
SWANS. People Mag Version (10/22/2015)
What a fun read! You need to tuck this special book in your purse for the beach or a long bus ride. Truman Capote morphs from beautiful to beastly among the jewels and glamour of Fifth Avenue. His bevy of beauties is exactly as shallow as you might of society matrons mired in egocentric pursuits. This page turner has too many words, but worth the effort to keep going. It was just pure pleasure.
A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power
by Paul Fischer
Kim Jong Il Production (12/23/2014)
I found a great interest in Korea, because of a dear friend whose family emigrated from South Korea. After reading THE ORPHAN MASTER'S SON, I wanted to know some "real" facts about the Korean culture. ...PRODUCTION is advertised as nonfiction. It is fascinating to think that so many millions are willing to be such sheep. The cruelty with which Shin and Choi were treated after each kidnapping is mind boggling. They had such patience in planning their eventual escape. But more amazing than the stoicism of their behavior is the complete freedom Kim Jong Il had in creating his film kingdom.
This Book Browse selection turned out to be quite timely. I find it supremely arrogant of Sony pcitures to release a comedy about such a corrupt and despicable country. Is anyone really surprised that the Koreans took exception to such a crude choice for comedy.I cannot condone the Korean's actions any more than I agree with the subject of this movie.
Juliet's Nurse
by Lois Leveen
My Friend Angelica (7/28/2014)
I loved this book for filling in the medical, social and life skills background of existing in Juliet's plague ridden Verona. Leveen's emphasis on loss and endurance is a concept many cannot embrace. Like Angelica, I lost a son (not six) and a merry man who was my husband. Pietro was a favorite character. The characters and their interactions held my attention but two of them were most disappointing. The duplicity of Friar Lorenzo was unexpected from a churchman. Worse yet, was Angelica's rhapsodizing over Juliet's imagined place in her life. So in the end, I was mostly unhappy with the backstory of Romeo and Juliet.
Jacob's Oath
by Martin Fletcher
JACOB (9/15/2013)
I wanted to give this book a 5 since it is more than just good. The few reservations I have come from the slow moving story. I did fall asleep several times while reading.
That being said, the plot was so true to the quandary generated by the difficult decisions of love and life. I could relate to Jacob's indecision. I would like to know Sarah better.
I think that the story is missing some emotional interaction since the author is a news correspondent and not a novelist. He includes great nuggets of interest about Germany's WWII trials. I will recommend this book to my book club for that reason.
The Scavenger's Daughters: Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters, Book One
by Kay Bratt
The Scavenger's Daughters (7/16/2013)
I always thoroughly enjoy a book when I love the characters and want to know them better. Of course, this will happen since we were informed that this is the first book in the Tales of The Scavenger's Daughter. The father, Benfu, is a caring, responsible parent, who sublimates his personal stress by taking care of his family. Mother, Calli, takes care of him. Each of the daughters has personality and talents that will be developed in later books. Although this book is a good read and stands on its own, I am sure all will be anxious for later volumes.
Crime of Privilege
by Walter Walker
Crime of Privilege (4/10/2013)
This is a murder mystery of page-turning quality. The protagonist, George Becket, is a persistent, likable, naive young man. For me, the rest of the main characters were a large lump of the entitled "American Royalty". I did not get to really know any of them. The idea that money brings power is repugnant to me. I am sorry that many of us, as free citizens, are willing to accept the privilege that accompanies money and power. I just do not want to believe that money and power puts people above the law.
I love to read and finished the book quickly. However, the theme, as I perceived it bothers me.
The Spy Lover
by Kiana Davenport
I Love " The Spy Lover" (12/1/2012)
This book is the greatest reason I love to read! It took me to the era of the Civil War and to the wet cold climate in which it took place - even though I was cozily snuggled up in my reading chair. I learned facts about American history that were never a part of school lessons. I met three characters who showed human strengths and frailties and struggled to overcome the emotional and physical adversities of their lives.
The book is a page turner that I will recommend to my friends - even the ones who love non-fiction best.
Salvation of a Saint
by Keigo Higashino
Who was saved?? (9/7/2012)
I am sorry to be so conflicted about the review of this book. It was a page turner! I was anxious to see what was going to happen. That being said - there were way too many coincidences to be believable. It is possible that the translation made the dialogue seem awkward. For me, the victim was so unlovable that I could not be sorry that he was dead. And for a "by the book" detective to have a schoolboy crush on a complete stranger was far fetched. The story has received some positive comment so perhaps I missed something. I am thankful to have the opportunity to read new publications. That has been a pleasure!
Beneath the Shadows
by Sara Foster
Beneath the Shadows (5/11/2012)
The prepublication hype for BENEATH THE SHADOWS calls the book a "chilling debut". The biggest chill for me was the descriptions of the snow on the moors. I thought the book was well written and it held my attention. I did finish it very quickly. The end just did not seem heart stopping to me. I felt the resolution was too contrived. The best part was the relationship between Grace and Annabel. My younger sister and I had a similiar kind of pull and push love. I really liked Ben, but his family was a disfunctional mess. My book club would definately get them all straightened out.
Oxford Messed Up
by Andrea Kayne Kaufman
OXFORD MESSED UP (3/14/2012)
i really was fascinated by this book. I wanted to finish the book but not end the story. The writing and word choices held my attention. I checked on Van Morrison with my adult daughter and found that I already loved some of his music. I have a friend who complains of having OCD. Being a skeptic, I thought the symptoms were an exaggeration in her mind. This book certainly portrays the mind numbing trauma the condition can cause. Happily, I could also see that recovery is possible.
Henry and Gloria are people I could like. I was thrilled when they could be happy. I even developed a special fondness for Oliver. I hope my book club will pick this book!
A Good American: A Novel
by Alex George
A Good American (12/29/2011)
I really loved reading this book. The theme that really called to me was the joy, comfort and fellowship the generations of the family recieved from music. I have always depended on the happiness that music can bring to the soul. It was a thrill to have that feeling expressed in a novel.
How delightful to have the feelings of patriotism described and expressed in a modern novel. My wish would be for everyone to read and feel this love of the USA.
The story line was somewhat like a soap or even reality TV. However, the underlying themes of the plot line were inspiring.
The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel
by Adam Johnson
The Orphan Master's Son (11/2/2011)
This book leaves me with conflicted feelings about reviewing it. I was glad to finish, but sorry it was over. Part One was fascinating and a fast read. To finish Part Two was more difficult, but absorbing. I continued to reread passages so I could understand the time frame. The daily loudspeaker announcements in every home emphasized one of the brainwashing mechanisms of a despotic government. It is interesting to realize how people accept the "truth" of the media. The way a Korean "John Doe" managed to maintain his identity was truly spellbinding. I always realized the inference of corruption and cruelty in North Korea, but never knew the truth of the matter. This book depicts the possibility of that truth.
The Memory of All That: George Gershwin, Kay Swift, and My Family's Legacy of Infidelities
by Katharine Weber
THE MEMORY OF ALL THAT (6/11/2011)
This book was a fascinating read. I wish I had had some background into the Warburg family before starting. The family was a part of the privileged and entitled "upper crust" during the early 20th century. Katherine Weber bravely tells about life with her dysfunctional father who was investigated by the FBI for decades. She then goes on to her grandmother's (Kay Swift) love affair with George Gershwin. Kay Swift was also a promiscuous, fascinating character, who was a renowned composer and pianist.
Katherine Weber shares her life experiences and great compassion with the reader. This is one of my First Impressions that I have lots more to discuss.
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