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Reviews by Sue Ellen S. (CEDAR FALLS, IA)

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The Alaskan Laundry
The Alaskan Laundry
by Brendan Jones
"Getting All That Dirt Washed Out" (2/22/2016)
At one point in this book, Tara Marconi's new friend Newt tells her: "So we're all tumbling around in the Alaskan laundry out here. If you do it right you get all that dirt washed out, then turn around and start making peace with the other shit. Maybe even make a few …more
Circling the Sun
Circling the Sun: A Novel
by Paula McLain
Circling the Sun (6/11/2015)
I jumped at the chance to receive this book for review. I very much enjoyed THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain and OUT OF AFRICA, the movie with Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen and Robert Redford as Denys Finch Hatton. This book by McLain focuses on Beryl Markham, whose life in …more
Prophecy
Prophecy: An Historical Thriller
by S.J. Parris
"The Plot Thickens..." (3/24/2011)
I love all things Elizabethan and so looked forward to reading this "historical thriller" set in the court of Queen Elizabeth Tudor. Indeed the stage immediately is set for the solving of a murder—"a virgin defiled in the very court of the Virgin Queen." What next? An …more
The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul
The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul: A Novel
by Deborah Rodriguez
A Timely Book (12/7/2010)
If for no other reason, I encourage readers to pick up this book for what they will learn about current conditions in Afghanistan. Because the author has lived and worked in Afghanistan, she is able to lend credibility to this work of fiction. This is a fast-paced read and …more
The Map of True Places
The Map of True Places
by Brunonia Barry
NAVIGATING LIFE'S TWISTS & TURNS (5/5/2010)
Early in her novel, Brunonia Berry includes a quote from Herman Melville: " It is not down on any map. True places never are." I found this book with its setting by the sea to be about navigation: navigating the twists and turns of one's life. But the more I read about Zee …more
The Journal Keeper
The Journal Keeper: A Memoir
by Phyllis Theroux
Did Not Disappoint (1/25/2010)
As a "sixty-something" who often finds herself reading memoir (May Sarton, Anne Morrow Lindbergh) I had rather high expectations for this book. I was not disappointed. The book in fact inspired and nudged me to once again take up the practice of journaling. The book begins …more
A Short History of Women
A Short History of Women: A Novel
by Kate Walbert
A Great Choice for Book Clubs (5/25/2009)
I can't wait for my book club buddies to read this book! I predict that it will resonate with them and lead to meaningful discussion about what it means to be present in this world. What does it mean to matter? Will our daughters and granddaughters answer these questions as …more
To Siberia
To Siberia: A Novel
by Per Petterson
To Siberia: Sweet Yet Harsh (10/6/2008)
The German occupation of Denmark and a dysfunctional family replete with mystery provide the backdrop for To Siberia. Within this harsh setting, Petterson crafts the story of a brother and sister's sweet relationship built on understanding and loyalty. As each yearns to …more
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Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
Praised by Parade and The New York Times Book Review, this debut features a 1960s scientist turned TV cooking star.

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    Serial Killer Games
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    A morbidly funny and emotionally resonant novel about the ways life—and love—can sneak up on us (no matter how much pepper spray we carry).

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    The Fairbanks Four
    by Brian Patrick O’Donoghue

    One murder, four guilty convictions, and a community determined to find justice.

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    Ginseng Roots
    by Craig Thompson

    A new graphic memoir from the author of Blankets and Habibi about class, childhood labor, and Wisconsin’s ginseng industry.

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    The Seven O'Clock Club
    by Amelia Ireland

    Four strangers join an experimental treatment to heal broken hearts in Amelia Ireland's heartfelt debut novel.

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    One Death at a Time
    by Abbi Waxman

    A cranky ex-actress and her Gen Z sobriety sponsor team up to solve a murder that could send her back to prison in this dazzling mystery.

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