BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Laura A. (Jeremiah, KY)

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Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee

Very Good Book (4/8/2011)

I really enjoyed "Friendship Bread" by Darien Gee. We don't always end up on the road we think that we are meant to travel and this books shows us that sometimes something wonderful can come from that. It also shows us how healing "friendships" can be when we are in need. Truly a good read.

The Discovery of Jeanne Baret: A Story of Science, the High Seas, and the First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe
by Glynis Ridley

OK but nothing exciting. (1/26/2011)

I found the book "The Discovery of Jeanne Baret by Glynis Ridley" disappointing. I had expected it to me more interesting that it was. The textbook writing style did little to draw the reader in. I think Jeanne Baret was probably a very interesting person and wish that her story had been told in a way that was as well. I would not recommend this to others to read.

Minding Ben: A Novel
by Victoria Brown

Eye-Opening (1/26/2011)

I enjoyed "Minding Ben" by Victoria Brown. It was an eye-opening book about the treatment of people living in New York that do not have their green cards. It is a sad and depressing look at how the privileged take such advantage of the people in that situation because they know they can. My heart went out to Grace in her experiences here in the U.S. I would definitely recommend this book to others especially book clubs as there is many themes to discuss within the book.

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter: A Novel
by Tom Franklin

Interesting Novel (10/11/2010)

I enjoyed "Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter" by Tom Franklin. It was an interesting look at the relationship between a young white boy and a young black boy in Mississippi in a different time. It has some surprises that I didn't see coming. Definitely makes you think about how relationships with others affect our lives long term and what our responsibilities to others are.

Stash
by David Matthew Klein

Interesting Book (6/8/2010)

I thought this book was interesting. It takes a look at how drug use occurs across a wide sector of the population and the various levels of involvement from each (rare occasional user, young/beginner user, moderate user, seller) and law officials who try to stop the sale and use of it altogether. It looks at how all of these people are tied together and at what point is it acceptable and at what point is it not. It would be a good book club choice.

Daughters of the Witching Hill: A Novel
by Mary Sharratt

Nothing Exciting (3/19/2010)

"Daughters of the Witching Hill" should have been more interesting than it was. The premise was interesting - an actual witch hunt and trial of a family in the 1580's- but it was very dull and the characters just did not come to life for me.

The Journal Keeper: A Memoir
by Phyllis Theroux

A very introspective memoir (1/12/2010)

I thought "the Journal Keeper" was a fair read. It is a memoir that deals very little with actual events in the author's life and much more with her emotions and thoughts about her life. I think that I sometimes think too much but she takes it to an entire new level and then some. It definitely makes you realize that we never really know what someone else is really thinking or feeling in their lives.

Baking Cakes in Kigali
by Gaile Parkin

Uplifting (6/16/2009)

I found "Baking Cakes in Kigali" by Gaile Parkin to be an uplifting story. Dealing with the subject matter of Rwanda it could have been a very depressing book but reminded us all that even in the midst of tragedy, there is life and celebration of life. I really liked this book and the characters within it. I found Gaile Parkin to be a wonderful writer. I think this would be an excellent book club choice.

A Girl Made of Dust
by Nathalie Abi-Ezzi

A Girl Made of Dust (5/15/2009)

I really enjoyed A Girl Made Of Dust. It is sad but yet also hopeful. I think young adults would enjoy the book as well as older readers. It takes the older reader back to a time when they first began to realize that the world could be a hard, cruel place but also that they could make an impact in that world.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows

Great Read! (5/7/2009)

I thoroughly enjoyed the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It was interesting and unique. I loved the true historical background about the Islands and it's occupation during WWII. I especially loved the diverse and quirky characters on the Island. I would highly recommend this book to others.

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