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Reviews by Valerie

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After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd

Depressing Chick Literature (6/7/2010)

While this book is much more well written and has more depth than a "pop fiction" romance novel, it was still lacking something to take it significantly above that genre. I also found the irresistible attraction between the two philanderers hard to believe given the similarities of their personalities.

My Abandonment
by Peter Rock

Thought inspiring (3/20/2010)

Initially, this back captured my interest due to their survival in Forest Park, both because I've been there and because wilderness interests me. This story evolves into what seems to be a predictably sad tale, then crosses into something altogether different. I love books and movies that keep me thinking about them long after I have finished. This book accomplished that. I don't know when I last stayed up until after midnight because I just had to finish a book. I was tired at work today, but it was worth it.

Beautiful Assassin: A Novel
by Michael C. White

An okay read (3/9/2010)

This novel about a woman soldier's life during WWII is a fairly entertaining read. Until you near the end it is slow moving, not riveting, and I feel the characters could have been developed more. If you are interested in a historical novel around this period and like strong female leads, this book may appeal to you.

Heresy
by S.J. Parris

Good Historical Fiction (12/14/2009)

This book reminds me of other historical fiction/mystery novels and is a good representative of the genre. Plot is surprisingly good, and the tale moves along well.

Cleopatra's Daughter
by Michelle Moran

An Engaging Tale (9/1/2009)

Cleopatra's Daughter is an engaging tale of the life of Selene and her brother Alexander after the death of her mother, Cleopatra, and Marc Anthony. There are great insights into Roman life during this time, as well as informative history.

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett

Fantastic Book!! (7/16/2009)

This is the best book I have read this year, and I read a lot!! It has a perfect mix of humor and drama to keep me just waiting for my next chance to pick it up. And, it was fun imagining how people I know now would have fit into that time period and culture. Which side would they have been on?

Overall, it was extremely entertaining, and enlightening as to life in the south during the early civil rights movement.

The Secret Keeper
by Paul Harris

Hmmmm.......I hate to say it but..... (3/23/2009)

Overall, I must say this is a pretty forgettable book. The storyline concept is good, but the writing does not flow, the main character is a bit lame, and all the characters lack depth. This book may appeal more to male readers....but there is no way I can recommend it. Sorry.

Something Like Beautiful: One Single Mother's Story
by Asha Bandele

A Gentle Essay (12/9/2008)

I must be fair and state that this is not the type of non-fiction I normally read. I like my books to be engrossing and insightful, as well as well-written. This book reads as an essay, beautifully written and touching, and gives many insights as to love and relationships with an incarcerated husband, as well as the troubles and joys of single motherhood. I think that if you enjoyed the author's earlier work you will enjoy this as well!

Stealing Athena
by Karen Essex

Great (6/7/2008)

For me, Stealing Athena's strongest point is the excellent female characters. These two women are strong, independent, intelligent, and struggling with the restraints placed on them by male dominated societies. On a broader scale, this is excellent historical fiction, done in an unusual, to me at least, manner. There are two story lines, with two female protagonists, joined by the Greek art and history, but separated by centuries. It's interesting how so little changed in female freedom/repression during the many centuries these two story lines represent.

Cheating at Canasta: Stories: Stories
by William Trevor

Portrait of Our Humanity (12/22/2007)

William Trevor's collections of short stories reveals the dark side present in all of us. Leaving the scene of an accident, lying, cheating on spouses are temptations many are faced with during their lifetime. Trevor portrays their humanity with empathy. This collection is a very enjoyable and insightful read.

Before I Die
by Jenny Downham

Breaks the heart (12/22/2007)

This book squeezes your heart and knocks the air out of you. Intense, touching, and well written, it is not for the faint of heart. For anyone dealing with death or serious in any way, this book provides insight into what it may be like for the dying person. Compassionate and holding no punches, this is an astounding book.

The Commoner: A Novel
by John Burnham Schwartz

The Commoner (12/22/2007)

I found this book engaging and well written. I also found it aroused emotions of frustration and anger at the helplessness of the female characters and their inability to affect their situations. If you read for entertainment, this may not be the best choice. If you would like insights into the Japanese royals' way of life, which probably carries over to the royal lives of other nations, this book is a worthwhile read.

The Heartless Stone: A Journey Through The World of Diamonds, Deceit, and Desire
by Tom Zoellner

A new way to look at diamonds (6/7/2007)

This book is an engaging and enlightening read. I normally read fiction, so for a non-fiction book to hold my interest it has to be good. This is very good! It will change the way you look at diamonds forever.

Ptolemy's Gate: The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 3
by Jonathan Stroud

Excellent tale (2/8/2007)

I am an adult, most of the time I even act like one, and I found this book series excellent. The final book of this trilogy is engrossing, and the leaves you wanting more.

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