BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Courting Mr. Lincoln
by Louis Bayard

thoughts 0n "Courting Mr. Lincoln" (2/18/2019)

A good read overall. Bayard takes some liberties with the historical record, which is fine with historical fiction. This book covers Lincoln's early years in Springfield where he meets Joshua Speed and Mary Todd. His growth from bumpkin to a man dressed and appearing as a professional and who could stand up as a lawyer, legislator and politician is fleshed out. Much of this polishing is attributed to input from Speed. In many ways, this reads as a book that could cross over to young adult readers. Lightly written, no overt violence or sex,. The relationship between Lincoln andSpeed is delicately handled - how far did the relationship extend? Some biographies have suggested Lincoln was bisexual and this book seems to accept that suggestion. Both Joshua Speed and Mary Todd are clearly courting Lincoln, each in their own way, each to their own ends. I would recommend this book to historical fiction fans, both young adult and adults. Purists of Lincoln history might find this book too light and straying too far from fact.

Karolina's Twins
by Ronald H. Balson

Karolina's Twins (7/12/2016)

Karolina's Twins is a one sitting read, it is that good! I loved it and will definitely recommend it to my book club as there is so much to discuss. The book is, suspenseful, sad and also happy; a book we should all read as this book keeps all of us from ever forgetting this horrible period in our history and we must never allow this to ever happen again.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel
by Bryn Greenwood

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things (5/9/2016)

Bryn Greenwood is a very good story teller with well developed characters and excellent descriptions.. To me, however, the subject matter in "All the Ugly and Wonderful Things" is very disturbing and not a subject I enjoyed reading about. Because of this, I am sorry, but I cannot recommend this book.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
by Phaedra Patrick

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper (3/20/2016)

This is a very sweet story of Arthur Pepper, a widower of a year in the depths of serious grief when he discovers a charm bracelet belonging to his late wife and how these charms lead him on a journey to discover their meaning but also an the journey of resolving his grief through new experiences, friendships and even new love.

All Is Not Forgotten
by Wendy Walker

All Is Not Forgotten (10/14/2015)

It took me about three chapters before the suspense of the novel totally drew me in making it very difficult to put this book down. I really enjoyed this book and am still thinking about the ending. This book is a must read for book clubs as there are so many issues making for great discussions and I can't wait to see the movie!

Under the Wide and Starry Sky
by Nancy Horan

Under The Wide and Starry Sky (11/13/2013)

Being Welsh, I loved "Loving Frank" Horans first novel which was so enjoyed by my book club. Therefore, I eagerly signed up to review "Under The Wide and Starry Sky". Horans' second novel did not disappoint. Her research of the time period was right on and the journey of the relationship between Fanny and Louis - their struggles, happiness, hardships - drew me right in. Her wonderfully written descriptions of all the places they traveled put me right there in that time period and made me feel as though I was there with them. This is a wonderful love story about a famous man and his Indiana wife and should be a perfect book for book clubs.

A Thousand Pardons
by Jonathan Dee

A Thousand Pardons (10/30/2012)

A Thousand Pardons is the first book I have ever read by Jonathan Dee. I thoroughly enjoyed his style of writing as well as his excellent descriptions of his characters. They are all people we know. However,I did not enjoy the story line as much - I felt that the storyline was weak and trite and that the ending was totally predictable before I was even halfway through the book. This is not a book that I could reccommend for my book club.

And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman

And When She Was Good (7/10/2012)

"And when she was good" is Laura Lippman at her best. She gives excellent, realistic descriptions of a woman living and surviving in the world of prostitution. How this woman survives the betrayals of those whom she is working for as well as maintaining the secret that she is a single working mom, knowing that at any time her world could be ending, will keep the reader turning the pages. I could not put the book down; it is a thrilling read with a thrilling ending. This makes for a wonderful summer read.

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake: A Memoir
by Anna Quindlen

lots of candles, plenty of cake (4/23/2012)

In 10 years, Ms. Quinden, you can write "the rest of the story". I have been there, done that just as you have and totally enjoyed your re-counting of life's stages or rather the process of growing older that all of us women have or will pass through. I totally enjoyed your book and recommend it to all women 50 or older. Those who are younger will not be able to relate to it yet. So,my thanks to all that your generation has accomplished for women which will make life just that much easier for my daughters and grand-daughters.

All the Flowers in Shanghai: A Novel
by Duncan Jepson

All The Flowers In Shanghai (11/6/2011)

This book was a very slow read and very difficult for me to really get into. None of the characters were very likeable and the subject of this book has been over used. It just wasn't a new subject - I have read too many other books on this subject that were just more interesting and informative. The ending lacked a conclusion and never tied things together.

The Kitchen Daughter: A Novel
by Jael McHenry

"The Kitchen Daughter" (4/17/2011)

"The Kitchen Daughter" is not a difficult read; as a matter of fact it can easily be read, completed and enjoyed in one sitting. However, I enjoyed it best by only reading several chapters at a time, thereby, savoring all that I had just read. I am an avid cook and really enjoyed everything described in food terms as well as the recipes (several I have made - delicious)! Being a Hospice volunteer, I related to Ginny's, Amanda's, David's and Gert's grief. This book will be an excellent read for Book Clubs as there are so many different directions the discussions can go. I really enjoyed reading "The Kitchen Daughter".

An Amish Christmas: A Novel
by Cynthia Keller

"An Amish Christmas" (9/26/2010)

The beginning began very darkly and depressing when the Hobart family learned they had lost everything they owned due to the lies and deceit of their father. They had to leave town, leaving behind their friends and home just as the holiday season was beginning. What happens next is a trite story with a predictable ending. There is a "feel good" message for us all and we do learn about the Amish people and their customs. This is an easy read and will probably be best enjoyed by teens and young adults.

Pearl of China: A Novel
by Anchee Min

Pearl of China (2/18/2010)

"Pearl of China" is a beautifully written historical novel about the loyal friendship between two girls cultures apart. The first girl is Willow a peasant who is telling the story and the other is her best friend Pearl Buck the daughter of American missionaries. Because Pearl is an American she is forced to leave China and Willow is forced to remain. Pearl is denounce by Madam Mao for writing about China and Willow must find ways to remain loyal to China as well as to Pearl. Possibly, because Ms. Min also had to denounce Pearl Buck while growing up in China, this novel was written as an apology for having to have had to make this denouncement. Whatever, the reason, this is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it to Pearl Buk fans as well as book clubs. This book would lead to a wonderful discussion.

Under This Unbroken Sky
by Shandi Mitchell

Under This Unbroken Sky (9/13/2009)

Conditions on the prairie in the l930s, whether in the US or Canada, were harsh and difficult for all who tried to survive there. In Canada, the treatment towards the Ukrainian immigrants was especially harsh as elegantly portrayed by Shandi Mitchell in her new novel, Under This Unbroken Sky. Her first description of the boys throwing a mouse to the cats to see which one killed it to the final page captivated me completely and I could not put this book down. This is would be a perfect book selection for book clubs as it is a wonderful, fast read with many possibilities for discussions.The story is not an unfamiliar one, but it is extremely well told and has many new twists and very different ending. I loved this book and eagerly await Ms. Mitchell's next novel.

Valley of the Lost
by Vicki Delany

Valley Of The Lost (12/11/2008)

Even though I did not read the first book in this "traditional mystery series", I was never at a loss as to who or what was going on. This is a fast paced mystery, not at all predictable with a complex story line. There is a cast of very likable characters from the townsfolk to the police. There are, however,several facts disclosed in the first book which were not explained in this book which makes one curious in order for the story line to be more complete (thus, I will now go back and read book one). This did not hinder the story line one bit. This book will be enjoyed by mystery lovers and those who are not - it is a great read. I am very much looking forward to her third book as I am very anxious to learn the future of several characters.

Evening Is the Whole Day
by Preeta Samarasan

Evening Is The Whole Day (4/23/2008)

It took me about 90 very slowly read pages to get into this book. I had trouble keeping the characters straight. However, after making a list of each, who they were, etc., I finally got into the novel. I totally loved her descriptions and began to feel as though I were in Malaysia, a country of which I know little. I enjoyed Samarasan's style of back-tracking which I found was never confusing. My one real criticism was her continual use of Malay words with no given translations. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would not hesitate to recommend it to my book club. I look forward to reading her next novel.

Mozart's Sister
by Rita Charbonnier

Lacked details & historical facts of the period (10/15/2007)

I was very excited to review this book as it deals with a subject that I am not familiar with. I felt that the first half of the book moved along very slowly, almost boring. At times it was confusing and hard to follow. The book seemed to lack the details and historical facts of the period. The characters seemed to be underdeveloped. However, the final third of the book did pick up and become more interesting and I finally learned more about Nannerl in her final years. On the whole, I found Mozart's Sister to be disappointing.

Reviews by Marcia F. (Batavia, IL)

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Reviews by Marcia F. (Batavia, IL)

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