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Reviews by Gigi K. (Lufkin,, TX)

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The Things They Carried
The Things They Carried
by Tim O'Brien
sadly real (3/18/2020)
Never having read a book about war, I had no preconceived ideas. However, as a psychiatric nurse, I was very interested in the behaviors of characters in this story. I have not forgotten this book and will probably read it again. It is haunting and unforgetable.
Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins
Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins
by Katarina Bivald
a little offputting (1/2/2020)
The first 200 pages were so so slow. I liked the issues included in the book but it was not enough to hold my interest. Maybe I am fortunate but I see people change for the best daily in the town where I live. Thank you for the opportunity to read the book.
Women Rowing North
Women Rowing North: Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age
by Mary Pipher
What are you waiting for? (5/27/2019)
A must read for all women as their children leave the nest. Such a good read for women wanting to be the best they can be until their last breath. My husband's Kiwanis club even discussed the book informally and men found it helpful, too. (especially the last two chapters).
Irritable Hearts
Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story
by Mac McClelland
Difficulty of living with PTSD (1/28/2015)
The difficulty of living with PTSD and the difficulty of living with one dealing with PTSD are highlighted in this well written book. As the mother of one with PTSD, I saw what research had told me. It was difficult to read but I can be a better mother and friend after reading Irritable Hearts.
The Book of Strange New Things
The Book of Strange New Things: A Novel
by Michel Faber
What??????? (9/7/2014)
I found it difficult to read and was really not interested in the book in the least. However, I never choose sci-fi. books.
The author lost me when describing a birth. He seemed to have a hard time with description of "no umbilical cord" but had placental exudate on the body. I'll be more alert to the type book I am choosing for review next time.
The House We Grew Up In
The House We Grew Up In
by Lisa Jewell
A Family in Pain (4/15/2014)
A dysfunctional family tries to make sense of growing up together with a free spirited mother and distant father. We are taken back and forth from those younger years through a period of growing up and finally a tragedy brings this family into some understanding of each other.
A Man of His Own
A Man of His Own
by Susan Wilson
Shared lives (9/2/2013)
About 1/3 of the way through the book I said "I don't need this in my life right now". I felt a lot of conflict because of the dilemmas facing all of the characters. I almost never put a book down without finishing it so after a few days I picked up the book again and finished it. I'm still not sure why I felt so personally involved, but it was not an emotionally easy book for me. I am not a dog person nor have I been involved personally with war so don't know the origin of the conflict. I think it was the sharing of such intimacy that had to be done in the story that was unsettling to me. I felt the writing was well done and had to look up a few words I didn't know the meaning of and I always like that. I think the book would be a good one for book clubs.
The Edge of the Earth
The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz
Simply haunting and not even about Halloween (10/30/2012)
The writing style of this author kept me wanting to read more. How can you really know someone until after you are married. What you see is not always what you get. This story feels haunting as you read it and the ending left me wanting to say, "wait, wait". Think it would make a great read for my book club here in Lufkin, TX.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel
by Rachel Joyce
I'd like to read it again! (7/19/2012)
I was struck by the title first and then as I read the book, I was reminded by so many of Harold's episodes of truths in my own life. Seems impossible since my life has been nothing like Harold's. However, I think you will find some echos, also.
Next to Love
Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman
a good read (5/11/2012)
Brought back memories of that time, ie. asking husband if wife wants a job, husband saying no wife of mine will ever work outside the home. However, I didn't like the technique of taking each character by date and using it as a chapter in the book.
The Language of Flowers
The Language of Flowers: A Novel
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Unconditional Love (7/5/2011)
If you know what you want to say but don't know how to say it, use flowers. This book kept me interested in all the characters. Loved how the main character always landed on her feet. I'm tempted to utilized flowers more to let others know how I care for them. Do read this wonderful book. Also, the best description of a woman in labor that I have ever read.
Outside Wonderland
Outside Wonderland: A Novel
by Lorna Jane Cook
Family from the here and hereafter (2/9/2011)
Parents viewing adult children "here" from "there".
A quick read, the author is able to write about behaviors and feelings of adult siblings acting on their emotions who don't seem to believe in deferred gratification or doing the next right thing. It is not a book I'd recommend to a friend but would leave on public transportation for the next rider.
Raising Wrecker
Raising Wrecker: A Novel
by Summer Wood
Family life (12/1/2010)
This read of a different type family was sweet but did not make me want to pick it up. Wrecker is an adoption story that turns out well but was definitely a book I did not mind putting down at the end of each chapter.
After the Fall
After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd
Entertainment Tonight (Non) (6/16/2010)
I found this book to be neither well written, entertaining, educational or with adequate character development. I felt like a voyeur in the life of two couples without much of a commitment to their own marriage or respect for the marriage of their friends.
Romancing Miss Bronte
Romancing Miss Bronte: A Novel
by Juliet Gael
A Good Bedfellow (3/17/2010)
A delightful read. Nothing you have to figure out.
Nothing to keep you awake half the night. It reminds me of a Jan Karon novel in that is just one of those novels that are well written and one you can read at bedtime.
The Secret of Everything
The Secret of Everything
by Barbara O'Neal
A Secret? (11/19/2009)
The best thing about this book to me was the characters. I'd enjoy having them living on my block. Other than that, I had a difficult time staying interested. I was content just reading a chapter and putting it down. The recipes at the end of the chapters seemed rather "gimmicky".
Sweeping Up Glass
Sweeping Up Glass
by Carolyn Wall
Sweeping up glass can be hazardous and difficult (8/10/2009)
A community gripped by fear exhibits inappropriate and unhealthy behaviors. An unspeakable secret is at the core. One brave girl and admiration for her father unravel the secret and change the course. A fast read that tempts you to read it in one sitting would appeal to anyone between sixteen and one-hundred sixteen.
A Pearl in the Storm
A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean
by Tori Murden McClure
Life-transforming adventure (4/20/2009)
This is a life-transforming adventure for both author and reader. Tori Murden McClure has effectively woven her row across an ocean with her life experiences through life from early childhood. "A Pearl in the Storm" would captivate readers from ages 15 to 150 both intellectually and emotionally. It is much more than entertaining; it is engaging, and the memories will linger.
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