Reviews by Elyse G. (Creswell, OR)

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Big Girl, Small Town
Big Girl, Small Town
by Michelle Gallen
Okay in a Pinch (10/23/2020)
This book is essentially a play-by-play of a week in the protagonist's life. A 27-year old Irish woman, she lives with her mother and works at a Fish and Chip shop. There is a little background of the character - family involvement in the IRA, missing father, recently …more
With or Without You
With or Without You: A Novel
by Caroline Leavitt
Okay but predictable (5/6/2020)
What can I say - I didn't care for this book. I only finished it so I could review it. There were some parts that held my interest, but not for long. Just less than half-way through, I was able to predict the remainder of the story arc, though not all the details.

I found …more
The Paris Hours
The Paris Hours: A Novel
by Alex George
Highly Recommend (2/29/2020)
I really enjoyed this book. It drew me in right from the start, with it's mysterious, moody first pages. I liked how the author used the time of day to echo the moods of the first few chapters (or maybe it was the other way around) - from somber to joyous as night fell and …more
Meet Me at the Museum
Meet Me at the Museum
by Anne Youngson
Not Sorry I Read it (5/6/2018)
I have to say, if I hadn't agreed to review this book, I wouldn't have read beyond 20 pages. Though the epistolary style is not my favorite, I have enjoyed other books written this way.

Waiting at the Museum has as it's premise a backstory that just barely serves to give the …more
The Wives of Henry Oades
The Wives of Henry Oades: A Novel
by Johanna Moran
Mediocre Read (12/3/2009)
"Wives" is an interesting and different story, and all the more intriguing being based on real people.

Unfortunately, I found the writing to be just average - no memorable passages here- and the characters somewhat one dimensional. There is very little range of emotion shown, …more
The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
by Maureen Lindley
Intriguing character, engaging story (8/17/2009)
I enjoyed the story of Eastern Jewel. I had never heard of this person before, but knowing that she was real, even if all the events and emotions may not have been, made it all the more interesting.

It is told in very simple, straightforward prose. At first I found the style …more
An Edible History of Humanity
An Edible History of Humanity
by Tom Standage
Good Book, but Rather Dry (3/10/2009)
This book traces the connection between food and the rise of civilization, establishment of cities, the beginning of slavery, horticulture and mechanization – among many other things. Indeed, it seems from reading this book that it is food that is actually the root of all …more
The Sweet In Between
The Sweet In Between: A Novel
by Sheri Reynolds
Sweet Read (9/9/2008)
While I wouldn't put this book on my list of top best books I've read, I did enjoy it. It reminded me a lot of "Member of the Wedding" by Carson McCullers. The problem with that comparison is that I had no trouble believing the narrator in Wedding was 12 years old, whereas …more
The Post-Birthday World
The Post-Birthday World
by Lionel Shriver
Not for Everybody (3/7/2008)
I barely got through 3 chapters of this book before deciding it wasn't for me. I just didn't buy the protaganist's actions, nor her husband's. It was a book I was doubtful of from the beginning, but I saw it at my library and decided to give it a try. In my opinion, its not worth your time.
The Marriage of True Minds
The Marriage of True Minds
by Stephen Evans
Light Humor (2/7/2008)
This was a quick read. A humorous, well-told story that moves along quickly. At times it bordered on the ridiculous, but as the antagonist is supposed to be crazy, I just shrugged it off. I think this is what is called a "summer read" or a beach book. I enjoyed it overall.
Cheating at Canasta: Stories
Cheating at Canasta: Stories: Stories
by William Trevor
Beautiful Prose (11/14/2007)
Short stories are not usually my cup of tea, and after reading the first two in this book, I thought maybe this wasn't the book for me.

But as I read on, I changed my mind. The prose alone are enough reason to read it - the writing just flows beautifully. The author paints …more
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life
by Barbara Kingsolver
Enjoyable read, with reservations (10/10/2007)
I was attracted to this book as a kindred spirit (of sorts) to the author. I have been growing much of my own food (plant-based, anyway) as I could for many years. I prefer to eat seasonal foods, and buy locally produced items whenever available.

So I was a little …more
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    The Husbands
    by Holly Gramazio
    The Husbands delights in asking: how do we navigate life, love, and choice in a world of never-ending options?
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