BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Becky Dodd

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel
by Rachel Joyce

Inspiring Journey (12/30/2012)

I very much enjoyed Harold's journey. The book is well written and kept my interest throughout. The book is about the journey, not the destination. The transformation that Harold makes on this journey is heartwarming.

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

Disappointing (8/25/2012)

I thought this was going to be a thoughtful humorous reflection on a baby boomer wife/mother in her mature years. Instead it is a narcissistic rambling of life lived in wealth and privilege. Not interested.

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins

All Consuming! (4/7/2012)

Where do I begin???!!!
I rarely read books that are surrounded by this much "hype." I had no intention of reading it, I did not like the sound of the premise: teenage warriors fighting each other to the death for food? NOT my cup of tea. So I ordered a 'sample' on my kindle …more

Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee

Bread baking and heart warming... (12/27/2011)

After reading everyone's review, I can't believe how nice everyone is being to this writer. I did like the book very much and finished it. I did enjoy the references to baking and especially Madeline's Tea Salon. I was hooked in to the 5 or 6 main characters and I did care …more

Gone Tomorrow: A Jack Reacher Novel #13
by Lee Child

Page Turner (10/26/2010)

I am certain that this will be the first of many Lee Child's books that I will read. As I'm finishing I'm already planning my search for the next one. Gone Tomorrow deals with current issues and brings home the tangled web of national security, espionage, and high stakes …more

Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of US Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan
by Doug Stanton

Important, riveting (9/11/2010)

A very important and intimate account of actions in Afghanistan that many average Americans are oblivious to. Very eye-opening, not the typical choice of reads for me, but just couldn't stop reading it. Thanks to Doug Stanton for illuminating the bravery and character of …more

Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel
by Jeannette Walls

What a ride! (9/11/2010)

I haven't even finished this book yet, but I can write the review already. I've loved every page. This would actually make a great movie, in the "O Brother" genre. I've so much enjoyed her adventures on horseback and in the hearse. I never knew what to expect when I picked …more

Figures in Silk: A Novel
by Vanora Bennett

Facinating (12/20/2009)

I loved this book! I loved the backdrop of the silk industry and especially the eye opening perspective of the rise of England's King Richard. I especially appreciated this perspective after reading Anne Easter Smith's A Rose for the Crown. They are a nice compliment to …more

Water, Stone, Heart: A Novel
by Will North

Shallow (5/2/2009)

I really tried to give this book a chance. I was intrigued by the title and the setting, near Cornwall in England. The backdrop of building stone hedges was unique. However, the characters were not developed deeply enough for me to become engaged. There were some wide …more

A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean
by Tori Murden McClure

Inspirational (4/19/2009)

A Pearl in the Storm by Tori Murden Mcclure was indeed a story worthy of telling. This book challenged me, inspired me and moved me. I cried, laughed and couldn't put it down. I was gripped not only by what was happening at sea, but the poignant events of Tori's life as …more

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel
by David Wroblewski

Gifted Writer : Hopeless Ending (1/30/2009)

Ugh!!!! I have enjoyed this book for many hours. I even got a couple of snow days to just sit and travel with Edgar, the story's main character. While Wroblewski is truly one of the most gifted writers I've ever read, I can't endorse this book because of the HOPELESS ending. …more

The House at Riverton: A Novel
by Kate Morton

Blown Away! (9/21/2008)

I was truly blown away by this author. Morton takes you though the English countryside and inside the main character's head. It's amazing where you find yourself in this book. Each twist is not expected. I didn't see any of it coming, and then at the end, I was blown away! …more

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

Series of Letters (7/27/2008)

I loved the premise of this book, the setting, the time period and the title. All of these things intrigued me to read and write a review. As I began reading, the exchange of letters expanded to more and more characters. I finally gave up. The reader must do some work to …more

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From the million-copy bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop.

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