Reviews by Denice B. (Fort Bragg, CA)

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Original Sin
Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure
by Beth Mcmullen
Not Original (2/22/2011)
The promising premise just didn't deliver. "Original Sin" (same title as a P. D. James mystery) was a bit witty, but mostly it was tedious. The perils recounted in hindsight by the main character were repetitive and didn't lead me anywhere. I was hoping for a more strongly …more
The Discovery of Jeanne Baret
The Discovery of Jeanne Baret: A Story of Science, the High Seas, and the First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe
by Glynis Ridley
At Sea (1/15/2011)
I was so hopeful about this book, but having taken three weeks to wade through only 30 pages, I cannot continue reading it, especially with the mounting pile of bed-side books beckoning!

The author and her subject are admirable and each do an expert job in her field, but …more
Raising Wrecker
Raising Wrecker: A Novel
by Summer Wood
Wrecker (11/10/2010)
Wrecker, a novel whose premise had given me great hope, was a disappointment. This story of a boy raised among a small household of unrelated people in the wilds of Humbolt County could have been so much deeper. I read the writer's words, but didn't hear individual voices …more
City of Tranquil Light
City of Tranquil Light: A Novel
by Bo Caldwell
City of Tranquil Light (8/12/2010)
I loved this quietly powerful book, even though it was not "compelling" in the typical, cliff-hanging way. While I have mixed feelings about "missionary work," this story gives real life details about the dedication and difficulties of two such workers. The love story of an …more
Learning to Lose
Learning to Lose: A Novel
by David Trueba
Learning to Lose (5/28/2010)
The language of Learning to Lose is wonderful (is it the writer, translator, or both?), though the book is a little too long. At about page 150, I wanted things to move along a bit more, but all in all, a uniquely woven story with well-developed characters, most of whom I cared about.
The Swimming Pool
The Swimming Pool
by Holly LeCraw
The Swimming Pool (2/27/2010)
This Pool is shallow. The story seemed contrived and implausible, the love affairs trite and also unlikely. The author doesn't much heed the writerly axiom "show, don't tell." Her language and style are pretty ordinary in the first half or so of the book, but she goes on to …more
The Fifth Servant
The Fifth Servant
by Kenneth Wishnia
The Fifth Servant (11/17/2009)
What a disappointment! Although obviously very well researched, the story didn't flow. The story and plot (what was it??) were confusing, and, though I'm fascinated by language, the insertions of several foreign tongues was tedious rather than illuminating. It was a chore …more
Baking Cakes in Kigali
Baking Cakes in Kigali
by Gaile Parkin
Baking Cakes in Kigali (6/8/2009)
This is an engaging, episodic story, even though at times a little contrived with the dropping of buzz topics (feminism, lesbianism, AIDS, circumcision,). Although she is reminiscent of Alexander McCall Smith's lady detective, this book's Angel Tungaraza stands as her own …more
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    The Jackal's Mistress
    by Chris Bohjalian
    From the New York Times bestselling author of Hour of the Witch, a Civil War love story of a Confederate wife and a wounded Yankee.
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