Shine Shine Shine: A Novel
by Lydia Netzer
Touching and tender read (6/5/2012)
When all about you is not "normal"...how do you "fit in".
This is the story of Sunny, a woman born without any hair, her husband Maxon, an abandoned boy who grows up to be a savant genius and their son Bubber, who is autistic. It would appear that all is against them yet Sunny's deep love, understanding and compassion which she learned from her mother Emma, keeps them welded to each other.
The story is at times funny, heartwarming and suspenseful. I don't want to reveal any of the plot except to say that Maxon plans to colonize the moon with robots...a little out there for a love story.
Lydia Netzer has written a smart, imaginative book. I don't ever remember reading anything like it although there were moments that works of John Irving came to mind.
I highly recommend it.
An Unmarked Grave: A Bess Crawford Mystery
by Charles Todd
Worth reading (4/17/2012)
Lately I've been entranced by all things British and this book didn't disappoint in satisfying me. I've not read the preceding books in the series but will.
Bess Crawford is a wonderful character, way ahead of her time as an independent woman. She delves into solving the mysteries of the deaths presented with determination and courage. She's clever and very feisty.
The author's vivid descriptions of time and place were easily seen in my mind's eye.
The book would appeal to any period mystery lover, especially women.
King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village
by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman
The Power of One (12/17/2011)
An amazing story of one woman's ability to turn around the fate of her birth village in Ghana. Peggy Bartels, a secretary in the Ghanian Embassy in Washington is called to become King of the village she left 30 years before. She accepts the job not knowing how run down and rife with thievery the place has become. It's a fascinating read of what one person with determination can do. It would make a great book club discussion.
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Superb read (3/21/2011)
When I received Outlander I was sure I'd never get into it since time travel is not my thing nor are lengthy historical novels. Was I ever wrong. There is not much to add that hasn't been said in the other reviews but ignore the naysayers among them and read this. Love, lust, violence, history, war, religion..it's all there and so well written, it's hard to put down.
Minding Ben: A Novel
by Victoria Brown
Many better books to read (12/29/2010)
This is a light, better than "beach read" book but the story felt familiar and predictable, as if I already knew the immigrant Nanny experience from what I've read in the news or seen on TV. The characters are real, although stereotypical in many instances, evil Jewish landlord, gangster Island acquaintances, neurotic employer, and on and on.
If your reading time is limited try something else.
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