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Reviews by Christine B. (St Paul, MN)

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The White Forest
The White Forest: A Novel
by Adam McOmber
The White Forest (8/9/2012)
I found this book to be almost ridiculous. The protagonist has the unusual ability to see "souls" in inanimate objects and transfer this ability to others with her touch. She was born inside a tree if this sort of clarifies how silly the book is. There is a godlessness to this story that is quite upsetting. I would not recommend this book.
15 Seconds
15 Seconds
by Andrew Gross
15 seconds (5/15/2012)
What a fast paced mystery! I thoroughly enjoyed Henry Steadman and his resolve to find the "real killer" while trying to outwit the police who were chasing him. The characters are all very believable and the premise of the story is also. I don't think it would generate a lot of discussion for a book club , but for a good summer mystery its great.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
by Katherine Boo
Behind the Beautiful Forevers (12/30/2011)
Wow! What an incredible look into the disparity of living in India. Katherine Boo did a wonderful job with her interviews of the people of Annawadi so that we get an absolute intimate look into their sordid lives. She also portrays the touches of humor, kindness, jealousy, and hope that encompass us all. The competitive spirt that abounds in Annawadi stunned me. This should be a must read for everyone!
Tides of War
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
Tides of War (11/8/2011)
I enjoyed this book very much- mostly after the first 100 pages. The author introduces so many characters in the beginning that it is hard to keep them all straight particularly since she is alternating between the war and home front. That said, after that point I really looked forward to reading it and learned a tremendous amount about the Peninsular War and aristocratic England. The characters are all quite genuine - some enigmatic and some quite likable. I would recommend this book.
Next to Love
Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman
Next to love- After the War (7/14/2011)
Following three women through 20 years of friendship, despair, and unexpected losses in love and life make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I liked the format of hearing about their experiences through each woman's perspective . Their stores of course are intertwined but make us realize that new beginnings are available to all of us through the love and support of our friends. Even though this takes place after World War II, its story would be just as effective today. I highly recommend this book.
Prophecy
Prophecy: An Historical Thriller
by S.J. Parris
Prophecy (3/9/2011)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. The conspiracies brewed by Catholics and Protestants, murders, deceit, and a most entertaining hero make for rousing historical theatre. I am most anxious to read the 1st book in the series and hope for more.
Three Seconds
Three Seconds
by Anders Roslund & Borge Hellstrom
Three Heart Stopping Seconds (12/5/2010)
I absolutely loved this book- I would recommend it highly. It is very fast paced and I found myself reading faster and faster to find out what happens. I have since ordered his other book "Box 21" that is available in the U.S. If you like crime, intrigue, espionage,etc. you will love this. It would make a great movie!
The Tenth Song
The Tenth Song
by Naomi Ragen
unfinished song (10/15/2010)
This book is based on the premise that we all have a "tenth song" to discover and sing. The characters in the book are unfinished and "need to go to who you were meant to be". This spiritual journey was portrayed beautifully but the underlying story was too predictable. All the relationships seemed rushed and too neatly tied together at the end. I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it but would not highly tout it either.
Bad Boy
Bad Boy: An Inspector Banks Novel
by Peter Robinson
Good Girl- Bad Boy (7/9/2010)
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime/suspense novel. I had never read any of the earlier Inspector Banks series and I am so glad to have been introduced to them. In this fast paced and quick to read story Alan Banks is thrown into a mystery involving his own daughter - so of course the stakes are high! If you like suspense/police work/murder- this is a must read.
Learning to Lose
Learning to Lose: A Novel
by David Trueba
Learning to Lose (5/6/2010)
This is a poignant and remarkable story about three generations in a family each "learning to lose" some aspect of their identity. What they each learn about themselves and each other is what ties the characters together and relates to all of us as we struggle with our own decisions in life and how we learn to live with their consequences. I highly recommend this book.
The Things That Keep Us Here
The Things That Keep Us Here: A Novel
by Carla Buckley
A Timely Story (11/5/2009)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. With the H1N1 virus dominating our news, this certainly brought an interesting perspective to a possible pandemic. The many decisions this family had to make would surely develop into a dynamic exchange for book clubs! This family will expand your heart and thoughts. I would welcome reading another book by this author.
The Book of God and Physics
The Book of God and Physics: A Novel of the Voynich Mystery
by Enrique Joven
Still A Mystery (6/13/2009)
This book is very interesting albeit complicated. It is based on true facts which I appreciate - I had never before heard of the Voynich manuscript. This is an intense study of the manuscript's cryptography with a personal story woven throughout. I would recommend it but it is certainly not a quick read and one that requires a notepad and concentration. It is certainly thought provoking!
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
READ THIS BOOK (9/27/2008)
I wish I could give this book 40 stars! I couldn't put it down. It combines a fascinating "cold case" with an ongoing court investigation. The characters are believable and powerful. This book would suit all adults and would be great for book clubs. I told all my friends to buy it when it comes out in September! Thank you so much for letting me read it.
Sweet Mandarin
Sweet Mandarin: The Courageous True Story of Three Generations of Chinese Women and Their Journey from East to West
by Helen Tse
Sweet Mandarin (5/15/2008)
I enjoyed the story the Helen Tse tells but I had difficulty getting past her many rambling sentences that were almost as long as a paragraph. She also changes tenses a lot within paragraphs. I think the book could garner some interesting discussions at a book club meeting so for that it might be worth reading.
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