Reviews by Linda G. (Walnut Creek, CA)

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Day
Day: A Novel
by Michael Cunningham
Review of Day (10/7/2023)
I love it when an author uses a style choice I've never encountered before and in his new book 'Day', Michael Cunningham does not disappoint! The 'day' referred to is April 5, the story takes place on that day in three consecutive years; 2019, 2020 and 2021. Focusing on a …more
Once We Were Brothers
Once We Were Brothers
by Ronald H. Balson
A Literary Historical Thriller (8/23/2013)
"Once We Were Brothers" is both an historical mystery and an enduring love story. The novel tells the story of young Ben Solomon, who lives in Poland during the time prior to the second World War. In time, the family is requested to take in a young German boy, just Ben's …more
The Edge of the Earth
The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz
All About Lighthousekeeping (11/2/2012)
Fans of historical fiction and literary mystery will thoroughly enjoy Christina Schwarz's new novel "The Edge of the Earth". Narrated by a young wife at the end of the 19th century, this somewhat haunting novel takes place on the blustery and foggy California coastline, in …more
The Headmaster's Wager
The Headmaster's Wager: A Novel
by Vincent Lam
Thrilled to have the chance to read this! (7/17/2012)
I absolutely LOVED Vincent Lam's novel "The Headmaster's Wager"! I can honestly say it is the best book I've read so far this year! In reading the synopsis of it, it sounded right up my alley, and it did not disappoint.
The novel focuses mainly on a Chinese man living in …more
Sister
Sister: A Novel
by Rosamund Lupton
A Sister's Intuition (5/18/2011)
Rosamund Lupton's new book The Sister is a compelling, gothic-like thriller. But it is also an accomplished study of the bond between sisters, the innate knowledge this narrator has that her own sisters' death was not suicide, as the authorities believe, but that she must …more
Ever By My Side
Ever By My Side: A Memoir in Eight Acts Pets
by Dr. Nick Trout
Another Heart-warming gem by Dr. Nick Trout! (1/4/2011)
Author/veterinarian Dr. Nick Trout gets better with every book! I've read all three of his memoirs of his life as a veterinary surgeon, but they truly are much more than that. His books teach us about love, responsibility and that special bond between each human and their …more
Fame
Fame: A Novel in Nine Episodes
by Daniel Kehlmann
A Gem For The Surrealist (12/17/2010)
Linked or interconnected short stories is currently my favorite genre, and "Fame" is the best book I've read in this genre in quite awhile. Reminiscent of Charles Baxter's "The Soul Thief", as well as Paul Auster's work, I absolutely loved this study of identity, who we …more
The Lonely Polygamist
The Lonely Polygamist
by Brady Udall
Pure Entertainment! (12/17/2010)
"The Lonely Polygamist" is one of my Top 3 Reads of 2010. It is 602 pgs. of sheer entertainment! Also an all-time favorite with my book club, you just can't go wrong with Brady Udall's latest foray into the life of a middle aged polygamist, his 4 wives, 28 children, and one …more
The Beauty of Humanity Movement
The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel
by Camilla Gibb
From Ethiopia, to Vietnam; Gibb Writes of Different Cultures (12/7/2010)
Having been a huge fan of Camilla Gibb's previous book, "Sweetness In the Belly", I expected to immediately be swept up with her new one. I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't to happen right away in this book, but very much rewarded as she slowly wove her magic, …more
The Lovers
The Lovers: A Novel
by Vendela Vida
Turkey's 'Lovers' (4/8/2010)
There's a certain genre in fiction; the 'woman traveling alone in foreign country when things start to go wrong' story. Though it's been done many times before, (we've all read one), not every writer can capture that feeling of isolation, that sense of impending doom and …more
The Wives of Henry Oades
The Wives of Henry Oades: A Novel
by Johanna Moran
A Different Kind of Family (12/2/2009)
I manage an independent book store in the San Francisco Bay Area, so I was especially interested in the local history in "The Wives of Henry Oades". Based on the cover, I thought it might be a little too 'flowery' for me, but I wanted to make sure I read it because of the …more
Serena
Serena: A Novel
by Ron Rash
Love, Logging and Betrayal (9/8/2009)
I've been wanting to read this book since it came out, and I'm so glad I finally did! Upon starting "Serena" I found the title character a bit unbelievable and questioned whether I'd like the book. But the discovery of Serena's personality, the way the author unveils her …more
The Spare Room
The Spare Room: A Novel
by Helen Garner
Pros & Cons of (1/9/2009)
This is a spare yet powerful novel that packs an emotional punch. The friendship between the two main characters, as well as the questions of how much can a terminally ill friend rightly expect of the other, and in turn how long-suffering and compassionate can that other …more
Someone Knows My Name
Someone Knows My Name: aka: The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill
A truly epic historical gem (11/14/2007)
Wow! How can I describe this book with just so few words! A female version of Roots? An African counterpart to Memoirs of a Geisha? Or maybe not compare it at all but rather recognize it for what it is on it's own; a truly epic historical gem. Someone Knows My Name is an …more
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