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Reviews by Valerie C. (Chico, CA)

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Whispering Shadows
Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Engaging (1/13/2015)
I found this book both engaging, and informative about life in China. Extremely well written.
To the Moon and Timbuktu
To the Moon and Timbuktu: A Trek through the Heart of Africa
by Nina Sovich
Not very engrossing (7/1/2013)
I read three quarters of this book before i gave up. I love travel, I love travel non-fiction, but this book is missing something others in this genre have - perhaps it is humor, perhaps it is deeper insight into the cultures. For me at least this book was a disappointment.
Walk Me Home
Walk Me Home
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Good young adult fiction without the vampires (4/8/2013)
It has been awhile since I've been so engrossed in a book to finish it in less than 24 hours. This book absorbed my interest from the opening page, and kept delivering. Walk Me Home touches on many important issues for young adults: abuse, mothers whose best is really not quite enough, sibling dynamics, and trust. I doubt readers will be disappointed.
Golden Boy
Golden Boy
by Abigail Tarttelin
Great book (1/14/2013)
if it weren't January I would say this is one of the best books I've read this year. So, I'll say its one of the best I've read in the last 12 months. Similar to Jodi Picoult, the author takes on exploring the deep emotions and thoughts of the human condition confronted with common and not so common issues.
The House Girl
The House Girl
by Tara Conklin
Excellent - well written and enlightening (11/27/2012)
I've read many books set in the US's slavery era, and this is one of the best. It poses an unique connection between a young slave "house girl" and a driven New York lawyer. I doubt it will disappoint.
Have Mother, Will Travel
Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by Claire & Mia Fontaine
Entertaining start, then dwindles... (6/5/2012)
This book was laugh out loud funny while the two traveled on a scavenger hunt. Their time in France, however, was as entertaining as watching someone eat french bread and drink coffee. It comes across as being "filler"; the first adventures were not enough for a full book, so they had a planned stay in France. This is where the book starts to drag. I think I was suppose to be engrossed at the mother-daughter relationship musings, but it fell far short of entertainment and I did not finish the book. Great start, lackluster middle and finish.
A Simple Murder
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
A good historical fiction/mystery (4/13/2012)
The setting is the Northeastern US in the late 1700's, the plot involves a series of murders all somehow connected to a Shaker community, and a traveling weaver becomes involved in it all. An easy, pleasurable read with enough complexity and character development to hold interest. I have already passed my copy on to a friend to read - definitely recommended for those with an interest in historical fiction and/or mysteries.
Until the Next Time
Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox
a little slow moving (2/28/2012)
This book is a bit confusing, both by similarities in names, and in the time difference in chapters. It is also a bit slow moving. It may be perfect for someone with a strong interest in Ireland and its "troubles".
Tides of War
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
good but not great (12/1/2011)
After a very engaging opening, the book drags a bit. For some it may still be great, but for me it was just okay.
The Borgia Betrayal
The Borgia Betrayal: A Poisoner Mystery Novel
by Sara Poole
Good Historical Fiction (7/7/2011)
I like historical fiction from this era, and the strong female lead in this novel is an added plus. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who has enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's books.
The Tudor Secret
The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
Good historical fiction of the post-Henry VIII era (3/19/2011)
As a reader who enjoyed many of Phillipa Gregory's books, this novel did not disappoint. It succeeded in capturing my interest from the first chapter, then led through a series of escapades after the death of King Henry's son, Edward. If you enjoy Gregory's books, I think you will enjoy this one,
The Philosophical Breakfast Club
The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four Remarkable Friends Who Transformed Science and Changed the World
by Laura J. Snyder
Well done (1/22/2011)
The reading is a little dry in places, but overall well worth the effort to read!
Ever By My Side
Ever By My Side: A Memoir in Eight Acts Pets
by Dr. Nick Trout
Not his best work (12/24/2010)
First a disclaimer, I am a veterinarian. Second, I really enjoyed his first book, "Tell Me Where It Hurts". So, I was really looking forward to reading his newest work. Unfortunately, it disappoints to the extent I'll not finish it. Too many other books to spend more time on this one. His complaints about his childhood and parents comes across as whiney and ungrateful. His humor felt flat for me. I hope others enjoy it more.
Gone Tomorrow
Gone Tomorrow: A Jack Reacher Novel #13
by Lee Child
Great book for the genre. (10/12/2010)
Though this not my usual genre of reading material (ie I loved "Room" and "Crooked Letter"), I have read Lee Child novels occasionally. This one will not disappoint any fan of his. Strong plot, strong characters, and you get to learn the 12 signs that someone is a terrorist!
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