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Reviews by MaryEllen K. (Albany, NY)

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Libby Lost and Found: A Novel
by Stephanie Booth

Libby Lost and Found (8/4/2024)

I found the premise of this book to be very intriguing: Libby, the author of the famous Falling Children book series, is diagnosed with dementia at the same time that her next book is due. She is close to finishing it, however her memory is failing her so much that she …more

All Is Not Forgotten
by Wendy Walker

On the Edge of My Seat (9/26/2015)

This story is told to us by Dr. Alan Forrester, the brilliant psychiatrist who is treating Jenny Kramer, the teenaged victim of a brutal rape. For Jenny's parents Tom and Charlotte, the horror of what has happened to their daughter is made even worse because of the pain …more

The Shock of The Fall: (originally published in hardcover in USA as Where the Moon Isn't)
by Nathan Filer

Where the Moon Isn't (9/29/2013)

The narrator is Matthew, a teenage boy who witnessed the traumatic death of his brother when they were both young. He has repressed his intense grief and guilt, which ultimately leads to a breakdown, hospitalization, and diagnosis of schizophrenia. Nathan Filer writes …more

Golden Boy
by Abigail Tarttelin

Golden Boy by Abigail Tarttelin (12/28/2012)

Max Walker was born intersex, a fact that apparently did not cause much conflict or confusion for him as a child. However, when he is 16, aspects of his sexuality are forced into immediate consideration for Max and his parents. Karen and Steve had been completely oblivious …more

The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz

The Fog and the Sea (10/13/2012)

I loved the detailed descriptions of the settings in this novel. I was able to sustain vivid images of the ocean, morrow, lighthouse, tide pools, cave, and artifacts. There were passages I found myself re-reading because of the beauty of the language. I empathized with …more

A Good American: A Novel
by Alex George

A Good American (12/27/2011)

I was very eager to read this book, based on the advanced praise. However, I found that it got off to a very slow start for the first 65 pages. Then, finally, I started to care about Frederick, Jette, Joseph, and Rosa. These characters were well drawn and had great …more

The Language of Flowers: A Novel
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

The Language of Flowers (5/28/2011)

I was pulled right into this fascinating novel because of the beautiful writing style, the complexity of Victoria's character, and the mesmerizing story that unfolded. A lovely bonus included at the end is a Dictionary of Flowers and their meanings. If I could make a …more

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
by Amy Chua

Extreme Parenting (11/8/2010)

This book provided a fascinating insider's look at the Chinese parenting style, as related by Amy Chua. I had always believed that I myself used an authoritative parenting style; however, in comparison to this Tiger mother, I look permissive! I personally feel that at times, …more

After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd

After the Fall (6/6/2010)

I have to admit that I was feeling very disappointed throughout the first half of the book - it didn't seem to be living up to my expectations at all. However, once I got past all of the background and arrived at the problem around which the story was based, I must say that …more

The Girl Who Fell from the Sky
by Heidi W. Durrow

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky (3/16/2010)

I was thrilled to receive this book because the theme was of great interest to me. I had previously read Caucasia, by Danzy Senna, another book about a biracial girl coming of age and trying to find her roots, her family, and her identity. I loved that book, so I had high …more

The Things That Keep Us Here: A Novel
by Carla Buckley

Extremely Thought-Provoking (10/28/2009)

Carla Buckley's first novel takes on some very timely subject matter, and it is clearly well-researched. I was impressed with the detailed and vivid portrayals of the many unexpected obstacles that arose as the days of the quarantine turned into weeks. This novel raises so …more

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Book Jacket — Lessons in Chemistry
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Praised by *Parade* and *The New York Times Book Review*, this debut features a 1960s scientist turned TV cooking star.

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