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Reviews by Bob S. (Lawrenceburg, IN)

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The Spy Lover
by Kiana Davenport

an un-Civil War with no winners (12/9/2012)

This marvelous work has no heroes and no villains but only victims of the seemingly endless ritual called war. Kiana Davenport focuses on the lives of three people caught up in the absurd pursuit of a victory without victors, of a laurel wreath of dead flowers. A dedicated …more

When She Woke: A Novel
by Hillary Jordan

From shame to what? (10/23/2012)

This excellent variation of the themes of self-righteous power, the disempowerment of the vulnerable, and the steps toward freedom & courage is difficult to put down, even when it is most disturbing. The story is a nod to the prurient morality of the 19th century as …more

The Devil in Silver: A Novel
by Victor LaValle

multiple genre (8/19/2012)

If you want to connect gentle humor with biting satire, wonderful insight into human character with a psychological thriller, then Victor LaValle's "The Devil in Silver" is your book. Even through the scenes of Gothic horror runs a affirmation of the goodness of human …more

Shine Shine Shine: A Novel
by Lydia Netzer

We all arrive oddly (6/29/2012)

Lydia Nester's first book is striking and endearing. I found her celebration of the oddities of her protagonists a reminder that we are each of us unique, never repeatable, and ineffably singular. Sunny and Maxon are notably ill-suited for the cultural expectations around …more

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake: A Memoir
by Anna Quindlen

An exploration of women that men need (4/14/2012)

The book is autobiographical with all of Quindlen's usual qualities: insight, fun, self-effacing humor, and, at times, a well aimed shot at silliness. I thinks it's an important book for men to read, too, since looking at the world through each others' eyes is so important …more

The Starboard Sea: A Novel
by Amber Dermont

Voyage to the heart of light (2/17/2012)

I am a fan of first books--I find so many authors, including Jan Smiley and John Grisham, poured their authentic life into their first books and never surpassed them. Even if Amber Dermont publishes nothing else, "The Starboard Sea" is a gift for us all. She explores the …more

Arcadia: A Novel
by Lauren Groff

Our roots, our beginnings and our ends (12/15/2011)

As a child of the 1960s, I found Lauren Groff's exploration of the journey from Utopian roots to full blossoming and then back to the primal sources both thrilling and enlightening. Young Bit's life begins already intertwined with a living community; as he enters the lives …more

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Book Jacket — Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus

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

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