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Reviews by Kathy S. (Danbury, CT)

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Accidents of Marriage
Accidents of Marriage
by Randy Susan Meyers
Accidents of Marriage (6/28/2014)
It took me a week to drag myself through this book. I found the characters to be totally self-absorbed, both before and after the accident. Every adult had his or her own agenda; even for the older daughter and her boyfriend, it was all about them. I have very little …more
The Fortune Hunter
The Fortune Hunter
by Daisy Goodwin
Marvelous Read (4/27/2014)
What a wonderful book! I was completely engrossed from the first page and found the characters likable and engaging. I am always struck anew at how class ruled (and continues to rule) in other countries, with those of lesser prospects drawn into situations and relationships …more
Glitter and Glue
Glitter and Glue: A Memoir
by Kelly Corrigan
Needs More Glue (12/18/2013)
I was expecting a much different book, with more stories about Kelly's relationship with her mother and how it had changed over the years. Her experience as a nanny in Australia dominated the book, and then when she returned to the States, Kelly is home only a short period …more
The Affairs of Others
The Affairs of Others
by Amy Grace Loyd
Disappointing Read (7/7/2013)
While I can agree that this book is beautifully written in places, I did not connect with any of the main characters or care to know anything of their lives. Although the book description reads "… the sanctity of her building is shattered – through violence and sex …" I was …more
Flat Water Tuesday
Flat Water Tuesday
by Ron Irwin
Rowing the Housatonic (5/19/2013)
Flat Water Tuesday is the story of Rob Carrey. As a senior in high school, Rob is recruited for his rowing skills to attend a post graduate year at Fenton, a private boarding school in CT. A scholarship student, Carrey is an outsider in this world of privilege and feels the …more
The Last Girl
The Last Girl: A Maeve Kerrigan Novel
by Jane Casey
The Last Girl (4/20/2013)
I have enjoyed all of Jane Casey's books, and "The Last Girl" was no exception. Set in London, the book opens with a grisly double-murder and no viable suspects other than the husband - maybe. The novel is told in first person by DC Maeve Kerrigan, a female detective …more
One Minus One
One Minus One: Nancy Pearl's Book Lust Rediscoveries
by Ruth Doan MacDougall
One Minus One Doesn't Add Up (3/27/2013)
I read Nancy Pearl's introduction, I read the book, I read the the reader's guide and all of the pages that followed, and I have to ask: What was the point of this book? Yes, it attempts to explore the contrast between decisions of the head vs decisions of the heart; the …more
Where You Can Find Me
Where You Can Find Me: A Novel
by Sheri Joseph
Where You Can Find Me (3/2/2013)
I've heard that books considered "literature" do not usually sell well commercially, and "Where you Can Find Me" falls into that category for me. While I can see the appeal of this book on a scholarly level (evidenced by the fellowship and university support), I expected …more
The Spy Lover
The Spy Lover
by Kiana Davenport
The Spy Lover (12/4/2012)
The Spy Lover is a captivating story set during the Civil War. I found myself engaged in the characters and curious to see how they all fared by the end of the book. Kiana Davenport writes beautifully, and her book is detailed without being tedious, however the last 60 …more
15 Seconds
15 Seconds
by Andrew Gross
15 Seconds (5/16/2012)
Wow! "15 Seconds" is a fast-paced thriller that drew me in from page one. The story line explores the premise that a seemingly innocent action or relationship in a person's life can have far-reaching repercussions in the life of a stranger. The reader is initially as …more
Oxford Messed Up
Oxford Messed Up
by Andrea Kayne Kaufman
Oxford Messed Up (3/11/2012)
This book did not immediately grab my attention, but I persevered and found that once Gloria's plane touched down in London, I could not put down this book. This love story, between two psychologically messed up Oxford students, was a refreshing change and I found myself …more
A Good American
A Good American: A Novel
by Alex George
Loved this Book (1/6/2012)
I absolutely loved this book; an exceptional debut novel. The tempo starts out slowly, and quickly accelerates as the novel progresses. The characters were well-developed and I felt a true sense of loss when I read the last page. I look forward to a follow-up novel.

This …more
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake: A Novel
by Jenny Wingfield
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake (7/11/2011)
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The first sentence drew me in, and I had a hard time putting down this book. Two families, relatable characters, the ins and outs of everyday life - with a miracle or two thrown in as a matter of course. Life is full …more
The Kitchen Daughter
The Kitchen Daughter: A Novel
by Jael McHenry
The Kitchen Daughter (4/2/2011)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in one sitting. Unlabeled / undiagnosed, Ginny exhibits classic signs of Asperger's and has been sheltered from life by her parents. Coping with the loss of her parents, Ginny discovers that she is more capable than she or her …more
Minding Ben
Minding Ben: A Novel
by Victoria Brown
Pass (12/30/2010)
I so did not like this book. The characters were not well developed and the story line did not hold my attention. Every time the book started to get interesting, the author would drop that story line and begin another. I especially did not like how the book ended ... very …more
Raising Wrecker
Raising Wrecker: A Novel
by Summer Wood
Family (10/31/2010)
Loved this one! A very insightful book that reveals its characters as flawed and three dimensional. This book is set in northern California and is the story of Wrecker, a three year old boy whose mother is sent to prison. Wrecker is adopted by a distant uncle who has his …more
The False Friend
The False Friend
by Myla Goldberg
Very Disappointing (8/18/2010)
The back-cover synopsis of this book was enticing, and I was mentally prepared for a great book. What a disappointment! The characters were flat, the ending was vague, and I had to force myself to finish reading.
The Swimming Pool
The Swimming Pool
by Holly LeCraw
The Swimming Pool (3/9/2010)
This book started out slowly, and I kept waiting for the plot to kick in. The characters were flat and did not draw me into their world. Expanding Callie's story may have improved the story line. Definitely not a page turner; I had to force myself to finish it.
The Secret of Everything
The Secret of Everything
by Barbara O'Neal
Enjoyable, but ... (11/1/2009)
I found this book interesting, however would have liked it even more if all of the story lines had been fully developed. There were several instances where a character had a thought or idea at the end of a chapter that implied further investigation, and then the issue never …more
Sweeping Up Glass
Sweeping Up Glass
by Carolyn Wall
Very Enjoyable (8/10/2009)
"Sweeping Up Glass" is one of the best debut novels I have read recently. The author does a wonderful job of drawing one into the lives of the characters. Definitely recommend for book clubs.
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    The Husbands
    by Holly Gramazio
    The Husbands delights in asking: how do we navigate life, love, and choice in a world of never-ending options?
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