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Reviews by Kimberly H. (Stamford, CT)

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The Forest of Vanishing Stars
The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel
by Kristin Harmel
Another WWII book..... (5/11/2021)
A hard to put down story based on facts about the underground resistance in Poland. I wish I had read the afterword first- I had no idea how much of the novel was based on fact as I was reading it. The bravery of these folks is astounding - a well written, sometimes very emotional book. Worth the read.
The Summer Wives
The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams
a good beach book (6/13/2018)
Love, loss, family, in a rich enclave. Well written but not a favorite.
As Bright as Heaven
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
TIme of trouble..... (10/1/2017)
Taking place during WWI and the Spanish Flu pandemic. We forget how devastating this was- I have a tendency to read a lot about WWII, so this was enlightening. Wonderful writing and a heartbreaking story about a family who strove to survive this terrible time in history while living in Philadelphia in an undertakers home. Could not put this down- highly recommend.
Stay with Me
Stay with Me
by Ayobami Adebayo
Debut novel- highly recommend. (9/4/2017)
A Nigerian marriage and life in the '90's amid turmoil. Wonderfully written-- best book I have read in a few months. Just short listed for 2017 Bailey's Women's Prize for fiction- quite a feat for her!
Edgar and Lucy
Edgar and Lucy
by Victor Lodato
Edgar and Lucy (12/27/2016)
This book is a must read. I read it in December and it is one of the best books I have read all year. Love, betrayal, truth. Complex and beautifully written!
Les Parisiennes
Les Parisiennes: How the Women of Paris Lived, Loved, and Died Under Nazi Occupation
by Anne Sebba
Les Parisiennes (8/8/2016)
I have read a lot- and am fascinated of course by any info on what was happening - especially in Paris - during WWII.
The writing and research is exceptional - but I found that too many names, not enough info, paragraphs on a story and not extensive info on that particular woman - made it a difficult read. Too many names, not enough follow through. I give the author a lot of credit though - her research is extensive and I am sure she spent years on research.
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel
by Bryn Greenwood
Perfect Title! (5/24/2016)
I could not put this book down. Even though the writing is exceptional, this book is not for everyone as the subject matter is difficult. The author must have experienced some of what happens in this book- it is just too tough to make up.
The Things We Keep
The Things We Keep
by Sally Hepworth
The challenges of dementia (9/5/2015)
"The Things We keep" I believe will be helpful for people who have family and loved ones with dementia related disease, and maybe don't know a lot about this terrible disease that affects millions of people in the US alone.
That the 2 main characters are in their '30's is highly unusual as most with Alzheimer's are over 65 (a small percentage are in their 40's and 50's). What is true however, is that love sustains. Family members need to be advocates as with any disease, and do their research. As in the book, aides, helpers, anyone working in the facilities that the patients are living need to be aware of how much love and tenderness the patient needs. In the case of Eva- the cook and housekeeper, untrained but with an innate sense, understood the need for the residents for friendship and love, as loneliness and trauma may affect the patient.
A quick read, with some good information and real life situations that happen in these facilities, I would recommend that families who need help with your loved ones contact the Alzheimer Association at their 800# , 24 hours a day, every day, for any questions you may have. They are a great resource for everything regarding this disease.
Irritable Hearts
Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story
by Mac McClelland
Irritable Hearts (2/9/2015)
Fascinating as it was, I felt this book was too long and sometimes uncomfortable. The author was brave to write this and to enlighten those of us who think that PTSD only affects veterans returning from a war zone. For that I commend her. I hope she has recovered and wish her a happy life.
House of Echoes
House of Echoes: A Novel
by Brendan Duffy
House of Echoes (2/9/2015)
For a debut novel - well written. I have to admit I could not put it down but more from the standpoint that I wanted to get to the end to see what happened. Great book for a long plane ride. Hopefully his next book will have a more original story line ... [edited to remove plot spoiler]
Five
Five
by Ursula Archer
FIVE (10/11/2014)
It took a while but once into this suspense filled novel I wanted to rush to finish. An unexpected plot twist, good character development, an easily read murder mystery. Not for the faint of heart but great suspense especially half way through.
The Paris Winter
The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson
Belle Epoque - Paris the early 1900's (7/22/2014)
I wanted to love this book as I love Paris and art, but having just finished Tartt's "The Goldfinch" the writing just does not compare. Both stories are totally out there with their premise, and as much as the author did well with the characters, especially Maud, I had a difficult time getting through some of this book as it was too unbelievable. I would almost classify this as a good 'summer read'. Not objectionable, but there are too many well written books out there.
In Praise of Hatred
In Praise of Hatred
by Khaled Khalifa
a young girl's perspective, written by a male author (3/18/2014)
In Praise of Hatred was banned in Syria when released in 2006, unsurprisingly. A realistic inside view of religious and political strife, which still continues.
I had some difficulty getting into the book- lots of characters, challenging names (hard to keep track) but overall a way to better understand - or try to understand-a country and culture that us, as Americans, have difficulty comprehending.
Doing Harm
Doing Harm
by Kelly Parsons
Doing Harm (10/31/2013)
A quick easy read. The author is a doctor so his descriptions ring true to his profession. I found the GG character a bit implausible but overall a good 'beach' book for those who like thrillers.
Letters from Skye
Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole
Letters from Skye- made me cry (6/10/2013)
I loved this book. Done all in letters, a wonderful read - though sad. Slightly sentimental with a backdrop of the challenges of 2 world wars, I would highly recommend for a quick weekend or long airplane flight read.
Flat Water Tuesday
Flat Water Tuesday
by Ron Irwin
extensive rowing.......... (6/5/2013)
Even though the writing is overly descriptive regarding the rowing, I thoroughly enjoyed this well written saga of prep school boys, their cantankerous coach and the event that changed all of their lives. The writer obviously knows his subject matter. Well done and highly recommended.
Close My Eyes
Close My Eyes
by Sophie McKenzie
Close My Eyes- please! (4/10/2013)
I read this book in 2 days- rushed through it as i found it totally unbelievable and would not have read it if did not get it through Book Browse. I guess for people who like to read psycho- mystery drama it was okay. Its not even a beach book- too strange and not well written. Sorry for the negativity- too many great books to read out there.
Where You Can Find Me
Where You Can Find Me: A Novel
by Sheri Joseph
Where You Will Find Me (2/20/2013)
Wonderful writing although a bit disjointed at times and too long. As much as it seems Caleb (main character) may come out of his major ordeal, I felt it left too many unknowns about the characters. Unbelievable at times but certainly readable and interesting approach on the subject matter.
The Good House
The Good House
by Ann Leary
The Good House (12/5/2012)
I grew up in that area of New England and enjoyed those descriptions. I found this to be more of a 'beach' book....a quick read that was enjoyable with a protagonist - Hildy- who had a quick wit. Overall okay. Too many books- too little time!
The Queen's Lover
The Queen's Lover: A Novel
by Francine du Plessix Gray
French Historical fiction (6/18/2012)
The Queens Lover is exhaustively researched and a great intro to the French Revolution if you don't have a lot of knowledge of this fascinating period. I enjoyed the book very much but I felt it lost a bit of steam mid way through. A great read, very interesting story.
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