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Reviews by Neil W. (Tavares, FL)

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Stay with Me
by Ayobami Adebayo

A Fantatic Book - Not To Be Missed! (9/25/2017)

Truly an outstanding book, Stay with Me, is one of the best books I have ever read! Because it is written in a unique style, it is extremely challenging to read rapidly. However, it is an extremely accurate exposition of any and all relationships between two people! To me, a child clinical psychologist for fifty years it was very insightful about relationships between two or more people – spouses, parents/children, lovers and/or close siblings. Take your time and read slowly and thoroughly! It is a "must read" for adults of all ages!

The Good Neighbor
by Amy Sue Nathan

Too Close to My Own Experiences (9/1/2015)

I enjoyed the book because I currently find myself in a similar situation to Nathan's story line. I think she is a very astute observer of our modern "social culture" and does a good job of getting an "open minded" reader to "experience" it. I can easily forgive an author for her lack of polished, academic style prose. I am an elderly, disabled single guy who has learned "the hard way" that "a friend in need, is a friend indeed." Read the book with an open mind and relish Izzy's insights.

Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker

Whispering Shadows (1/12/2015)

Whispering Shadows is another hit for Jan-Philipp Sender. His knowledge of Asia is clearly shown throughout the book. Paul Leibovitz's, recovering from his young son death, is thrown into issues surrounding Chinese culture, murder, corruption, love and friendship. The story is intriguing, suspenseful and fascinating. This book is well worth reading.

Buying In
by Laura Hemphill

First Rate in Many Resprcts (11/7/2013)

I found "Buying In" to be a first rate novel in many respects. Debut author, Laura Hemphill, demonstrates rare and wonderful accomplishments in her writing: a compelling plot, well-organized prose and character development that actually helps us understand the individual and group psychology behind current affairs. And yes, it's a "page turner" too. I feel the issues raised in "Buying In" can be generalized far beyond Wall Street, USA and the international banking industry. For those of us who continually wonder how our social institutions and political processes could have reached their current state, a careful read of this book can help us think about better ways to proceed. Hurray for Laura Hemphill and please read and pass-along "Buying In."

The Imposter Bride
by Nancy Richler

A Good Read (12/16/2012)

In Europe, a young Jewish woman takes the identity of a dead girl while escaping at the end World War II. She relocates to Canada and tries to begin a new life only to discover a relative of the dead girl. She flees from her "new life" after the birth of Ida, her daughter. The story demonstrates the tragedy of war beyond the battlefield -- affecting many lives in families and following generations. While strongly written in some areas; it is also has weaknesses in others, where it over-explains many of the details in the story. Overall, it is a good book.

Salvation of a Saint
by Keigo Higashino

Intriguing, Excellent Mystery (9/29/2012)

This is an intriguing novel that holds you in suspense until the end. It is well written and easy to read. An almost perfect murder was committed until Detective Kusanagi, his Assistant, Utsumi, and Physics Professor, Yukawa (former Detective Galileo) combine their talents and theories to solve the mystery. The title of the novel is a bit mysterious itself. Highly recommended.

15 Seconds
by Andrew Gross

Excellent Book (5/24/2012)

This is a well-written adventure-mystery with good plot and character development. It is enjoyable to read and the only negative is that it has to end. Highly recommended.

Sacre Bleu: A Comedy d'Art
by Christopher Moore

An Effort to Entertain (2/10/2012)

This book is an attempt to portray the life of famous artists in Paris around the turn of the 20th Century in a creative and humorous way. The writing is mediocre and the plot thin. I did not find it particularly humorous or entertaining

The Devotion of Suspect X
by Keigo Higashino

Mediocre (12/29/2010)

I found this Japanese mystery to be mediocre. The plot had some unusual twists and turns but it was not an easy book to stay interested in. I do not think the characters were sufficiently developed to really understand any of them. Perhaps the cultural differences were the true obstacle. The ending was unsatisfactory. I would not recommend it.

Gone Tomorrow: A Jack Reacher Novel #13
by Lee Child

Another Winner from Lee Child (10/7/2010)

I have read and enjoyed most of Lee Child’s books. This is one of his best, in my opinion. The theme is contemporary and the plot extremely gripping. Be forewarned that the book is very violent. Other than that, it is a great read.

Your Republic Is Calling You
by Young-ha Kim

Any Day in a Life (7/12/2010)

This is a cleverly written and plotted book which takes place in a single day. The subject matter is timely, as it relates to espionage and agents living under deep cover in a foreign land. While some of the nuances are likely lost in translation, the plot builds steadily to a very exciting conclusion. The similarities and differences between the two prominent economic theories of our day are presented well. Somewhere along the line, the allegorical connections to all our lives are revealed. A little slow going in the middle, but worth reading to the very end. Do not start at the back of the book or peak at the ending!

The Map of True Places
by Brunonia Barry

Personal Challenge (4/18/2010)

This is a well-written book that mixes psychological and interpersonal issues with enough suspense to keep the reader interested in the unfolding of the story. The changes that the heroine of the story goes through also challenge the reader to examine his or her own life story.

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