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Reviews by Becky Dodd

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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel
by Rachel Joyce
Inspiring Journey (12/30/2012)
I very much enjoyed Harold's journey. The book is well written and kept my interest throughout. The book is about the journey, not the destination. The transformation that Harold makes on this journey is heartwarming.
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake: A Memoir
by Anna Quindlen
Disappointing (8/25/2012)
I thought this was going to be a thoughtful humorous reflection on a baby boomer wife/mother in her mature years. Instead it is a narcissistic rambling of life lived in wealth and privilege. Not interested.
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
All Consuming! (4/7/2012)
Where do I begin???!!!
I rarely read books that are surrounded by this much "hype." I had no intention of reading it, I did not like the sound of the premise: teenage warriors fighting each other to the death for food? NOT my cup of tea. So I ordered a 'sample' on my kindle and was TOTALLY hooked after the first page. KRAZY! This was absolutely like nothing I've ever read. It was completely all consuming! I COULD NOT stop reading it, and you better have all three if you want to get ANY sleep at all. I will say that this book and the next one are better than the last book, however, I loved the ending!
I can say, now that I've met Katniss Everdeen I will NEVER be the same! This series has changed me forever. BRAVO!
Friendship Bread: A Novel
by Darien Gee
Bread baking and heart warming... (12/27/2011)
After reading everyone's review, I can't believe how nice everyone is being to this writer. I did like the book very much and finished it. I did enjoy the references to baking and especially Madeline's Tea Salon. I was hooked in to the 5 or 6 main characters and I did care about what "happened next". BUT, there were too many peripheral characters too really keep up with or care about. The book was well written though and managed to tie all together, however, if you're not into baking then you're going to get bogged down in the minutia of starter dough, and so forth.
By the time I'd finished the book I'd eaten like 5 of my mother's home made yeast rolls dreaming they were Amish Friendship Breads! LOL, I did appreciate the lack of graphic sexual reference and the only 1 or 2 uses of profanity which matters to me.
I enjoyed it. It was a fairly easy read despite the numerous characters, but not gripping or a real page turner.
To me the main offering this book has is the pain of a parent losing a child. I think the book could have focused more on that pain and the healing of that family, without all the lesser character story lines.
Gone Tomorrow: A Jack Reacher Novel #13
by Lee Child
Page Turner (10/26/2010)
I am certain that this will be the first of many Lee Child's books that I will read. As I'm finishing I'm already planning my search for the next one. Gone Tomorrow deals with current issues and brings home the tangled web of national security, espionage, and high stakes politics. I would highly recommend Gone Tomorrow to those who like a fast paced and to the point suspense novel. Reacher is a fascinating character who draws you in from the get go. His nuance for details and innuendoes is enthralling. Great read, nearly impossible to put down.
Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of US Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan
by Doug Stanton
Important, riveting (9/11/2010)
A very important and intimate account of actions in Afghanistan that many average Americans are oblivious to. Very eye-opening, not the typical choice of reads for me, but just couldn't stop reading it. Thanks to Doug Stanton for illuminating the bravery and character of those who serve our country. This book changed how I view Islam and the Middle Eastern struggle.
Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel
by Jeannette Walls
What a ride! (9/11/2010)
I haven't even finished this book yet, but I can write the review already. I've loved every page. This would actually make a great movie, in the "O Brother" genre. I've so much enjoyed her adventures on horseback and in the hearse. I never knew what to expect when I picked this book up to continue reading. It's one of those books where you slow down toward the end because you don't want the adventures to end. It's also too baffling to have been made up.

Whimsical and cheerful, descriptive and entertaining to say the least. Bravo!
Figures in Silk: A Novel
by Vanora Bennett
Facinating (12/20/2009)
I loved this book! I loved the backdrop of the silk industry and especially the eye opening perspective of the rise of England's King Richard. I especially appreciated this perspective after reading Anne Easter Smith's A Rose for the Crown. They are a nice compliment to each other. The character development is good, the story captivating and the ending worthy. The tale of two sisters and their drifting away and then back together is heartwarming and exciting with their surprising connections to the Royal families. Definite recommended.
Water, Stone, Heart: A Novel
by Will North
Shallow (5/2/2009)
I really tried to give this book a chance. I was intrigued by the title and the setting, near Cornwall in England. The backdrop of building stone hedges was unique. However, the characters were not developed deeply enough for me to become engaged. There were some wide opportunities to go deeper with Lee and with Andrew, but it just didn't go long enough when needed. I never got the chance to really know the characters before the plot jerked forward. Sorry, not for me.
A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean
by Tori Murden McClure
Inspirational (4/19/2009)
A Pearl in the Storm by Tori Murden Mcclure was indeed a story worthy of telling. This book challenged me, inspired me and moved me. I cried, laughed and couldn't put it down. I was gripped not only by what was happening at sea, but the poignant events of Tori's life as they replayed in intervals throughout the book. I literally couldn't put it down. It left me wanting just a little bit more. Hopefully there is more to come. Thanks for sharing such an incredible adventure. Bravo!
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel
by David Wroblewski
Gifted Writer : Hopeless Ending (1/30/2009)
Ugh!!!! I have enjoyed this book for many hours. I even got a couple of snow days to just sit and travel with Edgar, the story's main character. While Wroblewski is truly one of the most gifted writers I've ever read, I can't endorse this book because of the HOPELESS ending. This evil antagonist is virtually just left in the end without any closure!!!!! I don't like that. He caused so much grief and then to not answer for any of it, is just unacceptable. Wroblewski, what were you thinking??? With all due respect, everything about this book was great except the ending. I must add that is was the absolute WORST ending to a book I have ever read. I will never trust you again. You can write as many sequels as you want, but I want give you my hours and nights and afternoons, never again.
The House at Riverton: A Novel
by Kate Morton
Blown Away! (9/21/2008)
I was truly blown away by this author. Morton takes you though the English countryside and inside the main character's head. It's amazing where you find yourself in this book. Each twist is not expected. I didn't see any of it coming, and then at the end, I was blown away! What a payoff! Totally enthralling. I wanted to open it and start all over again.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows
Series of Letters (7/27/2008)
I loved the premise of this book, the setting, the time period and the title. All of these things intrigued me to read and write a review. As I began reading, the exchange of letters expanded to more and more characters. I finally gave up. The reader must do some work to connect the series of letters into a plot. Too much work for this reader.
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