The Mystery Writer: A Novel
by Sulari Gentill
Slow initially but picks up the pace (1/13/2024)
Initially hard to read because the protagonist did unbelievably stupid things, it did engage me and ended very satisfyingly. There is some final editing to be done. For example, one paragraph contains both a scene and character change causing some confusion. Overall, a good read and I recommend this book.
Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe
by Carl Safina
A bit dry for me (9/26/2023)
This is a good book, but I would have liked more Alfie and less of the indigenous history.
Panther Gap: A Novel
by James A. McLaughlin
Complex and exciting (4/14/2023)
Great read with a strong female lead. Very complicated and well developed plot and characters.
Stealing: A Novel
by Margaret Verble
Resilience (1/11/2023)
Kit reminds me of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. Feisty and smart. Enduring multiple tragedies, she continues to fight back. Highly recommended book.
Exiles: Aaron Falk Mystery #3
by Jane Harper
Another hit for Jane Harper (10/4/2022)
Excellent and mysterious. Loved this book, only had trouble keeping some of the names straight.
The Last Grand Duchess: A Novel of Olga Romanov, Imperial Russia, and Revolution
by Bryn Turnbull
Informative (12/23/2021)
I found this book informative of the end of the Romanov dynasty. I did not, however, find it engaging. Slow paced, you are not in for an engaging thriller.
The Sunset Route: Freight Trains, Forgiveness, and Freedom on the Rails in the American West
by Carrot Quinn
Resilience (8/2/2021)
Carrot's life is like the dangerous train ride through the tunnel. Full of danger and little love. Her resilience and perseverance is amazing.
A Million Things
by Emily Spurr
Heart breaking and heart warming at the same time (5/23/2021)
A great story of friendship, courage, and perseverance.
Of Women and Salt
by Gabriela Garcia
A tale of mothers and daughters (1/3/2021)
While I did not find this book overwhelmingly engaging, the issues touched upon were real. Gentler than American Dirt, the issues of immigration into the US formed an educational back drop for the mother’s and daughters relationship issues.
The Paris Diversion: A Novel
by Chris Pavone
Just okay (12/19/2019)
I never truly felt engaged in this book. Eventually , I figured out it was because none of the characters were likable, all had flaws, kind of like real life.
Father of Lions: One Man's Remarkable Quest to Save the Mosul Zoo
by Louise Callaghan
Good, but the foreign names are hard to follow at first (11/6/2019)
I did not find this book terribly engaging. It is well written and researched.
The Night Tiger: A Novel
by Yangsze Choo
Excellent (1/12/2019)
Very well written and engaging. I usually struggle with story lines with ghosts and other metaphysical concepts, but with this book I just let myself go and enjoy it.
The Chalk Man
by C. J. Tudor
Definitly engaging (12/5/2017)
This book grabs your interest right from the start - a great thriller.
The Fifth Petal: A Novel
by Brunonia Barry
Intriguing (3/2/2017)
The Fifth Petal starts and end with an engaging flurry of activity. Unfortunately, everything else was lagging and did not hold my attention.
Huck Out West
by Robert Coover
Huck is grown uo (2/8/2017)
This book is meant to be humorous, but I found it a little unpleasant. Huck is grown, and has lost his playful innocence - he is still playful but in a darker way.
The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko
by Scott Stambach
Tragedy with Humor (7/28/2016)
If you can get past the underlying tragic lives in this novel, you will find humor, love, and humanity. There is no way I can call this an enjoyable book due to the underlying darkness, but the writing and insights into human behavior are exceptional.
What Lies Between Us
by Nayomi Munaweera
Darkness. You must be strong to read this. (6/6/2016)
Okay. I love books. I collect books. I treasure books, never make marks in them. This book was so dark, no light, no redemption. Yes, it is beautifully written.
First book I have ever thrown in the trash. Can't even recommend it to friends. Wish I hadn't read this book. There is enough darkness in this world. I need some lightly some hope. This book has none. Just my story.
Security
by Gina Wohlsdorf
Slasher not Thriller (3/24/2016)
I have read half this book, and will not finish. This is more of a poorly written horror novel than a thriller. It is absolutely nothing like Girl on a Train or The Widow or Gone Girl. There is even a reference to " a turd plopping" in a toilet. So, if you like horror movies and books, this may be a good read for you. Otherwise, I recommend find your next great read elsewhere..
The Alaskan Laundry
by Brendan Jones
A good yarn with a strong female lead (2/18/2016)
A little slow to start, but then proceeded to gain momentum and grasp my attention. A good book, but I do question the reality of many of the scenarios. I look forward to this author's next book.
He Wanted the Moon: The Madness and Medical Genius of Dr. Perry Baird, and His Daughter's Quest to Know Him
by Mimi Baird with Eve Claxton
Insightful and Sad (2/24/2015)
This was an important book for me. I grew up with a family member with bipolar disorder, and experienced what the author's father experienced from the outside looking in. Behaviors during episodes were frightening and confusing. I found this book both insightful and horrifying. I often wondered what it was like for my family member. Now I know. While our medical and societal treatment of mental health disorders have improved since the 1940s, they still have a long way to go.
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