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Reviews by Angelina A. (New York, NY)

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The Innocents: A Novel
by Francesca Segal

A nice twist on a classic (5/21/2012)

I am always cautious when reading a book that is a reworking of a classic. I always worry it will ruin the original but this book has so many merits. It doesn't stay glued to the original; it finds its own path in a very interesting cultural unit that I enjoyed reading and getting to know. I highly recommend it.

Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman

War from a woman's perspective (7/24/2011)

The story of three friends who all have to live through and after the war. Some of the descriptions made me feel like I was going through exactly what they were experiencing. I couldn't put it down.

Radio Shangri-La: What I Learned in Bhutan, the Happiest Kingdom on Earth
by Lisa Napoli

Charming Country (2/23/2011)

People undergo changes all the time. Using a physical location to map and understand a midlife crisis was clever. The book provided insight into Bhutan - the culture and the people there. The differences between all the worlds (personal and political) was a comforting read.

The Stuff That Never Happened
by Maddie Dawson

Not another mid-life crisis (9/9/2010)

Despite my initial fears that this would be another book about a woman who was experiencing empty nest syndrome, I was pleasantly surprised. Annabelle is such a complex character and a lot of what happens in this novel is what takes place in the secret confines of our minds. It also shows that marriage and love are not always mutually inclusive. A fantastic read.

The Swimming Pool
by Holly LeCraw

History repeating (3/2/2010)

A lovely first novel that sets up a question from the beginning that unravels as you read. The descriptions and character development pull you in and get you to read quickly through without putting it down.

The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
by Maureen Lindley

Fascinating History but with Reservations (8/9/2009)

Diving into the way women are seen in various Eastern cultures is fascinating and how the main character rebels against constraints is truly amazing. However, what tries so hard to be an epic just didn't convince me of those proportions because the main character's development lacked in some areas. I really wanted to believe and understand the Eastern Jewels actions more. Perhaps as a Westerner it would be difficult for me to really truly understand her motives.

How We Decide
by Jonah Lehrer

An Interesting Analysis of the Brain (12/11/2008)

I'm not much of a non-fiction reader but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lehrer uses a lot of every day examples to explain the intricacies of the mind and how we make decisions. I was certainly surprised to read how much we still don't know about this every day companion.

Findings: Faye Longchamp Mysteries, No. 4
by Mary Anna Evans

Green with Envy (5/18/2008)

I'm always amazed at how mystery writers plot their stories and how they can keep the reader entertained throughout. This book plays into that by keeping me turning the pages and wondering how everything fit together. The descriptions of Joyeuse Island makes me want to take a trip there. And Faye is a wonderfully intelligent character who you connect with from the beginning.

The Marriage of True Minds
by Stephen Evans

True Minds? (2/13/2008)

Parts of this book were absolutely sweet and a few of the characters were incredibly lovable. One of the main characters didn't resonate so much for me but it didn't detract from my appreciation of the novel. I recommend it if you like to see different ideas of love and relationships.

Gomorrah: A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples' Organized Crime System
by Roberto Saviano, translated by Virginia Jewiss

The Geneology of the Clothes We Wear (10/10/2007)

A fascinating account of how the Italian mob in Naples and the Chinese merchandise triangle get us the clothes we wear everyday, as well as the merchandise we see on celebrities. It'll seriously make you reconsider the labels on your clothes.

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