BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Janice C. (Hayward, CA)

Sometimes I Lie
by Alice Feeney

Sometimes I Lie (11/16/2017)

Great book.. Had a hard time putting it down. Will be recommending it to my book club.

The Gypsy Moth Summer
by Julia Fierro

The Gypsy Moth Summer (5/20/2017)

Let's just say I enjoyed it. Would recommend to certain friends.

Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them
by Gina Kolata

Mercies In Disquise (12/5/2016)

Loved Henrietta Lacks. Loved Mercies In Disguise. Left me with the question ... what would I do?

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
by Kathleen Rooney

Lilian Boxfish Takes A Walk (10/12/2016)

I loved this book. Born and raised in Oakland. Mapping out my walk right now.

Les Parisiennes: How the Women of Paris Lived, Loved, and Died Under Nazi Occupation
by Anne Sebba

Les Parisiennes (8/10/2016)

I find it fascinating how brave women are when it comes to protecting their family.

Five
by Ursula Archer

Five (11/19/2014)

Now I know what geocaching is and where Salzburg is. I love murder mysteries and this book does not disappoint! I've discovered a new author who is enjoyable to read even if some of the reading is gruesome (but isn't that why we choose to read murder mysteries ?) Ursula Archer is an excellent writer. I am looking forward to her next novel

Doing Harm
by Kelly Parsons

Doing Harm (11/20/2013)

I enjoyed this book a lot. Great book for a train ride. I just won't be going to the hospital for awhile.

Once We Were Brothers
by Ronald H. Balson

Once We Were Brothers (9/6/2013)

I made my comment halfway through the book. I have finished it and if I could give it higher than a 5, I would. It's been a long time since I've read a book that brought out so much emotion in me. Love, hate, compassion, grief, shock. I did not want this book to end, but I loved the ending. Looking forward to this author's next book. Thank you for a wonderful read.

Once We Were Brothers
by Ronald H. Balson

Once We Were Brothers (9/1/2013)

This book is so well written. Such a beautiful story of love and caring during such a horrendous tragedy. I love the characters. What a great book club discussion it would make. It should be required reading for High School students.

With or Without You: A Memoir
by Domenica Ruta

With Or Without You (1/5/2013)

This is an excellent memoir. Hard to read knowing how many young women have lived through such an ordeal. Domenica Ruta gives them hope that with a lot of perseverance you can overcome a difficult childhood. I am looking forward to reading my next Domenica Ruta book.

Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by Claire & Mia Fontaine

Have Mother Will Travel (6/28/2012)

I truly enjoyed this book. It was honest and insightful.
I am not the daughter of a narcissistic mother nor do I believe I am a narcissistic mother myself. I do have a few friends who I know will benefit from reading this book. I will be sure to pass my copy on and recommend it to others. Because I did not consider this a self-help book, it was simply an excellent read.

The Secrets of Mary Bowser
by Lois Leveen

The Secret's o Mary Bowser (4/28/2012)

This an exceptional book. Yes, it did slow down a little in the middle. but still held my interest. It was written with such clarity and love. Mary Bowser was brave extremely brave. I think everyone should read this novel (based on a true story). I am going to recommend this book to the History Teacher at the school where I work part- time. I'm going to suggest ordering a class set. This book made me go back and review Civil War history. i also plan to reread Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Half-Blood Blues: A Novel
by Esi Edugyan

HalfBlood Blues (2/28/2012)

I found myself really drawn to this book in the first few chapters. It was a little slow at times. Edugyan is a passionate writer. It was very interesting reading about musicians during this era. I was drawn more to the music aspect than the characters. The ending was a little disappointing. Would I recommend it to my Book Club? I never gave much thought to Afro-Germans during the Nazi takeover of Paris, this book prompted me to do a little research. I liked the jive kind of language, it made me feel more connected to the characters.

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