BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Dorian B. (Bainbridge, NY)

Women Rowing North: Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age
by Mary Pipher

You are not alone (5/13/2019)

As a person entering my 50's I found this book to be comforting. The stories and insights that Pipher shares, while not always necessarily new, do provide reminders that we are all in this life together. I feel that it is crucial for women to support each other, and this book is a good example of what could serve as a 'port in the storm' for anyone struggling with the stresses of life and aging.

The Return of the Witch
by Paula Brackston

The Return of the Witch (1/14/2016)

As a reader of this genre, I found this book to certainly be fairly on par with others I have read. I have not read the first book and did feel at times that it would have helped to understand some of the characters better. I might have gone with an average rating, but my teenage daughter read it and really liked it! Overall, probably a book for fantasy fans.

All Is Not Forgotten
by Wendy Walker

Give it Time (10/27/2015)

When I first started this book I thought it was a little difficult to figure out the role of the narrator within the story, and the relationship to the main characters. All of that is answered in time, so stick with it. As the reader you understand that this story revolves around a horrible experience and I believe the author does a good job of creating empathy for the characters and the role they play. This is not a book to read over time, but for those long weekends you can devote to reading.

Still Life Las Vegas
by James Sie

Wonderful mix of media (5/27/2015)

This is a book that you need to give yourself some time to really enjoy. I especially liked the use of illustration to add to the story and the setting. The characters are unusual, but I found myself really connecting and wanting to read to the end. I would recommend this book for people who like to read with an open mind and see where the story takes you!

The Book of Speculation
by Erika Swyler

An Extraordinary Family Tale (3/27/2015)

The Book of Speculation draws you in from the beginning and does not disappoint. An excellent book club choice, multi-layered with the feel of a familiar yet fantastical tale. The author uses alternating voices to connect the past and future, threading the characters lives together. The reference to the early "circus" life, the love of old books, and the East Coast settings help to give the reader the feel of traveling through a part of American history.

How the Light Gets In: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #9
by Louise Penny

Outstanding addition (6/28/2013)

In the outstanding Inspector Gamache series, Louise Penny's latest book shines brightly. The dark presence that has been lurking throughout the books, threatening Gamache at every turn finally reveals itself. While it is not necessary to have read the previous books, I would highly recommend them to gain the complete appreciate of the characters and the story. "How the Light Gets In," is for any reader of mysteries and crime solving that truly wants to get to know the lives of the characters. An outstanding book!

The White Forest: A Novel
by Adam McOmber

Something Missing (7/29/2012)

As I read this book I felt that it just never reached its potential to be a page turner. The narrative often loses focus, interrupting any suspense or tension that has been created. The connection between the main characters, as well as the spiritual elements do not seem to be fully developed. This led to an ending that was unfortunately predictable.

No Mark Upon Her: A Novel
by Deborah Crombie

No Mark Upon Her (1/12/2012)

This was the first of Deborah Crombie's books that I have read, and I found it to belong with many of the better contemporary mystery writers of today. Though part of a series, I did not feel that I had needed to read the previous books to appreciate the characters. I liked the idea of a husband and wife team and felt that Crombie developed the characters and the plot well. I would highly recommend the book.

Galore: A Novel
by Michael Crummey

A Wonderful Escape (5/10/2011)

As I read this book I felt like I was sitting with the author listening to him tell the story. The story is unusual, a break from the ordinary, with characters that are strange yet made believable through their very human needs. I recommend this book for those that enjoy a well written book with depth.

Ten Thousand Saints: A Novel
by Eleanor Henderson

Another World (4/29/2011)

Eleanor Henderson gives a well written snap shot of New York City in the late 1980's. It's not the rags to riches, or the literary scene, it is the raw, punk-rock underbelly of the city. The characters are not perfect, often making bad choices, but they are believable and memorable. The story unfolds and the characters gain depth as they all try to figure out how to deal with each other and how to do what is right. I enjoyed it!

Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure
by Beth Mcmullen

A good escape! (2/3/2011)

This book, in the tradition of humorous thriller, is a fun introduction to the life of Sally Sin. Most of this book focuses on Sally trying to avoid her previous life as a spy and getting drawn back into that life, while trying to protect her family. The story is easy to follow and sets the stage for future novels featuring Sally as a stay at home mom and spy. Humor is found in all aspects of Sally's life, and the author left me wanting to hear more from Sally!

Three Seconds
by Anders Roslund & Borge Hellstrom

Hoping for More (11/28/2010)

Having read the media review for this book, and the hype about the authors, I have to say that I was disappointed. I felt there was no depth to the characters, and by the time the plot gains any speed or real interest the actions of the main characters do not make sense. I was disconnected, just reading to get through. Definitely not at the level of current writers of this genre.

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

A good weekend read (9/29/2010)

This was my first Lee Child book I have read with the Jack Reacher main character. I found it to be an enjoyable read, and a page turner most of the time. I had to adjust to Child's style of shorter sentences and relatively short chapters, but it lends a faster pace to the story line. Occasionally too much description, but overall a fine weekend escape!

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