BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Happy Land
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Really Good! (12/21/2024)

The story is engaging, has well-developed characters and is based upon a real community that has been forgotten over time. I like historical fiction and really enjoyed reading this book and learning about a community I wasn't aware of. Family dynamics, love, misplaced trust, loss and survival add to the depth of the storyline. This is an easy, flowing read that kept me interested from beginning to end. I'll be recommending this one.

I haven't read other books by Dolen Perkins-Valdez but will definitely add them to my reading list.

Beast of the North Woods: Monster Hunter Mysteries #3
by Annelise Ryan

Different Type of Mystery (12/8/2024)

I haven't read the other books in the series so wasn't familiar with the main characters. Seemed okay as a standalone though. Loved Newt the dog, he's definitely a good boy. The main female character was a mix of cautious/clever and foolish/gullible at the same time. She was able to figure things out, but then allowed herself to be drawn into situations that put her in serious danger. Totally seemed like she should have known better. In general, I liked the book as it was an easy read. I kept thinking a bit more depth would make a better story.

In the Garden of Monsters: A Novel
by Crystal King

Just Too ... Something (9/2/2024)

I did not enjoy reading this book. I kept picking it up, reading a few pages and then setting it down to find something else to do. I just could not connect with any of the characters - maybe there was too much mythology for me or it was too surreal. I don't often struggle to finish a book but this one was a chore for me. I'm glad to see there are others who thoroughly enjoyed it though.

The Funeral Cryer: A Novel
by Wenyan Lu

Strange But True? (2/15/2024)

Overall this left me feeling like the story was unfinished. The book is filled with nameless characters who live repressed, unhappy, internal lives with little communication. The main village and surrounding places are named, but the names include land features that don't exist. The husband is awful and the wife basically ignores him. He doesn't work, they've let their fields go to waste instead of farming and she is shunned because of her job as a funeral cryer who helps loved ones of the deceased express their grief. Family members she cries/sings for often confess secrets to her to unburden themselves. She does start to make changes towards the end of the book, but the ending doesn't provide direction about her decisions. The pace feels awkward and stilted, the ending is rather abrupt with a lot of plot lines that felt unfinished, but I am glad I finished reading the book. It was very different.

Digging Stars: A Novel
by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma

Open to Exploration (8/6/2023)

The author is a good writer and outlined her characters and their lives/interests well. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It put astronomy and certain college programs in a different 'food for thought' light for me. The father/daughter relationship was a bit sad with both physical and emotional distance between them during periods of their lives. Not sure if this will make sense, but at times I found the book both interesting and boring. Descriptions would seem interesting at first and then my interest would wane a bit amidst the details. I do plan to share the title with friends and will watch for other titles by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma.

Sisters of the Lost Nation
by Nick Medina

Meaningful Content / Tough to Follow (4/28/2023)

This books covers some delicate / tough content in a meaningful way. However, I found the timeline difficult to follow. I wondered how much was fiction vs. fictionalized actual events the author is familiar with. Women missing without a trace is and should be an uncomfortable topic to read. Overall, I liked the book even though it took me longer than usual to finish.

The All-American: A Novel
by Joe Milan Jr.

Long Strange Trip (4/28/2023)

Well written, engaging storyline with a wide variety of characters (not all of whom are likeable) and plot lines. The parts about a simple act led to a so much red-tape, bureaucracy, and deportation that could not be stopped were especially thought provoking. The feeling of not belonging anywhere and being in a state of limbo between countries was disconcerting to me. Overall, I enjoyed this book and think it would be interesting for a book club discussion.

The Critic's Daughter: A Memoir
by Priscilla Gilman

Father / Daughter - Love and Drama (3/1/2023)

This is a very well-written, thoughtful memoir and homage to a father/daughter relationship from child through adult. That she loved her father very much but is still able to share his imperfections comes through so clearly in her writing. It was a pleasure to read this book that describes people, theatre, writers, critics, etc. that surrounded her as a child. She makes you feel like you are there with her meeting and watching all of the people and places. Reading through this book you journey with her as she grows from child to adult, becomes more aware of personalities and all of the complications that family and relationships bring to life. Highly recommend this book.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley

Fun, Easy Read (11/6/2022)

Fun read with interesting characters and a storyline that keeps your interest. Better than some other generational gap connection books I've read. A bit predictable in parts but overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend.

River Sing Me Home
by Eleanor Shearer

Excellent Read (9/26/2022)

Really enjoyed this book. The writing is lyrical, the characters are full and the story evokes empathy, anger and great imagery. A few parts in the second half seemed a bit slow, but not enough to detract from the overall story. I did notice what seemed like some inconsistencies in speech patterns in a few places. I would recommend this book to friends and book groups.

Fruiting Bodies: Stories
by Kathryn Harlan

Interesting and Unique (6/12/2022)

Well written, thought provoking stories that are very unique in style. The stories are easy to visualize while reading. Enjoyed reading and would recommend to friends.

One's Company: A Novel
by Ashley Hutson

Different But Sad (6/3/2022)

I am glad I read this book. It was a very different view on the aftermath of tragedy along with the impact of winning the lottery. Opposites - the first brought pain, fear, anger and sadness into her life while the second afforded an opportunity to completely escape into a world that she created and controlled. That world was isolated and lonely which was a different kind of pain. Would recommend.

Flesh & Blood: Reflections on Infertility, Family, and Creating a Bountiful Life: A Memoir
by N. West Moss

Graphic / Relatable (9/3/2021)

I very much liked the writing style and descriptions of people (her husband in particular) and situations. I could relate to some of her experiences but don't feel that's necessary to connect to the book. Readers should be aware that the descriptions about excessive bleeding are graphic. I will watch for more from this author.

Everybody: A Book about Freedom
by Olivia Laing

Thought Provoking (5/25/2021)

This is a serious and not quick to read and absorb book. It takes time, concentration, thinking and sometimes rethinking to get through it. That's not a bad thing though - it's well researched and well-written with a relevant topic. I will read it again at some point to peel off more of the layers and wrap my thoughts around some of the topics. It would be good for a book club discussion.

He Started It
by Samantha Downing

Attention Grabber (2/17/2020)

This book grabbed my attention from the opening through to the closing sentences. The road trip was an interesting way to bring estranged siblings together, forcing them to be cooped up in a small space allowing tensions to build and flaws to be revealed. As the characters start to form, you realize they are all despicable in their own ways. These siblings are clever liars, cheaters, manipulators and rightfully suspicious of each other. The payoff anticipated at their final destination added to the tension and mistrust. I really enjoyed the book until the final showdown, which I thought was just a bit ... disappointing. Just a bit though. Overall a good read.

Listen to the Marriage
by John Jay Osborn

Peek Into Marriage Counseling (7/18/2018)

Overall I enjoyed the book. It's quick read and the main characters deal with some common marital issues. I liked 'watching' the counseling sessions unfold, 'hearing' two people learning to really be open and talk to each other and the interactions with their counselor. Emphasis on the importance of communication in a relationship carries throughout the book. However, something about the tone occasionally put me a bit on edge.

Meet Me at the Museum
by Anne Youngson

Thoroughly Enjoyed (5/3/2018)

One of my favorite advance reading copies as a BookBrowse member. The 'Meet Me at the Museum' tag taped to the intro letter was a clever touch.

The story is solid and the characters are very well-done. It was lovely to read about adults reflecting on life choices and life paths in such an open manner. Their correspondence draws you in, making you feel connected to Kristian and Tina, as if you are peeking into their lives through their letters and watching them progress from strangers with a tentative common interest to ultimately friendship. I liked the slower pace of this novel which aligns with the slower pace of writing and posting handwritten letters instead of the more immediate forms of email or texting. The gentle reminder to take time to step out of your daily routine, look around, listen and reflect upon the world around you was refreshing. Definitely will recommend to my reading circle!

Anatomy of a Miracle
by Jonathan Miles

What to Believe? (2/8/2018)

The concept was interesting and the author successfully kept all of the pieces together throughout the story. The characters are well-developed. However, I really wasn't captivated by the story and it was a 'slow read' for me.

Home Sweet Home
by April Smith

Descriptive (1/21/2017)

I enjoyed this book. I thought the descriptions of places, people and circumstances were well done and the story held my interest as it moved from beginning to end. Decisions have consequences - good or bad / right or wrong, but once out of control, it can be difficult to return to normal. I thought the author did a good job of bringing that element to life in this story.

Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story
by Mac McClelland

Mixed Feelings (2/15/2015)

My feelings about this book are mixed, mostly because the book was a struggle for me to read. The author was open about what she's been through, and I learned a lot about PTSD and have an improved understanding about the impact it can have on someone.

Reviews by WDH (New Port Richey, FL)

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Reviews by WDH (New Port Richey, FL)

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